Mark Chitty Discusses Haunui Farm’s Role in Thoroughbred Industry

Managing Director of Haunui Farm, Mark Chitty, reflects on the changing landscape of the thoroughbred horse breeding industry in New Zealand. Located in Karaka, Haunui Farm participated in National Thoroughbred Week in late November, showcasing the evolution of thoroughbred breeding into a professional enterprise.

Chitty has overseen the farm since its relocation to Karaka in 2009, following nearly six decades in Whitford. By 2011, the farm was fully operational in its new location, capitalizing on a rich history of thoroughbred breeding in the eastern Auckland region. The transition to Karaka has proven beneficial for the business, allowing it to thrive in a more competitive environment.

The farm operates as a thoroughbred breeding and management facility, often described by Chitty as a “hotel for horses.” In addition to local clientele, Haunui Farm caters to international clients from Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The farm currently houses around 220 mares during its peak season, which runs from August through early February, coinciding with the breeding and foaling season.

Breeding at Haunui Farm adheres strictly to international stud regulations, emphasizing natural breeding methods without the use of artificial insemination or embryo transfer. Chitty explains that this commitment is essential for maintaining global competitiveness. This year marks a significant milestone as Haunui Farm will not stand stallions, relying solely on the foaling of its mares.

The foaling process is intricate and requires careful management. Mares typically foal at night, between 21:00 and 04:00, exhibiting instinctual behaviors similar to their wild counterparts. Chitty equates the experience to a hospital setting, as clients often utilize Haunui’s facilities for their mares during the foaling process, ensuring both safety and expertise are prioritized.

As the breeding season overlaps with the racing calendar, weekends become particularly busy, especially during events like the Counties Cup Day at Pukekohe Park. This event is a highlight for both the farm and the racing community, drawing significant crowds and marking the start of the sprinting season.

Chitty’s connection to the industry runs deep; he is a third-generation member of the Chitty family in thoroughbred breeding. With a background as a veterinarian specializing in equine reproduction and young foal health, he continues to integrate veterinary practices into the farm’s operations. His passion for the industry extends beyond the business aspects, as he finds fulfillment in the more nuanced successes, such as successfully breeding a mare that had not produced a foal for several years.

During National Thoroughbred Week, visitors to Haunui Farm were treated to an array of equine talent, including the dam of Melody Belle, a record holder for the most Group 1 wins in New Zealand. Guests also learned about the farm’s heritage, including the storied mare Foxona, which has been part of the Chitty lineage since the 1950s.

Chitty recounted a memorable experience involving a filly that was initially overlooked at sales but later became a champion. The filly, known as Fun on the Run, won numerous prestigious races, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the industry and the potential for unexpected success.

Haunui Farm, founded in 1955, has deep roots in New Zealand’s thoroughbred history, established by Chitty’s grandparents, Geoff and Peg Chitty. The farm continues to uphold its legacy while adapting to contemporary demands in the thoroughbred industry, reinforcing its position as a key player in both local and international markets.