SHANE MARR

One of New Zealand’s most promising young trainers, Shane Marr burst on the scene in the 2005/06 season with 24 wins; three of them black type at an exceptional strike rate of a winner to every 5.5 starters. 
The 2006/07 season has seen him continue that strike rate and guide the wonderful mare Ombre Rose to Group 1 performances.

Shane started out in the industry riding track work as a school boy, being first attracted to the “colour and speed” of racing. He then completed a four year jockey’s apprenticeship with Peter and Dawn Williams before rising weight and injury put a stop to his career in the saddle.  He continued to work for the partnership before moving to Sydney to ride work then returning to NZ to be stable foreman for Patrick Campbell in Awapuni, the highlight of this time was the stable star Avedon and accompanying him to Sydney for his 3 year old campaign.  He then worked in large stables in Japan, breaking in and pre training for 4 years before coming back to NZ to break in and pre train until branching out to training on his own.  

Shane is married to Megan who also comes from a strong racing background her father Bud Biddulph having trained and ridden successfully. Megan worked for the Brian Anderton Stable in Wingatui before studies at Lincoln University in Agriculture, she then worked as a field agent for Pyne Gould Guinness, before going to Japan with Shane. The two are very much a team in the preparation of their horses they also ride most of their track work. 
Shane considers himself fortunate to have a great base of patient supportive owners who trust our judgement not to rush and grab a short term success with their horses at the expense of their long term futures.
As Shane says “You can’t brush a shine on. Our horses are a reflection, of good feeding and care, keeping them happy and adjust to their personalities, while trying to accommodate and vary their work according to their needs”.
Shane is destined for the top of the training ranks. 

Location - Riccarton Park, Christchurch
No of Horses in Training – 20 limited vacancies to ensure horses get individual attention.
No. of years professionally training 8
First winner - Ultimatum
Best horses - Ombre Rose, Chum, Envy Me, Baluchi, Sir Ambrose
Favourite win and why - Ultimatum. Because it was the first and shared with great friends.
Favourite racecourse and why - Riccarton Park. Many wins on the course including Stake Races
Horse most excited about for the 09/10 season – Stopover (Savabeel-Logical Lady) 
Interests outside horseracing -Family and any competitive sport.