Team
Meet the people that make Jamieson Park tick.
James Chapman
+64 27 222 2511
james@jamiesonpark.co.nz
Owner Manager
James has an extensive background in the farming industry.
After visiting some of New Zealand's most prominent stud farms he had an ambition to develop his own high-quality thoroughbred property, which he has now done at Jamieson Park.
James lives on the property and enjoys the lifestyle of a busy thoroughbred stud. He also follows with interest his involvement in horses on the racetrack.
Dylan Ralph
+64 21 022 69513
dylan@jamiesonpark.co.nz
Assistant Stud Manager
A third-generation horseman, Dylan's grandfather, John Ralph, bred and trained dual Group One winner The Message when he was seven-years-old, and his father, Stephen Ralph, also tasted Group One success with Santa Monica in the Railway.
As a teenager, he worked for a few trainers before spending three-years as a yearling groom at Westbury Stud, followed by two years as co-Yearling Manager at Haunui Farm before he established his own draft, trading under Ralph Thoroughbreds for six years.
Dylan joined Jamieson Park in August 2024. In this role he oversees the day-to-day running of the farm.
He loves being a part of the atmosphere of the sales, whether he's selling or buying.
"It’s an exciting time to be here with the quality of broodmares we have and the backing we’re giving Mr Mozart," he said. "It makes it easy to get out of bed in the morning when you’ve got such beautiful horses to work with, on an outstanding farm, alongside great people."
Doug Sattler
+64 21 210 1741
Assistant Stud Manager
In 1998 Doug was dairy farming at a property neighbouring Waikato Stud when he saw O'Reilly rearing in the paddock and at that moment he fell in love with horses.
For three-days straight, he asked Mark Chittick for a job, and everyday he said 'no', until the fourth day.
He's been working in the industry ever since, with stints abroad complementing his experience in New Zealand.
A previous stallion manager at Rich Hill Stud, Jimmy Choux who he described as his 'best mate', takes the honour of being his favourite horse.
Doug has been at Jamieson Park for just over nine-years.
"I love the variety of work, from maintaining the farm grounds, to fencing and horse handling," he said. "I enjoy working with the quality of bloodstock we have here."
In his spare time Doug loves to be outdoors, camping, hunting and most of all fishing.
Danielle Sattler
Office Administrator
Danielle grew up in the industry, her father was an owner and amateur jockey. Her career in the industry began when she started working part-time for Bruce Wallace while still at school.
In 2011 she left school to work full-time at Haunui Farm, she also worked for Stephen McKee and spent three-years at Rich Hill Stud before joining her husband Doug at Jamieson Park in 2017. She took a few years off when her son was born and returned to the office administrator role in 2022.
Danielle says that the highlight of her career so far was taking the Lonhro x Wedding filly (Get Hitched), through the ring to sell for $520,000.
"My favourite part of working at Jamieson Park is being able to watch the journey of the horses from birth to the racetrack," she said. "I enjoy seeing success for James as a breeder, especially with the likes of Inspirational Girl and Grail Seeker, being a part of these horses' journeys is what makes it worth being a part of this industry."
Donna Illston
Yearling Manager
Donna has been around horses her whole life. She grew up surrounded by the showjumping, racing and breeding industries.
When she left school she started what was meant to be a summer job with Gary Hackett at Chatham Lodge and that's where her love of foaling and yearling preparation began.
Since then she's held senior roles at Westbury Stud and Trelawney Stud and she has been the yearling manager at Jamieson Park since 2023.
"I enjoy working with the great people and quality horses, she said. "One of the best parts of my job is watching the babies we raise, grow and following them in their racing careers."
Sarah Tate
Stud Groom
Sarah grew up in Palmerston North with a strong love for animals and the outdoors. She got her first pony when she was seven-years-old and horses have been a constant presence in her life since.
She worked in a racing stable as a teenager before pursuing a career in the breeding industry, initially working at Westbury Stud before joining the team at Jamieson Park in 2023.
Sarah is passionate about the welfare of horses and she takes pride in maintaining a high standard of care applying calmness and commitment to every part of stud life.
"I enjoy the variety that each day at Jamieson Park brings," she said. "I value the opportunity to work closely with animals in a beautiful rural setting, and watch young stock grow and become athletes."
In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog Genie and exploring local beaches and walking tracks.
