The Dandos

Casey Dando

Casey Dando has been involved in the Thoroughbred Industry since he was born, with his Father being a Trainer (Ron Dando). At the age of 13yrs Casey had to step up and take the reins when Ron passed away and he’s never looked back. Having time in Australia under the eyes of John Saddler, it was time for Casey to return to NZ where he went back to Cambridge Stud as 2IC Broodmare Manager. From there, he became Broodmare Manager at Trelawney Stud and on to Manager of Blandford Lodge.

The drive to own his own property got stronger and stronger.

Caseys Mum, Glenice Dando, owns a primo block comprising of 20 acres in Taihoa, Matamata which is leased by Bradbury Park. Glenice has endured a long involvement within the Industry and now enjoys the partnership of Casey and Michelle with regards to breeding and racing interests. Her property has grown some very talented Horses in its time which the Dando family have bred and raced:

Mezmerize (a Group performer) being the dam of Bemuze who has left Maz Quin (HK Regency Dragon) (Group 3 winner), Zoe Quin (4 wins)

Heartache the Dam of Bear Heart (listed placegetter & in HK – Kick Serve), Tenko (listed placegetter), One Night Stand (listed placegetter), SWORN TO SECRECY (Gr 2 Empancipation Stakes Randwick 2011)

Accidentallyinlove (Cape Cross – Heartache) the Dam of GUNS AT FIVE (Listed St Leger)

 

Michelle Dando (nee Messent)

The Name BRADBURY PARK has come from Family Racing Interests. Ian Bradbury, a Trainer many years ago is the Grandfather of Michelle.

Michelle too has come from a Racing Family, with her Father, John Messent, being the top apprentice Jockey in the early 1970′s only to suffer a Race fall that ended his career via his leg being amputated. John married Margaret Bradbury. After loosing John’s leg he became and owner trainer and bred a few too, then got out of the Industry. It was Michelle’s appointment as Personal Assistant to Sir Patrick Hogan of Cambridge Stud that relit the candle for the Messents and got them back in to Breeding and Racing again now having ownership and racing shares in She’s Invincible with Michelle and Casey.

Michelle met Casey at Cambridge Stud and neither of them have looked back. She moved on to return to the Banking Industry for a few years then had Daisy (2007) and Jack (2009) and has since worked in the Offices of Waikato Stud, Richardson Racing Stables and helps many of the Industry Operators with their Office Operations.

 

Daisy and Jack Dando

Daisy loves farm life and the Girls as she calls them. She has been able to ride her pony since 2yrs 2mths.

 

Jack thoroughly enjoys being a Boy on a Farm, Barp Barping at all the Trucks arriving. He loves being amongst the operation under the careful watch of his parents eyes.

 

Both kids are chief Gate Openers and Closers.

 

 

Bradbury Park may be relatively new to the Industry by name but not by experience.

We welcome anyone to come and visit the Farm. Just give us a call.

Casey          021 503 212
Michelle     0275 81 00 16