New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) extends its heartfelt congratulations to three exceptional members of the Thoroughbred racing and wider equine community, recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their service and contribution to New Zealand society.
Brendan Lindsay, MNZM, has been appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to business and philanthropy. Through his visionary leadership at Sistema Plastics and, alongside his wife Jo, at the iconic Cambridge Stud, Sir Brendan has played a transformative role in both the corporate and racing sectors. The Lindsay Foundation has made a lasting difference across New Zealand through its generous support of initiatives in family welfare, education, disability services and animal welfare.
Also honoured is Catriona Williams, MNZM, who becomes a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) for services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. A former elite equestrian, Dame Catriona is the inspirational founder of CatWalk Trust, which has raised more than $10 million for spinal cord injury research. Alongside her husband Sam, she is also a proud owner and operator of Little Avondale Stud. Her determination and leadership have driven transformational change in the spinal cord injury space, while her contributions to racing and equestrian sport continue to leave a lasting legacy.
Within the wider equine community, Professor Emeritus Ian George (Joe) Mayhew has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his services to the veterinary profession, particularly in equine medicine. A respected authority in equine neurology, his work in the US, UK and New Zealand has helped raise veterinary standards across the wider equine sector. Mayhew continues to contribute through mentorship and editorial leadership.
NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said the recognition of three such distinguished individuals speaks volumes about the calibre of those who shape and support the Thoroughbred racing industry in New Zealand.
“It is an incredible testament to our industry to see individuals of such exceptional standing recognised at a national level,” said Ballesty.
“Sir Brendan, Dame Catriona and Professor Mayhew (CNZM) exemplify the calibre of people connected to our industry. They are leaders whose contributions extend well beyond racing, influencing business, science and community outcomes across New Zealand.
“We’re proud to count them as part of the New Zealand racing industry and warmly congratulate them on these richly deserved honours.”
On behalf of the wider industry, NZTR acknowledges the profound impact each of these recipients has made, both within racing and far beyond, and thanks them for their continued dedication, excellence and service.