Riccarton Park Assistant Course Manager Ryan Thistoll has been recognised as one of New Zealand racing’s rising industry leaders, taking out the 2026 PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award at the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Conference in Tauranga on Monday.
Presented annually, the award recognises emerging talent within racecourse management and celebrates individuals showing strong leadership, commitment and potential within the thoroughbred industry.
Ryan was nominated by Canterbury Jockey Club Chief Executive Tim Mills, who said the award reflected Ryan’s outstanding contribution to Riccarton Park and his commitment to continuing to grow within the industry.
“Ryan has a deep understanding of racing from multiple perspectives, and that experience has transferred exceptionally well into racecourse management,” Mills said.
“He has an outstanding work ethic, relates well to people across the industry, and approaches every challenge with a calm and practical attitude. He is highly respected by the team at Riccarton Park and thoroughly deserving of this recognition.”
Ryan comes from a family with a long and respected history in racing. His grandfather, Ned Thistoll, was one of Riccarton Park’s most successful trainers, while his father Lloyd trained horses and worked as a farrier.
Ryan has built his own career across several areas of the industry. He spent three years in Ireland working as a trackwork rider for internationally renowned trainer Aidan O'Brien before returning to New Zealand to work with leading Riccarton trainers Peter and Dawn Williams and later Terri Rae.
He also held his own trainer’s licence, preparing eight winners from a small team of horses, while also riding winners as an amateur jockey.
Ryan joined the Canterbury Jockey Club grounds team in 2018 and was appointed Assistant Course Manager in September 2024. In the role, he helps lead the grounds team and has developed specialist expertise in preparing and presenting the Riccarton Park polytrack and turf for training, trials and raceday operations.
Alongside his practical experience, Ryan has completed Level 3 Sports Turf qualifications and is currently completing Level 4 in Turf Management.
Ryan said he was honoured to receive the award and grateful for the support he had received throughout his career.
“It’s pretty special to receive this award, particularly at a place like Riccarton Park that means so much to me and my family,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from a lot of great people throughout the industry, both here and overseas, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
“Working on the track side of racing has given me a completely different appreciation for what goes into preparing safe and consistent surfaces for horses and participants. I never thought I would find preparing the track so rewarding.
“We have a great team at Riccarton Park who are hugely supportive, and I’m looking forward to continuing to build my experience in racecourse management.”
Ryan also acknowledged the support of the award’s sponsor, PGG Wrightson Turf, for backing people working and building careers in the racing industry.
“I’d also like to thank PGG Wrightson Turf for supporting this award and recognising people in racecourse management. Opportunities like this are really valuable for encouraging people coming through the industry, it’s not an industry that you would expect to be rewarded in.”