Points of interest...
Willyydoit's 2025 Derby victory marked the first-ever Group One win for the husband-and-wife training duo. By securing the title, Shaun Clotworthy emulated his father, Kim, who trained the legendary horse, Uncle Remus, to win the same classic Ellerslie race in 1977. A goal now well kicked by Shaun, he's ready to go again in more NZ big races.
Sean Clotworthy has built a reputation as an accomplished trainer of stayers, from young derby contenders, to various cups winners, to tough hurdlers. Interestingly, in his twenties, Shaun spent time in Somerset, England, learning from Martin Pipe. Upon his return, he further trained under his father, Kim. Shaun's got the depth of knowledge required to get horses fit and seasoned to run out the longer trips.
As much as training derby horses, is the ability to select and buy them at the Karaka Yearling Sales. Shaun selected Willydoit, who won the 2025 NZ Derby, but also selected Hezashocka, who won the G2 Championship Stakes (2100m), and then also found Otago, who ran in the Australian Guineas (who also could have run a derby).
Based in Waiau Pa, the Clotworthy's large rural property features over 5km of rolling dirt tracks, a 100m fresh water dam for swimming, large and small spelling paddocks, and of course, the Byerley training track that all horses walk out to for morning gallops. Handily, the beach is also only 15 minutes away, for horses that need a helping hand physically.
About
Horse Trainer, Shaun Clotworthy has built a respected career within New Zealand thoroughbred racing over than two decades. Based in Waiau Pa, the rural training property features rolling paddocks, 5km of undulating dirt gallops, and a 100m fresh water dam for swimming. They also utilise the nearby Byerley Park training complex for morning gallops.
Working alongside wife Emma and son Harrison, Clotworthy has steadily developed the rural training operation while remaining actively involved in multiple facets of the racing industry.
The most significant achievement of Clotworthy’s training career came in 2025 with Willydoit’s victory in the Group One New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie, one of the country’s premier staying races. The win marked Clotworthy’s first Group One success and placed the stable firmly within the national spotlight.
Purchased for $75,000 from Karaka, Willydoit developed into one of New Zealand’s leading three-year-olds, earning more than $800,000 in prizemoney and progressing to compete at elite level in New Zealand before leaving for Australia to race in the AJC Derby in early April.
Beyond headline results, Clotworthy’s training career, which spans more than 20 years, has produced multiple black-type performers. Career statistics now include more than 140 training wins and over $5 million in prizemoney earned.
Clotworthy’s reputation within the industry continues to be shaped not only by raceday success, but by his long-standing commitment to the New Zealand racing community including: supporting many young apprentice jockeys with their careers, as well as giving his own time as the acting president of the National Trainers' Association.
From Royalty To Cast Of Thousands For Clotworthys
Written By: Adam Hawkins, Idol Horse
The Clotworthy family will be aiming for its first New Zealand Derby winner in almost 50 years as Willydoit and Interplanetary seek to emulate Uncle Remus.