Cooper Stumbles

Meet Cooper Stumbles

Growing up in Dunedin, Cooper Stumbles was immersed in racing from a young age, spending his childhood at Wingatui where he began handing out saddlecloths from around the age of nine. Racing also runs in the family, with his grandfather John Dowling a highly successful jockey, while his uncle Sean and aunty Paula also rode professionally.

After spending time around the stable of Wingatui trainer Terry Kennedy, Cooper moved north to Matamata at 16 to pursue his ambition of becoming a jockey, joining the powerful Te Akau Racing stable. Starting out on the stable pony, he steadily progressed through trackwork, jump-outs and trials before beginning his apprenticeship with trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.

Cooper made his raceday debut in 2026 and fittingly recorded his first victory back where his racing journey began, returning home to Wingatui to guide Ripa Time to victory with his family there to watch. Now part of NZTR’s Elite Jockey Programme, Cooper is continuing to establish himself among New Zealand’s next generation of riding talent.

Cooper Stumbles

20 Years Old
  • Height - 164cm
  • District - Northern
  • Apprenticed To - Te Akau Racing
  • Hometown - Dunedin
  • Favourite Racehorse - Caitlyns Wish
  • Dream Race -  Any Group One
  • Favourite Track - Wingatui
  • Favourite Food - Chicken Biryani
  • Hobby - Watching NRL
  • Pump Up Song - Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!! – Vengaboys
  • If I wasn’t a Jockey I would be - Working at my Dad’s fruit and produce market
  • Best Piece Of Advice I’ve Received - Make the most of the good days

Racing Stats

As at 27 October

🐎 Starts - 46

🥇 Wins - 3

🎯 Strike Rate - 15.3

🏆 Group & Listed Wins - 0