Kia Ora and Vinery Stud owner Ananda Krishnan dies aged 86
Malaysian-born billionaire Ananda Krishnan, the owner of Kia Ora Stud and part-owner of Vinery Stud, died on Thursday at the age of 86.
Krishnan bought Kia Ora in 2000 and, having returned to standing stallions in 2021, has been responsible for the likes of Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) taking up stallion duties on the farm.
Krishnan, who was ranked as Malaysia’s sixth-richest person by the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List with a net worth of US$5.1 billion (approx. AU$7.85 billion), also oversaw the merger between Kia Ora and Vinery in 2023.
Kia Ora bred the likes of Moir Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) winner Wild Ruler (Snitzel), Manikato Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and William Reid Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) scorer Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible), multiple Hong Kong Group 1 winner Wellington (All Too Hard), and Listed scorer Miss Debutante (Fastnet Rock), who is the dam of Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon), while in the hands of Krishnan.
A renowned philanthropist, the business tycoon also gained fame in the 1980s when partnering up with Irish rock star Bob Geldof to fund the Live Aid charity concert.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of our chairman, Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, who passed away peacefully on 28 November 2024,” a statement issued by his firm, Usaha Tegas, read on Thursday.
Krishnan is survived by his wife, his son and two daughters.
