
Sunday, February 28 2021
A comprehensive three-length victory at Matamata on Saturday has set promising three-year-old Tar And Cement (NZ) (Reliable Man) on a path to the Gr.2 Fusion Electrical Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham next month. Sunday, February 28 2021
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and the Auckland Racing Club (ARC) held discussions on Sunday morning regarding the impact of Saturday’s announcement that Auckland was moving back into Covid Alert Level 3 for seven days. Sunday, February 28 2021
After a night of celebrations at his favourite local restaurant, Matamata trainer Graham Richardson made an understandably slow start to his Sunday morning schedule. Sunday, February 28 2021
Taranaki trainer Robbie Patterson took time out on Sunday morning for a spot of fishing with a group of mates, safe in the knowledge he has progressive galloper Coventina Bay right where he wants her as a Group One target looms. Saturday, February 27 2021
Local filly Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) carried the hopes of her breeder Sandy Moore and a mixture of racing newbies and experienced hands to victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Saturday, February 27 2021
Avantage (Fastnet Rock) continued her march into the realms of super stardom when she made it career Group One number eight with a gritty win in the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars Weight-For-Age Classic (1600m). Saturday, February 27 2021
Trainer Jamie Richards and the Te Akau Racing team entered Saturday’s Gr.3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m) on their home patch at Matamata on Saturday with a strong hand and played it to perfection when producing the quinella in the juvenile feature for the colts and geldings. Friday, February 26 2021
Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston picked up a quinella at his home meeting on Friday when The Garrison (NZ) (Alamosa) and Diceland (NZ) (Zacinto) went one-two in the Canterbury Equine Clinic Maiden (1400m). Friday, February 26 2021
Matamata trainer Chad Orsmby is looking forward to lining up debutant Mana Nui (NZ) (No Nay Never) in the Gr.3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m) at his home track on Saturday. Friday, February 26 2021
Trainer Lance Noble is shooting for back-to-back winners of the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) when he saddles Hinchinbrook filly Beldarra on Saturday. Friday, February 26 2021
Thursday, February 25 2021
It’s one all between Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) and Avantage (Fastnet Rock) this season, and the Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars Weight-For-Age Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday is set to decide the deadlock between the pair. Thursday, February 25 2021
Before Stephen Marsh’s focus turns to the feature races at Matamata on Saturday, the Cambridge trainer will have his attention on Friday’s Riccarton meeting where his southern stable continues to blossom. Thursday, February 25 2021
Group Three winner Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) showed he is in excellent order ahead of a return to racing, winning a 1000m trial at Pukekohe on Thursday that was restricted to stakes performers. Thursday, February 25 2021
Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett marked a century of wins on his home track when promising three-year-old Captain Tom (NZ) (Showcasing) saluted in the Mount Shop 1200 maiden under jockey Andrew Calder on Thursday. Wednesday, February 24 2021
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Frontman (NZ) (Makfi) will contest the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 6, with leading jockey Danielle Johnson booked to ride. Wednesday, February 24 2021
A Sydney autumn raid could still be on the cards for exciting three-year-old filly Force Of Will (NZ) (Power). Wednesday, February 24 2021
Rising star Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) will not be a late entrant for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m). Wednesday, February 24 2021
Stephen Nickalls hopes to get exciting three-year-old filly Llanacord (NZ) (Contributer) to the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) next month as a tribute to her former trainer Glynn Brick. Tuesday, February 23 2021
Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall head to their local meeting on Saturday with talented yet unassuming filly Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) in the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders Stakes (1200m). Tuesday, February 23 2021
Former New Zealand jumper Magnanimous Man (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu) has joined Warrnambool trainer Patrick Ryan’s barn ahead of a likely tilt at a number of feature Victorian jumps races. Tuesday, February 23 2021
Tuesday, February 23 2021
Allan Sharrock will be hoping it’s a case of like mother, like daughter, if Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) lines-up in the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie next month. Monday, February 22 2021
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has agreed that Cameron George Monday, February 22 2021
Racing fans will have their chance to live their Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) dream next month. Monday, February 22 2021
For the second year running, Hermitage Thoroughbreds has a three-year-old with a huge chance to win the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m). Monday, February 22 2021
The Ballymore stables of Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard have plenty to look forward to over the Auckland Cup Carnival, following the performances of proven stayer Sound (Lando) and progressive mare Tia d’Or (NZ) (Tavistock) von Saturday. Sunday, February 21 2021
Promising four-year-old Dark Alley (NZ) (Per Incanto) looked a galloper capable of going through the grades over the next few months when he scored an impressive victory on his home track at Hastings on Sunday. Sunday, February 21 2021
Consistent sprinter Justacanta (NZ) (Per Incanto) got his just rewards for some outstanding efforts of late when he closed out a stylish victory in open company over 1200m at Ellerslie on Saturday. Sunday, February 21 2021
A victory on rugged mare Robusto (NZ) (Zed) in Saturday’s Gr.2 Wallen Concreting Avondale Cup (2400m) added another chapter in a flourishing body of work being put together by jockey Sam Collett in New Zealand’s major staying events in the last few years. Saturday, February 20 2021
Well fancied Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) candidate Rocket Spade threw down the gauntlet to his three-year-old rivals when he produced a strong staying performance to capture the Gr.2 AJC Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie. Saturday, February 20 2021
A brave front-running effort paid dividends for Timaru visitor Chokito as she captured her first stakes victory in the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m) at Invercargill. Saturday, February 20 2021
Rugged stayer Robusto (NZ) (Zed) upset the applecart when she produced a well-timed finish to deny Aussie raider Sound a victory in Saturday’s Gr.2 Wallen Concreting Avondale Cup (2400m). Friday, February 19 2021
Group Three-winning mare Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress) had a gallop between races at Whanganui on Friday after the trials were called off at Te Rapa earlier in the week. Friday, February 19 2021
The Jamie Richards-trained Noverre (NZ) (Savabeel) was backed into $1.40 favouritism for the Palamountain Scientific Nutrition Maiden 2YO 1200m at Whanganui on Friday, and he duly delivered. Friday, February 19 2021
Central Districts stayer Platinum Invador (NZ) (Redwood) has a number of factors in his favour when he contests the Gr.2 Wallen Concreting Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Friday, February 19 2021
Regally-bred filly Aquaoir (NZ) (Ocean Park) will head to Ellerslie on Saturday in preparation for a tilt at the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) next month. Thursday, February 18 2021
Group One placed son of Contributer, Lion’s Roar (NZ) will resume in Saturday’s Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill for trainer John O’Shea, where he takes on a strong line-up which features Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls), North Pacific (Brazen Beau) and Peltzer (So You Think). Thursday, February 18 2021
Former Kiwi galloper Subpoenaed (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) will line-up in the Gr.2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday ahead of the Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) next month. Thursday, February 18 2021
Il Affare’s (NZ) (Dundeel) iron constitution will serve her well as she continues her Classic preparation at Ellerslie this weekend. Wednesday, February 17 2021
Wednesday, February 17 2021
Former jockey Peter Johnson may have ridden 1370 winners in New Zealand, but it was at Te Aroha on Wednesday that he experienced one of his proudest moments in racing. Wednesday, February 17 2021
Undefeated Kiwi three-year-old Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will make his Australian debut on Saturday when he contests the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. Wednesday, February 17 2021
Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston will launch a three-pronged attack at the Listed ILF Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1600m) at Ascot Park on Saturday. Wednesday, February 17 2021
The closer the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) gets, the more excited Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is about the chances of Milford (NZ) (Savabeel). Wednesday, February 17 2021
If you are a member of the Avondale Jockey Club, your club will communicate directly with you regarding this event Tuesday, February 16 2021
Progressive three-year-old Shockallia (NZ) (Shocking) will not contest the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) but could be seen in Classic races later in the season according to trainer Shaune Ritchie, who prepares the son of Shocking in partnership with Colm Murray. Tuesday, February 16 2021
The significance of riding 1000 New Zealand winners is dawning on Cambridge jockey Danielle Johnson. Tuesday, February 16 2021
Monday, February 15 2021
Jonathan Riddell didn’t have a great start at Te Rapa on Saturday, failing to make the weight for two of his six booked rides. Monday, February 15 2021
Nick Wigley and Kayla Milnes had an exciting spring with stakes-winning three-year-old Matchmaker (NZ) (Makfi), and now promising two-year-old Mozzarella (NZ) (Capitalist) is giving the Rangiora trainers something to look forward to in the autumn. Monday, February 15 2021
Group One winner Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) is still being aimed towards an Australian campaign, but her connections are just figuring out which path to take. Monday, February 15 2021
Group Three-winning mare Aimee’s Jewel (NZ) (Proisir) has joined the stable of Kyneton trainer Charles Cassar as she looks to add Australian black-type to her CV. Sunday, February 14 2021
NZTR is presently working through the implications of the announcement that for three days from midnight 14 February 2021, the Auckland region will be placed in Alert Level 3 and the remainder of the country in Alert Level 2. Sunday, February 14 2021
Former champion jockey Bob Vance got to experience the thrill of winning a Group One race from the other side of the fence on Saturday and he loved every minute of it. Sunday, February 14 2021
Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday evening with mixed emotions after contrasting performances from their two runners on the day. Sunday, February 14 2021
On a day that promised much, Te Akau Racing trainer Jamie Richards was left wondering what might have been when racing concluded on Saturday evening. Saturday, February 13 2021
In what most pundits deemed a match race between Avantage and Levante, it was marvellous mare Avantage who triumphed as she made it seven career Group One wins when taking out a superb victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Saturday, February 13 2021
Consistent performer Tokorangi finally got the luck she needed when she stormed to victory in the Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa. Saturday, February 13 2021
Exciting galloper Amarelinha bounced back to her very best after suffering a narrow defeat at her most recent start, when she captured the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa. Saturday, February 13 2021
Well-travelled galloper Royal Performer spoilt the party for the many supporters of race favourite Melody Belle when he caused an upset by racing away with Saturday’s Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa. Friday, February 12 2021
Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) upset the apple cart when winning at odds of 82-1 in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last September, but he won’t start at such a lucrative price when he contests another 1400m weight-for-age feature on Saturday. Friday, February 12 2021
Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard have yet to saddle a winner at Te Rapa, but classy three-year-olds Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing) and Key (Exceed and Excel) give them two chances to open their account with Group Two success on Saturday. Friday, February 12 2021
Thursday, February 11 2021
Promising filly Force Of Will’s (NZ) (Power) path to the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) has hit a snag just a month out from the Trentham Classic. Thursday, February 11 2021
Riccarton galloper Khimar War (NZ) (Sweet Orange) will return to his home track on Saturday where he will resume in the Rangiora Equine Services Open Handicap (1100m). Wednesday, February 10 2021
Ali Arc (NZ) (Bullbars) cleared maiden ranks at Matamata on Wednesday with a comfortable one length victory in her 1600m contest. Wednesday, February 10 2021
Champion trainer Jamie Richards is hoping he will witness history being made at Te Rapa on Saturday when Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) contests the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). Wednesday, February 10 2021
Ken Kelso is looking forward to seeing his exciting mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) take on Avantage (Fastnet Rock) again, this time at 1400m in the Gr.1 BCD Sprint at Te Rapa. Wednesday, February 10 2021
Multiple Group Two winner Sound (Lando) travels to New Zealand on Wednesday night as he bids to add some Cup wins to his record for trainers Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard. Wednesday, February 10 2021
Wednesday, February 10 2021
Cambridge trainer Catherine Cameron has a promising three-year-old filly on her hands in the form of Comme Bella Fille (NZ) (Complacent), who was successful in the Lyndhurst Farm 1400m at Matamata on Wednesday. Wednesday, February 10 2021
Group Two performer Sword Of State (Snitzel) recorded his second win from just three starts when taking out the Stable Books 1100 at Matamata on Wednesday. Tuesday, February 09 2021
Shane Kennedy says the credit for Showemhowitsdone’s (NZ) (Showcasing) two Guineas successes should all go to his co-trainer Anna Furlong. Tuesday, February 09 2021
Leading trainer Jamie Richards has been the dominant force with his juveniles this season and has another pair of smart youngsters stepping out in the Stable Books 1100 at Matamata on Wednesday. Tuesday, February 09 2021
Group One winner Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly) has taken the underdog tag into the last two editions of the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), and he will once again carry that label in the feature race at Te Rapa on Saturday. Tuesday, February 09 2021
Multiple Group One performer Deerfield (NZ) (Falkirk) was amongst the late nominations for Saturday’s Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa, with trainer Chrissy Bambry confident her hardy gelding will give a good account in the $400,000 weight-for-age feature. Monday, February 08 2021
Co-trainer Andrew Forsman isn’t quite sure what to expect from top stayer The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) when he tackles the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa this weekend. Monday, February 08 2021
Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard took three horses to Tauherenikau on Monday and went within inches of a winning treble on the day. Monday, February 08 2021
Progressive mare Tabata (NZ) (Savabeel) collected her first stakes success when she prevailed in a desperate finish to the Listed Property Brokers Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on Monday. Sunday, February 07 2021
Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM retained his leading buyer status for the 16th consecutive year at the recently completed New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. Sunday, February 07 2021
Well-travelled mare House Of Cartier (Alamosa) will have her second start back in New Zealand at Tauherenikau on Monday with trainer and co-owner Peter Didham looking for her to provide some answers on future plans he has for the valuable broodmare prospect. Sunday, February 07 2021
Trainer Roger James admits he feared the worst as he watched his star mare Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) crash through the outside fence at New Plymouth on Saturday after escaping from the starting gates prior to the start of the Gr.3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup (1800m). Sunday, February 07 2021
After producing a Group One winner in just his second season of training, young Byerley Park-based conditioner Steven Cole has had an extended wait to add to his black type success. Saturday, February 06 2021
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh struck Group Three gold in both islands within the space of one special hour on Saturday afternoon. Saturday, February 06 2021
A joint venture between owner-breeder John Phillips and Riccarton trainer Danny Crozier produced a dream result in Saturday’s Listed Nellies Restaurant and Bar Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). Saturday, February 06 2021
Lightly raced filly Spine Tingle (NZ) (Super Easy) sent shivers down the backs of plenty of her potential Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) rivals with a stunning victory at New Plymouth on Saturday. Saturday, February 06 2021
A rematch of last month’s Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) produced the exact same result on Saturday as Showemhowitsdone (NZ) (Showcasing) edged out The Gift (NZ) (Power) in a tight finish to the Listed Mediaworks Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui. Saturday, February 06 2021
Promising colt Magneto (NZ) (Showcasing) turned the tables on race rivals Quattro Quinta (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) when he stormed home along the fence to take out the Gr.3 Woburn Farm 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth. Friday, February 05 2021
Wingatui trainer Terry Kennedy will have a host of runners on a bumper day at his home track on Saturday, including in-form galloper Ray’s In Command in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m). Friday, February 05 2021
Well-related filly Lily’s Lady contests Saturday’s Listed Fasttrack Insurance Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth and trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer are hopeful the daughter of Contributer can bank some more black-type and emerge as a serious Oaks contender in the process. Friday, February 05 2021
Cambridge trainer Roger James will produce Concert Hall in Saturday’s Gr.3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup (1800m) at New Plymouth as a springboard to a campaign in Melbourne, just days after the death of his last star performer in Australia, Silent Achiever. Friday, February 05 2021
Wingatui trainer Steven Prince may not be partial to a Mint Julep, but he can’t get enough of his in-form galloper by the same name. Thursday, February 04 2021
Thursday, February 04 2021
A tilt at the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie next month is on the line for City Slicker (NZ) (Shocking) at Wingatui on Saturday. Thursday, February 04 2021
New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock will use a home-track feature as a potential launching pad to next month’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Thursday, February 04 2021
Kevin and Joanna Hickman’s four-time Group One-winning mare Silent Achiever (NZ) (O’Reilly) died at their Valachi Downs property on Thursday morning aged 12. Thursday, February 04 2021
Te Akau Racing (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) has announced the death of dual Group One winner Te Akau Shark after he succumbed to a series of health complications. Wednesday, February 03 2021
A number of contenders for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 6 were in action at Te Rapa on Wednesday, where $3.50 Derby favourite Rocket Spade pleased connections when running second over 2100m, lumping eight kilograms more than victorious older rival Vedo Rosso. Wednesday, February 03 2021
The TAB has rewarded punters who followed the omen bet at Te Rapa when backing the Richard Collett-trained Captain Tom (NZ) in race three, despite the son of Showcasing being relegated from first after causing interference over the concluding stages. Wednesday, February 03 2021
Avantage (Fastnet Rock) pleased trainer Jamie Richards with her exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Wednesday ahead of her tilt at a seventh elite-level victory at the Waikato track in 10 days’ time. Wednesday, February 03 2021
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh has lower North Island assignments for a pair of his higher profile gallopers over the coming weeks. Wednesday, February 03 2021
Peter McKay reached the pinnacle of New Zealand racing with Puccini and now the Matamata trainer is vying to reach the same heights with his son, Wolfgang (NZ). Wednesday, February 03 2021
White Robe Lodge principal Brian Anderton is looking forward to racing at Wingatui on Saturday, a meeting that has long been one of his favourite days on the racing calendar. Tuesday, February 02 2021
Cambridge trainer Tony Pike is looking forward to autumn racing with a couple of last season’s Classic winners after their pleasing trials at Rotorua on Tuesday. Tuesday, February 02 2021
Exciting three-year-old Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) is tackling older horses at Te Rapa on Wednesday as part of his preparation for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m). Tuesday, February 02 2021
Diminutive galloper Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled) will be vying to boost her pedigree page even further at New Plymouth on Saturday when she contests the Gr.3 Powerworx Taranaki Cup (1800m). Monday, February 01 2021
Promising two-year-old Mozzarella (NZ) (Capitalist) could have booked a trip north for a juvenile feature later this month after her impressive victory over 800m at Riccarton on Saturday. Monday, February 01 2021
Promising three-year-olds Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) and Il Affare (NZ) (Dundeel) provided trainers Peter and Dawn Williams with plenty of encouragement ahead of some upcoming Group One assignments when producing solid performances at Pukekohe on Sunday. Monday, February 01 2021
Back in full swing after being sofa-bound for three months, it’s onwards and upwards for astute trainer John Bary. |