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New Zealand Racing News
Thursday, March 31 2022
Isdale hoping Big Story lives up to his name

Clinton Isdale’s time with Big Story will be short and he is hoping to make an early impact with the youngster before he heads offshore.

Posted by: AT 11:54 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 31 2022
Horse ambulance fleet complete

New Zealand can now boast the world’s first dedicated national horse ambulance service, following the commissioning of the country’s ninth and final horse ambulance.

Posted by: AT 01:01 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 31 2022
Young stallions produce at Matamata

Emerging young stallions were again to the fore at Matamata on Wednesday, with debut three-year-old winners by Turn Me Loose and Vadamos in consecutive 1200m maidens, while earlier on the card Enraptured (NZ), a two-year-old by Preferment was an impressive debut winner.

Posted by: AT 12:12 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 31 2022
Halston breaks maidens at Matamata

Halston (NZ) (Reliable Man) was rewarded for his consistency with his maiden victory in the Matamata Function Centre 1600 on Wednesday.

Posted by: AT 12:08 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 31 2022
Richards signs off a winner

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards went out in style when three-year-old gelding Ragamuffin (NZ) (Belardo) won a Rating 65 Benchmark over 1400m at Matamata, with the race fittingly named the Good Luck Hong Kong Bound Jamie Richards.

Posted by: AT 12:05 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 31 2022
Thurlow trio to tackle home targets

Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow is looking forward to racing at his home track on Friday where he will have a trio of runners.

Posted by: AT 12:02 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 29 2022
Levante pressing on to Breeders' Stakes

Levante’s (NZ) (Proisir) domestic racing season isn’t over just yet with confirmation the high-class mare will be given the opportunity next month to add to her record at the elite level.

Posted by: AT 11:27 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 29 2022
Australian campaign for Mali Ston

Rising Matamata miler Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) will get a crack at a good Australian target next month – mainly because his best mate is making the journey with him.

Posted by: AT 11:25 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 29 2022
Ritchie Enraptured with promising fill

Adrian Clark may have found his next Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle).

Posted by: AT 11:22 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 28 2022
Hong Kong-bound Richards bows out of New Zealand racing

He may have racked up 53 Group One winners during his 6-1/2 years training for Te Akau Racing but Jamie Richards was back to being the boy at trackwork on Tuesday.

Posted by: AT 12:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 27 2022
Progressive Saint Bathans goes back to back

Murray Baker was delighted to see the progress that has been made by promising three-year-old Saint Bathans (Maurice) who took out his second race in a row for the stable when successful over 1400m on a Heavy 10 surface in the opening event at Tauranga on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 02:32 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 27 2022
Genuine Vernanme deserves winning trick

The ever-reliable Vernanme (NZ) (O’Reilly) has gone close to a Group One prize on multiple occasions this preparation and will chase a degree of compensation this weekend in a race that ideally fits his profile.

Posted by: AT 12:31 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 27 2022
Bright future tipped for Fireglow

Fast-improving Riccarton three-year-old Fireglow (NZ) (Tavistock) could be set for some rich targets at next season’s New Zealand Cup carnival.

Posted by: AT 12:28 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Memories of training legend to the fore at Tauranga

Underrated galloper Gino Severini provided a fitting tribute to his part-owner, the late Ray Wallace, when he produced a fighting performance to take out the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 02:51 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Emotional victory for Satherley at Tauranga

Lynsey Satherley admitted to having a tear in her eye as she made her way back into the Tauranga birdcage following the running of the fourth race on the card on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 02:49 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Ownership interest strong says Ellis

Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis is finding it hard to catch his breath at the moment.

Posted by: AT 12:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Newcastle switch a positive for Baker-Forsman team

The abandonment of racing at Rosehill on Saturday following the running of race three and subsequent rescheduling of the remaining seven races to Newcastle on Monday may work in the favour of the three runners engaged at the meeting for Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Posted by: AT 12:52 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Stakes assignment beckons for Kennedy and Furlong duo

Stablemates Defiant (NZ) (Tavistock) and Kikimora (NZ) (Shamexpress) set themselves up for a return clash in stakes company later in the season after the pair provided a popular quinella for local trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong at Riccarton.

Posted by: AT 12:48 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 26 2022
Goss delighted with home track victory

Trainer Cliff Goss appears to have another promising galloper on his hands after three-year-old filly Casino Princess (NZ) (Casino Prince) shone with a seventh length victory at Tauranga on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 25 2022
Waverley to replace abandoned Tauherenikau meeting

The Masterton meeting scheduled for Tauherenikau on Sunday has been abandoned due to consistent heavy rain during the week and inconsistencies with the track surface.

Posted by: AT 12:23 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 24 2022
Callsign Mav taking time out at beach

Multiple Group One winner Callsign Mav is enjoying an easy time at the beach before a decision is made on his immediate future.

Posted by: AT 11:47 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 24 2022
Brand new Karaka hotel opens this weekend

A smart new addition to the Karaka countryside is set to open its doors this Saturday with the official opening of New Zealand Bloodstock’s DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Hotel. 

Posted by: AT 11:45 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 24 2022
Hannan to kick-off riding career

Kelsey Hannan is looking forward to kicking off her riding career at Tauranga on Saturday where she will have two rides for her employers Shaun and Craig Phelan.

Posted by: AT 11:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 24 2022
Trans Tasman targets for Baker-Forsman team

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will have runners on both sides of the Tasman this weekend, with the common denominator being heavy tracks at both Tauranga and Rosehill.

Posted by: AT 11:42 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 23 2022
Talented Kennedy-Furlong fillies attracting interest

Hanging on to promising two-year-olds Defiant (NZ) (Tavistock) and Kikimora (NZ) (Shamexpress) might be half the battle for Riccarton trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong as they prepare the duo for Saturday’s Petersens Jewellers Ladies Bracelet (1000m) on their home track.

Posted by: AT 12:52 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 23 2022
Link to Takanini lost with death of Ray Wallace

A link to one of New Zealand’s major training centres of last century has been lost with the recent death of former successful trainer Ray Wallace at age 92.

Posted by: AT 12:50 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 22 2022
Dazzling Imperatriz heads Levin Classic sweep for Richards

Jamie Richards’ relentless dominance of New Zealand racing keeps rolling on into his final few weeks on these shores, saddling all of the first four placegetters in Saturday’s Gr.1 Wellington Seamarket Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham – the second time he has achieved that remarkable feat this season alone.

Posted by: AT 11:39 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 22 2022
Weatherley has an eye on Sydney with Mali Ston

The prospect of a heavily rain affected track at Tauranga this Saturday may see the connections of Group One performer Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) firming up plans for an Australian campaign.

Posted by: AT 03:41 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 22 2022
Irish Girl primed for Riccarton feature

Northland trainer Kenny Rae says the blame would rest squarely with his daughter and co-trainer Krystal Williams-Tuhoro if their mare Irish Girl (NZ) (El Roca) was to be beaten in Saturday’s Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

Posted by: AT 03:39 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 21 2022
Fishing trip tragedy

Group One winning trainer Mark Sanders has been confirmed as one of five people to drown following an ill-fated charter fishing trip in Northland.

Posted by: AT 11:08 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 21 2022
Injured Macnab upbeat with big day looming

Multiple Group winning jockey Sarah Macnab is counting herself fortunate, despite suffering serious injuries in a race fall at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 11:06 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 21 2022
Wolverine on target for home feature

Classy juvenile Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci) showed she is on target for the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni next Saturday following her effortless trial win at Otaki on Tuesday.

Posted by: AT 11:04 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 20 2022
Southern bonds to the fore in Oaks triumph

With three premierships, countless big-race triumphs, more than $30 million in prize-money and Hong Kong beckoning, Jamie Richards has come a long way since taking out his training licence in 2015 – but it was a nod to his southern roots that played a big part in landing Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham with Belle En Rouge (NZ) (Burgundy).

Posted by: AT 11:35 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 20 2022
In-form McNab not getting ahead of himself

High flying jockey Michael McNab is enjoying his best ever season and remains focussed on the immediate future, rather than becoming too caught up in the prospect of a first National Jockeys’ Premiership.

Posted by: AT 01:46 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 19 2022
Group One double a special result for Richards

Jamie Richards made the penultimate weekend of his current training stint in New Zealand a memorable one when he produced a Group One winning double at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 04:28 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 19 2022
Quartet jet to Sydney as Baker-Forsman eye Australian riches

An attack on the riches of the New South Wales autumn carnival by trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman gathered momentum when stablemates The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel), Regal Lion (NZ) (Jakkalberry), White Noise (NZ) (El Roca) and Marroni (NZ) (Makfi) flew to Sydney on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 04:25 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 19 2022
Promising juvenile could join Pike team in Queensland

A determined win in the opening event at Trentham on Saturday may have secured promising two-year-old Slipper Island (No Nay Never) a berth in the team that trainer Tony Pike plans to take to the Queensland Winter Carnival this year.

Posted by: AT 04:21 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 18 2022
Sinarahma prevails in desperate finish to Cuddle Stakes

A well-timed run that saw her thrust her head in front just two strides prior to the winning post ensured rugged mare Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) took victory in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:45 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 18 2022
Blandford Lad back in the winner's circle

Six-year-old gelding Blandford Lad (NZ) (Savabeel) notched his sixth win from 37 career starts when coming from off the pace to land the Kennedy Grand Handicap Classic (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:44 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 18 2022
Leaderboard too tough in St Leger

Enigmatic performer Leaderboard (Street Cry) put his best foot forward when he produced a superior staying effort to take out the Listed Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 12:42 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 18 2022
Lowry and Cullen mare answers punters prayers at Trentham

Underrated sprinter Can I Get An Amen (NZ) (Hallowed Crown) justified some inspired support at Trentham on Saturday when she captured the Listed Race A Horse With Te Akau NZ’s No. 1 Stable Lightning Handicap (1200m).

Posted by: AT 12:41 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 17 2022
Achieve looking to raise the bar in Oaks

Talented staying filly Achieve will be the sole runner for Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood this weekend when she contests the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. 

Posted by: AT 11:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 17 2022
Tyler gearing up for Queensland sojourn

Kelvin Tyler is preparing to escape the Southland cold this winter for the warmer climes of Queensland.

Posted by: AT 11:42 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 17 2022
Staying mare sparks Glory Days comparisons

Darlington County (NZ) (So You Think) has got Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow daring to dream of another Auckland Cup triumph.

Posted by: AT 11:35 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 17 2022
Auckland Cup placegetters bow out

Last Sunday’s Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) marked the final public outings for high-class gallopers Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) and Sound (Lando), who signed off by finishing second and third respectively behind Central Districts visitor Uareastar (NZ) (Jakkalberry).

Posted by: AT 12:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 17 2022
In-form filly strengthening HK connection

Jamie Richards has already forged a successful association with a major Hong Kong thoroughbred identity and that combination could go to the highest level at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 16 2022
Tauranga transferred to Sunday

Due to a high number of riders being unavailable to ride this weekend, the Racing Tauranga meeting scheduled for this Saturday will push back 24 hours to Sunday. 

 

Posted by: AT 01:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 16 2022
Genuine tempo key to chances of Glory Bound

A solidly run contest will give Glory Bound (NZ) (Tavistock) her best opportunity to live up to her name when she steps out in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 12:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 15 2022
Per Incanto's daughter a popular mare

One More Time (NZ) (Per Incanto) has changed hands three times already and was the subject of further buyer interest in the lead-up to her impressive last-start open handicap victory at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 12:25 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 15 2022
Bellatrix Black set to cast a spell at Trentham

Catherine Cameron is hoping Bellatrix Black (NZ) (Redwood) can work her magic again on Saturday when she heads to Trentham for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

Posted by: AT 12:23 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 15 2022
Trentham mile test for Shamus

Allan Sharrock is hoping for a Group One victory to finish off an exciting three-year-old season for Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress) on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:22 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 15 2022
Pitman chuffed with latest milestone

For someone who was once asked if he found his trainer’s licence at the bottom of a Weet-Bix box, Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman has sure turned his racing dreams into a Kiwi-kid fairytale.

Posted by: AT 12:12 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 15 2022
Le Villi transfers hands ahead of Oaks

Promising filly Le Villi will carry new colours when she lines-up in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:11 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 14 2022
Lickety Split scores gutsy Group One triumph

Quality two-year-old filly Lickety Split (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) refused to yield to a sustained challenge when narrowly taking out the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Posted by: AT 11:47 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 14 2022
Coventina Bay in Ellerslie first for Patterson

Classy mare Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress) was up to all of her cantankerous tricks in the pre-race buildup to Sunday’s Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie, but when it came time for business she was at her professional best as she claimed her second Group One victory.

Posted by: AT 11:45 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 14 2022
Pinn claims Auckland Cup aboard Uareastar

Apprentice Wiremu Pinn added another highlight to his burgeoning riding career when he produced a daring ride aboard Marton visitor Uareastar (NZ) (Jakkalberry) to take out the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 11:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 14 2022
Ellerslie farewells racing for 18 months

Horses will be an absent sight from Ellerslie racecourse for at least the next 18 months.

Posted by: AT 11:34 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 14 2022
Staying future for Sid

The Darrell Hollinshead-trained Super Sid (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) picked off some low-hanging fruit when landing the Wrightson/Vetmed 2100 at Ellerslie on Sunday in emphatic fashion.

Posted by: AT 02:20 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 13 2022
Wood having plenty of fun with promising gelding

The odds on Funtonic (Delago Deluxe) even reaching a racecourse would have been extremely high when he hurt his hind legs in a paddock accident eight months ago.

Posted by: AT 11:33 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 12 2022
Australia in the offing for Eyesonlyonme

A future across the Tasman could be in the offing for Eyesonlyonme (Free Eagle) after her maiden win in the Haunui Farm 1400 at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:49 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 11 2022
Gucci Belt doubles up at Trentham

While Gucci Belt (NZ) (Burgundy) is living in the shadow of her well-credentialled half-sister Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock), she is doing something her sibling failed to do, win at three.

Posted by: AT 10:49 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, March 11 2022
Turn Me Loose filly gets the Cream at Pukekohe

The persistence of local trainer Rudy Liefting paid dividends when Stars ‘N’ Cream (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) edged out the Nigel Tiley-trained pair of Midnight Mass (NZ) (Proisir) and Quicken Away (Vancouver) in the Sonia Macfarlane Memorial (1400m).

Posted by: AT 10:48 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 10 2022
Levante to make Australian debut

Group One winner Levante (NZ) (Proisir) has touched down in Melbourne ahead of her debut run on Australian soil this Saturday in the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.

Posted by: AT 12:42 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 10 2022
Marsh looking for repeat delight in Auckland Cup

Trainer Stephen Marsh is hoping lightning can strike twice when he lines up Lincoln King and Starrybeel in Sunday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 12:40 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 10 2022
Coventina Bay on song for Bonecrusher

Trainer Robbie Patterson couldn’t be any happier with Coventina Bay ahead of the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Posted by: AT 12:38 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 09 2022
New Zealand track ratings to align with Australia

Punters on both sides of the Tasman will benefit from a change being made to the New Zealand Track Ratings early next month. 

Posted by: AT 10:53 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 09 2022
Williams looking to maintain recent momentum at Ellerslie

Trainer Peter Williams is pleased with the success he and wife Dawn have had with their Byerley Park stable in recent weeks and is looking to his five runners at Ellerslie on Sunday to carry on their good work of late.

Posted by: AT 10:51 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 09 2022
Des Riordan's passing marks the end of a dynasty

A New Zealand racing dynasty has come to an end with the death last Sunday of popular Te Awamutu identity Des Riordan just weeks short of his 90th birthday.

Posted by: AT 10:50 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 09 2022
Weight the query for The Gift

Trainer Robert Dennis has only one concern with The Gift (NZ) (Power) ahead of the MLT/Three Rivers Hotel/Pioneer Tavern Fireside Cup (1335mm) at Gore on Friday – weight.

Posted by: AT 10:48 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 08 2022
The Chosen One ready for Ellerslie Group One test

Although busy on day three of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling sale, trainer Andrew Forsman was keeping a wary eye on the final fields for the prestigious Auckland Cup raceday at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Posted by: AT 12:01 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 08 2022
Field Of Gold to come of age

Tony Pike feels the time is right to take on older horses at weight-for-age with his top three-year-old Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner).

Posted by: AT 12:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 07 2022
Te Akau's youthful juggernaut rolls on to Sistema

Te Akau has been the all-conquering force in New Zealand juvenile racing for some time and they have another Group One two-year-old title firmly in their sights at Ellerslie this weekend.

Posted by: AT 11:08 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 07 2022
Late Auckland Cup tilt for Mohaka

The connections of Mohaka (NZ) (Nadeem) are hoping she can repay their faith on Sunday after they made the late nomination payment for the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie this weekend.

Posted by: AT 11:03 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, March 07 2022
Mascarpone suffers season ending injury during exhibition gallop

Last start Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Classic (1600m) winner Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting To Win) has had his latest campaign halted after suffering a suspensory injury during an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 05:36 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 06 2022
Melbourne Cup aspirations for Derby hero

Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are eyeing a tilt at the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in spring with Asterix (NZ) (Tavistock) after his victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 08:17 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 06 2022
Swords Drawn on target for Auckland Cup bid

A narrow but emphatic win in the traditional Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) lead-up event, the Nathans Memorial (2200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, has trainer Shaune Ritchie convinced he has enigmatic stayer Swords Drawn (Camelot) near his peak for the two-mile challenge.

Posted by: AT 05:27 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 06 2022
Syndication a winner for Little Avondale

Syndication is proving an invaluable tool in aiding Little Avondale Stud’s ongoing commitment to build on the quality of its broodmare band.

Posted by: AT 05:24 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 06 2022
Derby winner highlights another bumper day for Curraghmore

On the eve of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Curraghmore’s Gordon Cunningham was again pleased to see the farm’s past-graduates do the talking on the track, no doubt paving the way for further confidence for the product he will present at auction this week. 

Posted by: AT 05:19 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, March 06 2022
Karaka 2022 ready to kick into action

A steady influx of ex-pat Kiwi trainers and Bloodstock Agents that have arrived at the Karaka sales complex in the past 24 hours has put a bigger smile on the face of New Zealand Bloodstock Director of Sales, Danny Rolston.

Posted by: AT 05:16 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 05 2022
Bellatrix Black stuns rivals in Sunline Vase

Lightly raced filly Bellatrix Black ($17.20) upset the applecart at Ellerslie on Saturday when she stepped up from a maiden victory at Tauranga at her last start to take out the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m).

Posted by: AT 12:31 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 05 2022
Sword Of State triumphs in thrilling match-race

Classy colt Sword Of State displayed all of his fighting qualities when he downed speedy mare Babylon Berlin to win the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie, after the pair went head-to-head over the final 300m of the contest.

Posted by: AT 12:28 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 05 2022
Family affinity to the fore with Reputabelle

With a dominant performance at Wingatui by a rising star of the South Island’s three-year-old ranks, Michael and Matthew Pitman have added some black-type glow to a highly successful family association.

Posted by: AT 12:26 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, March 05 2022
Asterix delivers Derby double for O'Sullivan and Scott

Twelve months after living up to expectations with a Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) favourite, Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott went back-to-back with a very different kind of triumph at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:24 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 03 2022
Thornton on a Derby mission

After experiencing the highest of highs and deepest of lows at Ellerslie over the years, on Saturday Trudy Thornton will be on a mission to claim one of racing’s biggest prizes at the country’s premier track.

Posted by: AT 06:29 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 03 2022
Blamey key for Inspirational Girl

The long and winding road to The All-Star Mile finally reaches that critical fork-in-the-road on Saturday for Western Australian star Inspirational Girl (NZ) (Reliable Man), who is primed to peak in the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

Posted by: AT 04:03 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 03 2022
McKenzie ready to pass TAB baton

When Dean McKenzie completes the formal hand-over to new TAB CEO Mike Tod in the next fortnight, he isn’t quite sure exactly what he is going to do next.

Posted by: AT 04:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, March 03 2022
Impressive son of Almanzor not for sale

Bulls trainer Raymond Connors has posted the not for sale sign on promising juvenile Trav after the son of Almanzor closed too well for his rivals to score by a neck from Havarti in the Milton Park Stables 2YO (1200m) at Awapuni on Friday.

Posted by: AT 03:50 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 02 2022
La Crique on song for Derby

Katrina and Simon Alexander are experiencing the ride of a lifetime with their star filly La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) and they are hoping that golden run continues at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 04:33 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 02 2022
Pitman fillies out to enhance reputations at Wingatui

Michael and Matthew Pitman will attack Saturday’s Wingatui features in threes.

Posted by: AT 04:30 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 02 2022
Brosnan searches sentimental Derby success

Mark Brosnan will attempt to honour an old mate when he produces Arjay’s Flight (NZ) (Highly Recommended) as the sole maiden runner in Saturday’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 04:28 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, March 02 2022
Self Obsession cements Oaks favouritism

The Jamie Richards-trained Self Obsession (NZ) (Shocking) cemented her place at the top of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) market with yet another game victory when landing the Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on Wednesday.

Posted by: AT 04:20 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 01 2022
Pinarello overcomes hiccups to stake Derby claim

A minor injury and inclement weather ruled out a traditional Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) path for Pinarello (NZ) (Tavistock), but he will nevertheless front up at Ellerslie on Saturday in prime order.

Posted by: AT 01:25 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 01 2022
Leading chance for Derby King

Vinnie Colgan will be taking an easier day of riding than normal at Ellerslie this Saturday to ensure he’s at his best for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 01:41 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
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