Classy customer Trobriand defied a late drift in betting to run out a worthy winner of the Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton.

All eyes were on standout Satono Aladdin gelding Tokyo Tycoon in the lead-up to Saturday’s Gr.2 Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings, but another son of the same stallion stepped out of his shadow and stole the show.

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh was thrilled to see his consistent four-year-old Financier return to the winner’s circle in the Collier’s Commercial HB Premier (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Times Ticking has overcome a setback for a belated crack at a top-flight title at the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival.

An injury has prevented Shaun Phelan from competing in one role over the last few months, but the versatile horseman has made giant strides in another one – earning the honour of the gavelhouse.com Newcomer to Training Award at the recent New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland.

After decades of dominating the New Zealand harness racing scene, trotting icon Mark Purdon is finding himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to line-up his first thoroughbred at Riccarton on Saturday – nervous.

The excitement surrounding the looming meeting of top three-year-olds Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) kicked up a gear following the latter’s comfortable victory in the St John’s College Foundation 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on Friday.

Local trainer Guy Lowry held his own against the country’s biggest stables on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival earlier this month, and he is hoping for more of the same at Hastings on Saturday, but he will have to do it without the exciting up-and-comer Jimmysstar.

Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams will rely on a promising band of youngsters at Riccarton on Saturday.

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman sees a simple equation for his classy mare Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), the wetter the better.

As Ken and Bev Kelso prepare to saddle the hot favourite for Saturday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, the Matamata trainers are hoping the warm and windy weather predicted for Hawke’s Bay on Thursday and Friday will lift the track conditions up out of the heavy range.

Danny Walker believes he has found his horse of a lifetime.

Stablemates Burn To Shine (NZ) (So You Think) and Codigo (NZ) (Ardrossan) will continue their friendly rivalry on their return to Hastings on Saturday.

NZB Airfreight, one of the leading equine airfreight services in Australasia, has announced a new regular flight route for domestic travellers.

With runners in action at four different venues, the influence of New Zealand’s leading stable is set to be felt far and wide this weekend.

Cambridge trainer Chris Wood will be represented by three runners at his home meeting on the all-weather track on Wednesday with the in-form Side Eye (Side Step) promising to be his best chance.

Rangiotu trainer Stephen Nickalls is hoping the rain sticks around in Hastings ahead of the second day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival on Saturday.

There has been plenty of intrigue on whether the A$20 million carrot of The Everest (1200m) would prove too enticing for Te Akau Racing with their star sprinter Imperatriz, but they have put the nail in the coffin of that idea this week.

Hastings’ loss will be Te Rapa’s gain with the well-performed filly Impendabelle to now stay closer to home for her next step toward a Group One target.

Peter McKay came close on Wednesday morning to trimming his Hawke’s Bay-bound team down before leaving all six of his runners in the mix for the trip south.

It’s onwards and upwards for a trio of Allan Sharrock’s gallopers following their placings at Awapuni under torrential rain on Saturday.

A deal with a difference struck with an iconic New Zealand breeder is continuing to reward Cambridge trainer Graeme Cameron.

Emanon may live in the shadow of her multiple Group One-winning sibling Legarto, but she’s doing her bit to try and live up to the family name.

Former pinhooking prospects Seamsew (Brazen Beau) and Lhasa (Hellbent) will go head-to-head at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday in the Magnum Industries 1300.

Deteriorating track conditions at Awapuni that saw a Soft5 surface turned to a Heavy10 due to persistent rain throughout the day, played right into the hands of local runner Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo) who revelled in the conditions when taking out the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m).

The Northlanders came to town at Tauranga on Saturday and played a starring role, headed by a quinella for Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs in the $50,000 Mills Reef Wines Open (2100m).

The New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) has completed its annual review of black-type racing in New Zealand, with several changes made to the schedule of feature races for 2023-24.

Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow has enjoyed a successful run with his versatile team of runners recently, adding another to the board when producing Frank The Tank (NZ) (Burgundy) to score in the tough conditions at Awapuni on Saturday.

Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler revealed another potential hope for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 51^st New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Gore on Sunday with Radiant Reach a class above her rivals in the Gore Elite Plumbing (1100m).

Many Southland trainers were itching to get back racing at Gore on Friday, but they have had to be a little more patient, with the severe weather forecast for the region resulting in the meeting being transferred to Sunday.

Matamata trainer Cody Cole is looking forward to testing his talented filly Oneira over more ground.

Saturday’s Tauranga meeting began on a perfect note for Te Akau Racing, who won the first two races including a smart debut performance by two-year-old filly About Last Night (NZ) (Capitalist).

Progressive mare Idyllic (No Nay Never) made good use of her blistering barrier manners and high cruising speed as she led her rivals a merry dance at Awapuni on Saturday.

Promising three-year-old Lupo Solitario (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) followed up his stylish victory at Te Rapa last month with an even more impressive display to beat his age-group rivals over 1300m at Tauranga and remain unbeaten in two starts to date.

Quality four-year-old Warsaw has been sold and will continue his career offshore.

New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock is using Saturday’s Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) as a crucial step along the road to bigger and better things for Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed).

The connections of promising three-year-old Danjuro have their eyes on a $1.5 million prize following his impressive debut win at Woodville on Thursday.

Local trainer Lisa Latta is keeping a close eye on the weather in the countdown to Saturday’s Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni.

Stephen Autridge is looking forward to taking two talented three-year-old fillies to Tauranga this weekend, including a debut winner who has a special connection to the past.

One-time Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) favourite Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) has been ruled out of the southern Classic.

Matamata trainer Glenn Old could be in for an exciting season with four-year-old gelding Adam I Am following his five-length demolition of his rivals in the Christmas At The Races 22^nd Dec 2023 (1200m) at his home meeting on Wednesday.

Last-start Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) winner Skew Wiff has contested her last race in New Zealand for the foreseeable future, with co-trainer Mark Walker confirming the mare will head to Te Akau’s Cranbourne base early next month.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike enjoyed a raceday double with two promising types at Matamata on Wednesday, highlighted by tough three-year-old Cannon Hill scoring in a competitive age-group race.

There was plenty of hype surrounding Valentine at Matamata on Wednesday, with the three-year-old gelding backed into $2.30 favouritism for the Clothier Farms (1200m), and he duly delivered.

He will be represented by consistent four-year-old Churchillian at Tauranga on Saturday, the mare recording three wins from her seven starts and will be a key chance in a competitive Bayleys Bay of Plenty (1200m).

Talented mare Cork (NZ) (Complacent) will return to stakes company on Saturday in the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni, following her successful southern mission last month when recording another stakes placing.

Fonsi (NZ) (Shamexpress) will headline a quartet of promising three-year-olds representing multi-talented horseman Chad Ormsby at their home meeting at Matamata on Wednesday.

A trip across the Tasman could be on the cards for Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) this spring following his pleasing first-up runner-up effort behind Johny Johny (NZ) (Charm Spirit) over 1200m at Te Rapa last Sunday.

The Trustees of the Christchurch Racecourse have announced they will provide a $100,000 bonus to the owners of the first three placegetters in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11.

The rise to prominence of Viva Vienna has been of no surprise to Westbury Stud general manager Russell Warwick, who formed a strong early opinion of the filly.

It was a memorable day for Ryan Foote at Te Rapa on Sunday, with the Cambridge horseman recording his first training win courtesy of The Bambino in the Holah Homes Hurdle (2800m).

Stakes performer Luberon (NZ) (Embellish) booked her ticket to Riccarton later this spring with a convincing win in the Riverbank Chambers (1200m) at Te Rapa on Sunday.

Tim and Margaret Carter’s stable star Johny Johny continues to deliver for his Cambridge trainers, completing a hat-trick of Open Handicap sprint victories at Te Rapa on Sunday.

Four years after picking up a third placing at big odds in the A$300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m), Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie has secured himself a second shot at the unique Warrnambool showpiece.

Talented apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper has had his promising start to the season interrupted by injury.

The spring is Challa’s favourite time of the year, and the Te Akau Racing speedster continued that tradition with another bold front-running performance in Saturday’s $50,000 Crawford Developments Open (1200m) at Riccarton.

An impeccably-timed ride by Aaron Kuru saw the Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) take home the spoils in a true staying contest in Sunday’s Peter Kelly – Bayleys Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Rapa.

West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) cemented himself at the top of the steeplechasing ranks at Te Rapa on Sunday, the top-class jumper claiming the elusive National/Northern double when taking out the Ben and Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m).

Friday was meant to mark a big step forward in the spring preparation of multiple Group One winner Prowess, but it has instead handed her connections another frustrating setback.

There are few prestige jumping trophies missing from Paul Nelson’s mantlepiece, but the Great Northern Steeplechase is one that has eluded the Hastings trainer over his career.

A super-impressive return to racing at Taupo on Friday has thrust Molly Bloom into equal favouritism for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).

The CHRISTCHURCH CASINO South Island Racing Awards for the 2022/23 Racing Season were presented at function held at Riccarton Park Racecourse on Friday 15 September 2023. The awards were made on behalf the Southern Region Racing Clubs with the support of the Canterbury Westland Racing Owners Association and the Canterbury Marlborough Westland Otago Thoroughbred Breeders.

Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) was arguably one of the unsung heroes among a star-studded three-year-old crop last season, and started her four-year-old season where she left off with a commanding victory over 1100m at Taupo on Friday.

Underrated galloper Lady Telena (Vespa) continued a good run of recent form with a comfortable victory in the Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Trial (1800m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

Cambridge horseman Shaun Phelan took two horses to New Plymouth on Saturday and they did him proud by providing the quinella in the second race on the card, the Signright Open (1800m).

Quality three-year-old filly Viva Vienna (NZ) (All Too Hard) confirmed she will be a major contender for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November with another fighting victory in the feature event at Riccarton on Saturday, the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).

Class mare Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) proved a cut above her rivals at New Plymouth on Saturday as she relished the Heavy10 surface on offer to race clear in the feature flat event, the Seaton Park Open (1400m).

The clock is winding down on the career of outstanding winter performer Justaskme (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) while his well-performed barnmate Ladies Man (NZ) (Zed) is also nearing a less dramatic fork in the road.

Te Akau Racing will continue their southern spring assault at Riccarton on Saturday, where they have a number of leading chances.

Group One performer Polly Grey (NZ) (Azamour) has returned to New Zealand to finish her racing career where she started it, in part-owner Kylie Fawcett’s care.

Graham Richardson has no worries about Bonny Lass’ (NZ) (Super Easy) condition ahead of her resuming run at Te Rapa on Sunday, but factors beyond his control are tempering confidence levels.

Sam Williams has multiple reasons to put that familiar smile back on his dial.

A trio of in-form stablemates will represent a new training combination when they start their quests on Saturday for a place in the Jericho Cup (4600m) in Victoria later this year.

Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is still coming down from the high of winning his first Group One at Hastings on Saturday, but his attention has swiftly turned to a busy week of racing.

It was a day to remember at Riccarton Park for apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait, the 23-year-old scoring her first career win followed by a race-day double at Wednesday’s all-weather meeting.

Rangiora trainer Kenny Moore is hoping Steve Austin (NZ) (Complacent) can put on a stunner performance in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (2200m) at Riccarton’s Synthetic meeting on Wednesday.

Cambridge trainers Ben and Ryan Foote will kick-off what will be a busy week for the pair when they take three runners to Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday.

Trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are hoping promising three-year-old gelding Geldof (NZ) (US Navy Flag) is in for a big spring following his pleasing 1050m trial win at Ruakaka on Tuesday.

A trip to Sydney is on the cards for Oaks darling Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin).

The Rich Hill Stud stallion roster was to the fore when the 2022-23 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards category winners were unveiled.

Star three-year-old Sharp ‘N’ Smart has become the first male galloper since 2016 to earn the SENZ Horse of the Year title.

Imperatriz will remain a Valley girl this spring with Te Akau Racing ruling out a bid at the A$20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.

The champagne was flowing at Westbury Stud’s table at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland on Sunday night following Sharp ‘N’ Smart being crowned IRT Champion Three-Year-Old of the Year and SENZ Horse of the Year.

It was a magical day for Mark Oulaghan on Sunday.

A mishap as a youngster prevented Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) from making it to auction and that injury cloud has delivered a silver lining result for breeder Waikato Stud.

Roger James was resigned to defeat when legging jockey Warren Kennedy aboard Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock) at Hastings on Saturday, so he was pleasantly surprised to be greeting them at the winner’s stall following the Worlds Best Sprinter – Lucky Sweynesse Premier (1400m).

The connections of Dimaggio (NZ) (Almanzor) are hoping their gelding is in for a big spring following his gritty win in the Hastings – Heart Of Hawke’s Bay Premier (1600m) on Saturday.

Promising four-year-old Jimmysstar’s (NZ) (Per Incanto) future looks set to be across the Tasman following his eye-catching win in the Remember ‘Jooky’ Premier (1300m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Local galloper Bezique (NZ) (Ace High) has booked a ticket south later in the spring with a decisive, front-running victory over 1400m on his home track at Ruakaka on Saturday.

Last season’s outstanding two-year-old Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) showed he is right on target for some lofty goals this season with a professional display to dispose of his three-year-old rivals in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings.

Exciting galloper Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) provided the blue and tangerine silks of Te Akau Racing with their second stakes victory and third win in succession at Hastings on Saturday when she stormed home from near the back of a quality field to take out the Gr.3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).

Already enjoying a red-letter day at Hastings on Saturday after completing stakes victories with Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award), it got even better for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson when progressive mare Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) got the upperhand on her last start nemesis, Dragon Leap (Pierro), to collect the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m).

Last season’s standout juvenile Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) is set to get his spring preparation underway when he heads to Hastings on Saturday to contest the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).

Stablemates Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) and Paragon (NZ) (Embellish) hold upcoming Group One nominations, although connections are approaching the business end of the spring with flexibility.

A big target has been placed on Legarto’s (NZ) (Proisir) back as she heads to the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday as a $3.60 favourite.

The racing industry will be showing their support for the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society at the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday at Hastings racecourse on Saturday with the return of the Daffodil Day silks.

The first steps towards an exciting new racehorse ownership model have been unveiled today, with expressions of interest now open for trainers to prepare horses for the TAB Racing Club.

Talented filly Impendabelle (Impending) has enjoyed a faultless preparation ahead of her three-year-old debut at Hastings on Saturday.

Pier (NZ) (Proisir) will be looking to get his spring campaign back on track when he heads to Hastings this weekend.

All roads lead to Riccarton for a trio of Stephen Marsh-trained three-year-olds who will have opportunities to advance their Classic credentials with imminent engagements in the Central Districts.

Exciting Christchurch three-year-old Penvose Lad (NZ) (US Navy Flag) will head to Oamaru on Friday to kick off a campaign aimed at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November.

Brighthill Farm stallion Eminent recorded his first win as a sire at Avondale on Wednesday when his daughter Fon Memories (NZ) scored on debut in the Westbrook Cellar Door 1200.

Karaka horseman Lance Noble has Group One targets in mind for three members of his stable while another will head toward a newly created $1 million summer event.

Rachel Masters is welcoming the rain in Auckland ahead of racing at Avondale on Wednesday, where she will line-up Tickle Me Almo in the Kenton Wright Photography 2100.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today confirmed that it will be contributing $3,094,000 into stakes for the season as part of its annual stakes announcement. Total stakes on offer for the Club’s 2023/24 season is $18,705,000.  

Danish jockey Lucas Olsen didn’t envisage riding on raceday when he decided to come to New Zealand for a working holiday, but at Hawera on Sunday he rode his first winner down under.

The first week of the NRL finals will keep NZ Warriors assistant coach Stacey Jones occupied this weekend, but he is looking forward to having the distraction of watching one of his horses compete for Group glory at Hastings.

Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander will head to Hastings with a spring in their step on Saturday knowing the weather forecast won’t dampen their spirits ahead of the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival.

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will be represented by a pair of well credentialled colts at Avondale on Wednesday and pre-race indicators point to bold showings from the pair.

Te Akau Racing unveiled yet another exciting juvenile at Wanganui on Saturday, with Star Witness filly Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) taking out the opening two-year-old race of the season, the Whanganui Chronicle Maiden 2YO (800m).

Wairarapa trainer Aaron Bidlake was in a buoyant mood at Hawera on Sunday after Invisible Spirit (NZ) (Charm Spirit) scored his maiden hurdle victory in the Taranaki/Whanganui Breeders’ Hurdle (3100m).

An eleventh-hour jockey change didn’t hinder the chances of Country Bumpkin (NZ) (St Reims) at Hawera on Sunday.

The familiar tangerine and blue colours of Te Akau Racing showed once again they will be a powerful presence in South Island racing over the next two months as they unleashed some serious contenders for higher honours later in the spring at Riccarton on Saturday.

Popular winter sprinter Tavi’s Court (NZ) (Tavistock) found his winning grove again when he showed all his fighting qualities to claim his first victory in nearly a year at Wanganui on Saturday.

Trainer Chrissy Bambry went from frustration to joy in the space of half an hour on Saturday as her classy three-year-old filly Chantilly Lace (U S Navy Flag) made it back-to-back stakes victories with a brave win in the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).

Group One performer Llanacord will be aiming to kick off her preparation on a winning note when she heads to Hawera on Sunday to compete in the Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes Saturday 7th October 1600.

Black type targets await promising filly Mis Speaks who will return to competition on her home track at Riccarton on Saturday.

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will reveal their newest juvenile prospect at Wanganui on Saturday, with impressive trial winner Bellatrix Star having her race-day debut.

There’s a family tradition for Chrissy Bambry to uphold in Saturday’s Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m) with talented filly Chantilly Lace but the Foxton trainer also has the bigger picture in mind.