The first running of the Chittick Family Fillies Classic (1100m) at stakes level was justified when Matamata filly Hawea (Hellbent) put away a classy field in stunning fashion. The Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained filly was resuming off two trials in the $100,000 feature, starting at $15 in
Racing
For only the third time in nearly a century, the Australian Grand National Hurdle and Steeplechase double has been completed as the Shane Jackson-trained Andy Win (NZ) (Almanzor) strode to victory by 12-lengths in the 2026 version of the feature over fences at Ballarat. The jumping scene is
Former Western Australian star Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice) kept his perfect Melbourne record intact and completed a rare feature double in Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 Catanach’s Jewellers PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Bred in New Zealand by his high-profile Perth owner Bob Peters, Cosmic
Taranaki filly Shamelia Kirk (NZ) (Shamexpress) showed plenty as juvenile and trainer Robbie Patterson is hopeful she can bring that form into her three-year-old season, with her first test being the Listed Chittick Family Fillies Classic (1100m) at Taupo on Sunday. The daughter of Shamexpress had three starts
The Chittick Family Fillies’ Classic (1100m) at Taupo has a prestigious honour roll and has duly been elevated to Listed status this season, and it has attracted a field to suit on Sunday. Matamata trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have a strong record in the race, having won it with
Breeding
Triple black-type winner Inflamed (NZ) (Ghibellines) has been retired and will join the White Robe Lodge broodmare band, with resident sire Alflaila selected as her first mating. Bred and raced by Brian and the late Lorraine Anderton and trained by Brian in partnership with his son Shane, Inflamed won
Exciting three-year-old Shalabiya (NZ) (Brazen Beau) will head to Ruakaka on Saturday as the $2.10 favourite for the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), but the jockey who has been aboard for her impressive start to racing will be in the opposition camp. Warren Kennedy
Ruakaka trainer Michelle Bradley is hoping She’s No Saint (Prague) can continue her progression when she steps up to stakes company in Saturday’s Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on her home track. The daughter of Prague has won both starts this preparation, breaking her maiden
Racing
After three decades in the saddle, Kylie Williams is preparing to bring the curtain down on her riding career, with the veteran jockey set to have her final rides at Riccarton later this month. The 46-year-old has five rides at Oamaru on Friday, where a race has been
It has not been smooth sailing with the Mitch Freedman-trained Asakura (Churchill), who fell ill after returning home from his spell following his fourth placing in The Kiwi on March 7. But the Ballarat trainer was happy with what he saw from the gelding in two jumpouts in the
Newsletter
Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) cemented her place at the top of the TAB’s futures market for the Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa in a fortnight following her comfortable trial win over 1050m at the Hamilton track on Saturday. Her connections are hopeful of a
Race favourite Lord Spencer (NZ) (Zed) left it late but managed to rally and out-finish gallant pacemaker Brucie (NZ) (Raise The Flag) to take out the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 151st Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton. The JJ Rayner-prepared son of Zed had taken out the