New Zealand
Stephen Nickalls has to pinch himself every time he looks back on this season. The Manawatu horseman was happy training a handful of jumpers on his Rangiotu farm and then one filly changed everything. Llanacord (NZ) (Contributer), a $15,000 yearling sale purchase by his stepfather Kevin Hopson, went from
New Zealand
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh concedes that his season target of 100 winners is probably beyond reach but he's keen to keep progressing towards that goal with a big team at Te Rapa on Saturday. Marsh reached 97 wins in the 2018-19 season and was keen to better that
Australia
Perennial bridesmaid Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park) looks to have her best chance of nabbing a staying feature when she contests the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The John O’Shea-trained mare was prominent over the Sydney Carnival, finishing runner-up in both the Gr.2 Chairman’
Breeding
New Zealand-born equine reproduction expert Professor William 'Twink' Allen has passed away aged 80 after a short illness. Allen had been a well-known figure in England’s thoroughbred hub, Newmarket, for many years and is the father of Catherine Dettori, wife of jockey Frankie. A graduate of veterinary
New Zealand
Nick Bishara didn’t want to race his in-form mare Cherry Lane (NZ) (Redwood) this weekend, but she’s doing so well that he feels he has to. The South Auckland horseman had hoped Cherry Lane’s last-start victory at Ellerslie on May 29 would be enough of a lead-in
New Zealand
Trainer Tony Pike is taking advantage of the new Polytrack surface at his home-base in Cambridge as it enables him to prepare younger members of his team deeper into the winter months. Pike sent out impressive trial winner Mr Blue Sky on Tuesday on the synthetic surface, and will likely
Breeding
Brian and Lorraine Anderton’s White Robe Lodge will welcome the addition of Ancient Spirit to their stallion roster this coming breeding season. A multiple Group Two winning son of Invincible Spirit, Ancient Spirit was the champion three-year-old miler in both Italy and Germany in 2018. The handsome bay will
New Zealand
Robbie Patterson is loving it so much in Queensland he might not come home. The Taranaki horseman has enjoyed trading the cold winter under Mount Taranaki for the warmer climes of Brisbane over the last few weeks, but on Saturday things will start to heat up for his Australian raiders
Australia
Michael Moroney believes Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) is back to her best and he is hoping she can show that in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The daughter of Ocean Park ran back into form when runner-up the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at
New Zealand
The new Racing Integrity Board will be up and running from July 1 to ensure high standards of animal welfare, integrity and professionalism in the racing industry. Racing Minister Grant Robertson today announced the appointments to the new Board: · Sir Bruce Robertson KNZM – Chair · Kristy McDonald ONZM QC · Penelope Mudford
New Zealand
Auckland horseman Johnny Williams has been nothing if not patient with Arite Guru (NZ) (Gallant Guru), who he variously describes as “grumpy” and “cheeky”. It’s not often a horse earns his biggest cheque at its 90th start, but that’s what Arite Guru achieved at Ellerslie on Monday, racing
New Zealand
Promising filly Tevere (NZ) (Contributer) will step-up to 1400m for the first time at Te Rapa this weekend. The daughter of Contributer has pleased in her previous two starts over 1200m, culminating in a last start win at Te Rapa last month, and her connections believe she will appreciate the