New Zealand
The newly minted training partnership of Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray put their first winner on the board at Matamata on Saturday when Claiborne strode clear in the final stages of a 1600m contest to score a convincing victory. Born and bred Irishman Murray joined Ritchie’s Cambridge operation over
Australia
Racing Victoria (RV) was advised late yesterday by Cranbourne trainer Richard Laming that a staff member from his stable had tested positive to COVID-19. The staff member last worked at the stables last Sunday, was tested on Wednesday and was confirmed as a positive case yesterday. They are now undertaking
Australia
Ballarat trainer Amy McDonald is excited to have her first runner in a Grand National Steeplechase but realises Shamal (NZ) (Zabeel) faces a herculean challenge taking on benchmark jumper Ablaze (NZ) (Raise the Flag). The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Ablaze has taken all before him this jumps season. He
Audio
Andrew Bensley speaks with trainer Jamie Richards about the chances of Probabeel and Melody Belle at Randwick on Saturday. https://soundcloud.com/nz-racing-desk/jamie-richards-2
Australia
New Zealander The Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) has been backed into favouritism for the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick and trainer Tony Pike can only add fuel to the fire. "Things are falling into place. The soft track, gate one and his fresh-up record is obviously enticing
Breeding
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has introduced a new rule around foal notification. Up until now the first NZTR knew of the existence of a foal was when mare returns were filed (by 28 February) at which stage the foal could be six months old. NZTR now requires notification of a
Audio
Andrew Bensley catches up with trainer Allan Sharrock about the chances of his three runners at Matamata on Saturday. https://soundcloud.com/nz-racing-desk/allan-sharrock
Australia
The Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) understandably means a lot to leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller and he is hoping one of his four runners will be able to secure top honours at Randwick on Saturday. His stable charge will be led by Kiwi-bred mare Verry Elleegant, who will kick-off
Audio
Andrew Bensley talks with trainer Tony Pike about the chances of his runners at Matamata on Saturday and The Bostonian in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. https://soundcloud.com/nz-racing-desk/tony-pike-1
New Zealand
New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock heads to Matamata on Saturday with three strong chances as he looks to maintain his successful start to the new season. Sharrock sits atop the New Zealand trainers’ premiership with his runners recording seven wins from 13 starts. Four-year-old mare Aricina (NZ) (Redwood) steps into
Audio
Andrew Bensley and Aidan Rodley give their thoughts on the finalists for this year's NZ Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards. https://soundcloud.com/nz-racing-desk/nz-thoroughbred-hoty
Breeding
Waikato Stud’s star resident Savabeel has cracked another significant milestone in his remarkable career with daughter Savacool providing the multiple champion sire’s 100th individual stakes winner. Savabeel has achieved extraordinary dominance since his retirement to the premier Matamata nursery and Savacool’s victory in the Listed Rowley Mile