New Zealand
A new addition to the Matamata Breeders Stakes meeting will be the next step on a path to a further Group One assignment for consistent Matamata mare Yearn. A second-up winner of the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe in November, Yearn continued her solid form with
New Zealand
Consistent three-year-old Harlech has been sent for a small break after his fourth-placing in the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. It was the first time the consistent colt finished outside the top three this season, having won the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m) and placed in
Breeding
Sparks continued to fly on Day Two of Karaka 2020, with the diverse international and local presence creating a strong and competitive middle market. The figures closed with the average and median settling at $150,456 and $120,000 respectively, showing significant increases on last year’s Book 1 Sale.
Breeding
There was an air of expectation in the sale auditorium at Karaka on Monday prior to lot 449 entering the sale ring. Charlotte Chittick, daughter of Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick, was preparing to lead her very first yearling through the ring, marking a historical moment in the farm’s
Breeding
It took nearly all day to reveal the sale topping yearling for day two of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale but when it was unveiled the wait was well worth it. Lot 454, the Savabeel colt form Fastnet Rock mare Bayrock had been confidently predicted to attract plenty
Breeding
With two days of the Book 1 session completed at the National Yearling Sale, Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson is on a high. Thompson went into the sale with realistic ambitions for his 2020 draft as he set about selling progeny from established sires Shocking and Proisir along with
Breeding
Bloodstock agent James Bester was able to secure his top pick at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale on Monday when he went to $675,000 for lot 342, the Lonhro colt out of stakes winning mare Thames Court. Bester outlasted a slew of international buyers to secure the
Breeding
Prominent owner Gary Harding followed family orders at Karaka on Monday when purchasing a yearling which is set to be trained just an hour north of their Wellington base. “I have got children and grandchildren in Wellington and they are always at me to race a horse down there so
Breeding
The generosity of a number of thoroughbred industry kingpins has led to more than $300,000 being raised for the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust at Karaka on Monday. The journey began a few years ago with Valachi Downs principals Kevin and Jo Hickman purchasing a Brazen Beau service,
Australia
Top Melbourne jockey Damian Lane has been confirmed as the rider for Catalyst in his upcoming Australian campaign. The Oaks Stud general manager Rick Williams advised that Lane would replace regular rider Troy Harris when Catalyst takes his place in the Gr.3 CS Hayes (1400m) at Flemington on February
Breeding
Brent and Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud experienced a thrilling morning at Karaka on Monday where they sold three yearlings for nearly $1.6 million. Lot 241, the Tivaci colt out of Ruqqaya, was the first yearling on day two of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale to hit
New Zealand
A gritty victory over the older horses at Te Aroha last Friday in his first attempt beyond 1600m has Cambridge trainer Tony Pike convinced Sherwood Forest is right on track for his tilt at the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie next month. Pike elected to test