Hong Kong Derby hero Invincible Ibis (Hellbent) made the perfect start to his new campaign at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate producing an impressive first-up victory in the HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m).

The Mark Newnham-trained gelding defied expectations over the shorter distance, carrying 127lb to defeat Galaxy Patch (Wandjina) by a neck, with fellow four-year-old series star Stormy Grove (Toronado) the same margin away in third.

The victory saw Invincible Ibis emulate fellow New Zealand-sourced Hong Kong champions Golden Sixty (Medaglia d'Oro) and Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins), who also returned from their respective Hong Kong Derby triumphs to win the Celebration Cup.

Ridden by Luke Ferraris in the absence of injured regular rider Hugh Bowman, Invincible Ibis settled comfortably in midfield before being angled into the clear approaching the home turn.

The son of Hellbent quickly gathered momentum, swept up to Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Little Paradise and hit the front before showing his trademark determination to withstand the late charge of Galaxy Patch.

Newnham admitted the first-up victory had exceeded his expectations, with bigger targets later in the year firmly in mind.

“Truthfully, a little unexpected,” Newnham said. “I thought at 1400m, carrying a little more condition with bigger goals ahead, if he ran a good third or fourth, I'd be satisfied. But with a win like that, I'm pretty happy.

“Luke just said to me 'he was probably on empty that last 50m', but we know he's very tenacious.

“When he had such a good run through the race, I'm sure that helped because if he had to do any work, he was probably underdone for that, but Luke gave him a perfect ride.”

Invincible Ibis will now progress through the traditional lead-up races in October and November, with Newnham planning to nominate him for both the HK$36 million Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and HK$40 million Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 13.

“At the moment I'm thinking of keeping him to a mile,” Newnham said.

“I think a horse that's lightly raced like him, going to 2000m against all ages at Group 1 level is a fair ask, but the horse will tell me where he's at.”

Ferraris was reunited with Invincible Ibis for the first time since September last year and was impressed by the progression the gelding had made.

“Obviously, I started out on him when he first started racing and it’s night and day compared to what he is now to what he’s furnished into,” Ferraris said.

“Full credit to Mark and his team to getting him to where he is now. It’s a great start to his campaign this season.”

Invincible Ibis has now won six of his 12 starts, headed by his record-breaking victory in last season's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).

Invincible Ibis was sold by Kilgravin Lodge at the 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale for NZ$425,000 to Newnham and is raced by the Ibis Syndicate. - NZ Racing Desk

Yuen making giant strides in Hong Kong as Kiwi horses dominate

Former New Zealand-based apprentice Nichola Yuen is making giant strides in Hong Kong, riding her first treble at Sha Tin on Sunday on a card dominated by New Zealand-bred or sourced horses.

Six of the 11 races were won by horses with New Zealand connections, including two of Yuen’s three winners, Causeway King (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) and Aeroinvincible (NZ) (Per Incanto).

The 26-year-old, who rode 10 winners from 99 rides during her stint in New Zealand, continued her rapid progression with victories aboard Causeway King, Victor The Winner (Toronado) and Aeroinvincible.

The treble took Yuen to 20 Hong Kong victories from just 137 rides since returning from her overseas training, meaning her apprentice claim will now reduce from 10lb to 7lb.

Indentured to trainer Ricky Yiu, Yuen opened her account aboard the Yiu-trained Causeway King in the Class 4 Swallow Handicap (1200m).

The New Zealand-bred son of Spirit Of Boom was bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris of Berkley Stud and was sold at Karaka in 2024 for $50,000 to Brewers Bloodstock.

Initially known as Boombox, he won two races from the Cambridge stable of Tony Pike before being exported to Hong Kong and joining Yiu.

Yuen later combined with trainer Pierre Ng to guide Victor The Winner to victory in the Class 2 Magpie Handicap (1200m) before completing her treble aboard another New Zealand-sourced galloper, Aeroinvincible, in the Class 3 Kestrel Handicap (1400m).

Aeroinvincible is a son of Per Incanto and Miss Bondi and was bred by Dr John O'Brien. He was sold by Riversley Park at the 2022 NZB Ready to Run Sale for $320,000 to Liam Howley Racing before subsequently making his way to Hong Kong.

“I’m very excited. It’s unbelievable. It’s my first treble in Hong Kong and I’m straightaway to seven pounds for the next meeting, so it’s a bit too quick,” Yuen said.

“Thank you very much to Mr Yiu, he’s been a huge support for me.

“Now down to seven pounds, my career starts again and hopefully the ball keeps rolling for me.”

Yuen's breakthrough came during an outstanding meeting at Sha Tin for New Zealand-sourced horses.

Hong Kong Derby hero Invincible Ibis (Hellbent) made a successful return to racing with victory in the Gr.3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m).

The NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate has now won six of his 12 starts and earned more than HK$27 million, with trainer Mark Newnham eyeing the Hong Kong International Races in December.

Bustling City (Starpangledbanner) produced one of the most dominant performances of the meeting when he powered to a seven-length victory in the Class 3 Hwamei Handicap (1200m) on the Sha Tin dirt.

The son of Starspangledbanner was offered by Hallmark Stud at Karaka in 2024, where he was purchased by Gary Ling for $160,000. He won a two-year-old trial in New Zealand for Mark Brooks before joining the David Hayes stable in Hong Kong.

“He’s a horse that’s always been blessed with good ability,” winning rider Brenton Avdulla said.

“Since David has elected to switch him back to the dirt, he’s just gone ‘bang, bang’ and he’s a fast horse, so he’s better when he’s out and flowing.”

Chiu Chow Golf (NZ) (Ocean Park) added to the New Zealand-sourced haul with a strong finish under Harry Bentley to win the Class 4 Tailorbird Handicap (1400m) for Frankie Lor.

By Ocean Park out of Podravina, Chiu Chow Golf was sold by Pencarrow Stud for $70,000 to John Foote Bloodstock before being exported to Australia and subsequently continuing his career in Hong Kong.

Wave Garden (NZ) (Per Incanto) also saluted, providing British jockey Richard Kingscote with his first Hong Kong victory when successful in the Class 5 Tropicbird Handicap (1200m) on the dirt.

The son of Per Incanto and Miss Bluebell was bred by Little Avondale Trust and Totara Park Stud and was formerly known as Dan Vegas during his time in New Zealand. - NZ Racing Desk

Fortune Tree comes out tops in Selangor Gold Cup

Fortune Tree (NZ) (Ardrossan) has stamped himself as one of the top gallopers in Malaysia after getting the wood on his rivals in the RM300,000 ($130,000) Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) at Sungai Besi on Sunday.

The son of Ardrossan made winning look easy at his last-start five-length win in the Magic Millions Trophy (1200m) on Sept 13 when he took out his first race from three starts for trainer Cheng Han Yong.

Previously when under the care of Richard Lim, Fortune Tree first put his name on the roll of honours after his neck-victory in the first leg of the Malaysian Triple Crown series, the Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) on March 29.

Now ridden by Shafiq Rizuan, who has won three times on him before, Fortune Tree again proved he was formidable in the second leg.

The $25 shot jumped swiftly from barrier 8 and hit the front not long after the gates opened, but a few other runners had designs on the lead too.

It was the Simon Dunderdale-trained Eruption (Xtravagant) who took up the bunny’s role in the back straight.

Banker’s First (So You Think) was the first to pounce when he sneaked up on the fence, while Banker’s Honor (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Anjou Crown (Exceed And Excel) motored home quickly on his outside.

Still, Fortune Tree was dogged and valiantly held on by three parts of a length from Banker’s Honor in the finish. Banker’s First finished another neck away in third.

The winning time was 1min 33.85sec.

Cheng was thrilled when Fortune Tree brought up his second success in the Selangor feature after Lucky Magic (NZ) (Mendelssohn) won it in 2025.

He hopes to run Fortune Tree in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) at Sungai Besi on Dec 6.

And should the Lee Swee Eng-owned New Zealand-bred contest and win the final leg, he will become the first Triple Crown winner in Malaysia since the series’ inception in 2003.

“We would love to do it over the 2000m (in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor) end of the year,” said Cheng, who has chalked up 43 wins this season.

“But I’ll see how he pulls up and works the next few weeks before we decide. It would be great if he becomes the first Triple Crown winner.

“He was already warmed up and very fit after his last win, so our plan was to sit him in midfield. Shafiq found a very good spot and rode a very good race.”

The Malaysian jockey has just returned to race-riding on the Sept 26 meeting after three months of suspension.

“He (Fortune Tree) jumped too quick at first, but did everything by himself,” said the former two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey.

“Around the turn, I know he still has a lot underneath and plenty of chances to win the race.

“When we had to go, I pressed the button and he just kept going.

“I think as he relaxes, he can get more ground and get there (2000m) eventually.”

Bred by Waikato Stud, Fortune Tree was purchased by Group 1 Bloodstock from the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $260,000.

Prior to racing in Malaysia Fortune Tree had five starts for one win from the Ciaron Maher stable under the name Jazzclub. - NZ Racing Desk

Hot mare boosts value with deserved stakes success

Hurry Curry (NZ) (Ocean Park) is in the twilight of her racing career and took full advantage of an opportunity at Mornington to post a well-deserved black-type victory.

Bred and part-owned by Waikato Stud, she credited resident sire Ocean Park with his 27th individual stakes winner when the five-year-old emphasised her staying prowess to claim top honours in the Listed Ansett Classic (2400m).

Farm principal Mark Chittick races Hurry Curry with good friend Craig Duncan, and she will remain with Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien for the short term.

“We’re having a dollar each way really, we’re going to try and breed from her while racing on,” he said.

“She’s been a good mare and ran a placing behind Treasurethe Moment and Powers Of Opal in the VRC Oaks (Gr.1, 2500m).”

A four-time winner from 1600 to 2400m, Hurry Curry also finished third in last season’s Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville.

“She’s always been there or thereabouts so to get a black-type win sealed the deal,” Chittick said.

A final decision on a stallion has yet to be made, but Swettenham Stud’s Toronado is a likely option.

Hurry Curry was originally destined to be sold, but failed to meet her A$150,000 reserve when offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“Nobody else liked her as much as we did and post that Craig came into the ownership,” Chittick said.

“He and I had tried to buy a couple of fillies at Karaka and were unsuccessful, so I sold him half of Hurry Curry.

“We had identified a couple of fillies that we went to $500,000 on and missed out. I’ve followed their careers and they’re probably worth about $50,000 each now. I sold half of this one for $50,000 and she’s now probably worth $500,000.”

Hurry Curry is out of the Savabeel mare Hurry (NZ), who is from a well-permed stakes family that features the ill-fated multiple Group One winner and sire Sacred Falls.

“She’s got a Super Seth yearling filly and I think we’ll keep her because we’ve since sold Hurry, we sold a package of mares to Australia and she was among them,” Chittick said.

“It really is a very good family that keeps on ticking over and we’ve got some nice young mares and fillies from it.”

Four of Hurry’s five foals to race have been successful, and includes Hurry Curry’s brother Rip Tide, a $240,000 Karaka purchase for Wexford Stables who was recently successful on debut at Taupo. - Paul Vettise

Barneswood Farm Stakes next for exciting filly

Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson unveiled another exciting prospect at his home track on Saturday as he continues to build a strong arsenal for the New Zealand Cup carnival in November. Three-year-old filly Dulce Caballo (Exceedance) had shown ability in her trials and Robinson elected to throw her in

NZ Racing NewsJoshua Smith

East Coast Challenge coming to Hastings

After dealing with several major challenges over the last couple of years, Hawke’s Bay Racing is looking forward to welcoming a more pleasant challenge in a fortnight. The Poverty Bay Turf Club and Hawke’s Bay Racing have introduced the nationwide Vet Services East Coast Challenge Special Conditions Maiden

NZ Racing NewsJoshua Smith

New chapter beckons for Carlaw Park

Carlaw Park will begin a new chapter next month, with Nick Fairweather and Nicole Brown relocating their thoroughbred operation to Parkvale Farm on the outskirts of Matamata. Fairweather and Brown established Carlaw Park in 2016 alongside Brown’s parents, Peter and Roslyn, and will continue to operate under the Carlaw

NZ Racing NewsNZ Racing Desk

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NZ Stallion Awards

The Centaine Award 
Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide.

The Dewar Stallion Trophy
Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand.

The Grosvenor Award
Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand.

NZ BRED WINNERS

Global NZ-bred winners

2026-09-19 / 2026-09-26

AUSTRALIA
Ace High : Blind Raise (NZ)(Away Cruising by Darci Brahma) 2023;
19 Sep 2026, 1st MRC Caulfield Guineas PreludeGr.31400m
Sold by The Oaks Stud at National Yearling Sale for $70000

Ace High : Miss Shu (NZ)(Devil Miss by Dane Shadow) 2020;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Ewan ATC Allingham FamilyQTIS H. 1300m

Belardo : Hennessy Lad (NZ)(Lillet by Zabeel) 2019;
25 Sep 2026, 1st Darwin TC Ladbrokes H. 1600m
Sold by Trelawney Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $80000

Churchill : Star of Winston (NZ)(Estrella Especiale by Starcraft) 2022;
21 Sep 2026, 1st Clarence River JC Tabulam Cup 1420m
Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $130000

Contributer : Lord Momo (NZ)(Dezella by Zed) 2021;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Kalgoorlie Boulder RC Rocktech H. 1617m
Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $45000

Contributer : She's a Con (NZ)(Rocks for Me by Fastnet Rock) 2019;
25 Sep 2026, 1st MVRC Myeloma Australia H. 2500m

Contributer : Criteria (NZ)(Deinira by Savabeel) 2021;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Suttons Arncliffe Maiden P. 2000m

Contributer : Hard Questions (NZ)(Curraghmore Girl by Duke Of Marmalade) 2018;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Mingenew TC Mingenew Cup 2000m
Sold by Valachi Downs at National Yearling Sale for $20000

Embellish : Kensington's Jewel (NZ)(De Kensington Oval by Red Giant) 2020;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Longreach JC Ardrossan Angus P. 1000m

Magna Grecia : Punic War (NZ)(Granadilla by Encosta de Lago) 2022;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Bairnsdale RC Bet365 H. 1200m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $40000

Niagara : Bold Hoi Ho (NZ)(Koningin by Showcasing) 2018;
19 Sep 2026, 1st Nambucca River JC Bowraville Cup 1370m

Noverre : Oceans Fouroseven (NZ)(Ocean Fleet by Fastnet Rock) 2023;
22 Sep 2026, 1st Swan Hill JC Bet365 Maiden P. 1600m
Sold by Curraghmore at Ready to Run Sale for $60000

Noverre : Jean Georges (NZ)(Bonneval by Makfi) 2023;
24 Sep 2026, 1st Moe RC Kiss Print Solutions Maiden P. 2050m

Ocean Park : Hurry Curry (NZ)(Hurry by Savabeel) 2021;
26 Sep 2026, 1st MRC (Mornington) RM Ansett ClassicL2400m

Ocean Park : Giggenbach (NZ)(Rina Bettina by Reliable Man) 2021;
19 Sep 2026, 1st SAJC Fleurieu Milk Company H. 1956m
Sold by Lilywhites Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $110000

Per Incanto : Eamonn's Memory (NZ)(In Memory Of by Darci Brahma) 2018;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Jerilderie DRC Jerilderie Cup 1400m

Per Incanto : Per Sempre (NZ)(Confidante by Conatus) 2019;
26 Sep 2026, 1st MRC (Mornington) Louvretec H. 1200m

Per Incanto : Captain Redbeard (NZ)(Fortune's Choice by Redoute's Choice) 2022;
21 Sep 2026, 1st Warrnambool RC Precise Painting and Deco H. 1400m

Per Incanto : Mission of Joy (NZ)(Amal Rose by Written Tycoon) 2022;
25 Sep 2026, 1st SCTC Cargo Transport Systems Maiden H. 1200m
Sold by Little Avondale Stud at National Yearling Sale for $260000

Proisir : Snap Decision (NZ)(Rossita by High Chaparral) 2021;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Shoalhaven City TC Shoalhaven Recycling H. 1600m

Puccini : Peyton Jane (NZ)(Saucy Mary by Hard Spun) 2019;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Mount Gambier RC Haymes Paint and Mount Gambier Paint Plus Maiden P. 1400m

Satono Aladdin : Noble One (NZ)(Piazza by Sir Percy) 2019;
19 Sep 2026, 1st Enngonia RC Amarula Dorpers H. 1400m

Savabeel : Samarelle (NZ)(Smashing by Pins) 2022;
23 Sep 2026, 1st ATC Racing and Sports H. 1600m

Savabeel : Savannah Chill (NZ)(Chilled Out by Anabaa) 2022;
24 Sep 2026, 1st Moe RC Rising Stars H. 1600m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $100000

Savabeel : Tsarine (NZ)(Champagne Tastes by Darci Brahma) 2021;
26 Sep 2026, 1st MRC (Mornington) Sportsbet H. 1200m

Super Seth : Stratford (NZ)(Suavito by Thorn Park) 2022;
24 Sep 2026, 1st Goulburn DRC So You Pence in the Kosciuszko Maiden P. 1400m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $325000

Super Seth : Dirty Look (NZ)(Pearly Whites by Sharkbite) 2022;
25 Sep 2026, 1st MVRC Powerflo Solutions H. 1400m

Super Seth : Botanical Boy (NZ)(Wildflower by Keeper) 2021;
23 Sep 2026, 1st ATC Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines H. 1600m
Sold by Pencarrow Stud at National Yearling Sale for $75000

Sweynesse : Stormy Swey (NZ)(Singleraine by Not A Single Doubt) 2022;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Twin Hills RC Clonmell H. 800m

Sweynesse : Satness (NZ)(Satanya by Mossman) 2018;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Illawarra TC DM Plumbing Conditional H. 1600m

Tavistock : Villaden (NZ)(Romantic Time by Fastnet Rock) 2018;
26 Sep 2026, 1st Dawson JC Taroom Cup 1400m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $220000

Vadamos : Dougal McKeen (NZ)(Katie McKeen by Keeninsky) 2019;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Mount Gambier RC Scott Group of Companies H. 1400m

Wrote : Lafont (NZ)(Paulette by Keeper) 2021;
23 Sep 2026, 1st Gawler & Barossa JC Magain Fielke Real Estate P. 2100m
Sold by Cambria Park at National Weanling Sale for $16000


HONG KONG
Hellbent : Happy Smile (NZ)(Fibbers by Savabeel) 2022;
23 Sep 2026, 1st HKJC Hong Kong Country Club Cup 1650m
Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $150000
Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $100000

Swiss Ace : Mallister - Danica's Choice (H.K.) (NZ)(Snowfall by Postponed) 2021;
23 Sep 2026, 1st HKJC Mount Butler H. 1200m

U S Navy Flag : Fortunate Son (NZ)(Pinstripe by Pins) 2020;
23 Sep 2026, 1st HKJC Tai Hang H. 1800m
Sold by Curraghmore at Ready to Run Sale for $70000


MALAYSIA
Exceedance : Sabah Legend (NZ)(Lady Primrose by More Than Ready) 2021;
20 Sep 2026, 1st Perak TC Novice H. 1200m


SOUTH AFRICA
Almanzor : One Eye on Dubai (NZ)(Applegate by Exceed and Excel) 2023;
22 Sep 2026, 1st Vaal TC Play Soccer Maiden P. 2000m
Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $240000