NZ Racing and Breeding News – 09 February 2026
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Waller ramps up Joliestar’s Royal Ascot assault
Champion trainer Chris Waller will this week ramp up Joliestar’s (Zoustar) assault on the Gr.1 The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on June 20, with the five-time Group One heroine to contest a jumpout down the straight at Flemington on Friday. Joliestar hasn’t
Desert Lightning poised to strike again
The recent run of veterans winning the elite sprint races has emboldened trainer Peter Moody to chase Saturday’s Gr.1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm with Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai). Moody and training partner Katherine Coleman initially had the last start Gr.1 Goodwood winner aiming
The champ is back
West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) showed his champion qualities at Te Rapa on Sunday when he chased down runaway leader Whiskey Tango to score his first win in 20 months in the Waikato Hunt Cup (3900m). The Mark Oulaghan-trained 10-year-old has an unblemished record at the Hamilton track, winning
Squire on track for Waikato Hurdle
Peter and Jessica Brosnan could be in for an exciting winter with Squire (NZ) (Savile Row) following his impressive victory in the Sal’s Pizza Hamilton Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa on Sunday. The son of Savile Row had shown plenty of ability over hurdles last year, winning his maiden