New Zealand
The Trackside commentator internship programme continues to pay dividends for racing’s future, with Dan Fogarty stepping into a full-time role as the commentator for the Southern region. Fogarty (23) called the Southland Guineas thoroughbred meeting at Ascot Park in Invercargill on Saturday, and followed that up with the Gore
New Zealand
Aksil (NZ) (Ace High) had connections in two minds early on before time revealed the exciting three-year-old’s propensity to stay. The son of Ace High will have the opportunity to star in that role at Ellerslie on Saturday when he tackles a middle distance for the first time in
Racing
Talented staying filly Fly Zenno (NZ) (Ancient Spirit) will line up in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie, a target her connections have held close since day one. Prepared by Conor and Sarah Fahy, the scopey daughter of Ancient Spirit has finished
Racing
After having to endure another stint on the sideline in his roller-coaster career, dual premiership-winning jockey Michael McNab is looking forward to his raceday return at Ellerslie this weekend. McNab, who won back-to-back premierships in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, has been off the scene since early last September after
Racing
Major targets for two and dress rehearsals for others add up to an intriguing day’s racing for a talent-packed Wexford Stables contingent at Ellerslie on Saturday. Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott’s team is headed by Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), one the hot
Racing
Miss Twinkle (Zoustar) shined when winning her maiden at Riccarton last month and trainer Andrew Carston is hoping for a repeat performance when he returns to his local track on Wednesday with his filly. The daughter of Zoustar showed a lot of early promise when finishing runner-up to subsequent Group
Racing
The popular National Online Breeding Stock Sale is due to take place again on Gavelhouse Plus this July with dates now confirmed for the stand-alone breeding sale. Breeders will have the opportunity to offer quality broodmares as well as stallion shares and nominations at a key time ahead of the
Racing
Opawa Jack (NZ) (War Decree) prevailed in a battle of attrition in Sunday’s K9 Petfoods Ltd Wairoa Cup (2100m), carrying his 60kg impost to victory on rain-affected footing in the Waipukurau feature. The Chrissy Bambry-trained gelding jumped away well and settled outside pacemaker Just Charlie (NZ) (Zed) for jockey
Racing
Waipukurau trainer Simon Wilson enjoyed the rare luxury of racing on his home track on Sunday, and while the weather didn’t play its part, his racing team did, recording a winning double at the meeting. With remedial work taking place at both Hastings and Awapuni, Waipukurau has enjoyed a
Racing
A long and successful Waikato breeding partnership was to the fore again at Matamata on Saturday where My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) doubled her stakes tally. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained mare made all the running in the hands of Rory Hutchings for a comfortable resuming victory
Racing
With the weather closing in again towards the tail end of a memorable Matamata Breeders’ Stakes day, it was left to durable stayer Diamond Jak (NZ)(Jakkalberry) to add some further sparkle to proceedings as he bolted away with the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m). The enigmatic seven-year-old
Racing
Trainer Sophie Price put aside her regular Clerk of the Course duties at Invercargill on Saturday to watch her promising three-year-old filly Hello Hayley (NZ)(Hello Youmzain) take out the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m) at Ascot Park on Saturday. Price, who prepares a small team from