Racing
New Zealand Cup contender Unleash The Beast (NZ) (Eminent) continues to surprise trainer Kenny Moore as the progressive stayer builds towards his major spring target at Riccarton. The Rangiora-trained five-year-old has provided Moore and his connections with his share of challenges during his 24-start career, but
Racing
With the return of the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) to Hastings on Saturday, Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin can’t help but reminisce about his former star mare Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) and her three-peat in the race. The daughter of Commands had a love affair with
Racing
Shaune Ritchie couldn’t be happier with race favourite Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) ahead of the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Hastings on Saturday. The Group One performer was fifth when first up in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie three weeks ago and he has thrived
Racing
A pair of highly regarded debut winners will bid to further their records this weekend for Bill Thurlow, with the younger of the duo out to add serious momentum to his bid for elite age group honours. The Waverley trainer will be represented by Old Fashioned (NZ) (Proisir) in Saturday’
Racing
Jamie Beatson had to dig deeper than intended to secure a son of Ole Kirk last year, but topping up his budget proved to be a wise and lucrative move. Under his and wife Chanel’s Ohukia Lodge banner, he paid A$180,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling
Racing
Champion New Zealand apprentice jockey Amber Riddell is testing the waters in Australia over the next three months, with hopes of making the move permanent by Christmas. Formerly based in Palmerston North, where she was apprenticed to Lisa Latta, Riddell had a season to remember last term, winning 80 races,
Racing
Rising age group star Blind Raise (NZ) (Ace High) continues to add further honours to his already decorated family. The Oaks Stud-bred and sold three-year-old landed top honours in Saturday’s Gr.3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) to now share favouritism for the upcoming Gr.1 Caulfield
Racing
Hannah Wilson finished her time as an amateur jockey in the best possible fashion at Te Aroha on Sunday when winning the Duke of Gloucester Cup (2200m), and ultimately the Race Images-sponsored 2026 Amateur Rider Series. The 23-year-old hoop was sitting two points behind series leader Monique
Racing
Christmas (Palace Episode) has come early for Australian trainer Paul Preusker after his horse, which bears the same name, took out the Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha on Sunday. Preusker bought the now 10-year-old gelding out of France several years
Racing
Rejuvenated galloper Knock Off (NZ) (Fabolous) proved too tough for his rivals in the Trentham mud as he dominated proceedings from the front to capture the Gr.3 Hunterville Vet Club Metric Mile (1600m) on Saturday. Trainer Gerard Cvitanovich has played the patient game with the seven-year-old and
Racing
Te Akau Racing unleashed one of their leading candidates for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November when System Of Play (Ole Kirk) made short work of his rivals at Ellerslie on Saturday. The unbeaten colt, who had won his only
Racing
The Kevin Myers-trained Quid was rewarded for his consistency when taking out the J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdles (4200m) at Te Aroha on Friday. The eight-year-old son of Rios finished runner-up in the last two editions of the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) and was runner-