Newsletter
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 03 August 2025
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New Zealand
Racing
Central Districts raiders dominate Winter Cup finish
Runners from the Central Districts of the North Island dominated proceedings in Saturday’s 128th running of the Group 3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) as veteran galloper Chase (NZ) (Zed) produced a resolute finish on the inner to claim victory ahead of lightweight Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood), 2024
Racing
Jesko triumphs in Koral Steeplechase
Steeplechasing sensation Jesko (NZ) (Atlante) made his debut over the big Riccarton fences a winning one when he triumphed in a three-way finish to Saturday’s Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Koral Steeplechase (4250m). Unbeaten in his three steeplechase events to date, including victory in the Wellington Steeplechase (4900m)
Racing
Sydenham satisfaction for Dictation
Exciting jumper Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) exacted a large measure of revenge for a costly last fence blunder twelve months ago when he dashed away with Saturday’s Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) at Riccarton. The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-prepared eight-year-old had the 2024 version of
Racing
Grays hunting local riches
Local trainers Kevin and Stephen Gray will head to Awapuni on Sunday with a spring in their step as they get set to line-up two live chances in the $100,000 Japac Homes Polytrack Championship (1400m). Exciting sprinter Cosentino will be the leading light for the stable, having won
Racing
Vance commences training career
It’s been a whirlwind last few years for Maija Vance, and the former jockey is taking the next step in that journey after joining her partner, Josh King, in a training partnership this week. Vance won 94 races in the saddle in New Zealand before she was involved in
Racing
New challenge for Fannin at National week
Shaun Fannin has spent plenty of time in the winner’s circle during the Grand National Festival of Racing, and this year’s carnival presents an entirely new challenge for the Awapuni horseman. One of the country’s top jumps jockeys for the better part of a decade, Fannin has
Racing
Stakes target in mind for pacy sort
Young speed merchant Love The Sort will be on trial on Saturday for a return visit to Ruakaka for an early black-type opportunity. She will make her three-year-old debut in the Ben & Nola Wortelboer Memorial (1100m) for trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, with an eye
Racing
Cup contender ageing like fine wine
Time has been a friend to a once-erratic Bradman, who will have just celebrated his eighth birthday when he tackles Saturday’s Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations 128th Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton Park. The son of Pins and champion broodmare Baggy Green, Bradman was a frequent in the
Racing
Cup plan coming to fruition for Wilsons
Earlier in the year, Bevan and Robyn Wilson mapped out a plan for three of their talented gallopers to tackle Saturday’s Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m), and despite a few challenges, the trio will each take their place in the Riccarton showpiece. Well-known for training
Racing
Tyler’s youngster one Four the future
Kelvin Tyler will be represented by young and old at the Grand National opener on Saturday at Riccarton Park, including a pair of promising juveniles stepping out at three for the first time. The aptly-named Four The Moment and Fourofus will go head-to-head in the Christchurch Casino
Racing
Industry steps up to secure the future of the Sunline Trust Scholarship
The New Zealand breeding industry has once again demonstrated its commitment to the next generation, with an outstanding fundraising result at the National Breeding Awards securing the future of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship. Held as part of the 2025 National Breeding Awards, the fundraiser raised well over six