New Zealand
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 23 June 2025
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Racing
Australia
Protocol change makes Flemington an option for Hong Kong star
Hong Kong-based trainer David Hayes has welcomed changes to the Spring Carnival protocols announced by Racing Victoria on Monday, declaring his star galloper Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) a likely challenger for the 2026 Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) on the final day of Melbourne Cup Week. The Australian Hall
Breeding
Waikato’s Weanling Draft Showcases Stallion Stars
After a phenomenal few months for Waikato Stud’s stallion roster, the world-renowned nursery will offer six select progeny of those high-flying sires at this week’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka. Quality offerings from Waikato Stud at the National Weanling Sale are nothing new. Their previous graduates include
New Zealand
Taplin rekindles family legacy with first winner
The Taplin name has been absent from New Zealand racebooks over the past couple of years, but that all changed on Saturday at Tauranga when emerging apprentice Jack Taplin rode his first winner aboard Pacifico. Indentured to Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, Taplin had ridden Group One winner Mercurial and Group
New Zealand
Neill’s patience rewarded with maiden win
Bernie’s Ego scored a popular victory at Te Aroha on Sunday when taking out the Bottle O Maiden (1150m) for trainer and part-owner Frank Neill. The Te Awamutu horseman had been pleased with the eight-year-old son of Ego heading into the weekend, but wasn’t confident of a positive
New Zealand
Seesa makes perfect start to riding career
Expat Mauritian jockey Abhay Seesa made the perfect start to his riding career at Te Aroha on Sunday when winning the JT Carter Plumbers Amateur Riders (2200m) aboard Dancin In The Dark for his employer Ralph Manning. Seesa has been working for the Cambridge horseman for the last couple of
Australia
Grinzinger plan stays the same
Danny O’Brien had his sights on starting Grinzinger Belle (NZ) (Shamexpress) in the Gr.1 Tattersall’s Tiara Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm for some time, but he knew there was a caveat on this plan as she was to be sold at the Chairman’s Sale in May.
New Zealand
Farr closer to sentimental goal
Emily Farr made a promise to her father before his recent passing and she came closer to fulfilling that on Sunday at Te Aroha, when guiding Leitrim Lad (NZ) (Tavistock) to success in the K and R Steeplechase (3500m). A mainstay in New Zealand’s jumps jockey ranks, Farr has
New Zealand
Lord Spencer sharp in Te Aroha victory
Last year’s Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) winner Lord Spencer (NZ) (Zed) gave warning to his rivals ahead of the upcoming features with a storming victory over the shorter distance at Te Aroha on Sunday. The quirky galloper is often seen lagging at the back in his races and producing
New Zealand
Emotional winning return for Bakker
Southern apprentice Kendra Bakker made an emotional return to the winner’s circle at Riccarton Park on Saturday, riding two of the three winners prepared by her mentor, Lance Robinson. The 24-year-old commenced her apprenticeship in the North Island, before making the move to Christchurch to base with Robinson in
New Zealand
Taimate Diva digs deep for all-the-way win
After finishing second in three of her previous four starts, Taimate Diva (NZ) (Telperion) went one better at Riccarton on Saturday with a relentless front-running performance in the SVS Open Handicap (2000m). The six-year-old Telperion mare kicked off her super-consistent run of autumn and winter form with a runner-up finish
New Zealand
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 22 June 2025
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