Racing
With a successful defence of his title in Saturday’s A$1 million The Illawarra Mercury Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange, Kiwi-bred marvel Gringotts has now won five races worth $1 million or more within the space of barely a year. The Per Incanto gelding’s back-to-back victories in The
Racing
A bold move before the home turn carried Kiwi-bred gelding Regal Lion to victory in Saturday’s A$130,000 John Duff & Co The Lester (2025m) at Cranbourne. Previously a Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) winner and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) placegetter, Regal Lion headed into Saturday’s
Racing
Comeback jockey Elen Nicholas took her career to its greatest heights yet with a masterful ride aboard Final Return (NZ) (Reliable Man) to take out the Gr.3 MyRacehorse Counties Cup (2100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. A horror run of injuries has forced Nicholas to spend more time on the
Racing
Perennial black-type bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) shed that unwanted tag in outstanding fashion when she downed a quality line-up of mares in Saturday’s Gr.2 Dunstan Horsefeeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. The five-year-old daughter of Almanzor has been desperately unlucky on several occasions at
Racing
Kozzi Asano signed off his brief New Zealand homecoming with a winning treble at Pukekohe on Saturday, headed by black-type success aboard Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m). Originally from Japan, Asano arrived in New Zealand in 2017 and became champion apprentice two years
Racing
New Zealand-bred mare Grid Girl boasts a perfect two-from-two record so far as a five-year-old, having added Saturday’s A$150,000 Rosemont Stud Fillies & Mares Pendant (1400m) at Cranbourne to her first-up victory at Kyneton on November 5. Previously the winner of four of her 16 starts, the
Racing
Quality sprinter Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) showed all his fighting qualities when he dug deep to earn his ninth career win in one of the feature events at Wanganui on Saturday, the Manawatu ITM 1340. The six-year-old son of Derryn was having his first run from the Matamata stable of Peter
Racing
A professional display from speedy Otaki visitor De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan) paved the way for a decisive victory in the first stakes race on Saturday’s Pukekohe programme, the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Trainer Johno Benner trekked north with the daughter of Ardrossan, who went into the race off
Racing
Not even a wide draw can dent Bruce Wallbank’s enthusiasm at the prospects of his talented sprinter Midnight Edition in the Gr. 3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Midnight Edition came up with barrier 11 in the 16-horse field for his home-track feature, but that
Racing
The dates for NZB’s National Online Yearling Sale have been confirmed for 2026, with the Sale set to be held on leading online auction platform Gavelhouse Plus. The catalogue will be available to view online from Tuesday 31 March, with bidding set to open on Friday 10 April and
Racing
Marotiri Molly’s rise to black-type prominence has been testament to not only her talent, but also the patience of Foxton trainer Matt Dixon. She required careful handling through the early stages of her career before rising through the grades and on Saturday will attempt to add the Gr.2
Racing
Fresh off a victory over New Zealand Cup Week, Wingatui trainer Joseph Waldron is hoping to quickly add to that tally when he heads south to Ascot Park on Sunday with a couple of handy chances. Former northerner Sabrina Hall impressed when runner-up in her southern debut at her new