Racing
Trans-Tasman syndicators Te Akau Racing wasted little time in opening their account for the 2026-27 season, with their very first runner Stage ‘N’ Screen (NZ) (Ace High) capturing the A$130,000 Horses’ Birthday Handicap (1410m) at Flemington on Saturday. The daughter of Ace High trialled three times
Racing
The new season got off to a perfect start for New Zealand syndicator Matthew Corban’s Inspire Racing, whose maroon and white colours were carried to a smart win by Attractiveness (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) in Sydney’s first race of 2026-27. Saturday’s A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1400m)
Racing
Fledgling jumper Affordable (Hardham) opened the time-honoured Winter Carnival at Riccarton with a comprehensive performance to take out the first of the jumping features, the Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles (3100m). Having just his sixth start for trainer and part-owner Jo Rathbone and only his third over hurdles,
Racing
Lord Spencer’s (NZ) (Zed) rise in the steeplechasing role continued at Riccarton Park on Saturday, producing a foot-perfect performance to take out the Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge Koral Steeplechase (4250m). The JJ Rayner-trained gelding is a former Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) winner and while he was
Racing
Awapuni trainer Mike Breslin finished the season on a high at his home synthetic meeting on Friday when recording a winning double, including Kereti (NZ) (Darci Brahma) taking out the $60,000 Power Farming Manawatu Awapuni Synthetic Final (1400m). The Darci Brahma gelding has been in solid form, winning two
Racing
The Ciaron Maher stable is banking on race fitness giving Fancify (NZ) (Niagara) an edge when she lines up in a Stakes race at Flemington. Fancify tackles eight opponents in the Gr.3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) on Saturday, the first Stakes race of the new racing season.
Racing
Entries for NZB’s 2026 Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs closes today via the NZB Portal, with the Sale set to be held at the Karaka Sales Centre on 18 and 19 November. This year’s Breeze Ups are set to take place on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13
Racing
Billy Boy (So You Think) spearheads a strong line-up for Jo Rathbone at Riccarton where he will chase another prestige jumping title on Saturday. The two-time Wellington Hurdles (3200m) winner will take aim at the Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) ahead of a crack at the Hospitality
Racing
Matamata jockey Craig Grylls has dominated New Zealand’s riding ranks once again this season and has retained his National Jockeys’ Premiership crown. The 36-year-old hoop was a runaway leader in last season’s premiership and proved it again this term, posting 140 victories, 47 wins ahead of
Australia
With brother Jason not riding at Rosehill, there will be no family squabbles over Alysha Collett getting the nod to partner Bold Mac (NZ) (The Bold One) for their father and Warwick Farm trainer, Richard. But she will be on notice to be at her best aboard the rising nine-
Racing
Shockletz (NZ) (Shocking) runs in the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m) on Saturday as a lead-up to the first of two upcoming qualifying races for the Melbourne Cup. The Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on September 12 followed by the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October
Racing
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has appointed Paul Humphries as Chairman from 1 August until the Annual General Meeting in November, succeeding Russell Warwick, who steps down from the role at the end of July. Humphries has extensive racing, governance and commercial experience. Raised in a racing family,