Racing
Late bloomer Jethro Tull sparked another family celebration when he doubled his winning tally at Te Rapa. He is trained by Brent Gillovic, who bred and races him with son Kurtis and their patience was further rewarded with a game front-running victory over 1200 metres, his second on the Hamilton
Racing
Byerley Park trainers Grant Cooksley and Bruce Wallace had a strong representation in Saturday’s star-studded 1000m trial at Te Rapa, and they are hoping a big spring is instore for their quartet of triallers. Sacred Satono was the first stable runner home, running third behind trial winner Alabama Lass,
Racing
A decision to bypass the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago paid dividends for the connections of Pride Of Aspen on Sunday, as the mare went three in a row in the Free Court (2100m) at Hawera. The seven-year-old was prepared for the majority of her career by
Racing
Group One performer Faraglioni recorded one of her biggest moments on the track when runner-up in last year’s Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), but she won’t feature in the renamed Proisir Plate at Ellerslie next month. The now seven-year-old daughter of El Roca has been retired to the
Racing
Trainer Ken Kelso was wearing a wide smile as he left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday afternoon after witnessing his two stable stars provide him with suitable evidence they are both on target to kick off their Spring campaigns in fine fashion. He and wife Bev lined up Alabama Lass
Racing
Veteran hurdler Suliman turned back the clock to his former glory days when he proved toughest in a four-horse war at the finish of the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m) at Riccarton. The twelve-year-old gelding has both an Awapuni Hurdles (2800m) and Wellington Hurdle (3400m) under his belt
Racing
CCaley Myers has been a frequent visitor to Riccarton Park’s Grand National Festival of Racing, campaigning her father Kevin Myers’ team, but on Saturday it was her name in the result sheet as a winning trainer, courtesy of Duke Of Plumpton (NZ) (Bachelor Duke). The veteran campaigner was previously
Racing
It proved to be a long but fruitful day for Kelly Myers on Friday, with the now Central Districts-based hoop riding home Above The Clouds to win the $100,000 TAB Polytrack Championship (2000m) at Cambridge for local trainer Ralph Manning. Above The Clouds did it tough from her wide
Racing
Rangiora mare Ears Back (NZ) (Jakkalberry) added an all-important black-type success to her record in the autumn, and her trainer John Blackadder has designs on another fruitful campaign this spring. The Jakkalberry seven-year-old defeated the likes of Belardo Boy and Bradman to take out the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m)
Racing
Savabeel gelding Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) has been in a purple patch of form of late, and weight-for-age assignments could be in the offing for the five-year-old if he continues his impressive form line on Saturday. Bred and raced by Milan Park principal Tony Rider, Force Of Nature has
Racing
Matt Cartwright is back on Kiwi soil and he has made an instant impact on his return, riding home two winners from just nine rides in the past week. The 22-year-old Australian hoop moved across the Tasman last year to further his riding career, and he was rapt with his
Racing
Mark Oulaghan is hoping the extreme distance of Saturday’s Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) will play into the hands of West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu), as his champion jumper attempts to rewrite the history books at Riccarton Park. The adored 10-year-old has won