Two Honours for Invincible Ibis at Hong Kong’s Champion Awards
Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner and NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate Invincible Ibis (Hellbent) earned two accolades during the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards at the Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong on Friday evening.
Bought by Mark Newnham Bloodstock for $425,000 from Kilgravin Lodge's 2023 Ready to Run Sale draft at Karaka, Invincible Ibis was named Champion Four-Year-Old of the 2025-26 season.
Having improved his rating from 55 to 112 during his breakthrough campaign, he was also named the season’s Most Improved Horse.
Invincible Ibis contributed to a strong New Zealand flavour among the Hong Kong Champion Awards, with the world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) also earning two accolades. He was named Champion Sprinter and shared the coveted Horse of the Year title with Romantic Warrior (Acclamation).
Invincible Ibis is trained by Mark Newnham and had nine starts during the 2025-26 season for five wins and two placings.
The highlight of his season was undoubtedly his sparkling Hong Kong Derby victory, in which he set a new race record with his time of 1:59.43.
He also stepped up to Group One level for the first time in his career and finished a commendable fourth in the Champions Mile (1600m).
Invincible Ibis earned HK$24.1m during the 2025-26 season, which is the equivalent of around NZ$5.3m – more than 12 times his purchase price at the Ready to Run Sale.
The 2026 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 November with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 October.
The results of this exceptional Sale continue to reach new heights both on the racetrack and in the sale ring. We have seen three consecutive record-breaking editions, with the 2025 Sale delivering increases across all key sale indicators. The aggregate climbed to a record $41.4 million, alongside a record median of $100,000 and a record average of $156,255.
The results in the ring have grown rapidly year-on-year, with the aggregate rising 74% over seven years – from $23.8 million in 2019 to $41.4 million in 2025. The average has also lifted 70% over the same period, from $91,772 to $156,255. And despite a larger catalogue, NZB’s Ready to Run Sale has maintained an average clearance rate of 75% over the last seven years. The Sale’s closest rival has cleared an average of 67% in that time, despite a much smaller catalogue.
Entries for the Sale are open now and close at 5pm on Friday 31 July. To nominate your rising two-year-olds for the 2026 Ready to Run Sale, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz. For portal enquiries, contact NZB’s Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey (+64 9 298 0055 or email maryjane.harvey@nzb.co.nz). - New Zealand Bloodstock
Family continues to add to impressive tally
Darrell Hollinshead starred in three roles over the weekend with a treble of closely related winners.
The Te Awamutu horseman co-bred, part-owned and trained Hawera victors Digger (NZ) (Redwood) and Pointer (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) and the following day at Woodville celebrated the victory of homebred Bak De Ace (NZ) (Ace High), who is prepared at Wanganui by Jo Rathbone.
The trio’s respective dams are half-sisters Riverina Girl (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe), Bak Da Chief (NZ) (Chief Bearhart) and Bak Da Princess (NZ) (Danske), with their mother the Bakharoff mare Havitbak (NZ).
By Chief Bearhart, Bak Da Chief was a talented mare who was successful on five occasions, including an edition of the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m).
At stud, she has most notably produced two-time Group One winner Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) (Chipping Norton Stakes, 1600m, Waikato Sprint, 1400m) while this season’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) and Listed Southland Guineas (1400m) winner Hello Hayley (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) is another member of the family.
Bak Da Princess is the dam of the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) winner Pondarosa Miss (NZ) (High Chaparral) and her brother Ecuador (NZ) (High Chaparral) was a multiple Listed winner and top-flight placegetter.
The daughter of Danske is also the granddam of two-year-old debut winner Honour Roll (NZ) (Savabeel), who finished fourth in last Friday’s Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m).
“Bak Da Chief and Bak Da Princess are retired now and they’ve both been great mares,” Hollinshead said.
Between them, they have produced 20 individual winners while Riverina Girl has left a further seven.
“Bak De Chief has got a Circus Maximus yearling colt, he’s the last one,” Hollinshead said.
“Bak Da Princess has got a two-year-old colt by Ace High, and we’ve put together a syndicate to race him. He’s going down to be trained by Allan Sharrock.
“There’s also an Ace High yearling and he’s probably one of the nicest individuals she’s left.
“We unfortunately lost Riverina Girl, her last one is a yearling filly by Armory.”
Hollinshead was expecting Digger to go close at Hawera and he duly posted the third victory of his career, but Pointer’s third win came as a pleasant surprise.
“It was a very enjoyable weekend, we expected Digger to go well and we had sent the other girl away to jump but she didn’t want to jump,” Hollinshead said.
“She’s come back and seems to be putting in more of an effort on the flat now.”
Bak De Ace was making his sixth appearance when successful at Woodville off the back of an eye-catching fourth when resuming at Waverley. - Paul Vettise
Hassman has day to remember at Ruakaka
Apprentice jockey Hayley Hassman had a day to remember at Ruakaka on Saturday, where she rode a winning treble, the second of her career.
“It was great to get those three wins and to do it for three small trainers was pretty sweet,” Hassman said.
The Matamata rider kicked off the day riding home Cowboy to record the first win for Cambridge trainers Maija Vance and Josh King, before striking again in the following race for Maija’s parents, Bob and Jenny Vance, aboard Nicconi County, and later on the day she took out the meeting’s feature, the Whangarei Gold Cup (2100m), aboard the Wayne Hillis and Reece Cole-trained Drop Of Something.
“That was a really dominant performance by Cowboy,” Hassman said. “He has always been there or thereabouts, he just hasn’t had the best of luck, but he put things together really nicely and he should go on with it.
“Nicconi County has always been up to that grade but he just over raced quite a bit in his past. The drop back to 65 grade got his confidence up and then he put away a 75 field quite nicely. He is a beautiful ride now and put things together well.
“It was so cool to ride Drop Of Something. Wayne is actually my landlord and he is always trying to book me and he finally got me, so it was really cool to get a win for him.
“I am going to ride him in the Taumarunui Cup, so it is great that I get to stick with him. He is another game horse.”
The treble brought Hassman’s season tally to 51 wins, drawing level with Sam McNab in third place on the apprentice jockey’s premiership, with Amber Riddell sitting at the top of the standings on 76 wins, with Elen Nicholas in second place with 59 wins.
All things considered, Hassman is pleased to be in her current position in her first season of riding in the professional ranks.
“I have spent a lot of time on the sideline with suspension and the injury from the Te Rapa fall, so to bounce back and get 50 wins in my first full season is a pretty cool feeling,” she said.
Hassman is hoping to add to her tally at Avondale on Wednesday, and she is particularly looking forward to riding Gin And Bare It in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 3YOF (1200m), with the filly having won one and finished runner-up in two of her three starts to date.
“I am on Gin And Bare It of Kylie Fawcett’s, unfortunately Joe (Nishizuka, regular rider) got suspended but I am happy that she chose me to take his place on Wednesday, she looks like an exciting horse going forward.
“It is quite a nice race for her and the field is not overly strong, but competitive enough for her.”
Hassman is also looking forward to trekking south to New Plymouth on Saturday where she is excited to reunite with the Kim Reid-trained Hi Yo Fox Rox, who she won on at Wanganui last month.
“I won on her last start and she is going to a nice race this weekend,” Hassman said. “I am looking forward to sticking with her.” - Joshua Smith
Joshua Smith
New Zealand Bloodstock
NZ Stallion Awards
The Centaine Award
Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide.
The Dewar Stallion Trophy
Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand.
The Grosvenor Award
Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand.
NZ BRED WINNERS
HAPPY UNITED (NZ) 2019 by Sweynesse (AUS) out of Light Mozart (GB) by Mozart (IRE); Breeder: R A Craddock; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Kick Off H. 1000m.; Sale: 2020 National Weanling Sale V: Brighthill Farm $11500 P: Mr RR Philp
THE PERFECT MATCH (NZ) 2020 by Complacent (AUS) out of Thunderchine (AUS) by Thunder Gulch (USA); Breeder: Simms Davison; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Goal H. 1200m.
KHAO MANEE (NZ) 2017 by Remind (USA) out of Criquette by Forensic Evidence (IRE); Breeder: Ms D Clark & M G Gordon; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5B H. 1400; Sale: 2019 National Yearling Sale – Book 3 V: Long Acres Stud $5000 P: Warrior Stables
NAUGHTY KID (MY) Gus The Maverick (NZ) 2016 by Shamexpress out of Hollywood Angel (AUS) by Dehere (USA); Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax & Goldeye Trust; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5B H. 1400; Sale: 2018 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Blandford Lodge $50000 P: Paul Moroney Bloodstock; 2020 Gavelhouse November Sale V: Mike Moroney $8000 P: Godelyn Rufin
ANJOU CROWN (MY) Bendrodt (NZ) 2021 by Exceed And Excel (AUS) out of Shadow Watch (AUS) by So You Think; Breeder: Milburn Creek Stud; NZ: Race: Selangor TC Class 2 H. 1600
FORTUNE MAGIC (MY) Moonwalk (NZ) by Savabeel (AUS) out of Tiptoes by Pins (AUS); Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ: Race: Selangor TC Maiden 1200; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Waikato Stud Ltd $120000 P: Mr PA Pertab
DOUBLE BINGO (NZ) 2020 by Charm Spirit (IRE) out of Estrela Flicka by O'Reilly; Breeder: Ms S Woodcock; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Mr Award H. 1400m.
RISING PHOENIX (NZ) 2021 by Darci Brahma out of Flying Firebird by Stravinsky (USA); Breeder: The Oaks Stud; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Medic Kingdom H. 1400m.
QUEEN OF STAR (MY) Little Warrior (NZ) 2021 by Vespa out of Hineni by Alamosa; Breeder: Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd; Canterbury; NZ; Race: Perak TC Maiden 1100; Sale: 2023 National Online Yearling Sale V: Hedwood Thoroughbreds $5500 P: Dean Wiles
BLACK THORN (NZ) 2013 by Redwood (GB) out of Veva Girl (AUS) by Fastnet Rock (AUS); Breeder: G Harvey & Whangateau Thoroughbreds Ltd; NZ; Race: Perak TC Class 5A H. 1400; Sale: 2015 Ready To Run Sale V: Westbury Stud $6000 P: Mr IR McKean
HEAVENLY WARRIOR (MY) Figopumpkin (NZ) 2021 by Ribchester (IRE) out of Qiji Sunlight by Medaglia D’Oro (USA); Breeder: Haunui Bloodstock Ltd; Auckland; NZ; Race: Perak TC Cosmo C. 1400
GOLDEN CUP (NZ) 2018 by Turn Me Loose out of Anniesstar by Zed; Breeder: Mrs C A & P M Algie & Little Avondale Trust; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400; Sale: 2020 National Yearling Sale – Book 2 V: Little Avondale Stud $6000 P: Everest Racing
Global NZ-bred winners
2026-07-04 / 2026-07-11
AUSTRALIA
Ace High : Garnacho (NZ) (Aplomb by One Cool Cat) 2021;
09 Jul 2026, 1st Sale TC Rising Stars H. 1746m
Belardo : Prickly Poppy (NZ) (Mojave Aster by Zabeel) 2018;
11 Jul 2026, 1st SAJC M & J Chickens H. 2294m
Bivouac : Cellarmaster (NZ) (Moet Belle by Tavistock) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Winx Guineas Gr.3 1600m
Castelvecchio : Brillantezza (NZ) (Kristalove by Tavistock) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Mahogany Final H. 2500m
Complacent : Parvati Party (NZ) (Parvati by Savabeel) 2019;
08 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Membership Made of Moments H. 2125m
Sold by KB Bloodstock at Ready to Run Sale for $85000
Contributer : Conducive (NZ) (Astardia by Starcraft) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st WATC Happy 60th Birthday Tim Helfer H. 1300m
Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $130000
El Roca : Aroha Stone (NZ) (Luminescent by Makfi) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st ATC TAB H. 1400m
Sold by Westbury Stud at National Yearling Sale for $25000
Embellish : Flashlight (NZ) (Flare by No Excuse Needed) 2020;5 Jul 2026, 1st Casterton RC E-Cycle Solutions Maiden Hurdle 3500m
Epaulette : Romantic Bubble (NZ) (Actressa by Denman) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Rockhampton JC Greensteel Claude Green Memorial H. 1200m
Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $35000
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Weanling Sale for $10000
Ghibellines : First Chorus (NZ) (Broadway Miss by O'Reilly) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1700m
Hello Youmzain : Opetaia - Cruiserweight (Aus) (NZ) (Medal O'Rose by Medaglia d'Oro) 2022;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1400m
Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $40000
Hello Youmzain : Hello Captain (NZ) (Steer by the Stars by Pivotal) 2022;4 Jul 2026, 1st ATC Find Your Stakes Winner at the Chase H. 1300m
Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $425000
Jakkalberry : Detonator Jack (NZ) (Red Delicious by No Excuse Needed) 2018;
04 Jul 2026, 1st VRC Winter Championship Final L 1600m
Jon Snow : Jonson (NZ) (Norah by Gallant Guru) 2021;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Wyong RC Pre-Training at Domeland H. 1600m
Ocean Park : The Charlatan (NZ) (Guessed by Snippetson) 2021;
06 Jul 2026, 1st Wangaratta TC Perth and Houston Memorial Maiden P. 1590m
Sold by Wentwood Grange at National Yearling Sale for $140000
Ocean Park : Ocean's Jen (NZ) (Really Reputable by O'Reilly) 2017;04 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Solis Real Estate H. 1300m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at Karaka May Sale for $32000
Ocean Park : Farraige (NZ) (Laurelling by Highest Honor) 2020;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Port Macquarie RC Rheem H. 1808m
Ocean Park : Olympic Park (NZ) (Sacred Rhythm by Pentire) 2021;
04 Jul 2026, 1st WATC Think Pink Hope Heels and Horses H. 1400m
Per Incanto : Mahershala (NZ) (Celeris by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2022;
08 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1200m
Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $255000
Power : Melissa Kate (NZ) (Elizabeth Kay by Pentire) 2016;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Casterton RC Sandford Football Netball Club H. 1100m
Proisir : Omnic (NZ) (Zanyetta by Tavistock) 2021;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Bendigo JC Memberships on Sale H. 1500m
Sold by Highden Park at National Yearling Sale for $120000
Proisir : Leovanni (NZ) (Amparo by Colombia) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st ATC TAB Highway P. 1600m
Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $210000
Proisir : Coeur Volante (NZ) (Shanina by Testa Rossa) 2020;
11 Jul 2026, 1st MRC Sportsbet H. 1400m
Sold by Prima Park at National Yearling Sale for $90000
Rageese : The Girl's Boy (NZ) (Cash in Transit by Snitzel) 2019;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Frontier Hotel and Punters Bar H. 1300m
Redwood : Thebudgiesmugla (NZ) (Hot Pants by Keeper) 2020;
04 Jul 2026, 1st SCTC Caloundra Cup L 2400m
Redwood : Jimmy Beans (NZ) (La Parfaite by Dehere) 2022;
09 Jul 2026, 1st Sale TC Ladbrokes Maiden P. 1429m
Savabeel : Savienne (NZ) (Style by Design by Iffraaj) 2022;
09 Jul 2026, 1st Northam RC Christmas in July Maiden P. 2200m
Savabeel : Fields of Courage (NZ) (Pander by O'Reilly) 2020;
08 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Chris Williams Jewellers H. 1600m
Super Seth : My Bonnie Lassie (NZ) (Bonniegirl by Darci Brahma) 2022;
06 Jul 2026, 1st Wangaratta TC Pacific Hire Maiden P. 1000m
Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $110000
Super Seth : Bollon (NZ) (Aura d'Oro by Medaglia d'Oro) 2021;
11 Jul 2026, 1st Darwin TC Territory Isuzu H. 1600m
Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $260000
Sweynesse : Swexan (NZ) (Dare to Compare by Jakkalberry) 2021;
10 Jul 2026, 1st Carnarvon RC Cleaners H. 1200m
The Bold One : Brave Star (NZ) (Kai Iwi Lass by Al Akbar) 2017;
04 Jul 2026, 1st Murray Bridge RC Golden Grove Tavern H. 1600m
Time Test : Moussaka (NZ) (Miss Hoi Polloi by Towkay) 2021;
08 Jul 2026, 1st SAJC Winning Edge Presentations P. 2028m
Zed : Zetheros (NZ) (Silver Cloud by Testa Rossa) 2022;
07 Jul 2026, 1st Ballarat TC Hygain Edge H. 1400m
Sold by Grangewilliam Stud at National Yearling Sale for $20000
HONG KONG
Complacent : The Perfect Match (NZ) (Thunderchine by Thunder Gulch) 2020;
08 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Goal H. 1200m
Deep Field : Rising Force (NZ) (On the Que Tee by Sebring) 2021;
04 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Li Cup 1200m
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $75000
Per Incanto : Healthy Healthy (NZ) (Spritz by Thorn Park) 2019;
04 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Stevenson Cup 1200m
Sold by Beaufort Downs Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $160000
Super Seth : Victor Supreme (NZ) (Collay by Makfi) 2022;
04 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Ip Jug H. 1800m
Sold by Elsdon Park at National Yearling Sale for $340000
Sweynesse : Happy United (NZ) (Light Mozart by Mozart) 2019;
08 Jul 2026, 1st HKJC Kick Off H. 1000m
Sold by Brighthill Farm at National Weanling Sale for $11500
MALAYSIA
Complacent : Dontellmywife (NZ) (Shelly Bee by Pentire) 2021;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1200m
Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $55000
Ocean Park : Mega Skye (NZ) (Legs by Pins) 2022;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1400m
Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $65000
Sweynesse : Swey City Flyer (NZ) (Cape City Flyer by Volksraad) 2022;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 5 H. 1500m
Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $45000
Sold by Windsor Park Stud at National Yearling Sale for $45000
Ten Sovereigns : Speedy Samurai (NZ) (Buymore by Zabeel) 2021;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1020m
Sold by BMD Bloodstock Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $75000
Sold by Valachi Downs at National Weanling Sale for $12500
Vespa : Flying Nemo (NZ) (Hineni by Alamosa) 2019;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 4 H. 1400m
Sold by Hedwood Thoroughbreds Ltd at National Online Yearling Sale for $7000
Vespa : Cavani - Cool Sixty-One (Sing.) (NZ) (Marie Doree by River Bay) 2018;
05 Jul 2026, 1st Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1300m
