The record-breaking run by (Our) Big Mike to win Saturday’s rich Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) has provided a watershed moment for trainer Craig Phelan and his family. Speaking on behalf of his father, son Shaun was still trying to come to terms with what
Top Te Aroha galloper Hiflyer will take an unorthodox path to the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. Hiflyer has been set for the major sprint since being put aside for a spell following his sixth to Melody Belle and Savvy Coup
Outsider Dee And Gee, pictured, stunned the Riccarton crowd on Saturday as she registered her biggest career victory when winning the Listed Redwood Metropolitan Trophy (2500m). The five-year-old Darci Brahma mare defied her rivals all the way down the lo
Some exciting young talent was unearthed at Otaki today. Sentimental Miss and Atlanta Peach looked a pair with bright futures. His apprentice days behind him, Tim Johnson (pictured) rode like an old pro to get Sentimental Miss home with a whirlwind fini
Victorian jockey Ben Melham will be aboard popular stayer Who Shot Thebarman when the 10-year-old runs in his fourth Melbourne Cup next Tuesday. Melham replaces Tye Angland, who’s committed to Ace High. NZ-owned Who Shot Thebarman bounced back to form l
Classy New Zealand racemare Savvy Coup, pictured, will start from barrier five in Saturday’s Cox Plate, one inside champion racemare Winx. A total of eight starters will contest the A$5m Group One race. At today’s draw, connections of each of
A year ago Peso, pictured, won a $23,000 R65 race at Rotorua. Twelve months later he returned to Arawa Park today to win the $50,000 Jakkalberry Classic. That’s what you call progress. From the one gate, Rosie Myers gave Peso a calm ride, made h
Veteran Wanganui trainer Evan Rayner, pictured, wasn’t going to renew his trainer’s licence this season. But there he was at the track today, doing what he’s done for decades, applying the spit and polish to his team. Meanwhile, traini
With less than a week until the gates open for this years A$5m Caulfield Cup (2400m), Kiwi contender Jon Snow is ready to tackle the slew of international raiders set to contest the event. The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman prepared five-year-old has mad
By Phillip Quay The highest-rated runner in the field, Deals In Heels, duly obliged in the $50,000 Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup to score her first black-type win. Trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Deals In Heels scored nicely by half-a-len
By Glenn Watson Bill Thurlow didn’t need any more convincing after Glory Days won over a mile today. The Waverley horseman will now study the calendar for a suitable launching pad for a staying career. “She’s much stronger and tractabl
Breeze Ups for New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds will take place next week on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 October with each day commencing at 10am. View the Breeze Ups schedule here. Held at Te Rapa Racecourse over two days, there
By Phillip Quay Don’t be surprised if regally-bred Darscape Princess, pictured, runs a bold race in the Gr. 3 $80,000 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday. She was one of the big improvers in the Central Distr
Talented sprinter Julius prepared for a return to racing in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua on Saturday week with an exhibition gallop at Taupo on Wednesday under regular rider Jason Waddell. “He feels good,” Waddell said. “He is a bit
By Phillip Quay Heavyweight jockey Opie Bosson, pictured, returned to the winners’ circle in great style when successful aboard Terra Firma at today’s Taupo Racing Club meeting at Taupo. Bosson returned to the racing scene at the Hawke’s
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh will be hoping that Ugo Foscolo can recapture his black-type form in the Gr.3 Red Badge Sprint (1400m) at Hastings on Saturday. The Group One-winning son of Zacinto ran third fresh-up over 1200m at Ruakaka last month before
Johno Benner has no doubt he is taking a horse to the races capable of winning Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings. Benner and his partner Holly Wynyard will saddle Scott Base and Wyndspelle for the weight-for-age feature, confident the
Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams will take three horses north to Ruakaka on Wednesday in the hope of recording their maiden victories. Promising three-year-old debutant Jip Jip Rock has pleased her trainers with her three trials to dat
A wide gate could delay the return of unbeaten filly Media Sensation. South Auckland trainer Peter Williams has labelled the filly a doubtful starter for Saturday’s The Auckland Alarms 3YO (1200m) at Avondale after she drew the outside barrier of 11
