jack

Ze plot so far, as it begins to thicken
Big Kahunas W3       MEETING RACE # HORSE TIPSTER Te Rapa 5 Willit Pak Star Te Rapa 6 Elle McFab rdytdy Te Rapa 6 Ridgeview Vicky nomates Te Rapa 7 Drop of Something Foxmerts Te Rapa 7 Solidify Double R Te Rapa 8 Waihaha Falls Catalano Te Rapa 9 Irrigate Pete Lane Te Rapa 9 Arjay's Flight Littletramp         Flemington 1 Cloisters Goodison Flemington 2 Valda Warrior Manfield Flemington 6 Detonator Jack scooby3051 Flemington 6 Bridal Waltz Blaird Flemington 7 Politely Dun Peter R S Flemington 7 Shockletz Al Feilding Flemington 8 Oh Too Good Insider Flemington 8 Red Galaxy  richie         Rosehill 1 Barking Mad Idolmite Rosehill 3 Plenitude Montydrum Rosehill 4 Smashing Time Seddon Rosehill 5 Tarpaulin MAJESTIC Rosehill 8 Cigar Flick  Kloppite Rosehill 9 Contemporary Alf Riston Rosehill 10 Cruel Summer Maximus Sunshine Coast 1 North of Eli  saynomore Sunshine Coast 3 Unfaithful jack Sunshine Coast 4 Belegato Baz (NZ) Sunshine Coast 7 Warnie Seakem Sunshine Coast 7 Sunshine Dreaming  Lucasduke Sunshine Coast 8 Hezashocka jayar

RaceInfo Meetings Meeting News Open Entry Weights – Rangitikei @ Awapuni (4/7) Meeting News
Open Entry Weights – Rangitikei @ Awapuni (4/7)
 
Open Entry synthetic track races handicapping guidelines created the potential for anomalies with topweights and is evidenced this coming Friday – Rangitikei RC @ Awapuni.
Allocating top weight is based upon recent weight carrying performances on the surface.
Island Hop (rating 79) has been assigned 61.5kgs as top weight in the R79 1400m.
He was comfortably beaten in 5th (9.10L) at his last start on the surface when assigned weight 62.0kgs. He dropped 1 point to 79. His weight for Friday aligns with this re-rating, ie. a 1 point equals 0.5kg drop.
Conversely, Jack Morrison (rating 79) has been assigned 64.5kgs.
He won his last start with an assigned 62.0kgs and received a re-rating of +5 points. He rises to 64.5kgs for Friday (5 points = 2.5kgs).
The Open Entry synthetic races are a relatively new innovation, and we are endeavoring to strike a balance between not discouraging participation of high-rating horses nor those they race against.
There are positives and negatives of the Open Entry system, but the key benefit is virtually every horse is given an opportunity to race on each raceday. For example, at the WTR @ Cambridge meeting (18/6) 30 of 132 entries would not have had a race opportunity, given programs at the corresponding meeting last year.

Seeing the way the Melbourne Cup Carnival is run compared to our "carnivals" makes us look very silly. We can't be taken seriously by the Aussies when our complete package is reminiscent of a backwater pub in the deep south.

Yesterday I was talking to a friend by chance as her dad had passed away, who was until recently involved in management of one of the bigger clubs in Australia in Melbourne.
She always wondered why Trentham and Riccarton for the big days never reached out and promoted tours or flights bringing people from Melbourne or anywhere in Australia on the East Coast to these carnivals as it’s a very short flight and an easy commute.
She also said last year she came out with her husband who was a kiwi and they arranged for 10 people to go to the Wellington cup carnival on Wellington cup day.Paid big money for tickets and packages, and thought they were gonna have a fantastic day. Their experience was horrendous poor food not allowed to go anywhere poor facilities. She then reached out to the club not a word. Nobody responded. She doesn’t give up easily so she kept contacting them. Kept calling them. In fact she called them for three weeks and finally on race day somebody answered. They then told her oh no we can’t do anything. You have to reach out to this email address they will get back in touch. Seven months later six emails not a single word from anybody and they wonder why it’s going downhill.
Lack of ideas lack of thinking outside the box. Lack of passion was what she said. She is now working in tourism and she thought what a great way to expand things before her experience.
No thinking outside the square, no marketing to new people, she said they have an under 30's club with specific areas at the club she used to manage and even on a normal Raceday this area sells out and more and more new people come to be involved, some just looking for a place to go and hang out and get dressed up.
Shame we dont have this sort of foresight here, she could not get over the difference in a Raceday experience in Oz to what she got served up here.

Not surprised at all. Best jockey in NZ.

OPIE BOSSON RETURNS FOR NEW SEASON
3 JULY, 2025
   Te Akau Racing is delighted to announce that Hall of Famer Opie Bosson ONZM, one of New Zealand’s greatest jockeys, has today confirmed that he will return to the saddle for the new racing season beginning 1 August.
Bosson stepped away from race day commitments in early 2024, having achieved a remarkable 99 Group One victories and over 2100 career wins, creating an enduring legacy few in New Zealand racing can match.
Now, after a year working closely within Te Akau Racing - both riding trackwork at our Matamata base and playing a hands-on role at Te Akau Stud - Bosson has made the decision to return, refreshed and highly motivated for the challenges ahead.
“Stepping back from raceday riding gave me the time to take stock of everything,” Bosson said. “But riding trackwork every day, working with this new crop of horses at Te Akau, and getting fitter than I’ve been in years - I’ve rediscovered how much I love it. The drive is there. I want to give it another crack. I’m serious about it.”
Bosson, who was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2023 and awarded an ONZM for services to racing, admits the spark and desire was reignited over recent months.
“We’ve (Te Akau) got a stunning team of horses coming through for the new season - one of the best I’ve seen in a long time - and being a part of their development has made me want to be there on race day too. I’m enjoying working hard on my fitness, and I’d love nothing more than to bring up Group One number 100, and beyond.”
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis CNZM said he was proud to support Bosson’s return, emphasising the dedication and professionalism he has shown during his time off the track.
“Opie has been working every day in the gym at the farm, riding trackwork, and contributing to our programme on the farm and at the stables,” Ellis said. “He’s as focused and determined as ever, and you can just see he's rejuvenated and the enthusiasm is real. He hasn’t made this decision lightly - he’s earned the right to make this comeback on his terms, and we’re right behind him.”
Ellis added: “We all know the incredible contribution Opie has made to Te Akau Racing. More than 50 Group One wins for our stable alone, six Karaka Millions' victories, iconic rides on horses like Imperatriz, Probabeel, Avantage, and Melody Belle. He’s a once-in-a-generation rider.”
Bosson 's return is not a change of heart - it's the next chapter in a truly exceptional career, driven by a deep connection to the horse, the thrill of race riding, and a passion that clearly remains undimmed.
“I understand some might be surprised by the decision,” Bosson said. “But for me, it’s come from a place of genuine passion and purpose. I’ve taken the time, I’ve done the work, and I know I’m ready. I’m coming back because I love the industry, I love the horses, and I still have goals I want to achieve - and that includes chasing Group One win number 100.”

Geez how good is she. Confident, professional. Great addition to the team 

I agree there would be a case, the club and the people in charge of the course should also have to take a hit, they never had the course closed off as it had been in previous years. Yes people make mistakes but why just the jockeys get hammered, did the stewards or the race day officials lose anything from their back pocket...I bet not....as I said plenty of blame to go around here.

Horse running racing rails are essential components of racetracks, providing safety and guidance for both horses and riders. Constructed from durable materials, these rails help prevent horses from veering off course during races, ensuring a controlled environment. They are designed to withstand the intense pressure of racing, featuring a smooth surface to minimize the risk of injury. Available in various heights and styles, racing rails can be customized to meet specific track requirements. Their visibility enhances safety for both competitors and spectators. Overall, horse running racing rails play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and excitement of horse racing events. 
 
I've been mulling this over quite a bit Michael and now I'm convinced not only should you appeal the DQ and loss of winnings, earnings etc, but also:
All travel costs incurred by associated owners, trainers etc to attend the meeting, including float fees
Training costs incurred in the lead up preparation for the race 
Furthermore, a complaint should be lodged with Workplace Health & Safety for failing to provide a safe and secure environment, with the unreplaced rail presenting a risk of injury to jockeys and horses.
 
 

I think it is has a good shot...

Maher stable have had a big opinion of this girl for a while now and that win at Flemington proved they were right.
Only her second start, first time down the straight, yet ran the fastest sectionals of the day under hands and heels riding.
Craig Williams was certainly impressed and her rating backed that up.  Blackbooker for sure…
Our sprinting ranks need fresh talent, and She's an Artist put her hand up in a big way with a highly impressive 101.5 rating win over 1100m at Flemington on Saturday. Sitting just off a genuine speed, she led the outside division down the straight, cruised into the race stylishly and hit the front at the 200m mark. When others began to slow, which invariably happens after genuine early pace, she continued to power clear with a fast final 200m to win by 3.8 lengths in clearly the best time rating of the day.
Although it came in 3YO Open Handicap grade, this performance was genuine Group 2 quality given the current sprinting landscape. Her late strength suggests 1200m will be no issue, possibly even more suitable, and to produce a 101.5 rating at just her second start marks her as a serious talent. She's an exciting filly to follow into the spring.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Happy birthday Tom one of NZ's best racecallers doing himself and his family proud in Hong Kong.
Many happy returns form all here at RaceCafe.....🍻
Keep up the good work...hope to see you back calling here one day.

Congrats to Foxmerts - highest collect in Week 1.
13 collects posted on this thread and these are the $$$ that will count towards the 10 week Big Kahuna winner.
 
Foxmerts $111.00 Reacher $95.00 Insider $59.00 Scooby $44.00 Al Feilding $31.00 Blaird $24.00 Kiwignome $24.00 Toddy $20.00 rdytdy $17.00 Pheroz $15.00 Seakem $14.00 Montydrum $12.00 Gubellini $11.00

But even comfortable old boots wear out and get holes in them.

We have the five day entries for the opening day which features three Group 1 races.
The traditional curtain raiser is the Queen Anne over the straight mile for the older horses. Eleven have been entered including the first four from last month’s Lockinge at Newbury - LEAD ARTIST, DANCING GEMINI, ROSALLION and NOTABLE SPEECH. ROSALLION is 11/4 favourite with DAMCING GEMINI and NOTABLE SPEECH at 9/2 and LEAD ARTIST at 6s and the question is whether the English and Irish 2000 Guineas winners of last year, NOTABLE SPEECH and ROSALLION, will have improved for their seasonal openers enough to pass LEAD ARTIST and DANCING GEMINI.
The Gosdens have a strong second string in Ispahan runner up SARDINIAN DIAMOND while Racecafe readers will know LAKE FOREST who won the Golden Eagle last November beating LAZZAT who is favourite for Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee.
The first big sprint of the meeting is the King Charles III over 1000m and three of the first four from last year re-oppose in the forms of the Australian ASFOORA, REGIONAL and BELIEVING. The last named is currently 4/1 favourite in a race with 26 entries and the possibility with supplementaries of a maximum 28 for a Group 1. MGHEERA comes from the Temple at Haydock but the money has been for NIGHT RAIDER from the Karl Burke yard who is 8s having been 20s a couple of days ago. He made a lot of the running in the 1200m Duke of York and the view is the drop in trip is ideal.
It’s really hard not to call the Queen Anne the race of the day as it has two Guineas winners but the St James’s Palace over the round mile for the 3-y-o colts has three. RULING COURT, the English 2000 Guineas winner who was a late scratching from last Saturday’s Derby, FIELD OF GOLD, second at Newmarket but a clear winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh and HENRI MATISSE, winner of the Poulains at Longchamp.
The three classic winners though horses like JONQUIL, SHADOW OF LIGHT, RASHABAR and OPERA BALLO are all decent types.
Final declarations on Sunday when I’ll discuss the Group 2 Coventry for the juveniles and the other three races.
Wednesday’s entries should be through tomorrow.
 

Racingoutsider - many thanks for your help.
I read widely on foreign armed conflicts.  I had seen RPG on the NZTR site and thought it was Rocket Propelled Grenade.  I erroneously thought that on the NZTR site an RPG would be a suppository for Butch Castles.

AMENDMENTS TO THE WHIP RULES (RULE 638(3)(c))
After very careful consideration, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to make some changes to the Rules regarding the use of the whip.  These changes were initiated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to try to achieve consistency with the use of the whip by Jockeys over the world.  As you will be aware, the use of the whip during a race is seen by many people as cruel and unless we take steps to change that perception we could face increasing opposition.  The changes to the Rules are for the welfare of the horse, to demonstrate that we are serious about caring for our horses.  The new Rules are intended to make sure that whips are not used in such a way that they cause unnecessary pain during a race.
The changes to the Rules will come into effect next Wednesday (12th February).  These changes are:
The whip must not be used if you are not in contention of running in the first five placings. – The whip should only be used to get the best out of your horse when in contention.  It is not a good look for horses out of contention to be getting hit with the whip. The whip must not be used on a horse’s flank. – The horse’s flank is a very sensitive area and getting hit there is painful.  This area must be avoided. The whip must not be used forward of the saddle whilst it is held in the forehand position. – A horse’s shoulder, neck and head are also sensitive areas and should not be hit with any force.  Tapping the shoulder using the whip in the downward position is ok. The whip must not be used in a manner which causes a welt and or injury. – Whips should be used for encouragement and not to cause injury.  Injuries and welts may be seen by spectators or on television and makes racing look bad. In essence, most Jockeys will not have to make any changes to the way they use the whip currently, as it is not common for it to be used in a way which would breach the new Rules.  The new Rules are to show that there is no intention to use the whip irresponsibly.
The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines, the best outcome would be if no jockey was ever found guilty of breaking them.
The rule amendments will be published shortly and will be available on the LoveRacing website.
These are added to the existing rules, please check the rule book for all whip rules.

Poignant Stradbroke win for War Machine
By  NZ Racing Desk  - June 14, 2025 War Machine produces a commanding performance to claim the Group One Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm. Photo: Grant Peters With a powerful and poignant performance in Saturday’s The Star Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, budding superstar War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) added extra Group One sparkle to the legacies of two much-missed New Zealand industry figures.
The triumph came less than a week after the sudden passing in Kentucky of internationally renowned bloodstock agent Michael Wallace, who sourced War Machine’s dam Caserta on behalf of his brother David and late wife Maddy and parents Jim and Mary Wallace. War Machine was bred by the Wallace family’s MDJ Bloodstock and was offered by Ardsley Stud at both the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales and the Ready To Run Sale, but failed to reach his $100,000 reserve on both occasions.
War Machine went on to make the first nine appearances of his exciting career from the stable of Mike Moroney, a decorated and widely respected trainer who passed away earlier this year. The Harry Angel gelding is now trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, who were aware of the multi-faceted significance of Saturday’s win.
“We’re very proud, it was an amazing result today,” Ben Hayes said. “The Wallace family bred this horse and is in the ownership group. They’ve had a really tough time lately and hopefully his win today will make them feel better.
“Also Mike Moroney, we’re fortunate to be able to be entrusted with this horse. He’s an amazing, exciting horse, and to be able to have a horse like this to train is just amazing. To be able to get a result like this for Will, JD, the whole team, Mike Moroney, his family, the Wallace family – it’s really, really exciting.”
War Machine now boasts a perfect three-from-three record for the Hayes stable. He won a Benchmark 100 handicap at Caulfield on May 10, then earned clear-cut Stradbroke favouritism with an easy victory in last month’s Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben. The form out of that race was boosted earlier on Saturday afternoon when the third placegetter, the Kiwi galloper Pier (NZ) (Proisir), took out the Listed Wayne Wilson (1600m) by three lengths.
Sent out as a $3.20 favourite, War Machine and jockey Tim Clark sat in eighth, three-wide but with cover, as Front Page (Magnus) and Punch Lane (So You Think) led the Stradbroke field up until the home turn.
Clark swooped five wide around the corner and let War Machine rip at the top of the straight. The four-year-old produced an explosive turn of foot and burst to the front 250m from the finish.
Yellow Brick (The Mission), Private Eye (Al Maher) and Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) gave chase and ate into the margin, but War Machine was of reach and scored by three-quarters of a length.
“Obviously I was thrilled to get on him today,” said Clark, who had his first ride on War Machine on Saturday. “He put the writing on the wall a few weeks ago and it was a pleasant surprise on Sunday morning when I got the news.
“He got away okay. He was just laying on the side of the gates a little bit, but he got away okay and it worked out pretty well from that draw.
“Myself and Ben, we spoke before the race. We just wanted to get on a three-wide line with a bit of cover. He found Transatlantic’s (Snitzel) back, who I knew was going to take him far enough.
“He travelled so well, I probably let him loose a bit early. But this was the grand final, there’s no tomorrow, so I wasn’t going to die wondering.
“He let rip, really let rip. Maybe just wandered a little bit late. He could feel Yellow Brick coming late and sort of surged again.
“I can’t take too much credit for it. What a great job by Ben and his brothers to just have him spot on for today. I was just the lucky one to get the call-up.”
After being passed in at the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, War Machine went into training with Jim Wallace and won his only trial at Foxton by six lengths before his private purchase by bloodstock agent Steven Pinfold.
“I spotted him at a jumpout before that Foxton trial,” Pinfold said.
“I did a lot of business with Michael Moroney over the years. I worked for Mike for a long time, including running stables in Adelaide and Melbourne for him through the halcyon days of Brew and Second Coming. He was a champion to me and a very good mate for thirty-odd years. Once I saw War Machine at the jumpouts, I told Mike about him, and then when he won the trial, we pounced.
“I put a lot of good clients into the horse and so did Mike, including Rupert Legh, so it’s nice to see the horse rewarding them.
“Mike said to me that War Machine might be one of the better horses he trained. Last year, when he ran in the Golden Eagle (1500m), he was just a kid running against men. He went a really good race, and Mike said we will give him a crack at the Rupert Clarke (Gr.1, 1400m) and then put him away for the Stradbroke. So here we are, but sadly Mike isn’t with us.
“I went to school with David Wallace. I also went to school with Andrew Williams, Adon Byron and Kieran McCaul who are all Silverstream boys that are in War Machine.
“I have been friends with the Wallace family for forty years and their Ardsley Stud has been one of the great thoroughbred nurseries in New Zealand. Jim Wallace actually gave me my first job when he ran the Magic Millions sales at Trentham way back in my schooling days.
“It’s a sad series of events. We would have loved David and Jim to be here with us this weekend, but unfortunately, they have had to go to America after the passing of Michael.”
With six victories and four placings from 13 starts, War Machine has amassed A$2.48 million in prizemoney.

War Machine’s two-year-old half-brother by Darci Brahma, named Vanvitelli (NZ) (Darci Brahma), was also the winner of a recent trial at Waipukurau and has subsequently been sold to clients of the Hayes team.

Nice place, did you attended the local gallops at Patterson park, was some good trainers on the coast back in the day, few good horses to, Palastone, cappiemore, buller bay, to name a few, ceased racing there in 1996, I was there for the last hurrah, let's hope kawatiri keeps flying the flag for Westport,

yes we make allowances for Colts, stallions ,Geldings, Fillies and mares...all in together.

War Machine.

Interview with Rob Heathcote on QLD TAB radio on Thursday morning - Tim Clark was booked for Rothfire but with the doubt over the foot abscess he switched to War Machine, RH said if James hadn’t been on the horse this weekend then there would have been more heard!

War Machine.

From Racenet:
James McDonald is set to ride Rothfire in the Stradbroke Handicap as Rob Heathcote declared his wonder horse was "back in the game" and a strong chance of winning a race against time to line up in Queensland's most prestigious race.
Hopes had been low that the "Thriller from Chinchilla" would recover from a foot injury in time to take his place in Saturday's $3m Stradbroke at Eagle Farm.
However, after working the Group 1 winner on Monday morning, Heathcote feels the courageous seven-year-old sprinter is now a decent chance of taking his place in the Stradbroke.
And Heathcote said "James McDonald is confirmed to ride" in the latest twist in an extraordinary tale.
Champion hoop McDonald sometimes has trouble netting a Stradbroke ride given the vast array of lightweights often in the field, but he will have no issue riding Rothfire at 55.5kg.
"Rothfire will of course have to pass the scrutiny of vets, but from what we saw this morning, he will," Heathcote said.
"Rothfire was excellent this morning.
"He's done a lot of swimming and he still has to come through his Tuesday morning gallop well, but from what we saw this morning, nothing is beyond this warrior horse.
"He is one tough horse."
The foot injury to Rothfire, which flared after he turned back the clock for an amazing runner-up finish behind Sunshine In Paris in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000, was only ever minor.
But Heathcote said last week that although the foot infection had broken, he had felt Rothfire remained only a "slim" chance of lining up in his third Stradbroke.
However, there is now a growing sense of optimism.
It is still far from ideal that Rothfire would be racing in a Stradbroke after missing a run in the Kingsford Smith Cup, but Heathcote said it wasn't a major issue.
"The Doomben 10,000 run was worth a week of fitness work and the swimming he has been doing has kept him up to the mark," he said.
"His courage will fill in the cracks."
Heathcote will not make a decision as to whether he accepts with Rothfire in the Stradbroke until after a Tuesday morning track work session.
Rothfire's odds in the Stradbroke have blown out since he has been under an injury cloud and he was a $34 chance on Monday morning.
But after Racenet revealed Rothfire was a likely starter, and McDonald had been confirmed for the ride, Rothfire firmed to be a $21 chance.
Rothfire became a Group 1 champion in 2020 when he won the JJ Atkins in his two-year-old season.
He has won close to $3.5m in prizemoney, despite suffering several major injury setbacks including a sesamoid fracture several years ago which had threatened to end his career.