South Island racing lives in the shadow of that in the North. November and the two Group 1 New Zealand Guineas races is when Riccarton gets to shine. Late February or early March is Wingatui’s turn to be in the spotlight. The weather gods smiled and the ten race card offered stakes worth $1 million,... Read More

The fact that weather is out of our control does not disguise our sheer disappointment when it ruins a popular event and the latest victim is the Matamata Racing Club’s Breeders’ Stakes Day, last Saturday. Last spring, a number of New Zealand race meetings were either abandoned or postponed due to weather. Last month Matamata... Read More

While the Almanzor (Wootton Bassett) story continues to grow, courtesy of First Five’s stunning BCD Sprint (Gr 1, 1400m) win, Te Papa’s “Legends Day” belonged to Waikato Stud’s Ocean Park (Thorn Park). Two of his daughters, Ohope Wins and Autumn Glory, not only nabbed the two 3YO features, they also became the top two favourites... Read More

A week to remember Not too long ago (2019) the scene at Cambridge Stud was somewhat bleak, the stud having lost three stallions: Tavistock (Montjeu), Roaring Lion (Kitten’s Joy) and Burgundy (Redoute’s Choice), within months of each other. At the time it was difficult to imagine how the legacy of Sir Patrick Hogan might recover... Read More

The sole New Zealand stakes race last weekend took place at Ellerslie, the last meeting at the track before the big Karaka Millions night, set for January 24. Named after former New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Gingernuts (Iffraaj), the Gingernuts Salver (Listed, 2100m) provides a preview of Derby aspirants as it is not... Read More