New Zealand’s first Group 1 of 2026 saw a continuation of the great run of stakes results by Cambridge Stud’s Almanzor (Wootton Bassett). Readers may remember Kiwi Chronicles’ final report of 2025 (December 16th) which detailed that Almanzor had sired three new stakes winners during the previous four Saturdays. Making it four new stakes winners... Read More

Prior to Saturday’s running of the Mufhasa Stakes (Gr 1, 1600) punters had difficulty separating Waitak (Proisir), La Crique (Vadamos) and Legarto (Proisir) and to their credit these three finished second, third and fourth but a patient and perfectly timed ride from George Rooke aboard Provence (Savabeel) stole the show which included an agonizing wait... Read More

 Fate tempted It seemed like an innocent remark but it turned out to be true. The remark, almost tempting fate, was made by trainer Stephen Marsh prior to the running of Ellerslie’s Great Northern Challenge Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m). “Races are not run on paper,” he stated, regarding the hot favouritism of his charge, El... Read More

The weather lately has affected New Zealand spring racing in a negative sense, that is until last Saturday when it affected racing in a positive sense. At last, the weather Gods smiled and Pukekohe provided a splendid day of racing on a tip-tip surface. We were overdue. Spring is nearly over. Recent trials at Avondale... Read More

Volatile spring weather which included a sharp hail storm severely affected the final day of Riccarton’s annual Cups-Guineas carnival. People were scurrying for cover, slipping, sliding and falling due to the ice. This was unique for practically everyone in attendance. Remarkably, the show carried on. Centimetres deep hail fell between races four and five. Officials... Read More