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

When a star remains unbeaten it might look like everything is easy but ask Chris Waller or Peter Moody what it’s like to keep a streak going. The pressure only increases and that is what Stephen Marsh has to look forward to with Well Written (Written Tycoon) after her effortless demolition of Saturday’s New Zealand... Read More

Labour Day weekend saw Riccarton the New Zealand focus on Saturday, Trentham took over for Sunday but Monday’s Te Rapa meeting was halted after race two. Spring’s weather gremlins continue to haunt the industry and drizzle caused a slip and a fall, denying the public a much awaited James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (Gr... Read More