Kiwi Chronicles
Lost opportunity?
Hindsight is, as they say, twenty-twenty, and as that relates to opportunities lost regarding stallions, Darci Brahma (Danehill) comes close to fitting that lost opportunity. The term: “Flying under the radar” seems appropriate and Darci Brahma has done that for most of his career. A very nice Group 2 win by his daughter Sierra Sue... Read More
More from Kiwi Chronicles
Out with the old and in with the new
The transition from the 2020-21 season literally happens overnight and there is now a new campaign, filled with hope and optimism, to grab our interest. But not before some reflection. In last week’s Kiwi Chronicles, much space was given to the NZTBA Breeders’ Awards, especially the Broodmare of the Year. Not to be confused with... Read More
El Roca on fire
One way to fire up broodmare owners, who have yet to finalise their matings, is to keep firing out winners. Westbury Stud’s El Roca (Fastnet Rock) is doing exactly that, with his progeny on Saturday capping a grand month. There were two stakes races to end the season, the Ryder Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Otaki... Read More
Pakistan II – the life changer
By any measure, Pakistan II (Palestine) stands among the most successful stallions in New Zealand breeding history. The one measure that sorts the men from the boys is the stakes-winners-to-runners ratio and Pakistan II sired 43 from 326 runners, or 13.2 per cent. Compare that to the country’s current champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel) whose 115... Read More
Tavistock: the next chapter
If Hollywood were to get hold of the following, they most likely would glorify the highs, emphasise the tragedies then simply script an ending in which everyone lived happily ever after. However, the subject is thoroughbred horse breeding, which is firmly based in reality, something that Hollywood can often struggle with. This is the story... Read More
Beauty’s award has origins in a century-old generation
The Hong Kong Jockey Club champion awards judging panel has decided to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Beauty Generation (Road To Rock) in recognition of his great contribution to Hong Kong racing. If ever such an award was warranted, this one was self-evident. Twice Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year, Beauty Generation was crowned... Read More