Eclipse Stakes
Classy Kinnaird provides Coolmore’s Home Affairs with his first stakes winner
Coolmore’s first-season sire Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) supplied his first stakes winner courtesy of his talented son Kinnaird, who advertised his Karaka Million 2YO (RL, 1200m) credentials when he led home a quinella for the stallion in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr 2, 12000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson and sporting the tangerine colours of Te Akau, the colt was making his first appearance since scoring over 1100 metres on his debut at Otaki in November.
Opie Bosson settled Kinnaird off the pace from his wide draw, but soon found a gap on the rail and unleashed a potent turn of foot to run down the Tony Pike-trained Harvey Wallbanger (Home Affairs) by a length.
Bosson said he had been looking for a run out wide down the home straight, but elected to keep the rail once the gap materialised.
“I wanted to come out, but he was a bit shy of the horse outside of me, so he gave me no choice but to come back in,” Bosson said.
“Once he balanced up, he has got a good finish on him. As soon as I asked the question he really knuckled down and wanted to win, which is what you need in a colt going into a Karaka Million.”
Walker was full of praise for Bosson’s ride, believing it proved the difference on the colt.
“It was an Opie of old ride, that was a brilliant ride,” the winning trainer said. “He is still new, he is still green, he did a lot wrong, but the experience and the class of Opie got him through.”
Kinnaird was purchased out of Highview’s 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for NZ$340,000 and the NZ$1 million Karaka Million 2YO is now on the agenda for the colt.
Te Akau have won eight of the last nine editions of the Karaka Millions 2YO, with Walker winning the race with Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) (2023) and La Dorada (Super Seth) (2025), the last in partnership with Bergerson, and he is looking forward to Kinnaird contesting the race on January 24.
“We are on the right track. It was a nice win,” he said. “He will go straight in [to the Karaka Millions].
Bosson knows what it takes to win a Karaka Millions 2YO, having ridden five Te Akau-trained juveniles to win the rich feature, and he believes Kinnaird has the ability to make it six.
“He has got a lot of upside about him,” Bosson said. “He is still learning and we have still got the option of putting the blinkers on too.”
Out of the winning O’Reilly (Last Tycoon) mare Orinda, Kinnaird is a half-brother to Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Jon Snow (Iffraaj) as well as Listed scorer Princess Rhaenys (Iffraaj). Orinda is a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Mr Ubiquitous (Tale Of The Cat).
Kinnaird and Harvey Wallbanger are two of three winners for Home Affairs, who has just completed covering his fourth season at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley. The son of I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) covered 205 mares at a fee of $82,500 (inc GST).
The Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) winner supplied the top lot at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale when Mitsu Nakauchida purchased a filly by the stallion out of Sunlight (Zoustar) for $3.2 million, and has 46 yearlings entered at this year’s edition which gets under way on January 13.
Skycity Eclipse Stakes (GR 2)
Show
Skycity Eclipse Stakes (GR 2)
$225,000, Ellerslie, 2yo, 1200m, Soft(6)
-
Kinnaird (AUS) 2 b/br C 57kg
Home Affairs (AUS) - Orinda (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ)
2nd Dam: Zahra (NZ), by Zabeel (NZ)
3rd Dam: Solveig (NZ), by Imposing (AUS)
B: Hong Kong Breeders Club Limited NSW T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: O P Bosson
NZ$340,000, New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale 2025
V: Highview
P: DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)
-
Harvey Wallbanger (NZ) 2 b G 57kg
Home Affairs (AUS) - Mai Tai (NZ), by Atlante (AUS)
B: Llanhennock Trust, Waikato, NZ T: A W Pike J: Matthew Cartwright
-
Parfait Dimanche (AUS) 2 ch F 55kg
Anders (AUS) - Perfect Sunday (AUS), by Star Witness (AUS)
B: Mr T Rider T: Ms D Logan J: B Queiroz
Margins: 1 lens, 0.8 lens. Time: 1:12.65 (last 600m)
Betting: $7.00, $2.10, $51.00
Then followed: Incandescent (NZ), Spellbound (NZ), Sword of Stars (NZ), Uninvited (AUS), last.
1st dam: ORINDA, by O'Reilly. 2 wins at 1400m, 2d WRC Mitsubishi Electric H. Dam of-2013 JON SNOW (c by Iffraaj). 4 wins-1 at 2-from 1200m to 2400m, NZ$201,250, A$1,823,500, ATC Australian Derby, Gr.1, Tulloch S., Gr.2, MVRC JRA Cup, Gr.3, 2d Hawke's Bay Guineas, Gr.2, 3d New Zealand Derby, Gr.1, VRC Makybe Diva S., Gr.1, ARC Zabeel Classic, Gr.1, MRC Caulfield S., Gr.1, Levin Classic, Gr.1, ARC Great Northern Guineas, Gr.2, Karaka 3YO Mile, RL, 4th Hawkes Bay Tarzino Trophy, Gr.1. Sire.
2014 g. Giantsbane, by Showcasing. Raced 3 times.
2015 f. Ashara, by Pins. Placed in Aust.
Dam of-Dragon Joy. 2 wins at 1400m, 1600m, HK$2,578,400, in 2024-25, HKJC Pak
Shek Au H., Nathan H., 2d HKJC Eleanor H., 3d HKJC Lei Muk Shue H.2017
PRINCESS RHAENYS (f by Iffraaj). 6 wins from 1600m to 2150m,
A$584,150, Qld Tatt's RC Gold Crown, L, 2150m-in track record time, BRC Magic
Millions Shoot Out H., VRC Be a Mate Nominate H., BRC Mittys H., MRC Ladbrokes Same Race Multi
H., 2d BRC Pam O'Neill S., Gr.3, Qld Tatt's RC Gold Crown, L,
BRC Season Greetings P., 3d SCTC Silk Stocking H., L, MVRC Musk Creek Farm H.,
MRC Ladbrokes Same Race Multi H., Selangor Turf Club H., Qld Tatt's RC Events H., 4th ATC Vinery
Stud S., Gr.1, BRC Drinkwise Mile, Gr.3, MVRC Moonee Valley
Night Cup, L.
2018 c. Oriental Legend, by Snitzel.
3 wins at 1200m, 1400m, A$75,350 in Aust.
2019 f. Vhagar, by Snitzel.
Raced twice.
2021 c. Flaming Genesis, by The Autumn Sun. Winner at 1700m
in 2025-26 in Aust.2023 KINNAIRD (c by Home Affairs).
2 wins at 2, NZ$152,375, in 2025-26, Auckland TR Eclipse S.,
Gr.2, Levin Jumpouts 2YO S.
Oaks on the horizon for Ohope Wins
An ambitious New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) tilt now awaits the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Ohope Wins (Ocean Park) after she broke her maiden with a polished performance in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.
The daughter of Waikato Stud’s often underrated stallion Ocean Park (Thorn Park) had caught the eye when powering home late to finish second over 1600 metres at Te Rapa a fortnight ago and was one of the most discussed candidates in the lead-up to the traditional New Year’s Day age-group feature.
Ridden by Joe Doyle, Ohope Wins did not let her supporters down, powering home to beat Origin Of Love (Snitzel) by 2.3 lengths, with another 0.1 lengths back to Born To Be Royal (King’s Legacy) in third.
The winning rider was impressed by the performance from a filly who he believes has plenty ahead of her.
“She is special as we were a long way back and had a lot of ground to make up,” Doyle said.
“She is really laid back and when I started to give her a hard squeeze she came up underneath me and has won quite cosily in the end.
“I just think she has Oaks written all over her as she will be majorly competitive.”
O’Sullivan shares that opinion of the filly, who is nominated for the New Zealand Classic which will be run at Ellerslie on February 21.
“Andrew and I have always believed in this filly and that was why we were lining her up today in a Group 2 as a maiden,” he said.
“Hopefully she will be running in the Oaks or the Derby, or races like that in the future.
“The best way to describe her is that she is a pet. She has a temperament where she doesn’t waiver with anything and that will hold her in good stead moving forward.
“We won’t make any plans today but come Monday morning Andrew and I will work out a programme for her.
“We had said to Joe to just ride her as you find her as with races like these you know half of the field are not going to stay as they are having their first crack at the distance.
“We were hoping he could come to the outside and get some clear air and he summed it up nicely, it was a great ride.
“We have always thought she was a stayer from day dot and nothing has changed that opinion.”
Bred and raced by Bill Gartshore and his family under their Gartshore Bloodstock banner, Ohope Wins should have no issues with the 2400-metre trip of the Oaks, being out of the Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) mare Choux Mania, a half-sister to the 2010-2011 Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux, who won five Group 1 races including the 2011 New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). The dam is also a three-quarter-sister to Group 1 winner Miss Wilson (Stratum).
Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (GR 2)
Show
Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (GR 2)
$270,000, Ellerslie, 3yo, 2000m, Soft(6)
-
Ohope Wins (NZ) 3 b F 56kg
Ocean Park (NZ) - Choux Mania (AUS), by Redoute's Choice (AUS)
2nd Dam: Cierzo (NZ), by Centaine (AUS)
3rd Dam: Gale (NZ), by Wild Rampage (AUS)
B: Gartshore Bloodstock Ltd, Waikato, NZ T: L O'sullivan & A Scott J: Joe Doyle -
Origin of Love (AUS) 3 b F 56kg
Snitzel (AUS) - Re Edit (AUS), by Camelot (GB)
B: Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd NSW T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: C J Grylls
-
Born to Be Royal (AUS) 3 b F 56kg
King's Legacy (AUS) - Fatal Rendezvous (AUS), by All American (AUS)
B: Mr MJ O'Donnell NSW T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson J: O P Bosson
Margins: 2.3 lens, 0.1 lens. Time: 2:06.59 (last 600m)
Betting: $9.00, $3.50, $15.00
Then followed: della Ricci (NZ), Fly Zenno (NZ), Oratia Beauty (AUS), Savina (NZ), Hey Dana (NZ), Pulsatilla (NZ), Dance the Night (NZ), Sweet Talkin Gal (AUS), Singe (NZ), last.
1st dam: CHOUX MANIA, by Redoute's Choice. Placed in Aust. Dam of-
2019 f. Stiletto Falls, by Headwater. Unplaced.
2020 g. Watchouxlookinat, by Rubick. Raced
twice.
2021 g. Torrey Pines, by Ocean Park. Unplaced.2022 OHOPE WINS (f by
Ocean Park). Winner at 2000m, NZ$160,995, in 2025-26, Auckland TR Sir Patrick
Hogan S., Gr.2.
2023 c. by Ocean Park.
2024 c. by Ocean Park.
Apulia continues comeback with Perth Cup triumph
Apulia’s (Fiorente) recent plundering of Western Australian riches continued on New Year’s Day when the Lindsay Park-trained five-year-old followed up his recent win in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes (Gr 2, 2100m) with a victory in the Perth Cup (Gr 2, 2400m).
Ridden by William Pike, the entire finished strongly to beat Filthy Habits (I’m All The Talk) by a comprehensive 2.9 lengths. Forever Boy (Charm Spirit) finished a further 0.9 lengths further away in third.
In winning Thursday’s Group 2, Ben, Will and JD became the first members of the Hayes family dynasty to win the time-honoured event, with their father, David, having saddled The Fuzz (Danasinga) to finish second in 2009.
Apulia capped a successful coming-of-age West Australian raid, which did not get off to the best start when he finished unplaced in the Northerly Stakes (Gr 1, 1800m) last month.
Co-trainer JD Hayes lauded the Perth Cup performance and Apulia’s comeback overall.
“It was a bit of a sense of relief when we were in the first half of the field,” Hayes said.
“There was a possibility we were going to be back and behind a lot of horses, not where we wanted to be.
“The way it panned out was certainly perfect, glad to see the horse be able to show what he can do.”
Apulia placed second in the 2023 Victoria Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) but subsequent setbacks – a bleed and tendon injury – resulted in more than 12 months in rehabilitation.
He resumed with back-to-back wins in Melbourne last spring then travelled to Perth.
“He’s been through a lot, this horse, a true testament to his character,” Hayes said.
“[The] 357 days off before this preparation and he’s come back and come of age, affording him the time, we’re reaping the benefits now.
“This trip to Perth is going to be the making of him and (sets up a) fun autumn back home in Melbourne as well.”
Hayes said Apulia could now be aimed at the Australian Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) at Flemington on March 28.
Bred by Meadowvale Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Apulia hails from a family littered with lowercase black type, being out of Giannarelli (High Chaparral), a half-sister to the Group 2-placed winner Spot The Rock (Fastnet Rock). That pair are out of Can’t Hackit (Fasliyev), who won twice and finished third in Group 2 company.
Apulia is one of 11 stakes scorers for Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Fiorente (Monsun), who died in 2023.
TABtouch - Perth Cup (GR 2)
Show
TABtouch - Perth Cup (GR 2)
$1,000,000, Ascot, 3yo+, 2400m, Good(4)
-
Apulia (AUS) 5 b H 58kg
Fiorente (IRE) - Giannarelli (AUS), by High Chaparral (IRE)
2nd Dam: Can't Hackit (NZ), by Fasliyev (USA)
3rd Dam: Close Your Eyes (AUS), by Geiger Counter (USA)
B: Meadowvale Pastoral Co Pty Ltd VIC T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes J: W Pike -
Filthy Habits (AUS) 6 b G 53kg
I'm All the Talk (AUS) - Dirty Vegas (AUS), by Lucky Owners (NZ)
B: Mungrup Stud WA T: Brandon Fiore J: Lucy Fiore
-
Forever Boy (NZ) 5 b G 53kg
Charm Spirit (IRE) - Neverland (AUS), by Big Brown (USA)
B: Peters Investments Pty Ltd, Waikato, NZ T: Michael Grantham J: Chris Parnham
Margins: 2.9 lens, 0.9 lens. Time: 2:28.12 (last 600m 36.28)
Betting: $1.80, $11.00, $7.50
Then followed: Rocking Society (AUS), Playhouse Patron (AUS), Demolish (AUS), Sentimental Hero (AUS), Grand Pierro (AUS), Diamond Scene (AUS), Stormageddon (AUS), Buckets Ridge (AUS), Simply (AUS), Be Optimistic (AUS), Fame (AUS), In Good Order (AUS), last.
1st dam: GIANNARELLI, by High Chaparral. Placed at 3 in Aust. Dam of-2020 APULIA (c by Fiorente). 5 wins from 1500m to 2100m, A$1,293,720, to 2025-26, Moonee Valley Vase, Gr.2, WATC Ted Van Heemst S., Gr.2, VRC Chester Manifold S., L, MVRC VOBIS Gold Star, 2d VRC Victoria Derby, Gr.1, Sires' Produce S., Gr.2, MVRC VOBIS Gold Star, Inglis Ready2race Sale H., 3d VRC Furphy P., L, 4th MRC Caulfield Classic, Gr.3.
2021 f. Eyes Wide Shut, by Pride of Dubai. 2 wins at 1400m to 2025-26 in
Aust.
2022 f. Aradeo, by Nicconi. Unraced.
2023 c. by Nicconi.
2024 f. by
Lucky Vega.



















