Rare Ready to Run purchase reaps big rewards
By Richard Edmunds
Sydney trainer Joe Pride and Kiwi owner Leighton Howl have made relatively rare appearances at Karaka’s Ready to Run Sale and even fewer in tandem, ...
A deep dive into a special pedigree
By Dennis Ryan
Like many others with an interest in racing and breeding, I often delve into the pedigrees of horses making headlines.The latest to pique my interest ...
Veterans steal the show at Riccarton
By Richard Edmunds
Canterbury’s spring racing spotlight is often dominated by emerging young talent, but two old warhorses flipped that script at Riccarton on ...
TAB Racing Club launch a step towards supercharging ownership
By Cameron Rodger - GM Entain
The past 16 months of our strategic partnership have been full of exciting new opportunities, not only for New Zealand racing and sports, but for our ...
Kwok excited about Caulfield Cup opportunity
By Richard Edmunds
Positivity’s tenacious victory in the Gr. 3 Foundation Cup at Caulfield on Saturday has her owner Ben Kwok daring to dream about one of the biggest ...
Magnificent Mr Brightside heads Kiwi clean sweep in Makybe Diva
By Richard Edmunds
Kiwi-breds have a proud recent record in the Gr. 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, and that trend continued on Saturday with New Zealand laying claim to all of ...
West Coast the poster boy jumps racing needs
By Dennis Ryan
In jumps racing’s hour of need, West Coast confirmed his status as one of the best ever with yet another champion performance in Sunday’s Ben & ...
Momentum building with major events on the horizon
By Cameron Rodger - GM Entain
“If you thought The Everest was a big event on the calendar last year, we’ll be looking to grow it even further this time round.” They say ...
Read About It writing his own headlines
By Dennis Ryan
Back-to-back wins in the Central Districts’ final two-year-old stakes race of the old season and the region’s first three-year-old stakes race of ...
New Zealand-breds make spring statement across the Tasman
By Richard Edmunds
Despite coming up empty-handed in Melbourne’s first Group One race of the season, New Zealand-breds still made their presence felt in a big way on ...
KEVIN HICKMAN: A special person whose legacy will live
By Dennis Ryan
Early April 2019 will go down as one of the less memorable periods in my life, beginning with the call I received on the afternoon of April 2 ...
Browne influence lives on with another Pakuranga Hunt Cup win
By Dennis Ryan
It’s more than 18 years since Hall of Fame horseman Ken Browne died, but his influence continues as we were reminded at Te Rapa last Saturday when ...
Allpress marking time as further milestones await
By Dennis Ryan
“One of my first thoughts after the fall was I wouldn’t be going to Japan, it clearly wasn’t going to happen – a broken back cooks it ...
Cooksley sticks to tried and true philosophy
By Dennis Ryan
From the time as a teenager when he burst on the scene as a Great Northern Steeplechase-winning jockey, Grant Cooksley has let his actions do the ...
Cambridge Stud unveils star son of Frankel
By Dennis Ryan
The new stud season came closer to reality at Cambridge Stud last week as the red carpet was rolled out for the exciting newcomer Chaldean and ...
Mr Nonchalant extends his extraordinary Grand National record
By Dennis Ryan
Champion jumps trainer Mark Oulaghan and New Zealand’s record-breaking Olympic kayaker Dame Lisa Carrington offer a challenge for anyone tasked ...
Ace Lawson-Carroll a young jockey on the rise
By Dennis Ryan
Ace Lawson-Carroll is a young jockey on the rise.That’s become a fact in recent months as the 19-year-old from Whakatane has piled on the winners, ...
Jay Bee Gee brings famous lines together
By Michelle Saba
Two families steeped in New Zealand racing history and one of the most famous families in the Stud Book combined for victory in the Gr. 3 CJC Winning ...
Te Akau scales the heights in breakout season
By Dennis Ryan
In his decades as New Zealand’s leading racehorse syndicator, David Ellis has continually sought to raise the bar.Driven by the combined forces of ...
No regrets for Kennedys as they reflect on a momentous season
By Dennis Ryan
Less than two years after Warren and Barbara Kennedy made the life-changing decision to emigrate from South Africa, they couldn’t be more pleased ...
Margaret De Gonneville: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN AMAZING LADY
By Dennis Ryan
A week ago I hadn’t heard of Margaret De Gonneville, but that all changed upon reading an article on Australian news website Racenet by that doyen ...
Belardo Boy throws down the gauntlet to Winter Cup aspirants
By Dennis Ryan
Rival connections were left to rethink how they might topple reigning Winter Cup title-holder Belardo Boy at Riccarton on Saturday week when the ...
Trentham jumps features set up Grand National clash
By Dennis Ryan
After an action-packed renewal of Trentham’s feature jumps races last weekend, the scene is set for more of the same – and then some – at the ...
Overrated caps Garrett’s landmark year
By Richard Edmunds
Owner-trainer Murray Garrett’s career-best season culminated in an unprecedented payday in the $60,000 ITM/Gib Progressive Winter Championship ...
Rogie bounces back from cardiac scare
By Dennis Ryan
During more than half a century in racing, Graeme Rogerson has never been one to stay down for long. Through it all he’s won multiple trainers’ ...
HRNZ rolls the dice with $30 million investment
By Garrick Knight
Last week was a pivotal moment for harness racing in New Zealand with a $30 million cash injection announced over three years.New Chief Executive ...
O’Leary’s patient game pays off with Te Kahu
By Dennis Ryan
Marton dairy farmer-come-trainer Dan O’Leary knows the value of patience when handling horses, as illustrated again with his comeback steeplechaser ...
Melbourne Cup Tour brings past and present together
By Dennis Ryan
Whether recalling the deeds of past champions or pondering which horse might be the next, there’s no getting away from the allure of the Melbourne ...
Warwick brings wide range of industry experience to NZTR Chair
By Dennis Ryan
With the backing of a lifetime spent at all levels of racing, Russell Warwick is up for the challenge of taking the reins as Chairman of New Zealand ...
Locals deny the visitors with feature Tauranga double
By Dennis Ryan
Just four of the 95 starters on last Saturday’s Tauranga Classic card were trained on the eastern side of the Kaimai Ranges, but up against the ...
Rehoming racehorses and driving demand
Scroll through social media or talk to trainers at the track, and it becomes apparent that it’s becoming increasingly harder to find thoroughbreds ...
Syndicators vie for two-year-old honours
By Richard Edmunds
The ever-growing influence of syndicators in New Zealand racing has been mirrored by their decade-long stranglehold on the Champion Two-Year-Old ...
Dan Vegas puts the spotlight back on Totara Park
By Dennis Ryan
The bargain basement has for years been the genesis of many successful outcomes in the bloodstock world, and to that can be added last Saturday’s ...
Quality abounds at National Weanling Sale
By Dennis Ryan
“We’ve staged parades at farms around the North Island and the three days I attended last week in the Auckland/Waikato area gave an excellent ...
Gerard ready for her next challenge at Ballymore
By Dennis Ryan
In a month’s time the landscape around Ballymore Stables’ transtasman operation will have changed significantly, however there are important ...
Wingatui graduates celebrating each others’ success
By Dennis Ryan
They came from opposite backgrounds in Mosgiel during their teens, however Jaylah Kennedy and Tayla Melvin now have a common bond.Last Saturday ...
A great way to celebrate 80 years
By Dennis Ryan
Birthdays are a time for celebration as well as a chance to contemplate what would be adequate to mark the event.Last weekend Garry Chittick was ...
Stephen Gray back where he belongs
By Dennis Ryan
It’s been a tough road for Stephen Gray over recent times as Singapore racing has gone from racing powerhouse to closure in October, but now he’s ...
Cambridge Stud shuttles making headlines in both hemispheres
By Dennis Ryan
A quick-fire double in France by first-crop Hello Youmzain two-year-olds and further big wins by progeny of Almanzor in New Zealand and Australia ...
Hashizume takes family time after breakout season
By Dennis Ryan
Despite a run of form that has catapulted him into the top 10 on the jockeys’ premiership, Masa Hashizume has opted to take time out from his ...
Westbury stallions poised for Queensland Carnival impact
By Richard Edmunds
The team at Westbury Stud is counting down to an exciting Queensland Winter Carnival for its well-performed stallions, whose service fees have been ...
English classic winner descended from Kiwi champion
By Dennis Ryan
More than four decades have passed since champion racemare La Mer graced the New Zealand turf, however her influence continues across the racing ...
Well-named filly a new star in Maclachlans’ long-running family
By Richard Edmunds
A thoroughbred family four generations in the making produced a brilliant black-type victory at Te Rapa on Saturday with I’munstoppable.The ...
Reflections on one of racing’s greatest
By Dennis Ryan
Even with the many accolades that someone might have showered upon during life on this planet, it’s only when they have passed away that the ...
Reminiscing with Gary Willetts
By Dennis Ryan
One of the best things about being immersed in racing is the friendships you make and the experiences that become part of it.A recent reminder came ...
Faulkner adds Canterbury Gold Cup to her broad racing reach
By Michelle Saba
As a 16-year-old a love of horses enticed popular Timaru horsewoman Stephanie Faulkner into the racing game. That was 37 years ago, and that love she ...
Contrasting approaches produce rare double for Almanzor
By Richard Edmunds
Leading New Zealand stallions are making a habit of showing off their versatility and class with broad-spectrum achievements at this time of the ...
Jenni sets Randwick alight with extraordinary performance
By Dennis Ryan
Crazy. Unbelievable. Nuts. Embarrassing.Those words only scratched the surface of what was being said at Randwick last Saturday afternoon after Pride ...
Te Akau stars enjoying deserved time out
By Dennis Ryan
The lush autumn grass of Te Akau Stud is a far cry from the cut and thrust of Australian Group One racing, but it’s all that matters right now to ...
Hinsley signs off four decades at Phar Lap Raceway
By Dennis Ryan
Timaru’s Washdyke racecourse is synonymous with some of the iconic names in New Zealand and Australian racing history, however it’s now timely to ...
More eyes on racing thanks to Trackside revamp
By Cameron Rodger
As we near the one-year anniversary of the beginning of our strategic partnership, I’m reminded that a lot can happen in a year. We’ve worked ...
Emotions high as Belclare brings down the curtain with repeat Breeders’ Stakes
By Michelle Saba
Emotions were running high at Ellerslie last Saturday as the classy racemare Belclare brought the curtain down on her domestic career with a second ...
Paddington set to continue proud shuttle tradition at Windsor Park
By Dennis Ryan
A pattern of success led by Montjeu and High Chaparral is a good fit for the combined forces of Coolmore and Windsor Park in identifying the ...
Luck goes Burgie’s way at last for White Robe team
By Dennis Ryan
With 400 metres left to run in Saturday’s Gr. 3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, Brian Anderton had visions of yet ...
Entain set to power career pathways as major partner of New Zealand Equine Academy
By Dennis Ryan
A multi-year partnership announced today will see Entain Australia and New Zealand (operators of the TAB) become a major partner of the New Zealand ...
Landmark win for Reid as underdogs shine on Oaks Day
By Richard Edmunds
All but one of the feature races on New Zealand Oaks Day at Trentham on Saturday were won by trainers outside the top 40 on the premiership, ...
Marsh savours another big day out at Ellerslie
By Dennis Ryan
Stephen Marsh doesn’t get hung up about running a distant second in the past five New Zealand trainers’ premierships. And why should he when ...
El Vencedor lives up to early prediction
By Michelle Saba
A prophecy made about El Vencedor by his trainer Stephen Marsh in 2021 appears to be coming true.Back then when the horse was an unraced ...
NZ Derby record another accolade in James’s stellar career
By Dennis Ryan
Racing abounds with parallels and comparisons, but amongst them all Roger James is not buying into one in particular – lining up his six New ...
Thompson loving her front-line role in racing
By Dennis Ryan
Emma Thompson fits two demographics that have become integral to racing’s new order.In the first instance she’s a member of what can now be ...
Fireworks aplenty in inaugural NZB Kiwi slot auction
There was no shortage of fireworks in the Karaka sale-ring on Tuesday evening at the inaugural NZB Kiwi slot auction, with all nine lots on offer far ...
Lisa Chittick honoured with fitting result
By Dennis Ryan
For so many members of the local community, Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Day is the highlight on the annual calendar in the racing-embossed eastern ...
Champion Swedish jockey adds to international talent pool
By Dennis Ryan
New Zealand jockey ranks continue to expand internationally, with the latest addition champion Swedish rider Per-Anders Graberg, who rode his first ...
Interest in The NZB Kiwi heats up ahead of slot auction
By Cameron Rodger - GM – Entain Australia & NZ
When The NZB Kiwi was announced on 22 January as the headline attraction of a revamped summer calendar for 2025, the excitement about the Southern ...
Rich Hill roll continues into summer
By Michelle Saba
It’s been an exciting mid-summer period for the team at Rich Hill Stud, initially with the reception afforded their stallions at the Karaka sales ...
Group ownership the common thread with three classy Te Rapa winners
By Dennis Ryan
Their obvious class accepted, the other common thread joining Saturday’s Te Rapa feature winners together is that all three are raced by multiple ...
Late flourish raises Karaka Book 2 to complement successful Book 1
By Dennis Ryan
After the best Book 1 National Yearling Sale results in years, stage two of Karaka 2024 was unable to capitalise on that momentum but at least was ...
Oaks candidate Khanshe certainly can
By Michelle Saba
The old adage that good horses can come from anywhere certainly applies to last Saturday’s Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude winner Khanshe ...
Hallmark record captures hearts at Karaka 2024
By Dennis Ryan
Every year as we reflect on the annual National Yearling Sale, there’s no shortage of stories that sum up all that goes into selling and buying the ...
Cambridge claims Karaka Millions honours
By Dennis Ryan
Cambridge trainers – and one of the Waikato town’s very own in the jockey ranks – were the emphatic winners of two of New Zealand’s most ...
Optimism at many levels in countdown to National Yearling Sales Series
By Dennis Ryan
Pre-sale expectations are never easy to foretell, however days out from the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series, Andrew Seabrook ...
Plenty of positives for Westbury in Karaka countdown
By Richard Edmunds
Westbury Stud general manager Russell Warwick has no shortage of reasons to be upbeat ahead of the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling ...
Smiles come easily in big weekend for Spratt
By Dennis Ryan
“It’s a while since I came up with the target of 20 Group One wins and it’s pretty cool to think I’m now so close.”From the time she began ...
Cambridge Stud Karaka draft a blend of proven and fresh blood
By Dennis Ryan
Five years after Cambridge Stud presented its first National Yearling Sale draft under the new ownership of Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the iconic ...
Canheroc rewards owner-breeders with overdue stakes win
By Michelle Saba
Last Saturday’s Listed Marton Cup winner Canheroc provided his Taranaki owner-breeders with some overdue success after generations of placing their ...
West Coast circuit special for Lines
By Dennis Ryan
Last Saturday’s Listed Marton Cup winner Canheroc provided his Taranaki owner-breeders with some overdue success after generations of placing their ...
Trina’s Love of the Horse earns special prize
By Dennis Ryan
As far back as she can remember, Trina Riddell has loved horses.Growing up in racing they were a natural magnet, leading her to a brief jockey’s ...
Guise bang on with racing and breeding decisions
By Michelle Saba
Te Kuiti owner-breeder Paul Guise is hoping to be “bang on” when New Year’s Day rolls around and his pride and joy Still Bangon tackles the Gr. ...
New Zealanders shine on Hong Kong’s biggest stage
By Richard Edmunds
The world-renowned Hong Kong International Races have carried a strong New Zealand flavour throughout the last three decades, and that tradition ...
Odd man out Desert Lightning joins Barneswood Farm’s Group One list
By Dennis Ryan
A departure from standard methodology had its ultimate reward at Trentham on Saturday when Desert Lightning won the Gr. 1 TAB Classic.The ...
Zabmanzor dealing with dam’s unfinished business
By Richard Edmunds
After years of wondering what might have been with the unraced Zaborei, Roger James and his long-time clients John and Di Struthers have struck ...
Kelly’s perfect script in Wanganui Cup
By Dennis Ryan
Perfect scripts don’t come much better than that surrounding last Saturday’s Listed Steelform Roofing Wanganui Cup win by Kelly Coe.On the 175th ...
Queen returning home to give trans-Tasman flavour to TAB Trot Slot
By Cameron Rodger -MD Entain Aust & NZ
One of the great racing innovations in recent years has been the introduction of slot races, and we are stoked to be working with Cambridge Raceway ...
Records blown away in remarkable Ready to Run Sale
By Richard Edmunds
A popular saying goes that success breeds success, and an incredible Ready to Run Sale at Karaka last week backed that up in no uncertain ...
Evolving Wexford model continues to deliver
By Dennis Ryan
The Wexford Stables of today and that of a halcyon period through the final decades of last Century is quite different, but one constant that remains ...
Lindsay investment rewarded with Thousand Guineas victory
By Dennis Ryan
Serendipity was just one aspect of blue-blood filly Joliestar’s win in the A$1.5 million Gr. 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield last Saturday.At ...
Walker savours long-awaited second Group One
By Richard Edmunds
A second taste of Group One success was a long time coming for experienced horseman Danny Walker, whose superstar three-year-old Crocetti broke a ...
Leading syndicators have a day to remember at Flemington
By Dennis Ryan
New Zealand’s two leading racehorse syndicators have been rivals for more than two decades in attracting clientele to their respective models, but ...
Another Melbourne Cup to take stock of
By Dennis Ryan
Another edition of the great race has been run and won, but 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup day will be remembered for much more than what happened in the 3 ...
Dual-code Gary hits 500 wins – and still counting
By Dennis Ryan
For someone who resisted the temptation to become a racehorse owner until he could afford to lose his investment, Gary Williams has fared ...
Stanley gears up for a huge November
By Richard Edmunds
With a strong family connection to a Melbourne Cup runner and then a headline-grabbing draft going through the sale ring at Karaka, Woburn Farm’s ...
Kiwi mares supreme on Cox Plate day
By Dennis Ryan
One has established herself as the best horse in her senior co-trainer’s career, while the other is making serious inroads to that exalted ...
New Ellerslie track looking the part
By Dennis Ryan
Paul Wilcox admits to more than his share of sleepless nights over the past 18 months, but as the approaching summer days get longer, so too does his ...
Johny and Jimmy earn Carters’ admiration
By Dennis Ryan
“He’s the opposite on the ground though; he’s an absolute gentleman and I love him to bits.” Johny Johny has yet to match the deeds of ...
The Everest creator happy to be the great disruptor
By Dennis Ryan
A contentious approach and preparedness to challenge traditions seems to comes naturally to Peter V’landys.Observing the Racing NSW and NRL CEO ...
Hot spring form for Almanzor
By Richard Edmunds
Cambridge Stud’s headline act Almanzor has found a rich vein of form as feature spring racing has roared to life on both sides of the Tasman.Since ...
I Wish I Win brings Black Caviar team back together
By Ray Thomas
I Wish I Win, the brilliant New Zealand-bred and owned sprinter, reunites the famous “Black Caviar team” of trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke ...
Baker cooking up his own Everest storm
By Dennis Ryan
I Wish I Win is the only member of the 12-horse field for The Everest with the distinctive (NZ) suffix, but there’s more than one layer to New ...
Weather fails to dampen Arrowfield Day spirits
By Dennis Ryan
Twelve months ago the weather had the final say in forcing the abandonment of the second day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival, but try as it might last ...
Whitby eyes the ultimate prize
By Dennis Ryan
Victory in last Saturday’s A$1.5 million ATC Epsom Handicap was a welcome first for Max Whitby and Neil Werrett, but they can’t wait to play ...
I Wish I Win right on target
By Dennis Ryan
A strong hitout between races at Caulfield last Saturday has trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman fully satisfied that I Wish I Win is on ...
Exciting times abound at Trelawney
By Richard Edmunds
From a remarkable winning streak in Singapore to the blue-blooded foals and yearlings in the Trelawney Stud paddocks, there are plenty of reasons for ...
Great Northerns showcase jumps racing in grand season finale
By Dennis Ryan
As a grand finale for the jumps season, Great Northern day at Te Rapa last weekend could not have been better.Admittedly the 2023 jumps season will ...
Fitt Entain
By Dennis Ryan
There’s a certain serendipity that the first champion galloper to draw Lachlan Fitt to racing was Sunline. Growing up in the cotton-growing country ...
Racehorse ownership within reach of everyone through TAB Racing Club
By Cameron Rodger, Entain NZ MD
“The purpose of the Club is to make the ownership experience accessible, exciting and memorable.”Owning a racehorse is a thrill like no other. ...
Massive weekend delivered on the track and stage
By Dennis Ryan
Last weekend promised plenty and delivered in spades, on the track and off, and on both sides of the Tasman.Saturday at Hastings racecourse ushered ...
NZB Ready to Run a Sale par excellence
By Dennis Ryan
No other thoroughbred auction of its kind has a record to compare with New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale, and the catalogue released this ...
Westbury and Te Akau gear up for Group One opening day
By Dennis Ryan
At every level, the first Group One raceday of the New Zealand season is big, but none more so than for two of the industry’s most significant ...
No looking back as Rodger hits the ground running
By Dennis Ryan
Cameron Rodger’s feet have hardly touched the ground since being appointed Managing Director of Entain New Zealand three months ago, but he has ...
Newcomers stamping their presence in jockey ranks
By Dennis Ryan
The new season is barely a month old, but already signs are emerging that change may be imminent at the top of New Zealand’s jockey standings.At ...
Cambridge Stud duo buoyed by Entain-led advances
By Dennis Ryan
Brendan and Jo Lindsay have plenty to look forward to as the new season swings into action, and it goes well beyond the Cambridge Stud owners’ ...
Wallace measures his steps with Pennyweka
By Dennis Ryan
Masterton trainer Jim Wallace is as conservative as ever weighing up his options with last season’s star staying filly Pennyweka.In what ranks as ...
Oulaghan at his dominant best with Grand National double
By Dennis Ryan
In typical Mark Oulaghan style, the Awapuni horseman describes it as “a bit of an unusual statistic” that he holds the record of eight Grand ...
Pearl Series injection latest step in boosting New Zealand racing
By Cameron Rodger, MD, Entain Aust & NZ
“These increased and guaranteed payments mean the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes are able to confidently plan five years ahead – a ...
Myers success puts Ilston in the spotlight
By Dennis Ryan
The spotlight is not something that Angela Ilston seeks, but there was no avoiding it on the opening day of the Grand National carnival at Riccarton ...
Latta stable stalwart enjoys another big win
By Dennis Ryan
After a big season of feature race wins over the previous 12 months, Manawatu racing stalwart Craig McNeill is off to a flying start for the 2023-24 ...
Walker raises the bar to an unprecedented level
By Dennis Ryan
Having raised the bar to an unprecedented level in the just completed season, Mark Walker now has his sights on his next challenge at the helm of Te ...
Enchanted Elle another highlight for absent owner
By Michelle Saba
Following Enchanted Elle’s Taumarunui RSA Gold Cup win at Te Rapa on Saturday, owner Tina Bryant was unable to hold back on her latest thrill in ...
Star-studded nominations unveiled for Horse of the Year Awards
By Richard Edmunds
The finalists for the flat-racing categories in the 2022-23 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards were announced this week, and the ...
Proisir joins Savabeel on the sires’ podium
By Richard Edmunds
An incredible $18 million season in Australia has seen Savabeel add another two New Zealand sire trophies to his ever-growing collection, but a ...
I Wish I win slotted to conquer The Everest
By Dennis Ryan
Sir Edmund Hillary gained fame when he partnered with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay to conquer Mount Everest; now 70 years later another New Zealander has ...
Richards reflects on debut Hong Kong season
By Dennis Ryan
When the curtain comes down on the 2022-23 Hong Kong racing season at Sha Tin on Sunday night, Jamie Richards will have every reason to be satisfied ...
Hong Kong owner-breeder enjoys stakes success with Flower of Wanaka
By Michelle Saba
The pink and violet colours of Hong Kong-based owner Dr Gene Tsoi were to the fore again last Saturday when Flower Of Wanaka won the listed Team ...
Rogie backing Ferrando with innovative ownership club
By Dennis Ryan
Hall of Famer Graeme Rogerson has long been known for his enterprising approach to all things racing, and he’s come up with another innovation with ...
Luigi reflects on Novara’s massive season
By Dennis Ryan
During the hiatus between 2022-23 feature racing and the spring breeding season, Luigi Muollo takes understandable pleasure in reflecting on an ...
La Crique joins the Tarzino Trophy mix
By Dennis Ryan
Group One-winning racemare La Crique has joined the mix for spring feature racing on both sides of the Tasman with her return to the stable of ...
Racing industry gets long-awaited boost
By Dennis Ryan
From the gloom only months ago of reduced revenues and disbursements to stakeholders, it’s almost as if in one fell swoop the racing industry has ...
Waikato’s big jumps day brings out the best of winter racing
By Dennis Ryan
Jumps racing fans stayed faithful to their unique code to enjoy a feast of winter racing at Te Rapa last Saturday.The Waikato Racing Club’s ...
Spring plans ahead for Cambridge Stud team
By Dennis Ryan
Henry Plumptre has a wide brief in his role as Cambridge Stud CEO, but there’s no disguising his enthusiasm as new season plans come together for ...
Kiwi jockeys the toast of Australian racing
By Dennis Ryan
Long gone are the days of New Zealand jockeys having to justify themselves in Australia.During the 1980s Jim Cassidy and Shane Dye were pioneers for ...
Australian stable the new horizon for Te Akau
By Dennis Ryan
Te Akau Racing partners David Ellis and Mark Walker have taken challenges in their stride over the past quarter-century and now they’ve added an ...
New season preparations already underway for Group One fillies
By Dennis Ryan
The curtain came down only last weekend on the Australasian classic season, however spring preparations are already coming together for stars of the ...
Entain ready to play its part in racing’s future
By Dennis Ryan
The brave new world of a racing industry under the jurisdiction of global gambling giant Entain becomes a reality today with the handing over of ...
Stakes-winning Saltcoats adds another string to Logan’s bow
By Richard Edmunds
“I’m so grateful for that support, and it’s been a real privilege to work with such nice horses.”Samantha Logan initially made her mark as a ...
Entain-TAB NZ deal becomes a reality
By Dennis Ryan
Racing’s bright new future became defined on Tuesday when Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty announced that the Government had approved the joint ...
The future beckons U S Navy Flag
By Dennis Ryan
The Oaks Stud general manager Rick Williams has been a big fan of U S Navy Flag since day one, and events since have only increased that belief.On ...
Hall of Fame honours past and present luminaries
By Dennis Ryan
Past and present came together in a tradition that began in 2006 as the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame honoured its luminaries at the ninth Inductee ...
Moodley’s timing perfect for Jockey Academy
By Dennis Ryan
Triston Moodley couldn’t have got his timing better in promoting the merits of the new force in apprentice training, the New Zealand Jockey ...
Group One sire Staphanos takes top billing at Novara Park
By Richard Edmunds
After siring a two-year-old Group One winner in his very first crop, the service fee for Novara Park stallion Staphanos has risen from $7,000 to ...
Unprecedented black-type weekend for Westbury
By Richard Edmunds
There have been many highlights throughout the more than two-decade history of Westbury Stud, but a flurry of black-type successes across Australasia ...
Hong Kong’s Champions Day lives up to its name
By Richard Edmunds
New Zealand has wielded a significant influence over Hong Kong’s Champions Day in recent seasons, and that tradition continued in a spectacular ...
Denby Road delivers perfectly scripted win
By Dennis Ryan
In real life it seldom happens, but the script could not have played out any better when Denby Road burst through the pack to win the Gr. 3 Inglis ...
Purdon ready for thoroughbred training challenge
By Dennis Ryan
Mark Purdon has scaled just about every possible height in harness racing and now he’s preparing to test his skills in the thoroughbred code.As the ...
Cheval D’Or another second-season star for Almanzor
By Richard Edmunds
Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor has already had Group One performers in New Zealand, Melbourne and Sydney this season, and his latest stakes winner ...
Speculation ends as Rich Hill set fees for high-flying pair
By Dennis Ryan
Weeks of speculation have ended with confirmation of 2023 service fees for the high-flying Rich Hill Stud stallions Proisir and Satono ...
No regrets as Hercock makes the most of comeback
By Dennis Ryan
A top-20 place on the jockey’s premiership and a special home province win last weekend has convinced Hawke’s Bay jockey Kate Hercock that she ...
Belclare delivers Woodhouse with ultimate reward
By Michelle Saba
David Woodhouse’s decision to buy a share in Per Incanto has turned out to be the best move of his life in racing and breeding. Along with his ...
Wekas rule on the final day of a famous Championship hand
By Dennis Ryan
The Aussies must be thanking their lucky stars there’s going to be minimal New Zealand involvement in the final day of the Sydney autumn carnival ...
Pignan’s Sires Produce a fantastic first-crop result for Staphanos
By Dennis Ryan
Luigi Muollo’s global view took on a whole new meaning around the momentous victory by Pignan in the Gr. 1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce ...
Clothier-Weatherley relationship thriving alongside star performers
By Dennis Ryan
Black-type wins over the past fortnight by the half-brothers Ess Vee Are and Arby have strengthened long-standing bonds between the Weatherley and ...
Taplins strike gold again with special family
By Richard Edmunds
A stunning Group Two victory at Rosehill on Saturday was former Southland couple Kerry and Ian Taplin’s biggest moment since their move across the ...
James takes measured approach to comparing past and present stars
By Dennis Ryan
Roger James has always measured his words in assessing the relative merits of the long list of major winners integral to his 40-year training ...
Wallaces’ Weka steals the show at Trentham
By Dennis Ryan
Big wins revolving around the Wallace family’s Ardsley Stud have been numerous over the past half-century, but it would be difficult to surpass the ...
Romancing The Moon adds to McQuades’ special dynasty
By Richard Edmunds
Romancing The Moon’s tenacious win in last Saturday’s Gr. 1 Levin Classic added another chapter to an extraordinary family success story for ...
Prowess strengthens ties between old mates
By Dennis Ryan
A friendship forged between two young Kiwi horsemen nearly four decades ago bore Group One fruit last weekend when Prowess upstaged her older rivals ...
Long-standing partnership celebrate Auckland Cup victory
By Dennis Ryan
After close to 1,000 wins as an owner in the gallop and harness codes, John Street is well tuned to the thrill that goes with success.However, last ...
Redwood delivers first Derby success for Westbury Stud
By Dennis Ryan
The New Zealand Derby victory by Sharp 'N' Smart was a first at a number of levels for Westbury Stud.The home-bred gelding, still part-owned by ...
Star three-year-olds bring together diverse ownership groups
By Dennis Ryan
One of the most alluring aspects of racing is the pleasure that ownership can bring to people’s lives.Two of the most obvious current examples are ...
Proisir’s 2023 fee still some way off being announced
By Dennis Ryan
Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson is in no hurry to show his hand on Proisir’s 2023 service fee – and who can blame him with still more to ...
Wacky weather does nothing to diminish quality
By Dennis Ryan
Try as it might, the wacky weather that has wrecked the lives of many and blighted countless others, still couldn’t diminish the quality on the ...
Blue Diamond win further kudos for Per Incanto
By Dennis Ryan
Per Incanto, already recognised as one of the major contributors amongst New Zealand stallion ranks over the past decade, entered rarified territory ...
Aquacade a diamond in the rough for Cambridge Stud
By Richard Edmunds
Imported broodmare Forest Of Seas may have delivered more lows than highs during her time at Cambridge Stud, but her daughter Aquacade is ...
Nakhle’s absence no dampener to Byerley Park’s big day out
By Dennis Ryan
Daniel Nakhle missed the big day out by Byerley Park-trained horses at Pukekohe Park on Saturday, but that did nothing to lessen the thrill he got in ...
Lucky Sweynesse takes high ranking after big Hong Kong win
By Dennis Ryan
Lucky Sweynesse went a long way towards easing the disappointment of his Gr. 1 Hong Kong Sprint experience when he scored an easy win in last ...
Champions of the past joined by stars of the present and future at Te Rapa
By Dennis Ryan
Legends Day at Te Rapa brought together champions of the past and present in a programme that lived right up to its billing headed by class ...
Champion racemare Verry Elleegant for Hall of Fame
By Dennis Ryan
The roll of honour for the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame is set to be enhanced by champion racemare Verry Elleegant, who will be on the list of ...
Karaka 2023 overcomes challenges for a memorable Book 1
By Richard Edmunds
Despite an uncertain global economic outlook, and despite a week of wild weather that made headlines for all the wrong reasons, New Zealand ...
Group ownership highlighted in Trentham feature celebrations
By Dennis Ryan
High-fives, hugs and handshakes were the order of the day in the aftermath of the two headline races on the final day of the Trentham carnival.He’s ...
Melody Belle to be inducted to Racing Hall of Fame
By Dennis Ryan
Record-breaking racemare Melody Belle will be inducted to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in May.On the eve of the sale she was sourced from ...
Westbury firing on all cylinders in Karaka countdown
By Richard Edmunds
“You’d like to think that there’ll be some quite strong demand for Tarzino’s progeny.”After breeding three Group One winners in the last 12 ...
Almanzor heads another quality Karaka draft from Cambridge Stud
By Dennis Ryan
The quality that for decades has underpinned Cambridge Stud’s National Yearling Sale draft is again evident in the countdown to Karaka 2023.Since ...
Missile on target for Derby
By Michelle Saba
Rapidly developing three-year-old Cruz Missile is on target to give his breeder and part-owner Jim Barlow his first runner in the Gr. 1 New Zealand ...
The one and only Sir Patrick Hogan
By Dennis Ryan
In the racing and breeding world through the final decades of the 20th Century and into the 21st, there was only one man who everyone knew quite ...
Kennedy cements his place in New Zealand racing
By Dennis Ryan
After a whirlwind two months since arriving from his native South Africa, Warren Kennedy has every reason to state that his future belongs in New ...
Te Rapa delivers a memorable start to the New Year
By Dennis Ryan
For the racing purist New Year’s Day 2023 was markedly different with Ellerslie out of action, but the alternative Te Rapa venue still delivered ...
Colin Jillings: Master Horseman
By Dennis Ryan
Colin Jillings was many things to the hugely diverse circle he moved in, but first and foremost he was a master horseman who lived for his ...
Trentham double highlights two home-bred stalwarts
By Dennis Ryan
Group-race wins by Darci La Bella and Sagunto at Trentham last Saturday underlined the massive impact that two of our very best home-bred stallions ...
Staphanos makes immediate impact
By Richard Edmunds
His own juvenile season may have featured only a 1600-metre maiden win three weeks before he turned three, but Staphanos has wasted no time in making ...
Faithful Feat takes transtasman partnership to new heights
By Dennis Ryan
Faithful Feat’s front-running heroics in Saturday’s Gr. 3 J Swap Sprint at Te Rapa delivered a milestone moment for a pair of friends based on ...
Parental pride as Casey Locks in a huge family day
By Dennis Ryan
Parental pride reached bursting point at Te Rapa last Saturday when young trainer Casey Lock capped a huge day for her family by winning the Gr. 3 ...
Increasing headwinds lead to drop in racing code distributions
By Mike Tod, CEO TAB NZ
Last week, we advised the three racing codes that TAB NZ will reduce distributions by nine per cent in the 2022/23 financial year (year ended 31 July ...
Bruford enjoys both sides of industry involvement
By Dennis Ryan
Three decades of involvement in bloodstock insurance combined with successful racehorse ownership provide Jim Bruford with a well-qualified ...
Jericho Cup a reminder that ANZAC spirit is alive and well
By Dennis Ryan
More than a century after Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought side-by-side on the cliffs of Gallipoli and in the trenches of Western Europe, ...
Walker making every post a winner
By Dennis Ryan
With only five months of the season signed off and already holding a massive lead on the trainers’ premiership, Mark Walker is neither resting on ...
Snitzel double heads big Pukekohe day for transtasman bloodlines
By Dennis Ryan
On a raceday headed by the Gr. 2 Dunstan Feeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, how appropriate was it that the very best of New Zealand and ...
Ukrainian colours fly proudly at Pukekohe
By Dennis Ryan
National pride took on a distinctive blue and yellow hue when Flash Mary scored an all-the-way win on the Counties Cup support card at Pukekohe Park ...
New Zealand Cup a real Myers family affair
By Dennis Ryan
While Kevin Myers is the one with the name in the book, there’s no getting away from the part that family plays in the master Wanganui horseman’s ...
Sensational Legarto puts Proisir in rare classic company
By Richard Edmunds
A stunning performance by undefeated filly Legarto in Monday’s Gr. 1 Barneswood Farm 50th 1000 Guineas completed a special double for her sire, ...
Pier delivers dream result for octogenarian owner-breeder
By Dennis Ryan
At 85 years, retired Auckland businessman Barry Wright is living the dream that everyone who breeds and races horses aspires to.Last Saturday at ...
Champions Day the perfect finale to Melbourne Cup week
By Dennis Ryan
The Victoria Racing Club’s decision to revamp the final programme of its marquee Flemington week proved a winner for everyone who participated at ...
No complaints as Dee rolls with the punches
By Dennis Ryan
As one of the more laid-back members of his profession, Melbourne-based jockey Mick Dee isn’t someone to let the disappointment of missing out on ...
Almanzor delivers first-crop Derby triumph
By Richard Edmunds
Almanzor’s all-important second season hit a high note at Flemington on Saturday with a Gr. 1 Victoria Derby winner from his very first crop of ...
The remarkable Lightning Sisters
By Dennis Ryan
Last Saturday at Te Rapa racegoers were treated to an extraordinary sight as Legarto staged a last-to-first win in the Gr. 3 Super Seth Soliloquy ...
Curtain comes down on champion mare’s career
By Richard Edmunds
In between the runnings of Melbourne’s two great handicaps that marked such special moments in Verry Elleegant’s career in 2020 and 2021, the ...
Forsman thriving under solo banner
By Dennis Ryan
Andrew Forsman would be the first to admit he received a saloon passage to his solo training career after two decades working alongside Hall of Famer ...
Mustang Valley marks special anniversary in style
By Richard Edmunds
Mustang Valley’s maiden Group One victory in Saturday’s Livamol Classic could hardly have happened at a more fitting moment, coming 25 years ...
Briar making the most of special 21st birthday present
By Dennis Ryan
Briar Weatherley stands out in training ranks as one of the youngest members, but it would be hard to find anyone who could match the means by which ...
Rich Hill doubles down on home track success
By Dennis Ryan
Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson is getting used to celebrating multiple success by progeny of his stallions, but there was a special edge to ...
Cambridge teenager mixing it with the big guns in Melbourne
By Dennis Ryan
At just 17 years, Aiofe Brennan is proving well up to the demands that go with managing high profile Kiwi gallopers competing at the Melbourne spring ...
Special Turnbull triumph for White Robe Lodge
By Richard Edmunds
There could be no more fitting first Group One winner for White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines than Smokin’ Romans, who ran his rivals ragged in ...
High performance pair the best of both worlds for Hewson
By Dennis Ryan
Nick Hewson is a believer that you can have your cake and eat it too.In his sales and nominations role at Windsor Park Stud Hewson has responsibility ...
Ruakaka win the perfect start for Embellish
By Dennis Ryan
Cambridge Stud personnel weren’t alone in cheering home Luberon when she won on debut at Ruakaka last Saturday to credit her sire Embellish with ...
Weekend positives put Elsdon Park on the right path
By Dennis Ryan
A weekend of landmarks both on the track and on the farm have set the right tone for new entity Elsdon Park.The Matamata nursery is owned by ...
Veteran racing men share the thrill of the chase
By Dennis Ryan
A quartet of octogenarians, already mates with plenty in common, now have a special bond that was completed when Abu Dhabi scored an upset win in the ...
Golden double for Rich Hill Stud duo
By Dennis Ryan
A Group One victory is like gold for any thoroughbred stallion no matter where or when it is achieved, but a transtasman double in the first week of ...
Perfect harmony as cancer survivor wins on Daffodil Day
By Dennis Ryan
As a hard-working “super optimist”, Paul Hester has what it takes not only for racetrack success but even more importantly for surviving ...
Jo Lindsay relishes her role in Cambridge Stud evolution
By Dennis Ryan
It’s a mistake to think that Jo Lindsay lives in the shadow of her husband Brendan. As the co-owner since 2018 of Cambridge Stud, Brendan and Jo ...
El Roca and Vanbrugh 3YOs star at Wanganui
By Richard Edmunds
The results of the Listed features at Wanganui on Saturday have added an early black-type glow to the seasons of young stallions El Roca and ...
No regrets for Phelan despite Grand National result
By Dennis Ryan
An Australian Grand National Steeplechase victory on The Cossack last weekend would have been the ultimate for champion jumps jockey Shaun Phelan, ...
Raffles legacy lives on through Imperatriz
By Richard Edmunds
Although Dato Yap Kim San has brought the curtain down on his extensive and highly successful Australasian operation, the Raffles name is continuing ...
Stylish first winner for What’s The Story
By Richard Edmunds
Novara Park stallion What’s The Story has opened his account in style, siring his first winner with his impressive son Big Story at Ballarat last ...
Horace left his mark across racing’s full spectrum
By Dennis Ryan
The footprint left by someone in their life can’t always be measured by anything as simple as a list of achievements and statistics. Denny Moroney ...
Southern stalwart rewarded with Grand National victory
By Dennis Ryan
The southern jumps racing landscape may be something quite different from days gone by, but that didn’t lessen the delight of a stalwart of ...
Rookie shuttle stallions making an international mark
By Richard Edmunds
The emerging stars of New Zealand’s stallion ranks have commanded plenty of attention over the last couple of years, and results on racetracks ...
Ideal start to new season for The Oaks Stud sires
By Richard Edmunds
“He served 124 mares last spring, which was his biggest book since 2012.”Black-type results in both hemispheres provided a perfect start to ...
Wise suggestion leads to Winter Cup victory
By Dennis Ryan
“I won’t cry if I don’t get it, but I’ll probably cry if I do!”One of the wise old heads of New Zealand racing played an inadvertent part ...
Famous colours to the fore with star filly
By Dennis Ryan
“That was a decent performance, she did it tough but never looked like being headed.”Racing colours that dominated the bloodstock world nearly ...
Smiling Joe reflects on breakthrough season
By Dennis Ryan
“I am so pleased with what I have achieved and most of all I want to keep riding winners.”Joe Kamaruddin has another major milestone on the ...
Well-travelled Bell celebrates another highlight with Helena Baby
By Richard Edmunds
“There’s not a racetrack in those regions that I haven’t been to, and I’ve even played elephant polo in Mongolia and India.”A second Listed ...
2021-22 SEASON WRAP: Mares to the fore in middle-distance features
By Dennis Ryan
“Probabeel has made a habit of flying the New Zealand flag with distinction across the Tasman.New Zealand horses won five Group One races over 2000 ...
A great day for this Irishman
By Dennis Ryan
“Wasn’t it a fantastic game? I can remember about half of it, but we all know the result!”For the Palmerston North jumps jockey known to his ...
Trelawney savour unexpected Singapore Derby triumph
By Richard Edmunds
“He’s a horse we’ve followed closely all the way through, and he’s just kept going from strength to strength.Brent and Cherry Taylor freely ...
Cox Plate tour a reminder of Kiwi influence on famous race
By Dennis Ryan
“The other thing that left an impression on us was to see so many of the public taking in the Phar Lap display.”It’s been a decade since New ...
Charlie making the most of his Kiwi experience
By Dennis Ryan
“I think Paul was wanting to get some idea of my capabilities, so he got me to school Argyll.”To suggest he has landed on the pig’s back would ...
McNab’s season of milestones
By Dennis Ryan
“I’m in a very good space, I’m really happy with where I’m at.”A season of milestones has taken even Michael McNab by surprise as the man ...
Collett celebrates Group One anniversary in best possible way
By Dennis Ryan
“Yeah I’m starting to really like Tatt’s Tiara day, and it was great to top it off with that win on a New Zealand-owned horse.” A badly timed ...
Sclater makes most of chance to represent NZTBA in UK
By Dennis Ryan
Representing the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association in the United Kingdom earlier this month had many dimensions for the ...
Grand National high on The Cossack’s agenda – just which one is the question
By Dennis Ryan
“He just goes out, does the job and comes back having a little blow but bugger-all else. He’s quite incredible really.”A brief exchange between ...
Australasians play starring role at Royal Ascot
By Richard Edmunds
“I’m just lucky to be here, first and foremost, and luckily the cards have fallen my way. I’m very thankful for that.”Starting with Nature ...
Novara Park rostered up for breeding season
By Dennis Ryan
Novara Park principal Luigi Muollo has multiple reasons to be in optimistic frame of mind ahead of the 2022 breeding season.The first four reasons ...
Tiger heading home with plenty to smile about
By Dennis Ryan
“I was aiming for 50 wins, but then when the borders opened I decided to book my ticket home, so that will have to wait.”There are few wider ...
O’Sullivan looking forward to return home
By Dennis Ryan
After nearly two decades training in Hong Kong, Paul O’Sullivan is preparing to return home for a life of retirement with no regrets.When the ...
Matamata Racing Club adds famous training facility to its holding
By Dennis Ryan
“Alongside this week’s announcement by NZTR of substantial stakes increases as well as the establishment of a significant infrastructure fund, ...
Petagna purchase a big vote for New Zealand breeding industry
By Dennis Ryan
“It’s a beautiful farm and from my perspective it’s got everything we want, all brought together with a high quality infrastructure.”The bold ...
Innes pitch-perfect in career finale
By Dennis Ryan
“The way it played out, I couldn’t have wished for more, and I was happy to go out on my own terms.”Every race has its nuances for the various ...
Next chapter awaits Sword of State at Cambridge Stud
By Dennis Ryan
“It was frustrating to have to retire him on that note, but that’s life, we’ve got the ammunition to set him up for his stud ...
Another chapter in Rangitikei Gold Cup history
By Dennis Ryan
The Rangitikei Gold Cup holds a position as one of the longest-standing feature races on the annual calendar, and the combined results of the last ...
Gerry Harvey tells it like it is
By Dennis Ryan
“I’m not running away, I want to do it. It just means I’m either stubborn or stupid, maybe both.”The New Zealand racing and breeding industry ...
Armory a perfect fit for Mapperley-Windsor Park partnership
By Dennis Ryan
The paper evidence around pedigree and performance was compelling enough for Simms Davison to seriously consider the high quality Irish-bred Armory ...
Tarzino adds to Derby dynasty
By Richard Edmunds
Tavistock has been a supreme source of classic success with no fewer than six Derby-winning sons, and now one of those six has achieved something ...
Sinarahma well-placed to sign off in Rotorua Cup
By Richard Edmunds
“Having Big Mike there at the top of the handicap really compresses the weights, so she gets in very nicely.”A favourable position in the weights ...
Tarzino on the brink of replication as Westbury fees announced
By Dennis Ryan
“We’re thrilled with what Tarzino has achieved to date, given he was a Derby winner himself, you couldn’t really expect him to have done any ...
Two Illicit signs off on a high for Trelawney
By Dennis Ryan
Nobody knows better than Brent and Cherry Taylor the roller-coaster ride that racing can deliver.Two Illicit’s farewell victory in last ...
Almanzor delivers on expectations as 2022 fee announced
By Dennis Ryan
“The general consensus is that there’s plenty of talent out there and it’s exciting to think that the best is yet to come.”This time a year ...
Owner savours a Saturday like no other
By Richard Edmunds
Through more than three decades of owning shares in racehorses, Craig Leishman has never had a day quite like last Saturday.The lawyer and ...
Kiwi connections abound in Australian-bred star
By Dennis Ryan
Dual Group One winner Imperatriz carries the (AUS) suffix denoting her country of origin, however there’s a wealth of Kiwi connections – some ...
CD racing farewells two respected stalwarts
By Dennis Ryan
Central Districts racing has lost two of its most respected stalwarts with the recent passing of Merv Andrews and Stewart McGrail.Andrews, best ...
Mr Brightside puts a smile on Ray’s face
By Dennis Ryan
“The Hayes boys had predicted back in the spring that he was a Group One horse, but to see him actually do it was something else.”“The Hayes ...
Sam making the most of his happy place
By Dennis Ryan
“It’s more important to keep a good mind-frame; I figure that when you’re happy it comes through in your riding.”When Sam Weatherley ...
Walker all set to retake the Te Akau Matamata reins
By Dennis Ryan
“It’s all very familiar to me and now that I’m back amongst it I realise just how much I’ve missed it.”Mark Walker’s feet have hardly ...
Irish Girl adds another generation to Roberts success
By Dennis Ryan
“To begin with I was told I could have a boat or horses, but not both. Now I’m 80 and enjoying the best of both worlds.”Three decades and five ...
Comignaghi surpassing her own modest expectations
By Dennis Ryan
“The car caught fire and luckily I was able to get out before it burst into flames.”For someone who describes herself as not having great ...
Stablemates’ Filly of the Year dead-heat the first in half a century
By Dennis Ryan
This season marked 50 years of competition for one New Zealand racing’s most coveted trophies, the Filly of the Year title, and as if to underline ...
Fogden taking Golden Slipper experience in her stride
By Dennis Ryan
“I liked him from the first time I saw him and really wanted him, so it’s great that he’s backed up my judgement.”Kacy Fogden has come a long ...
Cantankerous pair save their best for the racetrack
By Dennis Ryan
“I knew it was a gamble, but she’s so tough and such a natural stayer, I thought I could get away with it.”Cantankerous became the new buzzword ...
Ever-confident Kelt back with another Derby winner
By Dennis Ryan
Confidence comes in various forms when racing’s biggest prizes are on the line.It can be based on realistic expectations, or perhaps that less ...
High hopes and headaches pay off in Otaki WFA Classic
By Richard Edmunds
“He’s been a hard horse to train at times – he has a mind of his own – but he’s getting better with age.”After three seasons of high ...
Mascarpone delivers timely boost for Westbury Stud draft
By Richard Edmunds
An outstanding Group One win by Mascarpone in Saturday’s WFA Classic at Otaki has added another feather to the cap of Westbury Stud’s 2018 and ...
Embellish to play his part for Cambridge Stud brand
By Dennis Ryan
“The variety as well as quality in our draft really shines through.”Last summer yearling buyers were feasting on the first crop of champion ...
Ascot Park locals celebrate feature double
By Richard Edmunds
“We shared the wins around and had heaps of fun together, it was a fantastic day.”Southland stables played a starring role on Invercargill’s ...
Rich Hill looking for feast of success to continue at Karaka 2022
By Dennis Ryan
“On top of our stallions’ previous successes, virtually every weekend there’s been a result to savour.”Off the back of an extraordinary run ...
Serious challenges not enough to stop Te Rapa Group One pair
By Dennis Ryan
“Training a horse like Coventina Bay has been huge for me.”There’s a remarkable back story to last Saturday’s pair of Te Rapa Group ...
Coventina Bay the Herbie Dyke heroine for Shamexpress
By Richard Edmunds
Shamexpress made his name with blistering performances down the ‘straight six’ at Flemington, but it has been over longer distances that the ...
Minimalist Murray retires on his modest terms
By Dennis Ryan
“He establishes routines with every horse in the stable, he treats them all the same, but once he has assessed a horse’s potential he’s not ...
Millennium magic for emerging sire Xtravagant
By Richard Edmunds
“Mark Pilkington has been one of Xtravagant’s biggest supporters in Australia.”Outside of Marauding’s son Prowl in the 1998 Golden Slipper ...
Harness world farewells one of its all-time greats
By Garrick Knight
The wider harness industry was cast into a state of mourning last week as news broke of the passing of last century’s pre-eminent horsemen, Roy ...
Talented apprentices savour Cup Day doubles
By Richard Edmunds
Wellington Cup Day at Trentham last Saturday turned into a landmark day in the careers of talented apprentice jockeys Ashvin Mudhoo and Niranjan ...
Marsh proud to be part of Wellington Cup history
By Dennis Ryan
“No, any way you look at it, that was a great result for both sets of connections.”Stephen Marsh may have spent the past two decades of his ...
RaceForm prize winners thrilled with their Karaka Million night out
By Dennis Ryan
Karaka Million night was an eye-opening first for a group of mainly Northland racing enthusiasts, who were the lucky recipients of a recent RaceForm ...
Te Akau supremo David Ellis and strapper Liam Cunningham escort Karaka Million 2YO winner Dynastic a
By Dennis Ryan
“And none paraded better on the night, the gorgeous bay exuding class as he strolled around the Ellerslie parade ring".I have a confession to ...
Karaka Million marks a grand unveiling and a fond farewell
By Richard Edmunds
“Dynastic’s dominance of the Karaka Million was a dream result for a first-crop stallion.”The million-dollar centrepieces of Saturday’s ...
Westbury Classic shines spotlight on fillies and mares
By Richard Edmunds
“What this race has become in such a short space of time is quite remarkable, and we’re very proud of it.”For Westbury Stud general manager and ...
New wave of Cambridge Stud investment bearing early fruit
By Dennis Ryan
“It’s great to be getting such good early results from our new wave of broodmares.”Concrete evidence of the ongoing investment that has ...
Owner-breeders right in the classic frame
By Dennis Ryan
Results from last Sunday’s Ellerslie race meeting have put the spotlight on owner-breeders in the countdown to feature three-year-old races.The ...
Laking realises career ambition with Kumara Nuggets victory
By Dennis Ryan
“You wouldn’t believe it, but that was the first time the girls have been on-course to see me ride a winner.”Canterbury jockey Jason Laking ...
Entriviere a breeding triumph for Grays
By Richard Edmunds
New Zealand’s latest sprinting superstar has come from an unusual recipe that combines two stallions renowned as sources of stamina, along with a ...
Family central to Rich Hill Mile celebrations
By Dennis Ryan
“The whole thing – winning this race, having success with the Weatherleys, but most of all that Mum and Dad could be there – is great.”Family ...
Rich Hill principal gets 2022 off on the right foot
By Dennis Ryan
January 1 for Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson means a lot more than a fresh New Year’s resolution.It also marks the running of the Gr. 2 ...
Norvall celebrates a special Group One first
By Dennis Ryan
“I told Ashvin how I had done it on Veyron and if things worked out there wasn’t any reason he couldn’t do the same.”Former jockey Rogan ...
Hong Kong call leads to gilt-edged opportunity for Richards
By Dennis Ryan
A process that began with a phone call six months ago has led to an even bigger surprise with the announcement last Friday that Jamie Richards has ...
Racing’s oldest pin-up boy loving his Gold Watch life
By Dennis Ryan
“Anyone can train a good horse; after that it’s common sense.” Cliff Goss nods philosophically as he reflects on his life over the past 12 ...
Don’s Breeder Awards double caps a year like no other
By Dennis Ryan
“What she’s done is beyond anyone’s wildest dreams; it’s been the most incredible experience that in some ways I still can’t believe.”A ...
James and Wellwood synergies come up with a huge weekend
By Dennis Ryan
“Robert brought some valuable skills with him, both in horsemanship and commercial understanding.”One has prepared more than 1,200 winners and ...
Chittick reflects as more awards claimed by Waikato
By Dennis Ryan
“We were both young and we learnt a lot off each other.”Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick has been drawn back to his formative years in the ...
Devcich relishing his Cambridge Stud role
By Dennis Ryan
“It was the best opportunity I could imagine; there was a lot happening at Cambridge Stud.”Nearing the end of his second breeding season in ...
An insight into Mike Clement of the RIB
By Liz Whelan
“I might not be the most popular person around, but I’m not going to hold back when it comes to suggesting that there might be a better way or a ...
HOTY in virtual mode recognises excellence
By Dennis Ryan
“Probabeel is the best by a country mile. She’s just like a Christmas tree that keeps giving.”Brendan Lindsay summed it up when he referred to ...
Chris Dell enjoys Wanganui Cup success
By Liz Whelan
“I want to say I’ve grown up a bit now. I’d probably smash out a Beyonce track instead these days!”When I caught up with jockey Chris Dell on ...
Greene rules the roost at Te Rapa
By Dennis Ryan
“The way we see it, there’s no point in winning races but going broke at the same time.”David Greene got another reminder of the value of his ...
Peters Empire profits from NZ input
By Dennis Ryan
“Where ever they might be, all our foals return as weanlings to grow and develop on the farm.”Much more than just an ocean separates New Zealand ...
Sarah and Sam compete for bragging rights with career-high double
By Dennis Ryan
The game of one-upmanship got serious last Saturday afternoon for jockey partners Sarah Macnab and Sam O’Malley when they experienced career highs ...
A special week through the eyes of one lucky owner
By Richard Edmunds
Since the days of King’s Chapel and Darci Brahma in the early 2000s, Te Akau Racing have regularly run rampant during Christchurch racing’s ...
Noverre adds yet another NZ 2000 Guineas to Te Akau record
By Dennis Ryan
“There were some pretty good judges on him, and I had to pay a lot of money to secure him.”He’s been in the middle of it multiple times over ...
Modest McDonald takes extraordinary achievements in his stride
By Dennis Ryan
“The Melbourne Cup probably stands out to be fair, it’s the holy grail.” Two things strike you about James McDonald: first and foremost his ...
Daring to dream leads to ultimate victory
By Dennis Ryan
Breeding and part-owning Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant has for 83-year-old Don Goodwin been all about keeping the faith – and dreaming.From ...
Verry Elleegant lands the big one for New Zealand
By Dennis Ryan
This was one for New Zealand, the day that champion expats Chris Waller and James McDonald combined for their most famous of countless victories with ...
Trelawney treble and a bonus win make for a huge weekend
By Dennis Ryan
Trelawney Stud principals Brent and Cherry Taylor had more than enough to celebrate last weekend with a feature race treble and something special to ...
Sir Patrick’s Cup fancy an easy choice to make
By Dennis Ryan
Hall of Fame breeder Sir Patrick Hogan won’t have a starter in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, but he’ll have the next best thing in one that he ...
Thompson’s faith in Shocking vindicated
By Dennis Ryan
More than six years between Group One winners might test any stallion master’s patience, but in the case of Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson, ...
Mereana Hudson enjoys first stakes win
By Liz Whelan
Mereana Hudson had a day to remember on Saturday, when she claimed her first stakes win aboard Magic Incanto in the Gr. 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes ...
Pattern Review cuts to the quick of NZ black-type structure
By Dennis Ryan
There’s a lot more to take out of the New Zealand Pattern Committee’s review of black-type races from 2020-21 than the downgrading of our only ...
Cropp keeps it in the family with Great Northern win
By Dennis Ryan
Another chapter in the Cropp family’s Great Northern Steeplechase story was written on Sunday when Mathew Cropp partnered Te Kahu to victory in the ...
By Short-term pain for long-term gain in dual track renovation plan
By Dennis Ryan
Racing in the northern region will face challenging times next year with key racetracks Ellerslie and Te Aroha scheduled to be out of action ...
Embellish bucks third-year trend with biggest book ever
By Dennis Ryan
It’s almost second nature for a studmaster to expect a drop in patronage for a stallion in its third year, however that’s anything but the trend ...
Kiwi pride in NZ-bred achievements across The Ditch
By Dennis Ryan
John Thompson is one of many members of the intertwined thoroughbred industry wearing more than one hat.The most engrossing is his oversight as ...
Vadamos sires first stakes winner
By Dennis Ryan
Dual hemisphere performer and stallion Vadamos notched his all-important first black-type win as a sire when Art de Triomphe made no race of last ...
Mr Mozart delivers a high for Jamieson Park principal
By Dennis Ryan
From disappointment to elation, last Saturday Jamieson Park principal James Chapman experienced the full gamut of emotions that racing and breeding ...
Westbury celebrates a weekend to savour
By Richard Edmunds
The spring of 2021 is off to an unforgettable start for Westbury Stud, courtesy of Group Two triumphs on both sides of the Tasman and an undefeated ...
Rich Hill boss reflects on bob-of-the-head weekend
By Dennis Ryan
Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson is almost apologetic in describing last weekend as good without being great. “It was good to see horses by ...
Lockdown Update
By Dennis Ryan
27 August 2021Hi again everyoneWith today’s Government advisory that Auckland is to remain at COVID lockdown level 4 and the remainder of the ...
Taplins strike a blow for themselves and Deep South racing
By Dennis Ryan
A Deep South victory in the first feature flat race of the season is by no means novel, but for Isla Bank couple Ian and Kerry Taplin it was ...
Emily Farr enjoying the ride with Chief Sequoyah
By Liz Whelan
“I sing on the way to the start. I sing in the gates.”Chief Sequoyah’s remarkable jumping prowess was re-confirmed on Saturday when he won the ...
Westbury signs off big season with a flourish
By Dennis Ryan
The last weekend of the 2020-21 season provided a fitting finale for Westbury Stud, headed by outstanding results for its stallion duo of Redwood and ...
Erin Leighton gets first black-type winner
By Liz Whelan
Erin Leighton is a star on the rise.And on Saturday, she capped off her season perfectly, winning the final Listed race of the season aboard Ima Roca ...
Richards lost for superlatives after amazing season
By Dennis Ryan
Even Jamie Richards, the man in the middle of it all, struggles for superlatives in describing his record-breaking 2020-21 season. The best that he ...
Johnson ticks off the milestones in landmark season
By Dennis Ryan
“In my own mind, the most important thing is that I believe I’m living the best life possible.”A season of milestones and personal choices have ...
Ace Lawson-Carroll gets first career victory
By Liz Whelan
“I spend a lot of time on the mechanical horse. And the first thing I do after I get home from the races, is go over all of my race replays.”Ace ...
Sharrock brothers enjoy a timely hometown win
By Dennis Ryan
There are multiple layers to the satisfaction Taranaki horseman Allan Sharrock took from his home track win with Justaskme in last Saturday’s ...
Tributes flow for Hall of Famer Laurie Laxon
By Dennis Ryan
“He was a wonderful person and an incredible horseman.”Tributes from around the world have flowed in the wake of the death late last week of New ...
SENZ launches in NZ
By Liz Whelan
“Our show is going to provide cutting edge punting and racing information from all of the key industry participants that you need to hear from on a ...
Auckland amalgamation sets the platform for a vibrant future
By Dennis Ryan
PHOTO: Men in the middle: Counties and Auckland Racing Club Chairmen Mark Chitty and Doug AldersladeThe platform has been established and now the ...
Multiple layers set an exciting platform at Cambridge Stud
By Dennis Ryan
PHOTO : The arrival of star European sprinter Hello Youmzain is being keenly awaited at Cambridge Stud.Reflections on a landmark year of achievements ...
Jessica Meech a shining light at TAB NZ
By Liz Whelan
PHOTO: Jessica Meech and her husband, Steve Burgess, at Ellerslie to cheer on Entriviere. There aren’t many people in racing who are universally ...
James Seivwright enjoys Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase success
By Liz Whelan
When Yardarm won the AHD Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase at Hastings on Saturday, there was no one more excited than his jockey, James Seivwright.“I was ...
Ancient Spirit fits the bill at White Robe
By Dennis Ryan
Sourcing stallion material is a challenge for New Zealand thoroughbred studs across the board, however that hasn’t stood in the way of White Robe ...
Family pride as Yardarm revives memories of one of the greats
By Dennis Ryan
Family pride and memories of one of the greats in New Zealand racing history came flooding back to Cambridge woman Liz Wallace when Yardarm won the ...
Hughes reflects on milestone 500
By Dennis Ryan
A range of elements make for success as a trainer, but the two that Riccarton horseman Kevin Hughes points to as indispensable are loyal owners and ...
Leigh Phelan claims Te Aroha Cup aboard Colin Oscopy
By Liz Whelan
Colin Oscopy proved to be the most popular winner of the day at Te Aroha on Sunday, not just because of his controversial name, but also because it ...
Business as usual for Pop Star Princess
By Dennis Ryan
Victory in last Saturday’s Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic was another landmark achievement in the rather unusual career of under-rated Cambridge ...
McNeill rises to the occasion for Ellerslie double
By Dennis Ryan
There’s nothing to compare with the resilience of a jumps jockey and no better current example than 25-year-old Scotsman Hamish McNeill.At ...
Eion boasts a Power Full name
By Dennis Ryan
Speculation invariably abounds as to how racehorses get their names.Greek gods, favourite holiday destinations, all-too-facile (and sometimes ...
This Mary is no flash in the pan
By Dennis Ryan
The testing track on a true winter’s day might not have been ideal for a twoyear- old filly making her debut, but there was no denying the ...
Elizabeth Charleston making the most of life
By Liz Whelan
Elizabeth Charleston is a force.When I met her in person for the first time last weekend, she had an aura about her. Bright, bubbly and exuberant, ...
Cole tackles Castletown with surprise package
By Richard Edmunds
Matamata trainer Cody Cole admits to being taken by surprise by his twoyear- old filly Iffshecan, whose impressive debut victory last month has ...
Cheque book versus scrapbook a no-brainer for Henderson
By Dennis Ryan
It’s been decades since former Cambridge trainer Alan Jones coined the phrase about the merits of a cheque book over a scrapbook, but the ...
Cullen’s stars primed to carry punters’ hopes
By Jonny Turner
Tens of thousands of dollars will be bet on Hayden Cullen’s Harness Jewels runners, and the good news for punters ready to pile in, is that the ...
Inaugural Polytrack raceday a resounding success
By Dennis Ryan
By any measure the first race meeting staged on the Cambridge Jockey Club’s synthetic Polytrack surface was a resounding success.Speculation ...
Kate Hercock celebrates black-type success
By Liz Whelan
A familiar name has recently returned to the senior jockey riding ranks.Kate Hercock, who has won 242 races and over $3 million in prize-money, took ...
Kelvin and Aimee Tyler enjoy golden run
By Liz Whelan
Everything that Kelvin and Aimee Tyler touch has been turning to gold lately.The father-daughter training combination trained four of the eight ...
Stakeholders react to Auckland merger plans
By Dennis Ryan
In the week since the public airing of plans for the Auckland and Counties Racing Clubs to merge, stakeholders have had a chance to take stock of ...
Scotty makes remarkable Warrnambool return
By Dennis Ryan
The words tough and resilient seem hardly adequate in describing Brett Scott’s recovery from life-threatening head injuries to train the winner of ...
Joe Kamaruddin thriving in New Zealand
By Liz Whelan
Joe Kamaruddin continued on his winning way at Te Rapa on Saturday, when he steered Top Brass to victory in the Dunstan Feeds 1200 for his employer, ...
