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Have any of the use less stewards been sacked for putting everyone's health and safety at risk? https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16peP31FDB/

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Francis Lui Kin-wai and the stable’s incredible form continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the veteran trainer bagging both Class Twos and unveiling a smart debutant. Lui, who celebrated his 900th Hong Kong win last week and 67th birthday on Thursday, backed up his Sha Tin treble seven days earlier to make it eight winners from the past four meetings. Winning Wing and Invincible Shield struck in the two strongest races on the Group One undercard, while Gold...View the full article

Moments after Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month. Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February. “Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him. “Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.” Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s. Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back. Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m. Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s. “The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.” Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since February 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million. Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse. “I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class. “I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.” “After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark. “It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will. “He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.” Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.” The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April. A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs. View the full article

NZB’s historic 100th National Yearling Sale kicked off with a solid first day of trade with increases across the average and median reflecting a healthy middle market. At the close of selling for the opening session, a total of 207 lots sold for a total aggregate of more than $38 million. The average reached $184,529, a 12% increase on the Book 1 total last year, while the median closed at $140,000, an increase of 27%. Fittingly, Cambridge Stud who have been selling yearlings for more than 70 years at the National Yearling Sale, offered the top lot of the day. The blue-blooded Snitzel colt out of Amarelinha (Lot 265) was knocked down to Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $850,000. “He’s a beautiful colt by a champion sire out of a NZB Filly of the Year in Amarelinha,” commented bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster. “We had a really good client who wanted to buy a good colt today, and hopefully he’s going to buy some good fillies tomorrow as well. “Buying off Cambridge Stud, you can’t go wrong,” he added. Another longstanding vendor, Hallmark Stud, offered the second top lot on Day One when Lot 93, a Super Seth colt out of Rozala, was purchased for $675,000 by KPW Bloodstock. “I thought this was just an outstanding colt, one of the best moving colts on the complex,” commented KPW Bloodstock’s Kevin ‘Milly’ Walls. Lot 93 Photo Ange Bridson NZB’s Director and Head Auctioneer Mike Kneebone commented on the first day of trade at the refreshed Book 1 Sale. “We’ve taken on a massive challenge of selling across long nine hour days. To take that risk, condensing the catalogue, it’s very rewarding to see the Sale start so well.” “There are so many good horses spread across so many good stud farms. The first 20 horses were remarkable, and that flow continued all day. “To have 19 horses make $400,000 or more on the first day, when last year there was 26 in total, it indicates how well the Sale is travelling and a very healthy middle market. “As we know the second day is when everyone has their eye in. A lot of people came here today to buy a horse and they are still waiting. “There has been great feedback about the refreshed format and having all the Book 2 horses on the ground early. “Great to see both Australia and Hong Kong so active, and the Kiwis really stepping up. The clearance rate will continue to improve overnight, and we look forward to another strong day tomorrow.” Selling continues on Monday for Day Two of Book 1, where lots 291 – 567 will go through the ring from 10am (NZT) at Karaka. The Sale is televised live on SKY Channel 263 and Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand and on Racing.com in Australia, as well as on NZB’s website, online bidding platform and Facebook page. Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Day One online here. View the full results here. To enquire about Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham at +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz or Andrew Buick at +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz. Karaka 2026: Book 1, Day One Statistics (as at end of selling) 2026 BOOK 1, DAY ONE (NEW FORMAT) 2025 BOOK 1 TOTAL 2024 BOOK 1 TOTAL 2023 BOOK 1 TOTAL AGGREGATE $38,197,500 $75,332,500 $79,585,500 $70,063,000 AVERAGE $184,529 $164,841 $168,257 $151,980 MEDIAN $140,000 $110,000 $120,000 $130,000 CLEARANCE 77% 78% 78% 79% CATALOGUED 290 661 682 644 OFFERED 270 588 607 582 SOLD 207 457 473 461 TOP LOT Lot 265 Snitzel – Ameralinha (B.C) $850,000 Lot 345 Savabeel – Symphonic (Br.F) $2,400,000 Lot 21 Proisir – Donna Marie (Ch.F) $1,600,000 Lot 586 Fastnet Rock – Test the World (B.F) $1,000,000 Karaka 2026: Book 1 Day One Top Lots Lot Sire Dam Sex Vendor Purchaser Price 265 Snitzel Amarelinha Colt Cambridge Stud Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock (NSW) $ 850,000 93 Super Seth Rozala Colt Hallmark Stud KPW Bloodstock (QLD) $ 675,000 102 Anamoe Save the Date Colt Cambridge Stud Mulberry Racing (NSW) $ 650,000 94 Proisir Ruqqaya Colt Trelawney Stud Yulong / Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (VIC) $ 600,000 143 Snitzel Sovereign Love Filly Westbury Stud Mr Andrew Carston (Canterbury) $ 560,000 259 Savabeel Allemande Colt Cambridge Stud Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding (China) $ 550,000 215 Anamoe Veronica Jane Colt Wentwood Grange Mr Ryan Fownes (Hong Kong) $ 500,000 124 Street Boss Shuffled Filly Inglewood Stud Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 475,000 147 Home Affairs Special Memories Colt Landsdowne Park David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau) $ 475,000 24 Satono Aladdin On Yer Feet Colt Little Avondale Stud Payne Racing (NSW) $ 450,000 188 Satono Aladdin The Precious One Colt Milan Park Lindsay Park Racing / Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) (VIC) $ 450,000 241 Wootton Bassett Zayydani Colt Trelawney Stud Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Darby Racing / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 450,000 177 Satono Aladdin Taviarma Colt Curraghmore Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock (NSW) $ 440,000 103 Sword of State Savvy Dreams Filly Milan Park Ben Kwok (Singapore) $ 425,000 107 The Autumn Sun Seany’s Girl Filly Wentwood Grange Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 425,000 139 Profondo Songbird Filly Carlaw Park Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 425,000 59 Proisir Pure Faith Filly Curraghmore B2B Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 400,000 105 Satono Aladdin Sayyzel Colt Riversley Park Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Champion Thoroughbreds / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 400,000 270 In the Congo Anaween Filly Little Avondale Stud David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau) $ 400,000 View the full article

A late, great sire and a deceased Group One-winning dam combined with an $850,000 colt that topped the opening day of the Book 1 session of Karaka 2026 on Sunday. The colt was offered by Cambridge Stud and went through the ring as Lot 265 in the final hour of the day. He is by the four-time champion Australian sire Snitzel, who died in June, and was the second and final foal produced by Savabeel mare Amarelinha before her untimely death in a paddock accident. Herself a $300,000 purchase by David Ellis from the Karaka sale ring in 2019, Amarelinha won five races and more than $627,000 in stakes. Her victories included the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), and she was the NZB Filly of the Year in 2020-21. She was later purchased by Cambridge Stud for $1.1 million on Gavelhouse Plus. Bidding on the Snitzel colt developed into a two-way battle between determined buyers who exchanged rapid-fire $25,000 bids from the $400,000 mark onwards. In the end, the colt was knocked down to Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock. “He’s a beautiful colt by a champion sire, Snitzel, out of a Filly of the Year in Amarelinha,” Guy Mulcaster commented. “We had a really good client who wanted to buy a good colt today, and hopefully he’s going to buy some good fillies tomorrow as well – fingers crossed. “This was a horse that we saw early, and he just stayed in my mind. We were lucky enough to take our client to see him today, and the colt behaved really well. “Buying off Cambridge Stud, you can’t go wrong.” The headlining colt headed a highly successful first day of the sale for Cambridge Stud, who sold 29 horses on Sunday for a total of $6.4 million and an average price of $220,862. They also fetched $650,000 for a colt by first-season sire Anamoe out of the stakes-placed Savabeel mare Save The Date, who was bought by Mulberry Racing. A colt by Savabeel out of the Sea The Moon mare Allemande was sold to Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding for $550,000. The $850,000 Snitzel colt was the fifth purchase of the day for the Waller/Mulcaster team, who spent a total of $1.71 million. They previously went to $440,000 to buy Lot 177, a colt by Satono Aladdin out of Group Two performer Taviarma, then paid $200,000 for a full-brother to the Chris Waller-trained Group One winner Kovalica. That Ocean Park colt went through the ring as Lot 222. “We’ve picked and chosen what we’ve been buying today, and we’ve done pretty well,” Mulcaster said. “We’ve got quite a long list, so we’ll see how we go tomorrow.” Te Akau’s David Ellis finished the opening day in his usual position of leading buyer, with 11 purchases for a total of $3.15 million and an average price of $286,363. His highest-priced yearling of the day was Lot 147, a colt by Home Affairs out of the stakes-performed Fastnet Rock mare Special Memories, which he secured for $475,000. View the full article

Leading Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr look set to pay the late entry fee for the Group One Herbie Dyke Stakes with Knobelas (NZ) (Belardo) after her luckless third in the Aotearoa Classic. Speaking to Racing.com, Price said the $750,000 Te Rapa feature over 2000 metres was firmly on the radar, with the late entry costing $17,000. “It’s a $750,000 Group One. I have a very strong feel that mare has a strong 2000m in her. It was a very good run (on Saturday),” Price said. “So, we will chase that and see how we go. “I think we should continue on. She should be thereabouts (in the Herbie Dyke). “I’ve got a very good girl here. I know every inch of the training centre that we are at. Lance Noble has been great with his assistance; he has helped me not make a mistake. “She’s a lovely mare, she was born in New Zealand, she has come to Australia, and she is back in New Zealand.” Price added that Craig Williams told connections Knobelas should have won had he shifted wider in the straight, rather than trying to pick paths through traffic. The OTI-trained mare flashed home late for third. “She’s honest. She runs well every start. She is due for a little change of luck,” Price said. A Sydney autumn campaign also remains in play. “If she trained on, she will be Sydney autumn. She’s a four-year-old mare. “My farrier has done a good job with her feet. She has been beautifully sound and free.” View the full article

Danny Shum Chap-shing hailed his “small but strong team” as Romantic Warrior began his path towards the Triple Crown with a scintillating performance to win the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Dropping back to the mile for the first time since winning the 2024 Yasuda Kinen was no problem for the globetrotting sensation, who made a mockery of his rivals after a tactical masterclass by jockey James McDonald. Breaking from stall seven, Romantic Warrior was held out four wide...View the full article

Zac Purton and many others thought Silent Witness’ record would never be matched but at Sha Tin on Sunday, superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising did just that with a 17th straight victory after dominating the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). Extending his phenomenal streak to match the great Silent Witness’ feat from 21 years ago, Ka Ying Rising was eased down by Purton when blitzing his rivals by a length and a quarter. “What can I say. We’ve said it all with the horse,” the champion jockey...View the full article

You should really get some electricity for that hut in the Tarawera's.

Agree although if Punters see the Broadster sinking the odds on the Tote they may well be enticed to bet on another runner as it’s odds have blown out. If enough people were to do that then the Broadster may get a reasonable return on the tote but agree it’s not really worth the risk.

Booming Trade Kicks off Momentous Karaka 2026 NZB’s historic 100th National Yearling Sale kicked off with a solid first day of trade with increases across the average and median reflecting a healthy middle market. At the close of selling for the opening session, 207 lots sold for a total aggregate of more than $38 million. The average reached $184,529, a 12% increase on the Book 1 total last year, while the median closed at $140,000, an increase of 27%. Fittingly, Cambridge Stud who have been selling yearlings for more than 70 years at the National Yearling Sale, offered the top lot of the day. The blue-blooded Snitzel colt out of Amarelinha (Lot 265) was knocked down to Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $850,000. “He’s a beautiful colt by a champion sire out of a NZB Filly of the Year in Amarelinha,” commented bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster. “We had a really good client who wanted to buy a good colt today, and hopefully he’s going to buy some good fillies tomorrow as well. “Buying off Cambridge Stud, you can’t go wrong,” he added. Another long-standing vendor, Hallmark Stud, offered the second top lot on Day One when Lot 93, a Super Seth colt out of Rozala, was purchased for $675,000 by KPW Bloodstock. “I thought this was just an outstanding colt, one of the best moving colts on the complex,” commented KPW Bloodstock’s Kevin ‘Milly’ Walls. NZB’s Director and Head Auctioneer Mike Kneebone commented on the first day of trade at the refreshed Book 1 Sale. "We've taken on a massive challenge of selling across long nine hour days. To take that risk, condensing the catalogue, it's very rewarding to see the Sale start so well." "There are so many good horses spread across so many good stud farms. The first 20 horses were remarkable, and that flow continued all day. "To have 19 horses make $400,000 or more on the first day, when last year there was 26 in total, it indicates how well the Sale is travelling and a very healthy middle market. "As we know the second day is when everyone has their eye in. A lot of people came here today to buy a horse and they are still waiting. "There has been great feedback about the refreshed format and having all the Book 2 horses on the ground early. "It's also great to see both Australia and Hong Kong so active, and the Kiwis really stepping up. The clearance rate will continue to improve overnight, and we look forward to another strong day tomorrow." Selling continues on Monday for Day Two of Book 1, where lots 291 – 567 will go through the ring from 10am (NZT) at Karaka. The Sale is televised live on SKY Channel 263 and Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand and on Racing.com in Australia, as well as on NZB’s website, online bidding platform and Facebook page. To enquire about Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham at +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz or Andrew Buick at +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz. READ > New Zealand Bloodstock Email Preferences © New Zealand Bloodstock. 10 Hinau Road, Karaka, 2113, New Zealand.

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk David Butcher’s hoping for a fitting finale for the well-performed You Little Beauty at Taupo on Monday. The Sweet Lou six-year-old, who’s won 13 races, will make her final race day appearance in the day’s feature pace, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Lake Taupo Summer Cup (4.17pm). After the race she will head to the broodmare paddock as she’s in foal to Legendary Hanover. “I’d love to get her up,” says Butcher. After she started out with Ross Paynter, You Little Beauty has had 40 starts and seven wins for Butcher since he took over her training in August 2024. She is one of three Butcher-trained runners in the Cup alongside Hooray Henry and Louezyana. Butcher will drive You Little Beauty in her swansong while sons Zachary and Benjamin will handle Hooray Henry and Louezyana. You Little Beauty and Louezyana will start off 10 metres, 10 ahead of their other stablemate. “It’s a strong field,” says Butcher, “it won’t be easy.” You Little Beauty opened at $7 on the fixed odds market with last start winner American Me (45m) and The Surfer (30m) the favourites at $3.40 and $4.40. Butcher’s in for a busy day as harness racing heads to the Taupo Racing Club for the first time. He has “just about the whole team there”. Eight of his own horses will be racing while he will have 10 drives on the 13-race programme, with a number looking like handy each-way chances. He trains two in Race 2, the NZMCA Pop At Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace – Enzo ($4FF), who he will drive, and Desistella ($6.50) with son Benjamin in the sulky. “Enzo can be a bit of a noddy,” says Butcher, “he’s got ability but I’ve had two goes on him for two gallops.” Butcher has only had him for a few weeks, after he was with son Zachary, and he did finish second in a recent trial. In Race 3, the Skyline Packages for February/March on Sale Now Trot – Butcher will drive another of his team in favourite Brother Johnson ($2.60). “He’s getting his fitness back, likes the grass and does everything right so hopefully we could get a place with him.” Another well-supported runner is Valerei ($4.80) who is fresh up in Race 4, the Hire A Venue at Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace. The Vincent four-year-old placed twice from seven starts last campaign. “He can be a bit on and off but from the draw (2) he’s half a chance to get some money.” The other Butcher-trained and driven runner is Caulfield ($7) in Race 12, the Beta Vet Mobile Pace. “He’s so consistent and races good on the grass. He’s a place chance.” Butcher’s outside drives are : Race 5 : The Elite Athlete ($13) Race 6 : Barsukov ($5.50) Race 7 : Eastwood Admiral ($5.50) Race 8 : Keep It Klassy ($10) Race 13 : Ragnar Lothbrok ($4.50) The first race is due to go to 11.30am with field sizes capped at 10 because of the unique nature of the Taupo track. To see the Taupo fields click here View the full article

What happened with this fella… started race calling but not heard him for ages? Any idea?

Cox Plate!

According to our expert on the Thoroughbred Facebook site, Birdcage Bill, it will be the Doncaster over 1600m. He can be a pain, but seems very knowledgeable. Well Written's 6th dam is Jocasta, a speedy Pakistan 11 filly. I doubt they would try her over more than 1600m

I thought it was lower than that 14.5% co-mingled 15.5% NZ only The only rort is that too many people went tote and that is how a totalisator works. $1.50 -55 FO was available for most of the day

And the NZ tote is?

No point betting into tote as the pools are so low and divs would be getting money back most of the time or far less than should be.

17.5%

Leap To Fame really good as per usual. was quite a powerful win. Kingman hanging in worse than anything i've ever seen in that race ? he really has some bad ways. When Kingman was in NZ ha was hanging as you say , And that was just after his October Victoria Cup win over Leap To Fame at Melton. In that race he raced very awkwardly as well , and hung bad and then even broke stride for a few strides . was given a warning then on his racing manners. I can't believe he still won the race actually . Perhaps the horse just 'Won't Run' with a lugging pole on ? . You do get the odd horse that resents them and just refuse to stretch out at all as they lean on them and get cranky lol. I would think Luke would of tried one on Kingman in training? (possibly). as the horse is doing this a fair bit now (hanging very badly as you observed ) was even doing it at Menangle on the Big track.

How is it a "rort"? The tote auto set the odds based on betd taken less the takeout. What was the takeout percentage?

Got better on Betfair but $1.20 just a rort. No wonder people aren’t interested in racing.

she don't know that!! Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m): March 28, 2026 (Rosehill) - 3YO Fillies.

So you went Fixed odds at a $1.50?

You have no restrictions on the tote but agree the pools are small.