All Activity

A Snitzel yearling colt out of Australian wondermare Winx (Street Cry) has been withdrawn from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He sustained a setback in his prep which will prevent him from taking part in the auction. “The welfare of our beautiful colt is of paramount importance to us and the veterinary advice is that he will need a period of time to recover appropriately from his setback,” part-owner Peter Tighe said. “We will give him all the time that he needs and thus he will be unable to take his place in the sale. “He is in great hands with the team at Coolmore and we look forward to his race career once he has made a full recovery.” During the 2024 Inglis Easter Sale, Winx's Pierro filly Quinceanera sold for A$10 million to co-breeder Debbie Kepitis's Woppitt Bloodstock. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch added, “It's obviously disappointing for the industry as a whole that we won't be seeing Winx's Snitzel colt at Easter, based purely off the amazing scenes and theatre his big sister generated at Inglis Easter at Riverside Stables in 2024. “We wish the connections, with whom we have forged a fantastic relationship with over the past few years, all the very best with their beautiful colt and hopefully he goes on to have a successful race career. “The catalogue for the Easter Sale on March 29 and 30 is extraordinary, the quality of yearlings on offer is incredibly high and we are very much looking forward to the sale.” The post Winx’s Snitzel Colt Withdrawn From Inglis Easter Yearling Sale After Setback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three-time G1 Melbourne Cup heroine Makybe Diva has died after a short battle with colic. An Australian racing icon, she was a member of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame since 2006 and achieved Legend status in 2010. She was 27. By Desert King, the mare won the Melbourne Cup from 2003-2005 and is the only Melbourne Cup winner to take the “Race that Stops the Nation” three times. Makybe Stud said in a statement, “A once-in-a-generation legend, Makybe Diva captured the imagination of the nation and the admiration of the global racing community. Her career was defined by courage, endurance and historic achievement. Today, Makybe Diva remains the only horse in history to win three consecutive victories in the Melbourne Cup in 2003, 2004 and 2005.” The Tony Santic-owned runner was first trained by David Hall and captured her first Melbourne Cup for him in 2003. She then moved to the yard of Lee Freedman and was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Glenn Boss to her other successes. Seven of her victories were Group 1 wins, including the Cox Plate, the Australian Cup, the BMW Stakes and the Sydney Cup. VRC chairman Neil Wilson said of the dual Australian Horse of the Year (2005/2006), “Makybe Diva was more than a champion – she truly transcended the sport of racing. Her three consecutive Melbourne Cup victories stand among the most iconic achievements in Australian sporting history, and the memories she created will never be forgotten. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to her connections, and to the broader racing community who will feel the significance of this loss.” At stud, the daughter of Tugela (Riverman) foaled 10 offspring, with Divanation (All Too Hard) third in a listed race and another daughter producing Group 2-placed Touch Of Mink (Not A Single Doubt). The post Three-Time Melbourne Cup Winner Makybe Diva Dies At 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jay Rooney GALACTIC VOYAGE - R6 (3) Won well last start and can repeat the feat despite his wide draw today Owen Goulding KARMA - R10 (2) Has been building all season and ran a cracker last start from miles back Trackwork Spy CONRAD PATCH - R5 (6) Got going late for second last start and can go one better here Phillip Woo HAPPY SHOOTER - R5 (4) Turned the corner with a smart win last start and can notch another success Shannon (Vincent Wong) CALIFORNIA BAY - R2 (7) Ran a nice third to...View the full article

Talented but injury plagued sprinter Poetic Champion (NZ)(Super Seth) once again displayed his absolute class in a fresh state when he monstered his rivals in the Ancroft Developments (1200m) at Matamata. Carrying topweight of 59kgs, even after apprentice Sam McNab applied his 3kg claim, the son of Super Seth made no race of it once McNab found the lead from barrier rise and applied the blowtorch to his rivals from that point onwards. Poetic Champion was cruising as he rounded the home turn and quickly extended to a two-length margin over the chasing pack. McNab gave his mount a couple of flicks on the rump and he bounded away to win by just over three lengths at the line from Egyptian Queen (Zoustar), who chased him gamely all the way and the late closing Lachie. Trainer Tony Pike, who had also produced another promising mare in Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) to win nicely earlier on the card, was thrilled to see his star back to his best although he knows that his racing career is on a day-by-day basis. “I think he could be a proper Group One sprinter if he hadn’t been plagued with knee issues all of his career,” Pike said. “When he is 100 percent sound he oozes class, but we generally can only get two or three starts out of him before the issues flare up and he has to go back to the paddock. “He was first-up today after 10 months off and he did what he normally does although we expected him to win in rating 75 company as he is much better than that. “I’m hopeful that as he matures, he will start to shake off some of the problems. He has pulled up better than I have seen before. “We’ll probably take him to Trentham next for the Lightning (Listed, 1200m) in April as he goes better left-handed with less pressure on his right knee, which is his worst.” Pike was also delighted with the performance of Thooza, who took out a rating 75 1400m contest in a tight three-way tussle at the finish of the fourth race on the card. “She (Thooza) is getting better and better as she matures and she was very good today,” he said. “She got run off her feet on a very firm track at Te Rapa last time but with a little more give in the surface today she was much better suited. “The way she is progressing she will deserve a shot at some black type, so we will be looking to see where we can go to try and achieve that goal.” Pike went within a long head of a winning treble with promising stayer Maldini (NZ) (Tarzino) succumbing to the late charge from Savoir Faire (NZ) (Savabeel) when beaten into second by just a long head in the open 2000m contest on the card. Poetic Champion can do no wrong fresh up, winning the seventh of the day at Matamata Sam McNab gets his second win of the day, combining with @pikeracingnz once again. WATCH LIVE https://t.co/CJCRuBvJHp pic.twitter.com/g1KxY8PQsH — Trackside NZ (@TracksideNZ) February 28, 2026 View the full article

It was an emotional moment at Wingatui on Saturday for Vicky Ramhit, with the Timaru trainer rewarding his parents for their support with a big winner’s cheque followingAladdins Jem’s (NZ)(Satono Aladdin) victory in the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m). Ramhit shares in the ownership of the mare with a small group, including his parents, Jagdish and Pratibha Ramhit, and they have enjoyed a fruitful run with the daughter of Satono Aladdin, including victory over 1400m during New Zealand Cup Week. Her last start win at Wingatui last month qualified her for the ODT Southern Mile Final and Ramhit was hopeful she would continue her good run of form in the rich feature. However, she was given no favours from her wide alley and leading South Island hoop Tina Comignaghi was forced to ride her for luck at the back of the pack. Turning for home she still had all before her and what looked to be an impenetrable wall of horses, but Comignaghi kept the faith, gaps opened, and her charge was able to burst through them, appearing late on the scene to capture victory by three-quarters of a length over Our Approval (NZ) (Ghibellines). “She is a gem, she is something else this horse,” Comignaghi said. “I was flat at the back of the field so I thought I would take my chances and ride for luck, the gaps opened and she burst through them. “He (Ramhit) is a great trainer, a good friend of mine, so I am super happy for him to get this win.” Ramhit, who is now training in a solo capacity after partnerships with John and Karen Parsons, and Bruce Tapper, was rapt to get the victory, particularly for his parents, and he was full of praise for Comignaghi’s ride. “She’s the first horse since I have been training that Mum and Dad own,” he said. “It’s very special. “She is a very good mare. I have given her a lot of time because she takes heaps of time to back-up after a race. “She (Comignaghi) is a talented jockey, I didn’t say anything to her, she knows what she is doing.” Ramhit hasn’t made any set plans with Aladdins Jem but said he will savour the win over the coming days before sitting down and hashing a plan. “I will get home and give it two days and then decide what to do with her,” he said. Bred by Okaharau Station, Aladdins Jem is out of Keepaflight (NZ), a half-sister to Group One performer Cog Hill (NZ) (Star Way). She initially had three starts for Wexford Stables before being offered on gavelhouse.com where she was purchased by Ramhit for $11,500. She has gone on to win three of her five starts for the South Canterbury horseman and accrued more than $170,000 in prizemoney. The ODT Southern Mile Final goes to Aladdins Jem The Vicky Ramhit trained Mare gets the job done in the hands of Tina Comignaghi. WATCH LIVE https://t.co/CJCRuBvJHp pic.twitter.com/6RwTJdXJLd — Trackside NZ (@TracksideNZ) February 28, 2026 View the full article

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is confident Numbers’ tactical advantage over Little Paradise can give him a defining boost in their much-anticipated clash in Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m). The two stand-outs heading into the second leg of the four-year-old series, Numbers will chase a hat-trick of victories while Little Paradise is fresh from a stunning triumph in the Classic Mile. Lor’s Australian import has made an instant impression in Hong Kong, following a first-up third at Happy Valley with a Class...View the full article

Spot on by you Mr Galah. Swayzee after getting the lead after half a lap was an unstoppable force. Repelled the strong bid by Leap To Fame to hold him off well. The Fast ones and the BIG ones were action tonight . KEAYANG Zahara winning by lengths at Melton on their trotters night in the Just believe Group 1 trot . Gus destroyed the trotters in Brisbane too trotting home a brilliant last quarter from the back of the field. Also in Brisbane Greg Mitchell's new Purchase from NZ has won his first 2 starts in junior FFA's . WHO's Delight . defeated my old NZ fav horse 'Turn It Up' 2nd. looks like he's being super - seeded lol😂 At Menangle Don Hugo blasted to a victory in the FFA , and in the Paleface Adios Classic CAPTAIN"S MISTRESS was so impressive I think she could be the Best yet ? She Left the field struggling by lengths behind in 1.49. She is Supersonic and will be a match for Don Hugo or Leap To fame anyday . and also Mick Boots New star horse was in action at Menangle . Introducing to you the 'Jamal' Oz equal horse = HOLLYWOOD STRIP. could be the next Superstar the way he's going. Hollywood Strip , a Sweet Lou 3 year-old, made it 7 from 7 with another easy win. Has gone 1.50 miles his last five starts now (including some as a 2 yearold last Spring) for trainer-driver Brad Hewitt. is going to test Jamal and the kiwi's real hard at some stage in a Derby or two or the Velocity even. so the PICK 6 for me tonight backing the best ones going of Keayang Zahara $1.04, GUS $1.28, Who'sDelight $1.80, Don Hugo $1.04, Captain's Mistress $1.05 and Hollywood Strip $1.24. WON and Paid $3.24 🤣😂💰 😎 retired now

i would label you a very,very poor form analyst billy. the horse had won 8 races at 1200,but never beyond.So when you say it needed further,your just showing your ignorance.. Also had you bothered to look at its recent videos you would have seen runs beyond 1200, where the jockeys have taken off miles too early,only to come to the end of its run because it excels at 1200,not any further. .Always ridden poor. as to having its chance today. Did you even watch the video.did you even see the head on. Again,you seem to have no idea if you did. anyway,i won't engage in debating with you after this post as i know i am just going to get a silly reply like the last time i did and like the one you posted on this topic.. its tragic for the horse and the horses connections that the horse has lost its life.

The death of the G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics, as confirmed on Friday, has rocked those connected with him at Poonawalla Stud Farms in India. The five-year-old son of Night Of Thunder had been due to cover his first mare but was struck down by a displacement of his large colon. Having survived the initial surgery, Economics developed complications thereafter and could not be saved. Simone Poonawalla, managing director of Poonawalla Stud Farms, paid a heartfelt tribute to the young stallion, describing his demise as a “deeply personal loss”. She told TDN, “Economics had colic which required surgery to correct a large colon displacement. Without surgery there was no chance of the horse surviving. He came out of the surgery well but the hypoxic injury the gut sustained due to this displacement unfortunately resulted in him developing colitis post-surgery. Despite our best efforts and the best veterinary care from Dr. Phiroz Khambatta, Dr. Claire Hawkes, Dr. Hasneyn Mirza and Dr. Partheban, he could not be saved. “I have never seen a horse so strong and brave even through these agonising days of hope and despair.” Economics, whose victories also included the G2 Dante Stakes and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, had been recruited to stand among a strong line-up of stallions at the farm in Pune. Among those on the Poonawalla Stud roster are Territories, sire of Group 1 winners Lazzat and Rougir, former National Stud resident Mutasaabeq, the multiple Group 2 winner Chindit, and Satono Impresa, a son of Deep Impact. Poonawalla added, “This is the first time we've lost a stallion to colic since 1955, which makes this even more devastating. “We are utterly anguished. This is not just a loss of a super racehorse who had all the makings of becoming a great stallion, but a deeply personal loss to us. “We have laid him to rest with the most dignified burial he so rightfully deserves, and he will forever remain in a special place with us.” William Haggas, who trained Economics for Shaikh Isa Salman Al Khalifa, said, “Obviously this is very sad news for us because we had some wonderful days with him, but I am especially sad for the Poonawalla family. We had hoped that he would have a wonderful life in India but it was not to be. I know that they will have done everything in their power to try to save him.” The post ‘Utterly Anguished’: Poonawalla Team Devastated by Loss of Economics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tragic, so sad to here that, and this race the unluckiest of all, thoughts go out to the connections, and the ole war horse.

Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has Voyage Bubble “full of beans” after a strong trial win over Romantic Warrior, but he doubts his stable star can turn the tables on his arch rival in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The two prolific Group One winners clash once again, with Romantic Warrior bidding to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive after claiming the first leg – the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) last month. Voyage Bubble ran third in that race after slipping behind on jumping and...View the full article

and reading the fine print....no drug tests were taken until almost a month later!!!!!!!

Definitely looks like it needed a longer trip.

HENRY HUBBER (A Balloo) - Faltered when being pulled up after the race, with the rider immediately dismounting and the Veterinarian and horse ambulance quickly in attendance. HENRY HUBBER was found to have suffered a fracture to the near front sesamoid bones, being humanely euthanised as a result. A Balloo was excused from weighing in under Rule 647(1)

Race favourite Watersports (NZ) (Ocean Park), the half-sister to dual Group One winner Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) made in three wins from her last four starts when she held out a determined late challenge from Maisy (Pierro)to take out the Benchmark 78 Good Friday Appeal Plate (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. Rider Damian Lane had her beautifully positioned one out in third before tackling the leaders early in the long run home. Just as the daughter of Ocean Park looked to be cruising, Maisy appeared with her challenge and the pair went stride for stride to the line as Watersports gained the upper hand to win by a head. Trainer Archie Alexander had entertained thoughts of defeat when Maisy ranged alongside his charge but her toughness and determination won out in the end. “I held my hands up and thought ‘well, she’s run a super race but we’ll run second today’,” Alexander said. “She’s got that determination, got her head in front and the race went as we planned. “I had a chat to Damian this morning and it happened exactly how we thought it might. “Today was good but now we can look at how long she will race and she’s never let us down.” Alexander is keen to see the mare contest some of the feature events during the upcoming South Australian Autumn Carnival. “She is making our life very easy,” he said. “She keeps presenting well and loves racing. We’ll freshen her up and focus on Adelaide in the autumn. “She doesn’t like it very wet and we’ll keep an eye on that. “We’ll go to Adelaide as she’s won a midweek and now she’s won a Saturday race being by a Group One winner, getting some black type is a key for her. “We’re looking at the City Of Adelaide (Listed, 1400m) which is her sweet spot and then there’s mile options after that.” Lane was also pleased with how well the mare fought when tackled by the eventual runner-up. “She’s been in great form and Archie has had her going so consistently,” he said. “Well done to Archie and his team as he’s had a nice winner on Guineas Day. “The race worked out well today. She got really competitive when it mattered and wanted to win. That is a trait that will take horses a long way. “She is probably best out to 1500m. She has won at a mile and she was able to sustain her gallop today over the 1400m which really helped us out at the end of the race as well.” Watersports was bred by Jamieson Park and is by Ocean Park out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Starwish. Lime Country Thoroughbreds offered her during the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where she was bought for A$75,000 by Alexander Racing and Rogers Bloodstock. She has now had 16 starts for four wins, eight placings and A$221,050 in prize-money. View the full article

Underrated milerCluedo Lane (NZ)(Ghibellines) provided trainer Joseph Waldron with his biggest victory since returning from a stint in Australia last year as he ran a quality field ragged over the concluding stages of the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) at Wingatui. Waldron, who left New Zealand shores just over six years ago, made the decision to return to his home region of Otago in in the middle of 2025 and commenced training from Wingatui at the start of the season. Things have gone well for the talented horseman, who had registered four victories from his boutique team to date, although he went into Saturday’s feature with mixed feelings after having to scratch the well-fancied Brave Spirit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) which allowed a strong back-up chance in Cluedo Lane to take his place in the final field. Rider Akshay Balloo bounced the six-year-old son of Ghibellines away nicely to be sitting in second behind pacemaker Tumuch (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) throughout before taking over at the head of affairs as the 600m. Balloo went for gold on his mount rounding the home bend and opened up a five-length margin on his rivals, and despite getting tired in the final 100m, he held out the late charge of runner-up Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel) and third placed Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) by a length at the winning post. Waldron was thankful for gaining such a big result for the stable, while he also found time to praise the effort of Balloo. “It was meant to be I suppose, although it was a shame about Brave Spirit, but he will be back again,” Waldron said. “It was a great opportunity for this horse and he took it. He has always shown he had good ability and before we got him he was only just nabbed by Spot On Time (NZ) (Time Test) in the TAB Mile (1400m) trial, which is well and truly good enough form for here. “A big thanks to Michael Stokes (owner) who sent him our way as for a little stable like ours that is just getting going, having a horse like him is a huge thrill. “Akshay is incredibly underrated, is great on horses that go forward and that suits ours well. “It doesn’t get much better than this as it is a huge thrill.” Balloo was thankful for the opportunity to ride the horse and made the most of that good fortune. “He is a tough horse,” he said. “I was a little bit worried when I couldn’t get to the front but I saw my chance and pulled him out at the right time, then I knew he was going to be hard to catch. “This is how he likes running and although I had to make some adjustments, it paid off.” Raced by former Canterbury-based trainer Michael Stokes, who also co-bred him, Cluedo Lane has now won four of his 23 starts and more than $203,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

A peach of a ride and a superior staying effort combined to produce a stirring Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) victory for Canterbury raiderNoble Knight (NZ)(Ghibellines) at Wingatui. The Sandy-Cunningham trained and part-owned eight-year-old went into the contest off the back of a victory over 2000m at Riccarton before rounding out his preparation for the feature staying event with a close up second behind race rival Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) in the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) two weeks ago. Northern rider Matt Cameron made the trip down to Wingatui to partner the son of the former White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines and produced a copybook performance on the veteran, positioning him sweetly one-out just ahead of midfield in the early running before looming into contention shortly after runners rounded the final turn. Smooth Operator, the heavily backed $3.30 race favourite, kicked to the lead at that point and looked to be full of running as Noble Knight, In Vegas (NZ) (Telperion) and Generation Joy (NZ) (Ghibellines) set out after him. Cameron gave his mount a couple of flicks behind the saddle and Noble Knight shot clear before stretching his final winning margin to just on two lengths from the hard charging Capo Del Impero (NZ) (Ghibellines) who snatched second off In Vegas in the shadows of the post. Cunningham was overjoyed with the victory after her charge had finished third in the event back in 2024. “That is so exciting,” Cunningham said. “I’m just overwhelmed really, although he deserves it as he is just such a consistent horse and never goes a bad race. “We’ve placed him reasonably well and he has had a wee trip to Australia, where he ran second at Moonee Valley, which was really exciting. “We had a placing with our trotter Eurostyle in a Group One at Addington last night, where I was yelling at the TV so it could be a fun night here now so look out Wingatui.” Cameron was also pleased with the performance after making his second trip to Wingatui in 20 years. “His form has been solid and he gave me a super ride as he lobbed nicely after there was speed on at the start,” he said. “He tracked into it three and four wide before the turn where we had cover and when we peeled off their backs he bolted in. “With the run he got he relaxed beautifully and was loving it on the line. “I’ve won a few country cups but I’ve only been here once, which was about 20 years ago, and it is good to be back.” Noble Knight was purchased out of White Robe Lodge’s draft during the New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale in 2019 for $22,500 by Cunningham and he has now won on nine occasions while he has also placed a further 23 times for just over $492,000 in stakes earnings. View the full article

Hello Hayley (NZ)(Hello Youmzain) secured a Southern Guineas double when taking out the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Dunedin Guineas (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday, and trainer Sophie Price is now eyeing the triple crown with her filly. The daughter of Hello Youmzain was eye-catching when coming from last to win the Listed Southland Guineas (1400m) at Ascot Park a fortnight ago, and despite that effort she jumped a $12.30 sixth elect on Saturday, and jockey Donovan Cooper made favourite punters rue their decision to overlook her. Hello Hayley settled four-back in the running line, while many of the favoured runners raced handy throughout. Turning for home, Cooper was praying for a gap, which appeared, and he launched his charge through it, with Hello Hayley showing a good turn of foot to pick up the leaders and win by a neck over local hope Golden Spirit (NZ) (Ancient Spirit). “She (Price) told me she was better than ever today, she had to dig a bit deeper, but she still won it relatively easy,” Cooper said. “I was pretty confident when I got back and got a slot in one off the rail. We got good cover and coming into the straight I knew all I needed was a gap. I was that confident the way we were travelling, and I just hoped a gap came in time and it did. “What a filly. I am really proud of her and I think she is a really nice type coming through.” Price was on horseback conducting her Clerk of the Course duties when Hello Hayley won the Southland Guineas at Invercargill, but she was able to put her full focus on her horse when trackside on Saturday, and despite losing vision of her during the running, she was rapt to see her pounce through the pack to take victory. “She has gone huge, it was outstanding,” Price said. I didn’t even see her, I lost her on the TV.” The Southern Guineas triple crown now looms as a key goal, with the final leg, the Listed Gore Guineas (1200m), transferred to Riverton on April 4 following its abandonment earlier this month. If she performs up to expectations, Price said she is also keen to trek north to Riccarton a week later to tackle Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m). “I think that (Gore Guineas) is possibly where we will head,” Price said. “We will give her a freshen-up and go to Riverton, which is pretty handy (from Winton base). “If she goes well we might head to Riccarton a week after and then she will go out for a well-deserved break.” Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, Hello Hayley is out of the Thorn Park mare Hayley Grace (NZ) and is closely related to multiple Group One winner Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle). View the full article

Kiwi-bred six-year-old Dirty Grin (NZ) (Zacinto) bounced back to winning form with a barnstorming late run to collect his seventh career victory when taking out the second event on the card at Flemington, the Benchmark 78 Rubaroc Handicap (1200m). The son of Zacinto last stood on top of the podium when successful over 1214m at Geelong back in November last year but had failed to recapture that form in three subsequent starts since that victory. First up of a freshen up from trainer Nick Ryan, Dirty Grin settled back in the 11-horse field for regular pilot Rhys McLeod before angling to the centre of the track to commence a run at the 400m. Just as fellow kiwi-bred and race favourite Rue De Royale (NZ) (Per Incanto) looked to be striding to victory, Dirty Grin appeared on his outside and charged past in the shadows of the post to score handsomely. Ryan had been looking forward to raceday after barrier draws came out on Wednesday and his charge had drawn barrier 10. “I had a little fist pump on Wednesday morning when the barriers came out,” Ryan said. “He’s a horse that really likes room and gets to the outside, while he likes being fresh. “He had a week away (to freshen) and struggles to run 1400 (metres) so I haven’t done much with him. “He had a very quiet jump out last week and less is certainly more. He’s very clean-winded and started perfectly. “I think the key is to keep him fresh, space his runs and we’ll target another race with a jump out. Rinse and repeat.” Ryan was also delighted with the ride by McLeod, who he has had a long association with. “Rhys has a very good association with the horse,” he said. “I think there is not a jockey who has ridden more winners for me than Rhys. We go back a long way and he’s a very talented human being in whatever he does, be it table tennis, football or soccer. “When his mind is on the job, there’s none better and I love putting him on.” McLeod was also pleased with the performance after completing his fourth win aboard the gelding. “It was a nice win. He enjoyed a bit of cover and peeled out at the right time. Coming back in trip, he was spot on today,” he said.. “He’s stepped up to the mark today and it was good to see him hit the front and really go on with it. “I was really pleased to see him win today and hopefully he goes to the next level and does it again.” Bred by Ellerton Zahra Racing Pty Ltd, Dirty Grin commenced his career in the stable of Simon Zahra before transferring to Ryan in 2025. He is out of the Sharkbite mare Pearly Whites, was bought for just $7,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Broodmare Sale at Karaka in 2017. She is a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Travino (General Nediym) and a granddaughter of the stakes placed mare Mrs Soffel, the dam of multiple Australian Group One winner Rubitano (Rubiton). Dirty Grin has now had 24 starts for seven wins, eight placings and A$265,015 in stakes. View the full article

Had its chance, needs further than 1200m.

It would be pointless as you say. Need 4 days or none to attract the NI and Southland horses that still support it.

The RCP reports on all areas are going to be interesting. One track remaining on the West Coast seems ridiculous. No circuit, and one or two days at the one course? Where are Wairoa and Gisborne now?

you have to feel fot the connections of henry hubber and the horse . i've been following this horse for a bit now. always paying big dividend.Today the same, 45/1. It has to have been the unluckiest horse i've seen for donkeys years. race after race its either taken off miles too early or it simply never gets a run and finishes full of running. it should have win its last 6 starts easy really. today,same again,Jumps out ,never got a run the whole race and ran 5th without ever getting a run. At least it didn't hit the rail several times like the start before i suppose. But the very sad thing was the horse looked like it had a very bad injury when pulling up,possibly career ending.Amazing given the way it ran. imagine having that horse.

By Jonny Turner Craig Ferguson knows the first few metres of the Group 3 events on Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup Day could be as crucial as the last. Ferguson links up with two key chances in Validation in the Caduceus Club Of Southland Alabar Fillies Classic and Wag Star in the Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup. Validation is the only filly in her field of youngsters to have been to the races ahead of Sunday’s Group 3. The Ross Houghton trained two-year-old led early from barrier 1 in her only start at Addington, where she took on colts and geldings, running a respectable third. Ferguson wants to see the same kind of early speed from her at Ascot Park, though with any two-year-old having just their second start, he knows she’s far from push-button yet. “She’s shown that she has got good gate speed, so hopefully she can take advantage of that if she needs to,” Ferguson said. “She has had a trial since that first start and it was nice, so I think she does have options however it pans out.” Validation tucked in behind the speed in her recent trial as her team look to build up her ringcraft at this very early stage of her career. “Having had a start at Addington under lights, they always take good benefit out of it.” “She has got a little bit of an advantage over the others there and hopefully it will help her chances on Sunday.” Ferguson starts Wag Star in the Group 3 Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup on the back of a win in the Gore Summer Cup. Though Sunday’s feature is a step back up in grade, Wag Star should have no fears in the company he will mix it with. “He was really good last start, he showed a bit of fight and dug in which was great because at times he can get a bit dreamy,” Ferguson said. “It is obviously a harder field this week but he seems to be ticking all the right boxes.” Wag Star made a standing start error two starts ago, something he did on several occasions late last year. With Sunday’s handicaps setting up a very even contest, the pacer can’t afford to take a backward step early. “When he gets it right he begins really good, it surprises us when he does get it wrong.” “He is just that sort of horse, when he puts a wrong step in he loses it.” “That is going to be key on Sunday, you can’t afford to miss away in a race like that.” The Ferguson barn has a two-pronged attack on the Northern Southland Cup, with Beach Day and driver Mark Hurrell lining up alongside Wag Star. The mare got her last standing start badly wrong after running a creditable fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes at Addington. Ferguson will also drive bright winning hopes Havtimewillfly and Ah Dinnae Ken, who add depth to the reinsman’s strong book of drives on Northern Southland’s big day of harness racing. Jonny Turner’s Five To Follow Race 1 – Princess Lisa After winning nicely at Winton on Thursday, this mare will attempt to make it two-from-two in Southland. Princess Lisa kept digging in to score a handy victory in respectable time at Central Southland Raceway and the best part was it was penalty-free. She takes on what could be described as a slightly harder line-up on Sunday, but it still looks well within her range. Crucially, Princess Lisa draws barrier 1 over the 1700m sprint trip around the tighter Ascot circuit. All of these factors point to her being very hard to beat. Race 4 – Bowlem Over After facing a much less suitable task at Winton on Thursday, the stars look to have aligned for Bowlem Over on Sunday. Barrier 2 and the tight-turning Ascot Park track are right up the front-runner’s alley. Another plus is the booking of Matthew Williamson, who seems to click with this pacer. I am expecting Bowlem Over to use his good early speed to find the lead and take plenty of catching. There doesn’t look to be the potential for too much mid-race pressure in Sunday’s event, which is another plus. After opening a longer third favourite, Bowlem Over looks a nice value option. Race 7 – Ah Dinnae Ken In what could be another smart play, Ah Dinnae Ken looks like another good option for punters. She takes on a very deserving favourite in Mor Moonlight, who will be hard to beat. But the favourite has to start from 10m over 2200m, which is no easy task. Traffic alone could prove tricky for Mor Moonlight, which could place her at a disadvantage compared to Ah Dinnae Ken. Ah Dinnae Ken was outstanding in winning at Ascot Park before she made a mistake over the Gore grass track crossing in her last start. Forgive her that error and consider her on Sunday. Handicaps over sprint trips have undone many good horses, the question is what sort of impact they will have on these two talented trotters. Race 8 – Always Dreaming Always Dreaming could be the smartest play in the Northern Southland Cup. This field for the feature event is extremely even and there is barely a horse in it that doesn’t have genuine winning claims. Always Dreaming is right among those winning chances, which are only boosted by his standing start manners. His ability to make a flying beginning could put him in the perfect spot near the pace, which is vital at Ascot Park. If that’s the case he could also, in effect, have a head-start on his main rivals as he turns for home. Race 9 – Havtimewillfly In what looms as a possible head-to-head battle, I am sticking with this progressive filly. Both Havtimewillfly and Ebonezy are classy types who are sure to be real contenders come Southern Oaks time. Either can win with the way the barrier draws have set up on Sunday, they could be tracking each other. I’m going with the slightly more proven of the two in Havtimewillfly. Her last-start fifth at Addington was excellent, in a tougher race than this. In a quinella of the day scenario, she gets the nod, only just. View the full article