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Just when the Saudi Derby (G3) looked like a showdown between Japan and the United States, local boy Al Haram steals the show.View the full article

Japanese superstar Forever Young repeats in the world's richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), defeating American Nysos Feb. 14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.View the full article

The 2026 renewal of the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup almost by definition lacked the tension and drama of the 2025 running, where FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (h, 5, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats) and Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) threw down in a race for the ages. But at the end of the 1800-metres under the Saturday night lights at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young called upon the guts and determination which have defined his career and turned back a very game effort from 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) to become the first repeat winner of the event. The victory earns the entire the right to defend his championship in this year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic as a Breeders' Cup Challenge race, even as connections hinted that a more difficult journey from Japan to Central Kentucky might put pay to the idea. Off as the prohibitive 35-100 chalk making his first appearance since besting his relative Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the Classic at Del Mar Nov. 1, making history as the first Japanese winner of America's richest race, Forever Young made some more history in Riyadh. Off to a fair beginning from gate six, Forever Young was in and amongst rivals as late call-up Thundersquall (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) made the running from Nysos, who tracked three off the inside for Flavien Prat. In a bit of a sticky situation when Banishing (Ghostzapper) tightened things up on him at the rail, Forever Young was always patiently handled by Ryusei Sakai and when Adel Alfouraidi left the fence open off the final corner, it was 'go' time. Sakai sent Forever Young through at the inside and he quickened up better than Nysos, putting about a length on him at the 200-metre peg. But when all was said as done, Forever Young never truly looked like losing as Nysos plugged away gamely to be a clear second. Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance) was a distant third ahead of Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo) in fourth. Sales history: $720,603 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 14-11-0-3, $29,358,590. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi The post Forever Young Outguns Nysos To Repeat In Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just when the Saudi Derby looked like a showdown between Japan and the United States, local boy Al Haram steals the show.View the full article

Sons And Lovers (Study Of Man) delivered a thrilling finish in Riyadh on Saturday, taking the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap, presented by Longines. One of two in the field for Joseph O'Brien, the gelding covered the 3000-metre trip in 3:11.57. Tabletalk (Camelot) ran second, while Tarriance (Frankel) was third. O'Brien stablemate Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett) showed the way for much of this contest, after passing a keen Sons And Lovers in the early stages. The eventually winner sat third against the fence for much of this, before splitting horses at the quarter-pole and outkicking his rivals. The five-year-old gelding, who races for H O S Syndicate, was third in the G3 CMG Group Stakes last out in September. Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia RED SEA TURF H. (Presented by Longines)-G2, $2,500,000, King Abdulaziz, 2-14, 4yo/up, 3000mT, 3:11.57, gd. 1–SONS AND LOVERS (GB), 128, g, 5, by Study Of Man (Ire) 1st Dam: So In Love (GB) (MSP-Fr), by Smart Strike 2nd Dam: Soft Morning (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 3rd Dam: Summer Knight (GB), by Nashwan (€40,000 Ylg '22 GOFNOV). O-H O S Syndicate; B-Miss K Rausing (GB); T-Joseph O'Brien; J-Dylan Browne McMonagle; $1,500,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Ire, SP-Fr, GSP-Eng, 14-3-1-5, $1,617,822. The post Study Of Man’s Sons And Lovers Lands Red Sea Turf Handicap On Valentine’s Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Royal Champion (Shamardal) and Oisin Murphy thrashed a quality field in the G1 Neom Turf Cup, presented by Howden in Riyadh on Saturday. It was the first year the race had been elevated to Group 1. The win was especially poignant, as the winner's prominent owner/breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum had died recently. Stalking in midfield under a relaxed Oisin Murphy, the eight-year-old employed a stunning turn of foot to take command in the stretch and obliterate the opposition. Group 1 hero Facteur Cheval (Ribchester) was a distant second approximately five lengths behind. Group winner and multiple Group 1-placed Survie (Churchill) was third. The final time for the 2100 metres on turf was 2:06.23. A strong winner of the G2 York Stakes, the Karl Burke trainee is a homebred and a half-brother to G2 Jockey Club Stakes hero Outbox (Frankel). Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia NEOM TURF CUP (Presented by Howden)-G1, $3,000,000, King Abdulaziz, 2-14, 4yo/up, 2100mT, 2:06.22, gd. 1–ROYAL CHAMPION (IRE), 126, g, 8, by Shamardal 1st Dam: Emirates Queen (GB) (GSW-Eng, GSP-Fr, $115,027), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Zomaradah (GB), by Deploy (GB) 3rd Dam: Jawaher (Ire), by Dancing Brave 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Exors Of The Late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; B-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; T-Karl Burke; J-Oisin Murphy; $1,800,000. Lifetime Rsecord: MGSW-Eng, GSW-Bhr, GISP-Can, G1SP-Ire, 24-9-2-4, $3,143,881. *1/2 to Outbox (GB) (Frankel {GB}), GSW-Eng, MGSP-Swe, SW-Qat, SP-Fr, $1,020,401. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Facteur Cheval (Ire), 126, g, 7, Ribchester (Ire)–Jawlaat (Ire), by Shamardal. (145,000gns Wlg '19 TATDEF; €120,000 Ylg '20 ARQSEP). O-Team Valor International & Gary Barber; B-McCracken Farms; T-Jerome Reynier; J-Mickael Barzalona; $600,000. 3–Survie (Ire), 121, m, 5, Churchill (Ire)–Sotteville (Fr), by Le Havre (Ire). (1,900,000gns HRA '25 TATDEC). O-Mrs Doreen Tabor; B-Franklin Finance SA; T-George Boughey; J-Ryan Moore; $300,000. Margins: 4 3/4, 1HF, HF. Also Ran: Shin Emperor (Fr), Yamanin Bouclier (Jpn), Silawi (Ire), Alohi Alii (Jpn), Direct Security (Ire), Phantom Flight (GB), Bolide Porto (Ire), Galen (GB). Click for the JCSA chart (R7) and VIDEO SC 6). Royal Champion readily lands the G1 Neom Turf Cup pic.twitter.com/YKYzmmGBj6 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 14, 2026 The post Shamardal’s Royal Champion Earns First Group 1 In Neom Turf Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

American runners had been in good form early on Saudi Cup Day, and Alex and JoAnn Lieblong's Reef Runner (The Big Beast) added another U.S. victory in the G2 1351 Turf Sprint. He narrowly defeated multiple Group 1 winner Lazzat (Territories), with Comanche Brave (Wootton Bassett) third. The final time for the distance over good/firm ground was 1:18.24. The eventual winner stalked Lazzat out wide, before making his move in the straight. He defeated that game rival narrowly and withstood the rally of Comanche Brave for the win. A winner of the GII Eddie D Stakes last year, the gelding ran fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in November. He ended 2025 with a tally in the Listed Janus Stakes in Florida. Reef Runner is one of three winners from four to race for the winning Paradise Bay (Blame). He is a full-brother to Big Paradise (The Big Beast), who won the Juvenile Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Her latest offspring is a filly by Omaha Beach and she was covered by Life Is Good last spring. Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia 1351 TURF SPRINT (Presented by Quiddiya City)-G2, $2,000,000, King Abdulaziz, 2-14, 4yo/up, 1351mT, 1:18.24, gd. 1–REEF RUNNER, 125, g, 5, The Big Beast 1st Dam: Paradise Bay, by Blame 2nd Dam: Wild Forest, by Forest Wildcat 3rd Dam: Uforia, by Zilzal O/B-Alex & JoAnn Lieblong (FL); T-David Fawkes; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr.; $1,200,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-US, 23-8-5-5, $1,827,580. #9 REEF RUNNER ($21.10) caught favored Lazzat in the $2,000,000 1351 Turf Sprint (G2). The American gelding by The Big Beast was piloted by @IradOrtiz for trainer @fawkesracinginc. pic.twitter.com/X49Kq7OECK — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 14, 2026 The post The Big Beast’s Reef Runner Hands Lieblongs Victory In The 1351 Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

IMAGINATION (h, 5, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling, by Empire Maker) was behind the eight ball after missing the break in Saturday's $2-million G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and found himself in a cloud of dust from near the back of the pack. Trainer Bob Baffert earlier in the week lamented the testing nature of the long stretch at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, having 'lost millions of dollars' in that final 100 meters, but that worked in his favor on this occasion, as he was up in the final yards. The Riyadh Dirt Sprint earns Imagination a 'Win and You're In' ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Keeneland later this fall. Favored at odds-on, Imagination raced well back as GIII Elite Power Stakes hero Just Beat The Odds (Munnings), Echo Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and American Stage (Into Mischief) fought out the early fractions with Muqtahem (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), last year's runner-up, tracking from out wide. Switched off heels while racing on his wrong lead approaching mid-stretch, Imagination continued to plug away gamely and surged past Just Beat The Odds for the victory despite never changing his legs. Muqtahem was a gallant third ahead of American Stage, with California's Lovesick Blues (Grazen) coming home belatedly for fifth. Sales history: $1,050,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Masterson, Robert E., Waves Edge Capital LLC, Donovan, Catherine and Ryan, Tom J.; B-Peter E Blum Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert The post Into Mischief’s Imagination Leads American 1-2 In Riyadh Dirt Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

AL HARAM (IRE) (c, 3, Iffraaj {GB}–Liberamente {Ire}, by Tagula {Ire}) got the home team on the board in the first of the six group-level contests on the Saudi Cup program, launching a rally from far back with 400 metres to travel and racing over the top of 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Obliteration (Violence) and Japan's favoured Satono Voyage (Jpn) (Into Mischief) to become the second locally trained winner of the $1.5-million G3 Saudi Derby. He picks up 30 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in the process, though he was not an original entry at the January closing. He can be supplemented for $6,000 in early April. Drawn gate two with leading local rider Ricardo Ferreira at the controls, Al Haram was taken hold of right out of the gate as the speedy Obliteration made the running from Satono Voyage in the two path, with the latter's Japanese compatriot Keiai Agito (Jpn) (Espoir City {Jpn}) also prominently positioned. Beginning to find his best stride entering the final 600 metres, Al Haram began weaving his way through traffic, spilt a pair of the Japanese horses approaching the furlong grounds and savaged the line to post a comfortable victory. Obliteration held off Satono Voyage for second money. Sales history: £150,000 Ylg '24 GOFPRE. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0. O-Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah; B-Seamus Phelan; T-Abdullah Alsidrani The post Iffraaj Colt Al Haram Stays Unbeaten in Saudi Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Star Of Wonder (Uncle Mo) has been scratched from the G1 Saudi Cup on the advice of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) stewards on Saturday morning. Racing for King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Sons, the five-year-old entire was administered a topical substance to all four limbs on raceday in contravention of Article 134(10)(4) of the Rules of Racing. Trained by Saad Aljenade, Star of Wonder was third in the GIII Pimlico Special Stakes last year. Sold for $325,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale, he has won both his starts in Saudi Arabia, including the Listed King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup. With his scratching, the $20-million Saudi Cup field is down to 13 horses, led by defending champion Forever Young (Real Steel). The post Star Of Wonder Scratched From Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Francis Lui Kin-wai continued his remarkable 2026 with another double at Sha Tin on Saturday, spearheaded by the impressive success of Turquoise Velocity in the Class Three TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1,000m). The 2023-24 champion trainer topped the charts in January in tandem with David Hayes, securing 10 winners, and February has seen him continue his rampant period. Lui raced to five winners in February thanks to a pair of smart winners, with Turquoise Velocity looking a very smart...View the full article

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will consider backing up Stormy Grove on Thursday while connections contemplate paying a late entry fee for the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) after his blistering victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Capping Lor’s 60th birthday celebrations in style on Saturday, Stormy Grove was promoted from first reserve after China Win was scratched on the eve of the Class Three TVB Miss Hong Kong Pageant Handicap (1,600m) and took full advantage to snare his first Hong Kong triumph. Taken back to...View the full article

Last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) placegetter Movin Out (NZ) (Staphanos) made a winning start to her new preparation with an upset victory in the A$160,000 Macquarie St Social Handicap (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday. Originally trained by Bill Thurlow, Movin Out began her career with three starts in New Zealand for a win and two placings including a third behind Captured By Love and Alabama Lass in the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton. Subsequently purchased by thoroughbred powerhouse Yulong, the daughter of Staphanos joined Chris Waller’s operation in Sydney, where she ran an eye-catching fourth first-up in the Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m). She followed that up with a ninth in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), a win in the Mornington Guineas (1600m), a fifth in the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), a third in the Gr.2 Doomben Roses (2000m) and a fourth in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Movin Out failed to fire in the spring of her four-year-old season, with the best of her five runs being a sixth in the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 8. Saturday’s Benchmark 88 handicap was her first raceday appearance since then, and she was back at her very best despite jumping as a $41 outsider. Ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, Movin Out raced in fifth beside the rail in a strung-out field. The race tightened up significantly at the top of the straight and Movin Out, who looked like she was about to cruise up on the outside of the two leaders, was checked out of that gap and put back into a pocket. Hyeronimus had to switch back towards the rail, and then Movin Out had to regather her lost momentum. She hit top gear again and flashed through one off the rail, edging out Gatsby’s (Snitzel), Bunker Hut (NZ) (Savabeel) and Glint of Silver (Rubick) in a four-way finish. “She ran really well,” Hyeronimus said. “Her trials have been great and she ran up to them today. She’s effective over further too, so she appears set for a really good campaign.” Movin Out is a daughter of the Stravinsky mare Wahaha (NZ), a half-sister to four-time Group One winner Wall Street (NZ) (Montjeu). Movin Out was bought out of Anistay Lodge’s Book 2 yearling draft for $24,000 at Karaka 2023. She has now had 15 starts for three wins, three placings and A$354,608 in stakes. Movin Out’s victory capped a hugely successful Saturday for Waller. The expat Kiwi horseman also saddled Joliestar to win the Gr.2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) and Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun), Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) and Lindermann (Lonhro) for a trifecta in the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), while Sixties (Flying Artie) won the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. View the full article

Elie Hennau has left his role as managing director of France Galop with immediate effect, according to reports published in Jour de Galop and Paris-Turf. France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine confirmed the news to staff on Friday afernoon. He said, “Elie Hennau is stepping down from his position as managing director. We would like to thank him for his work and commitment to the industry over the past two years. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.” Hennau, a former amateur rider with a business background in the insurance company AXA, was appointed to the role in January 2024 to succeed outgoing managing director Oliver Delloye, who has returned to the sales company Arqana. Henri Pouret was announced at that time as deputy managing director, and he will now act as interim director of France Galop under what the president described as “a more streamlined” operation. He added, “Our priority remains unchanged: to restore racing to its rightful place with the public and to ensure the long-term future of the industry in all its dimensions. We will continue this work together for the future and development of France Galop.” Last May, France Galop announced a €20.3m reduction in prize-money for 2026 as part of a “major recovery plan” which includes the revitalisation of the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) following years of falling turnover. The post France Galop Boss Elie Hennau Departs After Two Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caspar Fownes drew level with Mark Newnham at the top of the trainers’ premiership on 35 winners after a brilliant day at Sha Tin on Saturday, highlighted by Sky Trust’s gutsy win in the Class Two TVB Cup (1,200m). It was a day to savour for both Fownes and Ellis Wong Chi-wang, who gave both his winners superb rides from off the pace, with Sky Trust’s feature success far from straightforward. Settled midfield throughout the journey, Wong peeled his mount into the centre of the track off the turn...View the full article

no ya nong, he's the current voted 2025 Longines WORLD"s BEST JOCKEY. for the 3rd time. he ain't crying none. Who the hell wants him on the sidelines? when some of the best horses in the world were awaiting his talent today (Joliestar and Autumn Glory ) that he rode to easy victories with his fine talent. It's only YOU Bawling your eyes out all the time Thommo, like a big baby about whip strikes. wah wah wah . 😭 Its a bloody 500kg animal mate. you ain't gunna hurt the bastard with a floppy little hand whip. I've been whacked by whips from other drivers during a race . it just stuns you into action if anything. just like it does for the horse. gets your concentration up a bit. Some blokes need it in the bedroom too 🤭😉😎

Blessed are the moderators Oh yes but you don't need the whip when you have BO on first time!

Nice ride by Donnie once he dropped his stick at the 600. He can do it without it. https://loveracing.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202602%2fM6_STHL_R08_140226.mp4&i=%2fCommon%2fImage.ashx%3fw%3d565%26h%3d314%26a%3d1%26o%3d1%26z%3d1%26bg%3deeeeee%26p%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202602%2fM6_STHL_R08_140226.jpg&r=Race 8 - ILT ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHLAND GUINEAS&rs=1

Me too alongside what I saw of the work in progress.

The work was done by Evergreen an Australian outfit, extensive work with many racecourse over there. I would be confident in their ability

Are you keen to be trying out the new 'don't be mean!' laws that have just come in!!

don't worry brodie,its not just hrnz and mr steele who's saying everything is on the rise here. i just watched an interview called campbells comments ,a bloke seemingly well known in australian harness media. According to campbell's comments, new zealand is on the rise and going enormous. then just a few moths ago i heard gordon banks saying the exact same thing on a well known american harness podcast. you know,i listen to people like that and i think to myself,what is wrong with these people.They make out they are clever and obviously they are in some things,but clearly they are not as smart as they think themselves to be.. Its like these people think that way, because hrnz have upped the all these big stake high end races and their bonuses and then they threw some money to the peasants with the harness 5000 concept. I mean,even the dumbest fool should realise that doesn't mean harness racing is on the rise and is going enormous. but no,obviously there are people out there who are just plain dumb as. maybe its an aussie thing as well. You know,the dumbest person in the world with numbers could have run things and boosted stakes, with all the money they got from the entain deal. why that makes anyone think that equates to the industry being on the rise and going enormous,is beyond comprehending.. anyway,If you want an example of what happens when stake money is slashed,then look at the stats i posted about the victotrian harness racing industry,from their annual report in august last year. every indicator for victorian harness was looking bad. every single one from number bred, to turnove,r to numbers of industry participants,etc. as to the victorian sales,melbourne apg 2024,from the 111 offered,78 sold for an average$25,731. In 2025from the 60 offered 47 sold for and average of $17202. the melbourne nutrien 2024. From the 200 offered,126 sold for an average of $32,496,while in 2025,from the 147 offered, 108 sold for an average of $31,894. So the average dropped significantly in 1 sale and just a little in the other,but obviously there was roughly a 25% reduction in numbers was a factor in masking the level of the decline.i its just common sense and logic,that if the stakes do have to be cut in nz in a couple of years,the same trends will play out here. you mention this years nz yearling sales.My guess will be things will still play out ok. I if numbers offered here have been reduced that will artifically mask any decline anyway. Most likely the top end will still sell well and the bottom end struggle. also,so many people that are still remaining in nz harness racing only think of next year,not the 5 years time when their horses that are being bred and purchased will be racing. everything that happens in nz harness racing in 2 or 5 years will be self inflicted. Now whether it be self inflicted small reductions or self inflicted large reuctions,it doesn't change that its self inflicted. People in nz harness racing are going to get the econominc circumstances that they,themselves have participated in creating. No one shoukld ahve any sympathy for anyone in nz harness racing if tough times do fall on particiapnts in yera sto come.I certainly wouldn't have any. Now obviously, we all hope its not too bad,but many of us think it will be reductions in everything. Personally i still think their are still some factors that will mitigate it turning really bad,but its inevictable it will be reductions. the scale of any reductions is the unknown factor but it will become evident in the next year or so once the greyhounds are gone and the first year of geo blocking has played out with the impact of that being better known. ll.l Then you have the current decison of hrnz to anchor the rest of nz harness to the syrvival of harness rwacing at aleaxandra park and the inpact of that .. As to turnover figures you mention,transparency seems mostly applied when they want to promote good confidence building news. We are always hearing media say,turnoverts are up. But as i have said before,any fool should be able to work out,even if income does happen to be up,if you spending at a greater rate then you eat into your cash reserves. So these people who tell us turnovers are mathmatically stupid. And tyhey are right. Many people actually are.But not everyone is.

It is going to be very interesting to see how the yearling sales go this year? There is less horses going through the sales than what there used to be in Christchurch so figures may hold up pretty well! However you would have to wonder whether there are going to be enough buyers prepared to pay the big money for a yearling that wont be racing for a couple of years? There is no doubt whatsoever that these horses when they race will be racing for stakes that are going to be significantly less than what they are currently racing for! How much less would only be a guess, but unless things change and they start to manage things properly, I would not be surprised if stakes were half What they are now! HRNZ need to be speaking to the TAB and get them to be encouraging wagering rather than restricting it badly or things are not going to be flash! Interesting times indeed!

With the weather closing in again towards the tail end of a memorable Matamata Breeders’ Stakes day, it was left to durable stayerDiamond Jak (NZ)(Jakkalberry) to add some further sparkle to proceedings as he bolted away with the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m). The enigmatic seven-year-old has proven a head scratcher at times for trainer Mark Brosnan, often ruining his chances with a tardy getaway from the starting gates. On his day however he is a force to be reckoned with and Saturday was his day as he relished the Heavy9 underfoot conditions to race clear in the home straight after dictating the pace throughout for rider Rory Hutchings. Hutchings had the son of Jakkalberry away swiftly to head the six-horse field after just 200m and once allowed his own way in front it was evident his mount would be hard to peg back. Eventual runner-up He’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto) tried his heart out in the run home but there was no stopping Diamond Jak as he maintained a powerful gallop to collect his ninth career victory and first at stakes level. Brosnan was pleased with his charge leading into the race and when the track came up a Heavy9 it played into his hands even more. “That was very satisfying as once the rain came I knew he was a good chance,” Brosnan said. “He needed the run the other day and although I wasn’t going to come here, once it rained I decided to run him. “I told Rory to be positive out of the gates and although he was a little more positive than I thought he would be, it worked for him.” Brosnan will now have to decide where to head next with his charge as his aim had been the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) on 7 March at Ellerslie, but owner Gary Hodel had talked him out of that plan. “I honestly don’t know where to now as I had him nominated for the Auckland Cup, but my owner talked me into pulling him out,” he said. “I don’t know where to go now so we will have to take a look around.” Hutchings, who had employed similar tactics when winning aboard My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High) in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) earlier in the day, was keen on his chances when track conditions came up in the Heavy range. “He got the track to suit today and when I was able to hold the top (lead), that was the difference between winning and losing,” he said. “He was a rock-hard fit stayer and I was able to put the pressure on early and maintain a strong gallop. “He built through his gears and was strong through the line.” Bred and owned by Gary and Linda Hodel, Diamond Jak has now won eight of his 40 starts and over $349,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Trainer Sophie Price put aside her regular Clerk of the Course duties at Invercargill on Saturday to watch her promising three-year-old fillyHello Hayley (NZ)(Hello Youmzain) take out the Listed ILT Ascot Park Hotel Southland Guineas (1400m) at Ascot Park on Saturday. Price, who prepares a small team from her Winton stable, has had the daughter of Hello Youmzain in her team since late last year after she had one run for Karaka-based trainer Lance Noble. Successful second up at Ascot Park, Hello Hayley then finished sixth in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui before producing another game effort for fourth behind race-rival Luna Capella (NZ) (Tivaci) over 1200m a month ago. Rider Donovan Cooper was prepared to play a waiting game with Hello Hayley as he allowed her to find her feet in the early rush and was still last of the 14 runners with a little under 600m to run. Cooper and Hello Hayley stuck hard up against the running rail turning for home and when the gaps opened up she barged through and quickly sprinted clear to defeat her last-start nemesis, Luna Capella by a neat length at the line. Price had a smile a mile wide as she described the juggling act she goes through when she has runners in on a raceday that she is officiating at, especially as she was returning from a painful leg injury. “That was very impressive, even though I did think she was a little underdone,” Price said. “She’s a good wee girl. “I thought we might have won the Gore Guineas and maybe this field might have been a bit too tough for her. “Blinkers on and she has got the job done and they have definitely improved her. “I watched the race from the corner (home bend) as it can be pretty tough and especially today as it is my first day back after rupturing my calf muscle. “The other clerk, Sarah Beck, has been riding her for me so she has done a good job with her. “It’s just wonderful to win as this is for a great group of owners who will be having a lot of fun.” Cooper was also full of praise for the effort of his mount. “It was absolutely massive (the victory) as I thought I would take her back today because I knew there might be a little bit of carnage early on,” he said. “We got to bide our time before I asked the question at the 600m, where I actually dropped my stick (whip), but boy was she tough and what acceleration she has got. “I definitely think the blinkers on played a big part as she was a lot more focussed and she is pretty exciting.” 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). She has now won two of her six starts and just under $100,000 in prize money. View the full article