Motor Sport

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?