Trotting Chat

Fort Erie Race Track will host the 91st running of the Prince of Wales Stakes on Labor Day, Sept. 7. This marquee event serves as the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown.View the full article

Constitution Hill (Blue Bresil) has been awarded a Timeform rating of 106P following his impressive victory in Friday's SBK Road To Cheltenham Novice Stakes at Southwell. Trained by Nicky Henderson, the nine-year-old was making a belated debut on the Flat at the Nottinghamshire track, but the outstanding ability he'd previously shown over hurdles was there for all to see as he powered clear in the final furlong to win by nine and a half lengths. To put the rating into context, the leading stayer Trawlerman (Golden Horn) has a Timeform master rating of 127, while last year's Betfred Derby hero Lambourn (Australia) is on 121. The 'P' attached to Constitution Hill's figure denotes that he is open to significant improvement under the right circumstances. The Timeform report on that Southwell success also alluded to the dilemma now facing his connections. “A race – and an evening – all about one horse, Constitution Hill, who'd landed the 2023 Champion Hurdle among a sequence of eight straight Grade 1 hurdles, the second of which had catapulted him to rarefied air in Timeform's long and proud history of rating horses, but who found himself very much on the comeback trail following three falls and a listless run at Punchestown across his last four starts,” the report read. “The £40k on offer ensured a full field of declarations – and even a slight doubt earlier in the week as to whether or not the headline act would get into the race – but no opposition that could have turned up would have got close to him in this form, indeed such was his authority on the night that this makes his future arguably more uncertain than it was beforehand as his brilliance – most of which seems to be intact – could lead connections, who are rightfully fearful of the damage another fall could do, to explore a Flat campaign that could take him to the highest level via something like the John Porter at Newbury, an unenviable decision given the stakes involved and the public affection for the horse.” The post Constitution Hill Awarded Timeform Rating of 106P Following Southwell Romp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All sorts of Sporting clubs run in debt Brodie .  But they don't just give up like you do .  Things are expensive to run these days. Barcelona and Real Madrid and Manchester United FC's , The BIGGEST Football clubs in the world that are hugely popular and followed by millions around the planet. and all 3 have debts over a Billion dollars. Close em' down you reckon  ? would be the Brodie way lol.  and just support grass roots football clubs for mugs ? the world doesn't work like that mate.   The  AFL clubs are hugely popular here but the only reason they stay afloat and are not in debt as well, is the Pokies at their club Social rooms that generate enough for them to pay the staff and participants of their clubs/sports It's hard to make money as a sports club Brodie. ENTAIN make money from betting around the world and prop up what ever sports they see fit. They helped NZ harness , and will probably continue to do so . the amount it costs them is very small . Ladbrokes helps run races in Queensland . Now we can run the Interdominion for 3 years. excellent ! and all the hacks can race weekly too.  You say silly slot races at Cambridge. 🙄 One of the very best things to happen for the sport in recent years, and yet you are Sure to shoot it down as usual . the Club or HRNZ has to put in 150 to 200k to run it ?  to have the Best horses in the Southern Hemisphere attend ? .  a measley small amount like that?  to have that major event .  What Brilliance programming to promote the sport and have people (with money ) diving around searching for the next winner of it . and syndicate people too.  Enormous progress for the Industry.  South Islanders aren't Dumb. well most aren't anyway . as They saw how Good this is at Cambridge, and Copied for NZ Cup week to have the 'Velocity' and the 'Ascent' to support the young 3 year old Pacers and trotters as well in Fabulous slot races  . Kiwi Ingenuity Mate !!!  well done HRNZ . supreme racing with Supreme horses attending in 2 places now. Brodie can keep crying about the 200k they had to spend to achieve this awesome feat . Which is the Bargain of the Century and you can't even see it lol 🤣. But most will be saying How Good is Our Sport with these horses assembling.  Don't forget my tip for ya too. THE JANITOR is coming to Cambridge . Buy a ticket and go and see him mate . You might get a quid lol  and enjoy yourself for a change . if you open your curtains from being in the dark all the time 😂💰  

NZ Stallion Awards The Centaine Award  Sire whose NZ-conceived progeny have the highest earnings worldwide. The Dewar Stallion Trophy Sire whose progeny have the highest combined earnings in Australia and New Zealand. The Grosvenor Award Leading Sires by earnings in New Zealand. NZ-bred Winners Malaysia (February 18) RHYTHM OF ZEN (NZ) 2020 by Time Test (GB) out of Perfect Beat (AUS) by Magnus (AUS); Breeder: Jamieson Park Ltd; Auckland; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1020; Sale: 2022 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Jamieson Park $37500 P: Lilywhites Lodge; 2022 Ready To Run Sale V: Lilywhites Lodge $26000 P: Mr RTS Cham WISEMAN (MLY) Unusual Saint (NZ) 2018 by Unusual Suspect (USA) out of Saintly Ripa by Rip Van Winkle (IRE); Breeder: Mrs K A & N J Auret; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1775 LAXON (MLY) Tequila Sunset (NZ) 2020 by Darci Brahma out of Southern Sunset (GB) by Polish Precedent (USA); Breeder: The Oaks Stud; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400 HAPPINESS DAY (MLY) Tarzy Tarzino (NZ) 2021 by Tarzino out of Grise Leigh (FR) by Green Tune (USA); Breeder: Mapperley Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Maiden WFA. 1400; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Mapperley Stud $50000 P: HY Investments DUMA (NZ) 2021 by Too Darn Hot (GB) out of Podravina by Bel Esprit (AUS); Breeder: Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 3 H. 1200; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Prima Park $45000 P: Esther Quan Hui Lim ASTRO NASCENTE (MLY) Needtobeseen (NZ) 2021 by Time Test (GB) out of Hollywood Angel (AUS) by Dehere (USA); Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax & Goldeye Trust; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4A H. 1600; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Blandford Lodge $100000 P: John Foote Bloodstock THE WILD CHIEF (MLY) Nature Chief (NZ) 2019 by Time Test (GB) out of Deb by Darci Brahma; Breeder: E P Lowry; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Open 1500 Hong Kong (February 22) COOL BLUE (NZ) 2018 by Foxwedge (AUS) out of Imanana (AUS) by More Than Ready (USA); Breeder: B J Lindsay MNZM & Mrs J E A Lindsay; Auckland; NZ; Race: HKJC Jasmine H. 1800m.; Sale: 2020 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Cambridge Stud $70000 P: Kaipira Lodge ALL’S WELL (NZ) 2021 by Frosted (USA) out of Ruby Queen by Pentire (GB); Breeder: Mrs H G & W G Bax; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Peach Blossom H. 1400m.; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book1 V: Blandford Lodge $20000 P: G Old KA YING RISING (NZ) 2020 by Shamexpress out of Missy Moo by Per Incanto (USA); Breeder: Grandmoral Lodge Racing; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup Gr.11400m. COOL BOY (NZ) 2022 by Per Incanto (USA) out of Saoirse by Iffraaj (GB); Breeder: Fairdale Stud (2007) Ltd; Central; NZ; Race: HKJC Peony H. 1200m.; Sale: 2024 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Hallmark Stud $220000 P: Jamie Richards / Andrew Williams B/stock POWER OF VITAM (HK) Ad Vitam (NZ) 2021 by Proisir (AUS) out of Mariota by O’Reilly; Breeder: Weowna Park Ltd; K K A Wong & S Y S Yan; Waikato; NZ; Race: HKJC Primula H. 1600m. Malaysia (February 22) PRINCE LONHRO (NZ) 2019 by Lonhro (AUS) out of Palace Gardens by More Than Ready (USA); Breeder: Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1275; Sale: 2021 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Pencarrow Stud $80000 P: DC Ellis SMART CAT (NZ) 2021 by Frosted (USA) out of Lisitsa (AUS) by Medaglia D’Oro (USA); Breeder: Ben Kwok & Windsor Park Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4B H. 1275; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 2 V: Windsor Park Stud $35000 P: Mr HK Ma COOL SIXTY-ONE (MLY) Cavani (NZ) 2018 by Vespa out of Marie Doree (FR) by River Boy (USA); Breeder: Wellfield Holdings Ltd; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 4A H. 1100 ACHILLES PEGASUS (NZ) 2021 by Per Incanto (USA) out of Isstoora (AUS) by High Chaparral (IRE); Breeder: Mahoenui Partnership; Central; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Class 5A H. 1400; Sale: 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Kilgravin Lodge $100000 P: Mr Mohammad Latif Bin Abdul Khan LASER CANNON (MLY) Charm Noir (NZ) 2021 by Ocean Park out of Loveable by Savabeel (AUS); Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Maiden WFA 1400; Sale: 2023 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Waikato Stud $100000 P: Ohukia Lodge; 2023 Ready To Run Sale V: Ohukia Lodge $210000 P: Gavin Bedggood Racing VERY SURPRISE (NZ) 2018 by Star Witness (AUS) out of Costarosa (AUS) by Encosta De Lago (AUS); Breeder: B J Lindsay MNZM & Mrs J E A Lindsay; Waikato; NZ; Race: Selangor TC Open 1500; Sale: 2020 National Yearling Sale – Book 1 V: Cambridge Stud $120000 P: John Foote Bloodstock/Gollan Racing Global NZ-bred winners 2026-02-14 / 2026-02-21 AUSTRALIA Almanzor : Jewel County (NZ) (Special Diamond by Zabeel) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Orange JC Buckley’s Carpet Court Maiden H. 1300m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Almanzor : Sexy Time (NZ) (Abeautifulred by Handsome Ransom) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Sky Racing H. 1800m Almanzor : Lady Tangalooma (NZ) (Unbeatable Dancer by Invincible Spirit) 2022; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Racecourse Village Maiden H. 1800m Sold by Landsdowne Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $160000 Almanzor : Pub Crawl (NZ) (Fun Seeker by Darci Brahma) 2021; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Kangaroo Island RC Sealink Maiden H. 1050m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Ardrossan : Tam Na Ghar (NZ) (Royal Queen by His Royal Highness) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Gibson Maiden P. 1400m Contributer : (Lord) Penman (NZ) (Update by O’Reilly) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Racing and Sports H. 1400mSold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Derryn : Laws Wars (NZ) (Tesia by Pins) 2022; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Alice Springs TC Povey Stirk Lawyers Maiden P. 1400m Sold by HGT Bloodstock Ltd at National Weanling and Broodmare Sale for $10000 El Roca : Kiss My Rock (NZ) (Love and Kisses by Encosta de Lago) 2021; 20 Feb 2026, 1st TTC Harvey Norman H. 1600m Sold by Westbury Stud at National Yearling Sale for $75000 El Roca : Danxia (NZ) (Cashenti by Conatus) 2021; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Horsepower H. 1150m Sold by Westbury Stud at Ready to Run Sale for $80000 Embellish : Kazaru (NZ) (Paulette by Keeper) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st TTC Tasmanian Oaks L 2100m Sold by Cambria Park at National Yearling Sale for $27500 Farnan : Kokatahi (NZ) (Diva von Tessa by Testa Rossa) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC Richmond Club Maiden P. 1500m Sold by Milan Park at National Yearling Sale for $425000 Hello Youmzain : Beautifully (NZ) (But Beautiful by Pivotal) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Terang RC Ky Valley Dairy Maiden P. 1406m Sold by Cambridge Stud at National Yearling Sale for $280000 Hello Youmzain : Azarax (NZ) (Sunny Rose by Tavistock) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Hawkesbury RC XXXX Gold H. 1300m Sold by Curraghmore at National Yearling Sale for $190000 Ocean Park : Velaris (NZ) (Spectacular by Spectatorial) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Newcastle JC Mai-Wel Maiden H. 1600m Sold by Hallmark Stud at National Weanling Sale for $80000 Ocean Park : Let’s Sea (NZ) (Leti by Flying Spur) 2017; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Geraldton TC Tabtouch H. 1600m Sold by Brighthill Farm at National Yearling Sale for $20000 Per Incanto : Trapper John (NZ) (My Hope by Howbaddouwantit) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Superior Food Services H. 1000m Per Incanto : Mighty Feat (NZ) (On Yer Feet by Snitzel) 2016; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Dederang PRC Lloyd Refrigeration Trophy 1000m Per Incanto : Sacrimony – Asif (Sing.) (NZ) (Royal Excess by Exceed and Excel) 2018; 21 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Pearce Racing H. 1600m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $150000 Per Incanto : Reggio Calabria (NZ) (Drive On by Fastnet Rock) 2020; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Albany RC Specsplus Retired Jockeys H. 1000m Pierro : Pressurised (NZ) (Galaxy Star by Redoute’s Choice) 2022; 18 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Happy Birthday Darryn Pateman Maiden P. 2100m Press Statement : Press Link (NZ) (Villa de Madrid by Mossman) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Ladbrokes H. 1200m Proisir : Pro Velocity (NZ) (High Spin by High Chaparral) 2021; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Sharp Office P. 2100m Proisir : Vidia (NZ) (The Fairy’s Kiss by Elusive Quality) 2022; 16 Feb 2026, 1st Wine Country RC Davali Thoroughbreds Maiden P. 1150m Sold by Kilgravin Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $600000 Proisir : Proshow (NZ) (Our Showgirl by Ego) 2020; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Werribee RC Corio Waste Management H. 1600m Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $60000 Proisir : Seychelles (NZ) (Donna Marie by Don Eduardo) 2022; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Ladbrokes Maiden P. 1400m Sold by Hallmark Stud at National Yearling Sale for $1600000 Reliable Man : Miss Stalwart (NZ) (Avoid by Cullen) 2018; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Canberra RC TBC Distribution H. 1600m Rip Van Winkle : Vee Rod (NZ) (Seducation by Danehill) 2018; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Kangaroo Island RC Wolf Blass Patron H. 1750m Sacred Falls : Cameron Falls (NZ) (Pink Bubbles by Pins) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st MRC Vale Queman H. 1200m Sold by Phoenix Park at National Yearling Sale for $32500 Sold by Pertab Racing at Ready to Run Sale for $190000 Savabeel : Chispa (NZ) (Scintillula by Galileo) 2022; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Man Walk Australia Maiden P. 1300m Savabeel : Samurai Warrior (NZ) (Hiragana by Fusaichi Pegasus) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Toowoomba TC Gerry Brown’s Shelving and Storage H. 1890m Savabeel : Ivy Legend (NZ) (Vinevale by Flying Spur) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Wyong RC Roos Foundation Maiden H. 1625m Staphanos : Movin Out (NZ) (Wahaha by Stravinsky) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Macquarie St Social H. 1300m Sold by Anistay Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $24000 Super Seth : Will it Snow (NZ) (Snowdrop by Pins) 2021; 14 Feb 2026, 1st GCTC Supercoat H. 1900m Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 Sweynesse : Satness (NZ) (Satanya by Mossman) 2018; 17 Feb 2026, 1st Illawarra TC Henry Clive Bar H. 1400m Swiss Ace : Kokako (NZ) (Cortado by More Than Ready) 2020; 19 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Trusteel Fabrications H. 1200m Tarzino : City of Troy (NZ) (Helen of Rose by New Approach) 2020; 21 Feb 2026, 1st Goondiwindi RC Larder Maiden P. 1400m Tarzino : Tarvue (NZ) (Vamoose by Admire Moon) 2020; 14 Feb 2026, 1st VRC TAB H. 2000m Tarzino : Helping Hands (NZ) (Charitable Nature by High Chaparral) 2021; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Stony Creek RC Ladbrokes Maiden P. 1600m Tavistock : Stylebender (NZ) (Mary D’Or by Verglas) 2017; 18 Feb 2026, 1st ATC Asahi Super Dry H. 2140m Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $50000 Time Test : Kairos Louie (NZ) (Lucy Liu by Thorn Park) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st BRC Ladbrokes H. 1600m Sold by KB Bloodstock at Ready to Run Sale for $26000 Tivaci : Sabertooth (NZ) (Knew It by O’Reilly) 2022; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Seymour RC IRT Maiden P. 1300m Sold by Waikato Stud Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $60000 War Decree : The Western Front (NZ) (Rosaeflora by Zacinto) 2020; 20 Feb 2026, 1st Southside Racing Rhino the Wrecker H. 2025m War Decree : Lillian (NZ) (I’ve Got Rhythm by Mossman) 2021; 21 Feb 2026, 1st WATC Happy Birthday Tahlia Allen H. 2200m Zed : Magic Mikey (NZ) (Magic Tryst by Magic Ring) 2018; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Kojonup Rc Kojonup Cup 1770m Sold by Grangewilliam Stud at National Yearling Sale for $17000 Hong Kong Per Incanto : Aeroinvincible (NZ) (Miss Bondi by O’Reilly) 2020; 19 Feb 2026, 1st HKJC Prosperity H. 1400m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $320000 Wrote : Come Fast Fay Fay (NZ) (Madrekay by Towkay) 2021; 19 Feb 2026, 1st HKJC Kung Hei H. 1200m Malaysia Atlante : Zygarde (NZ) (La Madelina by Giant’s Causeway) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m Sold by Valachi Downs at National Yearling Sale for $80000 Charm Spirit : Cash Cove (NZ) (So Nice by Mastercraftsman) 2019; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Penang National Park S. 1200m Sold by Kawa Park at Ready to Run Sale for $11000 Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $32000 Darci Brahma : Laxon (NZ) (Southern Sunset by Polish Precedent) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Wishes Come True S. 1400m Nadeem : Pasir Pinji (NZ) (Mistaar by Iffraaj) 2016; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Westend Partnership at National Yearling Sale for $6000 Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $34000 Tivaci : Evana Trumpalot – Salam Sixty-One (Mal.) (NZ) (Evana by Entrepreneur) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Ocean Park : Ocean Jupiter (NZ) (The Iffraaj Dame by Iffraaj) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Penang Street Food Adventure S. 1500m Sold by Trelawney Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $60000 Pins : Acrobat (NZ) (Turf Fire by O’Reilly) 2015; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Kek Lok Si Temple S. 1200m Sold by Leanach Lodge Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $105000 Proisir : Frenetic (NZ) (Sororia by Iffraaj) 2018; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1600m Sold by Haunui Farm at National Yearling Sale for $40000 Reliable Man : Can’t Find One – a Silent Voice (Mal.) (NZ) (Keenly by Keeninsky) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1600m Sold by The Oaks Stud at National Yearling Sale for $110000 Shocking : Ragnar (NZ) (Barbara Jennie by Bahhare) 2016; 14 Feb 2026, 1st Perak TC Class 5 H. 1400m Sold by Riversley Park Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $27000 Sold by Rich Hill Stud at National Yearling Sale for $26000 Tarzino : Happiness Day (NZ) (Grise Leigh by Green Tune) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Speed Strength and Success S. 1400m Sold by Mapperley Stud Ltd at Ready to Run Sale for $50000 Time Test : Rhythm of Zen (NZ) (Perfect Beat by Magnus) 2020; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Year of the Horse S. 1020m Sold by Jamieson Park at National Yearling Sale for $37500 Sold by Lilywhites Lodge at Ready to Run Sale for $26000 Time Test : Needtobeseen – Astro Nascente (Mal.) (NZ) (Hollywood Angel by Dehere) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Peace and Happiness S. 1600m Sold by Blandford Lodge at National Yearling Sale for $100000 Time Test : The Wild Chief (NZ) (Deb by Darci Brahma) 2019; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Prosperous Business S. 1500m Nadeem : Pasir Pinji (NZ) (Mistaar by Iffraaj) 2016; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Westend Partnership at National Yearling Sale for $6000 Sold by Woburn Farm at Ready to Run Sale for $34000 Tivaci : Evana Trumpalot – Salam Sixty-One (Mal.) (NZ) (Evana by Entrepreneur) 2020; 15 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Waterfront Settlement Chew Jetty S. 1700m Sold by Seaton Park Ltd at National Yearling Sale for $150000 Too Darn Hot : Duma (NZ) (Podravina by Bel Esprit) 2021; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Harmony Joy and Abundance S. 1200m Sold by Prima Park at Ready to Run Sale for $45000 Unusual Suspect : Unusual Saint – Wiseman (Mal.) (NZ) (Saintly Ripa by Rip Van Winkle) 2018; 18 Feb 2026, 1st Selangor TC Gong Xi Fa Cai S. 1775m View the full article

Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick has barely had time to draw breath just lately, but on Monday he found a brief window to reflect on what has been a landmark period for his family’s Matamata nursery. That all began 10 days ago with the announcement that unbeaten Group One winner Return To Conquer (Snitzel) will take up duties at Waikato this spring, followed a day later by a first stakes success for resident sire Banquo (Written Tycoon) when his son Justin Case (NZ) won the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m), and in one of the biggest breeding stories ever, last Friday’s news that leading young stallion Super Seth (Dundeel) had been sold to Coolmore. Capping all that on Saturday, another member of the Waikato roster, Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) winner Ocean Park (NZ) (Thorn Park), produced a superb result when his daughters Ohope Wins (NZ) and Autumn Glory (NZ) dominated the finish of the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie. Ohope Wins has become the star of a strong crop of three-year-old staying fillies, completing a Group-race hat-trick with another huge finish in the country’s premier distaff classic. Autumn Glory followed her win in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2100m) with a top-notch effort behind Ohope Wins to credit both their sire and owners with a notable quinella. Both Ocean Park fillies were sold earlier this summer by their respective breeders, Gartshore Bloodstock and Monovale Holdings, to Yulong Investments. The post-Oaks focus now centres on the decision as to whether one or both will target the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) back at Ellerslie on Saturday week. “It was great so see Ocean Park come up with a result like that,” Chittick said. “He’s always been a good sire with a decent horse racing and that filly (Ohope Wins) looks special, she might even be the best he’s left. “We’re so pleased for both fillies’ breeders. Bill and Jim Gartshore have been with us for quite some time, and we’ve also had wonderful support over the years from the Smithies family.” Meanwhile, the changing of the guard on the Waikato Stud roster will see Snitzel’s son Return To Conquer take up residence as the unbeaten winner of four black-type races, the last of those the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), while Super Seth, already the sire of four Group One winners with just three crops on the track, will head to Coolmore’s Jerrys Plain headquarters in the Hunter Valley. Waikato Stud was already a member of the Te Akau syndicate that outlaid A$1.3 million and raced Return To Conquer, and now with a majority interest in the handsome colt soared across all three generations of the Chittick family, has been joined by a number of existing shareholders including Australia’s Kia Ora Stud. In a fitting segue and coinciding with the sale of Super Seth, Coolmore’s Irish-based principal John Magnier has also joined the partnership in Return To Conquer, whose introductory fee will be $15,000 plus GST. “During the negotiations around Super Seth, Tom Magnier said that he had been asked by his father if there was any chance of getting a piece of Return To Conquer, who’s a horse he’s well aware of and has a lot of time for. “My family has always had a relationship with the Magnier family, and with our commitment to continue to support Super Seth at Coolmore and them now having an interest in Return To Conquer, that just strengthens our long-term relationship.” Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Super Seth was secured in 2020 by Waikato Stud in a deal reported to value him around $15 million, with his Australian owner Jonathan Munz retaining an interest and taking up duties at $35,000 plus GST. His fee increased to $45,000 plus GST in 2024, and with Australian Group One winners Feroce (NZ), Linebacker (NZ) and Maison Louis (NZ) from his first crop, followed by a fourth, champion New Zealand two-year-old La Dorada (NZ), from his second crop, his fee increased to $75,000 plus GST. That 2025 book was Super Seth’s largest at just under 200 mares, while another strong point in his favour was his fertility figures, with a five-year average of just under 83.5 percent. Chittick is both thrilled and philosophical when discussing the lucrative deal struck with Coolmore. “When you put in the time and effort that we have for many years now, it’s great to kick a goal of this size. The Super Seth deal is a big one; I don’t think there’s ever been one like this in the Southern Hemisphere.” One constant at Waikato Stud over the past two decades has been champion stallion Savabeel, who took up duties in 2005 as a rare three-year-old winner of the W S Cox Plate winner and completed his 21st season in December after covering 88 mares. Last Saturday his three-year-old daughter Belle Cheval (NZ) won her second consecutive Group Three race in the Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), confirming her position as joint second favourite for next week’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Now with a tally of 157 black-type winners, Savabeel is just nine short of matching his fellow champion sire Zabeel’s record of 166 black-type winners. With numerous progeny currently competing and at least three more crops still to reach racing age, it’s becoming more and more a matter of when, rather than if, Savabeel establishes a new benchmark. “He’s been an amazing stallion and we’ll be forever grateful for what he’s achieved for Waikato, for our clients and you’d have to say for the whole of racing and breeding,” Chittick said. “He suffered an injury in the serving barn midway through the 2024 covering season which didn’t help him, but to his credit he was back covering last spring, even if his fertility isn’t what it used to be. “We can’t ignore the fact that this spring he’ll be 25 and we’ll have to take increasingly greater care of him, which means that he’ll be restricted to shareholders’ mares.” As for the whole experience he’s been through over the past 10 days, Chittick said he’s still in recovery mode. “From the time Tom Magnier made contact on the Friday 10 days ago and arrived here on the Monday, it’s been full-on. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck, but that’s the nature of what we were dealing with. “We’ve got Return To Conquer arriving shortly at the same time as Super Seth is going out the gate, so now the job begins to develop our next stallion.” View the full article