Chief Stipe

Exactly. Training SYSTEMS. Mark learnt that from Roy and has taken it to a new level.

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Know what exactly?

Not as far as I know. Isn't that just an R65 with special conditions?

Group One-winning Waikato jockey Michael McNab is taking advantage of a golden opportunity. View the full article

Cambridge three-year-old Karisto is in prime condition ahead of the Gr. 2 Queensland Guineas at Doom… View the full article

Southern rider Tina Comignaghi left a good impression during her just concluded northern stint. View the full article

Eleven rivals will oppose the Aidan O'Brien-trained Saxon Warrior when he lines up as the odds-on fa… View the full article

The dam of Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign has fetched A$2.1 million at the Magic Millions Gold… View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2)Mr Wallis, Stipendiary Steward, alleged that Mr Close used his whip on more occasions than permitted in clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations on his drive THE BADGER in race 2, the JUST ESSENCE CATERING MOBILE PACE. Rule 869 provides as follows: (2) No horseman shall during any race use a whip ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2)Mr Munro, Stipendiary Steward, alleged that Mr Franks used his whip on more occasions than permitted in clause (b) of the Use of the Whip Regulations on his drive THE BADGER in race 5, the DUNEDIN CITY MOTORS TROT. Rule 869 provides as follows: (2) No horseman shall during any race use a whip in a manner ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 870(3), 1003(2) and the breaking horse regulationsMr Wallis, Stipendiary Steward, alleged that horse number 4, MAGASTEY, which finished 4th in race 1, the Forbury Park Bar & Bistro Trot broke in excess of 150 metres during the running. Judge’s placings were: 1st 3 CUDDLY TROUBLE 2ND 6 FANCY WOMAN 3rd 1 SUPERFAST NINJA 4th 4 MAGASTEY 5th 10 JANUCCI GIRL ...View the full article

News Handicapping blog – New rating bands 1 June 2018, 11:13 a.m. With the recent announcement of the handicapping changes that will apply from 1 August 2018, I thought I would briefly explain the impact the changes in rating bands will have on weights carried and penalties given. The rating bands have been shifted slightly to encourage horses to run in the next grade in order to fill these fields and alleviate the pressure on the lower grades. This mainly focusses on the Rating 65 grade and the new Rating 72 grade. This encouragement will come in the form of a weight allowance. For horses rated 60 to 65, there will be a significant weight reduction if these horses choose to run in the Rating 72 race as opposed to the Rating 65 race. While this exists at the moment in the Rating 75 grade, the problem is horses rated 60, 61, and 62 do not get any further weight allowance from horses rated 63 and only a small allowance from those 64 to 67. It is hoped that trainers will consider the Rating 72 with their horses, particularly the up-and-coming horses as an alternative to the Rating 65 grade. Furthermore, the winning rating increase for both grades will be virtually identical (for horses rated 61+). Below is an example of the typical weights that could be carried and the potential winning re-handicap for each of the grades. As per normal, horses rated 61+ will in most cases be taken to 67 or higher. These weights are based on a 4YO gelding. Rating 65 Benchmark HCP Rating 72 Benchmark HCP Rating Weight Potential winning penalty Rating Weight Potential winning penalty 65 60 4-5 65 56.5 4-5 64 59.5 4-5 64 56 4-5 63 59 4-5 63 55.5 4-5 62 58.5 5 62 55 5 61 58 6 61 54.5 6 60 57.5 4-5 60 54 5-7 Please note – this is a general guide only. The actual weights carried and rating points given will be determined race by race.

Scone trainer Brett Cavanough has called on one of his favourite jockeys, Skye Bogenhuber, to help c… View the full article

Diademe fetches A$1.7 million Thu, 31 May 2018 NZ Racing Desk High-class mare Diademe sold for A$1.7 million on the Gold Coast. Former top galloper Diademe has again made an impact in the sale ring. The Savabeel mare, who has been served by Vancouver, was sold for A$1.7 million at the Gold Coast yesterday to the China Horse Club. Diademe won the Gr. 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes during her career with trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman and was subsequently sold for A$740,000. Her first foal by Fastnet Rock realised $1 million at Karaka earlier this year. The powerful China Horse Club also went to A$680,000 to secure the former Danica Guy-trained Capella. The Rip Van Winkle mare won the Gr. 2 Eight Carat Classic and has been served by Snitzel. The New Zealand-bred Fastnet Rock mare Gold And Diamond, who was unraced, was purchased by Yu Long Investments for A$800,000. She has been served by I Am Invincible.

Former top galloper Diademe has again made an impact in the sale ring. View the full article

The Darren Weir-trained Handsome Thief is the only runner in the Moreton Cup who can upset the order… View the full article

She'll soon return home to Central Otago and be served by Bettor's Delight. View the full article

Expat New Zealand jockey James McDonald's comeback will continue when he rides at the Royal Ascot me… View the full article

Cambridge jockey Jason Waddell won’t be riding again until the new season. View the full article

Rule Number(s): 638(3)(b)(ii)Following the running of race 9, Team Wealleans, an Information was filed pursuant to Rule 638(3)(b)(ii). The Informant, Mr Coles, alleged that Mr Hills used his whip excessively prior to the 100 metres. Mr Hills endorsed the Information “I do admit the breach and I do not wish to be present at the hearing”. ...View the full article

Former French galloper One Foot In Heaven, who was once a contender for Europe's richest race, will … View the full article

A suspension has cut short leading jockey Hugh Bowman's riding stint in Japan. View the full article

Brilliant mare Piccadilly Princess has run her last race and retires a five-time Group 1 winner. View the full article

The Harness Jewels have been thrown in to chaos less than three days out with a shipment of nine hor… View the full article