Chief Stipe

Bellatrix Star pre-trained and spelled in NZ. Trained by Mark Walker.

There's been a couple more than that. Bellatrix Star has performed well over there at Group level - won the Champagne Stakes G3, Schillaci Stake G2 and an unlucky second to Switzerland in the Coolmore G1.

I hope Velocious goes well too for a number of reasons. But it is a 20 horse field, she has drawn 8 and I've seen her fall apart if she gets boxed in and/or doesn't get her own way. Lately they have been dropping her out and have a late run at them.

What do you think is the main motivation is for the New Committee working between TABNZ and ENTAIN? The elite Thoroughbred stakeholders are not stupid and they are outvoting Harness on that new committee.

In-form filly on black-type trail in Brisbane loveracing.nz Velocious will bid to add Australian black type to her impressive domestic record when she steps out at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Written Tycoon will run in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) with multiple Group One-winning jockey Ethan Brown to don the Go Racing silks aboard the three-year-old. She won’t be the only feature race contender on the card for the syndication company, with the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-prepared Maison Louis to take aim at the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). Velocious earned her passage across the Tasman with her most recent success over 1100m. “We’ve always had Australia in the back of our minds for her and she had a couple of unlucky runs before her last start at Te Rapa,” Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said. “That was the race that was going to decide whether she went over or not. “She duly went out and won that and there’s not much left for her in New Zealand, especially with the way the tracks are, so we’re trying our luck in Queensland.” Saturday’s performance will determine the length of Velocious’ stay in Australia. “If she came out and won, there are other races for her coming up and we would like to think she’s going to run very well,” Allnutt said. “Then we can push on and reassess targets, basically it’s an open-ended ticket at this stage.” Velocious has six victories from her 12 starts, including the Gr.1 Systema Stakes (1200m) and Listed Karaka Millions (1200m) to earn champion juvenile honours before underwent a wind operation earlier this season. She has returned to win twice, both noteworthy efforts against older open grade opposition, and in between times had little luck when out of the frame in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and in an age group event at Ellerslie. “Thankfully, Michael McNab got her out of the gates well last start and got the job done for us,” Allnutt said. Bred by Inglewood Stud, Velocious was a $190,000 Karaka purchase for Go Racing who also purchased her younger half-sister by Dundeel for $300,000. Also trained by Marsh, Alacritous suffered an interrupted passage when unplaced on debut before she beat Cream Tart, a runaway winner on Monday, at Matamata. “She went away for a spell after that and is a different type being by Dundeel,” Allnutt said. “We’ve taken our time with her and she’ll come back into work shortly and be prepared for the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m), all going well.” Meanwhile, Go Racing’s Maison Louis has won three of his six starts and finished fourth in the Gr.3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben in his final Derby lead-up. Ben Melham has been booked to ride the son of Super Seth on Saturday.

Dwyer's Asfoora UK surprise www.racing.com Henry Dwyer admits that he's been pleasantly surprised by the way his mare Asfoora has handled the arduous journey from Ballarat to Newmarket in England as she bids to defend her title in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in a fortnight. "She has settled in better than we could have hoped, to be honest," Dwyer said. "She just walked in the gate, she knew where she was. "She's very much at home there in her little yard. It was weird, the trip didn't really seem to take anything out of her; obviously, a trip to Sydney on the road and then 32 hours on the plane and three stops, the rest of it, but she was really bright the next day and ate up. "She's just obviously a very good traveller now." Dwyer explained that the original intention was to have Asfoora fit upon her departure from Australia to the United Kingdom to allow her a week of recovery from her travels, but the speedy mare was out and about at Newmarket on Tuesday morning. "She had a saddle on this morning," Dwyer said. "I get there on Thursday morning, so I might do a bit of work with her on Friday morning." Asfoora is likely to face a similar field to what she defeated at Royal Ascot in 2024, in a year where she's the only horse making the trip from Australia to England and where there isn't an emerging young, local sprinter. "The pool of horses seems relatively similar to last year," Dwyer said. "The market's got us, Believing and Regional all right up there and they're the same three horses that ran three of the top-four placings last year. You'd think if she turns up in the same order as last year, she's going to be incredibly hard to beat. "I'm not saying she will, but she seems to have travelled well and everything seems in order, so I don't really know why she wouldn't." Sportsbet has Asfoora on the second line of betting at $7.50 for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17.

Which further undermines the reports credibility. It flip flops between a literature review of mixed veracity science to quoting anecdotal data. No doubt Massey University have secured funding for "ongoing research" to quantify some missing data. Hopefully for the new season we will see the uniform implementation of a track rating measurement system calibrated by track and Quality Control managed. A must will be a measure of variability across and between tracks.

What's a course being straight or having a bend in it got to do with the hypotheses that increased speed = increased injury and three runs on a surface adapts a horse to run injury free. Arguably running on a consistently maintained AWT would be safer than running on a misreported hard Trentham shute. I don't understand why people don't see the contradiction or irony of the focus on the AWT and the blind eye elsewhere. Meanwhile the NZTA is more worried about moving rails. I'm surprised they haven't made preferred policy statements on irrigation as well.

Where did you copy the quote from regarding anecdotal data?

What times are they running on the AWT compared to the shutes at Trentham and Riccarton?

What the F?! We are basing policies on "anecdotal data"?! BTW "anecdotal data" is an oxymoron. Have we got social scientists running the cutter?

A bit negative to label Cousins a "battler". He's living the dream. A truck driver probably on very good coin and three horses in training as a hobby. Now bought a new suit and pitching up to all the parties with a horse that has already won $500k. His profit margin on that stake money will be huge. Now aiming for the famous Stradbroke worth $1.8m!! I'd love to be battling that much.

Chris Waller gives hobby trainer reason to believe he can complete Stradbroke fairytale www.racenet.com.au As he counts down the days to a fairytale crack at the 2025 Stradbroke Handicap, larrikin Brisbane hobby trainer Craig Cousins has the words of Chris Waller ringing in his ears. It will be a David versus Goliath battle in the Stradbroke as 60-year-old Cousins, who only has three horses in work, takes on some of racing's biggest names. Cousins knows he has a good horse and a good Stradbroke chance with home-bred hero The Inflictor, who is a $15 chance in Queensland's most prestigious race on Saturday week. The Inflictor qualified for the Stradbroke by scoring a golden ticket when winning The Gateway at Eagle Farm and he rubber-stamped his claims by scoring at Doomben last month with Nash Rawiller in the saddle. Enter Waller, who has infused Cousins with extra confidence and belief heading into the $3m Stradbroke. "I had never met Chris Waller before, I had just seen him from a distance and that was about it," Cousins said. "He's obviously a master at what he does. "I was walking around after the race the other day and I heard someone yelling, ‘Craig, Craig'. "I recognised the voice and it was Chris Waller. He shook my hand and congratulated me. "Chris said, ‘this is what racing is about, this is a great story'. He said he wished me all the best for the Stradbroke. "I told Chris he would probably have a good Stradbroke horse himself. "He said, ‘don't worry about mine Craig, yours is a genuine chance'." Four-year-old The Inflictor has won $499,000 in prizemoney and will add another $1.8m to that haul if he scores the Group 1 Stradbroke at Eagle Farm. It would be one of the greatest stories in Stradbroke history. Cousins juggles his day job as a truck driver with his work training horses but will put the handbrakes on the truck driving job next week so he can enjoy Stradbroke week. He has even bought himself a new suit for Stradbroke week and several new ties. He plans to lap up the week and go to Breakfast With The Stars at Eagle Farm on Tuesday as well as the barrier draw function at The Star on Tuesday night. "Life wouldn't change too much if I won the Stradbroke, but it would be a bloody good feeling," Cousins said. "My horse's win the other day was really impressive, I didn't realise how impressive it was until I watched a replay later. "I can only have three horses at the one time, if I have any more it's too hard doing it one-out. "I do get an occasional hand off different friends, but most of the time it's just me. "This horse will have a red-hot go in the Stradbroke."

Bookies pay out on incorrect numbers at Doomben www.racenet.com.au Bookmakers around the country have paid out on the incorrect numbers following the running of the second event at Doomben on Wednesday. The race was won in a driving finish by Sweet Pretender (15) with leader Provoker (5) and widest runner Mortal Halo (4) battling it out for the minor end of the placings. When correct weight was posted, the sport's biggest bookmakers, including TAB, Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, paid out on Provoker (5) finishing second with Mortal Halo (4) in third. Incorrect results for race two at Doomben However, Racing Australia and Racing Queensland results declared Mortal Halo (4) in second with Provoker (5) in third where a mere .02 of a length separated the two on the line. It's understood Queensland racing officials are delving into how the mishap occurred which has only impacted exotic punters that play quinellas, trifectas and first fours. Win and place betting wasn't impacted. The results as per Racing Australia It is common practice for a Steward to call through the numbers to the TAB control room before correct weight is then posted. It's understood a review of that process, and where the fault occurred, is being investigated. The issue doesn't impact connections which will be paid out prize money on the correct results. More to follow …

Meeting News Taranaki Meeting Postponed The Taranaki meeting scheduled for Thursday 5 June has been postponed. The RIB and Club representatives inspected the course proper this afternoon and were unanimous that the meeting cannot take place tomorrow due to a sodden track. Further rain is predicted into Thursday. NZTR and the Club are keen to reschedule the meeting to next week. A further update will be provided when a reschedule date has been confirmed.

You're welcome anytime. Perhaps you should sew a GPS tracker into them. Be able to track the horse as well!!

NZTR, in partnership with NZRMA and PGG Wrightson Turf, are pleased to announce the Emerging Racecourse Manager Award. No images? Click here Kent Lean Named Inaugural Winner of Emerging Racecourse Manager Award New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), in partnership with the New Zealand Racecourse Managers' Association (NZRMA) and PGG Wrightson Turf, is pleased to announce Kent Lean of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) as the inaugural recipient of the PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award. The Award recognises early-career Racecourse Managers and track staff who demonstrate leadership potential, a strong work ethic and a commitment to the future of New Zealand’s racing industry. Lean stood out for his professionalism, eagerness to learn and the initiative he has shown in forging a career that blends his passion for horticulture and Thoroughbred racing. “I was a bit surprised to be honest, but it was really nice to be recognised by my peers and colleagues,” said Lean. “It’s positive reinforcement for a career decision I made a couple of years ago, combining my interests in racing and horticulture.” Kent originally studied a Bachelor of Science at the University of Otago before working as a qualified arborist for over eight years. He then made the switch to turf management, recently completing his Level 3 Certificate in Sports Turf Management. “I really enjoyed getting back into study and learning the practical skills needed to prepare a track for trials and raceday. There’s real job satisfaction in knowing the work you do behind the scenes plays such a big part in a successful meeting.” “It’s good to get that kind of feedback and support, from WTR and others involved in this industry, that you’re heading in the right direction career-wise.” As part of the Award, Lean will attend the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Conference this coming June and views it as a key opportunity to connect with industry peers, build knowledge, and continue his professional development. “I’ve only been in the industry a couple of years and mostly worked with colleagues locally, so I’m really looking forward to meeting like-minded people, hearing different perspectives, and picking up tips and tricks along the way,” he said. “I really want to thank everyone at WTR, especially the ground staff, for their support as I’ve stepped into new responsibilities. Whether I’m here, there or anywhere, the team’s always had my back,” said Lean. “And a big thanks to PGG Wrightson Turf for getting behind this Award. It’s a great initiative and means a lot to someone early in their career.” Sponsor representative, Karen Crake, of PGG Wrightson Turf said the selection process was competitive, with nominations of a very high standard. “Kent’s nomination stood out for his commitment and eagerness to learn within an industry he had no earlier experience with. He’s shown real initiative, completed his Level 3 Sports Management course, and brings a huge amount of enthusiasm to everything he does. We’re delighted to support him on the next stage of his journey,” she said. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe said Kent represents the calibre of talent the industry needs to nurture. “This Award is about recognising the people behind the scenes who play a critical role in the success of our tracks. Kent is a great example of the emerging professionals we want to support and celebrate.” “Racecourse management is an extremely specialised profession, and it’s fantastic to see someone like Kent acknowledged for the progress he’s made to date in his career.” NZTR extends its thanks to all Club nominees and nominators and acknowledges the continued support of PGG Wrightson Turf in delivering this important industry initiative. Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Email: office@nztr.co.nz Tel: 0800 946 637 NZTR.CO.NZ Unsubscribe

Not when I looked. Maybe it has changed in the last hour.

Coolmore backs trainer Aidan O'Brien to have Storm Boy at his best for Royal Ascot www.racenet.com.au Coolmore is relying on the training genius of Aidan O'Brien to orchestrate the ultimate form reversal from crack colt Storm Boy at England's prestigious Royal Ascot carnival. Storm Boy, formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, made his debut for the O'Brien stable earlier this month with an inglorious last of nine in the Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh. The Storm Boy that ran in Ireland was nothing like the brilliant, at times dominating sprinter who won five of his nine starts in Australia including the Magic Millions, Skyline Stakes and San Domenico Stakes, earning more than $3.5m. But Coolmore Australia's Tom Magnier said O'Brien is confident Storm Boy can bounce back at Royal Ascot. "It didn't go to plan last start,'' Magnier said. "But City Of Troy had a bad day in the Guineas first-up last year and Aidan was able to turn him around. "I have every confidence Aidan will be able to get Storm Boy back on track for Royal Ascot.'' Magnier's mention of City Of Troy was a reference to how O'Brien prepared the colt for a stunning English Derby win last year after he had flopped in the 2000 Guineas at his previous start. O'Brien achieved a similar result with Auguste Rodin in the Derby two years ago after that colt also came off a poor 2000 Guineas effort. Storm Boy is not Derby-bound but he is being aimed at the prestigious Royal Ascot carnival later this month where he is likely to line up in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) on June 21. In early TAB betting on the Jubilee Stakes, the Jerome Reynier-trained Lazzat, runner-up in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill last spring, is the $4.50 favourite with Storm Boy out to $11. O'Brien hasn't been discouraged by Storm Boy's shock showing at The Curragh and has been surprisingly upbeat when interviewed by Irish media. "He had never been galloped or worked, but we had to run him to find out what else we had to work on between now and Ascot," O'Brien said. "We learned that we have a good bit to work on, but I was very happy to do that. "He was beaten less than six lengths and he got a bad enough check at the two (furlong) marker. You could take another two off that, so he probably would have been beaten less than four lengths. "That was a very respectable run. I know everyone was disappointed, but we think we'll take him home now and we're going to train him. "We haven't really trained him yet and hopefully what we think will come, will come."

Well I'm going back 20 years when it was easier to act as a part-time strapper! 🙃

Currently the Metservice is saying 35mm in the next 24 hours easing off around midnight. I wonder if Hawera is on notice!

Meeting News New Plymouth Track Inspection/Update With a forecast of significant rainfall in New Plymouth today a track inspection will take place this afternoon with an update following that.

An artificially produced Soft 5 at that. Why don't they use your favourite tool the Going Stick @Thomass? BTW where did Tim Mills make that comment about the Soft 5?

So the smart Jockeys saved ground and didn't go wide!

I've always felt that the new Racing Act's management structure was its weakest part.