Wandering Eyes

The Retirement Assistance and Care for Equines (R.A.C.E) Fund will host its annual fund drive beginning with an online auction, the organization announced Saturday. The auction, which will kick off on eBay beginning May 10 at 8 pm EST, will include items such as halters from last year's Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit), Quality Road (Elusive Quality) and Mandaloun (Into Mischief), etc. along with experiences such as a VIP tour of Three Chimneys Farm. “We have some very exciting and amazing auction items again this year,” said President of the R.A.C.E Fund Marlene Murray. “We would like to especially thank volunteer Roxanne Campbell for her dedication and tireless efforts as well as Claiborne, Darley, Denali Stud, Gainesway, Juddmonte, Lane's End, Taylor Made, Three Chimneys and Christopher Hoff for their generous support by donating such valuable items of racing champions to help us raise funds.” More information on the R.A.C.E Fund can be viewed here. The post R.A.C.E Fund To Host Annual Online Auction Fundraiser appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Lope De Vega gelding Silver Knott for Godolphin. Silver Knott Adds Elkhorn Laurel to Resume Godolphin's Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), already a multiple group winner in England, won the GII Elkhorn S. at Keeneland on Saturday (video). He has also been Grade I-placed for trainer Charlie Appleby in the Hollywood Derby last December. Bred by St Albans Bloodstock, LLP, the 4-year-old gelding was a 725,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling purchase in 2021. His dam God Given (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), a Group 1 winner in Italy, is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner and sire Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). God Given has 3-year-old colt King's Reign (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and juvenile colt Divine Legacy (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) yet to race. Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega has sired 42 winners from 78 runners (54%) in North America. Following the victory of Silver Knott, he also has nine stakes winners (seven graded) to his credit there (11%). His best are Grade I winners Program Trading (GB), Newspaperofrecord (Ire) and Aunt Pearl (Ire). The latter pair each won an edition of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. #11 Silver Knott takes the G2 Elkhorn at Keeneland for trainer Charlie Appleby with Flavien Prat aboard! @godolphin #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/jaLw2lX3It — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 20, 2024 Kingman Colt Graduates On Debut Klaravich Stables runner Risk Tolerance (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) made a winning debut for Chad Brown at Aqueduct this past week (video). Bred by Normandie Stud, Ltd., the son of Loving Things (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) was a 260,000gns Tattersalls October yearling selection by Mike Ryan on behalf of Seth Klarman's organisation. His dam won the G3 Prix de Flore in France and is a half-sister to GII Red Smith S. winner and GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. second Serve The King (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Her latest foal is a yearling colt by Sea The Stars (Ire). G1 Coronation S. winner Fallen For You (GB) (Dansili {GB}) is a half-sister to the Galileo (Ire) Group 2-placed second dam Fallen In Love (GB). Juddmonte veteran Kingman counts 38 winners from 65 runners (58%) in the States. His eight stakes winners in that jurisdiction (12%) are led by Domestic Spending (GB), a winner of three Grade I events. RISK TOLERANCE breaks his maiden in the finale at Aqueduct with @jockeyfranco aboard for trainer Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/FyBArtqMvK — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 21, 2024 Repeat Winner Spirit And Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) previously featured in this column last year, and she earned another stakes laurel with a five-length win for trainer and co-owner Robert Falcone, Jr. in Aqueduct's Plenty of Grace S. on Sunday (video). The 5-year-old mare races for Michael Nentwig, Michael Dubb, Beast Mode Racing, LLC, John Rochfort and Falcone. Juan Landeros trainee Lunar Impact (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) won for the third time in nine starts at Santa Anita on Friday (video). Racing for D K Racing, Qatar Racing, Radley Equine, Rick Gold and Dave Odmark, the filly won at Del Mar last September. SPIRIT AND GLORY triumphs in the Plenty of Grace Stakes under Jose Lezcano for trainer @FalconeJr. pic.twitter.com/PvedH3E1lb — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 21, 2024 The post Making Waves: Lope De Vega Gelding Lands Keeneland Graded appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Willie Mullins became the first Irish trainer to take the British National Hunt Trainer's crown in 70 years after his El Fabiolo (Fr) (Spanish Moon) ran second to Jonbon (Fr) (Walk In the Park {Ire}) in the G1 bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday. Mullins also saddled winners Minella Cocooner (Ire) (Flemensfirth) and Impaire Et Passe (Fr) (Diamond Boy {Fr}) to win the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase and the G2 bet365 Select Hurdle, respectively during the bet365 Jumps Finale card. Overall, Mullins trained 28 winners to victories in the UK, with his total prize-money standing at £3,489,256. Vincent O'Brien was the last Irish trainer to take the British jumps title back in 1953/54 prior to Mullins. Mullins said, “It's fantastic to be champion trainer. I would like to thank all my owners who have been magnificent. They said bring to England whatever you need to win the title, which was tremendous. Between the owners, my staff and my jockeys–what more could you ask for? You need the horses but if you have got the setup, the horses will come. “Vincent is the legend of the game and just to emulate something he did is extraordinary and something we couldn't comprehend doing. We had never dreamed of doing it but after we were pipped at the post in 2016, I said if we ever got the opportunity again then we would go for it. David Casey went through all our horses to find out what was qualified for all races in England, Scotland and Wales. “What more can I say? I am amazed at the racing public over here, to be welcomed with such open arms everywhere we have gone. I would also like to thank the sponsors for putting on such a great day with a large prize-money pot.” JP McManus, the owner of Jonbon and many others, notched up his eighth consecutive UK Champion NH Owner on Saturday, as well. “We have had a good run this year and I have a great team of trainers, stable staff and jockeys and I couldn't have done it without them,” said the 73-year-old McManus, who won the Grand National with I Am Maximus (Fr) (Authorized {Ire}). “The Grand National was special, it's the most special race and if I could pick one race in the world I would want to win, it is the Grand National. We celebrated well.” Harry Cobden was named UK Champion Jump Jockey with 163 winners for the season. He defeated Sean Bowen. The post Mullins Becomes First Irish Trainer In 70 Years To Take The UK NH Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Highlighted by a joint workout from graded stakes-winning stablemates Domestic Product and Sierra Leone, nine 3-year-olds breeze April 27 at Churchill Downs in preparation for the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Equus Horse of the Year Princess Calla (SAf) (Flower Alley) has been purchased by John Stewart of Resolute Farm from Mario Ferreira, Stewart announced on X Saturday morning. Ferreira and trainer Sean Tarry had sent the five-time South African Grade 1 winner to American in early March for a crack at the Breeders' Cup. “We have finalized our international deal and I'm so excited to announce that we have acquired 2023 South African Horse of the Year Princess Calla in a private sale,” Steward said on X. “She is in her final days of quarantine and will be headed to Chad Brown to begin training for a run at this year's Breeders' Cup.” Bred by Maine Chance Farms, the bay also earned Equus Champion Older Mare honours in 2022/2023 to go with her Horse of the Year title, and of her 12 lifetime wins from two to six, 11 have come at the graded level. Out of G2 Sceptre S. winner and G1 Allan Robertson Championship second Princess Royal (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}), she brought R600,000 as a Cape Thoroughbred Sales Premier yearling. Princess Calla is also a half-sister to the Grade 3-placed Platinum Sky (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}). Her dam is a half-sister to the dual Equus winner Princess Victoria (SAf) (Victory Moon {SAf}), who earned her championships at two and three. The post South African Champion Princess Calla Bought By John Stewart appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A select field of nine will assemble for Sunday's G1 Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp, Europe's first Group 1 contest of the season, with G1 Deutsches Derby hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) among the likely protagonists. Liberty Racing's 4-year-old added to his Classic score when annexing September's G2 Prix Niel at the Bois de Boulogne venue, but failed to make an impression and was down the field in the following month's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He returned for this campaign with a pipe-opening second in last month's Listed Preis von Dahlwitz at Hoppegarten, but his participation is not certain should track conditions deteriorate overnight. “Fanta is in a great mood and everything has gone according to plan so far,” trainer Sarah Steinberg told GaloppOnline. “We hope that the weather gods are kind to us and that the amount of rain will be small. He needs a good track to perform at his best, but soft is okay. Anything worse than soft wouldn't be good and, if it is worse than soft, we will make a decision on Sunday morning.” Joseph O'Brien trainee Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), winner of 2022's G1 Vincent O'Brien National S., is on the comeback trail. He was out just twice last term, finishing second in both G3 International S. and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, with the latter a 3/4-of-a-length defeat by subsequent Arc hero Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}). “The dream is he is an Arc-type horse, but we'll take it race by race with him,” his trainer said. “The Ganay is a logical starting point for what we hope is a top-class middle-distance horse. We were proud of his run in the Guillaume d'Ornano. He showed a good turn of foot and came strong in the last 100 yards. That bodes well for what may come this season. He didn't have any significant setbacks [last year]. He had an infection leading up to the Irish 2000 Guineas and he was lame on the eve of the [Irish] Champion [S.]. It was a little frustrating, but his ownership group is patient and, hopefully, their patience will be rewarded.” Another on the comeback trail is Amo Racing's Crypto Force (GB) (Time Test {GB}), who has been sighted just once since annexing 2022's G2 Beresford S. at the Curragh. Depth is provided by a home defence which includes G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}), this month's G2 Prix d'Harcourt victor Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and the consistent multiple pattern-race winner Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}). The post German Derby Hero Fantastic Moon Set For Ganay Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dermot Weld's stable has yet to fire on all cylinders and, having set the ball rolling with Cork maiden winner Spoken Truth (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) on Friday, made its mark on the pattern-race scene when Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}–Eziyra {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) swooped late to register a career high in Saturday's G3 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil S. at Navan. Ezeliya, who shed maiden status at Cork in the second of two juvenile starts last September, employed patient tactics off the tempo in sixth for most of this 10-furlong test. Nudged forward into contention approaching the quarter-mile marker, the 9-1 chance came under sterner urging thereafter and was driven out inside the final furlong to gain a half-length verdict from Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) nearing the line. Purple Lily's rider Billy Lee got tangled up in his off-side stirrup in the dying strides, but the incident made little difference to the result. “I thought she would run a big race and she did,” Weld said. “It was a very true-run Group race and they went a real good gallop for a mile-and-a-quarter. Chris [Hayes] took his time on her. He planned to sit a little bit closer, but the pace they were going he waited. I loved the way she attacked the hill and saw her race out well. Better ground will suit her better. It is a lovely family, a good, tough family and I think she will get a mile-and-a-half. She is a Group 1 filly and there's lots to look forward to. She is in both [G1 Oaks and G1 Irish Oaks] and we will review it and see. We will see how she progresses during the week and make a decision in two weeks time.” Pedigree Notes Ezeliya, who becomes the 179th pattern-race winner for her sire, is the second of three live foals and leading performer from two winners out of multiple Group 1-placed G2 Blandford S. victrix Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). The March-foaled homebred bay's stakes-placed second dam Eytarna (Ire) (Dubai Destination), who produced a total of four black-type performers, is kin to G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Prix Royal-Oak heroine Ebadiyla (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), G1 Moyglare Stud S. victrix Edabiya (Ire) (Rainbow Quest) and G1 Gold Cup winners Estimate (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) and Enzeli (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}). Ezeliya is a half-sister to an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Siyouni (Fr). Saturday, Navan, Ireland IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF SALSABIL S.-G3, €65,000, Navan, 4-27, 3yo, 10fT, 2:12.27, gd/yl. 1–EZELIYA (FR), 128, f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Eziyra (Ire) (MGSW & G1SP-Ire, G1SP-Eng & HK, $754,699), by Teofilo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Eytarna (Ire), by Dubai Destination 3rd Dam: Ebaziya (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan's Studs SC (FR); T-Dermot Weld; J-Chris Hayes. €39,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $52,399. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Purple Lily (Ire), 128, f, 3, Calyx (GB)–Boca Raton (Ire), by Approve (Ire). 'TDN Rising Star'. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€17,500 Wlg '21 GOFNO1; €24,000 Ylg '22 TATIRY; €155,000 2yo '23 TATGOR). O-Zinlo Syndicate; B-B O'Neill (IRE); T-Paddy Twomey. €13,000. 3–Everlasting (Ire), 128, f, 3, Kingman (GB)–Could It Be Love, by War Front. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €6,500. Margins: HF, HF, 1. Odds: 9.00, 1.00, 6.00. Also Ran: Caught U Looking (Ire), Bellezza (Ire), Wingspan (Ire), Riviera Queen (Ire). Dermot Weld is well and truly up and running! After winning a maiden at Cork last night, the Weld team now have what looks an Oaks prospect in Ezeliya, who stays on best to land the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes under @chrishayes24.@NavanRacecourse | @IrishEBF_ pic.twitter.com/oVaxeyvgKq — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 27, 2024 The post Dubawi’s Ezeliya Swoops Late to Seal Salsabil Triumph at Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Aidan O'Brien annexed the two latest editions of Saturday's Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Navan with subsequent Group 2 winners Aesop's Fables (Ire) (No Nay Never) and River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and he secured the hattrick after 1.25-million guineas Tattersalls Book 1 graduate Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) produced a 'TDN Rising Star' display in the extended five-furlong contest. Aesop's Fables and River Tiber also earned Rising Stars in this event and Camille Pissarro becomes Wootton Bassett's seventh Rising Star. Camille Pissarro dwelt slightly as the gates opened, but swiftly recovered and bounded along stalking the leaders out wide in a prominent fourth. Inching closer from halfway to launch his challenge passing the quarter-mile marker, the 10-11 favourite was given one reminder from Ryan Moore's persuader and found another gear inside the final furlong to open up a 1 1/2-length margin back to New Theory (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) at the line. “He's a horse that has shown a bit at home, it is great to get him out here and that was a lovely start,” said Ballydoyle's Chris Armstrong. “He has got an unbelievable pedigree by Wootton Bassett and a fantastic attitude, which is typical of the Wootton Bassetts. The penny was only starting to drop with him in the last half-furlong, which was probably the best part of the race for him. Once he puts the front nine and back nine together, he is very exciting. He's a classy sort, he's one of the smart ones and definitely one for [Royal] Ascot. Whether we get one run into him between now and then, I'm not sure, and we could go there without another run.” Camille Pissarro is the latest of nine foals and eighth scorer produced by a winning half-sister to G2 International Topkapi Trophy, G3 Supreme S. and G3 Criterion S. victor Producer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). He is a half-brother to G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Listed Cathedral S. winner Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Listed Pipalong S. victrix Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and to the dam of the dual stakes-placed Annie's Song (Ire) (Camacho {GB}). Camille Pissarro's second dam River Saint (Irish River {Fr}) is a half-sister to 10-time Grade I-winning US champion and matriarch Serena's Song (Rahy). 2nd-Navan, €18,000, Mdn, 4-27, 2yo, 5f 180yT, 1:17.91, gd/yl. CAMILLE PISSARRO (IRE), c, 2, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Entreat (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: River Saint, by Irish River (Fr) 3rd Dam: Imagining, by Northfields Sales history: 1,250,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €10,620. *1/2 to Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire}), G1SW-Eng & G1SP-Fr, $527,144; Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), SW-Eng, $221,340; and Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), SW-Eng, $124,356. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Peter M Brant; B-CN Farm Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. A horse to follow 1,250,000gns buy Camille Pissarro makes a winning debut in the same race the @Ballydoyle team unleashed River Tiber 12 months ago. He could be very useful! @NavanRacecourse pic.twitter.com/BUZBoO6Zrc — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 27, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Camille Pissarro Snags TDN Rising Star Rosette at Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Impeccably bred Savabeel filly Waikato Girl (NZ) has added valuable black-type to her CV with a brave victory in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred and part-owned by Sir Peter Vela, Waikato Girl is out of Scintilulla, a Group Three winning and multiple Group One placed daughter of champion sire Galileo. Sporting the colours of Gandharvi Racing, Waikato Girl broke maiden ranks when successful at Rosehill in November. She found her way to Queensland for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival off the back of finishing just beyond midfield in the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on a Heavy track at Randwick earlier in the month. Specked late in the betting the filly travelled in midfield before sneaking up one off the fence early in the run home. Rider Vlad Duric got to work in the final 200m and she slowly reeled in Amazonian Lass (More Than Ready), who looked set for victory after moving clear of the field at that point, gaining the upper hand in the shadows of the post to register her second career success at just her seventh start. Kiwi import Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was a shade unlucky in third in what was a messy race. Duric admitted the confidence of Freedman had him feeling good about his chances prior to the race, although he had to overcome plenty of adversity in the run. “Michael was very bullish about her with blinkers on today,” Duric said. “Gee it was a rough race. There were horses that nearly fell in front of me and the horse inside me clipped heels and bumped into her and put her into the fence. “The win was first-class. To pick herself up and then fight at the end of the race, all credit goes to her and goes to Michael. “She has got black-type and I know there are a few people who will be very chuffed about this win. My good friend Mike Kneebone (Director of New Zealand Bloodstock) will be rapt, so it’s very good.” Purchased by Bloodstock Agent Michael Wallace for $600,000 out of Pencarrow Stud’s 2022 Karaka Book 1 draft, Waikato Girl is raced by Bangalore-born, Boston-based Kuldeep Singh Rajput under his Gandharvi banner in conjunction with New Zealand Bloodstock proprietor Sir Peter Vela. She is the younger sister of Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m) runner-up Butter Chicken (NZ) (Savabeel) and comes from an extended family that includes multiple European stakes winners. Waikato Girl’s four-time winning half-sister Stella Splendida (NZ) (Zoustar) recently sold for $410,000 on gavelhouse.com. Waikato Girl has now won two races with a further three placings, including a third placing in the Gr.3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m). The blueblood filly has plenty of Queensland options and is in the market for the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 8. View the full article

Jockey Lachlan Neindorf celebrated a Group One milestone as he guided Zoustar mare Climbing High (NZ) to the pair’s first Group One victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. After stepping slowly, Climbing Star, who carries the NZ suffix, settled near last in a strongly run race. The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old spotted the leaders in excess of ten lengths and was down on the inner of the track which jockeys had avoided for most of the day. Neindorf didn’t panic and gambled on a rails run which he gratefully accepted as the majority of the field rolled out towards the middle of the track. Climbing Star dashed into contention and narrowly defeated Learning To Fly (Justify) who came deepest of all, with Benedetta (Hellbent) back in third. It was the first success at the highest level for the twenty-two-year-old Neindorf and he was trying to remain calm immediately after the race, although the emotion of the moment was clearly playing out as he accepted congratulations from well-wishers. “I’m trying to keep it together but it was a really good win,” Neindorf said. “She stumbled at the start as I wanted to be a lot closer and from that point on, I just went bugger this, let’s go back to the inside and try and ride a race. “We got the favours and here we are. “A lot was going through my head and I was just trying to treat it like another race, thinking I’d cut my losses and run home into a place with even luck but this is very special. “This is for everyone in the Stokes stable and for my family and everyone here.” Stokes had been cautiously confident in the buildup regarding the chances of both his runners, with Stretan Angel (Harry Angel) also engaged and felt the outside barrier for Climbing Star might be to her advantage although those thoughts went out the window as the barriers opened. “I thought the outside barrier may not be as bad the way the track was playing,” he said. “She has been aimed at this, was third up and going super so we thought she would give a sight. “When I was watching the race, I was thinking what is happening here as we were meant to be on the outer, but it is just great for Lachie to get the win. “I’ve got some really good friends in this horse so it is a big thrill. “She has just come of age and is starting to blossom and she has a big Spring ahead of her.” Bred by Sheikh Fahad and the Royal Family of Qatar under their Qatar Bloodstock banner, Climbing Star is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Bryony, who visited Windsor Park Stud stallion Charm Spirit on three occasions, with that stallion raced by Qatar Bloodstock. View the full article

Handy three-year-old Lantern Way (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) returned to his best at Wanganui on Saturday with the aid of a gear change paving the way for a visit to the winners’ enclosure following the running of the Commdives NZ 3YO (1340m). The strapping son of Satono Aladdin had looked to have immense promise when he took out the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings back in September last year, and followed up with a meritorious fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) before heading to the spelling paddock. Much was expected upon his return to racing last month but a middling effort for seventh in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham and an abject failure next up at the same venue left trainer Lisa Latta scratching her head. The Manawatu mentor added a tongue tie to his gear for Saturday and he produced in fine style as he stormed home in the hands of Jonathan Riddell to head Matamata filly Loch Katrine (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the shadows of the post and register his second career victory. “We left Wellington pretty dejected three weeks ago as he was gone a long way out,” Latta said. “We couldn’t put it down to a lot, so we added the tongue tie, and he looked super today. “I was a little bit worried about the real heavy track (Heavy 8) but he has dug deep to win. “While the weather is still good, we will put him out for six weeks then have him ready for Hastings in the Spring. “He has always shown a lot and he is an absolute beauty.” Riddell also made mention of his disappointment in Lantern Way’s Trentham run. “I was so frustrated last start as I went to races and thought he would win but he dropped out,” he said. “He went through his gears today coming around the corner and that tongue tie has helped. “He is a lovely horse, so nice around the stable and he is one on my favourites.” Lantern Way was bred by Rich Hill Thoroughbreds, who will stand his sire Satono Aladdin for a service fee of $65,000 +GST for the 2024 breeding season. Rich Hill offered Lantern Way as a yearling in Book 2 at Karaka in 2022, where Latta secured him for $40,000. His eleven-start career has now produced two wins and four placings, earning more than $184,000 in stakes. View the full article

World’s highest-earning racehorse chases historic fourth Champions Mile victory on bumper Sha Tin SundayView the full article

Waikato Girl (blue cap) and Vlad Duric stuck close to the rails to get up and win the Listed Princess Stakes at Eagle Farm. Photo: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography Impeccably bred Savabeel filly Waikato Girl has added valuable black-type to her CV with a brave victory in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday for trainer Michael Freedman. Bred and part-owned by Sir Peter Vela, Waikato Girl is out of Scintilulla, a Group Three winning and multiple Group One placed daughter of champion sire Galileo. Sporting the colours of Gandharvi Racing, Waikato Girl broke maiden ranks when successful at Rosehill in November. She found her way to Queensland for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival off the back of finishing just beyond midfield in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on a Heavy track at Randwick earlier in the month. Specked late in the betting the filly travelled in midfield before sneaking up one off the fence early in the run home. Rider Vlad Duric got to work in the final 200m and she slowly reeled in Amazonian Lass, who looked set for victory after moving clear of the field at that point, gaining the upper hand in the shadows of the post to register her second career success at just her seventh start. Kiwi import Firestorm was a shade unlucky in third in what was a messy race. Duric admitted the confidence of Freedman had him feeling good about his chances prior to the race, although he had to overcome plenty of adversity in the run. “Michael was very bullish about her with blinkers on today,” Duric said. “Gee it was a rough race. There were horses that nearly fell in front of me and the horse inside me clipped heels and bumped into her and put her into the fence. “The win was first-class. To pick herself up and then fight at the end of the race, all credit goes to her and goes to Michael. “She has got black-type and I know there are a few people who will be very chuffed about this win. My good friend Mike Kneebone (Director of New Zealand Bloodstock) will be rapt, so it’s very good.” The blueblood filly has plenty of Queensland options and is in the market for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 8. Horse racing news View the full article

Local trainer Phillip Stokes and young jockey Lachlan Neindorf pulled off a major upset in the 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday, with their mare Climbing Star saluting at a juicy $26 price. The four-year-old Zoustar daughter arrived in peak form, following a win in the Listed Matrice Classic (1200m) and a narrow second to Benedetta in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m). A stumble out of the gates forced Neindorf to improvise, abandoning their pre-race plan to take the outside lane. Instead, he kept his cool, staying tucked away near the back of the pack. This tactical switch proved crucial. As they entered the home straight, Neindorf hugged the rails, allowing Climbing Star to conserve energy and find a clear path. The longshot filly surged forward, battling off a late charge from the fast-finishing Learning To Fly. Race favourite Estriella led the pack early, but faded in the final stages eventually running fifth. All eyes turned to Learning To Fly, who appeared poised to snatch victory after a strong closing burst. However, Climbing Star displayed remarkable heart and determination, holding off the challenge to claim a surprise victory. Learning To Fly settled for a close second, while Benedetta completed the trifecta with a strong third-place finish. “That was super,” said a delighted Stokes after the race. “I was watching the race and I thought hang on a second, what happened? We were meant to get her to the outside. “No horse had been there (the inside) all day. “Great for Lachie to get the win.” Neindorf, overcome with emotion, echoed Stokes’ sentiment: “It was a really good win. She stumbled at the start and I wanted to be a lot closer. Eventually, we got the favours and here we are!” While there’s no set plan to run in the upcoming Group 1 $1 million The Goodwood (1200m) back at the track on May 11, Stokes is optimistic about her potential. “We got her to peak on the day today,” he said. “She’s come of her own now. She’s coming of age and just starting to blossom now. “They still haven’t seen the best of her. “She’s got a great spring ahead of her I think. “We’d want to be happy with her (to contest The Goodwood). We don’t have to do that. “If she pulls up well, we’ll look at it.” 2024 Robert Sangster Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 7 CLIMBING STAR (NZ) Phillip Stokes Lachlan Neindorf 14 56.5kg $26 2 13 LEARNING TO FLY Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 0.3L 13 54.5kg $10 3 4 BENEDETTA Jason Warren Daniel Stackhouse 0.4L 1 56.5kg $9 4 2 I AM ME Ciaron Maher Blake Shinn 1.4L 2 56.5kg $5 5 12 ESTRIELLA Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 2.5L 11 54.5kg (cd 55kg) $2.80F 6 14 STRETAN ANGEL Phillip Stokes Damian Lane 2.9L 10 54.5kg $26 7 11 WALTZ ON BY Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Billy Egan 4.1L 8 56.5kg $26 8 10 SNAPPED Anthony & Sam Freedman Todd Pannell 4.4L 7 56.5kg $81 9 1 ZAPATEO James Cummings Ms Jamie Kah 4.5L 3 56.5kg $8 10 9 WONDERFUL TONIGHT Sam Mynott Craig Williams 5L 12 56.5kg $101 11 3 PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE Grahame Begg Jordan Childs 5.1L 6 56.5kg $9 12 8 LEMPICKA Ken & Kasey Keys Blaike McChief Stipeall 6.9L 4 56.5kg $81 13 6 SKEW WIFF (NZ) Mark Walker Michael Dee 6.9L 5 56.5kg $81 14 5 ROOTS Chris Waller James McDonald 8L 9 56.5kg $26 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Climbing Star Upsets in Thrilling Robert Sangster Stakes 2024 Result appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

I’munstoppable leaves the field in her wake with a sharp front-running display in Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Just twenty-four hours after the passing of Wexford Stables figurehead Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan, the New Zealand training icon would have been looking down on Te Rapa with a beaming smile as promising filly I’munstoppable led from go to whoa to capture the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for the Matamata operation. Prepared by O’Sullivan’s fellow New Zealand Hall of Fame member and son Lance alongside Andrew Scott, the three-year-old daughter of Charm Spirit led her age group rivals a merry dash throughout in the hands of Sam Spratt. Spratt bounced her out nicely from barrier five and enjoyed an uncontested lead, quickening nicely around the home bend where she established a three-length break on her nearest rival. Rank outsider Our Absolute (+6000) got closest to the flying I’munstoppable but she was still over three lengths in arrears at the winning post with Impendabelle shading Eqyptian Queen for third. 2024 Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes Replay – I’munstoppable “Early in the spring we thought she was up to this (level) but she was getting things wrong,” Andrew Scott said. “She has built well for this with her last run a fortnight ago, then a week out on the farm before coming back in good form. “It’s good team effort by everyone and I’m so pleased for John and Julie (McLachlan, owners) as they have been so patient with her. “That is her ability as she can really burn, and she will be a good Kiwi sprinter when she is four and five. “Around Ellerslie three starts ago she was a bit stiff and today she has just run them into the ground.” Spratt was delighted a pre-race game plan had worked to perfection. “She doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground and there wasn’t any real speed in the race so both Scotty and I thought we could lead,” she said. “It all panned out well as she came up underneath me fine, although halfway up the straight I thought she might be shortening stride, but she had the others under plenty of strife. “I knew she could skip through the ground and sneak away so it was lovely we could manage to do that.” Bred and raced by John McLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella, who is a daughter of Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights. She is the older half-sister of two-year-old Belardo gelding Lachie who ran fourth on debut in the second race on the card, and has now won three of her eight starts and $97,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided the O’Sullivan-Scott partnership with a double on the day and broke their previous season’s best winning tally with the duo now sitting at 50 wins for the year. Horse racing news View the full article

Climbing Star claims Group One honours at Morphettville. Photo: Atkins Photography Jockey Lachlan Neindorf celebrated a Group One milestone as he guided Zoustar mare Climbing High to the pair’s first Group One victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. After stepping slowly, Climbing Star, who carries the NZ suffix, settled near last in a strongly run race. The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old spotted the leaders in excess of ten lengths and was down on the inner of the track which jockeys had avoided for most of the day. Neindorf didn’t panic and gambled on a rails run which he gratefully accepted as the majority of the field rolled out towards the middle of the track. Climbing Star dashed into contention and narrowly defeated Learning To Fly who came deepest of all, with Benedetta back in third. 2024 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes Replay – Climbing Star It was the first success at the highest level for the twenty-two-year-old Neindorf and he was trying to remain calm immediately after the race, although the emotion of the moment was clearly playing out as he accepted congratulations from well-wishers. “I’m trying to keep it together but it was a really good win,” Neindorf said. “She stumbled at the start as I wanted to be a lot closer and from that point on, I just went bugger this, let’s go back to the inside and try and ride a race. “We got the favours and here we are. “A lot was going through my head and I was just trying to treat it like another race, thinking I’d cut my losses and run home into a place with even luck but this is very special. “This is for everyone in the Stokes stable and for my family and everyone here.” Stokes had been cautiously confident in the buildup regarding the chances of both his runners, with Stretan Angel also engaged and felt the outside barrier for Climbing Star might be to her advantage although those thoughts went out the window as the barriers opened. “I thought the outside barrier may not be as bad the way the track was playing,” he said. “She has been aimed at this, was third up and going super so we thought she would give a sight. “When I was watching the race, I was thinking what is happening here as we were meant to be on the outer, but it is just great for Lachie to get the win. “I’ve got some really good friends in this horse so it is a big thrill. “She has just come of age and is starting to blossom and she has a big Spring ahead of her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Apostrophe sprints to victory in the closing stages over Saint Alice in the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) If Apostrophe has run her final race, the talented mare signed off on a successful career in style with a powerful finish to capture the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Apostrophe was purchased by her trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood for $60,000 at Karaka in 2019 and debuted in the middle of her three-year-old season and has aged like fine wine with each racing season bringing new heights for the now six-year-old mare. This term has been the best yet with her familiar barnstorming finishes coming to the fore in stakes company, narrowly missing Group success in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January going down by a head, and it was the same story back at Trentham two starts later with a long neck separating her from victory in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Stepping out over 2100m in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes last time out, Apostrophe dominated the fillies and mares’ feature, and punters expected a repeat performance at Te Rapa backing her into -166.67 favouritism with online bookmakers ahead of Saint Alice (+600). The daughter of Tavistock was settled just worse than midfield by regular rider Masa Hashizume, with pacemaker Madame Le Fay taking control at the top. Last year’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Val Di Zoldo made a break on the field turning for home, Apostrophe having a decent margin to make up with 300m to go. She used the entire length of the Te Rapa straight to reel in her rivals, but the mare provided her signature late sprint to narrowly secure the victory over Saint Alice by a half-head, with Final Purchase running into third ahead of Val Di Zoldo, whose jockey Wiremu Pinn did a sterling effort to round out the top four after losing an iron late in the race. 2024 Group 2 Travis Stakes – Apostrophe James admired the performance of the mare, and indicated she may have made her final appearance on race-day after the Group Two feature. “That was a tremendous effort today, halfway down the straight I though she couldn’t win, but she often does that, she hits a flat patch then sprints quickly. She did that at the end of a mile, and now has done it at the end of 2000m,” James said. “Whether we go on I don’t know, she has had soundness issues and she’s done what every breeder wants to do with a mare, and she’s rising seven. This could be her last run. “All credit to the staff at home, she’s high maintenance and there’s a lot of icing, poulticing and bandaging that goes into a horse like this. It’s a team effort, and it brings our team together when you get a win like this too.” Horse racing news View the full article

Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero chases Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) glory on only his third start in the cityView the full article

Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Vibrant Sun at Moonee Valley in March. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) A perfect front running ride from Mark Zahra has seen Vibrant Sun (+550) lead every step of the way to take out the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. The daughter of The Autumn Sun was coming off an impressive victory in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes, where she came from off the speed to run over the top of the leader late, which led many to believe that she would get 2000m at her first attempt. Zahra took his filly to the front to lead from Pulchritudinous (+600), and they put a good space between themselves and the rest of the field, which was led by Coco Sun (+700) as they hit the home straight. However, as Tim Clark shook up his mount on the outside of the leader, Zahra was saving the winner for one final sprint, and she let down strong to eventually pull away with 200m to go. Private Legacy (+1600) and Coco Sun flew home and put in a lunge on the winning post but just missed as Zahra got absolutely everything out of Vibrant Sun, recording a win by the barest of margins. 2024 Australasian Oaks Replay – Vibrant Sun Michael Kent Jnr represented the stable post-race and he was elated with the win. “We always liked her. She won her maiden by seven lengths and went to the Thousand Guineas,” Kent Jnr said. “Third-up, 2000 metres, straight to the front, it was a huge win. “She missed a run in the Auraria when she had a little setback, so it’s a massive job by the whole team at home. “She was there to be beaten. It was a huge effort. Awesome result for everybody.” “We’ll take stock and talk to everybody. She doesn’t have to go anywhere now, she’s a Group 1 winner. We’ll work that out on Monday morning.” Mark Zahra was very complimentary of the winner in his post-race interview. “Really gutsy. I couldn’t have her much slower in the run,” Zahra said of the winner. “I took my time getting there, but that’s as steady as I could go, but she’s got a high cruising speed. “I dropped my rein halfway down the straight and I couldn’t pick it up, it was too long. “I just kept riding her along. It was a good gutsy win. “Probably a little bit (out on her feet), which she was entitled to be. “I’ve won a Caulfield Cup dropping the reins, so it still counts. It’s not ideal, but I’m riding light today and a win is a win.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Mark Zahra-ridden Vibrant Sun produced a gritty performance to capture the 2024 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday. Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., the daughter of The Autumn Sun defied a slight setback that forced her to miss the traditional lead-up race, the Auraria Stakes. Despite the lack of a recent run, Vibrant Sun’s fitness from her victory in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) proved sufficient for the longer distance. Zahra executed a masterful ride, taking the lead early and dictating the pace. He skillfully guided her around the bend, conserving enough energy for a crucial late push. On the home turn, reigning NZ Oaks winner Pulchritudinous challenged Vibrant Sun for the lead, briefly taking the advantage. However, Vibrant Sun dug deep, regaining the lead with 250m remaining and holding off a strong finishing surge from the competition. Two other The Autumn Sun fillies, Private Legacy and Coco Sun, rounded out the placings, finishing second and third respectively. The pre-race favourite, Wings Of Song, saw her six-race winning streak snapped as she finished a respectable fourth. “We always liked her,” co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr told Racing.com. “Third-up, 2000 metres, straight to the front, huge effort by the filly. “Missed a run in the Auraria, had a little set back, so massive job by the whole team back at home. “What a gutsy effort by the filly. Huge run. “She was there to be beaten. “Awesome result for everybody.” With her maiden Group 1 victory secured, Vibrant Sun may now be given a well-deserved break. The decision on her participation in the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival features will be made later. 2024 Australasian Oaks Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 6 VIBRANT SUN Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Mark Zahra 11 56kg $6 2 12 PRIVATE LEGACY Gregory Hickman Craig Williams 0.1L 9 56kg $18 3 8 COCO SUN Tony & Calvin McEvoy Ms Jamie Kah 0.2L 3 56kg $8.50 4 2 WINGS OF SONG Patrick Payne Jake Noonan 0.9L 8 56kg $5F 5 1 PULCHRITUDINOUS (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.5L 6 56kg $7 6 10 QUICKSTER Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Blake Shinn 1.9L 12 56kg $8.50 7 15 BON MISTRESS Ken & Kasey Keys Daniel Stackhouse 3.1L 4 56kg $151 8 7 MOLLYNICKERS Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Ms Carleen Hefel 3.3L 13 56kg $21 9 3 POSITIVITY (NZ) Andrew Forsman Michael Dee 3.7L 7 56kg $20 10 13 INTO YOU Shay Keating Ms Alana Kelly 4.2L 10 56kg $41 11 14 THE AUTUMN BELLE Henry Dwyer Beau Mertens 4.7L 14 56kg $61 12 5 QUEEN OF DRAGONS Peter & Paul Snowden Damian Lane 4.7L 1 56kg $11 13 9 QALI AL FARRASHA (NZ) Mark Walker Billy Egan 6.5L 16 56kg $41 14 11 CONCELLO Chris Waller James McDonald 6.6L 5 56kg $8 15 4 SERASANA Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock John Allen 9.7L 2 56kg $51 16 16 INFINITY IMPERIAL Liam Howley Chad Schofield 27L 15 56kg $201 19e SHUT THAT D’OR Garret Lynch Sairyn Fawke 0 18e SEEKING STARDOM Andrew Gluyas 0 17e HARVEST MOON Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ms Winona Costin 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Vibrant Sun Shines Brightest in Australasian Oaks Results 2024 appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

If Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock) has run her final race, the talented mare signed off on a successful career in style with a powerful finish to capture the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Apostrophe was purchased by her trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood for $60,000 at Karaka in 2019 and debuted in the middle of her three-year-old season and has aged like fine wine with each racing season bringing new heights for the now six-year-old mare. This term has been the best yet with her familiar barnstorming finishes coming to the fore in stakes company, narrowly missing Group success in the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) in January going down by a head, and it was the same story back at Trentham two starts later with a long neck separating her from victory in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Stepping out over 2100m in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes last time out, Apostrophe dominated the fillies and mares’ feature, and punters expected a repeat performance at Te Rapa backing her into $1.60 favouritism ahead of Saint Alice (So You Think) ($7). The daughter of Tavistock was settled just worse than midfield by regular rider Masa Hashizume, with pacemaker Madame Le Fay (Smart Missile) taking control at the top. Last year’s Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree) made a break on the field turning for home, Apostrophe having a decent margin to make up with 300m to go. She used the entire length of the Te Rapa straight to reel in her rivals, but the mare provided her signature late sprint to narrowly secure the victory over Saint Alice by a half-head, with Final Purchase (NZ) (Savabeel) running into third ahead of Val Di Zoldo, whose jockey Wiremu Pinn did a sterling effort to round out the top four after losing an iron late in the race. James admired the performance of the mare, and indicated she may have made her final appearance on race-day after the Group Two feature. “That was a tremendous effort today, halfway down the straight I though she couldn’t win, but she often does that, she hits a flat patch then sprints quickly. She did that at the end of a mile, and now has done it at the end of 2000m,” James said. “Whether we go on I don’t know, she has had soundness issues and she’s done what every breeder wants to do with a mare, and she’s rising seven. This could be her last run. “All credit to the staff at home, she’s high maintenance and there’s a lot of icing, poulticing and bandaging that goes into a horse like this. It’s a team effort, and it brings our team together when you get a win like this too.” The Cambridge horseman paid credit to long-term Kingsclere Stables client Jim Hannan, who has had a string of success in thoroughbred ownership alongside his late wife Helen. Based in Invercargill, the couple won the 1997 edition of Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with their first horse in Foxwood (NZ) (Centaine), and also were victorious in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) of 2000 with Spottswoode (NZ) (Centaine). “This win was made far more special by Jim Hannan being here, he was up at 5 o’clock this morning, well into his 80’s, to catch a flight, and has been to Matamata to see his yearling as well. It would’ve made his day,” James said. “His first horse with me was Foxwood who won a 2000 Guineas, and he’s been a very loyal and lucky owner since.” In a 21-start career, Apostrophe has earned $314,810 in stakes with seven wins and six minor placings for the Inglewood Partnership, and was bred by the Greenwich Stud Pty Ltd. View the full article

Two years after taking out the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with Carolina Reaper (NZ) (Vespa), Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have repeated and surpassed that result with a one-three finish headed by the rising star Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock). The time-honoured autumn showpiece was run for the 150th time on Saturday, a week later than expected and at a new home of Te Rapa due to the abandonment of the Ellerslie meeting last weekend. But despite the unusual circumstances, Snazzytavi produced a performance that will take a special place in the Easter Handicap’s recent history. The four-year-old daughter of Tavistock was having only the 10th start of her career, and she settled near the back of a strung-out field for jockey Warren Kennedy. Coming up to the home turn, she had only three horses behind her and was close to 10 lengths from the lead. But then Kennedy brought Snazzytavi to the outside and let her rip down the Te Rapa straight. She charged past nine rivals within the space of a few powerful strides, taking command at the 150m mark and opening up a winning margin of three and three-quarter lengths. Making the result even sweeter for Richardson and Norvall, the winner’s stablemate Channel Surfer (NZ) (Derryn) also produced an eye-catching finish into third. “That was enormous, and what a great run from the third horse too,” Richardson said. “I can’t wait until next year with Snazzytavi. I think she’ll get up over more ground in time as well – she just needs to learn a little bit more about being a racehorse. Races like the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) and Zabeel Classic (Gr.1, 2000m) are great targets that we can try to work towards. “Channel Surfer will be even better next year too. He’s just a little bit funny in the head, but he’s a very cool horse and has much more in front of him.” Snazzytavi capped a four-win day for Kennedy, who had previously scored aboard Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino), Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) and Freeze Frame (NZ) (Vadamos). “I think the step back down to the mile today suited her – she’ll get up over further in time, but at the moment she’s just not quite doing everything right over those longer distances,” the premiership-leading jockey said. “But she can really turn it on. They went at a good clip out in front, and then she made up five or six lengths in the space of about 100m in the straight. It was really quick, really sharp, and she sustained it to the line. I think they’ll have a lot of fun with her next season, and I think she can definitely be up to that Group One sort of level in time.” Snazzytavi has now had 10 starts for five wins, four placings and $231,275 in stakes. She began the season with only one win and one placing to her name from three appearances, but has made giant strides in her four-year-old preparation with four wins out of seven. She also placed behind Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in February. Saturday’s win was a case of so close, but so far for long-time Easter Handicap sponsor Bryan Black, who races the gallant runner-up Chattahoochee (NZ) (Reliable Man). “Our champion ran a great race but was just beaten by a better one today,” he said. “It was a fantastic race and there’s nothing wrong with being second.” Snazzytavi is raced by Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay. The Easter Handicap was the second leg of a Group double on the Te Rapa card for former Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock, who also sired the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) winner Apostrophe (NZ). “It’s not often you beat the sponsor,” Lindsay said with a hint of embarrassment. “We came into today thinking we had a good chance, but we certainly didn’t expect her to win it as easily as she did. “We didn’t breed this one ourselves, but we liked what we saw from her in a trial and we bought her off Gordon Cunningham. Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have done a terrific job with her. “Jo and I just love our racing, and there’s nothing quite like winning a Group race like this with such a promising mare – and especially when she’s a daughter of our late stallion Tavistock.” View the full article

Progressive filly Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino) provided a fitting result in the opening event at Te Rapa on Saturday, a day where one of the greats of the New Zealand training ranks was remembered after the passing of Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan twenty-four hours earlier. The Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned daughter of Tarzino is trained by O’Sullivan’s legendary jockey and now trainer son Lance, in partnership with Andrew Scott and as she hit the line in front there were many dabbing away tears at the result. Guided to perfection by National Jockeys’ premiership leader Warren Kennedy, Tomodachi came with an irresistible finish to score comfortably from Taranaki visitor Bridal Train (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) in the three-year-old 1600m contest. Scott was quick to thank racing fans for their kind wishes to the O’Sullivan family and Wexford Stable staff after the race. “It was great for all the team at home and on behalf of team Wexford we’d like to thank everyone for their support and messages as it means a lot to us,” Scott said. “What a promising filly she is for Sir Peter as she won with a bit in hand and hopefully we can take her to Brisbane with a bit of confidence after a chat with Sir Peter. “She is a very promising stayer and will make a Group (stakes) horse in time as she has just quickened so well today. “We’ve had to teach her to stay, so to see her kick on is great and she is bred to go a lot further.” Tomodachi is out of Vela’s lightly raced High Chaparral mare Quintessentially (NZ) and comes from a female line that includes horses of the calibre of multiple Group One winner Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm) and Hong Kong Cup (1600m) winner Romanee Conti (NZ) (Sir Tristram). Kennedy was full of praise for the effort. “She was just fantastic and was a real treat today as she did everything right,” he said. “She settled really well and when I let her build into the race she quickened nicely. “She was looking around and waiting for a challenge after I hit the front as she wanted something to chase.” Tomodachi has now won three races in a row after finishing third at Taupo on debut. The win equalled the O’Sullivan/Scott partnership’s previous best for a season of 49 wins, with three months of the current racing season still to come. View the full article

Just twenty-four hours after the passing of Wexford Stables figurehead Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan, the New Zealand training icon would have been looking down on Te Rapa with a beaming smile as promising filly I’munstoppable (NZ) (Charm Spirit) led from go to whoa to capture the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for the Matamata operation. Prepared by O’Sullivan’s fellow New Zealand Hall of Fame member and son Lance alongside Andrew Scott, the three-year-old daughter of Charm Spirit led her age group rivals a merry dash throughout in the hands of Sam Spratt. Spratt bounced her out nicely from barrier five and enjoyed an uncontested lead, quickening nicely around the home bend where she established a three-length break on her nearest rival. Rank outsider Our Absolute (NZ) (Niagara) ($61) got closest to the flying I’munstoppable but she was still over three lengths in arrears at the winning post with Impendabelle (Impending) shading Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Zoustar) for third. “Early in the spring we thought she was up to this (level) but she was getting things wrong,” Andrew Scott said. “She has built well for this with her last run a fortnight ago, then a week out on the farm before coming back in good form. “It’s good team effort by everyone and I’m so pleased for John and Julie (McLachlan, owners) as they have been so patient with her. “That is her ability as she can really burn, and she will be a good Kiwi sprinter when she is four and five. “Around Ellerslie three starts ago she was a bit stiff and today she has just run them into the ground.” Spratt was delighted a pre-race game plan had worked to perfection. “She doesn’t mind the sting out of the ground and there wasn’t any real speed in the race so both Scotty and I thought we could lead,” she said. “It all panned out well as she came up underneath me fine, although halfway up the straight I thought she might be shortening stride, but she had the others under plenty of strife. “I knew she could skip through the ground and sneak away so it was lovely we could manage to do that.” Bred and raced by John McLachlan and his wife Julie-Anne, I’munstoppable is out of their Rip Van Winkle mare Sisterella (NZ), who is a daughter of Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) placegetter Arabian Nights (NZ) (Almutawakel). She is the older half-sister of two-year-old Belardo gelding Lachie (NZ) who ran fourth on debut in the second race on the card, and has now won three of her eight starts and $97,000 in prizemoney. The victory provided the O’Sullivan-Scott partnership with a double on the day and broke their previous season’s best winning tally with the duo now sitting at 50 wins for the year. View the full article