Wandering Eyes

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Son of the former jockey turned trainer Andy Slattery snr, Tipperary native Andy Slattery was crowned joint-champion apprentice in 2019 alongside Oisin Orr. At just 23 years of age, Slattery has already amassed a glittering CV, having won big-race prizes for Dermot Weld, Eddie Lynam, Fozzy Stack and his own father Andy, for whom he has built up an excellent partnership with. Slattery's decision to swap Dundalk for Dubai, where he rides as number two jockey behind fellow Irishman Tadhg O'Shea for trainer Bhupat Seemar, has worked out well this winter. In this week's Q&A, Slattery talks about all things riding in Dubai and outlines his hopes for the new domestic season in Ireland. You have swapped Dundalk for Dubai this winter and it seems to be going very well. A lot of people advised me to do it and it has been a complete no-brainer. I've had the chance to get on some nice horses, pick up good prize-money and live a very different lifestyle than I would at home. I wouldn't say it's a different quality of life but you are certainly treated a lot differently in Dubai than back home. Is this your first trip away as a rider? I have been to America but I never rode in races over there. I worked with Paddy Gallagher at Santa Anita and rode in a lot of work. It's funny, a lot of what I picked up in America has stood to me in Dubai because a lot of our work out here is done on the clock. Having that clock in your head has been a life saver. Bhupat trains very similarly to how they do it in America and, if I hadn't spent that time in the States, I'd say I would have been lost. There are about 10 or 11 work riders here in the yard and everyone knows their job and what times they have to do each morning. These are top horses in Bhupat's and there is no room for error. It's a very good system he has in place. What has been the biggest learning curve for you in Dubai? I'd hazard a guess that riding those big dirt horses is a bit different to riding around Roscommon and Sligo. They are absolute bulls, they're class and I love riding on the dirt here. Funnily enough, I was joking with Caroline, who is Bhupat's wife and was my neighbour back home in Ireland, that some of these dirt horses look like point-to-pointers. Some of them could be mistaken for our National Hunt horses, they are that big and powerful. But I tell you something, by God they can move. I get some thrill riding on the dirt. The horses are so tough and hardy. The good ones travel and just keep finding and finding. It's all rhythm. It's a different style of riding altogether out in Dubai, though. Say Friday night, for example, you had Christophe Soumillon, Oisin Murphy, Jim Crowley and many of the top riders from all over the world riding at Meydan. Competing against those lads, it makes you raise your own game and you become sharper and a better rider as a result. The one thing I would say is that Ireland is extremely competitive as it is and you don't get anything easy back home. That probably stands to you when you come abroad because you are used to not getting anything easy. We saw your cousin Ben Coen flying the flag for Ireland in Australia over the winter as well. That's another case in point for the benefits of going away and getting out of your comfort zone. Big time. I suppose it is the same with everything, when you go to different places and see how they do things, it can't do you any harm. Stepping outside of your comfort zone, as you say yourself, can only be a good thing and I feel the benefits of it. I came out here on holiday two years ago. I came for a month and just rode out for Charlie Appleby. It was a bit of a working holiday but I really loved it. I had a couple of spins in Arab races and they are quirky but it was a good experience. I'm riding those a bit more frequently but they don't get any easier. Luckily I was given the opportunity to come back this year to ride for Bhupat and it has been going well. And how would you look back on last year's season in Ireland? Things were going great up until when I fractured my vertebrae in a fall riding out. I missed the last couple of months of the season so, all things considered, it was a good year. That injury actually delayed me a little bit when I got out here but, once I got the all clear, it hasn't been a bother. I've had a couple of winners for Bhupat so it's a case of so far so good. We all know the prize-money in Ireland can't compete with the likes of Dubai so I'd imagine you have felt those winners a bit more than you would if you had won a nice handicap at home. That's spot on. The prize-money is very good out here and being able to earn tax free is a big bonus as well. Take riding fees, prize-money etc, none of that is taxed over here so, even if you finish third or fourth in a race, it's a very good payday for a rider. It's not simple to make the game pay back home in Ireland. You have to ride a couple of nice winners every year, definitely. I have been involved in horses outside of the riding and I love the bloodstock side of things so I have been lucky enough in that side of things. If you weren't riding a good few winners or at least bagging one or two big pots a season, you wouldn't exactly be flying it in Ireland. We know your father Andy and the rest of the family are excellent horsemen and have had some brilliant horses through their hands. For example, your Dad trained Faugheen to win his point-to-point before selling him to Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins. Do you dip your toe in that side of the business as well? Big time. I am stuck in five or six young horses and it will be up to Dad if we go racing them or selling them. It's a great interest and Iove that side of the sport. You had a great year with your Dad last year riding eight winners for him. Without his backing, it would probably be fair to say it would have been a tough season. The way Ireland has gone, you only ride for the people who you ride out for or who ride work for as there are only a handful of spare rides up for grabs. We have a family-run yard and I am happy to help out the four or five days a week. I also ride out for Fozzy Stack two days of week and spend an odd Saturday with John O'Donoghue on the Curragh. I rode winners for all of those trainers last season but, the big thing is, you need a stable behind you. I've been lucky enough to have worked for some very good trainers, the likes of Dermot Weld for example, and it's good to be able to bring that sort of experience to the table at home and fire ideas around. Whatever we are doing, it seems to be working well and we are getting some good results. You'd like to think that, if we were to get our hands on some of those nicer horses, we could do the job as well as anyone. It can be tough to get your hands on those horses, though, because we are a selling yard. That can be tough for me as a rider because, as soon as we have one who runs well or wins a maiden, the likelihood is that the horse will be sold. Then you are left searching for the next one and they aren't easy to find. The strength of Irish racing is a major plus when it comes to selling one but sometimes it can come at the detriment of leaving yourself short on ammunition for the track. It's not simple taking on Aidan O'Brian and Ger Lyons and we are operating on a budget but thankfully it's going well. What would the hope be for the new year back home in Ireland? It's the same as every year; try to win as many races as I can and to get on as many nice horses as I can. We've 20 two-year-olds so hopefully some of those can shape up to be nice. It has been nothing to do with me so far, all of the lads have been doing the heavy lifting over the winter, but I have to say I am looking forward to seeing what we have to go to war with this season. I'll be home in the second week of March and Dad tells me we have lovely colts by Mohaather (GB), Blue Point (Ire), Without Parole (GB) and Instilled Regard so hopefully there will be plenty to look forward to this year. The post Andy Slattery: ‘Competing Against The Top Lads Makes You Raise Your Game’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An easy-in-the-market 83-10 from a 4-1 morning line, Siena Farm and WinStar Farm's SPEAK EASY (c, 3, Constitution–Fun, by Harlan's Holiday) outfought the heavily favored fellow firster Victory Avenue (Arrogate) to open his account at first asking before the clock struck noon on Pegasus Day Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The chalk, a $375,000 OBS June purchase who was bet down to 3-2 from a 5-1 morning line, showed good early foot and led what appeared to be a well-bred group onto the track proper, but Irad Ortiz, Jr. asked Speak Easy for some speed and took the sit just off that one's flank down the backstretch. Matching motors through an opening quarter in :22.64 and a half in :44.61, the duo hit the quarter pole more or less on even terms, but it was clear that Speak Easy was going the better of the two into the stretch. Victory Avenue did not go down without a fight, but Speak Easy proved easily best in the finish, scoring by about two lengths. The Frankie Dettori-ridden Big City (City of Light) finished a good five lengths behind the top pair, while $925,000 KEESEP yearling Corporate Power (Curlin) got home well for fourth and galloped out past his rivals around the turn. O-Siena Farm LLC & WinStar Farm LLC; B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. The post Constitution’s Speak Easy A Good-Looking Debut Winner at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He's moved yards over the winter, across town from Park Lodge Stables to Highfield Stables, and Newmarket trainer Harry Eustace now faces the question master. What are your goals for 2024? Carry on our trend of more winners and more prize-money than the previous year. Give us a horse to follow… Modern Times (GB), a three-year-old by Too Darn Hot (GB). And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on… Jack Jones, trainer on the up. Who do you think will be champion first-season sire in 2024? Pinatubo (Ire) And the best value stallion in Europe? Golden Horn (GB) Your best buy of 2023? Time For Sandals (Ire), a filly from the first crop of Sands Of Mali (Fr) out of Days Of Summer (Ire), bought from Rathbride Farm at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale. The best yearling/weanling you saw at the 2023 sales (that someone else bought)? The filly by Sea The Stars (Ire) out of Waila (GB), bought by Coolmore for 650,000gns. Who is or was the perfect Thoroughbred? Toss of a coin between Frankel and Sea The Stars. Your biggest professional regret? Not having the chance to see Sea Of Class (Ire) have a four-year-old campaign (while assistant to William Haggas). The post In the Hot Seat: Harry Eustace 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

By Jonny Turner Kyle Cameron hopes a new formula can be a winning one when Style Council shoots for a deserved victory at Methven on Sunday. Cameron heads to the Methven grass with three of his team, including Style Council who put in two excellent performances at the recent Blenheim meeting. The five-year-old hit the line strongly in both of his starts, running second on Friday and fifth on Sunday. The two good runs have come since Cameron has decided to Style Council with a sit, which isn’t always easy to do at the leader-dominated Blenheim track. So theoretically, the pacer should be an even bigger chance up the longer straight at Methven track. “We have been driving him a bit quieter lately and he has gone some good races,” Cameron said. “He has come through his Blenheim trip pretty well, his work has been good.” “Hopefully he can make a good beginning and get into a handy enough spot.” “Fingers crossed he can go another good race.” Cameron also starts maiden trotter Brightman in race 1 at Methven. The four-year-old looks a handy winning chance judging by his recent trial efforts. Cameron thinks the trotter has the ability to win but is weary about how the horse will handle his first start at the races. “He has had a bit of trouble getting away at the trials but he has been got it right in his qualifying trial and he got it right in his last one.” “It is just a case of him getting away trotting, he can be a bit nervy at the start so we will be hanging on and hoping he can do things right.” “He does seem to have the ability there to win a race, for sure.” “If he does things right it will be a good result.” Opawa Peak looks the roughie of the three-horse Cameron team. The trotter broke in both of his starts on the recent Blenheim circuit, but his form before that was solid enough. “He didn’t really like the crossing at Blenheim for some reason, he broke both days,” Cameron said. “He has been over plenty of crossings before and hasn’t had any troubles.” “There is no crossing at Methven so that won’t be a problem.” “From the draw (1) he might be able to get a nice run and go a better race, but he is down on his best form.” View the full article

After reaching the 99 mark on Wednesday at Matamata, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were swift in recording their 100th domestic winner for the 2023/24 season early at Riccarton’s Saturday meeting. The powerhouse Te Akau stable has surpassed the 100 mark for the past five seasons on the bounce, initially with former trainer Jamie Richards at the helm, before Walker returned from Singapore in 2022/23 and rewrote the history books in amassing a record total of 203 winners, as well as the fastest to a century. Sam Bergerson joined Walker in partnership this season, and from the stable’s 523 starters, now has three Group One, four Group Two, three Group Three and three Listed winners to his credit with an overall strike rate of 5.2. Te Akau principal David Ellis credited the pair alongside the remainder of their staff at both Matamata and Riccarton Park bases, the latter producing the 100th victor in Angel Wings, who was guided by former Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin in the Berkley Stud At Karaka 2024 (1100m), ahead of stablemate Superbly Written. “What a great achievement by Mark and Sam to reach 100 wins in such a quick time again this season, and it’s hugely rewarding to everyone involved; staff, owners, and for Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) and me too,” Ellis said. “Everyone that works for Te Akau gives 110%, and without that type of commitment, you just can’t get these sorts of results.” Te Akau Racing established its first Trans-Tasman stable at Cranbourne earlier this season, with champion mare Imperatriz’s three Group Ones headlining nine victories from their Australian-based representatives. “(The 100 wins) have included 18 stakes winners between New Zealand and Australia, and we’ve got some nice black-type chances coming up through the summer and autumn in both countries,” Ellis said. View the full article

Roger James and James McDonald teamed up to win the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie in 2012 with Silent Achiever, and the pair reunited at the Auckland venue 12 years later to take out New Zealand’s richest race, the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on Saturday evening. Fresh off taking out the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with the Stephen Marsh-trained Velocious, McDonald was favoured to secure a Karaka Millions double when he jumped aboard Orchestral in the three-year-old contest for James and training partner Robert Wellwood. The daughter of Savabeel was slow to jump from her ace barrier, however, McDonald kept his composure and the pair quickly regained their deficit to settle midfield. Turning for home, McDonald was able to find a passage between runners and Orchestral responded to his urgings down the straight, reeling in pacemaker Pendragon with 100m to go, and dashed away to a 3-1/2 length victory. It was the second consecutive win in the race for Kingsclere Stables, having won last years’ edition with subsequent Group One winner Prowess. James was duly delighted with the win and is hoping Orchestral can go on to the same lofty heights as last year’s victor, who claimed the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) before her retirement late last year. “She didn’t just win it, she bolted in,” James said. “To win New Zealand’s richest race two years in a row is something that dreams are made of.” McDonald was left in awe of Orchestral following her win and believes she has the talent to go on and mirror the achievements of her multiple Group One-winning stable predecessor Silent Achiever. Kingsclere Stables trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood. Photo: Race Images “She is a beautiful filly,” he said. “I reckon Roger has got another Silent Achiever on his hands, she is that nice. She accelerated when I asked her and switched off well. I would have loved for her to begin a little bit better, but we got away with it today, everything panned out perfectly.” James shared McDonald’s enthusiasm for Orchestral and believes she has the capability of attaining elite-level status like Silent Achiever and Prowess. “They were multiple Group One winners, this filly has yet to get there, but what she has done to date, there is every reason to think she will,” he said. Orchestral was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by James and Wellwood for $625,000, and she has now gone on to win three and place in two of his six starts to date, amassing $870,000 in prizemoney. Haunui Farm will offer a full brother to Orchestral, lot 464, at the New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale that begins on Sunday. The victory cemented a Karaka Millions double for McDonald, adding to his Karaka Millions 3YO Classic victory aboard Long Leaf in 2019, and the Sydney-based hoop said the way the New Zealand racing industry is heading, it won’t be another four years before he returns to his homeland. “What a brilliant night they have put on,” he said. “It is so good to be a part of it and I am rapt I came back. To get a couple of winners is even better.” View the full article

Desert Lightning has spent the majority of his career flying under the radar, but there was no denying his place at the top of the tree in the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The under-rated son of Pride Of Dubai has consistently been among the very best of his generation. He finished fourth in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old, then returned as a three-year-old to win the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and place in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). Desert Lightning has not put a foot wrong since turning four, winning two of his first three starts this season including last month’s Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham. However, through no fault of his own, the false start to that race and its effect on rival runners prevented Desert Lightning from getting the credit he deserved. Despite being a last-start Group One winner, Desert Lightning was sent out as a $14 outsider on Saturday. The market was dominated by the multiple Group One winner Legarto, who was a $1.30 favourite and regarded as close to a certainty – so much so that the TAB announced on Wednesday that futures fixed-odds win bets would be paid out in advance of the race. But that script was turned upside down by a spectacular performance by the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained Desert Lightning. He was slotted into second by jockey Vinnie Colgan, who remained calm despite front-runner Wessex opening up a huge margin through the middle stages of the race. Desert Lightning dragged the field up behind that tearaway leader, then took command with a brilliant burst of speed at the top of the straight. Legarto got out into clear air early in the run home and had her opportunity to run him down, but Desert Lightning never stopped. He maintained a margin of a length and three-quarters over Legarto, with an incredible seven lengths back to the third-placed Rudyard. The time was a slick 1:32.53 for 600m. “This is a very good horse,” Colgan said. “His TAB Classic win was outstanding. I know he hadn’t run for seven or eight weeks in between times, but I rode him in a gallop two weeks ago and I knew Pete had him peachy-perfect. “I heard George Simon (commentator) say I had them in trouble down the straight, and it put a smile on my face. Legarto couldn’t have caught him today – no way.” Desert Lightning has now had 16 starts for five wins, six placings and $1.08 million in stakes for his owners, Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer’s Barneswood Farm. Desert Lightning was a $190,000 purchase by Peter and Dawn Williams from Little Avondale Stud’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2021. Peter Williams said his confidence was boosted by Saturday’s Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) victory by Crocetti, who had worked in company with Desert Lightning in an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie on January 14. “He actually worked even better than Crocetti the other day,” Williams said. “Vinnie came back after that and said, ‘Don’t you dare do anything else with him.’ I had been thinking about another trial, but after he came home in 32 seconds in that gallop, we thought we’d just keep him at home. “It was a great win. He’s really grown a leg this year. We had a few problems with him last year, but he couldn’t do anything about it. We turned him out for a good spell at the end of the season, and that’s been the makings of him. “He beat Legarto in the 3YO race on this day last year. No one ever gives him any credit. But I’ve always rated him as a top horse, and Vinnie has too. Everyone in our team has done a great job with him.” Byerley Park-based Peter and Dawn Williams. Photo: Race Images View the full article

Ellerslie racegoers got to witness expat Kiwi jockey James McDonald have his first ride back on home soil in several years at the TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday, and he made an instant impact in front of the sold-out crowd. Sydney-based McDonald had returned across the Tasman to partner the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Velocious in the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and he showed why he is revered as one of the world’s best. After jumping away well out of the barriers, McDonald was able to secure the coveted one-one position with Velocious, where she was able to settle beautifully. Entering the straight, McDonald guided his charge three-wide and Velocious was able to reel in the leaders and hit the front with 250m to go. She held out the late challenge of Damask Rose to win by 2-1/2 lengths, denying Te Akau Racing a record eighth straight victory in the race. Saturday’s victory completes the Karaka Millions collection for McDonald, who had previously won the Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) aboard Long Leaf in 2019 for trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. “It’s bloody great,” an enthused McDonald said post-race. “It has eluded me a little bit this race, I have finished a few seconds, but I was on the right filly today, (who was) trained to an absolute minute. She gave me a beautiful ride and produced the goods, it was unreal.” It was an emotional homecoming for McDonald who said it was great to be back riding at Ellerslie on their new StrathAyr track. “Ellerslie was our headquarters growing up, I was here for three or four years. It was my favourite track, and it still is. To get success here is just awesome,” he said. “There is nothing like home and even though we live in Australia, it is always great to come back and ride winners, especially big ones like that.” McDonald was impressed with Velocious’ talent and tenacity, and he believes there is a bright future instore for the daughter of Written Tycoon. “I could feel them coming (in the straight) but she pulled out all the stops, she didn’t feel like she was ever going to get beaten,” McDonald said. “She is very good, and I just love her tenacity, she is just a gorgeous filly.” With victory, Velocious extended her career record to three wins and a placing from four starts, with her Karaka Millions triumph joining her win in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) and third placing in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). Trainer Stephen Marsh was quietly confident heading into the race, saying his filly had a faultless preparation and had the benefit of McDonald aboard. “We thought we had the right filly all the way through, and James was very keen to come and ride her,” he said. “We think he (McDonald) is the world’s best and for Go Racing and Marsh Racing to give him his first Karaka Million (2YO) win is exciting for everyone. “It is one of those preparations where nothing has gone wrong – we haven’t nursed her, she hasn’t had shin soreness, we haven’t done anything. She has been the perfect racehorse the whole way through, so we weren’t actually that nervous going into it. We felt we had the right horse, and she is just an absolute gem to train, does what you like, she is unbelievable.” It was an emotional victory for Marsh, who dedicated it to his mother Kay, who is suffering from ill-health. “I just want to say, that is for my mum,” he said. It was the second win in the race for Marsh and syndicator Go Racing, who combined to win the race in 2013 with Ruud Awakeing, and Go Racing principal Albert Bosma was glad he could get another with his great mate, particular during trying times for his family. “It is special for us, but it is probably more special for Stephen and his family with what they are going through. He has been like a brother, 20 years we have been doing this,” Bosma said. Velocious was purchased by Go Racing out of Inglewood Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $190,000 with a view towards to the Karaka Millions 2YO. “Over the last five or six years we have focussed on middle-distance horses for Australia, that is where the money is,” Bosma said. “Now things have changed and last year was the first time we said we have got to start focussing back on New Zealand with all these amazing changes Entain is bringing in and these great races. We bought this filly for this race, and we have done it. “It is hard to win races and when you buy something with a plan, 99 times (out of 100) it doesn’t come off, and it came off this time and we had the right plan. I am so happy for Stephen, and I am so happy for us. “Seven wins in a row by Te Akau may never be beaten but I think it is going to get harder and harder going forward, there are going to be so many people trying to win this race.” View the full article

Up-and-comer Akrotiri passed his first staying test with flying colours at The Valley on Saturday, heading a New Zealand-bred trifecta in the A$130,000 Chandler Macleod Handicap (2040m). Akrotiri jumped well from the starting gates and jockey Celine Gaudray allowed the Tarzino gelding to stride forward, taking the lead turning out of the straight on the first occasion. He dictated terms from there and kicked hard before turning for home, putting himself out of reach of Interlinked and Miss Tarzy. Trained by Cindy Alderson at Cranbourne, Akrotiri has now had six starts for three wins and A$124,350 in stakes. “Cindy gave me a lot of confidence before I hopped on today,” Gaudray said. “She thought he’d run a good race, and she just wanted me to keep it smooth. He’s a big-striding horse, so I just let him find his rhythm. He was too strong in the end. “He’s very inexperienced. He didn’t handle the corner that well today, but he’ll take good improvement from this and there’ll be no problems going further.” Alderson was always confident that the step up beyond 1600m would bring Akrotiri into his element. “He’s a good young stayer,” he said. “Blinkers were off for the first time today. Celine did a great job getting him out of the barriers and giving him a perfect run. “He’s a big, long, lanky horse. He can’t really accelerate when he’s caught back behind them on the fence in a stop-start race, but today, with free running and a well-judged ride from Celine, he went really well. “It was good to see him relaxing and striding along so nicely today. I’ve got no doubt he’ll do 2400m, and maybe he can even go further than that. Who knows?” Akrotiri was bred by Marie Leicester and is out of the Group One-placed Stravinsky mare Tsarina Belle, who is also the dam of the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) winner La Flora Belle. Leicester will offer a half-brother to Akrotiri by Belardo through Haunui Farm’s Book 2 Karaka draft next week. Akrotiri was offered by Lilywhites Lodge at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, where he was passed in. He was a trials placegetter at Cambridge in July of 2022 before relocating across the Tasman. View the full article

Group One mare Belclare returned to the peak of her powers on New Zealand racing’s biggest stage on Saturday, scoring a dominant victory in the $500,000 Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. The Per Incanto mare was a triple black-type winner last season, capturing the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) before landing a Group One triumph with a three-length victory over subsequent elite performer Skew Wiff in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe. After resuming with an eye-catching third in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) in August, Belclare struggled for form with four unplaced finishes between September and early December. But she showed signs of a turnaround with a last-start second in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), beaten by half a length by the subsequent Group One winner Puntura. Largely overlooked in Saturday’s fillies and mares’ feature at odds of $21.90, Belclare was driven forward from her wide gate by jockey Sam Spratt. By the time the field climbed the rise at the 900m mark, she was ideally placed on the outside of the front-running Express Yourself. Belclare took command at the home turn and burst clear, opening up a big margin that the late-finishing Faraglioni and Maria Farina were unable to claw back. She scored by a length and a half, stopping the clock at 1:22.28. “I got a phone call yesterday saying one of the owners had passed away, so it was really good to get this result, and he might have given me a bit of help,” Spratt said. “We push forward from our wide draw, and in the end it was pretty similar to the Group One she won around this time last year. She hadn’t done that much in between times, but it was good that she really showed the ability that she’s got today.” Belclare has now had 34 starts for 10 wins and six seconds, earning $744,275 in stakes. Trainer Lisa Latta was represented at Ellerslie on Saturday by her son Josh Herd. “She’s looking after the team at Trentham today – it’s a bit unfortunate that the meeting got abandoned there,” he said. “But it’s so great to get a win on Karaka Millions night. This is the pinnacle of New Zealand racing and we couldn’t be happier. “We had a look and there didn’t seem to be too much speed in the race. We were drawn wide, so we planned to go forward from there, and it was a great ride by Sam. “She’s a very good horse. She ran good sectionals last start, where she was beaten by Puntura, who franked that form in the Thorndon Mile (1600m) last week. We’re pretty happy.” View the full article

Former Hong Kong galloper Master Fay displayed a touch of real class when he scored a dominant victory in the Gr.2 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie. The Chad Ormsby-trained six year-old son of Deep Field was a $100,000 purchase out of the Highden Park Book 1 Sale draft at Karaka in 2019 by Ormsby as a pinhooking prospect but didn’t make it back to the sales ring and was sold to Hong Kong interests following some impressive trial wins. He performed well in Hong Kong, winning his only start at Sha Tin in 2021 for trainer Caspar Fownes before soundness issues struck and he was eventually retired back to New Zealand by his owner who gave permission to Ormsby to try again with him if he stood up to a racing preparation. Ormsby was patient with the well proportioned gelding giving him three trials in preparation for his New Zealand raceday debut over 1200m at Tauranga earlier this month which he won in fine style. Stepped up to stakes company on Saturday, rider Vinnie Colgan bounced him away nicely from an inside gate to trail pacemaker Imwonderfultonight before dashing clear early in the run home to register a comfortable victory over the late closing Petrucci. Ormsby cut an emotional figure as he accepted congratulations after the race. “He is a horse who we managed to secure at Karaka and after we sold him we followed his career up in Hong Kong,” Ormsby said. “He could have been anything but unfortunately he didn’t get to his best and we managed to get him back through the late Stuey Hale. “To get him to a race like this has been a lot of hard work from a lot of people. and I was emotional before the race, let alone now. “There are so many people to thank, but it’s just great to see what the horse can do as there is a lot ahead of him if we can hold him together. “This was a good field but he got in on a light weight so we thought it was here for the taking. “He is a day by day prospect as he is not the soundest so we will look after him as you have seen today what he can do.” Colgan had been doing it hard to get down to the 53kg weight carried by his mount and was glad the race had panned out in his favour. “It’s been a long day and I’m glad this ride was race two,” he said. I’ve been on a pretty lean diet since Wednesday, mostly vegetables and no bread or nice food. “This was well worth it as he is very smart, he is lightly raced and he did that well.” Master Fay is now unbeaten in three starts with just under $262,000 in prizemoney earnings. View the full article

Well known southern breeding and racing identities the Dennis brothers were back in the limelight at Riccarton on Saturday as their royally bred mare The Radiant One took out the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1400m). Bred, owned and trained by brothers Tony, Ray, Joe and Martin Dennis, the daughter of former The Oaks Stud resident stallion and multiple Group One winner Darci Brahma hadn’t been at her best in her last two runs following a brave performance to finish fourth in the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week last November. The five-year-old stripped a fitter horse after finishing midfield at Gore a week ago and raced accordingly as she justified her $2.80 favourites tag in the hands of Tina Comignaghi to deliver a stylish victory. Comignaghi had her sitting outside pacemaker Divine Sava throughout and took over rounding the home bend. The Radiant One kicked powerfully to establish a three length break at the 200m and despite Miss Layla steadily closing that gap, The Radiant One had more than enough in reserve to hold her out by two lengths at the finish. Ray Dennis was on hand at the track putting the final touches on the mare and was delighted with the run. “I’m here at Riccarton as I drove the truck up from home,” Dennis said. “We were pleased with her as she struck a very wet track at Wingatui and the same last time at Gore where she got dragged back in the worst part of it and just couldn’t quicken. “I was surprised at her odds today as she was very short on the tote but she did the job in good fashion. “Being breeders, we may have sacrificed a few wins in lower class chasing black type with her but this one today is a real boost and we don’t think it will be her last either.” Milan Park will offer Lot 476, a half-sister by Savabeel to The Radiant One during the Book 1 session at Karaka when the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale kicks off on Sunday (28 January), with Dennis hopeful this win will add some more lustre to the yearling filly. “She (The Radiant One) comes from one of our traditional families that has been hugely successful over the years,” he said. “All five dams in her extended pedigree have produced stakes winners which we hope will play in favour of the filly we are selling at Karaka on Monday.” The Radiant One is out of the four-time Group Three winner The Diamond One and is the grand-daughter of dual Group One winner The Jewel who numbered the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) amongst her eleven career victories. View the full article

World’s best sprinter looks to continue his dominant run at the elite level in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha TinView the full article

Tina Comignaghi returns to scale aboard The Radiant One after her Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) victory on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Well known southern breeding and racing identities the Dennis brothers were back in the limelight at Riccarton on Saturday as their royally bred mare The Radiant One took out the Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m). Bred, owned and trained by brothers Tony, Ray, Joe and Martin Dennis, the daughter of former The Oaks Stud resident stallion and multiple Group One winner Darci Brahma hadn’t been at her best in her last two runs following a brave performance to finish fourth in the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week last November. The five-year-old stripped a fitter horse after finishing midfield at Gore a week ago and raced accordingly as she justified her $2.80 favourites tag with top horse racing bookmakers in the hands of Tina Comignaghi to deliver a stylish victory. Comignaghi had her sitting outside pacemaker Divine Sava throughout and took over rounding the home bend. The Radiant One kicked powerfully to establish a three-length break at the 200m and despite Miss Layla steadily closing that gap, The Radiant One had more than enough in reserve to hold her out by two lengths at the finish. Ray Dennis was on hand at the track putting the final touches on the mare and was delighted with the run. “I’m here at Riccarton as I drove the truck up from home,” Dennis said. “We were pleased with her as she struck a very wet track at Wingatui and the same last time at Gore where she got dragged back in the worst part of it and just couldn’t quicken. “I was surprised at her odds today as she was very short on the tote but she did the job in good fashion. “Being breeders, we may have sacrificed a few wins in lower class chasing black type with her but this one today is a real boost and we don’t think it will be her last either.” Milan Park will offer Lot 476, a half-sister by Savabeel to The Radiant One during the Book 1 session at Karaka when the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale kicks off on Sunday, with Dennis hopeful this win will add some more lustre to the yearling filly. “She (The Radiant One) comes from one of our traditional families that has been hugely successful over the years,” he said. “All five dams in her extended pedigree have produced stakes winners which we hope will play in favour of the filly we are selling at Karaka on Monday.” More horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald salutes Orchestral’s outstanding triumph in $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Photo: Race Images Roger James and James McDonald teamed up to win the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie in 2012 with Silent Achiever, and the pair reunited at the Auckland venue 12 years later to take out New Zealand’s richest race, the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on Saturday evening. Fresh off taking out the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) with the Stephen Marsh-trained Velocious, McDonald was favoured to secure a Karaka Millions double when he jumped aboard Orchestral in the three-year-old contest for James and training partner Robert Wellwood. The daughter of Savabeel was slow to jump from her ace barrier, however, McDonald kept his composure and the pair quickly regained their deficit to settle midfield. Turning for home, McDonald was able to find a passage between runners and Orchestral responded to his urgings down the straight, reeling in pacemaker Pendragon with 100m to go, and dashed away to a 3.5-length victory. 2024 Karaka Millions 3YO Replay – Orchestral It was the second consecutive win in the race for Kingsclere Stables, having won last years’ edition with subsequent Group One winner Prowess. James was duly delighted with the win and is hoping Orchestral can go on to the same lofty heights as last year’s victor, who claimed the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) before her retirement late last year. “She didn’t just win it, she bolted in,” James said. “To win New Zealand’s richest race two years in a row is something that dreams are made of.” McDonald was left in awe of Orchestral following her win and believes she has the talent to go on and mirror the achievements of her multiple Group One-winning stable predecessor Silent Achiever. “She is a beautiful filly,” he said. “I reckon Roger has got another Silent Achiever on his hands, she is that nice. She accelerated when I asked her and switched off well. I would have loved for her to begin a little bit better, but we got away with it today, everything panned out perfectly.” James shared McDonald’s enthusiasm for Orchestral and believes she has the capability of attaining elite-level status like Silent Achiever and Prowess. “They were multiple Group One winners, this filly has yet to get there, but what she has done to date, there is every reason to think she will,” he said. Orchestral was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by James and Wellwood for $625,000, and she has now gone on to win three and place in two of his six starts to date, amassing $870,000 in prizemoney. The victory cemented a Karaka Millions double for McDonald, adding to his Karaka Millions 3YO Classic victory aboard Long Leaf in 2019, and the Sydney-based hoop said the way the New Zealand racing industry is heading, it won’t be another four years before he returns to his homeland. “What a brilliant night they have put on,” he said. “It is so good to be a part of it and I am rapt I came back. To get a couple of winners is even better.” More horse racing news View the full article

Desert Lightning rises to an emphatic victory in the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Race Images Desert Lightning has spent the majority of his career flying under the radar, but there was no denying his place at the top of the tree in the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The under-rated son of Pride Of Dubai has consistently been among the very best of his generation. He finished fourth in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old, then returned as a three-year-old to win the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and place in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). Desert Lightning has not put a foot wrong since turning four, winning two of his first three starts this season including last month’s Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) at Trentham. However, through no fault of his own, the false start to that race and its effect on rival runners prevented Desert Lightning from getting the credit he deserved. Despite being a last-start Group One winner, Desert Lightning was sent out as a +1300 outsider with top horse racing bookmakers on Saturday. The market was dominated by the multiple Group One winner Legarto, who was a -333.33 favourite and regarded as close to a certainty – so much so that the TAB announced on Wednesday that futures fixed-odds win bets would be paid out in advance of the race. But that script was turned upside down by a spectacular performance by the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained Desert Lightning. He was slotted into second by jockey Vinnie Colgan, who remained calm despite front-runner Wessex opening up a huge margin through the middle stages of the race. Desert Lightning dragged the field up behind that tearaway leader, then took command with a brilliant burst of speed at the top of the straight. Legarto got out into clear air early in the run home and had her opportunity to run him down, but Desert Lightning never stopped. He maintained a margin of a length and three-quarters over Legarto, with an incredible seven lengths back to the third-placed Rudyard. The time was a slick 1:32.53 for 1600m. 2024 Aotearoa Classic Replay – Desert Lightning “This is a very good horse,” Colgan said. “His TAB Classic win was outstanding. I know he hadn’t run for seven or eight weeks in between times, but I rode him in a gallop two weeks ago and I knew Pete had him peachy-perfect. “I heard George Simon (commentator) say I had them in trouble down the straight, and it put a smile on my face. Legarto couldn’t have caught him today – no way.” Desert Lightning has now had 16 starts for five wins, six placings and $1.08 million in stakes for his owners, Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer’s Barneswood Farm. Desert Lightning was a $190,000 purchase by Peter and Dawn Williams from Little Avondale Stud’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2021. Peter Williams said his confidence was boosted by Saturday’s Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m) victory by Crocetti, who had worked in company with Desert Lightning in an exhibition gallop at Ellerslie on January 14. “He actually worked even better than Crocetti the other day,” Williams said. “Vinnie came back after that and said, ‘Don’t you dare do anything else with him.’ I had been thinking about another trial, but after he came home in 32 seconds in that gallop, we thought we’d just keep him at home. “It was a great win. He’s really grown a leg this year. We had a few problems with him last year, but he couldn’t do anything about it. We turned him out for a good spell at the end of the season, and that’s been the makings of him. “He beat Legarto in the 3YO race on this day last year. No one ever gives him any credit. But I’ve always rated him as a top horse, and Vinnie has too. Everyone in our team has done a great job with him.” More horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald scores a dominant $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) aboard Stephen Marsh and Go Racing’s Velocious. Photo: Race Images Ellerslie racegoers got to witness expat Kiwi jockey James McDonald have his first ride back on home soil in several years at the Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday, and he made an instant impact in front of the sold-out crowd. Sydney-based McDonald had returned across the Tasman to partner the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Velocious in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and he showed why he is revered as one of the world’s best. After jumping away well out of the barriers, McDonald was able to secure the coveted one-one position with Velocious, where she was able to settle beautifully. Entering the straight, McDonald guided his charge three-wide and Velocious was able to reel in the leaders and hit the front with 250m to go. She held out the late challenge of Damask Rose to win by 2.5 lengths, denying Te Akau Racing a record eighth straight victory in the race. 2024 Karaka Millions 2YO Replay – Velocious Saturday’s victory completes the Karaka Millions collection for McDonald, who had previously won the Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) aboard Long Leaf in 2019 for trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. “It’s bloody great,” an enthused McDonald said post-race. “It has eluded me a little bit this race, I have finished a few seconds, but I was on the right filly today, (who was) trained to an absolute minute. She gave me a beautiful ride and produced the goods, it was unreal.” It was an emotional homecoming for McDonald who said it was great to be back riding at Ellerslie on their new StrathAyr track. “Ellerslie was our headquarters growing up, I was here for three or four years. It was my favourite track, and it still is. To get success here is just awesome,” he said. “There is nothing like home and even though we live in Australia, it is always great to come back and ride winners, especially big ones like that.” McDonald was impressed with Velocious’ talent and tenacity, and he believes there is a bright future instore for the daughter of Written Tycoon. “I could feel them coming (in the straight) but she pulled out all the stops, she didn’t feel like she was ever going to get beaten,” McDonald said. “She is very good, and I just love her tenacity, she is just a gorgeous filly.” With victory, Velocious extended her career record to three wins and a placing from four starts, with her Karaka Millions triumph joining her win in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) and third placing in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m). Trainer Stephen Marsh was quietly confident heading into the race, saying his filly had a faultless preparation and had the benefit of McDonald aboard. “We thought we had the right filly all the way through, and James was very keen to come and ride her,” he said. “We think he (McDonald) is the world’s best and for Go Racing and Marsh Racing to give him his first Karaka Million (2YO) win is exciting for everyone. “It is one of those preparations where nothing has gone wrong – we haven’t nursed her, she hasn’t had shin soreness, we haven’t done anything. She has been the perfect racehorse the whole way through, so we weren’t actually that nervous going into it. We felt we had the right horse, and she is just an absolute gem to train, does what you like, she is unbelievable.” It was an emotional victory for Marsh, who dedicated it to his mother Kay, who is suffering from ill-health. “I just want to say, that is for my mum,” he said. It was the second win in the race for Marsh and syndicator Go Racing, who combined to win the race in 2013 with Ruud Awakeing, and Go Racing principal Albert Bosma was glad he could get another with his great mate, particular during trying times for his family. “It is special for us, but it is probably more special for Stephen and his family with what they are going through. He has been like a brother, 20 years we have been doing this,” Bosma said. Velocious was purchased by Go Racing out of Inglewood Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $190,000 with a view towards to the Karaka Millions 2YO. “Over the last five or six years we have focussed on middle-distance horses for Australia, that is where the money is,” Bosma said. “Now things have changed and last year was the first time we said we have got to start focussing back on New Zealand with all these amazing changes Entain is bringing in and these great races. We bought this filly for this race, and we have done it. “It is hard to win races and when you buy something with a plan, 99 times (out of 100) it doesn’t come off, and it came off this time and we had the right plan. I am so happy for Stephen, and I am so happy for us. “Seven wins in a row by Te Akau may never be beaten but I think it is going to get harder and harder going forward, there are going to be so many people trying to win this race.” More horse racing news View the full article

Damian Lane returns to the mounting yard on Veight after winning the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Damien Lane and team McEvoy have combined with Veight (+115) to take out the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon. The race mapped out perfectly in the end for the son of Grunt, as Lane was able to sit just in behind a hectic tempo throughout the 1200m contest. Lane landed into the one-one position from gate three, allowing the three-year-old colt to stride comfortably as Snapper (+4000) and Recommendation (+240) set out to run their respective rivals into the turf. A mid-race move, courtesy of South Australian raider Struck By (+2000) put even more tempo into what was already a hotly contested speed battle up front, setting up perfectly for the eventual winner and runner-up, Southport Tycoon (+380), to be doing their best work late. Recommendation skipped clear at the top of the straight and looked to be travelling well with 200m to travel; however, the early going seemingly left the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained galloper fading in the concluding stages. It left Veight and Southport Tycoon charging over the top late, with the former able to keep his first-up winning record ticking over to three starts for as many wins. 2024 Group 2 Australia Stakes Replay – Veight Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy was on course to discuss the victory of his talented colt and gave every impression Veight will improve with the run. “That was bloody exciting,” said McEvoy. “He’s a very nice colt and this was the plan to kick him off here, he never actually went out of work, he went up to Forman Park and his work had been super, but we’d really noticed him switch on the last four or five days. “He had to chase there but he really knuckled down to the job which is what you want to see these colts do and he’s proved himself against the older horses now too and let’s hope he can do it again next start. “Plans going to be going to the Orr (Stakes) and Futurity (Stakes), we’re going to keep the door open for the Australian Guineas, but he’s pretty explosive over these 1400m trips, so it’s very exciting.” Damien Lane spoke post-race and gave a terrific account of his mount in the aftermath of his Group 2 success. “He broke really well, but beaten for a touch of speed early,” said Lane. “I was probably two lengths further off Recommendation than was ideal, I would’ve loved to been on his back but it just didn’t work out that way. “He gave a good kick Recommendation and I had to chase him a long way out, and as I started to build momentum, I felt Southport Tycoon and I thought I might’ve brought myself undone chasing that leader, but to his credit he’s so tough, he digs in when it counts, and it was a really good win. Veight is currently on the third line of betting at +700 for the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 10. More horse racing news View the full article

Sam Spratt guides a game Belclare to victory in the $500,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Race Images Group One mare Belclare returned to the peak of her powers on New Zealand racing’s biggest stage on Saturday, scoring a dominant victory in the $500,000 Group 2 Westbury Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. The Per Incanto mare was a triple black-type winner last season, capturing the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) before landing a Group One triumph with a three-length victory over subsequent elite performer Skew Wiff in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe. After resuming with an eye-catching third in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) in August, Belclare struggled for form with four unplaced finishes between September and early December. But she showed signs of a turnaround with a last-start second in the Group 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), beaten by half a length by the subsequent Group One winner Puntura. Largely overlooked in Saturday’s fillies and mares’ feature at odds of $21.90 with top horse racing bookmakers, Belclare was driven forward from her wide gate by jockey Sam Spratt. By the time the field climbed the rise at the 900m mark, she was ideally placed on the outside of the front-running Express Yourself. Belclare took command at the home turn and burst clear, opening up a big margin that the late-finishing Faraglioni and Maria Farina were unable to claw back. She scored by a length and a half, stopping the clock at 1:22.28. 2024 Group 2 Westbury Classic Replay – Belclare “I got a phone call yesterday saying one of the owners had passed away, so it was really good to get this result, and he might have given me a bit of help,” Spratt said. “We push forward from our wide draw, and in the end it was pretty similar to the Group One she won around this time last year. She hadn’t done that much in between times, but it was good that she really showed the ability that she’s got today.” Belclare has now had 34 starts for 10 wins and six seconds, earning $744,275 in stakes. Trainer Lisa Latta was represented at Ellerslie on Saturday by her son Josh Herd. “She’s looking after the team at Trentham today – it’s a bit unfortunate that the meeting got abandoned there,” he said. “But it’s so great to get a win on Karaka Millions night. This is the pinnacle of New Zealand racing and we couldn’t be happier. “We had a look and there didn’t seem to be too much speed in the race. We were drawn wide, so we planned to go forward from there, and it was a great ride by Sam. “She’s a very good horse. She ran good sectionals last start, where she was beaten by Puntura, who franked that form in the Thorndon Mile (1600m) last week. We’re pretty happy.” More horse racing news View the full article

Master Fay sprints to an impressive victory in the Group 2 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Race Images Former Hong Kong galloper Master Fay displayed a touch of real class when he scored a dominant victory in the Group 2 Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie. The Chad Ormsby-trained six year-old son of Deep Field was a $100,000 purchase out of the Highden Park Book 1 Sale draft at Karaka in 2019 by Ormsby as a pinhooking prospect but didn’t make it back to the sales ring and was sold to Hong Kong interests following some impressive trial wins. He performed well in Hong Kong, winning his only start at Sha Tin in 2021 for trainer Caspar Fownes before soundness issues struck and he was eventually retired back to New Zealand by his owner who gave permission to Ormsby to try again with him if he stood up to a racing preparation. Ormsby was patient with the well proportioned gelding giving him three trials in preparation for his New Zealand raceday debut over 1200m at Tauranga earlier this month which he won in fine style. Stepped up to stakes company on Saturday, rider Vinnie Colgan bounced him away nicely from an inside gate to trail pacemaker Imwonderfultonight before dashing clear early in the run home to register a comfortable victory over the late closing Petrucci. 2024 Group 2 Concorde Handicap Replay – Master Fay Ormsby cut an emotional figure as he accepted congratulations after the race. “He is a horse who we managed to secure at Karaka and after we sold him we followed his career up in Hong Kong,” Ormsby said. “He could have been anything but unfortunately he didn’t get to his best and we managed to get him back through the late Stuey Hale. “To get him to a race like this has been a lot of hard work from a lot of people. and I was emotional before the race, let alone now. “There are so many people to thank, but it’s just great to see what the horse can do as there is a lot ahead of him if we can hold him together. “This was a good field but he got in on a light weight so we thought it was here for the taking. “He is a day by day prospect as he is not the soundest so we will look after him as you have seen today what he can do.” Colgan had been doing it hard to get down to the 53kg weight carried by his mount and was glad the race had panned out in his favour. “It’s been a long day and I’m glad this ride was race two,” he said. I’ve been on a pretty lean diet since Wednesday, mostly vegetables and no bread or nice food. “This was well worth it as he is very smart, he is lightly raced and he did that well.” Master Fay is now unbeaten in three starts with just under $262,000 in prizemoney earnings. More horse racing news View the full article

Australian rider believes 13-strong field is perfect for the seven-year-old on Sunday: ‘It will be a high-pressure event and that will suit’View the full article

Warren Kennedy salutes a seventh consecutive win by Crocetti in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). Photo: Race Images Undefeated three-year-old Crocetti was billed as one of the headline acts of Saturday’s Karaka Millions mega meeting at Ellerslie, and he got the evening off to a perfect start in the opening race on the card. The Zacinto gelding was a -250 favourite for the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), bringing in a perfect six-from-six record including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). Attempting to join an Almanzor Trophy honour roll that features the likes of Group One winners Melody Belle, Catalyst, Sword Of State and Maven Belle, Crocetti had to carry 60kg under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race and was giving away at least 3kg to all of his rivals. A few nerves rippled through the sold-out track as Crocetti stumbled leaving the starting gates and settled much further back in the field than normal. But jockey Warren Kennedy never panicked and allowed him to gradually cruise closer coming around the side of the track, moving right into striking distance before the home turn. Crocetti pounced in the straight and it was all over, charging past the previously unbeaten Merchant Queen and opening up a winning margin of a length and a half. Egyptian Queen caught the eye with a big finish from the back of the field to run third. 2024 Group 3 Almanzor Trophy Replay – Crocetti “There’s a bit of pressure with this horse,” Kennedy admitted. “The pressure doesn’t come from the owners. It’s just the public and all the publicity that he’s starting to have around him. He’s unbeaten and was a very short favourite in the first race of the night. I wanted everyone to start the night off right. “But he’s just class, this horse. He lost his back legs coming out of the gates and I didn’t end up where I wanted to be, but he just relaxed so nicely and he has a devastating turn of foot.” Crocetti has earned $672,750 in stakes for owner and co-breeder Daniel Nakhle, and his next test is likely to be against older horses in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 10. “It was good to get today out of the way,” said Danny Walker, who trains in partnership with Arron Tata. “I didn’t feel too much pressure coming into today – this horse doesn’t give us pressure. He’s just so easy and a delight to train. “We’ve always known he was a special horse and the journey has just been amazing. Everyone’s getting on board with him now. He’s a really, really good horse, and he’s always shown us that. He’s a little star. “Arron and I do all the work with him, along with the staff we’ve got at home. I’m really grateful to all of them. The owner’s a happy man, so it’s all good. “The BCD Group Sprint is the plan now. He usually comes through his races pretty easily, so hopefully he does that again from today’s race and we can look forward to Te Rapa.” More horse racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin Scott Phelan isn’t sure whether he has trained four winners on a night before but he knows he had never trained five. Until last night. Phelan and senior training partner Barry Purdon dominated Friday night’s Alexandra Park card training five winners from six races they had reps in, winning all the pacing races they contested. They also produced two quinellas, with stable star Merlin once again beating Sooner The Better in the main pace even after having to work early. Three-year-olds Better Knuckle Up and Escape Artist came from near last to quinella a good-class lower grade race suggesting they are both Derby contenders in March. So too is Jeremiah, the son of Lazarus, who won Race 5 in 1:55.2 and is a three-year-old on the rise with real raw potential. Their other winners were three-year-old fillies Kiss and Ultimate Racy Girl, who are already proven at group race level and have the Oaks on their longer-term agenda. Phelan says while Purdon would have trained a five win bag “heaps of times” it is a first for him. “I’m not even sure I have had four winners in a night at the same meeting before but definitely not five,” says Phelan. “It was exciting because Merlin is a wonderful horse but Sooner The Bettor pushed him hard, proving what a good horse he is.” “They will both now head to the Chariots Of Fire qualifers and Sooner The Bettor will run in the first prelude race at Menange and Merlin will go to the second.” With arch rival Don’t Stop Dreaming, who makes his Australian debut at Melton on Saturday night set to race in the Hunter Cup next week, he is more likely to head to the second qualifier and therefore resume his rivalry with Merlin. All three horses could clash in the A$250,000 Chariots Of Fire at Menangle on March 2, the winner of which will get invited to the Miracle Mile a week later. Another exciting aspect of the “five-for” was that the other four winners are all class three-year-olds who now have Derby, Oaks and Harness Millions aspirations. “It is exciting to have such good young horses in the barn with so much good racing up here.” And Phelan enjoyed one of their biggest owners Dean Shannon being on track to see Merlin and Sooner The Bettor, who he owns and co-owns, quinella while he also shares in the ownership of Jeremiah and Kiss. “We all know what a huge part of NZ racing Dean and the Entain people are now and we are very proud to have been training for him for such a long time so it was great to see him on track.” View the full article