Wandering Eyes

The owners of Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) have been given a late Christmas present, with Te Akau Racing selecting the exciting filly to represent their slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie on 8 March. The daughter of Savabeel, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $200,000 out of Milan Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft, is the third confirmed runner for the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, joining Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) (Canterbury Jockey Club) and Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) (Waikato Stud). Damask Rose is currently an $8 equal favourite for the NZB Kiwi, alongside Group One winner Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) and Australian Group One performer Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio), and New Zealand’s leading stable believe she is the ideal horse for the 1500m feature. “We are very proud to nominate Damask Rose for the Te Akau Racing slot,” Te Akau Racing director Karyn Fenton-Ellis said. “We believe you need a very high-class horse to win a race like this and her record shows that she can run brilliant sectionals, and that is the type of ability and talent you will need to have a chance to win. “We feel her pet distance is 1400-1600m, so the 1500m just suits her to perfection.” Damask Rose has been a standout for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, finishing runner-up in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in January at just her second start, and kicked-off her three-year-old season with a third placing in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September behind Alabama Lass. She was then sent for a spell before resuming with a win over 1200m at Te Rapa earlier this month, beating fellow NZB Kiwi contender Sought After, and has been duly installed a $2.35 favourite for Thursday’s Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie. “Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have trained the filly to perfection,” Fenton-Ellis said. “She resumed at Te Rapa with a pretty inspired win under the weight (59kg) she was carrying. It was very smart of them to give her a spell when they did in September and October.” The announcement has been timely for Te Akau Racing, with Damask Rose set to gain valuable points towards the $175,000 NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge if she performs up to expectations in the Auckland Guineas. Once a Slot Holder has nominated their runner for the 2025 NZB Kiwi, that horse is able to accumulate points by placing in the top three in any race it enters leading up to Champions Day. Horses are awarded four points for winning a race, two points for second, and one point for third, with those figures doubling for black-type and special conditions races. The three horses who start the NZB Kiwi with the highest points accumulated before the race will earn a share of the $175,000 NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge, with $100,000 awarded to the winner, $50,000 to second place and $25,000 for the third placegetter. “The layers of initiative around the NZB Kiwi is something the creators can be proud of,” Fenton-Ellis said. “There are key bonus races, but there is a separate $175,000 bonus and the points they accumulate along the way. That certainly attracted our attention and at the moment we think she is a standout filly and we wanted to make the declaration early and our owners certainly feel like they have got a wonderful Christmas present.” Fenton-Ellis said the Te Akau Coming Up Roses Racing Partnership, who race Damask Rose, are enjoying the ride of a lifetime, particularly the first-time owners involved in the syndicate. “It is a wonderfully diverse group of owners, who are mostly Kiwis, but also some Australian owners as well,” she said. “It is a team of a lot of new owners and that is the exciting thing. “What this initiative (NZB Kiwi) is going to do is create more eyes on thoroughbred racing in New Zealand. It is bringing a lot of new people into the industry. “The new owners involved in this filly, who came into racing for the first time last year when they bought into this filly, have been blown away by the experience. They tell their friends and their family, so it brings in a whole new constituency of people who are turning their attention to some of the opportunities that racing can offer. “It is generating a massive amount of attention, and I think that is incredibly important to have our industry thrive.” Damask Rose will have the services of leading Australian jockey Blake Shinn on Boxing Day, with the pair having combined previously to finish runner-up in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie last season. Shinn has subsequently ridden her in track work on a visit to New Zealand last month and is set to partner her again in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) next month, and most likely in the NZB Kiwi in March. Shinn and Te Akau Racing are developing a burgeoning relationship, which has been fostered over the last year. “We caught up with him (Shinn) on the Gold Coast at a place we had gone to for a three-day break after the Magic Millions sale last June. He and his partner Lucy were there,” Fenton-Ellis said. “Then we caught up in Melbourne in October-November and then he was suspended, so he came to New Zealand and he stayed with us at the farm and at Matamata, and rode track work for us and some jumpouts. “He has been well-acquainted with horses such as Damask Rose. He also rode her into second place in this year’s Karaka Millions 2YO. He is very keen and eager to come back, and he will be riding for us on Boxing Day as well as Karaka Millions night, and I am pretty sure we will be able to lure him back for Champions Day somehow.” Fenton-Ellis said Te Akau Racing are looking forward to the next couple of months in the lead-up to Champions Day, and they are excited to be a part of the history-making day. “When the initiative (NZB Kiwi) was announced, we were very impressed with what New Zealand Bloodstock, NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) and Entain had worked together to create,” Fenton-Ellis said. “It is already making a huge impact on the New Zealand racing scene for all participants. “Te Akau have been deeply committed to supporting and promoting the industry for 40 years now. We are proud Kiwis, we are proud of our industry, so when we first heard about this innovation, we were determined to be involved and secure a slot, especially for our owners to have that opportunity. “It is a great time to be involved in New Zealand racing because the rollercoaster starts now. You have got the Karaka Millions twilight meeting into the sales, into Champions Day come the 8th of March, which will be the biggest day in New Zealand’s racing history. We feel privileged to be a part of it.” View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, December 26. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for December 26, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 25% Boosted Winnings! – Caulfield Heath & Randwick Get 25% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First bet only. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Caulfield Heath R1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Run 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Caulfield Heath on Thursday and receive a bonus back up to $25. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts Elevate Your Prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Same Race Multi | Select 2-4 runners in the same race to get bigger odds Available from approx 8:30am local track time on race day. Availability dependent on field size. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for December 26, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Selections for Westport today Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Westport Trottech Form Analyst Race 1 12.00pm 4 Waterloo Station 2 Macho Man 6 Call Dudley 5 Lover Boy Race 2 12.25pm 9 Mary Rulz 3 Red Wine Kisses 11 Rule Again 7 Yogi’s Colada Race 3 12.50pm 6 Ideal Conqueror 3 Rakero Chase 7 Interrorgator 11 Rutherford Race 4 1.15pm 1 Brandi Snapp 8 Franco Elvis 13 She’s A Major Act 9 Fear Gogh Race 5 1.40pm 3 Amalfi 10 Fredastaire 11 Sideshow Bruce 5 Black Billie Gee Race 6 2.12pm 10 Denuto 3 Rapid Response 8 Style Council 6 Michael Eyre Race 7 2.38pm 4 Premium Player 9 Living The Moment 7 High Noon 1 Solemn Son Race 8 3.10pm 8 Xlendi 9 Triple G 10 Homebush Lad 1 Teds Legacy Race 9 3.37pm 4 Ruby’s A Delight 13 Razors Edge 12 Zia Bromac 10 Hi Hopes Race 10 4.12pm 8 Tu Tangata 9 Eurokash 2 Regal Sierra 6 Masterly Race 11 4.47pm 8 The Chase 4 Illegal Alien 9 Prince Teka 2 Bevron Race 12 5.22pm 5 Rakero Lightning 3 Don Juan 1 Always Bee Gee 7 The Next Best Thing View the full article

Sam Agars KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Improving galloper can enjoy a profitable first trip to the Valley. Jay Rooney EMBRACES - R7 (6) Looks set to break through after trialling well for new stable. Jack Dawling KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Looks well placed to shed the maiden tag with switch in venue and favourable draw. Phillip Woo KYRUS DRAGON - R9 (2) He is in great form and deserves another win tonight. Shannon (Vincent Wong) ROCKET SPADE - R3 (3) Won well last start and the step-up in trip should hopefully suit. Racing Post Online VIVA GRACIOUSNESS - R5 (2) In-form galloper won nicely last start and can salute again. Tom Wood KA YING RESILIENCE - R2 (5) Promising youngster from the Hayes stable and can break his maiden status here.View the full article

By Mike Love Canterbury raiders look set to dominate the West Coast circuit, starting at Westport on Boxing Day, though there are are some locals that will be pinning their hopes on their runners to upset the party. One horse that has trialled well and will be one to follow through the circuit and on into the New Year is debutant Adelphi Storm. The Tony O’Dea trained Sky Major three-year-old gelding draws well in Race 3, the Buy And Sell With Marchelle Pace over 2000m. “First time on grass, first time to the races. You wouldn’t put your house on him,” said O’Dea. “He looks good, he’s working good, he has a good driver (Tim Williams), but we will learn a lot after this race.” Adelphi Storm stepped out for John Morrison back in June, initially winning a workout impressively before qualifying third of three on a terrible slushy track – beaten by Irish Dream and Delta Kilo who have both broken maiden status. “I sent him over to Johnny Morrisons just to sharpen him up because it can be pretty hard trying to work them with others because everyone has different timetables etc.” Since then Adelphi Storm did workout recently at Methven on December 8, running fourth of 10 starters. “He put a couple of roughies in turning for home there, so we’ve pulled his hopples up a couple of holes.” In the early markets Adelphi Storm was at $8.50 with Ideal Conqueror, a first starter for John Morrison the favourite, at $3.80, with Swimming Poole and Rakero Chase at $5.50 and Interrorgrator at $6.50. Other local runners on the day include; Race 2 Rule Again – John Reedy ($7.50) Race 3 Elegant Achiever – Philip Beveridge ($11.00) Race 4 Francent – Robert Higgins ($14.00) Race 5 Stanley’s Rule – John Reedy ($21.00) Race 7 Reindeer Trouble – Trevor Walsh ($31.00) Race 8 Destiny Dance – Robert Higgins ($61.00) Racing commences from midday with the feature race the $25,000 Frank Dooley Memorial Westport Cup over 2600m due at 3:10pm, with the Bob Butt-trained and driven Xlendi a $2.80 favourite. View the full article

There are 11 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, December 26. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield Heath, Randwick & Happy Valley (HK). Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 26, 2024 Caulfield Heath Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 26, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Cambridge trainer Arna Donnelly’s golden run continued when she combined with driver Samantha Ottley to score a winning double which included Little Spike’s outstanding win in yesterday’s Cambridge Pacers Christmas Cup. “Little Spike was just sensational today,” said Donnelly “It was so great for Sam (Ottley) to come up and get to drive him when he’s really firing because she just didn’t get the rub of the green with him when she drove him down south, nothing really quite went his way.” “Both Sam and I were a little emotional after the win which really isn’t like either of us, it really was so awesome to be able to give her a couple of winners today toward that 100 season win milestone especially after I somewhat bossed her into coming up to drive today!” That takes Ottley to 95 wins for the year with just a week of the season to go. She is vying to become the first female driver in this country to have 100 winners in a 12 month season. The Terror To Love three-year-old started the race off a 20 metre handicap and stepped away well enough to settle six back on the fence, with the entire field remaining in single file for the first half of the race. With 1200 metres to run, several horses moved off the fence with Ottley shifting to sit one out and four back until around the 600 metre mark when she made her move to round the field four wide down the back straight and explode away with a devastating burst of speed to hit the front with 400 to run. From there it was game, set and match to Little Spike as he secured the Christmas Cup with a dominant 3.75 length win. The placings were filled by Fernleigh Cash in second, and Le Major, who is also trained by Donnelly, in third. “I’m just thrilled for his owner Audrey Piercy too, she’s 93 and lives in a home down in Wellington and she will have been glued to the tv watching him today,” said Donnelly, “the horse is actually named after a nickname of her late husband, and he absolutely loved the horses too, so it’s pretty special having a horse like this for them.” “He’ll cop a few rating points after today, so we’ll have to have a think about where he heads next, but I’d say in the New Year he’ll have to go up against the big boys at some stage and learn to battle it with them.” Donnelly and Ottley also combined to win the Garrards Horse And Hound Mobile Pace with The Surfer earlier in the day, with the Downbytheseaside gelding bringing up his fourth career win. Meanwhile the Cambridge Trotters Christmas Cup was won by Lord Popinjay, trained by Matthew White from his Clevedon base, and driven by in form junior driver Monika Ranger. “We’re thrilled with the win, and it was a nice drive by Monika (Ranger) she gave him a great trip throughout” said White “She gets on really well with the horse and has now won five races on him taking advantage of the half points which has really helped the horse as he comes through the ratings.” The Majestic Son gelding was the sole starter off the 20 metre line and he started well to be in the parked position early. With a mile to run, Manchester In Time came around to provide cover leaving Lord Popinjay in the one out one back position until the 600 metre mark when Ranger would make her move three wide and in doing so push race favourite Matty A four wide. Lord Popinjay sustained a strong run home, digging in to run down the second place Romeo Foxtrot who had led throughout and win by 0.75 lengths. “A few of the owners were on course today too which was pretty exciting for them as it’s the second country cup he’s won for them now at Cambridge,” said White, “he’ll have a few days off now and be back racing in the New Year.” The win was Lord Popinjay’s seventh career win and brought his earnings to just over $100,000. View the full article

HRNZ wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and all the very best for the festive season. View the full article

BEST, in its 35th year as a nonprofit organization, serves the backstretch communities at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in meaningful ways.View the full article

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman will be on weather watch this Christmas ahead of Riot And Rose (NZ) (Pins) engagement in the Listed Lord Stakes at the Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day. “We’ll probably just keep an eye on that hot weather, if it looks like it’s going to get too warm, we might elect just to keep him at home,” Coleman said. “He has shown before that he doesn’t handle those really hot days all that well, so we’ll just keep an eye on that. “They’ve brought the races forward now, so hopefully that’s not an issue and he had a piece of work here at Pakenham on Saturday morning, which was really pleasing, and he just seems to be really enjoying his work at the moment, which you love to see.” Riot And Rose is the $3.30 favourite with Sportsbet for the Lord Stakes on Thursday, following on from his recent wins in the Wodonga Cup and Werribee Cup. “He seems to be in a really good spot at the moment,” Coleman said. “He’s obviously pretty lightly raced with a few setbacks throughout his career, nothing major but any minor niggle that you can imagine, he’s had it. “It’s very, very rewarding to have him back at the races and racing so well for his connections when they’ve had to be so patient with him.” Coleman elaborated on the issues that the seven-year-old gelding has faced in his career, where he’s won seven of his 15 starts. “Our farrier, Matt Martin’s done an incredible job with him, he’s just had a few foot issues along the way and Matt’s done a really good job, worked with him while he was in pre training,” she said. “He spelled down at Rosemont Stud, the crew down there did a fantastic job with him while he was spelling as well to really manage his feet and that work seems to be paying off. “This time around, touch wood, he’s been the soundest he’s ever been.” View the full article

Classy mare Malt Time (Adelaide) will have a luxury weight to carry among her female counterparts in Thursday’s Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. After solid performances in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1400m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) through the spring, the Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained galloper lined up among the best of the country’s sprinters in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), where she far from disgraced herself finishing less than two lengths from Babylon Berlin. “She seems to have improved off the Concorde run, that was fresh-up against good sprinters and she’s come through it well,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “She had a bit of work at the beach and went to Ellerslie for a gallop last Thursday, so she’s going to strip a bit fitter and we’re happy with her.” The daughter of Adelaide is a multiple Group One performer currently rated 105, and at the set-weights and penalties conditions, she will carry just 55kg, decreased a further two kilograms by her regular rider and in-form apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll. “She gets into the race well at set weights and penalties, and she can also utilise Ace’s two-kilo claim, which made the race even more attractive,” Clotworthy said. The early TAB market is reflective of her weight advantage in the Boxing Day feature, with bookmakers opening Malt Time a $3.20 favourite ahead of Taranaki visitor Sumi ($5), and Group Three winner Karman Line ($6). Now an eight-year-old mare, the end of Malt Time’s successful racing career is imminent as she scanned in-foal to Cambridge Stud’s young shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain. However, before the curtain comes down, the Clotworthy’s are eyeing another shot at an elusive Group One crown in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham next month. “She’ll either stay at the 1400 and go to the Westbury Classic (Gr.2), or we’ll step up and go to the Thorndon Mile,” he said. “At this stage, we’re probably leaning towards the mile.” View the full article

This week, Michael sits down for an open, honest & in-depth chat with four-time Cox Plate winning jockey, Brent Thomson. They discuss the kiwi’s rise to winning the race, his decision to give up drinking & his return to riding. Plus, we look ahead to the Boxing Day races. Guerin Report – Ep. 17, Ft. Brent Thomson View the full article

Classy mare Malt Time (Adelaide) will have a luxury weight to carry among her female counterparts in Thursday’s Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. After solid performances in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1400m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) through the spring, the Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained galloper lined up among the best of the country’s sprinters in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m), where she far from disgraced herself finishing less than two lengths from Babylon Berlin. “She seems to have improved off the Concorde run, that was fresh-up against good sprinters and she’s come through it well,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “She had a bit of work at the beach and went to Ellerslie for a gallop last Thursday, so she’s going to strip a bit fitter and we’re happy with her.” The daughter of Adelaide is a multiple Group One performer currently rated 105, and at the set-weights and penalties conditions, she will carry just 55kg, decreased a further two kilograms by her regular rider and in-form apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll. “She gets into the race well at set weights and penalties, and she can also utilise Ace’s two-kilo claim, which made the race even more attractive,” Clotworthy said. The early TAB market is reflective of her weight advantage in the Boxing Day feature, with bookmakers opening Malt Time a $3.20 favourite ahead of Taranaki visitor Sumi ($5), and Group Three winner Karman Line ($6). Now an eight-year-old mare, the end of Malt Time’s successful racing career is imminent as she scanned in-foal to Cambridge Stud’s young shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain. However, before the curtain comes down, the Clotworthy’s are eyeing another shot at an elusive Group One crown in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham next month. “She’ll either stay at the 1400 and go to the Westbury Classic (Gr.2), or we’ll step up and go to the Thorndon Mile,” he said. “At this stage, we’re probably leaning towards the mile.” View the full article

Race 8 NOBLE & LEE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 1400m LADY OF COURT (W Pinn) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of LADY OF COURT, and it is the stables intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Matamata Racing Club @ Matamata, Friday 20 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 8 SKYCITY HAMILTON WAIKATO CUP 2400m (G3) CANHEROC (S Spratt) – Trainer Mr. C Wood reported to Stewards, CANHEROC was seen by the chiropractor on Tuesday 17 December and was satisfied with the post-race recovery of the gelding. C Wood further advised it is his intention to continue on with CANHEROC’S current preparation. Race 9 SEE YOU @ TE RAPA TAVERN 1500m BILLY LINCOLN (M Cartwright) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, BILLY LINCOLN is scheduled to have a wind operation on Tuesday 24 December. Stewards will follow up in the coming weeks. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 14 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 COMMERCE LANE CHAMBERS 2100m ALADDIN SANE (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. R Wellwood reported to Stewards, upon return to the stable, ALADDIN SANE was examined and treated by the stable farrier with the replacement of the near fore plate. R Wellwood further advised the gelding has been on the water treadmill throughout the week and will return to track work next week. WREN (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, WREN has now been sent for a spell. Race 5 GEAR WELDING MAIDEN 1600m REIMAGINED (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. C Cole reported to Stewards, REIMAGINED has now been retired from racing. The post Racing Tauranga @ Tauranga, Friday 13 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 3 STELLA ARTOIS MAIDEN 1200m SANTARELLI (W Pinn) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, that on Friday 13 December, SANTARELLI, underwent a veterinary examination including x-rays with no abnormalities being detected, however the mare was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and was given three days of box rest to recover. R Trumper further advised it is the stables intention to carry on with SANTARELLI’S current preparation. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing @ Ellerslie, Thursday 12 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Samantha Wynne will be hoping to break new ground at Wingatui on Boxing Day. The experienced horsewoman will be chasing the first black type victory of her training career when she is legged aboard pre-post favourite Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m). “It would be a dream come true and hopefully I can tick that off the list, fingers crossed I’ll have a bit of luck on the day,” Wynne said. An emerging daughter of Ten Sovereigns, Pivotal Ten has been in outstanding form this preparation and was an easy maiden winner on the course two runs back following a resuming second. The filly then distanced her age group rivals at Timaru, romping home in Wynne’s hands by seven and a-half lengths. “She seems to be doing everything right at the moment, she’s very forward in her work and very willing and really is a sweetheart,” she said. “She has beaten small fields so it’s a big task on Thursday and one we’re not taking lightly.” Pivotal Ten has won both of her races on soft going and any improvement on the current heavy nature of the Wingatui track will be in her favour. “We’re all in the same boat, hopefully the rain stops and she gets through the ground,” Wynne said. “The question mark will be stepping up in trip on that surface, if it’s soft we’ll have a bit more confidence in the camp. “We’ve left no stone unturned going into the race and so far, we’re all very happy.” Pivotal Ten was bred by Valachi Downs and was a $15,000 purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale for owner Colin Wightman, who Wynne has previously trained for. Her dam is the Pivotal mare Lady Woodcote, whose five foals to race have all been successful and includes stakes performer Woodcote Lass. Wynne will also be aboard Pivotal Ten’s stablemate Iffin Doubt Dance in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m). The Iffraaj mare has posted a quartet of runner-up finishes since she joined the stable after winning twice for Karaka trainer Lane Noble. “We bought her off Cambridge Stud and she’s already tripled what we paid, she’s been a lot of fun for family and friends,” Wynne said. “It’s been a great buzz and fingers crossed I can get the job done, otherwise there might need to be a change of jockey.” Iffin Doubt Dance recorded two of her second placings with Wynne in the saddle a week apart at Riccarton last month. “She’s banging on the door and she’s been great for us,” she said. “She had a freshen up after Cup Week and she’s been doing well at home.” View the full article

Wexford Stables are bullish about landing a couple of knockout blows at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have strong hands in the three-year-old features on Thursday with fillies Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) and Prosegur (NZ) (Proisir) to go head-to-head in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The Matamata operation is equally confident Checkmate (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) and Texas Hold ’Em (NZ) (Swiss Ace) will do them proud in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wires Ropes Auckland Guineas (1600m). With the application of blinkers, Sethito thumped her maiden rivals at Taupo two runs back and the daughter of Super Seth then impressively stepped up to black type company to account for Prosegur in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m). “Her last race gave us plenty of confidence that she will race very well again,” Scott said. “It’s a step up to the mile and she ran out the seven furlongs strongly last time, she’s continued to work well and we’re pleased with her condition. “All things being equal, we think she’ll go well again. She’s had three weeks between runs and we’ve just kept her ticking over, she’s a fit filly and we’re pleased with where she’s at.” Like her barnmate, Prosegur has won two of her four starts and followed up an age group victory at Tauranga with a strong effort to finish runner-up in the Bonecrusher. “She continues to improve and we thought her last run was a step up even though she ran second,” Scott said. “We think she has gone the right way since and she’s gained a lot of confidence, which she lacked early on. “She’s had that experience around Ellerslie, we don’t think the mile will be a problem and we’re expecting another very strong performance from her. “There’s not much between them, a lot will come down to luck on the day. They are two fillies that are pretty evenly matched and it might come down to which one gets the best run.” The Okaharau Station-bred and raced Checkmate was second on debut before he impressively broke his maiden at Te Aroha and then won the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m) with a good degree of authority. “He went home for a week post his last run and he’s had a nice chance to freshen up,” Scott said. “He’s another who has been exposed to Ellerslie and he’s a lightly framed, athletic horse who doesn’t take a lot of work between runs. “We have been very pleased with his training and he’s another one we expect to run very well, it’s another step up and we’ve got high hopes for him. “He’s got a very good turn of foot and hopefully we’ll see that on Boxing Day.” Texas Hold ‘Em is also a lightly raced three-year-old who impressed in his first look around the course when he won his maiden against older opposition two runs back. “He is going well and will have the hood on for the first time,” Scott said. “He took on a hearty Rating 65 race last time when it didn’t all go his way and he’s back to age group racing. “He’s been around Ellerslie and he’s trained really well and taken it up another notch, which he has to, and not for a moment do we think he won’t put in another strong performance.” View the full article

Osteria (NZ) (Ribchester) was only upstaged by his talented older stablemate last time out, and back in his own age group, the gelding will be a contender in Thursday’s Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie. The progressive son of Ribchester broke his maiden comfortably at Pukekohe in November, putting a space on subsequent winners Tycoon Prince and Hard Roca. Stepping out at Ellerslie for the first time, he was beaten less than a length by Group Three-performing mare Irish Legacy, a performance that gave trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood confidence to push on to the Guineas distance. “He’s come on really well and I’m quite looking forward to seeing him over 1400m,” Wellwood said. “He’s been a little bit of a hard-going horse, but in his last two or three runs he’s been really good. We’ve got the confidence to step him up to 1400m now, and back against his age group will be suitable, albeit there are a few really nice horses. “In saying that, I think he deserves his place in the field.” Masa Hashizume will take the ride aboard Osteria in the feature, having barrier 10 of 11 to contend with. “We’ll see how he jumps, but the gate is the niggle,” Wellwood said. “We’ll probably have to ride him quietly from there.” The royally bred Irish Legacy will also step out on Boxing Day, taking her place in the SkyCity Fireworks 1200. Faring far better in the barrier draw, the daughter of I Am Invincible will jump from barrier three in the Rating 75 contest, aiming to go back-to-back after her effortless win at the course on December 7. “She was very impressive, she’s come through it well and she’s a bigger, stronger horse this time in as a four-year-old,” Wellwood said. “She’s drawn well and has ticked every box. “If we could see what we saw last time we would be pretty happy, she’s quite full-on and the big thing with her is getting her racing relaxed. She clearly steps up in grade and it’s a pretty nice field on Thursday, but if she’s racing kindly and hitting the line strong, that gives us confidence to step out to 1400 perhaps next start.” Later on the card, Hasstobeawinner will carry a luxury weight, by his standards, in the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m). There are few horses that have shown the consistency of Hasstobeawinner in his career, and while only winning one race, the gelding has finished in the first three on 10 occasions, including a narrow miss in the $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) last term. “He’s such an honest horse and always puts his best foot forward,” Wellwood said. “He’s been going well and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back in the weights, he gets 55kg in this race and he hasn’t had that on his back in a long time. I’m sure he’ll try his guts out again.” Completing the Kingsclere contingent will be Dionysus, a multiple Group Three winner taking on the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). The seven-year-old finished midfield in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in October before heading to Australia, where he was sixth in the Listed Beauford (2300m) before a disappointing performance in the Listed ATC Cup (2000m). Returning back to Cambridge, Dionysus will now be targeted towards the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) the following week, a race he won two years ago. “He was probably a bit disappointing in Australia and the weight-for-age 2000m isn’t all that suitable, but we want to give him a run so he’s rock-hard ready for the Queen Elizabeth Cup on New Year’s Day,” Wellwood said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he showed a bit of cheek, but really, it’s a run to get him ready for that race.” View the full article

Leading Australian jockey Blake Shinn will return to ride in New Zealand on Boxing Day where he is hoping he can unwrap some late Christmas presents at Ellerslie. The 37-year-old hoop had a memorable day at Pukekohe’s Boxing Day meeting last year where he rode the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Molly Bloom to victory in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). “I remember that vividly, when I came over to ride Molly, that was a great day,” Shinn said. “New Zealand has been good to me in the past, so hopefully we can continue that good run on Boxing Day with some nice rides for some really loyal people.” He will team up with Wexford Stables once again in this year’s running of the fillies’ feature, where he will ride the Waikato Stud-bred and raced Sethito. The daughter of Super Seth has been in fine form, winning her last two outings, including the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie earlier this month, and Shinn is looking forward to partnering with her on Boxing Day. “I am really looking forward to riding her, she has been in good form,” Shinn said. “She won quite stylishly in her last start. Lance and Scotty, they don’t ask me unless they are confident that the horse is going to put in a bold showing. I am really happy to take the ride for them and her big owners in Waikato as well.” Shinn is also excited to team-up with Te Akau Racing, where he will ride talented filly Damask Rose against the boys in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) and Campionessa in the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m). Shinn has a great association with Damask Rose, having ridden her to a runner-up result in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) behind Velocious earlier this year, and he is excited to reunite with the daughter of Savabeel. “We ran second in the two-year-old Karaka Millions at her second start, and she was all quality on that day,” Shinn said. “She appears to have come back exceptionally well, her win last start was great. “She has to overcome barrier 11, which poses a little bit of a task for me and the horse, but hopefully her class will be able to overcome that.” Shinn said he is looking forward to teaming up with Te Akau Racing and building on their burgeoning partnership. “I am forming a great relationship with David Ellis and the whole team at Te Akau,” he said. “They asked me if I would consider coming over and I jumped at the chance when the team asked. They are world-class in every aspect and their horses are great to ride.” Boxing Day at Ellerslie will continue a busy time for Shinn, who is set to return to Melbourne following the meeting before heading to Queensland and Hong Kong, and then likely return to Ellerslie for the Karaka Millions meeting later next month. “I will head back to Melbourne and ride on the 28th at Moonee Valley and the 1st (of January) at Flemington before making my way to the Magic Millions Carnival on the 4th and the 11th where hopefully I will have a strong hand on both days. “And then I will head to Hong Kong on the 19th where I will ride Galaxy Patch in the Stewards’ Cup (Gr.1, 1600m). “It is a busy month but that is the exciting part, travelling around to the good carnivals and competing at the highest level. I am privileged to be in this position.” Shinn said it has been great to see racing in New Zealand flourish under the stewardship of Entain, and the level of prizemoney could entice more Australians to cross the Tasman. “It is great to see and you might see me in New Zealand a bit more in the future, especially with the prizemoney going ahead,” he said. View the full article

Pierre Ng’s progressive four-year-old one of four last-start winners in Thursday’s Class Three Uranus Handicap (1,200m).View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Thursday, December 26, 2024 First Race 6:10pm HKT (9:10pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley is the destination for Boxing Day racing in Hong Kong, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision on Thursday. The rail is in the C+3 throughout the evening, and with no significant rainfall predicted, punters are all but assured of a Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 6:10pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Noisy Boy Noisy Boy finally gets out to a staying journey third-up into his first Hong Kong preparation. The son of Real Steel has hit the line well over an unsuitable trip in his first two starts, with the four-year-old doing his best work late. Zac Purton gets legged aboard for the first time, and provided he can land into a mid-field position with cover, punters can expect Noisy Boy to prove too strong in this Class 3 handicap. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Noisy Boy (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Zac Purton (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Gracious Express Gracious Express comes through a strong form race at Sha Tin on December 1 where he closed to within 3.8 lengths of My Wish and Steps Ahead. The Churchill gelding tackles the Happy Valley circuit for the first time, and the step up to 1650m should be ideal as he stalks his rivals from barrier one. Brenton Avdulla may need some luck getting off the rail in the concluding stages, but provided the brakes fall his way, Gracious Express should figure in the finish. Next Best Race 10 – #1 Gracious Express (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Brenton Avdulla (61kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Happy Valley: Embraces Embraces hasn’t had much luck in his five starts to date and should have broken his maiden last start at Happy Valley on October 16. The son of Reliable Man returns on the back of two tick-over trials and should be suited stepping out to the 1650m first-up. Jerry Chau is bouncing off a hat-trick of wins at Sha Tin on Sunday, and provided he can maintain his rich vein of form, Embraces should be right in this at an each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Embraces (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Jerry Chau (a1kg) (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections December 26, 2024 1-5-6-7-10 2-4-5-7-10-11 1-2-4-5-7-11 1-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Vow And Declare ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2019 Melbourne Cup. (Natasha Morello/Racing Photos) Australia’s beloved stayer, Vow And Declare, has officially been retired, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable racing career that captured the hearts of the nation. The now nine-year-old gelding, trained by Danny O’Brien, will forever be remembered for his unforgettable victory in the 2019 Melbourne Cup, a triumph that etched his name into Australian racing folklore. Vow And Declare’s Melbourne Cup win was a storybook moment. Carrying the weight of Australian hopes amidst a strong international contingent, he surged down the Flemington straight to hold off a late challenge, becoming the first Australian-bred winner of the race since Shocking in 2009. His brave performance under jockey Craig Williams not only secured a place in the history books but also resonated deeply with racing fans who yearned for a local hero in the “race that stops a nation.” Bred by Paul Lanskey and sired by Declaration of War, Vow And Declare’s staying prowess became his trademark. While his career was punctuated by injuries and challenges, his resilience and ability to deliver in high-stakes moments attracted him to connections and punters alike. With earnings exceeding $6 million, he proved himself as one of Australia’s premier stayers of his era. “Winning the Melbourne Cup is what we all aspire to, and it is a moment that I will cherish forever,” O’Brien said in a statement on X. “Every year there are less and less in the Cup that have been bred here, which is why Cups like his, and this year’s as well, underline what is so great about the race and our industry.” “I am proud of the horse and the job my team has done with Vow. To have him performing at the highest level as a three-year-old all the way through to winning in track record time this past winter in Queensland is a testament to their dedication and commitment.” Racing fans will get the opportunity to farewell Vow And Declare at Geelong Racecourse, one of his home tracks, during the club’s standalone Saturday meeting on January 4. Horse racing news View the full article

Veight. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Group 1-winning galloper Veight has been gelded, with connections setting their sights on next year’s prestigious Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville in May. The decision marks a shift in focus for the talented horse, originally considered a potential stallion prospect. The George Ryder Stakes winner received limited interest from breeders, prompting connections to continue his career on the track in pursuit of rich feature races. Trainer Tony McEvoy, who works in partnership with his son Calvin, explained the rationale behind the decision in an interview with Racing.com. “You never like gelding a horse of this quality,” McEvoy said. “But the reality was that the phone wasn’t ringing, and the offers that came through weren’t significant. “He’s capable of earning a million dollars in a preparation, so the call was made to keep him racing.” McEvoy indicated that The Goodwood Handicap in Adelaide will be a key target, with the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in Queensland also on the radar. “The prize money on offer in these races is incredible,” he said. “Veight has proven himself at the top level, and we believe he can continue to do so.” The four-year-old is currently enjoying a spell after contesting the Golden Eagle at Rosehill. Plans are in place for Veight to return to training in the late autumn. “He’s having a well-deserved break right now,” McEvoy said. “We’ll bring him back with a focus on a late autumn campaign and build towards those big races.” Horse racing news View the full article