Wandering Eyes

From Monday, 4 August 2025, the deadline to notify drivers will be 24 hours from withdrawals. For example: For Addington on Friday, nominations will close at 12:00pm Monday and withdrawals at 2:00pm Monday. The driver notification deadline in this case will be 2:00pm Tuesday. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining professionalism and ensuring wagering information remains accurate and consistent. If you have any queries regarding this update, please contact bureau@hrnz.co.nz. View the full article

by Adam Hamilton The Kiwi rampage in Queensland rolled into a third week when young guns Captains Mistress and Rubira starred again at Redcliffe last night. Captain Mistress set the tone when she made two wins from as many starts in Queensland with a narrow but fantastic win in the $52,000 Group 3 Redcliffe Oaks. With trainer Grant Dixon having five of the 10 runners in the Oaks, Captains Mistress; Kiwi trainer-driver Nathan Williamson made a surprise trip across the ditch to drive her. It was never going to be easy from an outside back row draw and that’s why the daughter of Captaintreacherous drifted from $3 to $5. But Captains Mistress was up to the challenge and sustained a long and powerhouse run from last to first in the final lap before holding off the Dixon-trained Ruby Rules, who followed the winner everywhere, to win by a half-neck in a slick 1min55.4sec mile rate for 2280mn. ‘Very few can cover the ground and do the work Captains Mistress did and still win at Redcliffe. Leader and heavily backed favourite Soho American led and copped some early pressure, but overraced and weakened late for sixth. NSW Oaks winner and another Dixon-trained filly Cool And Classy earned plenty of respect for doing the work outside the leader and fighting on bravely for third, to give Dixon the trifecta. Then it was Rubira’s turn to build on his successful Queensland trip with an all-the-way win in the $52,000 Group 3 Redcliffe Derby. Like Captains Mistress, Rubira is two-from-two in Queensland for trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon. Adam Sanderson took the reins again and made the most of a dream pole draw to lead, albeit with main danger Fate Awaits stalking on his back. It was a steady pace through the middle with a 59.9sec half, then Rubira zipped home in 55.6 and 27.8sec to comfortably hold-off Fate Awaits and win by 2.1m in a 1min56sec mile rate, fractionally slower than Captains Mistress went in the Oaks. The impressive part was how easily Rubira held-off Fate Awaits, who is considered his main danger for the Group 1 Queensland Derby on July 19. Before then, Rubira and Fate Awaits will back-up next week against four-year-olds in the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park. That race has got more “winnable” with long-time favourite Bay Of Biscay almost certain to miss it. Bay Of Biscay, winner of the Chariots Of Fire, resumed from a break with a slick Melton win last night, but the flight he was booked on from Melbourne to Brisbane on Tuesday has been cancelled. “He won’t be going by road, so unless there’s a miracle and a flight becomes available, he won’t be there,” co-trainer Emma Stewart said. Another star to miss Queensland will be former Great Southern Star winner Callmethebreeze. Andy Gath’s entire had a bleed at his first run back from a long break at Melton last night and was stood down for 28 days. Gath’s former Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave was also just fair first-up at Melton last night, but he is pushing ahead with Inter Dominion pacing plans. Back to Redcliffe and Grant Dixon won the Group 2 Redcliffe Cup for a sixth time when Free Thinker made the most of barrier one from the standing start to come from three pegs and beat former Kiwi pacer Mossdale Terry narrowly. View the full article

by Rob Courtney When your horse wins at Addington on a Sunday & pays $48 to win its probably fair to say that your confidence levels were most likely ‘luke warm’ to say the least but for part owner Stewie Sutherland it must have been something of a ‘time warp’ as the Superfast Stuart-Foot Loose mare put on a faultless display in recording her 2nd win from just her 9th raceday start. “She had gone a couple of nice trials recently but run ‘no time’ “ according to her trainer “and the half hopples had been removed but it didn’t seem to affect her,” he added. Showing his age, this writer quickly made the connection between ‘Loose’ and the Sutherland family and sure enough the winner traces directly back to an open class trotter of the 1970s in Screws Loose (8 wins) when trained by Stu’s uncle Ian (also known as Stewie). Millie’s dam Foot Loose was by Grant Our Wishes from Loosely and the latter was a daughter of Screws Loose (by Keystone Provider). Foot Loose had been passed on to Stewie by yet another family member and he bred a full sister to his latest winner in Girls Let Loose who won 6 races + $53k a few years back. As the name suggests, Screws Loose had a mind of her own and could be quite erratic but at times showed real brilliance in racing in a fine era of NZ trotters. Names like No Response, Scotch Tar, Easton Light & Nigel Craig were common denominators when researching the HRNZ results pages. Screws Loose was by the colonial sire Aksarben (Light Brigade – Blue Revue) who won 8 races in the late 50s and was a half brother to the precocious Blue, who was the ‘pin-up’ 2yo of his year in 1958 winning all of his 6 starts when trained by Alan Holmes. The Sutherland family were regular visitors to Addington and other metropolitan tracks of the day as they also raced another fine son of Aksarben at this time in Waipounamu. The tough son of Talaus started 202 times recording 17 wins and 49 placings, winning some $74k and being highly competitive in all the trotting classics through the 70s. He raced from age 4 through until he was 11 and along with Screws Loose, kept the Sutherland family in the open class trotting ranks for near on a decade. The younger Stewie Sutherland remembers getting the opportunity to travel with Waipounamu to Auckland and on that trip he ran second in a Rowe Cup. Arita (Johnny Globe – Girl Brigade) was yet another open class trotter in the Sutherland stable during the late 60s/early 70s, winning 9 races and often giving the stable 3 ‘live’ chances in the ‘open’ trot. Interestingly, Talaus was a daughter of Una Morn who was a fine producer in the late 60s & 70s, leaving Dreamy Morn (9 NZ wins), Avon Song (9 NZ wins) and the unraced Miss Morven (by Lumber Dream) who would leave another standout trotter in Directorship (12 wins) for Charlie Hunter. It’s early days for the Sutherland trained 4yo mare just yet but Millie could still carry those colours to greater glories in the season(s) ahead. “It looks like she is going to get her chance at Friday nights which could be quite a challenge but you can’t leave them in a paddock for ever,” her modest trainer explained. “Johnny (driver John Morrison) said she thought it was over once getting to the front on Sunday but rallied strongly when challenged late.” Sutherland currently helps out at fellow Rakaia trainer Kevin McRae’s and between them, they are working 7 horses. View the full article

As Executive of the NZ Sires’ Stakes Board, Martin Pierson has a reminder for breeders, owners, and trainers considering their next move. “Now’s the time to confirm your commitment,” says Pierson. “Foal nominations, yearling sustaining, and three-year-old sustaining payments all close on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.” This deadline arrives as the Sires’ Stakes Series continues to gain momentum, following increased funding through Harness Racing New Zealand’s The Future Starts Now strategy. “For the cost of a few bags of feed, you can ensure your horse remains eligible for some of the sport’s most exciting age-group racing,” says Pierson. “It’s a small step today that could lead to a big moment down the track.” View the full article

By Mike Love Moonlite Blood and driver Robbie Close delivered a poignant victory in the Remembering Murray Brown Leading Southland Trainer Mobile Pace at Addington yesterday, providing Loburn trainer Andrew Stuart with one of his most meaningful racing moments. Stuart had a special connection to Brown through his early harness racing education, making the victory all the more significant when Close guided Moonlite Blood to success wearing Brown’s colours. “If it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be in the game,” said Stuart. The race unfolded perfectly for the five year old Art Major gelding, who settled three back in the running line for the majority of the event. Close made his move at the crucial moment, peeling three and four wide at the 400-metre mark before sustaining a winning challenge to score by one and a quarter lengths from runner-up Santanna Mach. “It’s one of my biggest thrills in racing,” said Stuart. “He trialled well last week and I saw there was a good race for him today, so I called Marilyn to ask if it’d be okay to wear his colours. Unfortunately he passed away before he could see it, but he was obviously helping today.” It was also the Andrew Stuart Racing Stables Day meeting, and Moonlite Blood was the only representative from the stable to race. “I’ve got great staff and we all play a part,” he said. “We thought it was a perfect race for him, and things fell into place today which is wonderful because it’s a very sad time for a lot of people in the industry because Brownie was close to a lot of people.” Moonlite Blood has now won two from fourteen, while Stuart has trained three hundred and twelve winners. “We will look to race him through the winter. He is a nice horse. He’s been a slow maturing type of horse, like a lot from that family. He’s definitely got speed and ability.” Other highlights on the programme included Father Mike winning race one the NZB/Loburn Sawmill – For All Your Timber Needs trot, giving Tinwald trainer and driver Lawrence McCormick his second victory for the weekend after Vertigo won at good odds on Friday night at Addington. McCormick worked for Stuart when starting out as a junior driver, driving his first winner for Stuart behind Bramley Town in 2008 at Marlborough. View the full article

Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night. Bergerson is part of the Te Akau Racing juggernaut, training in partnership with Mark Walker for the last two seasons, securing the trainers’ premiership last season and currently leads this year’s premiership with 127 wins and more than $9.1 million in stakes earnings. The 31-year-old’s achievements were recognised on Sunday night, receiving the Equine Licence Holder Excellence Award before being bestowed the overall Supreme Entain Excellence Award. “It was pretty exciting,” Bergerson said. “It was a really cool night and I had family up there and plenty of friends, so it was really cool. “To get the recognition among your peers against some really good horse people was very humbling. “It is an exciting time to be a part of the industry with what Entain is doing. To get recognition through their awards is amazing. I can’t thank them enough for the award.” Bergerson said it has been a whirlwind last couple of years, and he is grateful for the position he is in, leading the New Zealand arm of Te Akau Racing, with Walker spending the majority of his time overseeing their Cranbourne base. “It has been a massive couple of years,” Bergerson said. “I am very fortunate and privileged to be in the position I am in with Te Akau, with the backing of Mark (Walker), Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) and David (Ellis). It is just a fantastic opportunity. “I just love it. It is a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am very grateful to them for the opportunity to work with these wonderful horses and fantastic group of staff and owners. “It has been an awesome journey so far and I am looking forward to the future.” Bergerson said he owes a lot of his success to his training partner and staff. “I am so grateful to Mark. He has been a fantastic mentor to me and we have got a really good relationship,” he said. “I look at him like a mate, not like a boss. He has really taken me under his wing and we have had some great success together and gone through the hardships as well. “Te Akau is a great enterprise to be a part of. I have come through the system there under Jamie (Richards) and then Mark, and I have been fortunate to get some amazing opportunities and work alongside some great people. “I couldn’t do it without the staff here, they are a really good group of people. They are the ones at the coalface and don’t get the recognition and exposure I have been able to get through being the head trainer. But you can’t do it without the people at the forefront there every day. “I won a bit of money last night, so we will probably have to have a shout and a bit of a celebration, which will be cool.” Bergerson received $10,000 as a category winner and an additional $5,000 as the Entain Excellence Award winner, as well as a $5,000 education package. “I am very grateful for the monetary prize, as well as the education grant,” Bergerson said. “I would love to travel and see a few different stables. I am always looking to continue to learn, I don’t think you ever stop learning.” As a past recipient of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship, Bergerson is aware of the opportunities educational grants provide, and he is looking forward to putting his Entain grant to good use. “The great thing about the thoroughbred industry is that it can take you all around the world with whatever avenue you pursue,” he said. “The Sunline Scholarship was more on the breeding side, but it came at a fantastic time for me as I was at a bit of a crossroads in not knowing what to do and it gave me a grounding and a good understanding of the breeding industry, which I think helps with the racing side and what goes into these younger horses. “That allowed me to meet a lot of people along the way and learn from people not only in New Zealand but overseas as well. “I pinch myself with how the last five or six years have gone, it is pretty surreal.” View the full article

Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Tauranga, Jeffries’ father Warwick Jeffries delved into breeding on a small scale and was rewarded in a big way, breeding glamour mare Legarto out of his mare Geordie Girl. Before she was a three-time Group One winner and $2 million earner, much of Legarto’s handling and early education was conducted by Jeffries, who took her through the sales ring at Karaka in 2021 where she was knocked down to Ancroft Stud for $90,000. “Legarto was one of the first horses I took through from a baby to the sales, I did all of the handling with her and took her through the ring,” Jeffries said. “She was one of the first horses to really grab my attention in getting into the industry.” Through that period, Jeffries was attending Lincoln University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture. Having had experience working in studs and at the yearling sales, she decided to apply for the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Trust Equine Scholarship, which led her to a six-month stint in Ireland. “Dad has a few broodmares as a bit of a hobby so I had breeding in my background, but I didn’t think I would be working full-time in the industry until after uni,” she said. “I did a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture at Lincoln, but following that, I didn’t see myself in any of the roles that it directly leads to, so I applied for the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Trust Equine Scholarship to go to the Irish National Stud. “The scholarship gave me a really good foundation, I would recommend it to anyone wanting to go overseas and learn more about the breeding industry over there, while having a great time doing so.” Just shy of a year ago, Jeffries entered her new role at Cambridge Stud, where she has been able to apply that knowledge with their large selection of young stock. She was recognised for her passion and contribution to the nursery when nominated for the Newcomer Award, and was grateful to be announced the winner, receiving the $10,000 prize from Entain. “It was very rewarding because you put in a lot of effort, so it was really nice to be recognised at an industry level,” she said. “The love of the horse is the main reason why I’m in this industry, and also, you’re able to do a lot, you can travel the world, meet lots of new people, and no two days are the same. “Day to day at the moment, we are weanling handling, so mobs are coming in every week for handling, with things like having the farrier done. We’ll start to bring them on to grooming and getting them ready for that final yearling prep come the end of October to January.” Cambridge Stud have committed to selling their yearlings solely at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka next year, where Jeffries had a memorable experience this year, taking the farm’s draft-topping lot through the ring. The colt, lot 628, by resident sire Sword Of State out of a stakes-winning I Am Invincible mare Fuld’s Bet was secured by Mulberry Racing for $540,000. “The colt this year was our highest-priced yearling, and he was such a dude through his yearling prep and at the sales, so it was great to take him through the ring,” Jeffries said. View the full article

Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday. A daughter of hall-of-fame jockey turned Group One-winning trainer Lance O’Sullivan, O’Sullivan Doyle took out the National Racing Woman of the Year category for her pursuits in marketing and communications, alongside work as a presenter and ambassador. “I was super excited to just be nominated, alongside some very worthy finalists,” O’Sullivan Doyle said. “To win was great, it was an awesome night put on by Entain. After growing up at Wexford Stables, O’Sullivan Doyle recognised a professional opportunity in racing later in her teens, and now has a range of digital marketing clients, including the family business, and various studs around the country. “Growing up, I’d pop over and pat the horses, but in terms of being actively involved, that more so came when I was about 15 and 16,” she said. “I realised I’d like to be involved in racing from a professional standpoint, and it’s grown from there. “In my line of work, no two weeks are same, which I personally love. My focus is digital marketing for a range of racing and non-racing clients, and with the racing, it is obviously seasonal, so we’re looking at different times of the year with events like key race days or yearling sales. “I love the horses, the people and the journey of following a horse all the way through, whether that be for stud clients having foaled a horse down, or the process of coming through the stables to get to race day. “It’s pretty special.” For the past two seasons, O’Sullivan Doyle has been an ambassador for Ellerslie Racecourse, following in the footsteps of her mother Bridgette, who was the first to hold the position. “My mum was the original Ellerslie ambassador in the early 2000’s, so it was a nice full-circle moment when they asked me to come on board as an ambassador,” she said. “It’s a very easy, enjoyable role, it hardly feels like a job when you get to attend races like a Karaka Millions or NZB Kiwi. “I go to the races, do a couple of interviews, and promote and showcase racing.” On the night, O’Sullivan Doyle expressed her gratitude to the Wexford cohort, and fellow clients Rich Hill Stud and harness racing giant Breckon Farms. “I’ve had a lot of great mentors, particularly in three of my more prominent clients,” she said. “Breckon Farms, who are doing amazing things in the harness racing industry, Rich Hill Stud, and of course, Wexford. With those three operations alone, I’ve got fantastic people above me that I’d consider industry leaders. “I’m very fortunate to be learning from some of the best.” As an owner, O’Sullivan Doyle has enjoyed success with small shares in the likes of stakes winner Do You Just, and promising four-year-olds King Of The North and Grande Gallo. She hopes to continue that trend with a well-related juvenile, as well as when she crosses over into the standardbred code for the first time. “The Do You Just-King Of The North double at Ellerslie was hugely exciting, it was definitely a highlight for me as an owner,” she said. “I have a share in High Society, who is a two-year-old half-brother to Snazzytavi, and I went into a couple of yearlings this year as well, so fingers crossed they can follow in their footsteps, I’ve had some good fortune so far. “I’m learning about the standardbreds through a bit of ownership too, I purchased a couple of small shares in yearlings from the Breckon Farms draft in February. Hopefully we can be up at Alexandra Park with them in the future.” View the full article

Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend. As Waikato Stud’s dry mare manager for a couple of years, Lawson was looking to get into breeding himself a few years ago and an unplaced mare called Mohegan Star caught his eye on online auction house gavelhouse.com, and he secured the daughter of Reliable Man with a final bid of $1,100. She quickly proved to be an astute purchase, with her half-brother Little Brose coming on the scene shortly after and went on to win the Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) before retiring to stand at Little Avondale Stud in New Zealand. “I saw the mare on Gavelhouse, liked the pedigree and bought her,” Lawson said. “Little Brose came along after I bought her, so that really boosted the pedigree.” Lawson sent Mohegan Star to Waikato Stud resident stallion Tivaci and the resulting colt was offered through the farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Australian trainer Phillip Stokes for $80,000 and was subsequently named Matahga. The colt has been a revelation for the Morphettville horseman, finishing runner-up on debut before winning his next two starts, including last Saturday’s Listed Oaklands Plate (1400m) at his local track. Matahga has given Lawson the perfect start to his breeding career, posting his first stakes victory, and now Lawson has a taste for more. “He was just a ripper all the way through,” Lawson said. “He was an absolute legend, you would take him to the pub and have a beer with him. “It is awesome to see him go on with it and winning a stakes race at his third start is pretty exciting.” Gavelhouse is the gift that keeps on giving for Lawson, who also purchased Serenalla, a three-quarter sister to multiple Group One winner The Bostonian, off the site for $500. Lawson scored a major result at Karaka earlier this year when selling her first foal, a colt by Noverre, to Wexford Stables for $300,000. “It has been a huge buzz,” Lawson said of his breeding achievements to date. “It’s a bit more good luck than good management, but it has worked out well for me. “It is cool that your product and what you put out there is liked by other people. It is definitely pinch yourself sort of stuff.” Lawson has plenty to looking forward to in the coming months, on both the racing and breeding front. He will offer two rising yearlings at Karaka next year, and he has a Banquo half-brother to Matahga that is showing early promise for Matamata trainer Daniel Miller. “The Banquo is in at Dan Miller’s at the moment, he is going well and is three or four weeks away from having his first jump-out. He is a lovely horse,” Lawson said. “She (Mohegan Star) has a Noverre filly that will go to Karaka next year, and she is in-foal to War Decree. “Serenella has got a colt (rising yearling by Noverre) that will go to Karaka next year and she is in-foal to him (Noverre) again.” Lawson is looking to slowly develop his broodmare band, which currently sits at two-and-a-half, with the Waikato Stud employee also sharing in the ownership of Hawaiian Princess, a three-quarter sister to dual Group One winner Mac O’Reilly, with resident vet Matt MacKee. “I would like to keep on expanding and keep breeding horses,” he said. “You just want to keep breeding stakes winners, it’s a huge buzz and it’s an addictive feeling, I can’t wait to do it again.” While Saturday’s events were hard to top, Lawson was in the spotlight again a day later as a finalist in the Leadership Excellence category in the Entain Industry Excellence Awards. While he missed out on taking top honours, he still received a $2,000 cheque for being a finalist and said he had a great time at the awards dinner. “It was a great night, they put on a great show,” he said. “To see all of the other young people there and be around likeminded people was a lot of fun.” View the full article

Goodwood Stud’s William Fell is enjoying an exciting ride with unbeaten star steeplechaser Jesko. While it has been an unforeseen outcome, it’s nevertheless a successful one with the son of the late Atlante quickly rising to the top of the jumping ranks. The late bloomer won three on the flat before a successful transformation for trainers Shaun and Hazel Fannin with the former also taking the reins. Jesko began his hot run at Wanganui before claiming the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) and Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) titles. “It wasn’t what we were intending to breed, but it was another very good win on Saturday and we’ll take it, he’s an exciting horse,” Fell said. “We had a share in Atlante and that was how the mating came about, and Striking Asset was a medium sized Van Nistelrooy mare from quite a nice family. “He was always a nice horse, but he wasn’t a yearling sale horse and that’s why we sold him on Gavelhouse. “I remember him being a big, solid sort of horse who was going to need some time to mature.” Jesko was initially sold for $800 as a yearling and subsequently purchased by Fannin for $3,300 when again offered as a four-year-old via the online platform. His mother Striking Asset is a half-sister to stakes winer Al Jameel with the third dam the three-time Group One winner Canny Lass. “We had one more foal with her after Jesko and she was retired,” Fell said. “She was disappointing on the breeding front, aside from him, and she had her chance, breeding to the likes of Iffraaj and Per Incanto, but that’s how it goes sometimes.” Goodwood has downsized in recent years, making the Manawatu farm a more manageable operation for Fell and wife Rosie, nee Myers. “We’re breeding from about half a-dozen mares now, which is a good number for us,” he said. “We do the foaling down here and when it comes to yearling preps, we send them out. “We spread them around, Georgia Brown has done some locally for us and we use Wentwood Grange, Carlaw Park and Woburn Farm so we try and slot them in where it best suits. “We want to keep building on the quality, that’s always the goal and we’ve got a nice group of young mares.” Goodwood also has stallion shares in Little Avondale Stud’s Per Incanto and Little Brose. “We were a shareholder in Proisir but sold that about 12 or 18 months ago after getting a nice offer,” Fell said. “We’re in a position now that we can race a few fillies with Rosie training so that ticks that box.” Among them is the Iffraaj mare Great Escape, a winner and multiple placegetter from a handful of starts, who is out of a half-sister to three-time Group One-winning Goodwood graduate Gingernuts. View the full article

Racing Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, whose life included many different chapters, nearly all of which shaped today's racing, died June 28 in Louisville, Ky. He was 89.View the full article

Harry Bentley is relishing the chance to get on board the unexposed Lo Rider in the Class Two Hong Kong Reunification Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday as he looks to end the season on a high. The Harzand galloper was last seen running a massive race to finish fourth in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) back in March, defying odds of $19. Ridden that day by Hugh Bowman, he set out to make all the running and only begrudgingly gave up the lead at the 200m pole, ultimately finishing less than two...View the full article

Iowa-bred Somavia was impressive in her second career start, winning a maiden special weight contest at Prairie Meadows June 29. Her victory provided the first career winner for her sire, Basin.View the full article

Dog Penalties HOMEBUSH LEANA | Southland 23 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. ALPHA SHELDON | Christchurch 26 June; cramped and collapsed on way to lure; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. NIGHTHAWK HONEY | Christchurch 27 June; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. The post 24-29 June 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Nacho Problem broke her maiden June 29 at Belmont at the Big A and with it gave her sire, Waiting, his first winner. Breaking from the outside in a field of eight, the chestnut led throughout the six-furlong turf challenge for New York-breds. View the full article

After D. Wayne Lukas' death was announced June 29, his former assistants Dallas Stewart and Mike Maker were successful in accomplishing what he taught them to do: win.View the full article

Roll On Big Joe's win in the Kelly's Landing Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs June 28 rewarded breeder Max Ubide tenfold June 28 by collecting his second graded stakes win of the year. Ubide bred, raised and broke the son of Prospective.View the full article

One half of New Zealand’s most dominant thoroughbred training partnership has been recognised at the Industry Excellence Awards, with Sam Bergerson claiming the supreme Entain Excellence Award at a function at Ellerslie last night (29 June). Bergerson (31) has been in partnership with Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing for the past two seasons, and has quickly established himself as one of New Zealand’s most talented trainers, winning the New Zealand Trainers’ Premiership in 2023/24. With Mark Walker now largely based at Te Akau’s Melbourne stable, Bergerson has led the New Zealand arm of the powerful operation to a commanding 26-win lead with a month to go in the premiership, and has already eclipsed the record for stakes won in New Zealand, passing $9 million earlier this month. Bergerson was eligible for the overall Entain Excellence Award after winning the Equine Licence Holder Excellence category earlier in the night. He was ecstatic to be named as the supreme winner out of the nine category winners, with nominations open to all New Zealanders under the age of 40 involved in the racing and breeding industry. “It’s fantastic to be recognised by Entain, who are doing so much for the industry,” Bergson said. “I feel very privileged to receive these awards, and privileged to be in the position I’m in. I love what I do, and I don’t think I could do what I do without loving it.” Nathan Purdon, who has formed a successful partnership with his father Mark Purdon, was recognised as the winner of the Leadership Excellence category having impressed the judges with his foresight to adapt and deliver at the top level of harness racing. Emma Thompson was the driving force behind the promotion of the inaugural running of The NZB Kiwi in March, and her efforts to raise the profile of the brand-new race, earned her the award for Administration and Innovation Excellence. The future of the breeding industry looks strong, with Waikato Stud yearling manager Olivia Blane collecting the Stud, Stable & Kennel Excellence prize, Wentwood Grange yearling manager Brad Molander earning the Dedication To Breeding Excellence award, and Cambridge Stud assistant yearling manager Alice Jeffries being named as the Newcomer Excellence winner. Lisa Kennedy’s efforts in re-educating and rehoming former racehorses as the lead re-trainer at EventStars were acknowledged when she was announced as the Care & Welfare Excellence winner. Caitlyn O’Sullivan Doyle’s multi-faceted involvement in the racing industry – as a marketer, a communicator, ambassador, presenter and owner – made her a popular winner of the National Racing Woman Of The Year category, and the Greyhound Excellence award was won by Katie Wyllie, who trains in partnership with greyhound racing icon Dave Fahey. Category winners received $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. As the Entain Excellence Award winner, Bergerson received an extra $5,000 and a $5,000 educational package. Entain’s General Manager – New Zealand and member of the judging panel, Jessica Meech, said the award winners are a reminder of the emerging talent that abounds in a New Zealand industry so steeped in history. “The younger generation are making their mark in a huge way, and we’re blessed with the talented leaders and influential Kiwis who were nominated, finalists, or won their categories,” Meech said. “Sam Bergerson is the perfect example of a Kiwi in the racing industry grabbing an opportunity with both hands, then building on it to scale new and impressive heights. “We congratulate Sam, the eight other category winners, and everyone who was nominated for the 2025 Industry Excellence Awards.” Industry Excellence Awards Category winners: Administration and Innovation Excellence: Emma Thompson (NZTR) Care & Welfare Excellence: Lisa Kennedy (Event Stars Ltd) Newcomer Excellence: Alice Jeffries (Cambridge Stud) Stud, Stable & Kennel Excellence: Olivia Blane (Waikato Stud) Dedication to Breeding Excellence: Brad Molander (Wentwood Grange) Equine Licence Holder Excellence: Sam Bergerson (Te Akau Racing) Greyhound Excellence: Katie Wyllie (Fahey/Wyllie training partnership) Leadership Excellence: Nathan Purdon (Purdon Racing, harness racing) National Racing Woman of the Year: Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle (thoroughbred & harness racing) ENTAIN EXCELLENCE (supreme): Sam Bergerson For more information, contact: Matt Smith Senior Manager – Communications Entain Australia and New Zealand M: 027 228 5423 E: matt.smith@entaingroup.co.nz View the full article

Haras Phillipson's undefeated homebred Touch of Destiny dominated the Asociacion Uruguaya de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera (G3) at Hipodromo Maronas June 29 with a gate-to-wire victory and earned a spot in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).View the full article

Jockey Jose Ortiz, trainer Joe Sharp, and owner Godolphin topped their respective standings for the 2025 Churchill Downs Spring Meet, which concluded June 29.View the full article

In the Hanshin Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sunday, Will Take It (Tapit) was up in the nick of time to take the race for owners Willis Horton and Mandy Pope. Since coming over from the care of trainer Eddie Milligan, Will Take It has become a mark of consistency. His 2025 campaign has included clearing an allowance condition at Fair Grounds Jan. 4 and a runner-up finish against optional claimers in New Orleans Feb. 1. The colt then won at that level next out at the track Mar. 8 and was second again up the rung in the slop at Keeneland Apr. 25. Facing a salty bunch of optional claimers at Churchill May 22, Will Take It hurdled the crowd with some late inning heroics. Overlooked at the windows as a 12-1 shot here, the 4-year-old settled towards the rear of the field as Banishing (Ghsotzapper) carved out the fractions up the backstretch. Will Take it began to press the pace to the outside around the far turn. The bay positioned himself in the four path down the lane, came under a drive and surprised the leader with more gas. Fully extended, Will Take It snagged the cash by impressively coming from off the pace. Trainer Dallas Stewart, whose mentor was icon D.W. Lukas, said after the race, “This one is for D.W.L.” The winner is his unraced dam's first foal to the races. Lady Take Charge handed Will Take It a full-sister in Fife and Drum, who was purchased by Sinandigan Stable for $1.3-million at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale. This dam is also responsible for a pair of subsequent colts by Into Mischief with the current 2-year-old going to Calumet for $100,000 during the OBS Spring Sale. Will Take It's second dam is MGISW Take Charge Lady (Dehere) whose productivity was certainly stellar having counted among her offspring Horton stalwart & champion 3-year-old colt Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song). Her produce also includes GI Florida Derby hero Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy) and GI Beholder Mile victress As Time Goes By (American Pharoah). Also of note, she is responsible for the dam of champion 2-year-old filly Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway)–herself the dam of current sire Omaha Beach (War front)–and the dam of Whisper Hill homebred & current sire Charge It (Tapit). HANSHIN S. PRESENTED BY JRA, $296,000, Churchill Downs, 6-29, 4yo/up, 1m, 1:34.10, ft. 1–WILL TAKE IT, 118, c, 4, Tapit–Lady Take Charge, by War Front. ($700,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Willis Horton Racing LLC and Whisper Hill Farm, LLC; B-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC (KY); T-Dallas Stewart; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. $180,350. Lifetime Record: 17-5-4-1, $542,754. 2–Banishing, 120, g, 5, Ghostzapper–Dowager, by A.P. Indy. ($80,000 4yo '24 FTKHRA). O-Lawrence P. Roman and David Jacobson; B-Godolphin (KY); T-David Jacobson. $58,500. 3–Extra Anejo, 120, h, 5, Into Mischief–Superioritycomplex (Ire), by Hard Spun. ($1,350,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Mt. Brilliant Farm, LLC & Orrin H. Ingram (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $29,250. Margins: NK, 1 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 12.18, 2.23, 5.86. Also Ran: Tumbarumba, Cagliostro, Judge Miller, Saudi Crown, Best Actor. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. WILL TAKE IT ($26.36) TAKES IT!!@b_hernandezjr rode the Tapit (@Gainesway) colt to victory in the $300,000 Hanshin Stakes at @ChurchillDowns. @DallasStewart3 conditions the four-year-old. pic.twitter.com/eYYETGPWxq — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 29, 2025 The post Well-Bred Tapit Colt Will Take It Wins Hanshin Stakes At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Calandagan finally made his breakthrough in group 1 company June 29 when running out the impressive winner of the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1).View the full article

Joseph Lloyd's Romeo romped home to win the $225,000 Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs June 29 by three lengths, finishing in a stakes record for the six furlong race.View the full article

Resolute Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Verifire (Authentic) once again took home the win as he strolled home to victory in the Maxfield Stakes. Content to watch the race unfold as Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) set a brisk pace of :22.36, :44.56, and six panels in 1:08.34 coming off the bend, Verifire pounced on those leaders in the lane and the race was over. He cleared those rivals and hit the wire with air to spare. Smoken Wicked held on to second while Captain Cook (Practical Joke) rolled late to claim third. The final time was a swift 1:20.77 for the seven furlong trip. Sales history: $260,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $1,000,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. O-Resolute Racing; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Brad Cox. Verifire wins the Maxfield Overnight in style! @bradcoxracing trains and Flavien Prat was in the saddle. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/mwg9sMs7PY — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 29, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Verifire Remains Perfect, Takes Maxfield Stakes with Style appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lambourn followed in his sire and grandsire's footsteps to become the 20th horse to complete the Epsom Derby (G1) and Irish Derby (G1) double.View the full article