Wandering Eyes

Talented sprinter’s National Day Cup success delivers third-season handler first leg of running brace.View the full article

Blue Diamond Stud's Frankel (GB) colt out of Tisa River (Ire) (Equiano {Fr}) provided an early highlight as the Goffs Orby Sale got underway when knocked down at €780,000 to Oliver St Lawrence. Offered as lot 10 and bred by Imad Al Sagar, the colt's dam is a half-sister to two Breeders' Cup winners in Order Of Australia (Ire) and Iridessa (Ire), as well as the G1 Belmont Oaks and G1 Beverly D winner Santa Barbara (Ire). A further Breeders' Cup winner, Starine (Fr), features as his third dam. St Lawrence could not divulge the name of the buyer of the colt. The post Blue Diamond’s Frankel Colt Brings €780,000 at Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to the AFL grand final taking centre stage in Victoria last Saturday, most of the feature races took place at Moonee Valley on Friday night. With multiple Group races featured on the program at The Valley, we have focused on that meeting and the Sandown card on Saturday for this week’s edition of The Follow Files. You can add these runners to your blackbook with your chosen horse racing bookmaker and receive notifications when they run next. Moonee Valley Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 3: Benchmark 85 Handicap (955m) | Time: 0:55.26 Horse to follow: Passeggiata (6th) Passeggiata returned at Moonee Valley over 955m, where she was expected to be one of the speed influences; however, the Bjorn Baker-trained mare settled at the rear of the field. With an obvious tactics change in effect, the daughter of Winning Rupert tracked up behind the strong speed and finished off nicely down the middle of the track to record a modest sixth-place finish. Although she didn’t run into the placings, Passeggiata clocked the fastest last 600m (33.70s), second fastest last 400m (22.94s), and fourth fastest last 200m (11.60s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: With a lack of 1000m races at metropolitan tracks on Saturdays in the coming weeks, keep an eye out for where Passeggiata steps out next, as it could be in a mid-week contest. If she strikes a 1000m race in a similar grade, she will be a massive player. Race 6: Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) | Time: 1:36.32 Horse to follow: Henlein (2nd) Anthony & Sam Freedman have a good opinion of Henlein, and his most recent runner-up finish in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes may have proved them right, as the three-year-old colt stormed home over 1600m. First-up, this son of Dundeel finished off nicely to record a sixth-place finish in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality before switching to Melbourne last start. Although he settled at the rear of the field at The Valley last Friday, Henlein ran home in the fastest sectionals of the race and indicated that a longer trip would suit him down to the ground. When to bet: The stable has mentioned the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes as a possible target race this preparation; however, that race is still four weeks away. Expect Henlein to line up in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes on October 12 at Rosehill as he attempts to earn ballot exemption for the Spring Champion. Sandown Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 8: Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:24.10 Horse to follow: Riot And Rose (7th) Following a long layoff, Riot And Rose from the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman yard showed very good improvement in between her first and second starts this campaign. This daughter of Pins finished out the back fresh at Flemington over 1400m but produced a very strong finish at Sandown to run into seventh-place over the same distance second-up. Each of her sectional times from 1000m to the 200m ranked inside the top 10 for the meeting, with her last 200m (11.07s) being the second fastest time recorded for the day. When to bet: With a good base of fitness under her belt after two runs, it wouldn’t shock to see Moody & Coleman step their mare up in trip to 1600m third-up. If they keep her in a similar grade or drop her back slightly, Riot And Rose will go very close. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Horse racing tips View the full article

What Eagle Farm Races Where Eagle Farm Racecourse – 230 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007 When Wednesday, October 2, 2024 First Race 2:18pm AEST Visit Dabble Queensland Racing will return to Eagle Farm for the second time in four days, as it will host a quickfire six-race card this Wednesday afternoon. With warm weather forecast in the lead-up, the track is expected to improve from the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances to the Good range by raceday. The rail will be in the +9m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to kick off at 2:18pm AEST. Best Bet at Eagle Farm: Zakiyya Chris Waller and Ryan Maloney will combine with Zakiyya for the third straight start as the five-year-old mare seeks to continue her run of form and claim her first victory of the campaign. In her two runs back, this daughter of Siyouni has recorded a third and second-place finish over 1200m and 1350m, where she was running on nicely at the end of both races. Now that she is third-up and rises to 1400m, Maloney should be able to settle closer to the speed from an inside barrier (2) and give Zakiyya every chance to return to the winners circle. Best Bet Race 6 – #13 Zakiyya (2) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Ryan Maloney (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Eagle Farm: Andersen Andersen has filled the placings in both of his career starts to date; however, his last start second was the better of his runs, finishing three lengths behind Street Chase over 1110m at Doomben. The Matthew Hoysted-trained colt overraced slightly during the run and settled on speed, but in the final 300m he couldn’t stay with the winner. This son of Written Tycoon held off the rest of the field, and if he improves his manners second-up, Andersen will go one better here. Next Best Race 3 – #9 Andersen (10) 3yo Colt | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Nikita Beriman (56kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Eagle Farm: Adalie Adalie is yet to win this preparation, but the David Vandyke-trained mare has been performing well in strong form races in her two starts back. This daughter of Exceed And Excel settled behind the speed at this track and trip last start and boxed on steadily to finish in fifth place, beaten 1.9 lengths by Super Daisy at massive odds with top horse racing bookmakers. As she hits peak fitness third-up and strikes an easier contest, Adalie will be able to settle on a slow speed and prove hard to run down in the concluding stages. Best Value Race 4 – #8 Adalie (9) 5yo Mare | T: David Vandyke | J: Tiffani Brooker (58kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Eagle Farm races Eagle Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, October 2, 2024 7-9-10-11 2-3-5-8 2-3-5-6-7 3-5-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Singapore racing’s final chapter will be written in the S$1.38m Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) this Saturday, ending a proud history at Kranji that several New Zealanders have enriched with their skills and horses. Respected Kiwi trainers Laurie Laxon, Mark Walker, Stephen Gray, Bruce Marsh, Paddy Busuttin and Donna Logan have combined to win more than 3000 races in Singapore since the late 1990s. Many of those successes came from horses that were bred in New Zealand or sold through the Karaka sale ring. By 2014 Laxon had won nine premierships, including becoming the first trainer to reach 100 wins in a single Singapore season in 2004. He later bettered that record with 104 wins in 2008. Laxon trained a total 1263 winners in Singapore, which is believed to be a world record for a trainer at any single venue. A multiple Group One-winning jockey and trainer who started out in Woodville, Bruce Marsh followed in Laurie Laxon’s footsteps up to Singapore and himself made an indelible mark. Marsh won 417 races over a 14-year career at Kranji, including two victories in the coveted Singapore Derby (2000m) with Kiwi-bred stars Hello And Goodbye (NZ) (Danzalion) and Race Ahead (NZ) (Al Akbar). An instrumental part of Te Akau Racing’s development into a multi-national force over the last couple of decades, Mark Walker has won four trainers’ premierships in Singapore to go with his six and counting in New Zealand. Walker began his Singapore tenure in 2010 and won premiership titles in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021. Another of New Zealand’s big Singapore success stories is Stephen Gray, who added 825 wins at Kranji to his tally of just under 400 in New Zealand in partnership with his father Kevin. “It’s such a pity when you think back to how good Singapore was,” Gray commented earlier this year. Another Kiwi trainer who flew the flag on the Singapore stage was Paddy Busuttin, who was at Kranji from 1997 to 2006 and finished among the top five on the trainers’ premiership in all of his first five seasons. Busuttin’s headline performer at Kranji was the great Bocelli (NZ) (Lord Ballina), who was Singapore’s Horse of the Year in 2001. The most recent addition to this list is Donna Logan, whose former base at Ruakaka produced a series of trans-Tasman Group One stars such as Rising Romance (NZ) (Ekraar), Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ) (Tavistock), Habibi (NZ) (Ekraar), Victory Smile (NZ) (Victory Dance), Valley Girl (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) and Vapour Trail (NZ) (Jetball). Logan moved to Singapore in 2018 and became only the second female trainer to hold a licence at Kranji. She has gone on to win 189 races in Singapore, including the S$1m Kranji Mile with Minister (Street Sense). These respected trainers are just some of the Kiwis who have left a lasting legacy in Singapore racing. The final raceday takes place on Saturday 5 October with the running of the S$1.38m Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m). View the full article

Dan Meagher joined Michael Felgate on Racing Pulse ahead of the last ever Singapore racemeeting the Singapore Gold Cup where he will be represented by Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro. Dan Meagher ahead of the last race meeting in Singapore – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Rich Hill Stud has joined forces with Entain Australia-New Zealand and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing as principal sponsor of the New Zealand Champion Middle Distance Bonus Series. Rich Hill, the home of champion New Zealand sire Proisir, is backing a revamped series to reward the country’s top middle-distance performers. The $500,000 bonus series will open with the running of Wednesday’s rescheduled Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata. “Our stallions have a long history with these key qualifying races with star gallopers the likes of Xcellent (Pentire), Mufhasa (Pentire), Say No More (Pentire), El Vencedor (Shocking), Legarto (Proisir), La Crique (Vadamos) and Jimmy Choux, who also stood here, enjoying success in them,” Rich Hill’s John Thompson said. “The Rich Hill Mile is also part of the series so it’s a really good fit for us and we’re obviously keen to continue our support for Entain and New Zealand racing.” The qualifying races in the series are the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (September 28), the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (October 12), Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (November 5), Gr.3 TAB Mile (November 13), Gr.1 TAB Classic (December 7), Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (December 26), Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (January 1), Gr.1 Team Harcourts Thorndon Mile (January 11), Listed Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (January 25), Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (February 8), Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (February 22) and the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes (March 8). Points will be allocated to the first four placegetters of each race in the Champion Middle Distance Series, with a bonus pool of $500,000 to be shared among the owners of the three highest point scoring horses at the conclusion of the series. To be eligible to win or place, a horse must compete in at least one New Zealand Group One race featured in the series. If two or more horses finish with the same number of points, the relevant bonus amount will be shared. First prize based on the bonus allocation will be $300,000, second will receive $150,000 and third place will offer $50,000 with a 10 percent bonus payment from these amounts to be awarded to the trainer. Following Leg Three on November 5, a leaderboard table will feature after each series race on Trackside TV’s Weigh In show keeping race fans informed of the bonus points tally. View the full article

Multiple Group One-winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) is not a certainty to defend her Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) crown on Wednesday at Matamata. Andrew Forsman, who trains the mare out of Cambridge, has had a difficult time managing an interrupted preparation, missing a start over 1400m at New Plymouth before Saturday’s abandonment at Hastings continued her woes. “We’re a little bit disappointed, she’s already been down to one abandoned meeting and didn’t have a run, so we gave her a trial and thought we had her right for last Saturday,” Forsman said. “We’ve now been asked to get her on the float, come home and be ready for Wednesday without a proper preparation. Given that her campaign has been muddily to say the least to this point, it’s going to probably just be a little bit too hard. “If the Group One was moved to this Saturday, we would’ve been able to get a couple of decent gallops into her and prepare properly for a race at that level, but she hasn’t been given that opportunity. “At this stage, we’re leaning towards racing her on the weekend.” There is a sense of déjà vu for Forsman with Mustang Valley and the Arrowfield, having run second in the race two years ago when it was, as on this occasion, transferred to Matamata, but on the following Saturday. “When we were in this situation two years ago, I felt they did the right thing by moving the race back a week, giving horses a chance to get home from Hastings and be prepared properly,” he said. “I just don’t think she’s in that situation this year unfortunately.” Forsman has nominated the daughter of Vanbrugh for both the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera, and the Team Wealleans 1600 at Tauranga, with a shot at next Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) more suited to the latter. “She hasn’t had quite the right preparation to go to the Livamol (Gr.1, 2040m), unless she runs in the open mile on Saturday,” he said. If the mare does not start on Wednesday, Forsman’s stable will still be represented by Saint Bathans (Maurice) in the mile feature. The Maurice gelding has performed creditably in strong company since returning from Australia last year, including a narrow second in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He will probably run, just for the lack of other options when we are hoping to have him ready for a Livamol,” Forsman said. “We feel it’s probably the right path for him, he’s had a solid 1400 and can have a good mile race on Wednesday, giving him the chance to run Saturday week at Te Rapa.” Elsewhere on the Matamata card, Belardi (NZ) (Belardo) will step out in the Gr.2 AHD – Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). During his juvenile season, Belardi won the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) over subsequent stakes winner Raziah, and enters the race off a trial win a fortnight ago at Rotorua. “He’s going great, it’s just a matter of whether he’s going to be effective on top of the ground,” Forsman said. “We feel like he will be, but whether it’s at this level or not, that’s for him to prove. “He’s drawn well so he should jump and put himself on the pace, which should be an advantage at Matamata with the rail back in the true position. “He’s in good form, so he’ll get his chance to put his hand up and say that he’s a contender or not.” The son of Belardo holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November, as does Richard And I (NZ) (Ocean Park), who lines up in the Betta Inspect It Premier (1300m). “He has drawn well the second time around, it’s a very tough competitive race and a few locals have come into the mix, but it’s very much a run for him to find out where he’s at,” Forsman said. “We will find out whether he’s a Guineas-type proposition, or whether we are better to back off him and give him a little bit more time.” View the full article

Cody Cole had hoped to have his talented filly Renovations (NZ) (Ardrossan) running on her home track this week, but instead, she will continue her campaign towards some lofty targets at Tauranga on Saturday. Renovations had been a prominent late juvenile placing behind Super Photon in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m), and she lost no admirers when resuming as a three-year-old, with a solid performance into fourth behind Alabama Lass in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings. Cole had earmarked either the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) or the Gr.2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) as the Ardrossan filly’s next stakes target, with the Ultimate Mazda 3YO (1300m) appealing as an ideal stepping stone. The latter was set to be contested at Matamata before the abandoned Hawke’s Bay card was moved to the venue, pushing that meeting across to the right-handed track in the Bay of Plenty. “I’m happy with her, but she’s probably not quite as good right-handed, as we were meant to be at Matamata,” Cole said. “This is another stepping stone to the Soliloquy and the Sarten, those couple of races on that weekend would be the logical next step for her. “The appeal for the Sarten is that she’s raced twice at Waikato for a win and a second in a stakes race, so she does perform well there. Even though you’re against the boys, it feels a more suitable option than Ellerslie for her.” Cole had taken a team of five down to Hawke’s Bay last Saturday, with each of those runners now set to make an appearance at the Matamata meeting on Wednesday. Among the quintet will be Evelyn Rush (NZ) (Derryn) in the Betta Inspect It Premier (1300m), with the Derryn mare coming off a win on debut at the course on September 4. “I’ve been really happy with her since her debut, she’s back to her home track where she won last time with the same draw so it’s probably a bit more suitable for her than Hastings,” Cole said. “It’s just whether the trip to Hawke’s Bay has knocked her around, but it doesn’t seem to have so hopefully she can bounce through that well enough to perform well tomorrow.” The Prophet (NZ) (Redwood) also made a strong impression in his debut victory back in May, and a fourth-placing when stepping up to Rating 65 grade was his final start before a spell. The son of Redwood will line-up in the Colliers Commercial HB Premier (1400m). “He was obviously very impressive down at Woodville at his first start, then the two-week back-up and a long trip down there possibly took the edge of him because he didn’t quite perform up to what we had expected of him that day,” Cole said. “He’s got plenty of ability so hopefully we can see a bit of that tomorrow, but he’s definitely not the finished product yet. He’s got a lot of figuring out what he’s here for.” Cole prepares The Prophet for breeder Gerry Harvey’s New Zealand Thoroughbred Holdings, with stablemate Kind Thoughts (NZ) (Tarzino) also set to run in the familiar silks in the Heretaunga – Hastings To The Core Premier (1600m). The Tarzino mare had been near-faultless in her brief career to date, before an unfavourable run into ninth on the opening day at the Bay. “She just wasn’t ridden to suit her, she’s a real staying mare with a good finish on her but that’s with a sustained run, not a dazzling turn of foot,” Cole said. “She just got held up at the 400 when she needed to be out and rolling, she did well to pick herself back-up when the leaders won that race and find the line again. “I think you can pretty much draw a line through that run and from a nice gate (3) where she can get out and rolling when she needs too, and with Gryllsy (Craig Grylls, jockey) on board, she’ll be running a very good race tomorrow.” Completing Cole’s team will be older mares Iffshecan and Wet ‘N’ Wild, the pair both accepting into the NZB Ready To Run Trainers Series Premier (1200m) in a fresh state. “Wet ‘N’ Wild jumped out really well at Ellerslie, but she’s a little bit unknown at the 1200, so it may be a little bit sharp for her,” Cole said. “She drew a really nice gate at Hastings and now we’re drawn midfield (8) which isn’t really suitable, but I can only be happy with the horse. “Iffshecan an honest old mare that doesn’t often put in a bad run. “Last season was probably her worst for us, but she’s come to hand really well this time in and it will be her final season racing. Hopefully she can go on with it, it would be nice to get a little bit of black-type with her somewhere if she steps up to her best this season.” View the full article

Brian Anderton, a doyen of South Island racing and breeding, has been recognised for his service to the thoroughbred industry when bestowed life membership to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association at their AGM on Monday. Arguably no person has made a greater impact on the southern breeding and racing community than the White Robe Lodge founder and principal, who has left a lasting legacy on the region’s thoroughbred industry. Horses have always played a pivotal role in Anderton’s life, which was fostered by his family’s hack, and led to a lifelong dedication to the animal. “When I was younger, my mother used to drive us to school in a pony and cart,” Anderton said. “My sister Maureen, who married Bob Skelton, was the oldest, Jaylah Kennedy’s (leading Australian apprentice jockey) grandfather Terrence was in-between us and when we graduated, the pony went out of the harness and we rode him bareback, one behind the other. He was an old devil and he got rid of us most days. We had a great childhood.” Anderton quickly made his passion for horses into a career, firstly as jockey and then as a studmaster and trainer. “I had my first ride in a race when I was 13 and I rode my first winner when I was 14,” he said. “It was on a mare called White Robe, and that’s why I called the place White Robe Lodge, and it all grew from there.” While Anderton enjoyed riding, it was the breeding side of the industry that held his true passion, and he went down that route at a young age, standing his first stallion when he was 18-years-old. “I always dreamed of having a stud farm,” he said. “I got married and had a wife who was behind me the whole way. The children came along and they have all been involved. “I was 18 when I bought Harken (first stallion). I paid 100 guineas for him. He left some reasonable horses. He was standing for five pounds, and we used to serve a few hack mares with him as well. He was the start of it all.” Anderton stood a string of stallions at White Robe Lodge before they were put on the map by Mellay, who has left a lasting impression on the southern breeding and racing landscape. “I got friendly with Jim Malcolm, and he leased me Rejoicing II, Ruddington, and then Resurgent. He was a tough horse, but he was a great sire,” Anderton said. “I would have only been 24 or 25 when I got Mellay. He left our favourite, Princess Mellay, who won two New Zealand Cups (Gr.1 ,3200m) and the Oaks (Gr.2, 2400m). He also left Swell Time, who won a Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m), and numerous other good horses, he was a great sire.” Mellay was a firm farm favourite, and Anderton enjoyed riding the boisterous entire around the farm in-between stud duties. “He was a tough horse,” Anderton said. “Anyone who worked for me didn’t dodge getting savaged by him. He would never kick you, but he was good with his old mouth. You had to be wary of him. “I used to ride Mellay. He was unraced. He was a cantankerous devil and some days he wouldn’t let you catch him. I used to lead another horse up the gate to get the lead on him. When he was in a bad mood I used to hop on his back and ride him around the paddock. When you got on, he was a different horse altogether, he forgot about all of his antics. He enjoyed a ride and he was happy when he was doing something.” In a short stud career, Mellay left four Group One winners and 24 individual stakes winners before his untimely death at 13 as a result of colic. While Mellay’s death was a big loss to the farm, Anderton was able to find a worthy replacement in Noble Bijou. The son of Vaguely Noble proved to be a notable producer of quality horses, leaving 10 individual Group One winners, including Alibhai, The Phantom Chance, The Phantom and Prince Majestic. The farm has gone on to stand a number of quality stallions, and currently has a stallion roster of four, including Ancient Spirit, Ghibellines, Raise The Flag, and Gallant Guru. Anderton places a lot of weight on the pedigree of a horse and said that plays a massive role in his mating selections. “They have got to inherit it from somewhere,” he said. “I put a lot of emphasis on the dam side especially. You try and breed for a type too, but some of the worst looking horses can be the best.” In recent years, White Robe Lodge has been synonymous with breeding quality stayers and jumpers, many of which have performed to the highest level in Australia, including the likes of Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) hero Ablaze. Anderton, who trains in partnership with his son Shane, sells a number of the farm’s graduates as tried horses through his barn, and highlights giving his horses time as one of the biggest factors in their success. “I think the big secret in breeding and racing is time,” he said. “Dad always said that the man who made time made plenty of it, and he was quite right. “I like growing a horse out – put them out and bring them back in. You can gradually see them develop. Quite often, they have got to develop the mentality too. You have got to try and breed that into them as well. “They go on and do the job for them over there (Australia). From what we are hearing, they are buying them (yearlings), pay big money, and then they are having to wait that long it is a huge cost in developing them. We are prepared to do the waiting and if something comes along, we will get a phone call. All geldings are for sale because we have got to keep the place chugging.” Anderton has achieved plenty of success, not only in breeding, but training as well. While he is proud of the accolades he has received, he said he couldn’t have done it without his family, and his late wife Lorraine in particular. “At one time I was riding, training and I was running the stud farm, and that was hard work,” he said. “Lorraine used to do the night shift. We often used to pass in the hallway – she would be coming home from the shift, and I would be going on. But we still had five children. I couldn’t have done it without her. It was a busy life, but a rewarding life.” White Robe Lodge has become a true family-run business, and Anderton is proud to see the next generations in his family carry on his legacy. “Karen (Stewart, daughter) and Wayne (Stewart, son-in-law) run the stud now with my grandson, Jack,” Anderton said. “Shane, my son, is the trainer, and we all get on well.” Looking back on his life at White Robe Lodge, Anderton said family support and hard work was a massive factor to their success, but luck with stallions also played a part. “Racing has been kind to us. I have achieved a lot of things, but I have had the horses, owners and jockeys to do it,” he said. “You don’t achieve anything in life unless you work bloody hard. I have been fortunate, and things have come along. Mellay was a godsend.” View the full article

Classy middle-distance galloper Quality Time (Amaron) will take the final step towards his Group One goal when contesting Wednesday’s Team Wealleans Premier (2000m) at Matamata. Quality Time joined the stable of Kylie Hoskin earlier this year after a successful career in Australia, earning more than A$300,000 in stakes in the care of Chris Waller. In his four New Zealand starts, the son of Amaron has recorded a win and two second placings, most recently in behind multiple-Group One performer Malt Time at Ruakaka. Hoskin was delighted with the performance over 1400m, a distance short of his best, and indicated it was always her intention to then jump up to 2000m in preparation for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) next Saturday. “He was really good at Ruakaka, I thought he would be run off his feet in that field being a stayer, but I was really pleased with how he finished it off,” she said. “Also, to come second behind Malt Time is pretty impressive. “This was always our plan with him, it is a big step-up in distance but he is a stayer and an older horse that knows his job. “We just wanted to get that run into him over 2000m, which obviously was meant to be at Hastings, before he tackled the Livamol a fortnight after that.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing announced on Tuesday morning that the Hawke’s Bay meeting, which annually stages the Livamol Classic, had been moved to Te Rapa, significantly closer to Hoskin’s base at Byerley Park. “The change has worked out quite well for us,” she said. “He’s raced at Te Rapa in his fresh-up run last season and ran second to Turn The Ace, so he’s been there before and likes the track.” Looking beyond the feature, Quality Time also holds an early nomination for the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m), an option Hoskin and his owners, well-known syndicators Go Racing, will consider in the coming weeks. “It was just sort of a Plan B if the Livamol didn’t come to fruition, something we’ve got in the back of our minds,” she said. “He hasn’t been beyond that 2100-2200m mark, so it is a question whether he would be able to stay the two miles. We’ll look more closely at that option once we’re through the Livamol.” Quality Time currently sits as a $21 chance with the TAB Futures market for the Livamol Classic, and an $18 chance for the New Zealand Cup. View the full article

Following the partial abandonment of Saturday’s meeting at Hastings, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has made the decision to move the Saturday 12 October raceday and Group 1 Livamol Classic to Te Rapa. The move of the Group races is still subject to final Pattern Committee approval. The Saturday 28 September Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate meeting at Hastings was partially abandoned following a horse slipping in the first race. Post abandonment work was carried out to the area of concern past the winning post and a set of jumpouts were held on Monday at the track. The jumpouts went without incident with several senior riders in attendance. A risk assessment was undertaken by NZTR management into, not only the safety of the track, but whether the industry could risk further damage should the worst happen given the tracks recent history. “NZTR Board and management have carefully considered the remedial work that was completed on the track. After assessing all aspects of the situation, management believe it will pose considerable financial and reputational risk to the industry in the event of another abandonment at the same venue. Given the limited time to thoroughly test the track, the difficult decision was made to move the meeting to Te Rapa.” – Darin Balcombe, NZTR COO “NZTR understand the devastating impact this will have on the Hawke’s Bay Club and region, and we will work with the Club over the coming weeks to provide support and identify a pathway forward.” NZTR recognise the significance of this decision for Hawkes Bay Racing. However, the transfer will give industry participants certainty that a day of this importance to the industry can move forward without any apprehension. “NZTR is committed to the long-term sustainability and safety of our racing operations and intend to return racing to the Hawke’s Bay.” More information regarding the programming for the raceday will be announced in the coming days. View the full article

Metropolitan Handicap favourite, Land Legend. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au The Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) is one of three Group 1 features at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with 18 stayers set to battle it out for the $750,000 prize. The Chris Waller camp have eight possible runners set to line up in the classic handicap, including Land Legend being installed as the $6.00 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. The son of Galileo is coming through a luckless effort in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) behind Eliyass and should get every opportunity to make amends stepping up in trip from barrier seven. Stable companion and Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) winner First Light is on the second line of betting at $7.00 on the one-week backup after last Saturday’s victory, while Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) winner Etna Rosso is being respected at the $9.00 quote. One of the key chances that needs multiple scratchings to make the final field comes in the form of Unusual Legacy ($8.00), who could be a live chance with 50kg on his back after securing barrier four. The Ciaron Maher barn brings a strong contingent to this contest, with Melbourne raiders Berkshire Breeze ($8.00) and Future History ($9.00) set to make the trip north. As will the team Hayes-trained Que Tempesta ($15.00), with Lindsay Park connections needing to decide as to whether they run here or in the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on the same day. The 2024 Metropolitan Handicap should be a genuinely run affair thanks to the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Serpentine ($11.00) and Military Mission ($21.00), giving some of the light-weighted swoopers a chance to come into play. Meanwhile, the James Cummings-trained Zardozi ($11.00) will be looking to recapture her best form as Zac Lloyd takes the reins from barrier 10, bolstered by the chance of favourable Soft conditions at Randwick. 2024 The Metropolitan Final Field 1. Kalapour (22) T: Kris Lees J: Nash Rawiller W: 57kg F: 84×31 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: War Command (USA) Dam: Kaladena (IRE) +3300 +825 2. Military Mission (1) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Regan Bayliss W: 55.5kg F: 99×86 Age: 7YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Mastercraftsman (IRE) Dam: Atlantic Isle (GER) +2500 +625 3. Serpentine (18) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 55kg F: 4×404 Age: 8YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Remember When (IRE) +800 +200 4. Que Tempesta (12) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 54.5kg F: 65×11 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Territories (IRE) Dam: Tipperary Boutique (IRE) +1600 +400 5. Alegron (5) T: Bjorn Baker J: Rachel King W: 54kg F: 7×212 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Teofilo (IRE) Dam: Alegria +3300 +825 6. Cleveland (19) T: Kris Lees J: Dylan Gibbons W: 54kg F: 800×1 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Camelot (GB) Dam: Venus de Milo (IRE) +7000 +1750 7. Athabascan (9) T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton J: Jason Collett W: 54kg F: 08×24 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Alzubra (GB) +2000 +500 8. Trust In You (14) T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley J: Tom Sherry W: 53kg F: 036×6 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Swynesse Dam: Shinko Bay (NZ) +20000 +5000 9. El Bodegon (17) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 52.5kg F: 08×60 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Kodiac (GB) Dam: Al Andalyya (USA) +10000 +2500 10. Zardozi (10) T: James Cummings J: Zac Lloyd W: 52kg F: 566×2 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +1000 +250 11. Future History (3) T: Ciaron Maher J: TBC W: 51.5kg F: 23×65 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Showcasing (GB) Dam: Likelihood (USA) +700 +175 12. Star Of India (6) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Alysha Collett W: 51.5kg F: 0x0x1 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Shermeen (IRE) +10000 +2500 13. Etna Rosso (13) T: Chris Waller J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 51.5kg F: 1513x Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Decorated Knight (GB) Dam: Kirouna (FR) +800 +200 14. Land Legend (7) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 51kg F: 60x1x Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Galileo (IRE) Dam: Landikusic (IRE) +500 +125 15. First Light (2) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 1440x Age: 7YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Dubawi (IRE) Dam: Anzhelika (IRE) +600 +150 16. Manzoice (16) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 32×02 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Choice (NZ) +1400 +350 17. Berkshire Breeze (15) T: Ciaron Maher J: TBC W: 50kg F: 32111 Age: 6YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Mastercraftsman (IRE) Dam: Bright And Shining (IRE) +700 +175 18. Wyclif (20) T: Ciaron Maher J: TBC W: 50kg F: 2270x Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Archipenko (USA) Dam: Altruiste (GB) +2500 +625 19. Immediacy (1E) (21) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Jett Stanley W: 50kg F: 76×55 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tarzino (NZ) Dam: But Beautiful (IRE) +1400 +350 20. Strathtay (2E) (11) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 33154 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Preferment (NZ) Dam: Miss Remington +5000 +1250 21. Unusual Legacy (3E) (11) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 213×1 Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Unusual Suspect (USA) Dam: Celtic Legacy (NZ) +700 +175 22. Matusalem (4E) (8) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 11015 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Miss Dodwell +5000 +1250 Horse racing news View the full article

What Rosehill Races Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Wednesday, October 2, 2024 First Race 2pm AEST Visit Dabble NSW metro racing returns to Rosehill on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program lined up for punters. The rail moves out +7m the entire circuit after racing in the true for Golden Rose Day on Saturday, and although the track is rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances, the surface should be on the improve heading into race-day thanks to some drying days forecast in the lead-up. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 2pm local time. Best Bet at Rosehill: Newfoundland appears to be a different horse entering his third Australian start for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn, storming through the wire to get within 1.3 lengths of Unlimited first-up at Canterbury on September 18. The son of Deep Impact was only building into his work late, and with his best European form coming over a staying journey, the six-year-old should relish the step up to 2400m. Tim Clark will need to be positive from the widest draw (8) in the small field, however, provided Newfoundland lands in a prominent position, this guy will take a power of beating. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Newfoundland (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Rosehill: Need Some Luck Need Some Luck didn’t have any first-up at Canterbury on September 18 and was sensational clinging to a runner-up placing behind Deprivation despite sitting three-wide without cover throughout the entire journey. Kerrin McEvoy should have no issue sliding into the one-one from gate two this time around, and with the son of Rubick rock-hard fit after that testing effort, Need Some Luck should prove too classy for this lot, justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Need Some Luck (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Snowden | J: Kerrin McEvoy (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Rosehill: Misterkipchoge Misterkipchoge found nothing but backsides when trying to get clear at Canterbury on September 18. He fell victim of the ‘Canterbury Coffin’ on that occasion and had plenty left in the tank, cruising through the wire under his own steam for a glorified barrier trial. Getting to the 1800m for the first time should be ideal for the son of Ocean Park, and with the conditions unlikely to hinder this progressive four-year-old gelding, watch for Misterkipchoge to be putting in the big strides late at an each-way price. Next Best Race 4 – #8 Misterkipchoge (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (57kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections October 2, 2024 1-2-8-10 1-3-5-11 1-3-7-10-11-12 7-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Royal Patronage has opened favourite for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap. Photo: Bradleyphotos The time-honoured Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) headlines the action at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, attracting a capacity field of 20 to stake their claim on the $1.5 million prize. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Royal Patronage has opened $4.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers after a strong effort in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at this course and distance on September 21 but will need to get the job done from barrier 17 with Tim Clark in the saddle. Ceolwulf is on the second line of betting at $6.00, with Chad Schofield set to take the reins aboard the son of Tavistock, dropping back in trip after suffering defeat at the hands of Eliyass in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) a fortnight ago. The Chirs Waller barn has a strong hand in this year’s edition, with seven runners representing his stable, including Rediener ($26.00) searching for back-to-back wins after claiming victory in this race 12 months ago. Kovalica ($6.00) is the only one of those in single figures thanks to the appointment of James McDonald, while Democracy Manifest ($13.00) has garnered some support early in betting. Leaving the likes of Mchale ($26.00), Chrysaor ($34.00) and Molly Bloom ($101.00) friendless post-barrier draw. Godolphin only have one runner in the form of Tom Kitten ($11.00), while Ciaron Maher will send around the trio of Detonator Jack ($15.00), Berkshire Shadow ($17.00) and Nugget ($26.00). The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained My Oberon ($13.00) will carry top weight in the 2024 Epsom Handicap, with Nash Rawiller needing to navigate a passage to victory from barrier 21. 2024 Epsom Handicap Final Field 1. My Oberon (21) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Nash Rawiller W: 56.5kg F: 20×03 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Dubawi (IRE) Dam: My Titania (IRE) +1000 +240 2. Royal Patronage (17) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 56kg F: 31×45 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Shaloushka (IRE) +360 -111.11 3. Detonator Jack (16) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jason Collett W: 56kg F: 45×82 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Jakkalberry (IRE) Dam: Red Delicious (NZ) +1400 +340 4. Kovalica (1) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 55.5kg F: 3×563 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Vitesse (NZ) +500 +125 5. Rediener (12) T: Chris Waller J: Joshua Parr W: 55.5kg F: 4×011 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Redoute’s Choice Dam: Wiener +3300 +750 6. Democracy Manifest (10) T: Chris Waller J: Kerrin McEvoy W: 55kg F: 04×81 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Flying Artie Dam: Slippery Satin +1200 +290 7. Ceolwulf (14) T: Joseph Pride J: Chad Schofield W: 54kg F: 216×8 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Las Brisas (GB) +550 +140 8. Nugget (11) T: Ciaron Maher J: Dylan Gibbons W: 54kg F: 8×704 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Siyouni (FR) Dam: Gemstone (IRE) +2500 +550 9. Tom Kitten (19) T: James Cummings J: Tommy Berry W: 54kg F: 51×46 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Transfers +1000 +240 10. Berkshire Shadow (8) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ashley Morgan W: 53kg F: 36×98 Age: 6YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Dark Angel (IRE) Dam: Angel Vision (IRE) +1400 +340 11. Loch Eagle (18) T: Kris Lees J: Jay Ford W: 52.5kg F: 806×0 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Lonhro Dam: Song Street (IRE) +12500 +3000 12. Major Beel (9) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Winona Costin W: 51.5kg F: 51×04 Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Savabeel Dam: Gram (NZ) +2500 +550 13. Chrysaor (5) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Williams W: 51.5kg F: 1×667 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Better Than Ready Dam: New Wings +4000 +900 14. Molly Bloom (3) T: Chris Waller J: Zac Lloyd W: 50.5kg F: 0x852 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Ace High Dam: Dancilla (NZ) +12500 +3000 15. Arctic Glamour (6) T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou J: Andrew Adkins W: 50kg F: 372×0 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Frosted (USA) Dam: Fartoo Flashy +2500 +550 16. Mchale (15) T: Chris Waller J: Rachel King W: 50kg F: 1×304 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Shooting to Win Dam: Xaar’s Jewel +2500 +550 17. Ausbred Flirt (2) T: Brad Widdup J: TBC W: 50kg F: 5×629 Age: 6YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Seven Year Itch +10000 +2500 18. Kintyre (7) T: Gary Portelli J: Cejay Graham W: 50kg F: 45×31 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Hallowed Crown Dam: Mull Over +4000 +900 19. Firestorm (13) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 50kg F: 11×03 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Satono Aladdin (JPN) Dam: Dancing Embers (NZ) +6000 +1300 20. Galeron (4) T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald J: Alysha Collett W: 50kg F: 32665 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Camacho (GB) Dam: Society Gal (IRE) +20000 +5000 21. Floating (1E) (20) T: Matthew Smith J: Reece Jones W: 50kg F: 159×4 Age: 6YO Colour: Grey Sex: Gelding Sire: Puissance de Lune (IRE) Dam: Goujon +20000 +5000 Horse racing news View the full article

Warmonger ridden by Blake Shinn takes out the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Mick Price is anticipating another strong performance from Warmonger when the gelding contests the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. Price was thrilled with the four-year-old’s fourth-place finish behind Mr Brightside in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at the same track on September 14, marking his return to racing after a dominant 10.4-length victory in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June. Training alongside Michael Kent Jnr, Price has pinpointed the Turnbull Stakes as Warmonger’s final lead-up race for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19. “He’s on target,” Price told Racing.com. “He’s good and progressing well towards his ultimate goal. His first-up run was good, and he obviously appreciated the wet track. I’m expecting that he puts in a similar run. “We may not win, but he’s going to run well.” “The Turnbull is always an important lead-in race to the Caulfield Cup, and you need to be running well in it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winner, Giga Kick. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mornington trainer Clayton Douglas is confident that star sprinter Giga Kick is primed to prove his credentials for The Everest (1200m) when he lines up in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday. Giga Kick, the 2022 Everest champion, made his long-awaited return to racing after a year on the sidelines, finishing fifth in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on September 7, three lengths behind the winner I Am Me. Douglas has spaced Giga Kick’s races with four weeks between runs as the five-year-old gears up for the Group 2 feature. An impressive trial win at Canterbury last Tuesday has boosted confidence heading into the race. “It was always the plan to give him a month between runs and the trial, and his fitness is really good now,” Douglas told Racing.com. “Obviously, it’s not too far from The Everest, so he needs to be fairly tuned up, and we’ve started to really tighten him up. “You can tell he’s done really well, and he looks good in himself. He’s nice and fit and forward.” Douglas is hopeful that Giga Kick will show he’s back to his best. “I’m expecting a forward showing – he really needs to put his hand up and say that he’s ready to go in two weeks’ time,” Douglas added. “I can’t wait to see him step up in trip second-up and hopefully, he can do me proud.” Horse racing news View the full article

Storm Boy will attempt to conquer The Everest. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After Storm Boy was defeated by less than a length in Saturday’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m), Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott along with Coolmore connections have made the decision to drop back in trip, announcing plans to run in The Everest (1200m) on October 19. The original plans had been to step up to the mile in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), however, based on Saturday’s performance, Gai Waterhouse confirmed that reverting in trip should be ideal for the Justify colt. “We’ve had long discussions and he will go to the Everest and bring him back in distance,” said Waterhouse speaking with Racing.com at Flemington trackwork. “He came out of it super (Golden Rose). Not one horse that led won on Saturday, it was a swoopers track. I thought he was enormously courageous. “His two dominant wins have been when he’s been three weeks apart. “Adam Hyeronimus also made the comment, maybe he is just a colt who needs that little bit of time between runs, it might suit him better.” Storm Boy is now one of seven confirmed runners for the Everest and is a $13.00 chance with horse racing bookmakers. Meanwhile, he’s on the third line of betting at $6.00 for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 2. Horse racing news View the full article

Quality Time will lineup at Matamata on Wednesday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Classy middle-distance galloper Quality Time will take the final step towards his Group One goal at Matamata on Wednesday. Quality Time joined the stable of Kylie Hoskin earlier this year after a successful career in Australia, earning more than $300,000 in stakes in the care of Chris Waller. In his four New Zealand starts, the son of Amaron has recorded a win and two second placings, most recently in behind multiple-Group One performer Malt Time at Ruakaka. Hoskin was delighted with the performance over 1400m, a distance short of his best, and indicated it was always her intention to then jump up to 2000m in preparation for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) next Saturday. “He was really good at Ruakaka, I thought he would be run off his feet in that field being a stayer, but I was really pleased with how he finished it off,” she said. “Also, to come second behind Malt Time is pretty impressive. “This was always our plan with him, it is a big step-up in distance but he is a stayer and an older horse that knows his job. “We just wanted to get that run into him over 2000m, which obviously was meant to be at Hastings, before he tackled the Livamol a fortnight after that.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing announced on Tuesday morning that the Hawke’s Bay meeting, which annually stages the Livamol Classic, had been moved to Te Rapa, significantly closer to Hoskin’s base at Byerley Park. “The change has worked out quite well for us,” she said. “He’s raced at Te Rapa in his fresh-up run last season and ran second to Turn The Ace, so he’s been there before and likes the track.” Looking beyond the feature, Quality Time also holds an early nomination for the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), an option Hoskin and his owners, well-known syndicators Go Racing, will consider in the coming weeks. “It was just sort of a Plan B if the Livamol didn’t come to fruition, something we’ve got in the back of our minds,” she said. “He hasn’t been beyond that 2100-2200m mark, so it is a question whether he would be able to stay the two miles. We’ll look more closely at that option once we’re through the Livamol.” Quality Time currently sits as a $21 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Livamol Classic and an $18 chance for the New Zealand Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

Group One contender Faraglioni during an exhibition gallop at Taupo last month. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Ultra-consistent mare Faraglioni is out to shed her bridesmaid’s tag in Wednesday’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata. Three weeks’ ago, the daughter of El Roca finished a game runner-up to Grail Seeker in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), an identical result to last season’s Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) and Group 2 Westbury Classic (1400m). Josh Shaw, who trains Faraglioni out of Levin, had the fortune of basing her in Hawke’s Bay throughout the week prior to the original Arrowfield meeting on Saturday, which was abandoned following to the first race. “I think she’s probably better off than most because she didn’t have that travel up to Hastings last week, I based her up there for the week prior,” he said. “Every other horse was likely either in transit or on course, but she never left her box. “Going up to Matamata (on Tuesday) will just be like travelling for any other race for her really.” While delighted with her effort in the Tarzino, Shaw is hopeful the mare can collect a deserved stakes crown at the rescheduled meeting, where Jonathan Riddell remains on board from barrier 10. “Her run in the Tarzino was very good, I was expecting with that draw that she would be able to position up where she wanted to and she just ran into one better unfortunately,” he said. “She had a good piece of work on Sunday morning, she worked with a mate of Guy Lowry’s and that ended up being her final piece of work. She had a trot and a canter today and will do the same before travelling up. “Hopefully we can go one better.” Horse racing news View the full article

Australian jockey recovers from ear issue in time to partner Invincible Sage in Group Three feature.View the full article

This week on the Guerin Report, Michael sits down with CEO of NZTR Bruce Sharrock and asks him about the hastings abandonment, Jumps Racing and many more important current topics in the NZ Racing Industry. Guerin Report – Ep. 5, Ft. Bruce Sharrock (youtube.com) View the full article

Ultra-consistent mare Faraglioni (NZ) (El Roca) is out to shed her bridesmaid’s tag in Wednesday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata. Three weeks’ ago, the daughter of El Roca finished a game runner-up to Grail Seeker in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), an identical result to last season’s Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) and Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). Josh Shaw, who trains Faraglioni out of Levin, had the fortune of basing her in Hawke’s Bay throughout the week prior to the original Arrowfield meeting on Saturday, which was abandoned following to the first race. “I think she’s probably better off than most because she didn’t have that travel up to Hastings last week, I based her up there for the week prior,” he said. “Every other horse was likely either in transit or on course, but she never left her box. “Going up to Matamata (on Tuesday) will just be like travelling for any other race for her really.” While delighted with her effort in the Tarzino, Shaw is hopeful the mare can collect a deserved stakes crown at the rescheduled meeting, where Johnathon Riddell remains on board from barrier 10. “Her run in the Tarzino was very good, I was expecting with that draw that she would be able to position up where she wanted to and she just ran into one better unfortunately,” he said. “She had a good piece of work on Sunday morning, she worked with a mate of Guy Lowry’s and that ended up being her final piece of work. She had a trot and a canter today and will do the same before travelling up. “Hopefully we can go one better.” View the full article

Nelson Schick’s decades of contributions to the breeding and racing industries have been acknowledged with Life Membership of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. A driving force behind the rise of Windsor Park Stud as a domestic and international brand, he was honoured at Monday’s annual meeting in Cambridge. “The industry has been very good to us and I’m very proud to have been made a Life Member, it’s a huge privilege,” Schick said. “I’ve been around for a while and the industry has been through the highs and lows and thank goodness we’re getting back to a better balance.” In the 1960s, Schick and then wife Sue, who remain business partners, established the nursery in the Waikato with son Rodney now running the operation which covers four properties and encompasses more than 1400 acres of prime land. “I was always mad on horses and been a pedigree nut since I was 16 or 17. When I was 23, I went into business with my first wife Sue and we’ve had a lot of fun and success along the way,” he said. “It’s been great to be a part of and seeing some of the great New Zealand horses going overseas to compete so successfully.” A long line of outstanding stallions have stood at Windsor Park through the years including Star Way, Volksraad, Kaapstad, Thorn Park and shuttle stallions High Chaparral, Montjeu, Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle. “Silver Dream was the one who paid for the other ones in the early days,” Schick said. The English-bred son of Tudor Melody produced Group One winners Silver Lad, Silver Wraith, Silver Nymph and Sirstaci during his time at Windsor Park. In 1990/91, Star Way won the prestigious Dewar Stallion Award for the Champion New Zealand-based sire for Australasian earnings, Volksraad was a multiple winner of the prestigious Grosvenor Award for New Zealand’s Champion Sire and Thorn Park also won the Grosvenor title. “It’s certainly not easy being in the stallion game, but we’ve been very lucky and they’ve kept us ticking over,” Schick said. Windsor Park has bred countless top-flight performers, including Champion Hong Kong sprinter Aerovelocity while the great So You Think was foaled and raised on the stud but pride of place on Schick’s list goes to Might And Power. “He was a huge part of our lives, he wasn’t the most perfect horse, but he certainly had a lot of talent and the heart of a lion,” he said. By Zabeel, Might And Power was a two-time Australian Horse of the Year whose multiple Group One victories featured the Melbourne and Caulfield Cup double and the Cox Plate. Schick’s previous honours include the 2018 New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Outstanding Contribution to Racing and Windsor Park has also been a multiple winner of the Breeder of the Year Award. The Cambridge farm is currently home to high-class stallion newcomer Paddington, Profondo, Circus Maximus, Shamexpress, Vanbrugh and Turn Me Loose, while Armory stands in association at Mapperley Stud. View the full article

New Zealand’s iconic TAB is putting a massive $10 million on offer if a Kiwi punter can correctly pick the finishing order of this year’s edition of The Everest, the world’s richest race on turf, at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday, 19 October. The $10 million The Everest Mega Millions pool was scooped last year in the inaugural year of the promotion by an Auckland customer who correctly placed all 12 runners in order, from the winner Think About It right back to Alcohol Free in 12th place. The free-to-enter competition for TAB customers will open on 16 October once the final field is available, with entries (one per customer) to be placed through tab.co.nz/everest-mega millions. The two New Zealand horses, I Wish I Win and Joliestar, that have been confirmed as starting in The Everest are sure to attract plenty of support from TAB customers when they shift their selections around into their preferred order. Alternatively, customers can also use the Shuffle button to automate their entry. With more than 400 million possible results in a 12-horse field, Cameron Rodger, Managing Director – New Zealand of Entain Australia and New Zealand, the operators of TAB, is prepared to take on New Zealand’s astute racing fans again, even after last year’s shock winner. “I was pretty blown away to get the call last year that someone had won, but we’re prepared to put up the $10 million to test Kiwis’ ability to conjure up a moment of genius for the second year in a row,” Cameron Rodger said. “The presence of I Wish I Win – racing for us in the Trackside Media slot – and Joliestar is already making this edition of the A$20 million The Everest pretty amazing for Kiwis, but imagine if lightning struck twice in two years with this competition?” Entries will be open at tab.co.nz/everest-mega-millions on 16 October, and will close 15 minutes before the race jumps on Saturday, 19 October. View the full article