Wandering Eyes

With two Classic winners to his name already this season, Lope De Vega (Ire) peers down at his peers from on high in the stallion table. In an era of great depth to the European sire ranks, it is hard to begrudge the son of Shamardal his time in the spotlight with an increasingly burgeoning record of excellence. The Aga Khan's Rouhiya (Fr) landed the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches for Francis-Henri Graffard, followed by Sunday's easy victory for Look De Vega (Fr) in the Prix du Jockey Club. The latter win was all about succession, with both Lope De Vega and Shamardal having won this particular Classic – one which is often put forward as an increasingly influential 'stallion-making race'. Look De Vega is also from the family of the 2007 winner Lawman (Fr), who is a half-brother to his granddam, Larceny (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Lawman was a former resident at Ballylinch Stud, where Lope De Vega now rules the roost. In addition to his Classic duo, the 17-year-old is responsible for another five black-type winners in Europe this season, while in America, Program Trading (GB) landed another Grade I and Silver Knott (GB) has won back-to-back Grade II contests. “We're optimistic that he's going to continue to have a great season because he has lots of nice horses to come through the system yet,” says John O'Connor, managing director of Ballylinch Stud. It is not exactly headline news to say that Lope De Vega is a good stallion. In the preceding four seasons he has been in the top eight stallions in Europe, finishing fourth overall in 2022. But there are plenty of names surrounding him – the likes of Frankel (GB), Dubawi (Ire), Sea The Stars (Ire), Dark Angel (Ire), Galileo (Ire) and Siyouni (Fr) – who also pack a mighty punch. “I think that's the measure,” O'Connor agrees. “And the thing is that those horses deservedly get outstanding books of mares, so you're not really going to be able to compete with them until you get somewhat equivalent mares. The top stallions cover the top mares and therefore they remain the top stallions. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. “The end of Galileo's career is kind of a watershed moment in the European stallion ranks because he was just such an outstanding sire that it's kind of a new ball game. The mares that went to him have been distributed elsewhere and you see the emergence of the new top guard in terms of the stallions.” He adds, “Lope De Vega has worked his way up from more modest stud fees but now, for the last number of years, he's covered very good books. This year's crop of three-year-olds is his first at six figures and we are starting to see a consolidation of top-class horses from these better books he is covering.” A solid, big-walking chestnut, with that noble Roman nose handed down by his father, Lope De Vega started out at €15,000 and dropped to €12,500 in his third and fourth seasons at Ballylinch, where he has stood throughout, bar four stints of shuttling to Patinack Farm in Queensland. Since 2016, his foal crops have been comfortably into three figures, but that wasn't always the case. Starting off with 101 foals in his first year, the three subsequent seasons in Europe there were 77, 86 and 72 of his foals born. Hardly scant representation but also not sizeable compared to some stallions these days. Look De Vega streaks home in the Prix du Jockey Club | Scoop Dyga Arriving in the stallion market in 2011 without a trace of Sadler's Wells or Danzig in his pedigree made him a pretty easy mate for many European and Australian mares. His success, particularly with Danehill-line mares, has been noteworthy, though his two most recent of 21 Group or Grade 1 winners worldwide, Rouhiya and Look De Vega, are out of daughters of Raven's Pass and High Chaparral (Ire) respectively. Lope De Vega's tally of stakes winners now stands at 130. The next test of any stallion is of course as a broodmare sire and sire of sires, and he is at the age where these elements are coming to the fore. At stud, two apiece in Ireland Britain, stand his sons Phoenix Of Spain (Ire), Lucky Vega (Ire), Lope Y Fernandez (Ire), and Belardo (Ire). The latter, bred by Ballylinch Stud from Danaskaya (Danehill), was Lope De Vega's first-crop breakthrough horse, winning the Dewhurst S. and later the Lockinge. Now at Bearstone Stud, he should not be overlooked, insists O'Connor. Phoenix Of Spain now has his own breakthrough horse in Haatem (Ire), who is knocking on the door of a Group 1 win and has this week been purchased by Wathnan Racing. In the G1 Prix de Diane in less than a fortnight, there is a chance that Lope De Vega may feature prominently as damsire. Two of his daughters are responsible for Birthe (Fr) (Study Of Man {Ire}) and Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the winners recently of the G2 Prix Saint-Alary and Listed Prix de la Seine. Lucien Urano of Ecurie des Charmes is the co-owner-breeder of Look De Vega and he also part-owns Gala Real with Ballylinch Stud and Carlo Ancelotti of Scuderia dei Duepi. O'Connor will not be drawn on longer-term interest in the stallion career of Look De Vega but says, “We have had a fairly longstanding partnership with Lucien Urano, just as we have had with [Lope De Vega's owner-breeder] Ammerland and other important breeders and stallion owners. There can be no doubt that there will be plenty of people looking at that horse. He's a very interesting potential stallion, for sure. He looks very good.” Wherever Look De Vega eventually stands, the team at Ballylinch Stud has plenty to keep tabs on with some of its younger stallions on the way through. “The stallions are firing quite evenly. It's good to have a flagship horse like Lope De Vega but I actually think that both New Bay and Make Believe will make a big impact this year,” says O'Connor. Indeed, New Bay (GB), another winner of the Prix du Jockey Club, has the G2 German 2,000 Guineas winner Devil's Point (Ire) to his credit this season, along with the Poule d'Essai des Poulains third Alcantor (Fr). The perhaps under-rated Make Believe (GB) has already sired a Jockey Club winner in the statuesque Mishriff (Ire) and has been represented by the Group 3 winners Sajir (Ire) and Making Dreams (Ire) this season. “He hasn't had big numbers up until now but his two-year-old crop are the ones that followed Mishriff,” O'Connor notes, immediately after watching a Ballylinch-owned runner just get beaten at Saint-Cloud by a daughter of Waldgeist (GB). A win-win, if you like. “Waldgeist had a good day at Saint-Cloud, with a first, a close second and a third,” he says. “I think we are going to start seeing a bit more action from him.” Right now, however, it is Lope De Vega in the vanguard, and his international prowess is underlined by Group/Grade 1 winners in Australia and America on Saturday. Wherever his son Look De Vega goes next, perhaps to the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, he will start to be a crowd-puller. Rouhiya, meanwhile, is set for a potential clash of the English, Irish and French Guineas winners in the G1 Coronation S. for what should be one of the highlights of Royal Ascot. The post He’s Got The Look: Lope De Vega On High With Classic Brace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran’s application ‘under further consideration’ as he continues to battle illness, while officials again change performance benchmarkView the full article

Veteran Timaru trainer Leonard Stewart is set to feature prominently at his local meeting on Sunday, with 11 runners entered across the nine-race programme at Phar Lap Raceway. Stewart, who will celebrate his 92nd birthday later this month, has just over 20 horses in work and almost half of them will race on Waimate Cup Day. That bumper contingent includes a two-pronged attack on the $30,000 Dunstan Horse Feeds Waimate Cup (1600m) with Vague and Zadane. Eight-year-old mare Vague has won seven races and more than $118,000 in stakes in her 58-race career, and her two wins on her home track include the 2022 edition of this race. Vague has continued to perform strongly this season with two wins, four placings, a fourth and two fifths from 15 appearances. But her form has tapered off in her last two starts, which Stewart puts down to jarring up on a Good4 surface on April 24. “It was just a bit too hard for her that day and she jarred up a bit,” he said. “I’ve been happy with what she’s shown me leading into this race. She seems to be working alright and looks nice and free. “They haven’t had any rain leading into this meeting, but they’re irrigating the track, which will help her.” Vague will be ridden by Samantha Wynne, with Gosen Jogoo taking the mount on stablemate Zadane. The six-year-old is backing up from a gallant second in Rating 65 company at Wingatui last Sunday. “He’s improved quite a bit and it was a much better performance the other day,” Stewart said. “It was a bit of a late decision to put him in this race. He’s not a big horse, so it’s not easy for him as he gets up in the weights in his own grade. He gets in quite well here, with a field of only 10 and the topweight (Leitrim Lad) rated 85. He’s not without a chance.” Sunday’s sprint feature is the $22,000 Bob Goodeve Memorial, which features the Stewart-trained Miss Harley Quinn and Aorangi Assassin. Miss Harley Quinn has won six races in her 56-start career, and she has a solid record on her home track with two wins and four placings from 14 attempts. “She goes well at the track,” Stewart said. “She really just wants to jump and run and get on with it, which can cause her problems from time to time. But she has shown on occasions, when there are other speed horses in the race, that you can ease her back and then she finishes strongly. I’m hoping that will work out for her this week. She’s another one that’s been going well in her work.” Stewart also has a number of chances on Sunday’s undercard, including former North Island filly Lise Paree in the GM Accounting & Consulting Maiden (1200m). The three-year-old daughter of Iffraaj is making her first start for Stewart. She had four starts in the north for Rudy Liefting, headed by a third at Taupo in October and a fourth behind Tonia’s Dragon and subsequent Group Three winner I’munstoppable at Te Aroha in November. “We’ve got Lise Paree having her first start for us in the second race on Sunday,” Stewart said. “Looking back through her previous races, she can be a little bit wayward, but I think she’s improved. “She’s been working well and I’m hoping she can run a big race on Sunday. Bill Jelley has a share in her, and he and his wife haven’t been well lately, so I’d love her to perform well for their sake. “I think she has the ability, although she will have to work a bit from gate 15.” View the full article

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott believe their Group One-winning filly Molly Bloom is in peak condition for one final flourish for their Matamata stable in Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm. The daughter of Ace High has been an outstanding flagbearer this season for Wexford Stables, who bought her for $150,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2022. Molly Bloom has turned that into more than $500,000 with four wins from 10 appearances, including superb triumphs in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). She clinched the title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir bought a significant share in Molly Bloom in February, with the original owners remaining on board alongside him. After staying with O’Sullivan and Scott through to the end of her three-year-old preparation, Molly Bloom will join the all-conquering stable of champion expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. But O’Sullivan is downplaying the poignancy of putting a saddle on Molly Bloom for the final time in Saturday’s A$700,000 fillies’ classic in Brisbane. “I haven’t given much thought to the fact that this is her last race for our stable,” he said. “I think the main thing is that it’s been great to have had her. We’ll continue to share in her journey going forward as well, with the original syndicate remaining in the ownership, so that will still be a very exciting part of it for us once she starts that next chapter.” Molly Bloom has not had all favours in her two appearances in Queensland so far, but O’Sullivan has been far from disappointed with her performances. She kicked off with a second placing in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on May 11. That race was run on an unsuitable Heavy10 track and was her first appearance since February, but she produced a strong late finish. Molly Bloom was greeted with another tricky soft track for the Gr.2 Doomben Roses (2000m) on May 25, and endured a tough wide run, but she stuck on bravely for a close fifth. “Both of her runs here have been very good, and without having much go her way in terms of track conditions and luck in the running,” O’Sullivan said. “She’s gone the right way since the Roses. She looks very good this week and I can see no reason why she won’t run well on Saturday. “Stepping up to 2200m is something new for her, and you never know until you try. Whether she really wants to run that far, we’re not sure yet. But often they’ll do it while they’re three, even if it’s not a distance that turns out to be suitable for them later on in their careers. We’re hoping she’ll run it out okay on Saturday.” Molly Bloom will again be ridden by Blake Shinn and is rated a $5.50 second favourite by the TAB. The $3.50 favourite is another former Matamata filly – the last-start Roses winner Scarlet Oak, who began her career in the stable of Ken and Bev Kelso. View the full article

Entries are now open for NZB’s Karaka 2025 National Yearling Sales Series, with the action-packed week of selling set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from Sunday 26 January. Book 1 is set to commence from Sunday 26 until Tuesday 28 January, while Book 2 will begin directly after on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 January in a condensed two-day session with a later starting time. NZB’s renowned Karaka Sale has produced a prolific number of modern day and all-time champion racehorses, highlighted by another incredible season on the track. This, joined with leading technology, world-famous Kiwi hospitality and the popular DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel will again combine for an unforgettable Karaka experience. Karaka 2024 served as a remarkable result among the downward sales trends across Australasia, with the aggregate increasing 12% to $92.3 million and the combined Book 1 and Book 2 average climbing from $110,424 to $121,797. Records were broken across the sessions, with the highest priced filly to sell reaching $1.6 million. The Book 1 Sale was the best on record since 2008, with one of the highlights being seventeen yearlings selling for $500,000 or more in comparison to six one year earlier. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook is looking forward to the upcoming sales season during what is a very buoyant time for the industry. “It was an incredible sales season last year, with the 2024 sale bucking the downward trend other sales companies experienced.” “Since then, we have seen a major shift in the domestic scene with huge increases in prizemoney, the new Karaka Millions Mega Maiden Bonuses, the NZB Kiwi slot race and more. “There is a lot of positivity around and there are certainly more rewards on offer, which will likely see the middle market better supported. “Kiwi breeders have had another outstanding season on the racetracks and in the paddocks growing out lovely horses, so we are certainly excited to be putting together another outstanding catalogue that international and domestic buyers will be bursting to get here to inspect. “The inspection and selection process is always a great time of year and our team looks forward to getting around all of the farms and seeing the next generation before they head to Karaka,” added Seabrook. To nominate your yearlings for Karaka 2025, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz or contact the Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey (+64 9 298 0055, or email maryjane.harvey@nzb.co.nz). Entries close 5pm Friday 12 July 2025. View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Monday, June 10, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing in Victoria will head to Mornington this Monday afternoon for a very competitive eight-race program. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, and with rain forecast on Sunday, it is expected to stay in the Soft range throughout the day. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to kick off at 12:35pm AEST. Best Bet at Mornington: Sioux Spirit Craig Williams will reconnect with Sioux Spirit after missing the ride last start on the Jerome Hunter-trained filly, who was beaten by the smart Losesomewinmore down the Flemington straight. Williams was aboard for her debut victory at Geelong over 1112m, and with the daughter of Sioux Nation rising in trip to 1200m at her home track, she looks to get things in her favour. From barrier six, Williams will push forward to take up the lead, and if Sioux Nation gives a strong kick around the home bend, she will be too speedy for her rivals. Best Bet Race 7 – #8 Sioux Spirit (6) 3yo Filly | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Craig Williams (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Mornington: Famoso Famoso will return from a 16-week spell for her second racing preparation, with the benefit of two good jumpouts over 800m at Cranbourne. The Mick Kent-trained gelding was very good on debut, when he settled near the rear of the field and had to make a searching run around the outside to finish second over 1200m at Moonee Valley. Damien Lane jumps aboard for his first ride on the son of Invader, and from barrier 12, he will attempt to replicate Famoso’s debut run by looping the field in the final 500m. Next Best Race 2 – #4 Famoso (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Mick Kent | J: Damian Lane (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Mornington: Think ‘N’ Fly Although Think ‘N’ Fly has finished down the field in his last two starts, the David Noonan-trained gelding will drop back in grade and return to a track that she should have won at three starts back. At this track and trip last time out, the seven-year-old gelding was held up at the top of the home straight but flew home and just missed out. With Thomas Prebble’s 3kg claim, this guy gets in very well at the weights, and from barrier five, Think ‘N’ Fly will give a great sight on speed. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Think ‘N’ Fly (5) 7yo Gelding | T: David Noonan | J: Thomas Prebble (a3) (60.5kg) Bet with Dabble Quaddie Tips for Mornington races Mornington quadrella selections Monday, June 10, 2024 1-2-9-10-13 1-3-5-6-10-11 3-8 6-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

What Taree Races Where Manning Valley Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Taree NSW 2430 When Sunday, June 9, 2024 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble Taree is the destination for country racing in New South Wales on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and although the track is rated a Heavy 10 at the time of acceptances, a mostly sunny forecast in the lead-up should mean an upgrade into the Soft range. The action is scheduled to get underway at 12:05pm AEST. Best Bet at Taree: Éclair Encore Éclair Encore looks prepared for a first-up assault on the back of two impressive barrier trials. The daughter of Maurice hit the line well under strong riding at Gosford on May 27, suggesting she’s wound up and ready to go for the Kris Lees barn. Andrew Gibbons will look to be positive from barrier six in this small field, and provided Éclair Encore can cross without doing too much work, the two-year-old should give a strong account of herself on debut. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Éclair Encore (6) 2yo Filly | T: Kris Lees | J: Andrew Gibbons (56kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Taree: Markwell Dreamer Markwell Dreamer takes a dramatic step back in grade after contesting BM78 level at Newcastle on May 11. He was far from disgraced on that occasion, as he travelled on the worst part of the track throughout the 900m journey and couldn’t make inroads on the Heavy 10 surface. The improving conditions by the final race should be ideal, and although he’ll need to lug 62.5kg after the claim of Shae Wilkes, Markwell Dreamer has the class to get the job done. Next Best Race 8 – #1 Markwell Dreamer (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Joseph Burgess | J: Shae Wilkes (a3kg) (65.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Taree: Kordia After being transferred from the Lindsay Smith barn, Kordia makes his debut for the Kris Lees stable in this wide-open BM82. He’s only produced one piece of work since heading north from Victoria, with the lightly raced son of Epaulette winning a jump-out at Muswellbrook on May 15. He did it comfortably while racing under his own steam, and provided he can replicate that trial form, Kordia should give a bold sight at each-way odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Kordia (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Benjamin Osmond (a1.5kg) (63kg) Bet with PlayUp Taree Sunday quaddie picks – 9/6/2024 Taree quadrella selections Sunday, June 9, 2024 1-2-3-12 1-2-5-6 1-2-7-11 1-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Triston Moodley bagged a five timer at New Plymouth on Thursday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Local trainer Allan Sharrock and apprentice jockey Triston Moodley proved to be an unstoppable force at New Plymouth on Thursday, with the pair combining to win the first five races at the Taranaki meeting. They opened the card in impressive style, with Moodley guiding race favourite Dresse’ Par Joli to a 3.5-length victory in The Underbelly Tito Transport LTD Maiden. He quickly followed that up with victories aboard Indian Gold, Lazio, Librarsi and Smartroad in their respective races, and he was duly rapt with his winning haul. “I didn’t expect to get five winners in one day, so I am very happy with that,” Moodley said. “There was a lot of pressure going into the meeting. It is not every day that you sit on five horses that are fancied in the betting. I went into it positive and was hoping for a good day. “It is a day I will never forget.” Moodley was particularly appreciative towards Sharrock for entrusting him on his quintet. “To get rides from Allan Sharrock it makes life so much easier, and it makes days like that possible,” Moodley said. “I am very grateful to him for all the opportunities, he has helped me through my racing career.” Moodley is one of a growing number of expat South African jockeys that now call New Zealand home, and he said the racing bug has been alive and well in his life for many years. “My family has always been involved in racing,” he said. “My parents and uncles always had shares in horses. My brother is a jockey in South Africa and is in the top 10 over there. It has always been in the blood and I decided to carry it on.” Moodley began to follow in his brother’s footsteps when an opportunity arose to move to New Zealand and join the New Zealand Equine Academy two years ago, and he jumped at the opportunity. “Daniel Nakhle opened up his academy and he got in contact with me. I took the opportunity with both hands and decided to come out,” he said. “They helped me to hit the ground running and it was good exposure, and Daniel helped put me on the map. “I am now with Danny Walker and Arron Tata, and I have been with them for eight months. I had a lot of weight issues at the beginning and when I got to Danny and Arron’s, they put me on the right path.” Moodley now sits on 29 wins for the season, placing him third on the national apprentice jockeys’ premiership. “It has been a splendid season for me, and I thank everyone for all the opportunities they have given me and I am looking forward to continue growing,” he said. “I would like to finish in the top five in the apprentice premiership this season and next season I would like to win it.” Moodley is hoping to quickly add to his tally when he heads to Ruakaka on Saturday where he will have five rides, including aboard Sayan in the Marsden Cove Digital (1600m) for his employers. “The boss’s horse has been unlucky lately so hopefully he has a bit of luck in running. He has got a wide draw, but he is working well at home and hopefully he goes well,” he said. Moodley is enjoying his time in New Zealand and is hoping to make the move permanent. “At the moment, I am looking at a permanent shift,” he said. “I have adapted really well to New Zealand, the people are great, I am making a lot of friends, and it is a place I would like to be forever.” Horse racing news View the full article

Moonlight Magic will contest the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Moonlight Magic beat all but one of the boys in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm last weekend, and trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping she can go one better against her own sex when she returns to the Brisbane venue on Saturday. The daughter of Almanzor will back-up in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) for which she currently sits as a $14 winning chance with bookmakers. Forsman was rapt with her performance in the Derby and is looking forward to seeing her line-up this weekend, where she will jump from barrier six with expat Kiwi jockey Michael Dee aboard. “It is always great to have a runner in a Group 1, particularly one that is in good form,” Forsman said. “It was a great run (in the Derby). The winner (Warmonger) was obviously in a race of his own, but she was brilliant and had the rest of them well covered. “She has come through it great. She was a tired horse the day after, but she has picked up pretty well. “I think that (barrier six) helps. She hasn’t had all favours with barrier draws this preparation, so that will just help her get that little bit closer, ideally midfield or just beyond, and if that is the case she should get every chance.” Moonlight Magic has been a standout for owner-breeder The Sunlight Trust this season, winning the Group 3 Championship Stakes (2100m) and placing in the Queensland Derby and Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m), and Forsman would love to add an elite-level victory to her haul. “Any more black-type we can gain this prep is a big advantage, she is already a stakes winner and Group 1 placed, so a Group 1 win would be amazing,” he said. “This will be her last run this preparation and we will have to decide after this what we do with her in the spring.” Forsman’s Queensland contingent has been bolstered by Devastate, who will line-up on the Eagle Farm undercard in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1400m). “He has travelled over well,” Forsman said. “We are testing the waters a little bit with him to see whether he is up to that level in Australia and whether he is going to be a progressive horse over there, or better placed back here.” It will be a rare quiet weekend for Forsman, with no runners lining up back home in New Zealand, while he will just have one runner out of his Flemington base on Saturday when Full Of Sincerity tackles the Sally Francis Plate (2520m). “It is a nice quiet weekend at home,” he said. “The racing team is starting to quieten down a little bit. It will be nice to just focus on a few runners in Australia.” Horse racing news View the full article

Molly Bloom will contest the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott believe their Group 1-winning filly Molly Bloom is in peak condition for one final flourish for their Matamata stable in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm. The daughter of Ace High has been an outstanding flagbearer this season for Wexford Stables, who bought her for $150,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2022. Molly Bloom has turned that into more than $500,000 with four wins from 10 appearances, including superb triumphs in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). She clinched the title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir bought a significant share in Molly Bloom in February, with the original owners remaining on board alongside him. After staying with O’Sullivan and Scott through to the end of her three-year-old preparation, Molly Bloom will join the all-conquering stable of champion expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. But O’Sullivan is downplaying the poignancy of putting a saddle on Molly Bloom for the final time in Saturday’s A$700,000 fillies’ classic in Brisbane. “I haven’t given much thought to the fact that this is her last race for our stable,” he said. “I think the main thing is that it’s been great to have had her. We’ll continue to share in her journey going forward as well, with the original syndicate remaining in the ownership, so that will still be a very exciting part of it for us once she starts that next chapter.” Molly Bloom has not had all favours in her two appearances in Queensland so far, but O’Sullivan has been far from disappointed with her performances. She kicked off with a second placing in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on May 11. That race was run on an unsuitable Heavy 10 track and was her first appearance since February, but she produced a strong late finish. Molly Bloom was greeted with another tricky soft track for the Group 2 Doomben Roses (2000m) on May 25, and endured a tough wide run, but she stuck on bravely for a close fifth. “Both of her runs here have been very good, and without having much go her way in terms of track conditions and luck in the running,” O’Sullivan said. “She’s gone the right way since the Roses. She looks very good this week and I can see no reason why she won’t run well on Saturday. “Stepping up to 2200m is something new for her, and you never know until you try. Whether she really wants to run that far, we’re not sure yet. But often they’ll do it while they’re three, even if it’s not a distance that turns out to be suitable for them later on in their careers. We’re hoping she’ll run it out okay on Saturday.” Molly Bloom will again be ridden by Blake Shinn and is rated a $5.50 second favourite by bookmakers. The $3.50 favourite is another former Matamata filly – the last-start Roses winner Scarlet Oak, who began her career in the stable of Ken and Bev Kelso. Horse racing news View the full article

Vague will be one of two runners for Leonard Stewart in Sunday’s Waimate Cup (1600m). Photo: Race Images South Veteran Timaru trainer Leonard Stewart is set to feature prominently at his local meeting on Sunday, with 11 runners entered across the nine-race programme at Phar Lap Raceway. Stewart, who will celebrate his 92nd birthday later this month, has just over 20 horses in work and almost half of them will race on Waimate Cup Day. That bumper contingent includes a two-pronged attack on the $30,000 Dunstan Horse Feeds Waimate Cup (1600m) with Vague and Zadane. Eight-year-old mare Vague has won seven races and more than $118,000 in stakes in her 58-race career, and her two wins on her home track include the 2022 edition of this race. Vague has continued to perform strongly this season with two wins, four placings, a fourth and two fifths from 15 appearances. But her form has tapered off in her last two starts, which Stewart puts down to jarring up on a Good 4 surface on April 24. “It was just a bit too hard for her that day and she jarred up a bit,” he said. “I’ve been happy with what she’s shown me leading into this race. She seems to be working alright and looks nice and free. “They haven’t had any rain leading into this meeting, but they’re irrigating the track, which will help her.” Vague will be ridden by Samantha Wynne, with Gosen Jogoo taking the mount on stablemate Zadane. The six-year-old is backing up from a gallant second in Rating 65 company at Wingatui last Sunday. “He’s improved quite a bit and it was a much better performance the other day,” Stewart said. “It was a bit of a late decision to put him in this race. He’s not a big horse, so it’s not easy for him as he gets up in the weights in his own grade. He gets in quite well here, with a field of only 10 and the topweight (Leitrim Lad) rated 85. He’s not without a chance.” Sunday’s sprint feature is the $22,000 Bob Goodeve Memorial, which features the Stewart-trained Miss Harley Quinn and Aorangi Assassin. Miss Harley Quinn has won six races in her 56-start career, and she has a solid record on her home track with two wins and four placings from 14 attempts. “She goes well at the track,” Stewart said. “She really just wants to jump and run and get on with it, which can cause her problems from time to time. But she has shown on occasions, when there are other speed horses in the race, that you can ease her back and then she finishes strongly. I’m hoping that will work out for her this week. She’s another one that’s been going well in her work.” Stewart also has a number of chances on Sunday’s undercard, including former North Island filly Lise Paree in the GM Accounting & Consulting Maiden (1200m). The three-year-old daughter of Iffraaj is making her first start for Stewart. She had four starts in the north for Rudy Liefting, headed by a third at Taupo in October and a fourth behind Tonia’s Dragon and subsequent Group 3 winner I’munstoppable at Te Aroha in November. “We’ve got Lise Paree having her first start for us in the second race on Sunday,” Stewart said. “Looking back through her previous races, she can be a little bit wayward, but I think she’s improved. “She’s been working well and I’m hoping she can run a big race on Sunday. Bill Jelley has a share in her, and he and his wife haven’t been well lately, so I’d love her to perform well for their sake. “I think she has the ability, although she will have to work a bit from gate 15.” Horse racing news View the full article

Malt Time will contest the Bream Bay Sprint (1400m) at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell Multiple Group 1 placegetter Malt Time heads to New Zealand’s northernmost racecourse as the best-performed runner at Saturday’s Ruakaka meeting, and co-trainer Shaun Clotworthy sees no reason not to expect a performance matching her credentials in the Bream Bay Sprint (1400m). Malt Time has won four of her 27 career starts, headed by the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa in November of 2022. The daughter of Adelaide has gone winless in 12 appearances since then, but has only enhanced her reputation during that time with placings in this season’s Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), Group 1 TAB Classic (1600m) and Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). The seven-year-old was freshened after finishing outside the placings in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) in early February, and she returned to action with a close fifth under 58.5kg in an open sprint at a wet Te Rapa on May 18. “We were happy enough with that first-up run,” Clotworthy said. “The track might have been a bit heavier than she’d like, and her fitness just gave out a little bit towards the end of the race. Being an older mare now, she might take a run or two to get ready. She was carrying a fair bit of weight that day too. But we still thought she hit the line quite nicely. “She’s been going the right way since that race and seems to have improved. It looks like a nice race for her this weekend, with our apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll taking the ride and reducing her weight a little bit. Ace is riding in good form at the moment and knows the mare pretty well.” This will be Lawson-Carroll’s first raceday mount on Malt Time, but he has ridden her in trackwork and trials. Clotworthy suggested that Malt Time’s owner-breeders Bill and Carrie Borrie may look to get the mare in foal in the upcoming spring before giving her one final racing preparation. The stable has three other runners entered for Ruakaka on Saturday. Maiden gelding Mitonic will contest the Trigg Construction (1600m) after close-up finishes in third and fifth in his two most recent appearances, while previous Ruakaka winner Aqua Man will be ridden by 4kg claimer Sienna Brown in the Marsden Cove Dental (1600m). Talented three-year-old filly La Parisienne finished last on unsuitable wet ground in her last start but will attempt to bounce back in the Marsden Metals Group (1400m). “Mitonic’s been going the right way lately and should run well again on Saturday,” Clotworthy said. “La Parisienne is a filly with plenty of ability, she just got tripped up by a heavy track last time. She was a very good second in her two starts before that, and we’d expect her to bounce back well on drier ground.” Horse racing news View the full article

Copartner Prance makes it four in a row. Marching relentlessly towards a seventh Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Zac Purton hopes Copartner Prance can enhance an impressive season with a fifth consecutive victory when Francis Lui’s sprinter tackles the Class 2 Lung Mun Road Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday (8 June). With only 10 meetings remaining in the 2023/24 season, Purton has speared to a 34-win lead – 111 to 77 – over nearest pursuer Karis Teetan, but the trainers’ championship is delicately poised with Pierre Ng (61) holding a one-win lead over Copartner Prance’s trainer Francis Lui (60). Purton, who rides for both Ng and Lui, expects the pair’s tussle to go down to the wire. “It’s going to be really interesting to see how these two trainers go for the remaining meetings,” said Purton, who takes seven rides tomorrow including Copartner Prince in the twilight meeting’s HK$2.84 million feature. “He (Copartner Prince) has continually got better there, he kept raising the bar, he’s had to carry a big weight a couple of times and he seems to keep getting the job done, but he comes back to Sha Tin, where he hasn’t won a race yet. He goes up in grade, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the bigger circuit,” Purton said. “He just seems to be getting a little bit better all of the time, he’s not progressing at a rate of knots but he just seems to keep doing enough. He’s not doing anything flash, but he just keeps getting the job done. “Physically, he seems a little bit stronger. Mentally, he’s still a little bit of a work in progress but he’s done a good job and I can’t complain with the effort he’s been putting in, so hopefully he can transfer that back here (Sha Tin).” With four 1200m wins in a row at Happy Valley, Copartner Prince faces eight rivals tomorrow – Nervous Witness, Whizz Kid, Duke Wai, Tomodachi Kokoroe Gummy Gummy, Carroll Street, Reward Smile and Gorgeous Win. “There’s nowhere to hide in Class 2. All these horses can gallop, they get here for a reason so it’s still not going to be an easy task for him (Copartner Prince) but if he can get into a nice rhythm in the race and give himself a chance, he’s shown at Happy Valley that he’s been strong to the line and if those horses are a little bit suspect, that could play into his hands a little bit,” Purton said. Purton will also partner Stunning Peach in the Class 3 POLA Cup Handicap (1800m) for Tony Cruz. Formerly trained by Joseph O’Brien in Ireland, where he raced as Islandsinthestream and was placed twice at Group 1 level, Stunning Peach was an eye-catching second to Voyage Samurai over 1600m at Sha Tin on 19 May. “(It’s) a really big ask for him to do what he’s doing at the moment. He’s very lightly-framed and he’s had to carry top weight (135lb) at both his starts,” Purton said. “He struck a wet track at his first start, which I don’t think suited him. “He got onto a bit of a dry track last time and (with) the benefit of a run, he was able to carry the weight (135lb) a little more comfortably and I expect him to keep improving. He’s a long way from being the finished product, he’s going to be a better horse in six or 12 months’ time and he’s a stayer. “He’s certainly a promising horse and I like what he’s been doing so far. He’s genuine and I expect him to be competitive again.” Lui will field eight runners tomorrow – one more than Ng – and Andrea Atzeni hopes Harold Win can figure strongly for Lui in the Class 4 Hong Kong Riding For The Disabled Association Cup Handicap (1200m) after finishing fourth to Glory Elite over 1200m on 19 May. “He ran a very promising race, his first-start. I’ve sat on him a couple of times since and it seems the horse has improved a little bit. He’s a horse, who it wouldn’t surprise me if it took another run before he knew exactly what to do,” Atzeni said. “He’s got a good draw (barrier four) again and he should be competitive.” Saturday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Butterfly Bay Handicap (1400m) at 4pm HKT. Horse racing news View the full article

Champion jockey confident three-year-old colt can build on promising start to Hong Kong career on SaturdayView the full article

French jockey committed to extending career in the city as he eyes Class Two triumph on Gummy GummyView the full article

What Swan Hill Cup Day 2024 Where Swan Hill Jockey Club – 17 Gray St, Swan Hill VIC 3585 When Sunday, June 9, 2024 First Race 11:40am AEST Visit Dabble The Swan Hill Cup will headline the final day of the June Carnival, with a massive nine-race card set down for decision this Sunday afternoon. Although the Swan Hill track is rated as a Soft 5 on Friday, there is no rain forecast for the weekend, so it is expected that the meeting will take place on a Good surface. The rail will remain in its true position, with the opening race on Swan Hill Cup Day scheduled to jump at 11:40am AEST. Here are our free Swan Hill tips for June 9. Swan Hill Cup tip: Munhamek As mentioned in The Follow Files earlier this week, Munhamek was very unlucky, recording a fifth-place finish at Caulfield last Saturday as the Nick Ryan-trained gelding was held up for most of the home straight. Given that this son of Dark Angel is on a seven-day backup, staying at 1600m, and finds a slightly weaker race, he looks to have found the right race to finally break his run of outs. From barrier five, Jamie Mott can settle midfield off the fence, and if he gets clear air with 300m to go, Munhamek will prove very hard to hold out. Swan Hill Cup Race 8 – #1 Munhamek (5) 8yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: Jamie Mott (61kg) +320 with Picklebet Best Bet at Swan Hill: Dashing Duchess Dashing Duchess was very good when the Symon Wilde-trained mare competed at Listed level in the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington last start. The four-year-old mare settled outside the leader, and battled on strongly to finish seventh over 2800m. Out of Tavistock, Dashing Duchess will appreciate a drop in grade and distance as she reaches peak fitness third-up for this preparation. Dean Yendall should be able to lead, and if Dashing Duchess can get a cheap sectional mid-race, she will give her rivals something to chase late. Best Bet Race 6 – #9 Dashing Duchess (4) 4yo Mare | T: Symon Wilde | J: Dean Yendall (54.5kg) +210 with Neds Next Best at Swan Hill: Jewel Bay Following back-to-back runner-up finishes in metropolitan grade, Jewel Bay from the Ben, Will & JD Hayes stable will drop back to country level third-up, where he looks to be very well placed. The son of Cable Bay looked to have the race within his keeping last start at Sandown before he was out bobbed on the line by Kiko and lost by a narrow margin. If Jye McNeil can settle outside the leader or in the one-one position from barrier 10, Jewel Bay’s class should shine through and earn himself a deserving win. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Jewel Bay (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Jye McNeil (60kg) +170 with Playup Swan Hill Cup Day quaddie tips – 9/6/2024 Swan Hill quadrella selections Sunday, June 9, 2024 2-4 1-3-9 3-7-8-11 1-3-5-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, June 8, 2024 First Race 1:54pm ACST Visit Dabble A total of 57 horses have accepted for Saturday’s six-event program at Fannie Bay, with the feature being a Benchmark 76 over 1100m for the speedy types who are eyeing the Palmerston Sprint during the Darwin Cup Carnival. With the dry season in full swing, and sunny conditions are forecasted for Saturday with a top temperature of 29C. The rail will be in the true position and it will once again be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: SHECANMIXIT Shecanmixit — the highest-rated horse in the race and the early $1.90 favourite with online bookmakers — returns after a four-month spell. The daughter of Danerich made a huge impact on her NT debut in December, setting a new track record of 56.02 while obliterating her rivals by 9.8 lengths in a 1000m maiden. After a disappointing ninth over 1000m (0-58) before the end of 2023, she bounced back to form with a second over 1000m (BM54) in January and victory over 1200m (BM54) in February. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Shecanmixit (6) 5yo Mare | T: Chloe Baxter | J: Jade Hampson (a1.5) (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: BEYOND READY Beyond Ready arrives in Darwin after impressing against his own age group in Alice Springs from February to April. With one win from five starts for Cranbourne trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock, the son of More Than Ready won first-up at Pioneer Park after pipping Don’t Be Dramatic over 1200m (BM56). He then finished third over 1400m (BM68) and was a narrow second behind Better Not Fuss in the NT Guineas (1600m) before winning by six lengths over 1200m (BM68). Next Best Race 4 – #1 Beyond Ready (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Aaron Sweeney (60.5kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: SWEET AS SCANDI In 17 appearances in Alice Springs since 2022, Sweet As Scandi has won five races from 1200-1400m and has also placed on six occasions. The mare debuted at Fannie Bay a year ago, and her best result in five starts for the campaign was a second over 1300m (0-58). Sticking at that trip and grade, she returned to Darwin on May 11 and finished second despite missing the start. In what appears to be a very open race, the six-year-old was an early $8 quote with the top betting sites. Best Value Race 1 – #3 Sweet As Scandi (5) 6yo Mare | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Ianish Luximon Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 8/6/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, June 8, 2024 1-3-4-9-11 1-2-3-4 1-2-4-5 3-4-7-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

Race 6 POSITIVE SIGNS + PRINT 2200m COSY NOOK (L Hemi) – Trainer Mr. G Eade reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of gelding, however, COSY NOOK will have a week off and it is his intention to carry on with the gelding’s preparation. Race 10 RAY KEAN PROPERTY BROKERS 1600m THE RED KRACKEN (K Kwo) – Trainer Ms. S McKay reported to Stewards, THE RED KRACKEN has been retired from racing. The post Otago Racing Club @ Wingatui, Sunday 2 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 7 HENRY’S PLUMBING LTD & DESIGN BUILDERS 1200m CALEDONIE (T Mitchell) – Trainer Mr. R Manning reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of CALEDONIE, and it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Feilding Jockey Club @ Awapuni Synthetic, Thursday 30 May 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

There was an added bonus for The Grey Wizard's victory in the June 6 Belmont Gold Cup Stakes (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course that may or may not go uncollected.View the full article

Darwin trainer Chris Nash, who is assembling a small team for the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival, will start promising sprinter Mr Have A Chat against high-class opposition at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Trainer Chris Nash will devise a Darwin Cup Carnival program for Mr Have A Chat after he meets quality opposition at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Should the six-year-old gelding push Rising Sphere, Cielo D’Oro and Star Magnum over 1100m (BM76) he will be groomed for the big races come July and August. After five wins from 34 starts in Victoria and SA, which included a win at Morphettville, the son of I’m All The Talk debuted in the Top End in February for a second over 1100m (0-76) before another second over 1100m (0-64) in March. A sixth over 1200m (0-70) on St Patrick’s Cup Day was followed by victory over 1000m (0-64) on April 19 when he lumped 60kg to overcome 1100m track record holder Patriotic King, who carried 58kg. Mr Have A Chat, favourite with online bookies in every Darwin start, drops 5kg with leading jockey Sonja Logan retaining the ride for the clash against potential Palmerston Sprint (1200m) aspirants. “He’s probably better placed in 0-64 grade, but he won so well last start and can have a try against these tougher horses this week. “Fresh suits him and he’s drawn well, so there’s no reason he won’t run a good race. “He’s consistent, he’s fit, he’s fast, and he likes to jump and run — he’s a tough little sound horse. “It’s a good test and if he can hold his own maybe he’ll be able to run in the better races over carnival. “If he finds it a length or two too tough at least we’ll know that the 0-64 grade and the lower class races is where he sits. “Sonja was keen to ride him again, she did everything right last start. “Looking at it, maybe Rising Sphere is the one to beat – he’s drawn one and he’s pretty quick as well.” Nash attempted to secure Mr Have A Chat some 18 months ago, but Goolwa trainer David Jolly, who cared for the horse for owners Grand Syndicates, said the gelding wasn’t for sale. “Once he reached his mark in Adelaide, David recommended to the owners to send him up,” Nash added. “That was the first win for Grand Syndicates here in Darwin, hopefully they may end up running a few more horses up here.” Nash won the 2021 Palmerston Sprint with Mayameen and claimed second place last year with Ideas Man, who returned to work in Adelaide a few months ago and arrives back in the Top End on Friday. Son Of Bielski, who won five straight at Fannie Bay before a foot abscess ruled him out of April’s Alice Springs Cup (2000m), trials on Tuesday in preparation for the Darwin Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

Local trainer Allan Sharrock and apprentice jockey Triston Moodley proved to be an unstoppable force at New Plymouth on Thursday, with the pair combining to win the first five races at the Taranaki meeting. They opened the card in impressive style, with Moodley guiding race favourite Dresse’ Par Joli to a 3-1/2 length victory in The Underbelly Tito Transport LTD Maiden. He quickly followed that up with victories aboard Indian Gold, Lazio, Librarsi and Smartroad in their respective races, and he was duly rapt with his winning haul. “I didn’t expect to get five winners in one day, so I am very happy with that,” Moodley said. “There was a lot of pressure going into the meeting. It is not every day that you sit on five horses that are fancied in the betting. I went into it positive and was hoping for a good day. “It is a day I will never forget.” Moodley was particularly appreciative towards Sharrock for entrusting him on his quintet. “To get rides from Allan Sharrock it makes life so much easier, and it makes days like that possible,” Moodley said. “I am very grateful to him for all the opportunities, he has helped me through my racing career.” Moodley is one of a growing number of expat South African jockeys that now call New Zealand home, and he said the racing bug has been alive and well in his life for many years. “My family has always been involved in racing,” he said. “My parents and uncles always had shares in horses. My brother is a jockey in South Africa and is in the top 10 over there. It has always been in the blood and I decided to carry it on.” Moodley began to follow in his brother’s footsteps when an opportunity arose to move to New Zealand and join the New Zealand Equine Academy two years ago, and he jumped at the opportunity. “Daniel Nakhle opened up his academy and he got in contact with me. I took the opportunity with both hands and decided to come out,” he said. “They helped me to hit the ground running and it was good exposure, and Daniel helped put me on the map. “I am now with Danny Walker and Arron Tata, and I have been with them for eight months. I had a lot of weight issues at the beginning and when I got to Danny and Arron’s, they put me on the right path.” Moodley now sits on 29 wins for the season, placing him third on the national apprentice jockeys’ premiership. “It has been a splendid season for me, and I thank everyone for all the opportunities they have given me and I am looking forward to continue growing,” he said. “I would like to finish in the top five in the apprentice premiership this season and next season I would like to win it.” Moodley is hoping to quickly add to his tally when he heads to Ruakaka on Saturday where he will have five rides, including aboard Sayan in the Marsden Cove Digital (1600m) for his employers. “The boss’s horse has been unlucky lately so hopefully he has a bit of luck in running. He has got a wide draw, but he is working well at home and hopefully he goes well,” he said. Moodley is enjoying his time in New Zealand and is hoping to make the move permanent. “At the moment, I am looking at a permanent shift,” he said. “I have adapted really well to New Zealand, the people are great, I am making a lot of friends, and it is a place I would like to be forever.” View the full article

Moonlight Magic beat all but one of the boys in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm last weekend, and trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping she can go one better against her own sex when she returns to the Brisbane venue on Saturday. The daughter of Almanzor will back-up in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) for which she currently sits as a $14 winning chance with TAB bookmakers. Forsman was rapt with her performance in the Derby and is looking forward to seeing her line-up this weekend, where she will jump from barrier six with expat Kiwi jockey Michael Dee aboard. “It is always great to have a runner in a Group One, particularly one that is in good form,” Forsman said. “It was a great run (in the Derby). The winner (Warmonger) was obviously in a race of his own, but she was brilliant and had the rest of them well covered. “She has come through it great. She was a tired horse the day after, but she has picked up pretty well. “I think that (barrier six) helps. She hasn’t had all favours with barrier draws this preparation, so that will just help her get that little bit closer, ideally midfield or just beyond, and if that is the case she should get every chance.” Moonlight Magic has been a standout for owner-breeder The Sunlight Trust this season, winning the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) and placing in the Queensland Derby and Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m), and Forsman would love to add an elite-level victory to her haul. “Any more black-type we can gain this prep is a big advantage, she is already a stakes winner and Group One placed, so a Group One win would be amazing,” he said. “This will be her last run this preparation and we will have to decide after this what we do with her in the spring.” Forsman’s Queensland contingent has been bolstered by Devastate, who will line-up on the Eagle Farm undercard in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1400m). “He has travelled over well,” Forsman said. “We are testing the waters a little bit with him to see whether he is up to that level in Australia and whether he is going to be a progressive horse over there, or better placed back here.” It will be a rare quiet weekend for Forsman, with no runners lining up back home in New Zealand, while he will just have one runner out of his Flemington base on Saturday when Full Of Sincerity tackles the Sally Francis Plate (2520m) “It is a nice quiet weekend at home,” he said. “The racing team is starting to quieten down a little bit. It will be nice to just focus on a few runners in Australia.” View the full article

Garry Edge never won a jockeys’ premiership, but he will be remembered as one of the very best during an era of great New Zealand jockeys. Edge, who passed away last week in his hometown of Cambridge aged 84, rode 740 New Zealand winners during a career that began in the 1954-55 season. He was associated with many of the country’s most notable gallopers through the 1960s and ’70s and will forever be aligned with the mighty front-runner Jan’s Beau. On top of his New Zealand list, Edge’s wins across the Tasman included the Australian Cup on that horse as well as the South Australian St Leger on Vice Regal. Apprenticed to highly respected trainer Wallace Townsend, his first win came on the talented stable member Sweet Wren. That name remained integral to Edge’s life well after his retirement from the saddle in 1995, through his Cambridge agistment property, Sweet Wren Lodge. The closest Edge came to winning a premiership was fourth placings with 41 and 53 wins respectively in the 1962-63 and 1965-66 seasons, both times behind the dominant pairing of Bob and Bill Skelton and that master tactician Grenville Hughes. Edge was also renowned for his tactical expertise, particularly with horses racing on the pace. In that context, one of my first memories when I entered the racing industry in the early 1970s were the words of my employer, Frank Wilson. “You watch this bloke, he’s a bloody genius on a front-runner,” he said in his assertive manner. “Of all the jockeys riding, Edge has the best clock in his head.” I took note and soon came to realise what the boss meant. On numerous occasions “that clock” meant the difference between winning or losing, and no better example was the 1973 Avondale Gold Cup. Back then the Avondale Cup, contested in November, was considered the country’s most consistently competitive middle-distance handicap race, and the 1973 edition was no exception, attracting a limit field of 20. Jan’s Beau was the topweight with 57 kilograms off a 49-kilo minimum, well-earned with a record of winning open races from 1200 to 2200m as a three-year-old, and as an older horse adding numerous others, including the Australian Cup, Coongy Handicap and Feehan Stakes in Melbourne. Edge knew what he had to do in that Avondale Cup – control the race from the front and give nothing else a look in. The key to that was maintaining a strong tempo to ensure no other jockey was prepared to take him on, and the plan worked perfectly. At the 600m mark he still had control and when Jan’s Beau railed for the run to the line, none of his rivals looked like overhauling him. The closest any got was Kiwi Can, but he was still two and a half lengths away, and the time of 2:12.8 – a New Zealand record for 2200m – told its own story. I still remember the words of the man with the clock in his head when I caught up with him afterwards in the jockeys’ room. “Everything had gone to plan and when I got to the 600, I said to myself ‘If they leave me alone for another hundred, I’ve got them’. There’s nothing so good as getting it spot-on.” That was one of 20 wins Edge conjured on the pride of Northland, while his overall list of big wins included an almost disproportionate number of features at northern headquarters: three editions of each of Ellerslie’s ‘Great Northern’ three-year-old features, the Guineas, Derby, Oaks and St Leger, as well as the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes, Clifford Plate and King’s Plate three times, the Railway and Easter Handicap twice. He also rode one Auckland Cup winner, Senor in 1964, owned and trained by Matangi farmer Ivan Robinson, who also provided two of the best he rode later that decade, Piko and Bardall. After retiring from the saddle, Edge remained a regular racegoer, which included being involved in the ownership of horses such as the Chris Wood-trained Wooden Edge (no prizes for guessing the origins of the name) and current performer Waihi Warrior, who finished third at Cambridge the day after his part-owner’s death. The greeting when you crossed paths with him was invariably “How’re you goin’ old son?” complete with that beaming smile, and he enjoyed nothing more than reminiscing on what he and others from his era referred to as the ‘good old days’. Chatting with him one day at the races, I mentioned his Ellerslie feature race tally and his response was as modest as ever. “Those races were always the ones you wanted to win, and I suppose I was just lucky with all the good horses I got on. You didn’t always win, but it was great to be going into a big race knowing you were a chance.” Amongst those with first-hand recall of Garry Edge the jockey is fellow Cambridge identity Ron Taylor, just a few months his junior and likewise the rider of 700-odd winners. His list included the 1964 Melbourne Cup on Polo Prince, who 10 months earlier had finished second to Senor in the Auckland Cup. “We never kept count of how many times we beat each other, but Edgey was always good to ride against,” Taylor recalled. “He was one of the best, you knew he’d be in the right place in the running and looking out for him he was easy to spot with that head of his nodding away. “We were good mates over the years and enjoyed playing tricks on each other. The one I remember most involved his pride and joy, this beautiful Chrysler Valiant he owned for years. I put an advert in the cars for sale classifieds in the Waikato Times and the phone calls drove him crazy! He never let me forget that. “He was a very organised sort of person. His agistment farm was a showpiece, the way he ran it and kept everything so spotless. I used to tell him with all those white rails he must own a paint shop. “We would phone each other every week or 10 days and it was always good to catch up with him. There’s not many of us left now; he was one of the good guys and I’m going to miss him.” *A gathering to remember Garry Edge is scheduled for 1pm on Sunday June 16 at the Cambridge Raceway. View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is thrilled to announce a raft of new initiatives aimed at further enhancing the country’s first-ever Thoroughbred slot race, The NZB Kiwi, set to be run on 8 March 2025 at Ellerslie Racecourse. $175k NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge In a move to further reward foundation Slot Holders for their support, NZTR will offer a brand new $175k NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge for three-year-olds participating in the 2025 edition of the NZB Kiwi. Once a Slot Holder has nominated their runner for the 2025 NZB Kiwi, that horse will be able to accumulate points by placing in the top three in any race it enters leading up to Champions Day next year. The three horses who start The NZB Kiwi with the highest points accumulated before the race will earn a share of the $175k NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge, with $100k awarded to the winner, $50k to second place and $25k for the third placegetter. NZTR Chairman Cameron George is excited to announce yet another incentive, boosting The NZB Kiwi in its inaugural year. “We are delighted to be able to offer another Bonus aimed at rewarding our foundation Slot Holders for their strong support of this new race in year one.” “This new Bonus will enhance the promotional activity of both the Slot Holders and their horses, building anticipation from the moment the runners are nominated for The NZB Kiwi, right up until they enter the starting gates on Champions Day. “Once a horse is nominated, we anticipate heated competition between our Slot Holders as they battle it out to score the highest number of points and a hefty prize,” George said. Points for the $175k NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge can be earned in both New Zealand and Australia where a NZB Kiwi runner places in the top three of any race it enters and will be allocated as follows: NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible Race Points 1st Place – 11 points 2nd Place – 7 points 3rd Place – 5 points Black-Type and Special Condition Race Points 1st Place – 8 points 2nd Place – 4 points 3rd Place – 2 points Non-Black Type Race Points 1st Place – 4 points 2nd Place – 2 points 3rd Place – 1 point View the full $175k NZB Kiwi Bonus Challenge Terms and Conditions here. NZTR Public Slot Auction NZTR is excited to announce a second initiative as part of the NZB Kiwi programme, including the public auction of NZTR’s year-one Slot for The NZB Kiwi. This auction will take place at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2024 Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds, held next November at the Karaka Sales Centre. The one-year Slot will be sold on behalf of NZTR, with 50% of the Above Reserve Fee ($125k) being donated to charity. Each current Slot Holder will nominate a charity aligned with a horse in the first New Zealand-based Bonus Eligible race next season, the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa Racecourse in October. The mechanics include: NZTR will receive 14 charity nominations from each Slot Holder for the race. The 14 Slot Holders will be randomly allocated a horse in the field. If there are less than 14 runners e,g., 12 runners in the field, the first 12 Slot Holders drawn will be randomly allocated a horse. The charity attached to the winning horse of the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) will be the beneficiary of NZTR’s Public Slot Auction proceeds in November. Cameron George commented on the public auction announcement. “Earlier this year, we saw plenty of fireworks in the Karaka sales ring at the inaugural NZB Kiwi Slot Auction.” “NZTR would like to offer another opportunity to those who missed out on a spot, giving them the chance to score a share of over $4.5 million in stakes and bonuses in year one we have implemented for next season’s race. “We know that spring three-year-olds will already be in full force, with potential buyers hopefully being able to identify their runner at the time of this auction. “We are also looking forward to donating a portion of our proceeds to a charity chosen by one of our current Slot Holders for the first year of the race,” George said. New Australian Bonus Eligible Races NZTR has announced the inclusion of two prestigious Australian races in the lineup of its iconic Bonus Eligible races. This expansion allows Australasia’s fastest juveniles to compete for their share of an additional $1 million in bonuses for The NZB Kiwi. The two newly included races will take place during Australia’s Spring Racing Carnival and feature the 2024 editions of: The A$1m Group 2 Callander-Presnell Stakes (1600m), held at the Australian Turf Club’s meeting at Royal Randwick on Saturday 26 October. The A$500k Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), held on Saturday 2 November, during the Victoria Racing Club’s Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. To be eligible for a share in the $1 million bonus pool, a horse must win one of the various Bonus Eligible iconic New Zealand and/or Australian races and also run a top three placing in The NZB Kiwi held on Champions Day next year. The full lineup of Bonus Eligible Races is provided below: Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) – Manawatu Racing Club at RACE Trentham – Saturday 6 April 2024 (Already completed). Gr.2 Callander Presnell Stakes (1600m) – Australian Turf Club at Royal Randwick – Saturday 26 October 2024 Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) – Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse – Monday 28 October 2024 Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) – Victoria Racing Club at Flemington Racecourse – Saturday 2 November 2024 Gr.1 Barneswood Farm One Thousand Guineas (1600m) – Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park – Saturday 9 November 2024 Gr.1 Al Basti Dubai Equiworld New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) – Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton Park – Saturday 16 November 2024 Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) – Wellington Racing Club at RACE Trentham – Saturday 11 January 2025 Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse – Saturday 25 January 2025 Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Alamanzor Trophy (1200m) – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Ellerslie Racecourse – Saturday 25 January 2025 Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) – Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Te Rapa Racecourse – Saturday 8 February 2025 View more information about The NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races here. 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