RITA Chairman, Dean McKenzie Photo: Supplied Good afternoon, the Board met recently in Auckland for its September meeting – its fourth formal meeting since being appointed to lead the Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA). The regular Board agenda is split over two sessions to focus on TAB Performance and RITA’s Change Management programme on the reform of racing. I wanted to provide you with a summary of what was discussed and encourage you to share it with your members or stakeholders. Performance As has been previously signalled, the performance of the then…
Year: 2019
Dunc’s mistake a Group Three winner
Recent Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) winner True Enough (NZ) (Nom du Jeu) is what you would call a fortunate mistake.
Purdon could dominate
Best bet: Wainui Creek (R6, No.6): High class filly last season who returns in a grade that olds few fears for her. Well placed: Ideal Agent (R10, No.7): Showed real ability last season and recent workout win suggests he is ready for tonight. Northern debut: On A Roll (R5, No.2): Brave debut second at Addington last start and perfectly drawn for first look at The Park. By Michael Guerin One of the brightest additions to the northern harness ranks should make a winning debut from her new home at Alexandra…
The Shark – Best at Auckland on Friday
The Shark goes looking for winners from under the ribbon of light at Alexandra Park on Holmes DG night in Auckland. For more punting information head to The Punters Lounge Race 1 7 Daisy Hill: Fresh up tonight, but from a stable that has them ready. Won a trial last weekend in fine fashion. Everything points toward success. 1 Presidential Jewel: Has shown a fair bit of ability in the short career to date. Manners seem good, which is a big bonus. Can win this. 3 Lady Be Good: Handy enough…
Winx named Horse of year for fourth time
Winx has claimed another record, being named Australia’s Horse of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time.
Jarrod McLean suspended after RV hearing
Group One-winning trainer Jarrod McLean has been suspended by Racing Victoria stewards until police charges including animal cruelty are finalised in court. McLean fronted RV stewards on Thursday after being charged a day earlier by the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit. He is facing multiple counts of engaging in torturing, abusing, overworking and terrifying a thoroughbred racehorse; and causing unreasonable pain or suffering to a thoroughbred racehorse. McLean is facing 16 charges which also include conduct that corrupts betting outcomes and possessing cocaine. The charges emanate from raids on…
Alizee confirmed to run in The Everest
Star mare Alizee will run for Godolphin in the $14 million Everest with champion jockey Hugh Bowman to ride.
Todd observing cup preparation
By Jonny Turner Woodend Beach trainer Regan Todd is in the curious position of being able to focus on the rest of his team despite the reigning New Zealand Cup winner joining his stable. Todd is effectively playing host for Thefixer as Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen attempt to revive the pacer’s spring campaign. The trainers have turned to beach training as the defending New Zealand Cup champion battles hoof problems in the lead up to his title defence. The All Stars team have been working and caring for Thefixer…
Godolphin buys brother to Golden Horn
Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin have beaten off Coolmore to buy a Frankel half-brother to Golden Horn at the Tattersalls October Sale at Newmarket. The Dubai-based operation beat off Coolmore to secure the most expensive yearling colt sold anywhere in the world on Tuesday – going to 3.6 million guineas ($A6.8 million) for a Dubawi half-brother to St James’s Palace Stakes winner Barney Roy. The two powerhouse owners did battle again 24 hours later for a son of Frankel and a half-brother to the brilliant Golden Horn, who won the Derby,…
Richard Pegum buys into Cup hope Mustajeer
Richard Pegum (l) has secured a 25 per cent share in Cups contender Mustajeer via an online auction. Prominent racehorse owner Richard Pegum has secured a 25 per cent share in leading Caulfield and Melbourne Cups contender Mustajeer for $320,000. The share was offered by Irish operation Gaelic Bloodstock through Inglis Online with Pegum announced as the successful bidder on Wednesday. Mustajeer, a last-start winner of the prestigious Ebor Handicap at York, is at $13 with the TAB for the Caulfield Cup and $18 for the Melbourne Cup. He has…