Month: May 2020

President’s Choice shoots for three

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President’s Choice. Photo: HKJC The Michael Chang-trained President’s Choice (Redoute’s Choice) will shoot for a hat-trick of wins this Sunday as he contests the Class 3 Pak Sha O Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin. “He’s won two nice races, he’s a nice little horse – his last win was very gutsy,” said jockey Karis Teetan who partnered President’s Choice to both of those wins. Since his arrival to Hong Kong, the Redoute’s Choice gelding who was sold out of Riversley Park’s 2017 Ready To Run draft, has bagged two wins…

Waugh rues another wide gate for Trumbull

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Trainer Kim Waugh. Photo: AAP An unfortunate campaign trend to draw wide barriers has struck again for Trumbull (NZ) (Darci Brahma) as he seeks a breakthrough black-type win in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill. The gelding has drawn outside gates in all four runs this preparation and has not been spared on Saturday with barrier nine of 11. “It has been unbelievable,” trainer Kim Waugh said. “And it has actually been so costly for him every time. He just ends up further back than what he needs…

Venues reduced under draft racing calendar proposal

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The proposed calendar for 2020-21 has been released today by RITA for consultation, as required under the Racing Act, with 10 thoroughbred racing venues proposed not to host racing in the new season. The venues not to host racing under the proposal is headed by Auckland venue Avondale, in addition to Te Teko, Waipa (Te Awamutu), Gisborne, Wairoa, Waipukurau, Blenheim (Waterlea), Motukarara, Waikouaiti and Omakau “Every thoroughbred racing club in New Zealand has a history and a part to play,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) chief executive Bernard Saundry said.…

Collett back in action

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Expat New Zealand jockey Alysha Collett. Photo: Trish Dunell Jockey Alysha Collett is happy to be back in the saddle and will ride on Sunday at Queanbeyan in New South Wales. Collett had been in Singapore, where she is licensed to ride until the end of the year, when racing was shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined fellow riders Michael Rodd, Patrick Moloney and Daniel Moor in making a move to Australia. “When we went into isolation (in Singapore) for the month the numbers weren’t that high daily…

Duncan jumping pair to tackle Aussie features

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Top New Zealand jumpers Shamal (pictured) and Alfie Dee have joined trainer Amy McDonald’s Ballarat barn. Photo: Trish Dunell With COVID-19 curtailing the jumps season in New Zealand, Hunterville trainer Ken Duncan has elected to send two of his stable stars across the Tasman to try and nab some Australian spoils. Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) winner Shamal (NZ) (Zabeel) and Grand National Hurdles (4200m) winner Alfie Dee (NZ) (Zed) arrived in Australia last week where they joined the Ballarat stable of new trainer Amy McDonald. McDonald was impressed with their…

Highden Park extends impressive honour roll

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Highden Park principals Sam and Libby Bleakley. Photo: Trish Dunell Boutique Manawatu thoroughbred nursery Highden Park, operated by Libby and Sam Bleakley, has experienced a purple patch with their graduates this autumn, extending their impressive honour roll. Although the farm has been in business for less than 10 years their list of quality graduates is extensive, and includes the likes of Dual Hong Kong Horse of The Year Beauty Generation and Hong Kong Derby (2000m) hero Ping Hai Star. Highden Park graduates have excelled in Australia through the autumn. G.1…

Cambridge Stud release fees

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Cambridge Stud’s Almanzor. Photo: Supplied Cambridge Stud have announced their 2020 stud fees for popular young sires Almanzor and Embellish.  All contracts will now be on live foal payment terms, acknowledging the difficult climate facing breeders in New Zealand. The roster will be headlined by European Champion three-year-old Almanzor, who will stand his third season at the famous nursery. Almanzor covered full books in his first two seasons at stud and will again stand for a fee of $30,000+GST in 2020. “Almanzor could not have enjoyed a better start to…

Windsor announce 2020 fees

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Rip Van Winkle’s Group One winning son Te Akau Shark Photo: Race Images (Kenton Wright) 2019/2020 has proven to be a breakthrough season both Australia and New Zealand for successful sire Rip Van Winkle. An established pillar among Windsor Park Stud’s stallion options, Rip Van Winkle’s exceptional Gr.1 winners Te Akau Shark (NZ) and Classic winner Jennifer Eccles (NZ) have led the way this season, together with Group winner Germanicus (NZ) and Sydney Group performer Subpoenaed (NZ). Rip Van Winkle will be available to breeders for a fee of $12,500…

South Island a Source of Supreme Stamina

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Southern-bred Etah James (NZ) dominated the A$1 million Group One Sydney Cup (3200m). Photo: Supplied Unlike any other racing nation, the rugged terrain, cool artic environments and mineral-rich soils in the South Island of New Zealand gives the Southern-born and raised thoroughbred strength and stamina, reinforcing their immense staying power. The pristine environment that runs the breadth of the South Island has become the home of an enviable product, with the quality Southern-breds like recent Group One winner Etah James (NZ) continuing to showcase their versatility and durability to perform on the…

Oceanex after Melbourne Cup golden ticket

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Oceanex winning the Listed Port Adelaide Cup (2500m). Photo: Atkins Photography Kiwi-bred mare Oceanex (NZ) (Ocean Park) will be out to secure a golden ticket into the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Saturday. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained four-year-old will contest the Listed The Andrew Ramsden (2800m) with the winner receiving ballot exemption for the race that stops a nation. Her connections are heading into the race with plenty of confidence after the Ocean Park mare’s triumph in the Listed Port Adelaide Cup (2500m) at Morphettville…