New Zealand’s Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee has put forward a number of proposed changes to the country’s new Racing Industry Bill, with the legislation now expected to pass into law a month later than originally planned. Filed in December 2019, the bill is the second part in a two-step process that saw the Racing Reform Act implemented from 1 July 2019. It had been due to come into effect from 1 July of this year, but progress stalled as lawmakers focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the…
Month: July 2020
Myers revitalised ahead of racing’s return
The constant barrage of riding can take its toll on the enjoyment factor for many jockeys, however, the COVID-19 enforced hiatus from their grueling schedule has revitalised many riders passion for the sport. Leading Central Districts jockey Rosie Myers was one such rider and she said she was able to enjoy her break from the rigors of raceday riding. The lightweight hoop is in her 14th season in the saddle and over the last few months she has been able to spend some downtime riding around her and husband William…
Smart ‘N’ Sexy breaks maiden in Dalrello
Co-trainer Trent Edmonds admitted relief when promising filly Smart ‘N’ Sexy (NZ) (Smart Missile) shed her maiden status in the Listed Dalrello Stakes (1200m). The Dalrello Stakes has proved a good guide to the future with four recent winners going on to win more black-type races. Smart ‘N’ Sexy ($4) showed she could easily join them when she came from well back to grab One Shy Ruby ($15) on the line. Bred by Gerry Harvey at Westbury Stud in New Zealand, Smart ‘N’ Sexy was stakes-placed at her first start…
Crosshaven scores strong Valley victory
Crosshaven looks to have earned himself a short break after maintaining his unbeaten record with a fighting win at The Valley. The Lindsay Park-trained two-year-old followed an easy debut Geelong victory with success in the Sheamus Mills Bloodstock Handicap (1200m) on Saturday and sports the colours of Auckland property developer Daniel Nakhle, who bred the promising youngster. Lindsay Park co-trainer Ben Hayes said he would discuss with fellow co-trainer Tom Dabernig whether to press on to the winter series of races at Flemington or give Crosshaven a break and bring…
Filly becomes third first-crop winner for Belardo
Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo continued a stellar start to his stallion career in Europe as the Clive Cox-trained Isabella Giles ran out an easy winner over 1200m at Leicester on Saturday to become his third first-crop winner. Golden Melody put Belardo on the board when taking out a 1200m event by 2-1/4 lengths at Haydock, in England, while Got Luck was just as notable when winning by a length on debut over 1300m at Craon, in France. Sent off the 9/4 favourite, Isabella Giles justified her odds when she…
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 14 June 2020
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Moreira and Fownes double up at the Valley
Joao Moreira got the fillip he’d been looking for at Happy Valley on Wednesday, teaming up with Caspar ‘King of the Valley’ Fownes to nail a much-needed double. The Brazilian entered the arena four wins adrift of championship leader Zac Purton and that widened to five when the reigning champ took the opener. But with the Australian unable to add to that early score, Moreira hit back with two wins that narrowed the gap to three, with the tally running 129-126 in Purton’s favour. Moreira kicked off aboard Sky Darci…
Spell for Stockman
Progressive three-year-old Stockman (NZ) (Tavistock) has earned a well-deserved break after stringing together three successive victories. The Joe Pride-trained son of Tavistock defeated older horses when successful over 2130m on Monday and races in the colours of Jamie Walter’s Proven Thoroughbreds. “He is a really nice horse and it is the manner in which he is winning that is pleasing,” Pride told Sky Sports Radio. “It is one thing for a horse to win a staying race, especially on wet tracks sitting up on speed and grinding out a win,…
Sky’s the limit for promising filly
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Sky Horse (NZ) (Tavistock) will be looking to bag her first stakes victory when she contests the Gr.2 The Roses (1800m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The lightly raced daughter of Tavistock has won two of her five career starts and finished fourth last start in the Gr.3 Gunsynd Classic (1800m). Her trainers have been pleased with the way she has progressed since her last start and are excited about her prospects in this weekend’s assignment where she will be ridden by Ryan Maloney…
Williams team recharged ahead of spring attack
Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are looking forward to a productive spring with a promising group of young horses. The husband and wife training partnership will be unlikely to be represented by runners when racing commences later this month but are encouraged by the young stock coming through the stable at present. “The horse numbers are holding up pretty well at Byerley Park,” Peter Williams said. “Everybody is bright and bubbly and pleased to be back and we have around 25 in work at present, which is about…