Month: May 2021

Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma) stepped onto the turf at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning for the first time since his BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph in March as he builds towards his much anticipated return in the Gr.3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) at the end of this month. Readying for the HK$3.5 million contest on 30 May, the son of Darci Brahma crossed the line third in this morning’s barrier trial behind the unbeaten Winner Method (Deep Field), who clocked 57.61s down the 1000m straight. Much to…

The production of the 2021 Stallion Register is underway with breeders expected to have their copy of the sought-after publication by the end of June. This year the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) made the decision to produce the register ‘in house’ after more than 20 years of it previously being outsourced. “We are excited to roll our sleeves up and get stuck into the development and print of this year’s edition, it is a team effort from everyone in our office,” NZTBA chief executive Justine Sclater said. “We…

Thoroughbred racing clubs in the Waikato met last week to resume discussions regarding how racing within the region might evolve and what shape any future structure might take. The Thoroughbreds Waikato partnership, comprising Waikato RC, Cambridge JC and Waipa RC met last Thursday to recommence their deliberations which were put on hold for 12 months last year due to the impacts of COVID-19. NZTR is working with the three clubs to facilitate their discussions, which will be shared progressively with respective club members and wider industry participants. “As the New…

Kiwi import Flying Agent (NZ) (Raise The Flag) has provided Ballarat trainer Amy McDonald with the biggest win of her burgeoning career when taking out the A$150,000 Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) on the opening day of the Warrnambool carnival. Ridden by her brother-in-law Darryl Horner, McDonald’s charge raced to a 2-¼ length win from Bit Of A Lad ($4.80) with Lucques ($31) a further 5-½ lengths off third. An emotional McDonald struggled for words after the eight-year-old son of Raise The Flag justified his $1.80 favouritism in emphatic style. “He’s amazing,”…

Haunui Farm will once again welcome Champion two-year-old and dual Group One winner Belardo and four-time Group One winner and two-time Champion Miler Ribchester back to New Zealand in 2021. Belardo wasted no time in making his presence felt in the Northern Hemisphere stallion ranks with four stakes winners from his first crop, including dual stakes winners Isabella Giles and Lullaby Moon. In New Zealand, Avonallo became his sire’s first Southern Hemisphere stakes winner when successful in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) in November, before finishing third in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m). Belardo’s…

Promising staying three-year-old Quiet Michael (NZ) (Contributer) broke maiden ranks over 1800m at Hawkesbury on Tuesday under a confident Josh Parr ride on a deteriorating Soft7 track.  The son of Mapperley Stud stallion Contributer was initially prepared by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, for whom he had three starts before joining champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller. After finishing second at Canterbury in his first Australian start, Quiet Michael ($1.50) relished the step up in distance to 1800m and never gave punters a moments concern.  “He has taken loads of improvement…