Month: September 2023

Retirement is beckoning Justaskme, who will have his final home track outing at New Plymouth on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) The career of the remarkable winter performer Justaskme is winding down, while his fellow stablemate Ladies Man faces a pivotal moment in his quest for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Both horses, trained by Allan Sharrock, will lineup at their home track in New Plymouth on Saturday. Justaskme’s illustrious winter career has seen him secure a dozen wins, including at Group Two level. However, his…

Viva Vienna will contest the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Trish Dunell Te Akau Racing is set to continue its successful southern spring campaign at Riccarton on Saturday, boasting several top contenders for the upcoming races. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will be fielding Viva Vienna and Rhetorical in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). The pair had impressive performances earlier this month at the Christchurch track, with Viva Vienna finishing first and Rhetorical third over 1000m. Bergerson commented on their progress, saying, “They…

Polly Grey has returned to New Zealand to see out her racing career. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Group One performer Polly Grey has returned to her native New Zealand to conclude her racing career under the care of part-owner Kylie Fawcett. Polly Grey, sired by Azamour, initially won six races for Matamata horsewoman Kylie Fawcett, including the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). She also achieved placings in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) and Group 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) before being transferred to Chris Waller’s stable in Sydney. Under Waller’s guidance, Polly Grey…

Keagan De Melo partners his first Hong Kong win. In a remarkable meeting of firsts, Keagan De Melo and Andrea Atzeni celebrated significant breakthrough victories at Happy Valley’s season-opening fixture on Wednesday night. Recruited to bolster Hong Kong’s world-class jockey ranks, reigning South African champion De Melo and European Classic-winning Atzeni showcased their impressive credentials in decisive fashion, with De Melo securing his win on the Caspar Fownes-trained Valhalla and Atzeni triumphing aboard Mega Bonus for Ricky Yiu. De Melo displayed remarkable poise in the straight, deftly maneuvering Valhalla to…

Bonny Lass will lineup at Te Rapa on Sunday. Photo: Trish Dunell Graham Richardson has no worries about Bonny Lass’ condition ahead of her resuming run at Te Rapa on Sunday, but factors beyond his control are tempering confidence levels. The Matamata horseman, who trains in partnership with Rogan Norvall, has the gifted short course specialist in good order to open her campaign, which also features stablemate Paisley Park. However, Bonny Lass will have to overcome a hefty impost and a horror barrier (12) in her first appearance since a…