Day: 11 February 2025

Cambridge to kick start Northern Metro series

NZHarnessNews

The first of the ever popular Northern Metro Series for 2025 has been confirmed for March. The series, a key part of the Look North initiative to invigorate racing in the northern region, will kick off at Cambridge on Tuesday, March 4. The heats will cater for R35 to R45 3YO and older trotters and pacers, and will be worth $8000 each. The second round of heats will be held at Alexandra Park on Friday March 14, with the top four from each heat automatically qualifying for the $35,000 Final…

Chocolate Crunch rewards loyal owner/breeder

NZHarnessNews

By Rob Courtney It’s a timely reminder with the up-coming NZB National Yearling Sales at Karaka and Christchurch, that winners can come from anywhere. There are a number of clear examples where top horses have been sold relatively cheaply through the sales arena, with NZ Cup winners Mainland Banner and  Copy That immediately coming to mind after being sold for less than $10k as yearlings. And just in the last week or so Chocolate Crunch won on debut at Rangiora after being passed in at the 2023 Christchurch Yearling Sales.…

Merlin among Kiwi talent lining up in Sydney

NZHarnessNews

By Adam Hamilton  Champion trainer Barry Purdon is excited but wary heading into his latest Aussie raid. Purdon and co-trainer Scott Phelan will unleash the first two – Better Knuckle Up and Sooner The Bettor – of three stable stars they have sent across the ditch at Menangle on Saturday night. The third, and recently-crowned New Zealand Pacer of the Year  Merlin, will wait another week to open his assault in a 2300m free-for-all at Menangle. The trio arrived in Sydney last Sunday, accompanied by Phelan, and have thrived at…

Record-breaking colt makes pleasing start for Te Akau

NZRacingDesk

Last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale topper Hostility (I Am Invincible) made a pleasing start to his career for Te Akau Racing on Tuesday when winning his 800m trial at Ellerslie.  Bred by Christopher and Susanna Grace out of their dual Group One-winning mare Shillelagh, the son of I Am Invincible was initially offered for sale as a yearling in Sydney last year where he failed to meet his A$420,000 reserve.  He was then offered through Kiltannon Stables’ New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft at…

Atishu set to kick-off farewell campaign

NZRacingDesk

Multiple Group One winner Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) will kick-off what will likely be her last racing campaign when she heads to Randwick on Saturday to contest what is shaping to be a very competitive Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m).  Raced by New Zealand syndicator Go Racing, the seven-year-old mare has had two trials in the lead-up to her first-up target and Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said he has received positive reports from trainer Chris Waller.  “Chris got her going a bit earlier than he has in recent campaigns,” Allnutt…

Sha Tin racing tips & quaddie numbers | Wednesday, February 12

AAP

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Wednesday, February 12, 2025 First Race 6:45pm HKT (9:45pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Sha Tin Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-part program taking place on the all-weather circuit. The rail is in the true position, and although participants will be racing on the all-weather track, conditions could prove testing with consistent rainfall predicted throughout the day. The action at Sha Tin is scheduled to…

Royal Insignia to use C.S. Hayes Stakes as Guineas lead-up

AAP

Royal Insignia will contest the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Grahame Begg believes the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes is the perfect next step for promising colt Royal Insignia as he looks to establish himself as a leading contender for the Group 1 Australian Guineas. The C.S. Hayes Stakes, for three-year-old colts and geldings, will be run over 1400m at Flemington on Saturday. It serves as a key lead-up race to the Australian Guineas, held at the same track over 1600m…

Zac Purton sidelined for up to six weeks after fall

AAP

Zac Purton will miss up to six weeks after Sha Tin fall. Zac Purton estimates he could be out of action for as long as six weeks following a three-horse fall at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Sunday that left him with multiple injuries. Providing an update on his condition, Purton told media that he will miss his upcoming ride on sprint star Ka Ying Rising as he’s scheduled for toe surgery later in the day. An ankle injury sustained in the fall also threatens to extend his time…