Te Akau jumper Leaderboard is set to head to the Warrnambool carnival later this month following his triumph in the Open Steeplechase (3250m) at Ballarat on Sunday. The 10-year-old son of Street Cry, who is raced by syndicator Fortuna, won seven races on the flat in New Zealand, including the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) and Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m). He then transferred to Te Akau’s Cranbourne base where he has added three further wins to his tally, along with placings in last year’s Grand National Hurdle (4200m) and…
Day: 7 April 2025
Willydoit signs off for Clotworthys
Shaun and Emma Clotworthy didn’t quite get their fairytale finish with Willydoit in Saturday’s A$2 million Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m), but the couple walk away with plenty to look forward to in the gelding’s future across the Tasman. Willydoit triumphed in emphatic style in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie last month, warranting a trip to take on Australia’s best staying three-year-olds on the first day of The Championships at Royal Randwick. Reuniting with Kiwi expat jockey Mick Dee, Willydoit jumped well and was handy early, eventually settling…
McCarroll’s bargain mare a gilt-edged investment
Ross McCarroll didn’t have to think very long or hard to name a filly he bought for loose change at Karaka in 2007. The Cambridge horseman handed over $100 for a yearling offered through Wentwood Grange’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Autumn Mixed Bloodstock Sale and her subsequent moniker was apt on two fronts. “Because she was by Desert Fox, we called her Stole which is worn around your neck (often a fur), but now it’s become more the other way (price),” McCarroll said. “I watched her at Karaka and…
Rich Hill in awe of sensational Derby winner
Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson is no stranger to success on Australia’s biggest stage, but even he watched in awe as the filly he co-bred in Aeliana stormed away with Saturday’s $2 million Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m). A bridesmaid in each of the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), Aeliana had proven she was right up with the boys and they were no match as she stepped over a mile and a half for the first time, capitalising off a perfect run in transit to power…
Bishara strikes gold once more
Nick Bishara was left pinching himself on Saturday after he watched his filly Belle Detelle breakthrough for her maiden stakes victory in the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick. The Ardmore horseman looks to have struck gold for the second time, with Belle Detelle being a three-quarter sister to his ill-fated champion racemare Verry Elleegant, who recorded 11 Group One victories. Like Verry Elleegant, Belle Detelle is trained by leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller, and has now accrued an envious record of two wins and three placings from five…
Goulburn Tuesday races preview & best bets | April 8, 2025
What Goulburn Races Where Goulburn & District Racing Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Tuesday, April 8, 2025 First Race 1:35pm AEST Visit Dabble Goulburn is the destination for NSW racing on Tuesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +2m the entire circuit, and with pristine conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to be rated a Good 4 on race-day morning. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:35pm local time. Best Bet at Goulburn:…
Leaderboard to target Warrnambool features
Leaderboard will contest Sunday’s Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Te Akau jumper Leaderboard is set to head to the Warrnambool carnival later this month following his triumph in the Open Steeplechase (3250m) at Ballarat on Sunday. The 10-year-old son of Street Cry, who is raced by syndicator Fortuna, won seven races on the flat in New Zealand, including the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) and Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m). He then transferred to Te Akau’s Cranbourne base where he has added three further wins…
HRNZ’s new Infrastructure Grant Scheme
Applications are now open for a new scheme to help harness racing clubs around the country with small to medium-sized projects. Funded by Harness Racing New Zealand, the Infrastructure Grant Scheme has $250,000 per annum to allocate to projects that improve racing and training venues. The maximum grant per project is $50,000, with each successful club required to contribute 50 per cent to the project’s cost as well. To find out more click here For Terms and Conditions and Application Form click here
Hanrahan double one of many highlights at Addington
By Mike Love Ashburton trainer Laurence Hanrahan scored a “special” double at Cheviot’s meeting at Addington yesterday. Maiden winner Bautista was too strong in the GH Building LTD pace over 2000m with driver Ricky May. May and Bautista began quickly from their outside draw to end up parked for the first section of the race. Cover came with favourite Whatz My Choice, who softened up the leader, setting it up for May and Bautista to pounce. Sustaining a run from the 400m to grind away and win, beating a very…
Headwall booked for The Quokka
Quokka contender, Headwall. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au In-form Sydney sprinter Headwall has earned his shot at a major payday in this month’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, with connections confirming the gelding will represent slot holders Unibet and Chief Racing in WA’s richest sprint on April 26. The five-year-old, trained by Matt Smith, was on Monday announced as the latest addition to the 1200m feature, just 48 hours after an eye-catching performance in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Held up for much of the straight, Headwall…