Author: NZRacingDesk

Palmerston North trainer Paul Peake broke a two-decade winless drought at Woodville on Sunday when his gelding Lazy (NZ) (Complacent) scored his maiden win in the Mamona 2100 at his 29th attempt. The eight-year-old son of Complacent was sent forward from his wide gate by apprentice jockey Crystal Lindsay to take an early lead, with the pair dictating terms up front and running out convincing 4-1/4 length victors. “Fortunately, he drew wide,” Peake said. “He was very slow to find his feet, but drawing wide, he could get to the lead…

It’s part two of Michael’s chat with Opie Bosson, this time, it’s Opie the jockey. They look at his time in the industry, his best wins, and chat his favourite jockeys, trainers and horses. And Horse of the Year awards and Ka Ying Rising’s latest win are celebrated. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.2 Ft. Opie Bosson Pt.2

New Zealand sprinter Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) will press on for a tilt at the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley later this month following her runner-up effort in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the Melbourne track last Saturday. The four-year-old mare had won her only other Australian start at Flemington in March when victorious in the Listed HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic (1100m), and trainers Ken and Bev Kelso were pleased to see her measure up to the highest level in the competitive jurisdiction on the weekend.…

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Just a few days after the catalogue was launched for the 2025 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, the world’s leading sale of two-year-olds celebrated another new stakes-winning graduate – Arigato (NZ) (Charm Spirit). Bought for $150,000 from the 2020 Ready to Run Sale, Arigato led from start to finish and picked up the biggest win of his career in Sunday’s RM100,000 Perak Charity Cup (1400m). Arigato was offered by Henley Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2020 and was knocked down for $100,000. He returned to Karaka later that year as a…

Trainer Jamie Richards sent out a double on the opening-day of the Hong Kong season as he looks to build early momentum. The Kiwi expat was all smiles after Groovy Feeling stormed home to narrowly win the second section of the Class 4 Ma On Shan Handicap (1200m) before Bulb General stamped his early claims as a four-year-old series prospect with an outstanding triumph in the Class 3 Lantau Peak Handicap (1200m) under Zac Purton. “He was a bit closer in the run than I thought he was going to…

A trans-Tasman ownership double prompted long and enthusiastic celebrations for Ashburton’s Barneswood Farm. Husband-and-wife Chris and Sarah Green and business partner Ger Beemsterboer’s colours were carried to victory at The Valley by Desert Lightning and at Ellerslie by progressive mare Arabian Songbird. “It was brilliant and we were so excited, I was at Moonee Valley and cheering him on,” Sarah Green said. Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Desert Lightning capped off a grand run of form when he won the So You Think Stakes (1500m) after finishing fourth…

Group One glory eluded Wexford Stables at Ellerslie, but trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott were nevertheless buoyed by the performances of their representatives. Tomodachi fared best of the stablemates when third in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) while Checkmate and Waitak were less than four lengths off the winner and Grail Seeker had no luck in the running. The Sir Peter Vela-bred and raced Tomodachi produced a top effort in her elite level debut and first outing since she claimed the Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) in the autumn. “We…

Zac Purton has declared Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) outstanding win in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday the equal-best of the champion sprinter’s stunning career. Extending his unbeaten streak to 13 wins, Ka Ying Rising brushed aside quality opposition under 135lb to triumph in 1m 07.63s – marginally outside his own track record of 1m 07.20s – despite being eased down by Purton as the gelding swept to his 14th win in 16 starts for David Hayes. The world’s…

Six years in the making, El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) now stands as New Zealand’schampion. The Cambridge-trained galloper was crowned Sport Nation Horse of the Year for 202425 at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s black-tie Awards dinner in Hamilton onSunday night, proof that some champions simply need time to flourish. At six, El Vencedor reached spectacular new heights, becoming the only New Zealandtrained horse to win three Group 1 races this season. His dominance saw him secure 45of the 55 votes cast for the sport’s ultimate honour. He also claimed the Champion…