Year: 2024

Rakero Rocket upsets in epic Group 1 win

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  Rakero Rocket has produced a huge upset at Addington with victory in tonight’s first ever Group 1 The Christian Cullen at Addington Raceway.  It was an emotional win for trainer Tom Bamford who was in shock post race. “I’m shaking, I don’t know what is going on.” Rakero Rocket charged out from the mobile to head hot favourite Don’t Stop Dreaming. Meanwhile arch rival Merlin was taken to the rear of the field from his wide draw.  Don’t Stop Dreaming and driver Blair…

Keayang Zahara dominates the Derby at Addington

NZHarnessNews

As everyone expected, the trotting superstar that is Keayang Zahara has waltzed away with the Garrards New Zealand Trotting Derby at Addington tonight. The Victorian three-year-old, backed into $1.05, dispatched the field with ease, winning by nine lengths and extending her unbeaten run to 14 from 14. “Absolute freak” was the term used by commentator Matt Cross while Trackside presenter Greg O’Connor said she was “crazy good”. No-one would argue with either description.  Driver Jason Lee was patient off the gate and settled two and then three back the running line…

Saturday’s free horse racing tips & quaddie picks | 7/12/2024

AAP

There are 17 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, December 7. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Ascot, Ballarat, Rosehill & Eagle Farm. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 7, 2024 Ascot Racing Tips Ballarat Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Eagle Farm Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a…

Wrote now the sire of 100% winners in Hong Kong.

NZRacingDesk

Progeny of Highview-based stallion Wrote bookended the card on LONGINES International Jockeys Championship (IJC) night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Chill Chibi was successful in the Class 2 Japan Handicap (1800m) while The Azure broke maiden ranks in the Australia Handicap (1650m), and became his sire’s sixth winner from six runners in Hong Kong. “He has a 100-percent record in Hong Kong which is quite remarkable,” Highview’s Brent Gillovic said. “All six winners have been bred at Highview and they carry our BM brand.” Five-year-old gelding Chill Chibi is Wrote’s…

Currie set for New Zealand debut

NZRacingDesk

Leading Australian jockey Luke Currie will make his first appearance in New Zealand with seven rides on Saturday’s Group One card at Trentham. Currie has ridden more than 1450 winners in his homeland, 13 of them at Group One level. He is perhaps best known for his association with Hey Doc, who he rode to victory in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m), Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and two editions of the Manikato Stakes (1200m). He also won the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) and William Reid Stakes (1200m) aboard star filly…

Pearl puts perfect Trentham record on the line in Group One quest

NZRacingDesk

Pearl Of Alsace is in foal and entering the final few weeks of her racing career, but trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray hope a return to her favourite track might allow her to cap her CV with a Group One breakthrough. The six-year-old will line up in Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, where her three previous starts have produced three impressive wins including the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Overall, Pearl Of Alsace has won seven of her 17 starts and more than $339,820 in stakes for…

Antino out to continue NZ’s golden run in HK Mile

NZRacingDesk

New Zealand has a strong association with the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), and Kiwi-bred gelding Antino will be out to continue that record at Sha Tin on Sunday. New Zealand-bred or sourced horses have won five of the last seven editions of the race, with both Beauty Generation (2017 and 2018) and Golden Sixty (2020, 2021and 2023) capturing the imagination of local racing fans during their respective dominating runs. Beauty Generation was bred in New Zealand by Greg Tomlinson under his Nearco Stud banner, and was purchased out…

Sha Tin full race-by-race preview & best bets | HKIR 2024

AAP

What 2024 Hong Kong International Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse When Sunday, December 8, 2024 First Race 12:25pm HKT (3:25pm AEDT) Visit Dabble The iconic Hong Kong International Races return to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program lined up – including four mouthwatering Group 1 contests alluring some of the worlds’ best horses, trainers and jockeys. The rail reverts to the A course for the meeting, and with no rain forecast to hinder proceedings, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the afternoon.…

Pearl Of Alsace looking to end racing career on Group 1 high

AAP

Pearl Of Alsace will attempt to cap her career with a first Group One victory in Saturday’s TAB Mufhasa Classic. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Pearl Of Alsace is in foal and entering the final few weeks of her racing career, but trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray hope a return to her favourite track might allow her to cap her CV with a Group One breakthrough. The six-year-old will line up in Saturday’s Group 1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham, where her three previous starts have produced three…

Luke Currie travels to New Zealand for Group 1 tilt

AAP

Luke Currie. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Leading Australian jockey Luke Currie will make his first appearance in New Zealand with seven rides on Saturday’s Group One card at Trentham. Currie has ridden more than 1450 winners in his homeland, 13 of them at Group One level. He is perhaps best known for his association with Hey Doc, who he rode to victory in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and two editions of the Manikato Stakes (1200m). He also won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes…