Month: June 2025

Winter is often the time for apprentice jockeys to shine, and they will get the full spotlight on Thursday when they compete at New Plymouth’s apprentice only day. The eight-race card will exclusively feature apprentice jockeys, who will travel to Taranaki from all corners of the country to showcase their talent. In-form Cambridge apprentice Rihaan Goyaram is particularly looking forward to heading south, where he will have a full book of rides. The 21-year-old currently sits on 32 wins for the season, having taken out the opening event on the…

North Island jockeys Lynsey Satherley and Kate Hercock gained a fresh perspective on race riding over King’s Birthday weekend, attending a meeting in New Caledonia. Satherley had previously ridden in the French archipelago, but over the past two years, civil unrest and damage to infrastructure has disrupted the regular racing calendar. Now in a period of recovery, New Caledonia was able to resume racing and the two accomplished hoops were invited to ride for a local trainer. “I went over there and rode for them two seasons ago, it initially…

Group One winner Velocious (Written Tycoon) is in Queensland ahead of a tilt at the Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday. The Stephen Marsh-trained filly was New Zealand’s champion two-year-old last season, when she won four of her six starts including the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Her three-year-old season has been an up-and-down journey for her connections. There was a wind operation in the spring, then a smart first-up win at Te Aroha in March, then a luckless run in…

Can talented filly Belle Detelle overcome a hiccup in her preparation and take the Qld Derby. Part Owner Nick Bishara says connections had some anxious moments last weekend. Nick Bishara 03.06.2025 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts

Gareth Lahoud commenced the next chapter of his riding career in the best possible fashion at Te Rapa on Saturday, winning aboard Cleat (NZ) (Rios) after eight months on the sidelines. The ex-pat South African started an apprenticeship in New Zealand in 2023 and received good support in the early stages, utilising his four-kilogram claim aboard the likes of stakes winning-mare Casino Princess and Group Two performer Good Oil. Lahoud’s progress came to an unfortunate halt when he dislocated his shoulder last April, an injury that occurred again in September.…

The finalists for this year’s Industry Excellence Awards have been found, recognising the future leaders and rising stars of the New Zealand racing industry. In all, 28 finalists have been named across the nine award categories open to anyone under the age of 40, with the winner of each category – and the supreme Entain Excellence Award winner – to be announced at an awards night at Tote On Ascot at Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday, 29 June. Category winners will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The…

Northern apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll is enjoying a breakthrough season, which was further enhanced at Wingatui on Sunday when recording his 100th win in the saddle. The South Auckland-based hoop brought up the milestone aboard the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Cool Aza Rene (Cool Aza Beel) in the opening race at the Dunedin meeting, and he was duly rapt with the result. “I knew I was on the best horse in the field and it was a relief to get there more than anything,” Lawson-Carroll said. The 20-year-old has…