The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday. The Manawatu horseman was a respected breaker and pre-trainer for a number of top Central Districts racing stables before becoming a bloodstock agent, but he is more known for his feats in the Equestrian world, having competed in showjumping at the 1976 Montreal Olympics with Big Red. The pair were inducted into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame at their 75th Anniversary dinner on Friday night, alongside thoroughbred trainer and…
Year: 2025
Winter Weigh In, June 30
Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. The team look back at some brilliant jumping performances as well as the best of the Winter Championships from Ruakaka. Winter Weigh In, June 30
Blane’s passion rewarded with Entain Award
Transitioning into the breeding side of thoroughbred racing reignited Olivia Blane’s love for the industry, a passion that was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards where she was named winner of the Stud, Stable and Kennel Excellence Award. Blane leads the yearling preparation team at Waikato Stud, one of New Zealand’s premier breeding operations. Despite holding such a pivotal role, she was caught by surprise when announced the winner on Sunday night. “I was surprised, but really honoured to be announced the winner,” she said. “It felt great to be…
Levakia continues Curraghmore’s run of form
Emerging filly Levakia (NZ) (Proisir) has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration. The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained three-year-old struck for the second time from a handful of starts when she won the Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Ruakaka last Saturday. The Proisir filly’s success followed the good time enjoyed by Curraghmore at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale at Karaka. They ended the auction as the leading vendor by aggregate with eight youngsters sold for $465,000 and a top price of $120,000 for a colt by Sword Of State who…
Molander recognised for contribution to breeding
Wentwood Grange Yearling Manager Brad Molander was recognised for his contribution to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeding industry at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night when he was bestowed the Dedication to Breeding Excellence Award. It comes two years after Molander was awarded the Mary Lynne Ryan Young Achiever at the National Breeding Awards, and he was delighted to be recognised by the wider industry on Sunday. “It was awesome to get the award and be recognised,” Molander said. “The Hawkins family, who own Wentwood Grange, were there…
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 30 June 2025
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Important Update: Driver Notification Deadlines
From Monday, 4 August 2025, the deadline to notify drivers will be 24 hours from withdrawals. For example: For Addington on Friday, nominations will close at 12:00pm Monday and withdrawals at 2:00pm Monday. The driver notification deadline in this case will be 2:00pm Tuesday. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining professionalism and ensuring wagering information remains accurate and consistent. If you have any queries regarding this update, please contact bureau@hrnz.co.nz.
Kiwi Duo Dominate Redcliffe Features
by Adam Hamilton The Kiwi rampage in Queensland rolled into a third week when young guns Captains Mistress and Rubira starred again at Redcliffe last night. Captain Mistress set the tone when she made two wins from as many starts in Queensland with a narrow but fantastic win in the $52,000 Group 3 Redcliffe Oaks. With trainer Grant Dixon having five of the 10 runners in the Oaks, Captains Mistress; Kiwi trainer-driver Nathan Williamson made a surprise trip across the ditch to drive her. It was never going to be…
Millie Let Loose & Punters didn’t see her coming
by Rob Courtney When your horse wins at Addington on a Sunday & pays $48 to win its probably fair to say that your confidence levels were most likely ‘luke warm’ to say the least but for part owner Stewie Sutherland it must have been something of a ‘time warp’ as the Superfast Stuart-Foot Loose mare put on a faultless display in recording her 2nd win from just her 9th raceday start. “She had gone a couple of nice trials recently but run ‘no time’ “ according to her trainer…
Sires’ Stakes deadline approaching
As Executive of the NZ Sires’ Stakes Board, Martin Pierson has a reminder for breeders, owners, and trainers considering their next move. “Now’s the time to confirm your commitment,” says Pierson. “Foal nominations, yearling sustaining, and three-year-old sustaining payments all close on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.” This deadline arrives as the Sires’ Stakes Series continues to gain momentum, following increased funding through Harness Racing New Zealand’s The Future Starts Now strategy. “For the cost of a few bags of feed, you can ensure your horse remains eligible for some of…