Ben Hayes admits he’s unsure whether War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) has what it takes to win The Everest this Saturday. But that’s exactly why he’s so excited about it. The Stradbroke winner, who is unbeaten since joining the Lindsay Park operation, has been well supported in most markets after drawing barrier 4 for the $20 million sprint in Sydney. “The exciting thing about War Machine is that we don’t know his limit yet,” Hayes told The Verdict podcast. “Since we’ve had him, he’s had four starts for four wins…
Year: 2025
Benji King Unveils First Draft for Foxhill Thoroughbreds
Richmond Downs-based Foxhill Thoroughbreds is operated by Benji King, the eldest son of Brighthill Farm founders Nick and Anne-Marie King, along with his partner Lena Jones. The Foxhill name has appeared among purchasers lists at Karaka in previous years – buying one yearling from Karaka 2024, two weanlings from the 2024 Weanling Sale, three yearlings from Karaka 2025 and a weanling from the 2025 Weanling Sale. But this is their first time on the other side of the ledger with a draft going through the sale ring under their name.…
Speed Dragon dazzles as Vincent Ho rides treble at Happy Valley
Speed Dragon (NZ) (Darci Brahma) made a triumphant return to racing on Wednesday following 241 days away after scorching to a rousing first-up success in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley. Sidelined for four months following a ligament injury, Speed Dragon – the first winner of a running treble for jockey Vincent Ho – crossed immediately from his wide draw (10) to settle in last position. Pacesetter Telecom Fighters made the running before yielding at the top of the home straight as Speed…
Agera ideally suited to Matamata Cup trip
A drop back in distance will be to the liking of the Tony Pike-trained Agera (NZ) (Complacent) in Friday’s Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). The six-year-old will be the stable’s only representative at the meeting in take two of the Team Wealleans-sponsored feature after it fell afoul of the weather on its original date earlier this month. Pike had intended to run the son of Complacent in the Cup but was unable to book a suitable jockey and the gelding instead finished fourth in the open handicap over ground. “The mile…
Asano back in Kiwi jockey ranks
A familiar face will return to the Kiwi jockey’s room at Ellerslie on Saturday, with Kozzi Asano rejoining the ranks after a stint in South Korea. Originally hailing from Japan, the 30-year-old came to New Zealand to pursue his career as a jockey and swiftly to prominence as an apprentice, winning the apprentice jockey’s premiership in 2019/20. Before taking a contract in Korea last term, he rode a total of 336 winners in eight seasons, 20 of those at stakes level and two Group Ones. During his time in the…
Former southern mare on big stage in Sydney
Kelvin Tyler hopes to kick off an exciting weekend on a winning note at Wingatui on Friday, before he is represented on Sydney’s biggest race day of the spring with Aberlour (NZ) (Mongolian Falcon). Based in Riverton, Tyler will take a team of eight up to the Dunedin venue, hoping to strike early with Ripa Time (NZ) (Time Test) contesting the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series MDN (1600m), Indie Ardie (NZ) (Ardrossan) in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1500m) and Snow Brainer (NZ) (Jon Snow) in the Grand Casino MDN (1200m).…
Outsider continues golden run for Kimberly Butt
What a week it’s been for Kimberly Butt. Just days after a winning double at Motukarara she reined home a $100 outsider at Addington last night. “It’s been a good few days,” says Butt, “I was pleasantly surprised by Shades of Robyn that’s for sure.” Last night in the Captain Crunch At Alabar Mobile Pace Butt secured the one-one with the Trevor Cross-trained Shades Of Robyn before overhauling second favourite Tuppence late in the piece to win by a head. The five-year-old gelding was having his sixth start after five…
Seivwright to make Karaka debut
Former jumps jockey James Seivwright, who rode 23 winners between the 2017-18 and 2021-22 seasons, is moving into a new role with Seivwright Bloodstock’s debut Ready to Run consignment of five two-year-olds at next month’s Ready to Run Sale, alongside wife and successful event rider, Maddy. But that’s not to say that the 31-year-old is lacking in experience around the Ready to Run Sale. “I’ve been around the Ready to Run Sale scene for a little while, having previously worked for Riversley Park and Kiltannon Stables,” he said. “Selling horses…
Ellerslie-bound 3YOs chasing Guineas berths
Stablemates Oratia Beauty and Geneva will have opportunities to book their passages south when they step out at Ellerslie on Saturday. The former will face a rise in class in the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) while Geneva will take on older opposition in the Kingmakers Syndication Handicap (1400m). Trainer Kylie Hoskin has the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hopes for the Jomara Bloodstock-bred and raced pair. Oratia Beauty capped the strong start she’s made to…
Jacob Dunn with three good chances at Cambridge tonight
By Jordyn Bublitz It’s shaping up to be a big night at Cambridge Raceway for up and coming northern junior driver Jacob Dunn, who lines up behind three promising runners. Each of the trio looks a genuine shot at the winner’s circle, starting with Kiss And Run for Cambridge locals Dylan and Jo Ferguson. The five-year-old mare fronts up in the Garrards Horse And Hound Handicap Trot (6.20pm) after a solid fourth at Alexandra Park last week, following a brief freshen-up. That run came in much stronger company, and Dunn…