Year: 2025

Stephen Nickalls might be heading home from Hawera with a smile on his face, but he could be in a bit of trouble when he gets there.  Nickalls’ Group One performer Chase (NZ) (Zed) returned to the winner’s circle on Tuesday when taking out the Scott Roberts @ Metcalfe Real Estate (1600m), but there was someone special missing from the winning photo, his daughter Mya, who is the rising nine-year-old’s biggest fan.  Mya was set to be trackside for the race on Saturday, but adverse weather and track conditions forced…

It was early last spring when Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) almost pulled off a remarkable life-changing plunge, but there are no such lofty expectations as he returns to Flemington on Saturday. Last September, the former Kiwi galloper, who was purchased by Symon Wilde and owners to become a jumper, was backed from $41 to start at $19 before running a half-length second in the Group 2 Archer Stakes (2500m), a race where the winner is exempt from the ballot for the Melbourne Cup. But this time around, he…

Evergreen galloper Tavis Court (NZ) (Tavistock) had won a race in every season of his career since he debuted as a three-year-old, and at the tail end of his nine-year-old year, he kept that remarkable streak alive at Hawera on Tuesday. Lining up in a compact field of just four runners, Tavis Court was the $13.50 outsider, with the lightly tried Lazio backed as though nearly unbeatable, closing at $1.20. In the hands of Kate Hercock, Tavis Court was the quickest out of the barriers and full of running early,…

Chris Wood joined Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate to reflect on Smug’s victory on Sunday, where he had a stirring battle down the final straight with star jumper, West Coast. Smug was tough to win the Hawkes Bay Steeplechase on Sunday – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm

Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. We review the best races of the weekend and Shaun Fannin joins the show to compare West Coast to Jesko. Winter Weigh In, July 14

Andrew Forsman is hoping the younger members of his stable can make their mark in the new season’s age group events.  The Cambridge trainer is blessed with an array of youthful talent, both raced and unraced, although he is mindful of the challenges that lay ahead.  In the immediate future, he also has two strong chances at Avondale on Wednesday with Rio Grande (NZ) (Vadamos) and Eloise (NZ) (Iffraaj) primed to advance his tally of 55 winners in the 2024/25 term, his best since the retirement of former training partner…

Corrina McDougal had to wait on a protest before earning her first training success, but on Sunday at Woodville, her 100th was never in doubt. The Hastings horsewoman, who trains in partnership with Paul Nelson, had the $2.50 favourite in Kwanza (NZ) (Zed) engaged in the MacDougalls (2100m) and he justified that price with a dominant performance. In the hands of Jonathan Riddell, the son of Zed settled just worse than midfield, but cruised through the pack turning for home and powered clear in the straight, putting three lengths on his…

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