Day: 16 April 2026

Jockey Ethan Brown says it’s important he’s flexible with how he goes about giving Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) his best chance to defend his title in Saturday’s Group 1 $1.5 million Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. As tempting as it is to buy into theories about how the track will play, Brown said he’ll keep an open mind as the day unfolds and hopes as it does that barrier 12 won’t be a disadvantage. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding wasn’t aided by gate two in the TJ Smith Stakes…

To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel) will continue his racing career in Hong Kong following his recent sale. Bred by Nearco Stud, the son of Snitzel was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis out of Curraghmore’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $200,000. Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, he went on to win two of his five starts as a juvenile and placed in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m). He made a winning start to his three-year-old term before adding a further win…

A stakes victory won’t come Out Of The Blue (NZ) (Tivaci) for the horse that bears the same name when he heads to Ellerslie this weekend. Out Of The Blue has been a solid performer for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson this season, winning his first two starts before placing in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m), with his only unplaced run coming when seventh in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). He was set to contest last month’s Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on…

Windsor Park Stud are looking forward to a strong turnout for their annual Rugby, Racing and Beer Sale set for next Thursday 23rd April at Riccarton Park in Christchurch. The niche yearling sale, with 12 Lots, doubles as a charitable event and sportsman’s function, with guest speakers including former All Black Andy Ellis and Group One winning trainer Bjorn Baker. For Super Rugby enthusiasts, this year’s Super Round will take place at Christchurch’s brand-new One New Zealand Stadium, with five games scheduled from Friday through to Sunday, while from limited…

Entries for NZB’s 2026 National Weanling Sale close today, Thursday 16 April via NZB’s portal here.​​​​​​​Set to be held at Karaka on Thursday 25 June, the Sale offers an attractive platform to sell young stock to an international and domestic audience, with the added bonus of Karaka Millions eligibility. A proven source of success on the track, star NZB weanling graduates include recent stakes-performers Jedibeel (NZ) (Staphanos), Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns), Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel), plus Group One winners Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante), Jennifer Eccles (NZ)…

The strong demand from the 100th National Yearling Sale continued onto NZB’s 2026 National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, which saw 104 lots catalogued and over $800,000 in receipts in a quick-fire digital session on Wednesday evening. The highlight of the Sale came early, with Lot 18 being sold to Japanese buyer Golden Orchid Brothers Inc. for $70,000. The daughter of Sword of State from Savabeel mare, Sade was offered by Curraghmore, who shortly after offered Lot 29, a filly by Satono Aladdin who was purchased by leading buyers…