When star jockey Mark Zahra was engaged for just the one ride at Seymour on Thursday, there were plenty of punters that copped the tip as three-year-old gelding Mahershala (NZ) (Per Incanto) made a one-act affair of the Vale Ian Dickinson Maiden Plate (1000m). The talented son of Per Incanto sports the colours of Ozzie Kheir and romped to an eased up three and a quarter length victory at his second Australian start for trainer Ciaron Maher, having placed on debut at Pakenham in February. While things couldn’t have gone…
Day: 11 June 2026
Young doubles training tally at home track
Lisa Young had plenty of success as a jockey and now the Canterbury horsewoman is enjoying her time on the other side of the fence as a trainer. Young rode for 11 seasons and won 159 races in the saddle, including two at stakes level, with her first coming on the Kevin Hughes-trained Eternal Melody (NZ) (Shinko King) in the 2003 Listed South Island 2YO Stakes (1200m). Injury curtailed Young’s jockey career seven years later, but she continued to ride track work before working as stable foreman for Stephen Marsh’s…
Connections weigh options for Thebudgiesmugla
Connections of improving stayer Thebudgiesmugla (NZ) (Redwood) have until Thursday afternoon to decide whether he remains in Sydney for a stakes assignment or faces a two-mile test in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup. The Bjorn Baker-trained five-year-old is a $2.60 favourite for The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) and a $5.50 chance in Queensland with managing owners Darby Racing and Baker weighing up the merits of both races. While the 3200m journey of the Brisbane Cup is an unknown, the Eagle Farm track has tipped into the heavy range, a temptation for…
Progressive 4YO ready for open grade Te Rapa test
Late developer Bonnard has been in exemplary form this preparation and is in the right order to face the sternest test of his fledgling career at Te Rapa. The Swiss Ace four-year-old will bid to extend his winning sequence when he makes his open class debut in the Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate 22/8 Mile (1600m) on Saturday. Bonnard is unbeaten in all three appearances since returning from a break, including a last-start course and distance victory, and trainer Shane Crawford can’t fault the gelding. “To be honest, I think there…
Last Chance to Enter National Breeding Stock Sale
Entries for the 2026 National Online Breeding Stock Sale are due online on Gavelhouse Plus by 10pm this Tuesday 16 June. In addition to quality off-the-track fillies and mares, the stand-alone breeding stock sale will give breeders the opportunity to offer proven mares as well as stallion shares and nominations at a key time ahead of the breeding season. Over the past three years the Sale-toppers have included Yearn, Asama Blue, Chanel’s Choice and Dee and Gee who fetched $195,000, $126,000, $115,000 and $105,000 respectively. The entry fee is $450 + GST, with 5% commission and no…
Backmark big challenge for Tarragindi at Invercargill today
By Jonny Turner Phil Williamson has raced enough horses at Ascot Park to know Tarragindi is facing a stern test on Thursday. Tarragindi will start from a 30m handicap over 2200m in Race 10, the Centrepoint/South City Liquorland Handicap Trot (3.39pm) taking on a smart field in the process. Those circumstances all add up to the master trainer being hopeful rather than confident going into the race. “I have had a few that have tried to win off 30m over 2200m at Invercargill and it is not easy,” Williamson said. …
Bread-and-butter stayer chasing Cup crown
Having captured three of the past six renewals of the Winter Cup, Chris Waller is confident Caboche (NZ) (Vadamos) has the right profile to add his name to the honour roll at Rosehill on Saturday. While the seven-year-old isn’t the classiest horse in the master trainer’s stable, he has been a wonderful money-spinner for connections, placing in the 2022 Queensland Derby and amassing more than $750,000 in prizemoney. He arrives at this weekend’s 2400m race – being staged this year as The Queen Elizabeth II Cup off the back of a closing…