Author: Editor BOAY

Realistic Tiley reshaping business

Editor BOAY

South Auckland trainer Nigel Tiley. Photo: Trish Dunell Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley is pleased to be back at work, but the COVID-19 lockdown period gave him a chance to ponder what his business might look like as we enter a new normal. The champion jockey turned trainer is cognisant that businesses through all walks of life have been hit hard by COVID-19 and issues facing racing in New Zealand have been exacerbated by the economic impact of the virus. “I have had to make some pretty tough decisions,” Tiley said.…

Waddell up for Aussie challenge

Editor BOAY

JJason Waddell will plan his spring around Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Jennifer Eccles. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) One of New Zealand’s top big-race jockeys is heading across the Tasman. Cambridge jockey Jason Waddell said he is at a stage in his career where he would like to test his talents in Australia. “I wanted to be a part of the ship that resurrected New Zealand racing, I really did, but sometimes you have got to do what is best for yourself and your family and…

Melbourne spring carnival faces changes

Editor BOAY

Mer De Glace winning the 2019 Caulfield Cup. Photo: Racing Photos Melbourne’s spring racing carnival may be overhauled because of a clash with the rescheduled AFL finals. The Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), one of the biggest races of the season and a key lead-up to the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), could be moved from mid-October to the end of November. Australia’s The Herald Sun reported on Tuesday that Racing Victoria is expected to announce an overhaul of its spring dates next week, with a draft schedule already presented to racing…

Master Montaro returns

Editor BOAY

Master Montaro cruises to victory on debut under Michael Walker (Photo: Natasha Morello/Racing Photos) Impressive debut winner Master Montaro (Toronado) will be looking to continue his winning record when he steps out at Sale on Wednesday. The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate came from last to amble past his rivals when winning the Kentucky Equine Research Maiden Plate (1000m) at Pakenham in March. The three-year-old gelding was part-owned by a group of Kiwis, which included Woburn Farm principals Adrian Stanley and Hannah Kettlety, who retained a small…

Another stakes winner for Charm Spirit

Editor BOAY

Charm Spirit continues to produce stakes winners Windsor Park Stud’s shuttle stallion Charm Spirit was credited with this seventh stakes winner over the weekend when the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Fantastic Spirit was successful in the Listed Derby Du Midi (1900m) in France. The three-year-old colt stayed on strongly in the final stages to beat Again Music by a short-neck with another length back to Frohsim in third. The son of Charm Spirit was purchased as a foal at the Arqana December Sale by Artemis Bloodstock Investments for €25,000, before being bought…

Cutbacks across all areas at TAB

Editor BOAY

The Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) confirmed on Tuesday changes it was taking in response to the impact of COVID-19, including a reduction of 230 roles, including 150 permanent staff, across all areas of the TAB. The decision follows consultation with staff on a range of proposed changes aimed at ensuring the business was sustainable for the future and best placed to meet the needs of New Zealand racing and sport. The changes, which impact 30 percent of all roles, are expected to deliver savings of more than $11 million…

Pearl series early bird special set to close

Editor BOAY

The NZB Insurance Pearl Series has become an important part of the New Zealand racing calendar and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) that administers the series eagerly awaits the continuation of the Series in the new 2020-21 season. The NZTBA’s chief executive Justine Sclater said that when the new calendar for the season is finalised Pearl Series bonus races will be programmed. “After fielding calls from owners who have Pearl fillies eligible for bonuses in the new season, I have been in discussion with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing…

Elliot set to surpass season’s best

Editor BOAY

Ryan Elliot winning aboard Beauden at Awapuni in December after stumbling when leaving the gates. Photo: Grant Matthew (Race Images Palmerston North) Waikato jockey Ryan Elliot was a little disappointed about the season being curtailed as a result of COVID-19, but he is looking forward to getting back raceday riding in just over a month. The 21-year-old hoop was able to keep relatively busy at trainer Graeme Rogerson’s private training property in Hamilton over the lockdown period, but he said he is glad the workload has increased in the last…

Pride eyeing Group Three assignment for Stockman

Editor BOAY

Promising three-year-old Stockman. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Tavistock gelding Stockman continued to show his progressive talents at Randwick on Saturday when taking out his 2000m event, and trainer Joseph Pride is now eyeing some loftier targets for his charge. It was his third victory this preparation from just four starts, ranging from 1300m to 2000m, and Pride has been impressed with the promise shown by the three-year-old. “They are promising signs when they’re able to win a 1300m race first-up and three out of the first four runs of the preparation, you…

Savaheat cherry ripe at Flemington

Editor BOAY

Savaheat winning at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Natasha Morello/Racing Photos Savaheat was cherry ripe ahead of the Brew’s Anniversary Plate (1800m) at Flemington on Saturday, according to trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jr), and he duly delivered. The five-year-old son of Savabeel settled midfield for jockey Michael Dee before he asked his charge to improve from the 800m mark. Savaheat took control of the race with a furlong to go and he was able to hold out Duke Of Plumpton to record a New Zealand-bred quinella. His connections were…