Author: NZRacingDesk

Harvey Wilson always kept a close eye on Jerricoop (NZ) (Zed) at Waverley and his vision for the gelding has come to life this year as he prepares to step up in grade in Saturday’s OTL Group LTD Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa. Previously trained by local horsewoman Erin Hocquard, Jerricoop collected two victories over staying trips and performed on rain-affected ground, the perfect formula for a jumper. After showing interest in the seven-year-old, Wilson welcomed him into his stable just under a year ago. “Erin trains in Waverley and…

It’s a case of plan B for Southland trainer Robert Dennis when he heads to Ashburton on Thursday with a quintet of runners. Three of his team were entered to compete at Wingatui on Sunday but were forced to look elsewhere after the meeting was abandoned due to deteriorating track conditions as a result of adverse weather. Dennis looked north for a suitable replacement and found alternative targets at Ashburton. “We were lucky that we had that back-up option to head up to Ashburton because turf is few and far…

Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month, with his three Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls making their final preparations for the Grand National Festival of Racing. The trio of talented wet-track gallopers includes Albatross (NZ) (Sacred Falls), Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer), and King Of The Castle (NZ) (Castledale), who will all contest Thursday’s Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume after a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently,…

Defending his crown, The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) won the A$35,000 WC & AC Miller Steeplechase (3800m) on 29 June at Casterton (Victoria) in impressive fashion, having to carry 74.5kgs. Unbeaten now in three attempts on the course, having won the corresponding event last season and making it two from two in the Ecycles Two Rivers Steeplechase (3800m) on 18 May, The Mighty Spar proved too strong last time out when winning the Bill Roycroft Steeplechase (3200m) on 15 June at Terang, and started a $1.70 race favourite.  Completing a hat-trick…

Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month, with his three Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls making their final preparations for the Grand National Festival of Racing. The trio of talented wet-track gallopers include Albatross, Master Marko and King Of The Castle, who will all contest Thursday’s Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume off a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently, finishing a close-up second to race-rival Conor…

Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards. For the duration of 2024 through to Champions Day, Thompson was immersed in promoting the $3.5 million slot race, the first of its kind in thoroughbred racing on Kiwi soil. She brought a modern, innovative approach to the event, whilst maintaining the history and culture of New Zealand and our racing industry. Thompson’s effort…

Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance. The Argentinian-bred Istataba is by the Galileo stallion Treasure Beach, who won the Irish Derby (2400m) and is the sire of nine Group One winners among a total of 21 stakes-winning progeny. He has already racked up 15 winners as a broodmare sire including Group Three winner Candlelit (Equal Stripes). Istataba’s dam is Coordenada (Equal Stripes), who was a standout two-year-old…

Cambridge gelding Cleese (NZ) (Sweet Orange) will make his first appearance at the races in more than nine months when he heads to Arawa Park on Wednesday to contest the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1560.  The seven-year-old son of Sweet Orange was last sighted on raceday when runner-up behind Group Three performer Nest Egg at Ellerslie last September, with trainer John Bell nursing a couple of niggly issues with the gelding.  Bell reported he is now in full fettle, and he is looking forward to his gelding resuming on Wednesday,…

The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.  The Manawatu horseman was a respected breaker and pre-trainer for a number of top Central Districts racing stables before becoming a bloodstock agent, but he is more known for his feats in the Equestrian world, having competed in showjumping at the 1976 Montreal Olympics with Big Red.  The pair were inducted into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame at their 75th Anniversary dinner on Friday night, alongside thoroughbred trainer and…

Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. The team look back at some brilliant jumping performances as well as the best of the Winter Championships from Ruakaka. Winter Weigh In, June 30