Author: NZRacingDesk

Cody Cole is keeping his options open with talented three-year-old Landlock (Merchant Navy) as wet weather threatens to halt his initial plan to contest Saturday’s Gr.2 Timberspan Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Te Rapa. Landlock is the highest-rated galloper in the $175,000 contest, having narrowly gone down to Return To Conquer (Snitzel) in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and placing in a Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) as a juvenile. The son of Merchant Navy resumed in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) earlier this month and pleased Cole…

Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State was represented by an impressive trial winner when State Of Valour (NZ) (Sword Of State) coasted to victory in his two-year-old heat over 730m at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Prepared by Chad Ormsby, the gelding was quickly into stride to sit on the pace and lengthened stride in the run home under a minimum of urging by Tayla Mitchell to score by three and a-half lengths. “I was very impressed by what he did with the little practice that he’s had,” his trainer said.…

Hong Kong trainer David Hayes discusses the arrival of short priced TAB Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising into Sydney yesterday with Mitch Manners. David Hayes 23.09.2025 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts

Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) is in fine fettle ahead of her tilt at the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Friday, pleasing jockey Craig Williams with her work on the Melbourne track on Monday.  “I was really happy with her,” Williams told Racing.com. “She enjoyed it. It is a privilege to come out here in preparation for Friday’s Group One tilt.  “Megan (Winter), who has been entrusted with her care over here while Ken and Bev (Kelso, trainers) are back in New Zealand, is doing a really good job.” …

Regally bred colt Lydiard Park (Wootton Bassett) will have conditions more in his favour on Wednesday to add performance to his pedigree. The son of Wootton Bassett will make his second appearance when he steps out in the TCL Earthworks Maiden (1500m) on the synthetic track at Cambridge. Trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, the three-year-old finished fifth on debut earlier this month at Ruakaka where he raced greenly and was unsuited by the rain-affected going. “We chanced our arm going there off the one soft trial and it…

Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) made his first public appearance of the season when winning his 1100m trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday.  The Danny Walker and Arron Tata-trained gelding jumped away well to sit outside leader Boss ‘N’ Highheels. He found the lead comfortably under his own steam when entering the straight and ran out an effortless two-length victor over Lachie.  Walker was pleased with what he saw ahead of his spring preparation.  “He had a nice gallop,” he said. “He is looking good, he is good in…

Michael was at Te Aroha for the last day of the jumps season to chat with various stakeholders about the discipline, less than a year after it was in serious doubt. Plus the first Mickey G update for season two and a look ahead to the week’s racing. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.4 Jumps Review

Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman will head to Phar Lap Raceway with a strong team on Wednesday, including a trio who have some feature New Zealand Cup Week targets on the line.  Ocean Light (NZ) (Ocean Park) holds a nomination for the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and will take his first step towards the two-mile feature in the Hospitality NZ – SC Branch 1600.  The five-year-old gelding will be fresh-up after a six-week break and his trainers are hoping he can continue his good run of form, having…

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Twelve-time Champion Trainer Mark Walker, who ticked over 2000 career wins last year, added to his achievements at The Australian Jumps Racing Association (AJRA) 2025 AJRA Mosstrooper Awards, held on Saturday in Melbourne. The Mosstrooper Awards celebrate the very best in jumps racing: the horses, trainers, jockeys, ground staff, and all those that make jumps racing thrive. In a series of jumps races, Walker recorded the highest number of points to win the JJ Houlahan Championship – Champion Trainer Award. Walker has always had a soft spot of jumpers, highlighted…