Author: NZRacingDesk

Group One winner Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) tuned up for forthcoming spring assignments with a trials victory over 1000m at Hawkesbury on Monday in the hands of Zac Lloyd. The imposing son of Super Seth was having his second trial and came from just behind Espionage (Zoustar) to glide past that rival over the concluding stages. It was the second trial for the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained four-year-old who will resume in Saturday week’s Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. “It has been difficult getting them ready with the…

Mark Twain’s (NZ) (Shocking) Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) preparation looks to have hit a small snag, with forecast rain likely to lead to his withdrawal from Sunday’s Clotworthy Racing Open 1600 at Te Aroha. “With the weather forecast, he will have to be a doubtful starter, which is a shame because it is a crucial run in a build-up towards Melbourne,” said Roger James, who trains the gelding in partnership with Robert Wellwood. “The weather is looking bad, and it is a Heavy10 already, so it is probably unlikely (that…

Platinum Diamond (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m). After finishing fourth on a Soft5 track at Hawera on debut in May, the daughter of Hello Youmzain won her next three starts, including the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) and Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on Heavy10 tracks. While Platinum Diamond’s form is on Heavy surfaces, Latta was looking forward to testing her filly on better footing, however,…

Midnight Delight (NZ) (Captain Rio) didn’t reach the heights expected of her by Waverley horseman Bill Thurlow on the track, but she’s proving her worth as a broodmare for the family. The daughter of Captain Rio is the dam of Mister Fletcher, a son of Almanzor who has won two of his six starts, and his half-brother Landman (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) will get an early crack at a black type when he runs in Saturday’s Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m). Midnight Delight was offered as a weanling at Karaka…

Entain plc, the global sports betting and gaming group, today announced the appointment of Andrew Vouris as chief executive of Entain Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), following a global talent search. Vouris has served as Interim chief executive since June 2025, guiding the business through a period of transition with a clear focus on people, customers, and compliance. “Andrew stood out as the right leader for Entain ANZ,” Entain Group chief executive Stella David said. “His leadership as Interim CEO has demonstrated his commitment to our people, our partners, and…

Andrew Carston is excited about the prospects of his Riccarton barn this spring, and he will kick-off the preparation of one his leading chances this weekend. Brazen Beau filly Miss Ziggy (NZ) (Brazen Beau) tested her talent against the best juveniles in the country last season, and while she has yet to taste victory in seven starts, she ran third in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January. The three-year-old filly won her 800m trial at Ashburton earlier this month and Carston is hopeful of a bold showing…

New Zealand-bred multiple Group One winner Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will kick-off his spring preparation when he heads to Caulfield on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m). The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained gelding won the 2023 running of the race, and he will be looking to repeat that result this weekend after finishing runner-up in last year’s edition. The eight-year-old gelding has had two jumpouts this time in and his trainers are looking forward to what they hope is another lucrative spring with their charge. “We’re really…

Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. We recap Foxbridge Plate Day from Te Rapa, look ahead to remaining jumps days in 2025 and a whole lot more. Winter Weigh In, August 25

New Zealand’s top-rated performer El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) will contest all three legs of the spring Triple Crown series. Stephen Marsh’s four-time elite level winner is making pleasing progress toward his resuming run in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) on September 6 at Ellerslie, where he will stretch his legs later this week. “He will trial on Thursday over 1100m, it will be a quiet trial and then he’ll be ready to kick off,” the Cambridge trainer said. “I thought he galloped brilliantly between races at Te Rapa and he…

Group One performer Wild Night (NZ) (Vanbrugh) is one step closer to his raceday return following a pleasing exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Saturday. Wild Night worked alongside multiple Group One winner Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) and co-trainer Sam Bergerson was pleased with what he saw. “I was really pleased with his gallop and Opie (Bosson, jockey) said he felt great,” said Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker. “Obviously, he’s battled soundness issues throughout his career, but he’s coming back from a good, long spell, and seems to…