Category: Gallops

Former Singapore superstar Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) may have found his old spark, as he prepares for his second Australian start on Saturday. The Dan Meagher-trained seven-year-old was a potential starter in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm this weekend, but a logistical issue led to that plan being aborted and instead, he’ll line up at Sandown in a 1400-metre handicap en route to the Winter Championship over 1600m at Flemington. Lim’s Kosciuszko finished third in the Listed Straight Six at Flemington at his Australian debut, where he raced…

Kiwi-bred sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) star continues to rise, with the son of Shamexpress rated the world’s best turf horse in the latest Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Bred by Marton horseman Fraser Auret under his Grandmoral Lodge Racing, the four-year-old gelding has been an unstoppable force for trainer David Hayes in Hong Kong, winning 13 of his 15 starts in the competitive racing jurisdiction. He is undefeated in the current term, recording eight successive victories, including the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee…

Entries are now open for NZB’s Karaka 2026, with the iconic week on the international sales calendar due to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from Sunday 25 January, marking the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.  As recently announced, a new sales format will be launched at Karaka 2026, ensuring that the quality of the 100th National Yearling Sales catalogue is in line with the momentous occasion.  Book 1 will be conducted across two full days, composed of approximately 580 horses. Book 2 will immediately follow with a…

Pier is likely to shoot for a Listed consolation prize at Eagle Farm on Saturday after being balloted out of his main Winter Carnival goal – the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). In his current preparation, the Darryn and Briar Weatherley-trained son of Proisir has found some of his best form since his Group One-winning three-year-old days. He resumed with a flying finish for second in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Trentham in April, beaten by a half-head by Slipper Island and finishing in front of next-start Gr.3…

Jakama Krystal was a quiet achiever in the steeplechasing role last season, and she’ll step up to the major leagues for the first time at Te Rapa on Saturday, taking on the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m). Often effective in the lead, Jakama Krystal spaced her rivals on debut over the bigger fences last August and put on a similar display when winning the final race of the jumping season in September. After enjoying her summer holiday, the nine-year-old returned to Peter and Jessica Brosnan’s Matamata stable and has appeared…

Samantha Logan is hoping for a result to savour when the aptly named Jelly Roll makes his debut at Matamata on Sunday. Off the back of an encouraging trial performance, the three-year-old will step out in the Slattery Contracting Maiden (1200m), with Bridget Grylls to take the reins. He is a son of Swiss Ace and Icing On The Cake and is trained and owned by Logan, who was gifted the gelding. Jelly Roll’s name is drawn from both his parents and also from the moniker of the American rapper,…

Kiwi-owned Group One winner Desert Lightning will be out to double his elite-level tally when he returns to Eagle Farm on Saturday to tackle the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). Formerly in the care of Peter and Dawn Williams in New Zealand, the five-year-old gelding won five races for his now retired trainers, including the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) and $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m). He transferred to the care of Pakenham conditioners Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman last spring where he made an immediate impact, placing in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes…

In line with the current economic climate, Novara Park owner Luigi Muollo has made adjustments to the service fees for the stud’s four-strong stallion roster. The fee for Staphanos has been reduced from $15,000 to $9,000 plus GST, while Sweynesse has been trimmed from $10,000 to $7,000. King Of Comedy and Press Statement remain at unchanged fees of $7,000 and $6,000 respectively. “We are mindful of the challenges facing trainers, syndicators and breeders,” Muollo said. “The costs of production, wages, everything has increased. All of our stallions this season will…

The powerful jumping stable of Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal will be out in full force at Te Rapa on Saturday, with the return of champion galloper The Cossack headlining their attack in the feature events. Now an 11-year-old, The Cossack has won a phenomenal 15 jumping races, including a pair of Great Northern Hurdles (4200m), a Grand National Hurdle (4200m) and last year’s Wellington Steeplechase (5500m). After his success at Trentham, the son of Mastercraftsman was ruled out of the Grand National Steeplechase (5500m) and the remainder of last…

All the signs point toward another bold showing from Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) when she takes aim at the Bullocks Whanganui Handicap (2040m) at Wanganui on Saturday. The daughter of Redwood closed late to finish fourth over a mile when second-up on the track three runs back and most recently ran second over 2040m in the River City. In between times, the promising mare was a winner at Trentham under Kate Hercock, who will be reunited with her at the weekend. “She’s working really well, so we’re quite happy with…