Business

In a brilliant winning return to Perth racing, Western Empire revived memories of past glories when he outclassed his opponents in Sunday’s Gr.3 Northam Stakes (1300m).

While missing a chance for valuable black-type three weeks prior, promising filly Dangerous Liaisons was able to finish her South Island mission on a high at Riccarton last Saturday.

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Members’ Council has appointed Russell Warwick as a Director Elect of the NZTR Board, effective 1 August 2024.

Te Rapa specialist Turn The Ace kicked off a new preparation with a commanding front-running performance in the Prezzy Card Sprint (1200m) at his favourite track on Saturday.

Talented hurdler English Gambler extended his impressive front-running record over the fences in Saturday’s Modern Transport Group Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa.

Michael and Matthew Pitman’s outstanding carnival continued on Saturday at Riccarton Park, with handy sprinter Zoulander pulling off a tough victory in the Bush Inn Tavern Open Sprint (1200m). 

Promising chaser Hey Happy showed he could be in for a prosperous winter after bolting away with the opening steeplechase of the season at Te Rapa on Saturday, the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial Steeplechase (3900m).

For the second time in three weekends, the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained pair of Star Ballot and Tomyturbo have fought out a thrilling finish to a staying race at Riccarton – and for the second time in three weekends, Star Ballot has come out on top.

Super Photon’s growing reputation was put to the test in Saturday’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, and the exciting colt rose to the challenge in style.

Fan favourite Harlech has finally found his way to the winners’ enclosure following more than three and a half years since his last victory, racing away for a satisfying win in the Avon City Ford Easter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton. 

Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman has a soft spot for five-win gelding Star Ballot and believes he is capable of contesting the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) on his home track in November.

Count Zero continued the New Zealand-bred dominance of the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) in recent times, with the Zed nine-year-old on Thursday becoming the sixth New Zealand-bred winner of the Warrnambool feature in the last seven years.