Trainer Chrissy Bambry celebrated her recent engagement with a huge result at Hastings on Saturday when Flower Of Wanaka downed a solid line-up of fillies and mares in the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (1400m).
The Andrew Forsman-trained Leedox scored his first win in just over a year when triumphant in the 15 July ITM/GIB Northern Winter Championships (1400m) at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Hometown lad Shaun Fannin was full of emotion at Hastings racecourse on Saturday after attaining a lifelong dream of winning the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle and Steeplechase double.
Jumps jockey Nick Downs had a day to remember on Saturday, scoring wins as both a jockey and an owner.
Progressive three-year-old Golden Path ran out a dominant winner of the Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday as the Kiwi import made it two wins from three starts.
Four-year-old mare Ancient Girl has maintained her perfect record since joining the stable of Steve O’Dea and Matthew Hoysted with a determined victory at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.
The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Dolphin Skin has boosted her value as a potential broodmare with a narrow victory in a Stakes race at Flemington.
As far as dress rehearsals go, local two-year-olds Whiskey Lies and Dancing Dream couldn’t have been more impressive as they prepare for the upcoming Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka next month.
Race favourite West Coast displayed all of his undoubted class over the fences when he made the AHD-Animal Health Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) a one-horse affair in the final stages, winning under a hold by more than 16 lengths.
The New Zealand thoroughbred industry is mourning the loss of one of its great characters with the passing of Stuart Hale on Friday, aged 74.
TAB bookmakers are expecting Jo Rathbone to have a good day at Hastings on Saturday.
Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs admits Saturday’s Northbeam Stronger Stuff 2100 at Ruakaka isn’t an ideal fit for his talented galloper Chevron, but said the race is a means to an end.
