Terang – 2nd January

WEST INDIES contests the Benchmark 58 over 1850 metres – Race 8 @ 6.30pm NZT with Stable Apprentice Sage Duric to ride from an outside barrier – was a bit plain when resuming last start – up in trip here and is capable of featuring here if at his best – TAB says “has won second up before, but others rate better” – Showing $8/$2.70

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No timed Fortuna Runner trackwork this week

Other News

Fortuna Owners Day – Sunday 8th February 2026 – Guest Speaker Des Coppins

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Not much left in LEGEND OF KINGS 

• Legend Of Kings is a lightly raced 5yo with a genuine stayers pedigree
• physically he lives up to his pedigree 100%
• lightly raced for a 5yo, he has plenty of miles in the legs
• not a lot of money
• in full work at Matamata since 18th Dec, he will trial late January and then be off to the races, so not long to wait
• Has been allocated a Rating of 63 so his first NZ start will be in Rating 65 grade
• Just 13% left

5yo Gelding Legend of Kings (by Camelot out of Joshua’s Princess)

Click HERE to see LEGEND OF KINGS parading pre sale

Review all the above information and purchase a share in LEGENDS OF KINGS today from the link HERE  or make contact with John 021 921 460 if you would like more  information

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Fortuna clients Steve Middleton and Louise Savage “tie the knot” at Ellerslie on Boxing Day

Here is a heart warming story featuring a couple of our really good clients

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Happy New Year John and Fortuna followers.

We’re entering into a new year of racing and whether you’re a punter or an owner or both I sincerely hope you get your fair share of winners.

There’s so much to reflect on these past 12 months as we welcome in 2026 and I’ve thought long and hard on some of the highs and lows we’ve had to deal with in 2025. There’s so much to look forward to but we can’t forget there are still some serious issues the industry has to deal with.

I’ll highlight  the pleasantries to start with.
To keep things on par I’ve listed 8 HIGHS and 8 LOWS but not necessarily in any rating order.

 HIGHS FOR 2025

1 JAMES McDONALD

He just seems to go from strength to strength. His high flying season took him right to the top again on the global stage. He was associated with two super stars in particular , Romantic Warrior and Via  Sistena and this pair has seen his group one tally grow to 123; 95 in Australia, 14 in Hong Kong, 11 in NZ and one each in Japan, United Kingdom and UAE.
His return to riding in NZ on Saturday in the TAB Telegraph at Trentham is as big as it could be as his racing calendar is so heavily booked on the world stage I doubt if we will see much of him riding here.
If you’re not at Trentham there’s a good chance you’ll set the alarm and put down whatever you are doing and see what J-Mac achieves via the telly as  he pilots his one and only ride for the day, Tomodachi.

2 WAIPUKURAU CLUB

To see the massive crowd return to the track for the first time in 6 years in November was a credit to everyone involved with the club. It just goes to show what passion and drive exists in the regions who have not always been given a fair go in the decision making arena of the business. They have been allocated two more race days this season; the Wairoa meeting on February 15 and the Hawkes Bay Cup meeting on April 26.

3 KA YING RISING

This daughter of Missy Moo, who incidentally ran last in Gorbachev’s 2017 Wellington Cup, is unquestionably the best NZ bred sprinter we’ve seen. What he did to the world class Everest field was a demolition job and the pride of Hong Kong is not just the pride of NZ and Australia, too, but of the Universe. He’s a magnet who draws in the non racegoers in as well as the purists. He is simply the best.

 4 LEVIN, FOXTON and AVONDALE

Whether these tracks are granted official race days sparingly or never, let’s give credit where credits due. They have stood up admirably as trials and jump out venues all year and much to the delight of trainers and it must be said, the industry as well.

 5 BARRIER ATTENDANTS

In safely loading horses before the start of each race and steering clear of an unruly act from a 450kg-550kg thoroughbred these hard workers deserve more than a pat on the back each race day. Some have experienced close calls and the critical role each and everyone them play should never be under estimated.

 6 RACEDAY SPONSORS

It goes without how much the racing industry relies on sponsors and a special shout out to those who have been associated with their respective clubs for 10 years or more. People and companies like the Dyke family in Wanganui, the Andertons and White Robe, Harcourts at Trentham, Jeff and Noeline Berkett, Grant Plumbing; some 15 years with the Wellington Steeples, the Sarten family at Te Rapa and there are many  others around the country who have stuck around through thick and thin. Their financial input is thoroughly appreciated, particularly by those lucky enough to reap the rewards.

7 CROWDS AT THE HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS

I touched this in the column last week and again we are seeing how important it is for those compiling our race dates ensure the right venues are allocated in this day light saving period. Racing may not be as popular at the big city tracks at this time of the year – because the holidays draw the inhabitants  away – but the call of Kumara, Tauherenikau  and Cromwell etc is just as strong as ever.
They are the grass roots of racing and as long as their race dates aren’t challenged we won’t stop enjoying a day out or two with them at this time of the year.

 8 KIWIS IN OZ

Whether it’s NZ bred gallopers or ex pats we continue to punch above our weight. In the jockeys or trainers ranks spearheaded by JMac and Chris Waller, the likes of Bjorn Baker, Mick Dee, Daniel Stackhouse, Sheila Laxon, Logan Bates, Mark Walker, John Sargent etc are doing what Brent Thomson, Greg Childs, Shane Dye,  Jimmy and Larry Cassidy, Gary Willetts, Brian Andrews, Bruce Compton, Brian Smith, Nigel Tiley, Maree Lyndon, Bob Skelton, Damian Browne and Michael Walker, and maybe a couple more, did before them.

 LOWS FOR 2025

1 SOCIAL MEDIA

It should be a respected tool.  Many people use it to get in touch with friends, to join on line communities, to keep up with the news. All this is good. What isn’t good in racing is the misinformation, on line harassment and the insults some decent people have to put up from the minority who have probably never patted  a horse in their lives.

2 ANIMAL WELFARE

With racehorses it’s a complex issue involving industry led care initiatives and significant concerns raised by animal welfare organisations regarding various practises and systematic problems. We have to remain mindful especially surrounding the controversial whip issues.

3 MIKE MORONEY

He was a towering figure in presence, personality and profile in the industry. His passing in February rocked us on both sides of the Tasman. He had justifiably in the last 12 months before his passing been inducted to the NZ Racing Hall of Fame.
Of course we have lost a few racing people from all cross sections and our thoughts remain with families and friends affected.

4 NZ OAKS TRANSFER TO ELLERSLIE

Why?
I still can’t get my head around this. When I quizzed those in charge of making the decision it was relayed that both the Oaks and the Derby are under a threat to be down graded unless their respective ratings increase. Having them both at Ellerslie will give the top fillies a chance to compete in both according to a few in authority.
The Oaks is now on February 21 and the Derby two weeks later!!
I wonder, would an “Orchestral” type of filly chance her arm in both the Oaks and Derby with each at a trip of 2400m just two weeks apart this year at Ellerslie or have a crack at just one and then  head to Sydney?
Personally I think the Oaks may have had more chance of retaining its group one status by reducing the distance to say 2000m and maybe run on January 3, TAB Telegraph Day.
In accepting whats fait accompli for at least this year, I really hope, for the sake of its future and its protection at the elite level, those in charge have done the right thing by way of the Oaks moving to Ellerslie.

5. THORNDON MILE DOWNGRADE TO GROUP 2

We are in a cross roads with our group status races and sadly the chopping block fell on this historically treasured great mile and it will be at group 2 – yet still worth $500k – on January 17.
Thinking back to last Saturday with the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic those wonderful gallopers like Waitak, El Vencedor, Legarto and La Crique, maybe on the way down from their epic highs, so where’s the next batch of potential group one milers and middle distance horses coming from?

6 JOCKEYS SUSPENSIONS AND INJURIES

We’ve had too many.
It’s either because of over zealous whip use or ill judgement in transit. On top of suspensions and worse still, injuries, are weakening the riding ranks. There are currently 21 jockeys off this weekend through either suspension or injuries. Some big names, too.

7 LACK OF PACEMAKERS

It’s a worry to see a horse go the front and then seemingly jam on the anchors.
I loathe it. To see horses climb over each other isn’t a good look. It’s neither tactical nor should it be acceptable because it’s too risky. I suppose that brings us back to what would’ve happened had Rory Hutchings not shown initiative in the big one last Saturday?
His report card read 10 out of 10. I’m not sure what mark I’d give his fellow riders!

8. WHY NO THREE YEAR OLDS IN W-F-A 2000M GROUP ONES?

The absence of quality potential staying three year olds missing from regular group one staying trips these days is a head scratcher for many.
I guess the reason why no classy three year olds compete in races like the Zabeel, Bonecrusher, Livamol and Herbie Dyke falls back to the rich “pop up” races like the Kiwi and Karaka three Year Old.
But don’t you miss those events where three year olds played a big hand in the outcome?
Classy three year olds like Prowess, Xcellent, Roysyn, Surfers Paradise, The Gentry, Tidal Light, Bonecrusher, McGinty, Captain Moonlight, Sharp N Smart, Valley Girl, Mission Critic, Great Command, The Phantom Chance , Far Time and Just Call Me Sir all won one of the group one 2000m races listed as three year olds.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM BOXING DAY ELLERSLIE

SHE’S NO SAINT: it was a huge run in a very competitive two year old race. To finish third after being flushed three wide for much of the way is a positive and it won’t be out of it in the Karaka Million on January 24.

FAIRY DREAM: The Ellerslie track these day are won by more horses that race close to the pace rather than back past midfield from the top of the straight. To be in the last few on the turn and rattle into 4th in the Eight Carat confirms her status as a leading light for the Oaks at Ellerslie at the end of February.

FIRST DANCE : since winning first up at Ellerslie in September she’s been thereabouts in all her racing. The other day she ran 5th and arguably had the toughest run in the straight after being held up for clear running. Clearly she was unlucky not to run in the money. A r75 over 1600m is the type of race you’d be watching closely for another win.

Good punting folks!
Hopefully 2026 is a year of celebration and prosperity for you all in the Fortuna family and whether your horse wins or loses the enjoyment will always remain.

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Galvin Family Christmas Day Photo

As has been our tradition for the past several years we feature the Galvin Family “front door” photo – see the 2025 edition below – Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year (with lots of winners) from our Family to yours

Left to right Joshua (10), Jasmine (13), James (15), Jessica and John
 

Wingatui – Boxing Day

MAROKOPA FALLS contests the Listed NZ Bloodstock Airfreight Stakes over 1400 metres – Race 6 @ 3.30pm with Courtney Barnes  to ride from barrier 10 – a solid 3rd placing in this grade at Whanganui 29th November when caught 3 wide the trip is good form for this event – meets a good field here but is a strong each way chance  at good odds – TAB says “Tough to beat on latest and can measure up again” – Showing $9/$2.60

Seymour  – Sunday

OUR PARAMOUR races in the Benchmark 62 event over 2000 metres – Race 8 @ 6.50 pm NZT with Liam Riordan  to ride from a wide barrier – 4th up here after three solid resuming runs over trips short of her best – a natural staying type, she will relish the step up to 2000m here and is right in this –  TAB says “Key runner who is expected to be in the finish” – No Odds Showing Yet 

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Other News

LARA ANTIPOVA to have a short spell before tackling ambitious targets in the coming months

Reflecting on her two impressive wins to date, she clearly is an exciting prospect and is following in the footsteps of two other Fortuna Fillies that have made their marks in recent years, namely Melody Belle and Bellatrix Star. Both of these Fillies won on debut also, but interesting to note that neither won again until their 4th start, Melody Belle in the Karaka Million and Bellatrix Star in the Group Two Eclipse on New Year’s Day. Her Ownership Group, which typical of most of the Fortuna Syndicates, is quite large with over 60 individuals with a share and notable that a few of those had shares in Melody Belle and a much larger number have shares in Bellatrix Star. Also notable that a small number are “brand new” investors in a Fortuna Syndicate, which is great to see

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Shares in LEGEND OF KINGS filling steadily

• Just 15% left
• Not long to wait
• Not a lot of money

5yo Gelding Legend of Kings (by Camelot out of Joshua’s Princess)

Click HERE to see LEGEND OF KINGS parading pre sale

Review all the above information and purchase a share in LEGENDS OF KINGS today from the link HERE  or make contact with John 021 921 460 if you would like more  information

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team and a special shout out to all your owners involved with your new star two year old trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Lara Antipova. She’s top drawer for sure.

HER PICK UP AND GO WAS A DEFINING FEATURE

LAURA ANTIPOVA was a dominant as need be in the Group Two Wakefield and there’s little doubt, despite the convincing win on debut, that she took another big step against a more competitive line up at Trentham.
And how professional was she going across the junction and entering the straight?
Her pick up and go was a defining feature and clearly she’s got it all before her.

A 1% PERCENT SHARE FOR 100% ENJOYMENT

IT was so good meeting and briefly chatting with some of the Fortuna syndicate members in the birdcage post race at Trentham. One owner told me he only had 1% but that figure is offset by the 100% enjoyment  he’s having.

Too true! If she keeps lifting the bar all of you involved will have the time of your lives traveling to see her race, whether it’s in NZ, or in Australia where she may follow the footsteps of Fortuna talents of the past in Melody Belle and Bellatrix Star who did so well on both sides of the Tasman.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES LARRY NEED?

THERE’S an old saying in racing that people with “skin in the game” should always be contenders for the right jobs in our industry.
Former top jockey Larry Cassidy sought to become a trainee race day steward following his retirement about a year ago. He believes with 40 years as a jockey – and a top one as we all know with approximately 2800 winners and 40 at group one level – you’d think he would at least get an interview if a trainee job as a race day steward in either harness or gallops code came up.

Wrong!

Evidently according to Larry himself, he wasn’t qualified enough  for a wee chat with the hiring team for a potential position in Queensland’s racing judiciary. Un-bloody-believable as my dear late father in law would say!

DEJA VU FOR SIR PETER VELA AND J-MAC

FURTHER to my “tease” in the column  last week it’s now official that world champion James McDonaldwill be donning the silks of Sir Peter Vela for the Tomodachi mount in the TAB Telegraph on Saturday week, January 3 at Trentham.

The race falls at an awkward time for holiday makers but the locals, who stayed in the capital, will be doing their utmost I’d imagine to make it to Trentham if they can. It’s free entry, too!

I might be wrong but I can’t recall James riding at Trentham since winning the Telegraph in the same colours with Giuseppina   in January, 2012.
A three times world champ, let’s savour the moment because it won’t happen on our shores very often you’d have to think. Ellerslie Karaka nignt is out again this year for him, too, as he will be riding his pride and joy and the world’s greatest money earner Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong

TOMODACHI IS THE REAL DEAL FOR THE TELEGRAPH

AFTER watching the Matamata trial the other day I’m convinced the Wexford team have Tomodachi spot on for the Telegraph. She was under triple wraps as she coasted to the line. She’s all class!!

She won 3 of her 4 races last term and it should have been 4 from 4. Her miss, when third at Trentham behind Slipper Island, was a sad watch for punters. After being slow away she was blocked and had to change ground in the straight. The winner clocked 1.7.70 and she broke 21 for the last 400. That’s low flying!

With or without James she  was always my top fancy for the big sprint. My confidence levels have now grown further for obvious reasons.

IS DESPAIR IN THE AIR WITH DOWNGRADES?

IN the last couple of seasons Trentham’s big summer races, the Levin Classic and the Thorndon Milehave been downgraded from group one to group two.
It seems one or two other top races are not on safe ground but heaven forbid if those in the firing line, the Telegraph, the Livamol, the Oaks and the Derby get shot down.

Sadly, the chopping and changing of race dates and venues hasn’t always worked in favour of these iconic events. While stakes money has risen with the advent of Entain, the lure of selling our ready made racehorses as two and three year olds to the overseas markets will always have an effect on these races in the long run. Also the opportunity to race for even bigger money in Australia comes into play as these higher rated gallopers dodge us for the group ones in Sydney or Melbourne at their respective big carnivals. Then of course as good as the pop up races like the Karaka Millions and Karaka Three Year Old as well as the “Kiwi” are amazing attractions they, too, surely impede the group status of our traditional black type races.

With so much vulnerability surrounding our epic races these days the  stake monies is also going to be the big worry going forward. For example, the Harcourts Thorndon Mile is worth a half million on January 17 but will it sustain that figure next year? If the prize money is in fact reduced the chances of this race alone ever returning to group one status is 100 to one and drifting.

THE STRONG LURE OF THE  SUMMER HOLIDAY SCENE

HATS off to country racing at this time of the year.
In comparison I think it all comes down to a fact that  these country  race days function as major social occasions and community events, close to holiday hotspots and for many families and casual friends of racing, they crowd the venues as it’s a long standing tradition passed down through generations.

Live music, various food and drink options, pop up bars and food trucks help create a vibrant atmosphere at these holiday meetings. Of course the racing adds to the excitement but the majority of the punters seemingly couldn’t care less if all the races were maidens or one win horses. They’re normally casual and primarily gold coin punters who attend  and only  maybe prepared to risk a fiver or a tenner at the most.

To take this further a race day like Trentham on January 3 with 5 black type races including a group one may not have the same crowd as Tauherenikau on January 2. Trentham’s keen punters instead will play it big on their lap tops or mobiles in the privacy of their own homes and leave the holiday troops to turn up at Tauherenikau in large numbers.

From a business case Trentham’s off course turnover will surge; Tauherenikau’s may not but it will make its profit through the turnstiles and on the ground activity but  that makes the pair complimentary to each other for the industry’s bottom line.

I cut my teeth on the holiday racing circuits with mum and dad , uncles and aunts and few cousins. You may have done the same. I will never under estimate the   importance of these holiday racing hot spots and in reality  I don’t think any of us do.

Good punting over the holidays and I sincerely hope you back your share of winners and that Christmas and Boxing Day treated you well. Roll on 2026!

THREE FROM TRENTHAM TO KEEP ON SIDE

KOSTA: is showing real promise in its limited racing and after being awkwardly away I liked the way it hit the line despite the interrupted run in the home straight.

BUTLER CABIN: while having no chance with the dashing Lara Antipova I kept a close eye on the replay of this Jonno Benner trained two year old and I liked what I saw. The trainer already has De Armas as a leading light for the Karaka Millions. Butler Cabin is the 7th highest qualifier for the big one on January 24.

CAPACI: Astute CD trainer Robbie Patterson withdrew Dirty Dee from the Eulogy but had a great replacement in Capacia. In only its second start she registered the best final sectionals. She’s very progressive and the long range plan is the NZ Oaks.

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Trentham  – Saturday

LARA ANTIPOVA contests the Listed Winsdor Park Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes over 1100 metres – Race 3 @ 2.14pm with NZ’s leading rider, Craig Grylls to ride from barrier 7 – a dominant 8 length last start winner on debut at Te Aroha Dec 7th, this is a lot harder, but she carries plenty of class and is very professional – can win – TAB says “Tough to beat on latest and can measure up here again” – Showing $1.65/$1.04

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Yes, this lovey big rangy staying type crossed the Tasman on Wednesday and had his first piece of work, just a quiet canter, at Matamata yesterday – Click HERE to see him parading at the Matamata Stables yesterday afternoon – voiceover is from Sam Bergerson – as you will see, he is an imposing physical type, walks well, looks great in the coat – we won’t have to wait long to see this fellow on the track – he has retained good base fitness from his last campaign in Australia and we believe he may be ready to trial late January – read more detail on him below – just 21.5% shares left at incredible value for a horse who has all of the attributes to be a genuine “Cups” type galloper in 2026 and beyond

5yo Gelding Legend of Kings (by Camelot out of Joshua’s Princess)

Click HERE to see LEGEND OF KINGS parading

Review all the above information and purchase a share in LEGENDS OF KINGS today from the link HERE  or make contact with John 021 921 460 if you would like more  information

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Waikato Thoroughbred Racing releases details of its proposed “Greenfields” Racing Centre to its Club Members

John says – note that the information below is a “proposal” and requires endorsement and approval by Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Members at a Special meeting possibly to be held early in 2026

MEMBERS’ UPDATE | Location of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s Greenfields Racing and Training Facility Announced

Season’s greetings to you all.

Thank you all for your patience as we have worked through options and due diligence to get to a preferred site for the proposed Greenfield racing and training facility.

The specific site is being publicly announced today as Pencarrow Road, Tamahere (between Hamilton and Cambridge). The size of this site is 150ha and has frontage to the Waikato Expressway, is bounded by the Te Awa River Ride cycleway on two sides and part of Duncan Road on the other.

See map below.     To view a PDF version of the map, click here.

The Greenfields site is 24km from the existing Te Rapa Racecourse, 7kms from the Cambridge Jockey Club and 28km from the Waipa Racing Club. The site is 11km from the Hamilton International Airport.

While the site is located and contained within the Waikato District Council boundary, there is proximity to both Hamilton and Waipa District Council interests so all three will be included in our conversations.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) says…
Matt Ballesty, Chief Executive of NZTR, said that the Greenfields Project is about redefining what a modern racing and training precinct can be in New Zealand. It’s not just a local project; it has benefits for the broader New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a venue that works for today’s participants and future-proofs the industry.

“The site offers a future racing and training precinct with a broad range of amenities – not just a racetrack. Multiple club members, local residents and the wider community will benefit from an enhanced, shared asset,” said Ballesty.

NZTR and WTR both remain fully committed to progressing this significant infrastructure project. We agree that this project will strengthen economic activity, support jobs, and deepen community connections in the region.

Community views
In addition to our commitment to keeping the wider WTR membership informed and across key stages of this project, WTR is also committed to ensuring stakeholders and the wider community understand and ultimately support this Greenfields project.

To this end, the Board and Project Control Group have so far covered meetings with local MPs, Waikato Tainui, the Mayors and CEs of relevant councils, and the Tamahere Community Committee. These will be ongoing.

An embargoed media briefing was also provided to local journalist Mary Anne Gill late last week. This story will appear in the Waikato Business News later today.

Also, last week we began visiting neighbouring properties to ensure they would be advised before reading about it in the local paper. A leaflet will also be delivered pre-Christmas to properties the immediate neighbourhood.

An open day for the community will be held on 31 January in partnership with the Tamahere Community Committee to share more information and any further details we have. Members will also be invited to attend this open day.

WTR has proposed establishing a Community Liaison Group to advise on aspects of the development project should it proceed to next stage.

What next?
Thank you again for your patience as we have worked through the challenging and complex process to get to a preferred Greenfield site option.

The final scope and timing will be shaped through further discussion and genuine stakeholder engagement, as outlined. Site investigations are underway for things such as traffic, access, ecology, geology, water and drainage. These are ongoing and will be used to inform the consent approach that is needed.

The commercial details of the land purchase are confidential and the WTR Board is addressing the land purchase as part of the overall funding of the project. All project cost and funding details will be further developed during 2026.

The final agreement requires the endorsement of WTR Members. To this end, a meeting of members will be convened, likely in the first quarter of 2026.

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team

As this is my last contact with you editorially until next Friday, Boxing Day, can I take the opportunity of wishing you John and family and Friday Flash readers a safe and happy Christmas. I’ve enjoyed passing on my weekly contribution throughout 2025 and equally I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them and I’m looking forward to riding the highs and hopefully not to many lows in the year ahead.

I’m also pleased to have a respectable number of Fortuna followers on board with my email tipping service with the Best Bets for this month of December tracking around the 50:50 success mark.

If you’d like to treat yourself or a close friend to the service as a Xmas boost  simply drop me an email: dcoppins@xtra.co.nz

To celebrate these very satisfying profitable results I’m happy to ex gratis the rest of December should you decide to sign on for the next 3 months.

And wearing my Wellington Racing Club Director’s hat, a big welcome to you John and the Ownership Team in Lara Antipova as she contests the time honoured Wakefield Challenge Stakes on Saturday

I’VE BEEN THINKING

1. Did you know there are 32 jockeys who were riding this time last year but who are now currently suspended or on the injured list? Injuries crop up more often than we’d like to see and on occasions it comes down to an opposing misjudged ride. Is our standard of riding really slipping to the degree that sees 19 riders on the sideline not through injury but rather serious indiscretions on the track?

2. Some 14 years ago next month rock star hoop, our very own J Mac won the group one Telegraph at Trentham for his self proclaimed “second dad” Sir Peter Vela. For the record the horse was Guiseppina. Is there a chance history could repeat? Will the world champion be on course on January 3 and ride the pre post favourite for the TAB sponsored event, Tomodachi for Sir Peter? Watch this space.

3. We often talk about the best horse we’ve seen. Each to their own when it comes to the crunch but here’s my two cents worth.
Ka Ying Rising is the best bred SPRINTER NZ has ever produced.
Is he the best horse? I’m sticking with Phar Lap.
Is he the second best? I’m staying loyal to Balmerino.
But no question, he’s the best sprinter we’ve reared and easily the best overall we’ve bred this century.

4. While on the subject of Phar Lap, it’s the great icon’s 100th birthday next year and what better way to celebrate than having a race named in his honour at Trentham Telegraph Day. It’s the former Anniversary Mile and a champion horse needs a champion sponsor and in memory of the great owner Ron Stanley who passed away in October, the race will now be called the Ron Stanley Memorial Phar Lap Trophy. Ron was immersed in racing for 50 years, as an owner, punter, breeder, administrator, racing judge, treasurer  secretary and all round good guy. His legacy in the ownership ranks included Wahid, Woburn, Carter, Grout, Shamus and Ladies Man who retired just last week.

5. Speaking of NZ breds, Sunday’s Hong Kong Sprint should be recognised as the greatest breeding triumph our proud racing heritage has ever seen. To not only see Ka Ying Rising ( Shamexpress – Missy Moo) romp in, the first 4 home are all NZ Breds. Raging Blzzard ( Per Incanto – Perfect Beat), Fast Network ( Wrote – Alberta) and Lucky Sweynesse ( Sweynesse – Madonna Mia) ran 2,3 and 4. That’s a massive result just 5 weeks from the curtain call on the 100th anniversary of the NZ Yearling Sales.

6. Did you know it was 25 years ago last Sunday when the mare of the world, Sunline, fought it out with the Hong Kong super star, Fairy King Prawn in the tooth and nail struggle in the race of the decade. I was fortunate enough to be sitting alongside Stephen and Trevor McKee that day and even though it’s been a while just thinking of the race still gives me goose bumps.

7. Staying with the Hong Kong high end racing on Sunday don’t you feel a bit let down in this day and age that tote betting only operates. The world pools are great, but a Fixed Odds market is how many of us are now approaching the win and place scenario and  hopefully our friends at Entain will try have it all sorted for us all next year.

8. On the subject of punting how long will tote operators  be around our tracks? I sincerely hope they’re never fazed out completely, especially on the big days but I wonder whether  the simplicity of the TAB website on our mobiles  and the newly appointed pods on every city tracks will eventually win over in the end.

9. The news that Awapuni could be off the scene for all of next year and maybe longer puts extra pressure on Trentham. It’s very much deja vu as you may recall with Trentham staging 6 race days in less than 2 months at the same time last year. Trentham’s track is running freely. Last  year the surface was almost spot on for each of those 6 days and so far the rain has fallen in the right time during the week for the track curator Jamie Phillips to keep the standard high for stake holders to enjoy whi in turn have reported  favourably on.

Following the Wellington Cup day on January 31, Trentham will be gearing for meetings in March including the Sires Produce Stakes on March 28. Following that meeting, there will be some necessary future proof work to be done on the track but from all accounts it’s not expected to disrupt the Wellington Steeples carnival in late June.

10. While we embrace the great racing we see internationally today we sometimes think of what’s different and what do we miss from years gone by? This is probably a subject that deserves more time and space but here’s one that I’ll doubt we will ever see again. It’s 50 years in just over 10 months when Van Der Hum and Bob Skelton ploughed through the mud to win first prize ($110,000) in the 1976 Melbourne Cup.

Let’s just forget about the prize money variance  for the first Tuesday in November ( $5.15m first prize) for the time being as my point of difference is all about the field. Ten of the 24 were NZ trained horses with  9 of the top 12 at the top of  the handicap in Van Der Hums mud splattered win; a memory of how strong we were before the race became a global phenomenon for the two milers. Of course with the massive surge in stakes in recent times  getting one NZ trained stayer in the race would be a delight. 

MY 3 FROM TE RAPA

TRISTAR: she copped a slight check at the start and that made her job tough in the 1200m. However she hit the line with purpose and a 1400m stakes race or something similar next time is well within her grasp.

POETIC JUSTICE : has now had 4 runs this term and the run last Saturday had a next up feel to it. He came home from the back with the quickest overall sectionals. The Dunstan Championship Final on Boxing Day at Ellerslie could be his next race. He deserves to be on your ticket if that’s the case.

RIDEFROMTHEASHES : stormed into third on the back of a nice trial over 1300m  at Te Rapa in the quickest time over the latter part. This 4yo ran in the Derby last season and wasn’t far away in races like the Levin Classic and the Avondale Guineas. He’s in for a good season.

Good Punting and again Merry Christmas

Des Coppins – 021 448 052

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Cranbourne – Friday

WEST INDIES resumes in the Benchmark 62 event over 1600 metres at Cranbourne – Race 8 @ 11.45pm NZT (9.45pm AEST) with Te Akau Apprentice, Sage Duric, claiming 3kgs  to ride from barrier 3 – delivered honest efforts last campaign with a win and several placings – has matured further during his spell and is ready to resume, but will appreciate more distance  – TAB says “May need this one” – Showing $18/$3.90

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5yo Gelding Legend of Kings (by Camelot out of Joshua’s Princess)

Click HERE to see LEGEND OF KINGS parading

Review all the above information and purchase a share in LEGENDS OF KINGS today from the link HERE  or make contact with John 021 921 460 if you would like more detailed information

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Annual Fortuna Owners Day set for Sunday Feb 8th – Matamata Race Course

Mark your calendars – in 2025, we moved our Annual Owners day from its traditional late December spot to an early February slot – this had two major benefits – firstly it moved us away from the pre Christmas “clutter” with a lot happening in people’s lives and, secondly, it gave us the opportunity to parade any yearlings we had acquired at the Magic Millions Gold Coast and NZB Karaka sales to those attending. So we are all booked in – this time it will be held in the Gazebo  (not the Epsom lounge as it was in 2025) and we have a very “special” Guest Speaker in 2026 – our lips are sealed on that one at the moment, but all will be revealed in due course – we will be promoting this more in coming weeks, so no need to take any action just yet

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team

Trentham gave us a taste of what’s to come with its elite finish in the TAB Classic; inches away from a triple dead heat. Craig Grylls hit an important mile stone with his  1400th; George Rookeracked up his first group one while Kelly Myers rode her 50th winner at Trentham and it was so good to see another Fortuna two year old winning on debut at Te Aroha in the form of Lara Antipova who bolted in.

Heartiest congestion’s to the Fortuna owners.

Here’s a fun fact, it’s 60 years this month when the movie Dr Zhivago was released in the USA.
In case you weren’t aware or have easily forgotten Dr Zhivago’s ([played by Omar Sharif)  love interest was Lara Antipova, portrayed by actress Julie Christie, who won an academy award for her performance in the movie – and let’s be honest, that was a starring role in itself with this fleet footed filly and well named Filly. Exciting times ahead team!

I’VE BEEN THINKING

1 If James McDonald was a world champion rower, cyclist, rugby player, swimmer or track and field star, would he not be a leading light for a Halberg Sportsman of the year title? He’s about to receive yet another global champion title, his 3rd.

2 When “battling” license holders like Peter Lock snare three winners from three runners as was the case last week at New Plymouth, doesn’t the love of the underdog come into play?

3 When you consider that last week from Thursday to Sunday, the North Island had 5 grass track meetings but the South Island had none apart from the Riccarton Synthetic, is that fair?

4 Could last Saturday’s Mufhasa TAB Classic turn out to be the best group one field  of the season? Only the Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day could trump it.

5 Ignoring the unfortunate length delay following a camera malfunction wasn’t the closeness of the outcome fitting for the quality of the  thoroughbred that lined up?

6 Isn’t NZ racing fortunate to have Entain in partnership with us? Surely their serious topping up of our stakes is the main reason the jockeys rooms are now well stacked with international jockeys like the George Rooke, Warren Kennedy, Bruno Queiroz and Joe Doyle etc. Our industry needs them.

7 I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of irrigation because it’s near impossible to spread the water evenly despite the best endeavours of our track teams. If we could rely on Wednesday deluges like last week at this time of year, the problem is solved with the warmish wind flows that follow.  Trentham was a heavy 9 on Wednesday evening but almost a good 3 at TAB Classic time. How good for a such an important day?

8 After perusing the Australian Sires Premiership, two stallions look value with their 2025 service fees, The Autumn Sun ( $A66k)  and Per Incanto ( $NZ60k). They are currently first and third on the table. In second spot at the moment is Fastnet Rock whose last service fee was $A165k but of course has since passed away. Behind Per Incanto in 4th, 5th and 6th are Snitzel ($A250k, now passed away); Zoustar ($A275) and I Am Invincible ($220k). We have to be proud for the achievements of Little Avondale Stud’s Per Incanto, don’t we?

9 Champion trainer Chris Waller phoned me not long ago and he reckons Ellerslie, Trentham and Riccarton should be the three venues that should have the best Saturday race dates. Growth in the industry stems from where the population is he reckons. Agree or not? Disclosure: I’m  singing from the same hymn sheet.

10 To win three group one races twice within a year with two horses is no mean feat. Hats off to the Stephen Marsh stable who did it with El Vencedor between late  December(2024)  and February ( 2025) and now Provence between January (2025 ) and last Saturday. That’s huge, isn’t it?

MY THREE FROM TRENTHAM TO KEEP IN MIND

ROSSO: the Pitmans have a very exciting staying type who is being set for the Wellington Cup. He may need another win to make the field; perhaps one of the country cups around the summer holiday circuit, or maybe the Marton Cup on Telegraph Day on January 3. He had a shocking run, three and four wide for much of the way.

SUBIACO: is no world beater but he clearly hasn’t had the rub of the green in his last two. At Trentham he was never allowed to get into a rhythm and is worth staying with. To finish less than 3.5 lengths from the winner held merit.

FRANK THE TANK: is ready to win again after two sound efforts on its latest campaign. He copped a check at the start in the group 3 over 1400m. A race like the Ron Stanley Memorial Phar Lap trophy ( ex Anniversary Mile) on Telegraph Day looks a good option.

Good punting!

Des Coppins – 021 448 052

And here is a very interesting promotion, one which takes away a lot of the hassle of attending a big race day at Trentham

JOIN LISA ALLPRESS FOR CUP DAY AT TRENTHAM

HARD on the heels of jointly hosting 65 people to the Melbourne Cup champion jockey Lisa Allpress joins me and the team at Sporting Tours for a 3-day Wellington Cup tour at the end of January.

Corporate box viewing and dining at Trentham, coach transfers, Rydges accomodation and a Cup eve dinner are just some of the attractions. Check out the flier below. We’d love to have you on board. Numbers limited.

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