fortunanz

Friday Flash – 5th December 2025

Published 5 December 2025

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025
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Headline News

Bellatrix Star to have Fetlock surgery to remove bone chip

Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchases the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare fully sold

Entain November Update

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Fortuna has two runners Friday and Sunday on both sides of the Tasman

Cranbourne – Friday

OUR PARAMOUR races in the Benchmark 66 event over 1600 metres at Cranbourne – Race 7 @ 11.15pm NZT with Dan Stackhouse to ride from barrier 7 – 3rd up and performed well this trip at Caulfield Nov 19th, running 4th – bred to get a trip, she will be finishing hard and represents a good each way chance – TAB says “Can be strong late” – Showing $10/$3

Te Aroha – Sunday

LARA ANTIPOVA makes her much anticipated race day debut in the 2yo Maiden event over 1150m at Te Aroha – Race 1 @ 12.17 with Craig Grylls to ride from barrier 3 – this daughter of Russian Revolution has trialed twice for a 2nd and a win – has been turning heads in the Stable for a few months now and her Avondale trial win was all quality – could be hard to beat here – TAB says “Hails from leading stable – well educated with two trials – Craig Grylls in saddle provides strong lead – watch closely” – No Odds Showing Yet

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Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

No timed trackwork this week for Fortuna runners

Matamata –

Cranbourne –

Matamata –

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Other News

Bellatrix Star to have Fetlock surgery to remove bone chip

Based on her track work and her Caulfield trial before her resuming run at Caulfield on the 29th of November, there was high expectations amongst connections that Bellatrix Star would deliver a strong performance on the day – however she was found wanting in the run home and did pull up very quickly. The immediate reaction from both Mark Walker and myself was “that is too bad to be true” and while she pulled up well immediately after the race, on Sunday morning, she trotted out of her box lame in her left fore – a subsequent x-ray revealed a bone chip in the fetlock and so while this will need to be removed and will therefore prevent an early return to further racing, at least it provided a reasonable explanation for her below par run.

Surgery was performed Thursday, the 4th of December without issue and she will now have 6 to 8 weeks of recuperation before returning to training – she will be prepared for a couple of trials in the autumn and her showing in those trials will determine whether or not we will see her on the race track again.
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Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchase – the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare fully sold

This was a very successful syndication for us, with all of the shares sold within 3 weeks of purchase – as always with our syndicates we have a wide ownership spread with over 50 Members, which we just love and very pleasing to see a solid group of “first timers” to Fortuna get involved as well. At $165k purchase price, “Clint” was at the upper range of our usual budget level but his pedigree and physical type made him very attractive for purchasers.

“Clint” – the 2yo Colt by Snitzal out of Zasorceresse

We are now looking forward to the upcoming yearling sales, firstly the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale between the 13th and 18th of January and then the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka sales from the 25th to the 27th of January and notable that this will be the 100th National yearling sale in New Zealand

But just as a teaser, look out for an announcement next week – with the upcoming retirement of our star steeplechaser, Leaderboard, at the end of the 2026 jumping season, we have been looking for a suitable replacement and may well have found what we are looking for – so “watch this space” and note that this acquisition, if we pull it off, will be very much at the “budget” end of the market so should have plenty of appeal
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Entain November Update

See below our regular update from Entain – of note is a very interesting interview of the Entain Aus/NZ CEO, Andrew Vouris, in a You Tube inerview with Mick Guerin – of interest to me were his comments re the “slimming down” of Entain activities (e.g. exiting the TAB Racing Club for example) and focusing on their core business of “selling bets” and I am always interested in seeing the Turnover figures and also the “Active Customer” figures, which continue to show solid “year on year” increases

Welcome to November’s Entain Edition

This will be the last Entain Edition for the year, with the next edition in your inboxes on Wednesday, 28 January.

Spring racing is now all but behind us, and despite a few weather challenges – who could have expected a sustained hailstorm on New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton, for example – punters continue to enjoy all the spring features on the calendar.

There are a few key highlights to call out from the spring. Melbourne Cup Day saw record turnover on the Cup itself, and active customers were up more than 20,000 compared to 2024. Closer to home, Ellerslie’s meeting that same day broke the $5m mark, a 37% increase on 2024, and a huge result for a non-Group 1 meeting.

Despite the inclement weather, New Zealand Cup Day performed remarkably well, hitting $7.7m in turnover, an increase of 9% on 2024. Likewise, the first day of the three-day thoroughbred carnival, featuring the 1000 Guineas, saw turnover up by 30%. This increase in turnover was also on the back of an 18% lift in active customers across the TAB and betcha digital channels.

The continued growth in active customers is a metric we keep a close eye on, so to see those big carnivals bringing out a wider customer base bodes well.

Please share or forward this newsletter to anyone in the industry who you think might like to read this. They can sign up to receive the Entain Edition directly by contacting communications@entaingroup.co.nz.

Wi-Fi solution on its way for iconic summer meetings

Earlier this year, we reviewed the domestic mobile network coverage across all New Zealand race tracks, and identified 15 remote thoroughbred and harness racing venues where, due to their geographic isolation, our customers have limited or no access to domestic mobile networks.

Those of you who have attended meetings in Central Otago, on the West Coast or other parts of Canterbury in particular, will have noticed that coverage issues may have restricted your ability to enjoy betting online via the TAB or betcha websites or app while on-course. All up, these 15 venues are scheduled to host 53 race meetings in the 2025/26 season, making up about 8.5% of all race meetings in the equine codes.

To address this, Entain – working in partnership with the racing codes – has developed a free customer Wi-Fi solution that will be deployed across all race meetings held at these locations throughout the 2025/26 season.
This solution gives customers the choice in how they bet with us, whether through on-course operators or via the TAB and betcha apps. All of these 15 racecourses are different, so depending on the layout and infrastructure of each racecourse, Wi-Fi coverage may be available across the full venue or concentrated within designated betting zones.

So far, we’ve used this solution across 14 race meetings held at seven different racecourses, with pleasing results to date, and another 21 race meetings are earmarked for coverage across the busy December–January summer circuit.

Exciting new era for race timing & punter information

New Zealand Cup Week marked a key milestone rollout of a new tracking and timing system for the vast majority of thoroughbred and harness racing meetings in New Zealand.

In a partnership between Entain ANZ, TAB NZ, and technology providers tripleSdata, the next-generation 4G GPS-RTK system is being implemented across 30 racecourses nationwide, covering more than 90% of all race meetings across the thoroughbred and harness racing codes in New Zealand.

Four of the 30 tracks are now operational with the enhanced technology, and more are coming online in the weeks ahead.

The new system allows racing fans and Trackside viewers to see their horse’s exact position and speed in real-time, with live race maps and on-screen graphics displayed on Trackside TV and TAB digital platforms.

In addition to transforming live race coverage, the new GPS-RTK system will deliver comprehensive post-race sectional and timing data, offering racing lovers unprecedented insight into race performance. This will soon be available through trackside.co.nz and other platforms as a powerful tool for form analysis and to enhance the overall racing experience.

Find out more at trackside.co.nz

Racing Blogger sets NZ Cup Week alight

After shaking up the Australian racing scene during Melbourne Cup Week at Flemington, the effervescent Stephen Power (aka @racingblogger on X.com) headed to New Zealand to experience NZ Cup Week for the first time.

The UK-based ‘Bloggsy’ has about 300,000 followers across his social platforms and was able to share the Cup Week experience with his worldwide audience. As well as attending the NZ Trotting Cup, TAB Mile Day, Show Day and NZ Cup Day at Riccarton, Bloggsy was in the North Island last week visiting some of New Zealand’s famous thoroughbred studs.

His content consistently hits 50,000 or more views, with his dual sulky ride and interview with Trackside’s Brittany Graham notching up more than 125,000 views.

News in brief:

Entain Australia and New Zealand CEO Andrew Vouris appeared on this week’s edition of the Guerin Report, talking to Michael Guerin about the progress of the strategic partnership and the current wagering environment. Watch the full interview on YouTube.
The World Driving Championships, held around New Zealand earlier this month, attracted 10 drivers from Australia, North America and Europe, alongside our very own Blair Orange. The series was won by Canadian reinsmen James MacDonald (not to be confused with the world’s best jockey, James McDonald), with the final heat held at Addington on NZ Trotting Cup Day.
Stay tuned over the summer months for the debut of Upon The Land We Stand, hosted by Kylie Bax. Kylie is travelling the length of New Zealand to uncover the stories, spirit, and people that make our racing community so special. You can catch a sneak peek to what you might see on the show here.
Nominations are once again open for the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series. If you have a Southern Hemisphere-bred filly born in 2024, now’s the time to nominate that filly for the Series, to ensure you can target those lucrative bonuses through her racing career. Find out more at pearlseries.nzthoroughbred.co.nz

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team

Like most of your readers and many others too, we were focused on the screen last Saturday to watch the eagerly anticipated return of Bellatrix Star. Unfortunately it didn’t unfold the way we all hoped and now I guess it’s playing the patient game again.

It’s been an eventful week; a meeting midweek is postponed 48 hours because of a potential lengthy and risky downpour; an extreme heatwave in NSW especially on Saturday has forced Rosehill to run on Sunday and then to top everything off we had the weirdest of weirds in race finishes at Otaki on Sunday to keep racing very much in the limelight.

ROAD TO PARIS ON A ROAD TO NOWHERE AT OTAKI

How bizarre, how bizarre!

A NZ song title that became a global hit in the mid nineties and words that described what we just saw at Otaki on Sunday in the Jennian Homes Wellington Stakes. You would had to feel for the punters and all those associated with Road to Paris who had the race shot to pieces until disaster struck less than 20 metres from the post. He veered to the right, slightly baulked and catapulted Masa Hashazumi out of the saddle. Thankfully both horse and jockey escaped unscathed but left us all scratching our heads with “what the heck just happened!”

Questions like did Masa still had a slight connection with his mount and, if not, who in fact won and who were the dividend payers? It was all a bit of a blur before confirmation was given. Quite bizarre to say the least.

MELBOURNE CUP JOCKEY WAS DOWN BUT NOT OUT!

OLD time racegoers were racking their grey matter on the rarity of the incident but believe it not it has happened before. At Kembla Grange in Sydney in 1973 Ray Selkrig and his mount Hot Chestnut had taken the lead at the top of straight and were set for an easy win when the horse shied near the finish, dislodging the jockey. Selkrig refused to let go of the reins as Hot Chestnut dragged the jockey along the ground past the winning post.

Hot Chestnut then galloped on the fallen rider, leaving Selkrig with a broken pelvis. Selkrig was taken to hospital only to learn later that stewards had decided Hot Chestnut should be declared the winner.

Selkrig, who won the Melbourne Cup on Lord Fury in 1961, recalled the incident with me as a guest of Gary Willett’s at a Melbourne Cup function with our Tour Group about 10 years ago.
I remember him chatting about the incident and he reckoned the reason why the stewards declared him the winner was “because the horse did a harder job dragging me across the line instead of carrying me!”

Sadly Ray passed away in June 2023. – Here is the picture below of the incident in 1973

APPRENTICE’S ODD FIRST WIN AT TAUHERENIKAU

THERE was also a similar incident at Tauherenikau in the early 1960’s. I recall seeing the photo in an old Hoof Beats. The original framed picture is in the owners-trainers lounge on the course. Again the horse kept the race despite dislodging the jockey who maintained his connection by gripping on to the reins when crossing the line.
The jockey was little known apprentice R Anderson and the horse was Salut D’Amour.
It was the youngster’s first winning ride and unfortunately he suffered concussion and was transferred to Greytown hospital. – See picture below of the incident

IN THE USA AS WELL

IN 1981 Rosco Zee slipped just before the finishing line at the River Downs racetrack in Ohio, USA. The jockey stayed on as the horse slid across the line first and the green light was given to pay out. – See picture below – unbelievable track conditions!!!

THE JOCKEY MUST HAVE CONTACT WITH HORSE

For the record had Masa parted company with the horse but still had connection somehow with the reins as he touched the line, he wouldn’t have kept the race. Ditto for the Australian and USA incidents and naturally the Tauherenikau all those years ago had they happened today.
Jockeys must be “mounted” and rules world wide generally require the jockey to be on the horse or at least holding on to say the neck and with no body part touching the ground when the horse crosses the finishing line for the result to be official.

MY THREE TO FOLLOW FROM ELLERSLIE :

O’HELLO: on debut it rattled into 4th. She’s bred to be good. Her third dam was the group one Thorndon Mile winner Giovanna.

ESPADAS: in its first run for ages it made a likely looking run from the back wide out and just petered out to run 4th not far from third. It’s potentially a class act.

SOCIAL CLIMBER: not sure if this horse is a bit of a tease. It’s form shows us a big run from the back one day and then a lack lustre run at the very next start. On Saturday this horse charged from the back into 5th. I’ll give it one more go.

Good punting! I’m really look forward to the upcoming glut of black type racing starting with the Mufhasa TAB Classic on Saturday at Trentham.

Des Coppins – 021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 28th November 2025

Published 28 November 2025

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025

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Headline News

Bellatrix Star to resume at Caulfield Saturday 29th November

Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchases the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare are filling steadily

Two Fortuna runners secondary market opportunities have become available

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Fortuna has two runners in Stakes races this weekend on both sides of the Tasman

MAROKOPA FALLS races in the Listed O’Learys Fillies Stakes over 1340 metres at Wanganui – Race 6 @ 3.05 pm with Bruno Queiroz to ride from barrier 3 – 3rd up after two solid efforts at Taupo and Tauranga – up in trip which will suit – talented at best – TAB says “Going well – Hard to fault if at her best” – Showing $11/$2.90

BELLATRIX STAR returns from a career threatening injury last January to contest the Listed Doveton Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield with the very much in form Mark Zahra to ride from barrier one – is the highest rated runner in this and has to carry a good horse’s weight of 60kgs. So far, it has been a fairy tale rebound from injury last January – has the class to perform well here – TAB says “Her class will take her a long way in a field of this quality – off a long break, late betting will be the key, but her best is good” – Showing $10/$3

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Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – 25th Nov

Marokopa Falls (H Hassman) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.1, last 600 in 36.5.
Cranbourne – 25th Nov

Bellatrix Star (L Winks) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.5, last 600 in 36.8.
Matamata – 27th Nov

Marokopa Falls (H Hassman) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.12.3, last 600 in 42.8.

Cranbourne – 27th Nov

West Indies (S Duric) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.7, last 600 in 37.4.

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Other News

Bellatrix Star to resume at Caulfield Saturday 29th November

LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

26 November 2025

Bellatrix Star’s racing career looked like it was over at the start of the year when she fractured her neck, but the Mark Walker-trained mare has made a miraculous recovery and will make her return to the track at Caulfield this weekend.

One of the standout fillies in Victoria last spring, the daughter of Star Witness won the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m), Gr.3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) and Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m)before finishing runner-up behind Switzerland in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day. She was riding the crest of the wave, but it all came crashing down in January when she was preparing for a tilt at the Gr.1 Lightning Stakes (1000m). She reared when being led back to the stables from the pool and fractured vertebrae in her neck.

It was feared that her racing career was over, however, subsequent x-rays revealed her injury had healed and a plan was hatched to see if they could get the Fortuna Syndicate-raced filly back to the track.

“We were going to retire her when she was out cantering in the paddock and we just thought we’d take a precautionary x-ray and it basically showed it had all healed, much to our surprise,” Te Akau Racing assistant trainer Ben Gleeson told Racing.com. “We’ve been pretty level-headed the whole way through about where we are going to get to so, provided she has a smooth week at home, this weekend is exciting, although we’re just trying to keep a lid on it at the moment. We’ve still got no idea whether she is going to come back the same horse, but she ran through the line last Thursday in her trial and that gave us enough inclination that she’s got plenty of zest for racing.”

Fortuna principal John Galvin is looking forward to being trackside to watch Bellatrix Star resume in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1100m), where she will have to lumber 60kg.

“She’s got to carry 60kg in a handicap, and many are on the minimum (54kg), but she went to Caulfield for a trial last week, where she missed the start, went keenly, but showed a great turn of foot over the last 300m and it would have cleaned her up a bit,” Galvin said. “We’ll have to wait and see what we get, but she’s fit and talented, and it’s a dream come true to see her return to racing. A lot of credit has to go to Mark (Walker). He insisted that she stay in her box after the accident, rather than go to the paddock, and he has overseen her return to training with skill and aplomb.

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Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchase – the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare are filling steadily

Allocated the stable name “Clint” – this lovely 2yo Colt with a great pedigree ticks a lot of boxes, is coming to the end of his post sale paddock spell at Te Akau Stud and on Monday 1st Dec he will commence his first Te Akau Stable prep under the watchful eye of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at Matamata

Shares are moving steadily with just 12% left as we write this

Click HERE to see his parade Video

By the multi time Aus Champion Sire, Snitzel
Out of a Zabeel Mare
Was passed in at Inglis Easter Sale for A$390k – so clearly some good judges were on him
Is a Colt with a genuine Stallion’s pedigree
Passed in at the RTR sale for NZ$180k, we negotiated hard and secured him for just $165k
Three weeks in paddock at Te Akau Stud now, then a stable prep with a couple of trials late Summer/Autumn and possibly a 2yo race or two late Autumn
A genuine 3yo type, he will be targeted toward the 2026 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, a race if which he could win as a Colt, would render him a multi million dollar value

Don’t miss this one – $2400 for each 1% share and $50 per month per each 1% from 1 January – Read all details HERE and you can place an order online from this link – or give John a call 021 921 460 if you would like more information

The Snitzel – Zasorceress 2yo Colt – “Clint”

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Two secondary market opportunities have become available

2.5% has become available in the 6yo MALBOROUGH BAY (Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin) for the sum of $350 and $125 per month ongoing from I December. MALBOROUGH BAY has shown good ability on the flat with 6 career wins to date and attaining a rating of 87 – however he has also shown a good affinity for the jumping game, having been schooled over the hurdles for the past two seasons and during this past winter, he had two hurdles trials for a 2nd and a 1st and in his only raceday start at Te Aroha in August, he was very competitive, looked like he was going to win as they came to the last fence, but took it awkwardly and finished 3rd. Blessed with natural speed, we think he would make an ideal type for jumps racing in Victoria, so he will head over the Tasman in February where he will join Mark Walker’s team at Cranbourne. Incidentally, Mark Walker was recently named Victoria’s jumps trainer of the year for 2025 – Mark loves his jumpers and we are looking forward to having MALBOROUGH BAY joining up with Fortuna’s star Steeplechaser LEADERBOARD at the Cranbourne base. Prize money for jumpers in Victoria is really good and so this presents as a great opportunity to get involved in a talented young jumping type. We are able to offer this 2.5% share in minimums of 1% ($150) and $50 per month ongoing – just respond to this update or call/text John 021 921 460 if you would like to get involved

MALBOROUGH BAY – 6th career win – Te Rapa – August 2025
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A 5% share has become available in our three year-old Filly EMMA TWIGG (El Roca – Megara) – a graduate of the 2024 Karaka yearling sale (book 1) “MEG” is a slow maturing type who has had five trials, two as an autumn two year-old, and three in the spring of this season, the most recent at Ellerslie on 14th November – still growing and maturing the Te Akau training team have elected to give her a four week paddock spell after that trial and on returning to training in mid December, she will be prepared for a further trial and a race debut in the autumn of 2026. Bred to get a trip time will be her friend. This 5% share is available for the initial sum of $500 and then $250 per month ongoing from the 1st of December and we will break this share down into parcels of 1% at $100 and $50 per month from the 1st of December – if you have interest in this opportunity just respond to this update or give John a call/text 021 921460

EMMA TWIGG

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team

I have to start this weeks column by wishing your owners all the best with the eagerly anticipated return of the classy Bellatrix Star in Saturday’s Doverton Stakes at Caulfield over 1100m.
It’s probably a pinch yourself moment for all her owners after the freakish swimming pool accident almost a year ago seemingly put paid to any future racing dreams for those involved.
I’m sure the desire to see her naturally do the best she can after such a lengthy layoff is key but pulling up sound is the number one priority.
It’ll be a fingers and toes crossed nail biting minute or two and we are all hoping it’ll be thumbs up all round.

WHY THE SMALLER CLUBS ARE IMPORTANT

Last Sunday Waipukurau proved why country race days are important, particularly at this time of the year. There hasn’t been racing on Waipukurau for 5 or 6 years but the local troops rallied when the green light was given, partly due to the unavailability of the Hastings track, and the venue was literally packed to the rafters.

There will be a lot of outstanding black type racing at the metropolitan tracks this summer but we cannot hide from the enormity the country type race tracks play in the summer.
Waipukurau has set the bar but you can rest assured that race dates like Cromwell this weekend, Tauherenikau on January 2 and Kumara on January 10 will do their very best to follow suit. Country holiday horse racing became big because, historically it was the primary form of entertainment available in rural areas serving as a major social and community gathering point.

Racedays, especially those held on public holidays like Tauherenikau on January 2, essentially became a community event where businesses closed and most of the population that live in the vicinity or less than hour away attended. Picnics galore, entertainment for the kids, the waft of the bbq’s, pony rides, music, food stalls, diverse entertainment for everyone and not forgetting the racing, that’s country racing at its best and if one is coming to a track near you, do yourself a big favour and go along.

MY SEVEN DAY HEADLINES

So much is happening both on and off the track this week. Here’s my take on a few topics that I’d like to share.

HALL OF FAME CERTAINTY?

Everyone loves a champion and fresh from the Everest triumph the NZ bred Ka Ying Rising brained them yet again in Hong Kong on Sunday. Guess who will be top of mind when the NZ Racing Hall of Fame Commitee meet shortly for the next round of probable inductees?

LISA’S FURTHER BAD NEWS

I caught up with Lisa Allpress in Wellington last week and the Bowen Hospital team advised her that yet another operation may have to be undertaken with that slow mending leg break she sadly suffered at Trentham last Cup Day. She’s not giving up hope of returning to what she does but naturally is terribly frustrated by the slow recovery.

JOHNO KNOWS HIS STUFF

Not many trainers with very small teams could match Johno Benner’s record and it looks as though he has another rising star in the form of Counties Challenge Stakes winner, De Armas, who now stands tall over favouritism for the Karaka Million. De Armas is part owned by Simon Barber who this week was sworn in as the new president of the Wellington Racing Club.

HAVE HORSE WILL TRAVEL

On Saturday apprentice Elen Nicholas rode her biggest winner, Final Return, in the Counties Cup. Less than 24 hours later she was at Ascot Park in Invercargill where she rode another two winners. She’s now second behind Amber Riddell on the apprentice jockeys preniership.

AWAPUNI ANXIETY

Awapuni is out of action longer than first anticipated. It may be a case of 2 months of testing and appraisals; 7 months of reconstruction and then several months to bed in. This season is well and truly gone and we may not see racing at Awapuni until early 2027!
Part of the track is okay to work horses on but not to race!

JANELLE’S GRANDAD WOULD BE PROUD

Janelle Millar had two winners at New Plymouth on Friday; two placings at Wanganui on Saturday and the Counties Cup winner with Final Return. She has less than a dozen horses in work. Undoubtedly the best two days of her 22-year training career. For the record Janelle is the grand daughter of real character and trainer Jack Taylor, who prepared such great gallopers like Kingdom Bay, Greek Meet, Spring Moss and Lord Majestic to name a few.

TIPPING FOR ANOTHER PROFITABLE MONTH

My email tipping service has had another decent month not only with the Best Bets but the general race by race tips. Doing the hard yards is something you may not have time for but it’s what I really enjoy as I appreciate the positive feedback from clients, too.

For the next three months of potentially high class racing at some of the big venues and of Feel free to drop me an email if you’d like to explore the possibility of coming on board. My email is dcoppins@xtra.co.nz
Cost for 3 months $240 ( gst inclusive – Dec,Jan and Feb)
Or, $100 for December only.

John comments – I have been keeping a record of Des’ Best Bets (he provides on per meeting) in recent times and they are proving to be very profitable to follow – here are the stats for Oct/Nov

Total Selections – 45

Winners – 24

Average Dividend – $3.30

Return on Outlay at level bets – 75.40%

Certainly a very consistent Strike Rate and very profitable for those who are subscribers – just make contact with Des if you would like to give his ervice a whirl

COUNTIES FOLLOW UPS:

LUCAN: the second up run for the season was an eye catcher as it stepped up from
1300 to 1600. He’s more of a middle distance runner and is spot on for a rewarding summer.

HARVEY WALLBANGER : got too far out of its ground and there’s little doubt he will a talking point come the black type two year old events. His slashing final sectionals was a feature in the Counties Challenge Stakes.

POUR THE WINE: is just a bit off the best sprinters but she is capable of winning a stakes sprint; away from Railway type class. I liked her run last Saturday and the final sectionals were superb.

Good punting!

Des Coppins – 021 448 052

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Friday Flash – 21st November 2025

Published 21 November 2025

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025

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Headline News

Bellatrix Star produces strong turn of foot Caulfield trials Thursday

Shares in our latest acquisition the Snitzel 2yo “Clint” filling quickly

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Fortuna has no runners this weekend

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Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – 17th Nov

Marokopa Falls (T Melvin) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.4, home in 37.1.

Riccarton

Cranbourne – 17th Nov

Opunake (L Winks) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 56.4, last 600 in 37.1.

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Other News

Bellatrix Star produces strong turn of foot Caulfield trials Thursday

The comeback story of Bellatrix Star from severe neck fractures suffered in early January this year has been well documented – from being in a position where there was a serious question mark about whether she would even survive and then to a determination that she “may never race again”, her subsequent rehabilitation and return to fitness has been quite remarkable.

A genuine test of her recovery and fitness for a return to racing took place at Caulfield on Thursday where she contested a public trial for the first time in over 12 months, in the hands of Mick Dee – it didn’t all go perfectly, she was in the gates for a long time and got a little fractious, was slow away, traveled fiercely in the run, was stone motherless last on turning for home 8 lengths off the leader, but then balanced up and produced her trademark turn of foot, beaten just 2.8 lengths on the line. Click HERE to see footage of the trial and rider and trainer comments

She has trotted up sound this morning and all going well she will resume in the listed Doveton Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield on the 29th of January

Bellatrix Star winning the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes –
Caulfield 12th Oct 2024 – Craig Williams aboard

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Shares in our latest acquisition, the Snitzel 2yo Colt “Clint” filling quickly

Our recent Ready To Run Sale purchase, the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a winning Zabeel mare. is enjoying himself in a big grassy paddock at Te Akau Stud. We inspected him there yesterday and he presents as a big, strong robust type – definitely exhibiting a “make my day” attitude, we have allocated him the stable name “Clint” – he will have a further 2 weeks in the paddock and will then commence his first Te Akau Stable prep under the watchful eye of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at MatamataShares are moving steadily with just 20% left as we write this

Click HERE to see his parade Video

By the multi time Aus Champion Sire, Snitzel
Out of a Zabeel Mare
Was passed in at Inglis Easter Sale for A$390k – so clearly some good judges were on him
Is a Colt with a genuine Stallion’s pedigree
Passed in at the RTR sale for NZ$180k, we negotiated hard and secured him for just $165k
Three weeks in paddock at Te Akau Stud now, then a stable prep with a couple of trials late Summer/Autumn and possibly a 2yo race or two late Autumn
A genuine 3yo type, he will be targeted toward the 2026 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, a race if which he could win as a Colt, would render him a multi million dollar value

The Snitzel – Zasorceress 2yo Colt – “Clint”

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and the Fortuna Team

Just when you think you’ve seen it all with 4 seasons in one day in Melbourne, last Saturday in Christchurch threw us a curve ball like no other. I wasn’t at Riccarton but watching it unveil on Trackside and getting feedback from many I know who were in attendance, it’s probably fair to say the weather gods dished out a microburst of sorts that’s been seldom seen on any race day anywhere.

WEIRD RACETRACK SITUATIONS

In my lifetime I’ve experienced an earthquake at Trentham and my uncles were at Addington when the public stand was on fire on Free For All Day over the Cup Carnival in 1961; the race continued and the winner was the greatest of all, Cardigan Bay.
We’ve also read about wild pigs rooting the back straight at Kumara to the extent that no racing could take place at the popular annual event not that long ago and a sink hole or two appearing at Taupo recently and at Ellerslie some years ago aborted their respective meetings.

But Saturday’s weather bomb, because of the suddenness and the sheer calamity and visuals it left behind, had to be the weirdest race day of our era. Melbourne may lay claim to the be the best when it comes to 4 seasons in one day but Riccarton gave us 4 seasons in less than one hour!

HEAD TRAUMA IS TOP OF MIND WITH RIDERS GLOBALLY

CONCUSSION is a brain injury.
It happens too often in all contact sport and horse racing is no different. And the global stage is gearing up in Hong Kong during the world jockey series to talk through a marathon two day session to highlight the awareness with a view of minimising the suffering too many jockeys are experiencing.

Retired jockey Michael Walker who had his career cut short through head injuries both on and off the track would be one of the first to acknowledge the importance
of such seminars. In a two way discussion between fellow injured jockey Lisa Allpress on our recent Sporting Tours Melbourne Cup Eve Dinner, Michael talked about how his head injuries are hard to handle but he’s doing his level best.
“The doctors are telling me that only 60% of my brain is actually functioning, “ he said. “Headaches come and go. Keeping myself active with gym work and playing with my young boys is the best medicine I can have because it keeps both the body and mind active, “ he added.

Michael endured serious life threatening head injuries when he fell off a steep bank during a pig hunting excursion in May 2008 and later copped further knocks to the head in a trials event at Pakenham in August, 2022. That’s the last time he was on a horse.

Neurologists and retired jockeys will speak at the two day Hong Kong seminar on such subject matter like:
•inside the mind of the jockey
•entrapment protocols
• jockey nutrition
• developing and protecting the jockey
• minimum riding weights
• the concussion journey – from turf falls to recovery
• fit to ride – rehabilitation post fall
• concussion litigation
• advancing safety in the saddle
• strong in the saddle – managing well being
• beyond the finish line – jockey transition into retirement following head injuries

Head trauma isn’t taken for granted by the authorities in all sports. It is so refreshing therefore to see racing upping the bar at such a key event with the eyes of the racing world strongly focussed. In simple terms we have to keep taking about and acting accordingly aa jockeys careers and indeed their lives may depend on it.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM RICCARTON MIDWEEK

QUINTABELLE is a 4 race winner who is knocking on the door for another. Last Wednesday she attacked the line to finish 6th with the quickest final sectionals in the open staying race and less than 2 lengths from the winner.

SIR ALBERT raced three wide without cover in the group 3 TAB Mile and he’s in the best form on his career. If the stable decides to up the ante and tackle the even tougher group one company of the Mufhasa TAB Classic at Trentham on December 6 he could easily be the spoiler for the northern raiders.

THE RADIANT ONE knuckled leaving the barrier in the TAB Mile and was held up for several strides in the straight and only found clear running inside the last 200m. It’ll be interesting to see where she goes next. She’s already a listed black type winner but she deserves a bigger reward through her consistency which includes 10 seconds!

Good punting!

021 448 052
Des Coppins

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Fortuna 3yo Filly TITAHI BAY records a stylish career 1st win at Traralgon (Victoria) 1st November 2025

Published 2 November 2025

Displaying talent from the outset, Titahi Bay (3 f Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower, by Shamardal) recorded a stylish win in the $32,000 Latrobe City Council Maiden 1430 metres on Saturday at Traralgon (Victoria). A strong winner of both her trials in New Zealand, before transferring to the Te Akau stables at Cranbourne (Victoria), Titahi Bay did well for third after posting three-wide in her sole start as a two-year-old, and trialled well again before finding heavy ground too testing when resuming in August.

Ridden by apprentice jockey Luke Cartwright (a1.5), Titahi Bay worked early to race outside the leader, began extending stride to take control inside the 600m, and sustained a strong gallop to win. On Good4 footing, Titahi Bay ran 1430 metres in 1:26.4 and as favourite she paid $2.90 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Following two thirds from three starts, Titahi Bay broke through at her fourth start for the Fortuna Titahi Bay Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin).

Click HERE to see Full Race Replay

Click HERE to see Race closing stages Video

“It was a good, positive, ride by Luke (Cartwright), who is riding in great form for us, and following an interrupted preparation caused by wet tracks it was a great result,” said trainer Mark Walker. “It’s always good to get winners for John and Jessica Galvin, we’ve had such a good relationship over the years, they’re really supportive of the stable, and they’ve brought a lot of owners to racing. She’s always shown us plenty and I think she can only keep improving and grow in confidence with the win.”

Titahi Bay – 1st Career win Traralgon 1st November 2025
Luke Cartwright aboard

Titahi Bay was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $100,000 at the 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

By Champion Queensland Sire Spirit of Boom (Sequalo), Titahi Bay is from talented race mare Aotearower (Shamardal), who won four times to 1600 metres and Group Three placed, in turn out of top filly Kaatoon (Kaapstad), winner of the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Lowland Stakes (Gr. 3, 2100m) among four victories to 2200 metres. Leading First Season Sire by winners in Australia, Spirit of Boom, has sired a huge number of winners, with wins approaching 1500 and 45 stakes wins.

Titahi Bay is the second winner for Aotearower, in addition to five-time winner Durova (Russian Revolution).

“That was an extremely nice win and to be fair she’s been knocking on the door,” Syndicate Manager John Galvin said. “We sent her to Australia because we thought a lot of her, after she’d won two trials in New Zealand. Mark Walker tipped her out for a break after she raced once as a two-year-old, as she’s more of a three-year-old type. Her lead-up run for third was good, in a fast run race, and she’s delivered today after doing a bit of work. We won’t get too excited just yet, but we think she’s got a bit of quality and pedigree to step up in distances in the autumn.”

Rider Luke Cartwright has the winning post in his sights

Two wins for Te Akau trainer Mark Walker at Traralgon, followed two wins the night beforehand at Cranbourne, including Lyrics ‘N’ Song (Written Tycoon), the first foal of Te Akau star mare Melody Belle, with whom Galvin had so much to do with.

“That was pleasing to see Lyrics ‘N’ Song win at her second start,” said John Galvin, who managed the Fortuna Racing Syndicate that owned the 14-time Group One winner, dual Horse of the Year, and Hall of Fame inductee. “She’s taken a bit of time, but Mark and his team have been very patient with her. She won impressively, two and a half lengths, so great for her, Melody Belle, the stable, and Mr Zhang at Yulong Stud. She was such a wonderful race mare, Melody Belle, and it’s great to see her produce a first foal with such good ability and I’m very pleased for Yulong.”

Titahi Bay was strapped by Cath Panozza.

Friday Flash – 31st October 2025

Published 31 October 2025

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

Bellatrix Star is flying

Entain Edition – October

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Fortuna has three runners Friday/ Saturday – two in Victoria and one in NZ

Cranbourne – Friday

OUR PARAMOUR resumes off a long time away from the track – she contests the BM 66 1400m event at Cranbourne – Race 7 @8.45pm AEST (10.45pm NZT) with Liam Riordan to ride from an outside barrier – last seen in action in March when she clipped heels and fell within metres of the winning post, she has staged a nice recovery and is well prepared for her return to racing – a genuine staying type and first up from a long break, she may well need this run – TAB says “Will improve on whatever she does in this” – Showing $20/$ 4.40 Fixed odds

Tauranga – Saturday

MAROKOPA FALLS contests the 3yo Set Weights and Penalties 1200m event – Race 3 @ 12.41pm with Opie Bosson to ride from Barrier11 – resumed at Taupo after a long time off the track producing a solid 4th placing – has a wide draw to contend with here but has the Opie factor in her favour – good each way chance and she may be a little bit “off the radar” here – TAB says “Rates highly and should improve” – Showing $ 12 /$3.20 Fixed odds

Traralgon – Saturday

TITAHI BAY races in the Maiden 1400m event – Race 2 @ 2.04pm AEST (4.04pm NZ time) with Luke Cartwright to ride from Barrier 7 – was very good last start for 3rd 2nd up – is ready to pounce – good each way chance – TAB says “impressed last time out at the second run of the campaign and finished two lengths from the winner in third place over 1206 m at Benalla – suitably placed so anticipating another big run” – No Odds Showing Yet – watch the tote

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Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – Tuesday 28th

Marokopa Falls (H Hassman) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.2, last 600 in 39.3.

Geneva Queen (T Melvin) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55.5, home in 39.8.

Riccarton

Nil

Cranbourne – Tuesday 28th

Bellatrix Star (L Winx) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.06.7, last 600 in 36.9.

Our Paramour (M Hofmann) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.07.1, last 600 in 38.3.

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Other News

Bellatrix Star is flying

As indicated in an earlier update, the very talented Bellatrix Star has been staging a “Lazarus like” recovery from her very serious neck injury and has ticked every box along the way as she rebuilds toward a race day return – quite amazing really when you consider that her prognosis shortly after she suffered the injury was that she would never race again – Click HERE to see footage of her track gallop on Monday and as you will hear Mark Walker say, she will now go to a jumpout on Monday, another one two weeks after and, all going well, she will resume at Caulfield 29th November – that race is the Listed Doveton Handicap over 1100m – and then, providing all goes well, she could be set for the Group One Lightning Stakes over 1000m down the Flemington chute 14th February

BELLATRIX STAR with Craig Williams aboard winning the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes Caulfield 12th Oct 2024

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Entain Edition

See below the latest update from Entain

Welcome to October’s Entain Edition

Earlier this month, I attended the first day of the Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) conference, providing an update on the progress that the harness code has made in the past two years. Since January 2024, 25% more customers have placed a bet on New Zealand harness than was the case at the start of last year. That has also flowed through to the weekly numbers, with weekly actives up 23%.

One of the aspects of my presentation that captured attendees’ interest was field sizes. The ‘sweet spot’ that produces the most even outcome for punters, the wagering operator and the racing codes, is between 11 and 14 runners in a race. When you dip below 11, that impacts turnover, and when you reach 15 runners or more in a field, the turnover may increase, but the turnover per starter figure starts to flatten out.

This ‘sweet spot’ applies to both equine codes, so with the size of the foal crops under the spotlight in recent years, it’s important that – alongside New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and HRNZ – we maximise the opportunities for horses to start throughout a season.

Even an extra start or two per horse per season will have a positive flow-on effect on field sizes and turnover, which will help to grow the wagering market share for racing.

Sam Moncur
Managing Director
Entain NZ

75 years of the TAB

Earlier this month marked a special day for the TAB brand, and the wider New Zealand racing industry. On 19 October 1950, the Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) was established, dawning a new era in racing and betting in New Zealand.

‌‌Retail stores soon followed in the next few months and, as the years rolled on, ‘new’ products like quinellas, trifectas and trebles came on board – only one a day for the first few years of each of these betting options, mind you!

N‌ow, ‌75 years on since the TAB came into existence, we’re marking the momentous occasion. Check out the hype reel below, and if you are a TAB customer, there’s still time to enter our quiz for the chance to win Bonus Cash, or one of a number of raceday or sporting experiences across New Zealand.

Super Saturday performs on several fronts

Saturday, 18 October, promised to be a great day for racing fans in both New Zealand and Australia and it’s fair to say it delivered – not only on the track, but for our customers.

The day was headlined by the Group 1 features at Ellerslie (Livamol Classic), Caulfield (Caulfield Cup), and Randwick (The Everest). With such an enticing afternoon of racing, the watch parties that our teams put on at four venues around New Zealand proved very popular. In Wellington, more than 150 people attended a Race Day Royale function at the Public Trust Hall, which received rave reviews from those who attended.

The “Out The Gate” crew, who have shaken up Thursday night TV on Trackside 1, held their first Hosted Pot outside of a Thursday night. They streamed live from the Full Time Sports Bar, and delivered a better than 40% profit for the betcha punters who bought into their pot.

From a breeding perspective, it was a Saturday to remember in the two Group 1 races at Randwick. Kiwi-bred stars Ka Ying Rising and Jimmysstar finished first and third respectively – in an Aussie sprint race, no less – and it was a New Zealand-bred trifecta in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes with Ceolwulf beating home Mr Brightside and Pier. Read more about Ceolwulf at trackside.co.nz.

Spotlight on sports

Sport is proving extremely popular with our betcha customers. betcha’s own Charlie Wilson had some fun with Mitch James and former international cricketer Colin de Grandhomme, trying to spot a former pro cricketer in a line-up of masked and hooded batters. Follow along with the antics on YouTube.

News in brief:

Earlier in October, we made the decision to divest the TAB Racing Club as part of our focus on getting back to basics. You can read more about that at entaingroup.co.nz/news.
It’s hard to believe we’re less than five months away from the second ever running of The NZB Kiwi. A successful component to the first edition of The NZB Kiwi was the Bonus Pool, with the race winner Damask Rose also claiming a $600,000 bonus. The 10-race list can be found at thekiwirace.nz.

John says, “Interesting to note that total turnover on Gallops in the month was up 0ver 14% year on year and Active customers grew from 93,700 to 107,400 this year – Sports Betting continued its upward trajectory with a 54% gain year on year”

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and readers of the Friday Flash

That’s exciting news for your team John of the potential return to racing with the high class Bellatrix Star on the anniversary of her wonderful placing in last year’s epic Coolmore at Flemington. Fingers and toes crossed we not only see her back to the races healthy and sound but also recapturing the Coolmore form in due course.

Yes, it’s that time again, the start of the Spring carnival at Flemington. I consider myself very fortunate to have been trackside for the last 35 years with a wonderful bunch of kiwis cheering on some of the very best gallopers around. While great races in Sydney like The Everest and the Golden Eagle, the relatively new kids on the block, hold a special spot in racing, I still believe Derby Day this Saturday remains one of the very best days you’d find anywhere in the world.

Of course on Tuesday it’s the daddy of them all, the Melbourne Cup, the 165th running.
My first Cup visit with a tour was Think Big’s second in 1975. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun! I had a break before returning to host every Cup bar the COVID pairing in 2020 and 2021 re booting from Tawriffic in 1989.

With the influx on international staying horses eyeing the Melbourne Cup in recent years the challenge to find the winner brings on a new meaning but who doesn’t mind a challenge? I have a few short listed but will firmly make up my mind late on Monday after reviewing all variables including the unpredictable weather.

In the meantime I’d like to share some fun facts about the Melbourne Cup that you might use for your own benefit if you consider the task of sifting through all the form too much of a burden.

10 MELBOURNE CUP FUN FACTS

1. Since 1925 barrier 5 has been the most successful in the last 12 years with Knights Errant adding to Green Moon and Fiorente.

2. The last winner from barrier one was Prince of Penzance in 2015.

3. The last winner from the outside barrier was Brew in 2000, 22 of 22.

4. Since 1983 barriers 6,15,23 and 24 have not produced a winner.

5. In the history of the cup the most successful saddle cloth numbers are numbers 4 ( 12 wins and 12 ( 11 wins). Number one has 11 wins.

6. The worst number is 18; only one horse has won from barrier 18.

7. In the past decade the average Melbourne Cup winning weight is between 54 and 55kgs.

8. More winning jockeys have won wearing black as their main colour than any other colour.

9. The last favourite to win the Cup was Fiorente 12 years ago

10. Since 2006 only 4 Melbourne Cup favourites have finished in the money ( So You Think, 3rd in 2010; Fiorente, Hartnell ( 3rd in 2016) and Incentivise ( 2nd in 2021).

Sometimes an Easybet trifecta and or first four works the oracle. We had one lucky kiwi on our tour last year who spent $100 on an Easybet trifecta and won over ten grand on memory.

Whatever your tactic is on Tuesday, good luck!

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM ELLERSLIE

WHAT YOU WISH FOR:
Was badly held up inside the final 300m and was going as well as anything in this event over 1600m. He’s definitely one to follow as the next up winner.

FIRST DANCE:
She came from near last on the turn in the 1400 to return easily the quickest sectionals when running 4th. Give her a decent draw next time and another win is likely.

SISTA SUGAR:
She was taken a hold of when she got on heels when the pace buttoned off in the Pearl series 1200. She was held up entering the straight as well but ran to the line with purpose.

THOSE BEST BETS JUST KEEP COMING

It’s the right time to join my email punting service. Last week John gave me a warm plug on how well my October service was playing out with the Best Bets in particular and since last weeks Fortuna’s newsletter we’ve had 4 NZ meetings and my Best Bets continued with all 4 winning! I’d love to have you on board.
S
end me an email dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and all will be revealed.

You’ll receive the race by race tips as well as a paragraph or two on my Best and Value Bets for all NZ meetings. You can take the one month subscription; that’s all of November with the bonus of the 4 day Flemington carnival for just $100 ( gst included) or stay on for the best period of racing, November, December and January for $240 ( gst included).

If you decide to come on board I’ll need to know by 6pm NZ time tonight!

John says “Obviously, I get a bit of feedback from clients of our who have joined up with Des’ selection service and the four who joined up last week would’ve been happy if they had followed Des across the board because, apart from the two best bets winning, he delivered seven winners at Riccarton and four at Trentham – and with Bets of the Day only to date in October, there have been 21 selections with 13 of them winning and just under 100% gain on outlay from level stakes – not a bad outcome at all”

As always Happy Punting!

021 448 052
Des Coppins

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Friday Flash – 24th October 2025

Published 24 October 2025

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

Everest/Caulfield Cup saga – What’s the Fuss

Leaderboard back in training

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Fortuna has two runners this Saturday – both in the same race and both resuming from a spell

VIVACIOUS contests the R75 1200m event – Race 5 @ 1.40pm with Stable apprentice, Sage Duric, claiming 3 kgs, to ride from Barrier 2 – this 4 time winning mare is very consistent – she was super last prep and is ready to push on to better things – strong each way chance – TAB says “Vivacious resumes from a spell over a trip that is probably short of her best, but she has been tuned up with a recent trial here and should hold her place early on from the pole position. She benefits from a 3kg claim and should be hitting the line strongly. Can win.” – Showing $13 /$ 3.80 Fixed odds

PORCIA CATONIS also contests the R75 1200m event – Race 5 @ 1.40pm with Tina Comignaghi to ride from Barrier 9 – 2 wins and four placings from six starts to date – both wins have been on the Poly – did run 4th this track and trip on the Turf in April – hard to get a line on her in this company, but is in good order and ready to race well – watch the tote – TAB says “Has claims if presented on song ” – Showing $ 14 /$4 Fixed odds

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – Tuesday 21st

Marokopa Falls (H Hassman) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04.8, last 600 in 36.5.

Riccarton – Tuesday 21st

Court Of Appeal (H Durrant) galloped over 1600 metres in 1.43.7, home in 38.9

Porcia Catonis (T Solomon) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.7, last 600 in 37.1.

Cranbourne – Tuesday 21st

Nil

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Other News

Everest/Caulfield Cup saga – Whats the fuss!!!

Last Saturday those racing fans watching Tran Tasman racing from the comfort of their homes witnessed the magnificent spectacle of two great race days across the Tasman, featuring “the new kid on the block” the Everest and the “time honoured” staying event, the Caulfield Cup. Last Saturday’s Everest of course was just it’s ninth running, whereas the Caulfield Sup is much more traditional with its first running back in 1879 and is a major lead up race for the equally time honoured Melbourne Cup

It’s interesting to look back to when the Everest concept was first mooted and the resulting shock and horror of the Victorian racing authorities. The upstart Sydneysiders were planning a $20 million sprinting race on, heaven forbid, Caulfield Cup Day. The protests were strong, barbs were fired from either side and while it would be fair to say that, in subsequent years the fuss has died down a bit as the Everest has propelled itself to now the second most important race in terms of wagering in the Australian racing scene, the antagonism has still not completely disappeared with the Sydneysiders now boasting that “their race” now surpasses the Caulfield cup in terms of wagering turnover.

And yet for those of us sitting home what did we see? First of all we saw a sellout crowd at Randwick of 50,000 and we also saw a sellout crowd at Caulfield of 28,000 and presumably, if Caulfield had more capacity, such as Flemington does, then the crowd could have been bigger. Moreover these two great racing occasions were effectively, certainly as this writer sees it, complementary to each other with the crowds at either venue easily able to watch the big race at the other venue on the big screens and presumably put their parochialism aside and have a bet on the big race at the other venue – all good for wagering turnover.

Further, neither race lost any mana in terms of the quality of the respective fields as the Everest is a sprint race over 1200m for elite sprinters and the Caulfield Cup is a handicap race run over 2400m for stayers. Yes there is no doubt that if the Everest had never taken off then the elite Sydney riders would be riding at Caulfield, however to me that is of little consequence as the riding ranks depths in both jurisdictions is deep.

And from a marketing perspective, the product, i.e. Throughbred Racing was able to project itself not only just to it’s Trans Tasman audience, but to a global audience (including the very important US market) as well, so yes, while we should certainly honour our traditions, I think what the initiation and development of the Everest has shown us is that we should never be afraid to come up with new ideas and concepts. What the saga has shown us is that it’s perfectly possible to have two “premier events” go head to head and with sellout crowds at both venues and with complementary wagering turnover over both venues, it was a “win win” across the board for all parties.

And even little old New Zealand was able to join the party, not just with our own Group One feature, the Livamol Classic, won impressively by Waitak, but also with the Everest winner Ka Ying Rising, already the highest rated Sprinter in the world, bringing additional attention to our impressive record of breeding high quality thoroughbreds – and with the NZ Bloodstock Ready To Run Sales just around the corner the timing was exquisite, and having the first three home, Ceowulf, Mr Brightside and Pier in the other feature race on the day at Randwick, the King Charles Stakes, did not do our cause any harm either

And in case you missed it click HERE to see the crowd of 50,000, reputedly with 60% of the crowd under the age of 26, singing Sweet Caroline – as the commentator says, “this race has brought people back to the track”

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Leaderboard back in training

Yes “Tiger” is back in training – given a two month paddock spell after his 25 lengths win victory in Australia’s richest jumping race, the Grand National Steeples, he has now returned to Cranbourne. He has spelled beautifully during his time off and is a very happy horse now that he is back in the stables – click HERE to see some footage of him enjoying one of his favourite activities, a good roll in the sandbox – looking at this footage you would hardly credit that he is an 11 year-old and clearly still has a lot of zest for life

The winner of five Jumps races in Victoria from 13 starts and only once finishing out of the first three (when he fell) Leaderboard’s major initial target from here will be the Warrnambool Carnival in early May where he will seek redemption in the Brierly Steeplechase over 3450m (this was the race he fell in this year when looking as if he was taking the race by the scruff of the neck) and then back up two days later into the Grand Annual Steeplechase over 5500m – he will need to get a lot of miles into his legs to prepare for those two events, so he will have a steady training build up during November, December and January, possibly then contest a flat race or two during February/March and then an early Steeplechase target for him could be the Open Steeplechase over 3450m at Warrnambool 26th March as he builds toward the May Carnival

This will be his last season of jumping before heading to a well earned retirement following a racing career in which he delivered some exemplary winning performances on the flat, (NZ St Leger, Wellington Cup) and the Grand National Steeplechase in Victoria and who knows what else he may be able to collect before heading to retirement.

LEADERBOARD on his way to Victory 2025 Grand National Steeples
Ballarat 17th August – Will Gordon aboard

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and readers of the Friday Flash

A RARE TRIPLE GROUP ONE FROM 1200M TO 1600m to 2000M !

Wasn’t last Saturday a day to relish ?
While over shadowed by the Everest and the Caulfield Cup the Livamol was far from a disappointing spectacle with Big E in full revolution at the top of the straight at Ellerslie before the unquestionable Waitakbloused him and others. He was effortless. Not many horses win at group one level over 1200m, 1600m and 2000m and Waitak’s triple treat won’t be forgotten. For the record the last horse to win at all 3 distances at the elite level was Avantage who’s 9 group ones also included 1400m.

NERVOUS TIMES FOR THE GREAT RACE

The Livamol will now face a nervous wait surrounding its fate at group one status. It’s on the threshold of a down grade to a group 2 as it was on its final warning via the Racing Pattern Committee at round table about a month ago. While Waitak and El Vencedor may have stabilised its stance Sharp and Smart (100 rating) and Aftermath (in the low 70’s), who ran 3rd and 4th respectively, didn’t help the cause.

You’d have to suggest that group one glory is far from over for Waitak and El Vencedor this season which should help but the other pair also need to be further competitive in the very best class to ultimately save the Livamol. Each season the first 4 horses home in these black type races are averaged out to determine the status and sadly, Aftermath, despite running out of his skin to run 4th, has dragged the points down somewhat.

If Aftermath goes on to win a group one or two the former Hasting’s based thriller’s life at the top may be spared.

FROM THE WELLINGTON CUP TO THE EVEREST

Who would’ve thought there is a link between the Wellington Cup and the Everest with the first three placegetters on Saturday? Starting with the amazing world class Ka Ying Rising.

His dam Missy Moo ran last to Gorbachev in 2017 Wellington Cup in her very last race. The second horse, the classy filly Tempted’s pedigree traces back directly to the Volifox family to precisely link up with Dancing Lord, the winner of 1993 Wellington Cup while the third horse, Jimmysstar’s dam Anniesstar also ran in the Wellington Cup; finishing 12th to Maygrove in 2015 not long after winning the Feilding Cup.

AN EVEREST CROWD WITH A WEE PROBLEM

You get 50,000 plus people, arguably 75% under 30 and there’s one question I can’t escape from, how long were the queues to the loos? In all seriousness this big group of fun loving racegoers at the big carnivals like a drink or two while socialising at the races, but I can tell you from authority that some of the heaving crowd found themselves in a pickle when probing for a piddle.

A 20-30 minute wait at the loos at times is something few of us could cope with but that was the on and off story at Randwick nearing the close of play. You’d be surprised if there’s a repeat of lack of loos next year as these Everest marketing people at Randwick have a habit of ensuring things flow smoothly.

However, despair for some was clearly off set by the buzz the Everest race day brings year after year to all on course. Watching on the telly almost gives you goose bumps. The sight of young people at the races, singing the ultimate classic Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline prior to the jump of the Everest, puts racing back in the spotlight for the right reasons.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM ELLERSLIE

SOLID GOLD: came home the quickest to run third in the maiden 1400 after beginning awkwardly and losing ground. Not only will she be winning sooner than later she impressed as maybe a long range Oaks prospect.

LOVE SYMBOL: hers was the run of the race in the r65 over 1100m. She stormed into 4th after being almost last on the turn. She’s clearly furnishing into a nice type and stakes company later in the summer is not out of the question.

THE PROPHET: has been luckless in his last two and over 1600m he had to come from back in the field to land 4th. He’s now ready to step out to 2000m and it’s as a stayer where his future lies.

EXCLUSIVE TIPS OFFER RETURNS TO FORTUNA FRIDAY FLASH READERS

My email selections have been to the fore for the last month with more Bets of the Day winning than losing. The supplementary race by race tips are consistently good, too, with double figure priced dividends a feature.

As we get ready to launch into three very big months the sub fee remains at $240 (gst inclusive) but I’ll even allow a one month offer again for November of $100. As a further bonus by subscribing now you’ll receive the balance of October ( 6 meetings) as well as my Melbourne Cup tips and the other 3 big days at Flemington to go along with the NZ service throughout November.

Of course the $240 outlay covers off the great racing still to come in NZ (and Flemington) through November, December and January. That’s 88 meetings at a breakdown cost of $2.73 per meeting!

Simply email me dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and all will be revealed.

John comments – with Des’ email service, as well as providing two selections in every race (occasionally three) he provides a Best Bet of the day. Notable that in October to date, there have been 16 racedays and so 16 Best Bets, with 9 of them saluting the judge at an average divvy of $3.50, thereby generating almost a 100% profit on outlay – certainly better than interest at the bank isn’t it?

Good punting folks!

021 448 052
Des Coppins

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Friday Flash – 17th October 2025

Published 17 October 2025

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

COURT OF APPEAL delivers a powerful verdict with a 4 length victory at Ashburton

NZ Thoroughbreds to the fore in The Everest

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Fortuna has no runners this weekend but does have Titahi Bay at Kyneton Tuesday – Acceptances not due until later today but she will run in the Maiden 3yo 1450 and, 3rd up with a strong performance last start, should prove very competitive

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – Monday 13th

Emma Twigg (T Melvin) galloped over 800 metres in 55.4, home in 38.8.

Riccarton – Monday 13th

Porcia Catonis (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.06.1, last 600 in 37.3.

Vivacious (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.07.8, last 600 in 37.4.

Cranbourne – Monday 13th

Our Paramour (C Wilson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.07.8, last 600 in 38.8.

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Other News

COURT OF APPEAL delivers a powerful verdict with a 4 length victory at Ashburton

Click HERE to see closing stages of the race

Traveling like the winner turning for home, Court Of Appeal (5 m Eminent – Katy O’Beel, by Zabeel) impressively won the $50,000 Open Handicap 2200 metres on Saturday at Ashburton. After resuming with a dominant victory in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 11 September Riccarton (poly-track), Court Of Appeal thwarted her chances with a slow beginning in the Rating 75 1580 metres on 27 September at Riccarton, but was back on song to deliver an undeniable message as to her staying prowess.

Ridden by Bruno Queiroz, who was aboard when she won fresh-up in September, Court Of Appeal was a stride slow before recovering to settle three back on the inner, improved on the bridle between runners at the 600m, and after receiving a lovely split on straightening she raced away to win by four lengths.

“She was traveling very, very well at the 600m and over the last 400m she was flying home,” Queiroz said. “I got the position I wanted to get.”

On course, assistant trainer Hunter Durrant said: “She’s been crying out for that distance and we couldn’t be happier. Going down the back, we thought we might be in a bit of trouble, but she just needed some luck and it was a great steer by Bruno. She has got her quirks, she can be slow out of the gates and was again today, but she recovered well and Bruno’s building a nice relationship with her.”

In the race sponsored by Vernon Vazey 0800 & Truck Parts, Court Of Appeal ran 2200 metres in 2:17.0, last 600m in 34.3 (approx.) on Good4 footing, and paid $4.70 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote. Although out of her rightful grade, being rated 72, Court Of Appeal carried minimum weight (54kg), and in beating a decent Open Handicap field she vindicated both her staying pedigree and ability.

Click HERE to see Race replay

“She’s been a slow maturing type, but getting there now and it was a terrific win today,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson. “When Dave (Ellis) bought her very cheaply for $20,000, she was always going to take time, but John (Galvin) wanted a really nice staying prospect and his ownership team have been very patient. I think this year we’re starting to see the best of her and Hunter (Durrant) and our staff in our stables at Riccarton have got her going really well. She’s settled into the surroundings down there extremely well. She’s a happy mare, and Bruno (Queiroz) has really clicked with her. She can be a bit touchy in the barriers, but he seems to have the key to getting her away on terms and she’ll go on to black type company during Cup Week down there.”

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025
Bruno Queiroz aboard

Following the win, Walker suggested Court Of Appeal would now target the $100,000 Nautical Insurance Metropolitan Handicap (Listed, 2600m) on the first day of Cup Week (8 Nov.) at Riccarton, and follow up a week later (15 Nov.) in the $450,000 Martin Collins 162^ndNew Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m).

“She’s shaping up to be a high-quality staying mare, especially given the way she won today, but it has taken awhile for her to mature, being by Eminent and out of a Zabeel mare,” Walker added. “She’s looks to have a nice future in races around 2400 metres and further.”

Purchased for $20,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing from the Karaka 2022 Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Brighthill Farm, she is owned by Fortuna Court Of Appeal Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), an ownnership group comprising 47 individuals and has now won four races.

“I thought she was a strong winning chance today, but I wasn’t expecting her win by so far and it certainly was a pretty impressive performance,” John Galvin said after the race. “To see her power away like that was mind-blowing, really. Time was always going to be her friend and physically, since she’s gone south, she’s taken a huge step forward in the Riccarton environment. You could see in her preliminary, she was shining in the coat and looked like a big, strong, powerful, mare. She’s going the right way, that’s for sure. When you buy these sorts of horses you know they’re not going to be Karaka Million types, and that you have to be patient with them. We’ve had some good staying horses in the past, such as Zabene, who won the Metropolitan Handicap, and Leaderboard who won the Wellington Cup and finished third in a New Zealand Cup before going on to become a great jumper”

“So, we’re very happy with the way she has developed and I remember Opie (Bosson) saying to me after he rode her for third, early in her career, at Te Aroha, that she just needs time and she’ll deliver over ground. It was a good decision by Mark & Sam, after she raced in April at Ellerslie, to send her south to their stables at Riccarton, and prepare her for the New Zealand Cup. And she’s been perfectly handled ever since.”

Galvin said that Court Of Appeal would now spend a few days at the water walker and then prepare to race in the Metropolitan Handicap on Saturday 8 November, and the NZ Cup a week later.

Brighthill Farm stallion Eminent, a Group Two winner and dual Group One placed son of peerless racehorse and sire Frankel (Galileo) – currently leading the TRC Global Sires Rankings – was trained by Sir Mark Todd and owned by Sir Peter Vela.

From the first crop by Eminent, Court Of Appeal is out of a mare that won three times to 2200 metres, in turn from sensational staying mare Katy Keen (Zorro’s Lad), a Group Two and Group Three winner that won 10 times to 2500 metres.

Court Of Appeal is the second winner from Katy O’Beel, following Enright (Power), a three-time winner to 2100 metres.

Court Of Appeal was strapped by Amelia Southworth.

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NZ Thoroughbreds to the fore in The Everest

It is certainly not unusual for New Zealand breds to be amongst the thick of it in the spring at the Australian racing carnivals, however, historically, that has tended to be in the middle distance and staying races, not the sprints, particularly the richest sprint race in world racing but, remarkably, there are four New Zealand breds in this weekend’s Everest, including the odds on favourite and Nick Johnson of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association writes an intriguing story on this below

“Punching above our weight”

I’ve said it before, many times, and it’s a phrase used in all sorts of contexts. But in my spectacularly biased view, you’d go a long way to find a more fitting expression of it than in the horses who carry the (NZ) suffix. And if we climb to the top of the ladder, which is Saturday — or as it’s been described, “the biggest day on the punt” — you’ll find that suffix there, with Kiwi horses and horse people punching a couple of weight classes above. ’m talking about The Everest, a race that since its inception has catapulted into the mainstream Australian audience.

Last week I spoke about the importance of creating that entry point into the sport, that first taste that leads to bigger and better things. I won’t go into it again here, other than to say it’s obvious what The Everest has achieved in that respect. What I want to highlight this week is the remarkable influence that New Zealand-bred horses, and beyond that the additional New Zealand human connections, will have on this year’s race. Before this year, only three New Zealand-bred horses had lined up in The Everest across its eight runnings. That’s hardly surprising — it’s a 1200-metre sprint, right in the wheelhouse of the Australian product, while New Zealand-breds have long been known for their strength over more ground.

This year, though, four horses will carry the (NZ) suffix, making up a third of the field. A closer look at those four horses highlights the breadth of their backgrounds, in both circumstance and pedigree.

The obvious place to start is with the short-priced favourite and current best sprinter in the world, Ka Ying Rising. It’s a story that’s been well told, but I’ll tell it again. He was bred by first-time breeder but long-time successful trainer and trader Fraser Auret, who sent his talented but injury-plagued mare Missy Moo to the stallion Shamexpress, a mare whose last start was in the 3200-metre Wellington Cup. From there, the foal arrived, was raised on the famous New Zealand grass, went through the Levin jump-outs, was provisionally sold, the buyer got cold feet, and was then purchased by David Hayes. He won a trial at Moe under the name Mr Express before heading to Hong Kong, being renamed Ka Ying Rising, and racing to greatness — greatness that could reach new heights should he win on Saturday.

The next is Jimmysstar, bred through the highly successful partnership of Pete and Chrissie Algie with Little Avondale Stud. By resident stallion Per Incanto, he is out of the Zed mare Anniestar, whose biggest success on the track came with victory in the 2014 Fielding Gold Cup over 2100 metres. Needing time because of leg issues, he was sent to Guy Lowry, who produced him to win two of his three starts. The second of those, a performance at Hawke’s Bay from barrier 15, was an early sign of what was to come. He was later sold to Australian interests, with the breeders retaining a share, and has since become a dual Australian Group One winner.

Then there’s War Machine, a horse that was twice passed in the Karaka sale ring before heading back home to Ardsley Stud. Bred in Masterton under the Wallace family’s MDJ Bloodstock banner, he was seen as too small at the time but proved otherwise soon enough, winning a Foxton trial that caught the right kind of attention. He was sold to clients of the late Michael Moroney, with the Wallace family staying in the ownership. He’s won seven of his fourteen starts and earned more than $2.6 million. There’ll be two people looking down from above cheering him on this Saturday.

Last but not least is Jedibeel, bred by Waikato Stud by the champ in Savabeel from their unraced O’Reilly mare Starry. The five-year-old gelding is one of five winners from six foals to race out of the mare, a family that also includes the tough stayer Starrybeel, winner of the Dunstan Feeds Stayers’ Championship. But while his full brother made his name over ground, Jedibeel’s pedigree also carries plenty of speed, tracing back to multiple Group One winner I Wish I Win. He was offered by Waikato Stud in the 2020 National Weanling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, bought by Dengaroka Lodge in New South Wales, and later sold through the Sydney Classic Yearling Sale the following year.

And then we cast the connection a little wider. While not New Zealand-bred, Joliestar carries a powerful Kiwi link as she’s owned by Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud, ensuring she’ll one day produce her own New Zealand-breds. What an addition she’ll be to the broodmare band.

And beyond the horses themselves, the New Zealand influence runs even deeper, with trainers Chris Waller and Bjorn Baker, and jockeys James MacDonald and Michael Dee, all flying the flag on racing’s biggest sprint stage.

All told, it is a remarkable picture. Four New Zealand-breds — a third of the field — each from completely different backgrounds yet all shaped by the same hallmarks that make our horses so sought after around the world: toughness, temperament, and the ability to thrive wherever they go. Add in the New Zealand-born trainers, jockeys, and owners involved, and there is Kiwi influence on ten of the twelve runners in the world’s richest turf race.

Relative to our size, it’s yet another example of New Zealand showing its quality where it matters most. With domestic Group One action at Ellerslie in the Livamol Classic, and the Caulfield Cup across the ditch, enjoy “the biggest day on the punt” this Saturday.

The Kiwis, as always, will be right in the thick of it.

Go the Kiwi Breds!

Nick Johnson

NZTBA, CEO

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Fortuna followers

Firstly congratulations on your ownership group with the progressive stayer Court of Appeal at Ashburton last Saturday. She simply cruised in didn’t she and you could never count her out of the NZ Cup.

In fact it was the perfect trial. Her grand dam Katy Keen won the NZ St Leger. She has certainly peaked at the right time.

THE 80-20 BETTING SYSTEM

I’ve often been asked what systems do I have in place when it comes to punting? Like most I often have a wee play on just about every race when I’m on course but I play a little bit closer to my chest when at home and using the TAB app. There are so many betting options to choose these days, unlike when I first started punting.

Back in my twenties and thirties – and that seems so long ago – we only had win, place and the on course and TAB doubles to worry about. These days the betting opportunities are vast. The introduction of the quaddie heightened my interest and the added value of percentage betting gets me involved more often than not with quaddies in both Nz racing and at the big carnivals in Melbourne and Sydney as well.\

However, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no better bet than the old die hard, the each way bet. If I’m reasonably confident I’ll play the runner each way every time but with the always cautious 80-20 strategy. Most punters simply use the traditional win bet or each way bet but I prefer to play my fancy, irrespective of the odds, 2 units over 8.

If you look at statistics it is clear that the majority of horses, unless they are a Winx or a Black Caviar, don’t win as often as they are placed so it really doesn’t make sense to place the exact amount on both the win and place.

If I’m backing a $5 win chance, it’s probably showing $1.70 or $1.80 for a place. Therefore if it runs second or third the 80-20 rule will still lands us a profit.

And I never back the tote! It’s always a Fixed Odds bet.

WHY THE CAULFIELD CUP IS THE BEST LEAD UP TO THE MELBOURNE CUP

In the last 50 or so years, the Caulfield Cup and the Mackinnon Stakes are the two most successful lead up races to the Melbourne Cup and between them they’ve produced 29 of the last 54 Melbourne Cup winners. Of course the Mackinnon doesn’t count now as it’s moved to the last day of the Flemington carnival.

History shows most Melbourne Cup runners do use the Caulfield Cup as the best lead up race and 24 of the last 54 Melbourne Cup winners have done so. Incredibly, no Melbourne Cup winner raced in the Caulfield Cup between 2008 and 2019. When people ask me for my tip this far out from the Melbourne Cup I hesitate before simply saying I’ll wait until I’ve analysed closely how the Caulfield Cup unfolds.

HALF YOURS IS THE ONE TO BEAT – BE WARY OF BIRDMAN!

As far as my picks are concerned for the Caulfield Cup I’m satisfied HALF YOURS will justify the favouritism and be the logical one. He’s flying. His win in the Naturalism at Caulfield on September 20 was big but even bigger was the Turnbull Stakes run into 4th behind Sir Delius, Andino and Via Sistina.

If I was saving on another it’d be BIRDMAN from the Waller yard. He got well out of his ground in the Metropolitan at Randwick a fortnight ago but he hit the line as good as any after settling second last in the running. I liked the run a lot.

He came to Melbourne last year as a 4yo and had one unplaced run in the Geelong Cup. He’s continued to improve under Chris Waller’s regime since. The odds should be 20 to one or more.

WHAT AN AMAZING AFTERNOON WE HAVE IN STORE TOMORROW

How good? The Livamol Classic at Ellerslie; the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne and the Everest in Sydney all clashing on Saturday. The world pools will go gang busters.

The Everest racegoers are in for something very special with the highest rated sprinter in the world, Ka Ying Rising, the NZ bred flyer. I see he’s around $1.70.
Is he a better bet on the nose than either say Jimmysstar, Joliestar or Briassa, who are all playing even money or more for a place?

Hmm, I’m not sure! While taking on board he’s a freakish sprinter in Hong Kong where he’s beaten the best as well as some of the European sprinters who have come across for group ones like the Chairman’s sprint in April and the Longines Sprint in December, the Hong Kong champ hasn’t yet faced a group of elite Aussie sprinters and, as recent results in the UK will tell us, the Aussie sprinters are the best in the world!

I’ll be cheering for Ka Ying Rising for racing’s sake but I’ll be equally enthusiastic with my 80:20 bet on either Jimmysstar, Joliestar or Briassa.

THREE WORTH FOLLOWING FROM ASHBURTON

EIGHT LUCKY PRAWNS : he never saw daylight down the straight and had he found clear air earlier at the top of the straight and not just in the last 100 metres he would’ve at least run second and not fifth. If he gets a decent surface I’ll be on again.

LORD WEYBURN: he’s new to the south and his run at Ashburton confirms he won’t take long in winning from his new stable. He copped his share of trouble when looking for racing room in the straight.

THIRD DECREE: to run third in the open sprint tells us that this 6yo mare won’t be out of of it in the TAB Mile over the Cup carnival or more especially the Canterbury Breeders Stakes; a race she ran second in last year.

Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052
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Fortuna Racemare COURT OF APPEAL delivers a powerful verdict with a 4 length victory Ashburton 11th October 2025

Published 12 October 2025

Travelling like the winner turning for home, Court Of Appeal (5 m Eminent – Katy O’Beel, by Zabeel) impressively won the $50,000 Open Handicap 2200 metres on Saturday at Ashburton. After resuming with a dominant victory in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 11 September Riccarton (poly-track), Court Of Appeal thwarted her chances with a slow beginning in the Rating 75 1580 metres on 27 September at Riccarton, but was back on song to deliver an undeniable message as to her staying prowess.

Ridden by Bruno Queiroz, who was aboard when she won fresh-up in September, Court Of Appeal was a stride slow before recovering to settle three back on the inner, improved on the bridle between runners at the 600m, and after receiving a lovely split on straightening she raced away to win by four lengths.

“She was travelling very, very well at the 600m and over the last 400m she was flying home,” Queiroz said. “I got the position I wanted to get.”

Click HERE to see Race replay

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025
Bruno Queiroz aboard

Galvin said that Court Of Appeal would now spend a few days at the water walker and then prepare to race in the Metropolitan Handicap on Saturday 8 November, and the NZ Cup a week later.

Court Of Appeal is the second winner from Katy O’Beel, following Enright (Power), a three-time winner to 2100 metres.

Court Of Appeal was strapped by Amelia Southworth.

Friday Flash – 10th October 2025

Published 10 October 2025

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Sept 2025

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Headline News

Everest sold out – V’Landys inspired by Kentucky Derby to grow even more

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Fortuna has three runners Friday and Saturday

Taupo – Friday

MAROKOPA FALLS resumes in the Generation Homes R65 1100m event – Race 8 @ 4.10pm with George Rooke to ride from Barrier 2. Not seen on raceday since her unplaced run in the Sistema in March, she has had three trials to prepare for this. Is a 3yo running against the older horses here, but has more than her share of ability and is certainly a great chance to feature in this event with her nice draw and light weight in her favour – TAB says “Can win this fresh up” – Showing $5/$1.80

Ashburton – Saturday

COURT OF APPEAL steps up in trip and grade here when she contests the Vernon and Veysey Open 2200m event – Race 5 @2.30 with Bruno Queiroz to ride from a good draw. A winner over 1600m two starts back, she missed the jump badly at her most recent start 1600m Riccarton, but finished off powerfully – bred to stay, she is on a path toward the NZ Cup and is ready for this trip – classy rider aboard and with just 54kgs to carry, she is bound to be very competitive in this event. TAB says “Genuine hope based on the run two back” – Showing $5/$1.80

VIVACIOUS resumes in the Agroforum R75 1400m event – Race 9 @ 4.50pm and will jump from the outside barrier – no rider declared yet – produced very good form on the Polytrack last campaign – back to the Turf here, but is ready to perform – will need luck from draw, but interestingly, she won this track and trip with same weight from the outside stall this day last year – potentially a doubtful starter as we await a scratching to secure a suitable rider – TAB says “Looks all set for an effective return” – Showing $15/$4.20

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Matamata – Tuesday 7th

Marokopa Falls (H Hassman) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.2, home in 39.8.
Emma Twigg (T Melvin) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 56.3, last 600 in 39.9

Riccarton – Tuesday 7th

Court Of Appeal (T Solomon) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.26.7, final 600 in 38.4.

Cranbourne – Tuesday 7th

Tolaga Bay (M Hofmann) and galloped over 600 metres in 38.4.

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Other News

Everest sold out – V’Landys inspired by Kentucky Derby to grow even more

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys has announced plans to grow G1 The Everest after the raceday put up the sold out sign for 2025. “The Kentucky Derby is a great example, because every year they increase the capacity,” V’landys told racenet.com.au.

“We have got to look at doing the same thing. It’s our big day and if we sell out almost two weeks before, like we have this year, we need to get more people in future years. We are looking to expand the infield and we may look at increasing the size of the Winx Stand.”

Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys

“When we built the Winx stand we built it having the capacity to put another level on it. That’s an option because the Australian turf club also lease it out for non-race stay functions and it makes a lot of new revenues”

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Greetings John and Fortuna followers

Aren’t we having a fickle weather system and how our trainers and jockeys must feel envious to see the tracks playing beautifully in both Sydney and Melbourne last Saturday while we were dealt with the heavy stuff at both Hawera and Matamata.

We are due for a true spring here, too, and hopefully it’s not too far away.

BANNING THE WHIP

To whip or not to whip, that’s the big question hovering over the industry at the
moment?
Not everyone will agree but there are many in the business who would work on banning the whip but grant leniency for jockeys to carry it for safety issues only and NOT for the purpose of trying to extract the last piece of energy to get their mounts to the post first.
Whether it hurts a horse or not, to my way of thinking it conveys not the right message in today’s animal welfare concerns which we all have to be mindful of. With every horse playing on a level whip-less playing field many believe no one would have an advantage over anyone else but as long as jockeys are allowed to carry whips and strike animals in any way the ominous dark cloud hovers over our sport.

These whip rules, that differ from country to country, are confusing. In Australia and NZ jockeys are only permitted to use the whip on 5 occasions before the 100m mark of a race and not in consecutive strides but over the last 100m the whip maybe used at the jockeys discretion.

In the UK, the whip maybe used just 6 times in total in any flat race. Should the whip be used 4 times or above the required limit the horse will be disqualified. The UK could also fine or suspend the jockey if the whipping occurs less than the 6 times BUT it’s deemed excessive; or if the horse is out of a dividend bearing position or the whipping is above shoulder height.

Banning the whip will happen one day; hopefully it’s in our lifetime but as sure as night follows day it could be a game changer for the better when it eventually comes.

FUTURE ODDS BETTING

Are you for or against having a punt so far out from a given race?
Let me share a story that does prove that every now and again one could find one that may slip by the keeper ( ie the bookie) and it may be a lesson to frequently screen the early odds for some of the big races whenever you can.
Some years ago I jumped onto a price that I thought was quite staggering; 300 to one for an unqualified starter in the Melbourne Cup, Leica Falcon; a horse with 2 wins to his name. It wasn’t a massive bet; it didn’t need to be at those odds.

For the record I’m not a 4-figure type punter either but I did have a hunch for the horse; saw it was nominated for the Cup and had a respectable play on the nose. I liked its first couple of wins and even though the big race was still at least 2 months away when I placed the bet I was keen to see how close Leica Falcon would get to qualifying for the Cup, if at all.

Things played out handsomely in the lead up to the Cup. He won those two races races at prominent country meetings before jumping to city class at Sandown in October where he again won and that’s when others began sharing the optimism that he could be a lethal spring staying contender. To make the Melbourne Cup field he needed first to win the next big race, the Herbert Power.

That he did, with ease! The Caulfield Cup was next and his sectionals were the quickest in the race when he stormed into 5th behind Railings. As a result of his lead up form, Leica Falcon was installed second favourite behind Makybe Diva in the Cup.

He ran 4th behind the great mare and at the top of the straight he made a big move to challenge the lead but couldn’t quite round it off. Kiwi superstar, Xcellent, ran third with On A Jeune, second. Of course I enjoyed the ride of my potential windfall bet despite eventually getting what Paddy shot at!

So am I a fan of Futures Betting? Not really is the answer.

Oddly you might say but I don’t recall ever having another bet a la Leica Falcon since.
Maybe it’s because it was so near yet so far away with Leica Falcon or maybe it’s because the odds this far out aren’t really worth the risk whether it’s on a long shot or a more favoured runner.

For example to see Sir Delius at just $6 some 4 weeks out from the First Tuesday might look attractive to some but not for me. If the race was run tomorrow his odds would be $3 at the worst. He has the Cox Plate as the lead up and if he wins again his odds in the Cup would still be around the $3 mark but so much can go wrong as well we all know and racing over the next 3 weeks will throw further curve balls in calculations with other important lead up races. In other words I’d rather back Sir Delius at half his quote on Cup Day itself if I don’t find something else.

For the record I’ve gone through the TAB odds for the Melbourne Cup and there’s nothing even close to a Leica Falcon type runner odds wise.
In reality I didn’t expect to see one. That being the case, these days I’m happy to wait until Cup Day before having a flutter.

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM FLEMINGTON

ENXUTO: he did very well over 1400m on Saturday and he hit the line as good as any. He’s looking for a mile. He’s a previous winner over 1600m at Flemington and there’s bound to be a good opportunity for him in the coming weeks.

HALF YOURS: the run in the Turnbull was the perfect Caulfield Cup dress rehearsal. He’s one of the best stayers going around at the moment and he is sure to be well backed to take out the Caulfield Cup.

ARABIAN PRINCE: his run in one of the Derby lead ups was eye catching. He finished within two lengths of the winner Options but it was only in the last 300m he became interested as he warmed into from near last on the turn to run 5th. He’s only had two starts and he’s bred to stay; he’s from the same family as Trav, Princess Mellay and Blood Brother; all ultimate Cup winners in NZ.

Good punting!

Des Coppins
021 448 052
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Friday Flash – 3rd October 2025

Published 3 October 2025

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Sept 2025
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Headline News

Melody Belle’s daughter on song for debut

Entain September Edition

Ragamuffin to pursue a Jumps career from the Kevin Myers Barn – shares available

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Fortuna has no runners this weekend

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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Matamata

Riccarton

Cranbourne – 30th Sept

Our Paramour (C Wilson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.06.7, home in 37.1.

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Other News

Melody Belle’s daughter on song for debut

MELODY BELLE completes the first and only Hawkes Bay Triple Crown Victory

Hasting October 2020 – Troy Harris aboard

It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song (Written Tycoon), a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle (NZ), makes her debut. Raced by New Zealand syndicator Fortuna, Melody Belle won 19 races for former Te Akau trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, including 14 at Group One level. She accrued more than $4 million in prize money and was crowned New Zealand Horse of the Year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Following her racing career, she was offered at Magic Millions’ 2021 Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Yulong Investments for A$2.6 million. Her first mating was with resident stallion Written Tycoon, with the resulting foal being Lyrics ‘N’ Song, who would be entrusted to the care of Mark Walker at Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne barn.

The now three-year-old filly has had three jumpouts, including winning her last outing over 1000m at Cranbourne, and she has made a good impression on Walker. “She has jumped out nicely and she has inherited some of mum’s ability, I don’t know how much yet, but I think she is well above average at this stage,” he said. “We are very grateful that Yulong gave us the first foal to train, and hopefully she is a good broodmare for them.”

Lyrics ‘N’ Song will line-up in the Drummond Gold Plate (1200m) on Friday and Walker is looking forward to seeing how she performs under the pressure of racenight.

“It has come up quite a strong field, there is a fair bit of depth to it, but she has drawn nicely (1) and should acquit herself well,” Walker said.

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Entain September Edition

Welcome to September’s Entain Edition

Spring is traditionally a huge time for the Australasian racing industry, but the next few weeks are also a pivotal time for sports betting, particularly this year.

Alongside the Livamol Classic, The Everest, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate over the next few weeks, there are major sports competitions reaching their peak (NRL Grand Final), ramping up (Premier League in England), or getting back into action (the 2025-26 NBA season).

This period takes on more importance in 2025, as we seek to attract those customers who may have previously been customers with offshore betting operators, prior to the change in betting laws in late June. We don’t just assume these customers will join up to our TAB or betcha brands – they need to see the value of being a customer with us.

With that in mind, the teams have been working hard to deliver more betting options, and more compelling promotions. One of the more popular new additions is our “3 from 4 Boost” bet, where customers take a bet on – for example – an EPL weekend where only three of the teams across four matches need to win for it to be a winning bet. We’re also adding to our in-play betting options, as we know it’s a popular choice for many punters.

While there’s plenty going on in sport, the spring racing continues to be a major focus across the business. With the strong possibility of some Kiwi representation through the Australian spring in particular, this is a great opportunity to introduce more New Zealanders to racing outside of the first Tuesday in November.

You’re very welcome to share or forward this newsletter to anyone in the industry who you think might like to read this. They can sign up to receive the Entain Edition directly by contacting communications@entaingroup.co.nz.

Sam Moncur,
Managing Director – New Zealand

Here For the Horse appeal raises $50,000

It cannot be understated how important the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust has become in the last nine years since it was established, providing dedicated horse ambulances across the country to help our equine athletes in their time of need.

That’s why we enthusiastically supported their ‘Here for the Horse’ winter appeal, which has raised $50,000 in just six weeks, thanks to the generous support of the racing industry.

With Entain’s presence on both sides of the Tasman Sea, we were very pleased to offer a Cox Plate package, including accommodation and hospitality at this year’s edition of the great weight-for-age race, as one of the live auction items on gavelhouse.com earlier this month. The winning bid of $3,100 went to a racing enthusiast from Hamilton.

Alongside the auction, which featured other exclusive items like Joliestar’s Group 1-winning silks signed by jockey James McDonald and trainer Chris Waller, a range of on-course activities took place across the country, from Ruakākā to Winton, supporting the appeal through race sponsorship and donations.

Our media teams also created content for Trackside and Sport Nation to raise awareness and drive support.

The annual appeal is vital for the national horse ambulance service, protecting the welfare and well-being of the equine athletes at the heart of horse racing. Find out more about the appeal at horseambulance.co.nz.

Proisir Plate Day on the mark

Out of challenges comes opportunities, and that’s what Proisir Plate day delivered at Ellerslie earlier this month.

With a new home required for the first Group 1 of the season (a 1400-metre weight-for-age) due to Hastings being out of commission, the team at Auckland Thoroughbred Racing stepped up and put on a top-drawer raceday with turnover eclipsing the $4 million mark.

Most notably, the feature – sponsored by Rich Hill Stud in the name of their outstanding stallion Proisir – attracted a brilliant field of 16, won in equally brilliant fashion by Quintessa.

Our racing fans on both TAB and betcha responded in kind, with double-figure percentage increases in turnover and active customers.

The team also got on board with support of Daffodil Day, with a strong visual presence on-course alongside our promotion of the day through Trackside and other channels. Carrying the Daffodil Day silks, In Haste’s second placing in the Gold Trail Stakes saw Entain donate $2,000 to the Cancer Society, and the Social Racing Team kindly made a $500 donation for Lollapalooza’s classy victory in the same race.

Upskilling our customers on racing lingo

As we welcome more customers to our brands, many of them are still learning about the intricacies of racing. With that in mind, our busy Content team have started a “What Is That?” series, to help educate punters about how the world of racing works. Fans of racing will know it has a language all of its own, so series like this are an excellent way to decipher the jargon.

News in brief:

September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day, and in the racing industry, OnTrack is doing some incredibly important work in this space. This year’s theme was “Changing The Narrative on Suicide” and as part of our support for the day, Trackside’s Brendan Popplewell talked to OnTrack CEO Victoria McArthur which you can watch on Facebook. There were also regular calls to action on the day through on-screen graphics. Learn more about OnTrack at ontrack.org.nz.
With the final confirmation of feature race dates in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, the 2025-26 racing calendar is fully locked in. You can access a digital version of the calendar at tab.co.nz.
As we near the heights of spring racing, a day at the races is the backdrop for some of our new TAB advertisements. Check out our Responsible Gambling, Odds Surge, and Easy Form ads to get into the groove for spring.

Entain team profile

Name: Thad Taylor
Role: Broadcast Wagering Integrations
Time with Entain: Two years & four months

Racing/sports interests:

My first love is thoroughbred racing, I spent the best part of the last 20 years being a pricer and trader for the TAB and to be honest it never felt like work.

This passion, no surprise, came from my father. My first racing memory is Kiwi winning the Melbourne Cup in 1983, and I still remember where I was when Bonecrusher defeated Waverly Star in 1986. It was, and still is, something that brings my family together. I also loved reading Racing Form, the ability to study it and then see your own insights play out in such an exciting arena really appealed.

I was an enthusiastic sportsman many moons ago and cricket was the game I loved best. I am now a keen NZ Warriors fan and pray every year this one could be ours. Now, 30 years without a result almost makes me love them more (Stockholm Syndrome). Up The Wahs!

What excites you about the strategic partnership?

Firstly, for me, the scale of Entain has allowed me to take my best skills and move over full-time to the Broadcasting area. Entain really understands the importance of the broadcast/content side of racing and sport, this has allowed me to be part of the storytelling and education about the wonderful world of racing.

Secondly, Entain’s commitment, strategically and financially, has been a much needed shot in the arm for the NZ racing industry after years of under-investment as people weren’t willing to take risks for fear of failure. Their involvement has given us the chance to make the necessary changes to make racing not just survive but thrive. It’s also that vote of confidence in us that has been heartening.

The race event I’m most looking forward to?

The Melbourne Spring is my favourite carnival every year, so the Melbourne Cup and the Cox Plate are races I have always loved – as much for the storylines leading up to the race as the races themselves.

The Ashes cricket is something I could watch from start to finish, but sadly my 3-year-old son will put a stop to that this year.

I was also so impressed with the inaugural NZB Kiwi and the concept of the whole day that I can’t wait for the second edition in March.

John comments on the numbers “I must say I always take a lot of interest in these numbers as wagering turnover is very much the key to industry growth. I actually get weekly figures, but as you will see from this monthly summary, there were solid increases in betting turnover for gallops and harness and another very solid increase in what Entain describe as “Actives” which is the actual customers placing a bet – as you will see up from 89,900 a year ago to just under 105,000 this year – that represents an increase of almost 18% – this of course against a background where Zealand feels very much in “recessionary mode” with many businesses, particularly in retail and hospitality, with their backs to the wall – it is also interesting to compare these NZ figures with what we are seeing coming out of Australia currently, where there is definitely been a downturn in wagering figures over the last 12 months. Just this week for example Racing Queensland reported an annual decline in wagering turnover of 12%.

To be fair, however, Australian wagering figures had been very very good in recent years, whereas on this side of the Tasman, prior to Entain becoming involved and us seeing significant changes to stakes monies and the racing program as a result, turnovers had been in decline – in other words the increases we are seeing are coming off a “low base” and the challenge now for Entain and the Racing Codes is to sustain and grow these figures even more. Of interest also is the sports betting figure which is up 52% year on year and my understanding is that this growth has been largely fueled by that under 30 age group demographic”

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Ragamuffin to pursue a Jumps career from the Kevin Myers Barn – shares available

The 7yo Gelding RAGAMUFFIN (Belardo – Short Tale), currently trained at New Plymouth by Robbie Patterson, is going to have a change of career direction and a change of Stables as well. A competent performer on the flat with 4 career wins and numerous placings, he has been schooled over the Hurdles by Robbie in recent months and is described by Robbie as a “very proficient” jumper. A change of Stable to the very high profile jumping Trainer, Kevin Myers was recommended and approved by the syndicate Members, so this week RAGAMUFFIN will travel to the Myers Stable Turakina base, where he will have a month in the paddock before resuming work in November and be prepared for the 2026 Jumps season.

The normal process for the Myers Jumping Team is to head to the various Sports Days, Gymkhanas and Point To Point Races that are held over the late summer, early Autumn period ahead of the Jumping season which kicks off in April

Ragamuffin has had 36 career starts to date for four wins (two at 1600m) and 16 other top 5 finishes, so is a handy type who relishes wet track conditions and his jumping ability combined with his proven speed on the flat indicates a bright future over the Jumps – and as we wrote in the Friday Flash last week, there has been significant growth and improvement in jumps racing in the 2025 season and the immediate future looks very bright.

As is usually the case when we transition a galloper from flat racing into jumps racing, there are always a couple of syndicate members who prefer to exit the syndicate as they do not want to be involved in jumps racing – accordingly a 5% share in Ragamuffin has become available for zero consideration and $250 per month from the 1st of November – we can do this 5% in minimums of 1%, with just $50 per month required from the 1st of November. This is a compelling opportunity for readers to get involved with a promising jumping type. If you have interest in all or part of this 5% share, just drop me an email with your preferred maximum percentage

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Before we see what Des has to say this week a note about his tipping service – we have pointed out to readers before that a number of our readers have subscribed to this service and I often get texts, emails or phone calls from readers giving celebratory news about nice collects they have – I had a flurry of these last Saturday, particularly after the Group One race when Des’ three picks ran 1st, 3rd and 2nd and delivered a trifecta divvy of $660!!! He actually tipped out the last 3 winners on the big day at Te Rapa with dividends of $9.60 (first pick) $12.60 (first pick) and $14.20 (2nd pick) – these are impressive results from a tipping service that does not cost a lot to subscribe to – over the years I have subscribed to quite a few tipping services with mixed results and one thing I have noted with Des’ results is its consistency

For example on each race day, beside giving two selections for each race (and occasionally three for the big races) – Des provides a Best Bet and a Value Bet – I have done some analysis on these for the month of September – see below

Best Bet – 25 selections – 10 winners and 21 placings (i.e 1st, 2nd or 3rd) with an average win divvy of $3.10 – I calculate that a betting strategy of level bets for the win would have delivered a 24% return on outlay – not too shabby and this return could be enhanced if one bets progressively (i.e increasing the unit amount following a losing bet and then reverting to the original stake when a collect is made)

Value Bet – 25 selections – 6 winners and 18 placings (i.e 1st, 2nd or 3rd) with an average win divvy of $8 and an average place divvy of $2.50 – a strategy of level win bets here would have delivered a 92% return on outlay and a strategy of 1 unit to win and 3 units the place, a return of 83% on outlay

These are solid results indeed

To celebrate a new month Des is offering our reader two options – $100 for the month of October or $240 for all of October, November and December. Email him dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and he will respond asap.

Here is what Des has to say this week

MAINSTREAM MEDIA IN NZ NOT A PATCH ON OZ WHEN IT COMES TO RACING
As much as we will continue to enjoy having a punt on NZ racing the focus does swing to Australia for the sheer joy of watching some of the very best races at the elite level, both in Sydney and Melbourne. I have a few mates in Oz that don’t want to talk about the rugby right now, despite the chance of a second bite at the All Blacks in Perth, but rather racing and, in particular, one very special race, The Everest.

They’re not alone in such discussions either.

The daily newspapers are punching out story after story surrounding the Everest I’ve been told by colleagues across the ditch and the main tv stations and radio aren’t missing a beat, either. If it’s not ARL and NRL evidently it’s Racing! They are the the Big 3 in sport judged on all round coverage at this time of the year. This is all tells us what we probably already know but worth the reminder.

It’s a pity we don’t get the same recognition with mainstream here, however, and just a wee taste would be appreciated wouldn’t it? To be rated on sports bulletins through all media franchises as the number 3 sport would be extremely satisfying to say the least. Lack of mainstream coverage isn’t helping our growth.

When was the last time you picked up a major daily newspaper and saw a decent racing story? Indeed when was the last time you watched prime time news on tv one or 3 on anything to do with a positive spin on racing.

You can’t recall one can you?You’re not alone, neither can I.

Yet negative stories pop up from time to time which probably tells us that the modern day editors and journalists don’t really give a damn about racing. And sadly it’s a mindset that might be too late to change. That’s all a far cry when we were young, however. Fellow racing enthusiasts from the “baby boomer” era like me will recall when jockeys rode milestone winners; the feat not only became stories in mainstream papers they made it to the front page.

Bill (WD) Skelton is one I remember given 5 star treatment when he became the first NZ jockey to ride 2000 winners. He made headlines for the right reasons and was the lead story not only in the papers but on radio and tv news bulletins as well.

Yet on Saturday Kylie Williams, mother of 3, who’s had her fights with injuries, reached 1000 wins at Riccarton on Saturday with hardly a murmur apart from social media racing outlets and the NZ Herald on the racing page. She’s the first female southern based jockey to achieve the feat. Simply outstanding!

We all reluctantly accept that racing is a distant cousin to just about every other sporting jurisdiction in the media but at the very least I’ll add to the congratulations through this forum on your behalf: WELL DONE KYLIE!

For the record 4 female jockeys have cracked 1000 wins in NZ; Lisa Allpress (1956); Trudy Thornton (1174); Sam Spratt (1127) and Danielle Johnson ( 1082).

MY TOP 5 JOCKEYS

Recently I ranked the top 5 NZ horses in my opinion in the 50 years I’ve been involved professionally in racing. I’ve been asked a few times whether or not I’d care to rate my top 5 NZ born jockeys. That’s more difficult. But I’ll give it a go for entertainment purposes.

In rating order:

5. NOEL HARRIS :
He had the balance and poise in the saddle like few others. He was a kind rider who preferred hands and heels over the whip all the time in the era when over zealous whip actions weren’t frowned upon as much. His judgement in staying races was unrivalled.

4. SHANE DYE:
He was one who rode hard but had a terrific strike rate in the big races. To win 4 Golden Slippers is a testament of his greatness. Of course he also won a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup. 92 group ones to his name. A very strong rider in close finishes.

3. BRENT THOMSON:
He was a globe trotting champion. He was the Wanganui Whizz Kid with domination in NZ from his first win as 15-year-old before embarking on an international career as an 18 year old in Melbourne where he won three Victorian premierships. As well as group one glory in the UK Brent will always be remembered as the Cox Plate king with wins in ‘75, ‘77, ‘78 and ‘79.

2. JIM CASSIDY:
As as good as any in a driving finish. Jim pumped those legs like few others and he had a terrific judge of pace whether he was on front runners ( Might and Power) or back runners ( Rough Habit and Kiwi). Over 100 group ones to his name. He rode against the best in Sydney; Dittman, Beadman, Cook, Dye, Quinton, Rawiller, Johnston etc but he was always up to the challenge.

1 JAMES McDONALD:
The best of the best. What’s he’s done in such a short time is truly remarkable.
He dominates the Sydney premiership season after season and throughout the world – he’s won over 120 group ones. He simply has the Midas touch and his ability to put his horses in the right spot and get the best out of them is staggering. He’s a world champion twice!!

Des Copppins with James McDonald – this picture taken when James was a guest speaker on one of Des’s Melbourne Cup tours and if you think James looks a bit “fresh based” that’s because the year was 2014!!!

THREE TO FOLLOW FROM RICCARTON

MIDNIGHT OAK: he never looked the winner in the small field at Riccarton but the way he attacked the line left little doubt that Robert Dennis has this youngster ready to strike. He was quicker than anything over the final 400 when running 4th in the 5-horse field.

CHARBANO : his run last Saturday was encouraging. He had chequered run in the straight but was very quick over the last 200m. He was in useful form this time last year.

MYSTIC PARK : the stable has him peaking at the right time with a race like the Stewards ( he won it last year) high on the list of priorities. The way he finished the race off on Saturday was eye catching.

Des Coppins
021 448 052
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fortunanz

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard Traralgon 1st November 2025 =================================================

Headline News

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Fortuna has two runners Friday and Sunday on both sides of the Tasman

Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Other News

Entain November Update

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard Traralgon 1st November 2025

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Fortuna has two runners in Stakes races this weekend on both sides of the Tasman

Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Other News Bellatrix Star to resume at Caulfield Saturday 29th November

LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

============================================================== Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchase – the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare are filling steadily

Two secondary market opportunities have become available

============================================================== Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard Traralgon 1st November 2025

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Headline News

Fortuna has no runners this weekend

Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Other News

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Click HERE to see Full Race Replay

Click HERE to see Race closing stages Video

Titahi Bay – 1st Career win Traralgon 1st November 2025 Luke Cartwright aboard

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

Bellatrix Star is flying

Entain Edition – October

Fortuna has three runners Friday/ Saturday – two in Victoria and one in NZ

Trackwork highlights – Fortuna Runners

Other News

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

Everest/Caulfield Cup saga – What’s the Fuss

Leaderboard back in training

Fortuna has two runners this Saturday – both in the same race and both resuming from a spell

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Headline News

COURT OF APPEAL delivers a powerful verdict with a 4 length victory at Ashburton

NZ Thoroughbreds to the fore in The Everest

Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Other News

COURT OF APPEAL delivers a powerful verdict with a 4 length victory at Ashburton

Click HERE to see Race replay

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025 Bruno Queiroz aboard

NZ Thoroughbreds to the fore in The Everest

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Click HERE to see Race replay

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025 Bruno Queiroz aboard

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard Riccarton 11th Sept 2025

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Headline News

Everest sold out – V’Landys inspired by Kentucky Derby to grow even more

Fortuna has three runners Friday and Saturday

Taupo – Friday

Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Other News

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard Riccarton 11th Sept 2025 =================================================

Headline News

Melody Belle’s daughter on song for debut

Entain September Edition

Ragamuffin to pursue a Jumps career from the Kevin Myers Barn – shares available

Fortuna has no runners this weekend

Trackwork – Fortuna Runners

Matamata

Riccarton

Other News

Entain September Edition

Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025
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TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025

Other News

Bellatrix Star to resume at Caulfield Saturday 29th November

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Shares in our recent Ready To Run Sale purchase – the 2yo Colt by Snitzel out of a Zabeel Mare are filling steadily

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Guest Commentator – Des Coppins

TITAHI BAY scores her 1st career win – Luke Cartwright aboard
Traralgon 1st November 2025

Titahi Bay – 1st Career win Traralgon 1st November 2025
Luke Cartwright aboard

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

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Entain Edition

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

Court Of Appeal dominant in her 4th career win – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Oct 2025

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025
Bruno Queiroz aboard

Court Of Appeal – 4th career victory – Ashburton 11th October 2025
Bruno Queiroz aboard

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Sept 2025

Court Of Appeal on way to Victory – Bruno Queiroz aboard
Riccarton 11th Sept 2025
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