Sailing Away(3 g Merchant Navy – Anchovy, by Galileo) got the day off on a bright note for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson when winning the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. Freshened following three starts in his first campaign, which included a third over 1200 metres at Timaru, Sailing Away finished fifth from a handy position when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres on 4 April at Ashburton, and took the necessary improvement.
Beginning well from barrier one to idle along in the trail, Sailing Away received a clear passage near the rail and kept mustering under the urgings of stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, who recorded his 20th win for Te Akau this season and 10th at Riccarton. In the race named Riccarton Park Function Centre, Sailing Away ran 1400 metres in 1:24.3, last 600m in 34.7 (approx.), and shortened in betting as race favourite to pay $3.80 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.
Present on course, co – Trainer Mark Walker said: “It was a nice ride of Parmar’s to have him travelling so well in the trail and it’s always good to get a winner for John Galvin and Fortuna Racing. Sailing Away been a slower maturing horse than initially expected, but he is out of Galileo mare so he should improve with more time and distance. He’s getting that little bit stronger now, that’s the key to him, and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at the Te Akau stables down here at Riccarton have done a really good job with him.”
SAILING AWAY breaks Maidens – Riccarton Park 20th April – Niranjan Parmar aboard
It was the second victory in a week for the Te Akau/Fortuna Racing partnership, after two-year-old stable-mate Star Shadow (Reliable Man) scored on debut in the 2YO 1300 metres last Saturday at Otaki.
Syndicate manager, John Galvin, watching the race from his Hamilton home, was well satisfied after the race “David and Mark picked this horse out of the 2022 Karaka yearling sale, believing that on physical type he would make a lovely two year-old and he certainly suggested that in his initial preparation, but then had a real growth spurt and we had to abandon our two year-old plans for him and wait for more physical development. He had three starts in the December/January period of this season but then, believing he needed a break, he was given a freshen up and his resuming run at Ashurton recently indicated that he was certainly knocking on the door. His pedigree page indicates that he may well prosper over more ground and the way he won the race today would tend to confirm that as well. Well done to Parmar for a well judged ride and congratulations to Mark and Sam and their team for exhibiting so much patience in the way they have handled Sailing Away.”
Sailing Away stems from a rather phenomenal international family, with third dam Love Me True (Kingmambo), leaving five-time Group One winning stallion Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill), a European Champion that won from 1400m – 2400m, Champion Three-Year-Old and The Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Ruler Of The World (Galileo), along with Group winners Norway (Galileo) and Annus Mirabilis (Montjeu).
Owned by the Fortuna Sailing Away Syndicate – an Ownership group of 56 individuals, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $60,000, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale.
Making a perfect start to her racing career, Star Shadow(2 f Reliable Man – Scene Queen) won the $35,000 McMillan Equine Feeds 2yo 1300 metres on Saturday 13th April at Otaki.
A sizeable grey filly, Star Shadow had been the beneficiary of five solid trials ahead of her race debut, most recently steadying back from the outside gate and storming home late for second on 28 March at Tauranga and was rated a top three chance from barrier one on debut. In similar style to his recent winning ride on stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Trentham, jockey Wiremu Pinn was content biding his time at the back of a small field and after circling up with more to offer Star Shadow always appeared to have an edge.
“She was a sweetheart to ride and very professional,” Pinn said post race. “She tucked her head and relaxed nicely and when I asked her to go, she went. Kudos to her, she’s a nice filly and hopefully she can press on.”
Although just a half head margin, Star Shadow got the job done on Heavy8 footing, ground that can prove tricky for young horses, and drifted in betting to pay $3.50 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote after running the 1300 metres in 1:20.3
Star Shadow became the 15th individual two winner this season for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, winning 22 races, including Group One winner Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), dual Group Two and Group Three winner Captured By Love (Written Tycoon), Group Two winner and Fortuna owned Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) – and Group Three winner Star Of Justice (Justify).
“It was a really nice win and a good patient ride of Wiremu’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She’s a really nice Filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) bought cheaply at Karaka. I loved the way she relaxed and finished the race off and she looks to have a bright future.”
2yo Filly “Star Shadow” wins on debut Otaki 13th April – Wiremu Pinn aboard
On course looking after the team at Otaki, Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper added: “It was a great ride by Wiremu. He is riding a lot of work for us and deserves these opportunities, and well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team. We’re thrilled to get another winner for John because he’s a big supporter of all our stables, at Matamata, Riccarton, Australia, and Singapore. I think it probably played into her hands being a wet track. She’s bred to be on rain-affected ground, so that was ideal to see and the way she finished off was good to see and the further she gets, in time, the better she’ll be I think”
Unable to be present on track at Otaki, Fortuna Director John Galvin watched the race from his Hamilton home and loved what he saw.“She was last in the running, but I could see that Wiremu had got her to relax nicely and I was pretty sure she would come right into it in the run home and while the 2nd placed horse, Ballon d’Or, made it a bit of a dogfight closing stages, our Filly got the job done nicely. Big kudos to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for how they have handled this Filly – selected by us at the 2023 Karaka Sale as a 3yo type, she showed early Two Year old precociousness, however they resisted the temptation to make her race debut earlier, focusing on making sure she was well prepared before making her debut”
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $35,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Westbury Stud, Star Shadow is a rare two-year-old winner for her sire, who won two Group One races to 2100 metres and whose progeny excel as three-year-olds and upwards.
Owned by Fortuna Star Shadow Syndicate an Ownership Group consisting of 65 individuals, Star Shadow is out of a mare by world-class champion sire Redoute’s Choice, and carries a Northern Dancer cross on the dam line of Reliable Man (Dalakhani) and sire line of Scene Queen
Champion Te Akau Mare, Imperatriz, has been retired
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Fortuna has five runners next three days – three in NZ – one in Victoria and one in Singapore
Woodville – Friday
RAGAMUFFIN contests the R60 1400m event – Race 6 @ 3.41pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from a mid field draw from his first up outing in the hands of his new trainer, Robbie Patterson – produced a very good performance second up at Matamata last start finishing second in R65 grade – back to R60 here – strong work during the week – up to 1400 and this race looks tailor made for him @ $5/$2 fixed odds
Otaki – Saturday
STAR SHADOW makes her race day debut in the 2yo 1300m event – Race 2 @ 3.41pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from the ace draw in a five horse field – has not put a foot wrong in her preparation – has had five trials to prepare – with a very strong performance at her most recent – right in this @$2.30 Fixed Odds
MALBOROUGH BAY races in the R65 1400 event – Race 8 @5.09pm and will be ridden by Jess Allen, claiming 3kgs, from a widish draw – was very good 2nd up at Matamata this class and trip 27th March on a Heavy 9 track carrying 60kgs – can go one better here @ $10/$3.30 Fixed Odds
Pakenham (Victoria) – Sunday
LEADERBOARD makes his Victorian debut in the Maiden Hurdles over 3200m at Pakenham – Race 2 @ 12.55pm Aus time (2.55pm NZT) – Aaron Kuru to ride in a field of nine runners – he has not had a run over hurdles since June of last year – he ran well but was hampered by a runner that fell – he is a very confident jumper and trialed well at Yarra Valley recently over 3200m – expecting bold run – watch the market – online bookmaker Neds says “will take beating”
Singapore – Saturday
RHETT BUTLER is in the Class 5 1200m Poly event – Race 1 @ 12.30pm (4.30 NZT) – eight time Champion Jocker in Macau, Luis Corrales, will ride from Barrier 2 – won brilliantly on debut late April 2023, but has not greeted the judge since – Poly will suite, blinkers go on and Corrales is a strong rider – take on trust but could be at good odds
Here is what the tipsters at the STC have to say about this race
1st Pick: WINDFALL (3)
Put in a great performance last start when dropping down in class finishing second behind Summer Wind. He has good stats on the Poly track and looks like a nice 3yo for the in-form trainer Ricardo Le Grange. Carlos Henrique gets the ride from a perfect draw.
2nd Pick: BENBO (4)
He has mixed form in class 5 and can be hit or miss. Ran well three starts back behind Ciango over 1200m on the turf and has won on the Poly track in the past. Nunes is aboard which is a plus and can play apart in this.
3rd Pick: LIM’S ZOOM (8)
He has run well in this grade but keeps battling for a veteran. Ran a much-improved race last start behind Otahuhu and Lerner is aboard. Wide draw doesn’t help his chances.
4th Pick: RHETT BUTLER (9)
He could be a sneaky chance considering the weaker class 5 field. He is yet to produce a solid performance but has continued to mature with each run. Can surprise. Draws well.
Star Shadow (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.5, las 600 in 37.1. Thursday 11th April
Malborough Bay (A Goindasamy) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.5, home in 38.6.
Star Shadow (N Parmar) aworked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.7, final 600 in 44.9.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 6th April RHETT BUTLER(ASLWM)800/600-36
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OTHER NEWS
Winx Yearling Filly sells for A$10m
It was pure theatre at the Riverside complex at the Inglis Easter sale during the week when the Yearling Filly by Pierro out of Winx sold for a record breaking and mind-boggling A$10 million – knocked down to Debbie Kepitis, who is a part owner of Winx and her progeny. At first blush paying 10 million for a yearling Filly makes no economic sense but there were special circumstances here with the key points being as follows.
Winx won 25 Group One races and over A$26m in Stakes – she had a small ownership group with Debbie Kepitis having a 33% share
Debbie is a daughter of the late Bob Ingham who with his late brother Jack, became billionaires via their Ingham Chicken business and during the 80’s and 90’s created a thoroughbred empire as well
Debbie before the sale said she had not made her mind up to buy the Filly however after she took into consideration her family history and the fact that Winx was a much loved horse she became determined in the days ahead of the Sale to keep this Filly in Australia
Additional background to that that was that a well known American, John Stewart, who has built a significant Thoroughbred Empire in the USA and has now spread his tentacles into Australia, had indicated that he would be endeavouring to get this Filly
And so it proved with Stewart going head to head with Debbie during the sale and bidding up to A$9 million before it was knocked down to Debbie for A$10 million
Of course given that Debbie owns a third of the Filly anyway, the net cost to her was A$6.66 million, certainly not an insignificant sum, however I’m sure that Ms capitis is not short of a quid given her family background and notable that her homebred 3yo Riff Rocket had on the previous Saturday wne the Australian Derby at Randwick, this after taking out the Victorian Derby in November and has now won A$3.5m on the race track
So the summarise it was definitely a case of the heart coming before the head but isn’t that the great thing about the racing industry and the individuals were they like who have a strong love of the thoroughbred
The Filly will be trained by Chris Waller
Finally the news of the sale was featured in mainstream media right across Australia and New Zealand and also global media as well so there was certainly a lot of Bible focused on racing during this past week
Champion Te Akau Mare, Imperatriz, has been retired
And hot on the heels of the Winx news was the shock announcement yesterday that the mighty Imperatriz has been retired from racing. She had returned to New Zealand for a paddock spell but after giving her a Vet examination on her return, the team at Te Akau decided that she should be retired and offered for sale at an upcoming broodmare sale. Here are comments from David Ellis.“Te Akau always puts the well-being of our horses first. The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse.”
Imperatriz won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 of 13 since 1 January last year, she won 10 Group Ones in her career, most of those in Australia and collected nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money for her Owners – at retirement she was rated the 2nd best horse in the world behind Hong Kong galloper Golden Sixty
Easter Discount Offer – 10% off the cost of the shares currently available on the Fortuna website
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Fortuna has a busy Easter weekend with five runners at four different locationsCranbourne – Friday
RUBICON CROSSING races in the BM 64 1000m – Race 8 @ 9.45pm Aus time (11.45 NZTpm) – Apprentice Dakotah Keane, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 in a field of 12 runners – won brilliantly at her Australian debut in September and then ran creditably with minor placings from her next four starts – was then given a break and is now resuming – has a slightly tricky draw to contend with, so will need a clever ride by the apprentice and a bit of luck in the running. She always races well fresh and is set to give a bold showing here– market has her a warm favourite @ $3/$1.20
Singapore – Saturday
PRINCE LOHNRO races in the Maiden 1400m Turf event – Race 2 @ 12.30pm – Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2ks, will ride from barrier 8 in a field of 14 runners. Form has been patchy, but has runs on the Turf have had merit. Has the ability to feature in the finish here at good odds
Stawell (Victoria) – Sunday
FLEET FOOTED contests the Maiden 1300m event – Race 2 @ 3.35pm Aus time (5.35pm NZT) – the in form Harry Coffey will ride from barrier 9 in a 14 horse field. Yet to win from 5 race day starts but has shown ability and has been freshened for this – draw is a bit tricky but can feature here if he brings his best form to the table – currently showing fixed odds of $11/$3.50
Otaki – Monday
MITRE PEAK races in the Maiden 1300m event – Race 4 @ 2.43pm – leading NZ jockey Warren Kennedy will ride from barrier 7 in a 14 horse field. This is only her second race day start. She made her debut early December and put in a moderate performance. Trainers’ view was that she needed time to mature and strengthen, so was spelled – and in her lead up preparation to this race on Monday, her work has been very good– top man in the saddle and a bold run here would not surprise – showing $11 Fixed odds
KHAFEEF races in the R65 2100m event – Race 6 @ 3.52pm – no rider fixed yet will ride from barrier 7 in a 14 horse field. On a pass towards jumping in events soon, this is a second up run for him. He did need his resuming run over 1800m but was working strongly to the line, has taken improvement and will benefit from the extra distance. He has been a winner in the past second up – hard to gauge his chances in this, but he is fit and should run well at $26
Mitre Peak (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.4, home in 37.16.Thursday 28th March
Mitre Peak (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.48, home in 37.5.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 23rd March GUN(JAMIL)1000/600-38.5; PRINCE LONHRO(AWAH)1000/600-37.5;
Tuesday March PRINCE LONHRO(AWAH)600-38;
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OTHER NEWSEaster Discount Offer – 10% off the cost of the shares currently available on the Fortuna website
Yes the Easter Bunny has arrived – a welcome sight in these inflationary/recessionary times – we have shares in two lovely Fillies, one bought at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in mid January, the other at the Karaka Sale in late January – an overview summary for both is below and full details can be read on their respective Fortuna website links – both Fillies are nearing the end of their breaking in period – all has gone really well with both and shortly they will head to the Te Akau barn at Matamata to have their first stable prep
When placing an order (which can be done at those links) please enter the words “apply Easter discount please” in the notes box, top right hand corner of the order page – then submit your order, but if paying by Internet banking don’t pay immediately, wait for my greetings letter which will outline the net amount to pay and the bank account details. If you choose to pay by credit card, you will need to pay the full amount when ordering, but we will reimburse the 10% discount to your bank account when we see the payment.
SPIRIT OF BOOM – AOTEAROWER YEARLING FILLY – “BOOMER”
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and scope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
By El Roca, currently the equal No 2 NZ Stallion (after Savabeel) by winners for the current season
Out of the winning Encosta De Lago Mare, Megara, who has left 4 winners already from 5 to the races
A Filly of good size and scope, she may run as an Autumn 2yo but has a real 3yo look about her
Mark Walker describes her as follows;“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
Note that “Meg” is registered for the Karaka Millions Series and will also qualify for the new Slot Race – the NZ Kiwi, as a 3yo in 2026, with prizemoney of $4m · 10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price plus GST , Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Series Fee and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024– from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
UK super star racehorse and now Stallion at Stud, Paddington, is to shuttle to NZ to stand at Windsor Park Stud
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Fortuna has three runners over the Friday/Saturday – two in NZ and one in Singapore
NZ – New Plymouth – Friday
KHAFEEF races in the R65 1800 – Race 5 @ 2.42pm – Lily Sutherland, claiming 1kg. will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 12 runners Last raced at Trentham in November, has been spelled since and is being prepared for the jumping season – will probably need this run
NZ – Tauranga – Saturday
VIVACIOUS races in the 3yo S/W 1400m – Race 1 @ 12.25pm – Craig Grylls will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 7 runners. Talented Filly who is 3rd up – represent a solid top 3 chance in this
Singapore – Sunday
KING ARTHUR contests the Kranji Stakes A 1200m Poly event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT) – Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, will ride from barrier 10 in a 12 horse field. Has won nine races in Singapore, but has been out of the winners circle for some time. Meets a strong field here and has a difficult draw – has trialed well recently. Will need a lot of luck to feature here
Tuesday 19th MarchLeaderboard (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.18, home in 36.4.
Vivacious (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.9, home in 37.23.Thursday 21st March
Singapore Trackwork
Friday 15th March
PRINCE LONHRO(ASLAM)1000/600-38;
Tuesday 19th March
KING ARTHUR(ASLAM)800/600-39.5; CHARMINTON(ASLAM)800/600-39;
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OTHER NEWS
UK super star racehorse and now Stallion at Stud, Paddington, is to shuttle to NZ to stand at Windsor Park Stud
This is genuinely exciting news for the breeding industry in New Zealand – looking at Paddington’s race record, he would have to be one of the best performed racehorses ever to stand here at stud in New Zealand. Quite a “coup” for Windsor Park Stud I believe – see story below from NZ Racing Desk
One of the world’s best racehorses last year has been secured to stand at Windsor Park Stud in 2024.Ballydoyle superstar Paddington, a four-time Group One Classic and Royal Ascot-winning son of leading commercial sire Siyouni will shuttle to Windsor Park following the completion of his first stud season this year at Coolmore, Ireland.Paddington is the only horse in history to win the Group One quartet of the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes & Sussex Stakes.
This unique achievement illustrated his versatility and dominance, not just against his own generation but also against older horses.
“Paddington is a history-maker,” Windsor Park’s Rodney Schick said. “He was exceptional from the beginning being a top-drawer yearling himself, a champion miler on the racetrack and is by the exceptional sire Siyouni, one of the world’s most in-demand sale-ring sires.”
A winner of seven races in succession, Paddington only raced as a two and three-year-old, capturing the attention of the racing world with a sequence of world-class performances. A two-year-old winner at the Curragh at his second start, Paddinton commenced his Classic season with successive victories prior to his inaugural Group One victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas (1600m). Following this first Group One success, Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien then took Paddington to Royal Ascot for the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes where he produced a commanding performance to defeat the best European three-year-old milers which included English 2OOO Guineas winner Chaldean who finished in second position, 3.75 lengths behind Paddington.
O’Brien then pitched Paddington up in distance and against the best older horses in the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes (2002m) at Sandown where he again proved superior to defeat arguably the best mare in training, multiple Group One winner Emily Upjohn. With his Eclipse success Paddington became the first horse since Sadler’s Wells, four decades earlier, to complete the Irish 2000 Guineas/Eclipse Stakes double.O’Brien was then sufficiently confident to drop Paddington back to a mile in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where he produced an even more emphatic result to win again against older horses.
“He thrives on racing and is very uncomplicated,” champion jockey Ryan Moore said. “He’s a very unique horse and I’m very fortunate to be riding him.”
Seven consecutive victories confirmed Paddington’s mental and physical progression and cemented his superstar status among the best horses racing globally.
“To do what he did takes a very special horse, very unique really,” his Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said. “In terms of his attitude and determination he was very similar to Giant’s Causeway but Paddington was a much quicker horse. He had great tactical speed but could quicken off it. He’s an unbelievable specimen who got physically stronger from race to race which is a very unusual thing in a thoroughbred.”
A €420,000 (NZ$750,000) Arqana October Yearling sales graduate, the 16.1hh Paddington is a son of the Aga Khan Stud’s highly commercial Champion Sire Siyouni. One of Europe’s most sought-after sires, Siyouni had yearlings sell to $A3.6 million in 2023 and he stands at stud in 2024 for €200,000 (NZ$357,000). A Group One winning two-year-old, Siyouni has been twice General Champion Sire and four-times Champion Sire of two-year-olds.
Bred by the famed Wildenstein family’s Dayton Investments Ltd, Paddington comes from one of their most illustrious families. His first four dams are either stakes winners or Group One performers descending from their undefeated Champion and dual Classic-winning racemare Madelia.In addition, Paddington’s first three damsires were either winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or Kentucky Derby. His 4×4 linebreeding to sons of Nureyev combines the precocious brilliance of his sireline with the championship, middle distance qualities of an Arc and Derby winner.
“He was an unbelievable racehorse,” Coolmore’s Tom Magnier said. “Everything we threw at him he delivered. Also, he’s got the looks and he’s got the pedigree. He really just ticks every box.I believe that he is the most exciting horse to go to stud in New Zealand in a very long time.”
Paddington is enjoying his first Northern Hemisphere season at Coolmore, Ireland where he has attracted an outstanding book of mares at a fee of €55,000 (NZ$98,000).
“Our partnership with Coolmore bringing outstanding stallion prospects to Windsor Park stems back to Montjeu and High Chaparral among others,” Schick said. “We are delighted to continue our great relationship through standing stallions of the calibre of Paddington and Circus Maximus.”
Windsor Park has negotiated to stand PADDINGTON in 2024 at an introductory fee of $35,000 +GST which includes a Live Foal Guarantee.
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Our featured Yearling this week is our El Roca – Megara Filly – “Meg“
By El Roca, currently the equal No 2 NZ Stallion (after Savabeel) by winners for the current season
Out of the winning Encosta De Lago Mare, Megara, who has left 4 winners already from 5 to the races
A Filly of good size and scope, she may run as an Autumn 2yo but has a real 3yo look about her
Mark Walker describes her as follows;“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
Note that “Meg” is registered for the Karaka Millions Series and will also qualify for the new Slot Race – the NZ Kiwi, as a 3yo in 2026, with prizemoney of $4m · 10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price plus GST , Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Series Fee and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024– from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card Click HERE to order a share online
Entain to inject a tripartite shot of new life into TAB NZ
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Fortuna has three runners over the weekend – two in NZ and one in SingaporeNZ – Tauranga – Saturday
MALBOROUGH BAY
races in the R75 1200 – Race 6 @ 3.39pm – Jessica Allan, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 11 runners. Is resuming after a lengthy spell – has trialed nicely and is working well. Presents a danger here with nice draw and only 53kgs to carry – appreciates sting out of track and there is rain forecast – $12/$3.80NZ – Wingatui – Sunday
ANGELS WINGS races in the R75 1200 – Race 2 @ 1.50pm – Ashvin Goindasamy will ride from barrier 1 in a field of 7 runners. Won well Riccarton 1100m 27th Jan but then disappointed same track 1200m 23rd Feb, after over racing. Has been working well and blinkers come off for this race – Good each way chance in this
Singapore – Sunday
RHETT BUTLER contests the Class 5 1200m Poly event – Race 1 @ 12 noon Sing time (5pm NZT) with Stable Apprentice, Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 in a 12 horse field. Brilliant winner on debut in Singapore almost a year ago, he has not greeted the judge since – but faces a big drop in class for this event. Can feature here – watch the tote
Tuesday 12th MarchMitre Peak (A Pawar) worked over 800 metres in 54.1, home in 38.6.
Vivacious (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.24, home in 37.12.
Malborough Bay (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.21, home in 36.
Leaderboard (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.4, home in 39.2.
Portia Catonis (J Allen) worked over an easy 800 metres in 54.81, home in 38.86.
Our Paramour (S Hussain) worked over 800 metres in 55.18, home in 38.8.Thursday 14th March
Malborough Bay (N Parmar) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.3, final 600 in 38.6.
Singapore Trackwork No Singapore gallop information this week
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OTHER NEWS
Entain to inject a tripartite shot of new life into TAB NZ
Unquestionably, the arrival of Entain to our shores has breathed life back into what was fast becoming a moribund racing scene in NZ and over recent times, the message from Entain has been ” we are only just getting started” – the article below from The Optimist (aka Brian De Lore) brings some further exciting news
by Brian de Lore
Published 14 March 2024
Owners, trainers and jockeys have already tasted the benefits this season of increased stakes money emanating from the partnering of TAB NZ with the global betting giant Entain, and by the end of April, punters will get their turn, and it should be a game changer. Come to think of it, a large proportion of owners and trainers (not jockeys, hopefully) will fall into the category of punters, so they will be doubly pleased when Entain announce their three-pronged attack on the TAB NZ betting experience at the end of April.
Coming is a state-of-the-art app and betting platform and a refresh of the TAB NZ brand’s livery. Sydney-based Entain CFO and Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt expressed his enthusiasm for the app at a recent Ellerslie race meeting. The app and new platform comes to TAB NZ after around $200 million of Entain IT development for its global operations.
Punters in NZ are historically entitled to a degree of TAB NZ cynicism after a prolonged period of poor service, poor odds, and incompetents in charge —some of whom had never placed a bet in their lives. How did it ever come to that?
But suddenly, we have gone from the invisible and uncontactable TAB people to an Entain trio of three passionate racing people – CEO Dean Shannon, Lachlan Fitt and NZ-based Managing Director Cameron Rodger.
Entain’s main players making the decisions for the future of NZ racing. From left, CEO Dean Shannon, CFO and Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt, and NZ Managing Director Cameron Rodger
The infusion of Entain money into stakes and these three’s presence, enthusiasm and availability has put a spring in the steps of Kiwi racing stakeholders. It’s a refreshing start.
Cameron Rodger told me by phone last week: “We’re keeping the name and brand and everything that’s built up on it, but we’re giving it a new colour scheme and logo to give customers frustrated with the old platform – maybe the ones that have not been with us for a while – just to let them know this is a fresh start. And it’s very good—a high-quality customer offering,” continued Rodger. We think the user experience will be top of the market, and the other key part of it is that it’s very stable. We know just how frequently you’ve had outages and downtime with the current platform, and that will be a thing of the past.
New technology will provide a new experience
So, I asked, what else can punters expect from the new app and platform?
“What you have now is the exact product you’ve had all along; we’ve done nothing to improve it. We have put all our time and effort into the new product to get it up as quickly as possible. It will have more generosity, more flexibility, same-game, same-race multi-products—things that have become commonplace with offshore bookmakers and which, in NZ, the technology has lagged.
“It will be a huge, ‘brought up to speed,’ moment that will include simple things such as navigating quickly between races. It will be one or two clicks for what currently might take four or five. And that makes a world of difference for someone trying to quickly get on pre-race or pre-match.
“Betting on sports has been a big pain point for customers. It’s painfully slow, taking too long to accept, which has led people to think the bookmakers are being conservative, but it’s actually just the platform which was wired that way and can’t be changed.”
Thanks, Mr Allen, Ms Hughes and company, for spending $50 million on a dud platform and committing the TAB to pay $17 million annually for the updates for ten years. But that commitment happened only five-and-a-half years ago, so has Entain negotiated its way out of the contract? I asked Cameron Rodger if we had settled the Openbet and Paddy Power baggage.
Openbet and Paddy Power red-carded
“Yes, we have completely moved off that platform, and there’s no residual Openbet or Paddy Power reliance. As part of the deal we struck, it was our cost to bear, which we factored into our equations. That was all sorted and squared away after we signed up.
“It was a big cost, but we couldn’t stand still on that platform.”
What a relief to hear that the potential to be weighed down by the ball and chain NZRB Allen/Hughes debt had been rectified and kicked for touch.
But in my chat with Cameron Rodger, the ‘music to my ears’ part came when he said: “I think the big one I can give you that hopefully will be interesting and exciting for people to hear is that we are huge believers in freeware and broadening the television coverage to a wider audience.”
Free-to-air televised racing?
Free to air Trackside – wow, that would be a game-changer on its own.
According to the constitution, marketing racing is supposedly the domain of NZTR but is rarely actuated. By default, it’s now the territory of Entain, whose presence has generated newsworthy coverage on mainstream TV and radio.
At the Karaka Sales, Dean Shannon told me that Entain knew they had to make a ‘big splash’ to kick start racing here in NZ—it needed to be jolted into life to move forward. On the same question, Cameron Rodger recognised the need to revive the racing marketing and encourage new people to engage.
We have had droll accountants making the decisions, closing down radio, newspaper content and TAB retail outlets, reducing broadcasting costs, and annoying the customer base. How does any industry thrive on a downsizing mentality?
Entain has shown it is diametrically opposed to that thinking. And since its arrival, it has injected $30 million more into NZ racing than its commitment to the contract.
Other positives have happened in NZ racing in the past year: the revival of Ellerslie; NZ Bloodstock embracing the arrival of Entain and joining in with sponsorship, and NZTR initiating ‘The Kiwi’ slot race, which, according to several sources, is a collaboration between all three parties.
Entain dragging the industry up with it
Simply put, Entain is dragging the rest of the industry along with its dynamism.
Meanwhile, the TAB NZ board can only be sitting on its hands, doing practically nothing, and wondering if it should be embarrassed by continuing to draw directors’ fees. The board is now relatively powerless and has failed to produce a half-year and full-year report for the year ending July 31, 2023.
Why haven’t they? The answer simply lies in an embarrassing rise in costs and a downturn in profits for the year in question. At the half-year mark last financial year, the TAB profit had fallen behind by $9.4 million on the previous year and heading for a record annual running cost in the vicinity of $130 million.
My regular reviews of the TAB’s financial downturn caused the bosses to stop publishing the monthly figures. And now, no half-year or annual report. There is no transparency or accountability, which is the short history of NZ racing.
The TAB board comprises Anna Stove (Chair), Wendie Harvey, Raewyn Lovett, and Bill Birnie. Kristy McDonald no longer appears on the website as a director, so she presumably has resigned.
Dean Shannon told me I shouldn’t be concerned about the cost of running the TAB from now on because Entain now covers all its expenses, along with a guaranteed minimum payment of $150 million a year to run the codes and provide stakes. He also said Entain expected to lose money for two years but should be in the black by year three.
30 percent of NZ online betting placed with Bet365
He aims to claw back the 30 percent of all online betting in New Zealand that goes directly offshore to Bet365, a privately owned platform that gives nothing back for the use of NZ racing. Cameron Rodger said Entain would not be pushing the issue of geo-blocking but leaving it to the due process of government to decide. The codes will benefit by an additional $100 million from Entain if it’s passed into law.
Things have improved since Entain’s arrival, but this partnership has a cautionary side regarding the long-term sustainability of racing. We are in the honeymoon phase but should remember that the deal has to work financially for both parties to survive beyond the annual $150 million guarantee, which ceases in 2028. The five years will come around quickly, after which the partnership will be conducted on a 50/50 gross profit basis. We need Entain to turn its massive NZ investment into an excellent annual long-term profit so we can run for prizemoney that will incentivise Kiwis to grow breeding and racing back to higher levels than we have now.
So, what do we really know about Entain beyond the charismatic trio of Shannon, Fitt and Rodger?
What we know about Entain
We know it’s a highly geared $4 billion global betting empire that, in August 2020, changed its name from GVC Holdings to Entain and has since invested heavily in various betting jurisdictions worldwide, including our TAB NZ.
We know that the company is registered in the tax-haven Isle of Man, where it runs worldwide gambling operations under the Ladbrokes, Neds, BetCity, Eurobet, Sportingbet, Crystalbet, Coral, PartyPoker, bwin and BetMGM brands. BetMGM is Entain’s joint venture with MGM Resorts.
We know the company’s share price fell by 40 percent last year, which caused shareholder dissatisfaction and indifferent reviews. Since then, replacements have arrived for the CEO and several board members.
We know that Entain expects the NZ betting market of approximately NZ$600 million to grow by 35 percent over the next five years.
We know that in an Australian interview last week, Dean Shannon was asked if he thought a 17 to 20 percent betting downturn across the board was a sizeable shift. He answered, “Yes, it has been a sizeable shift, but it shouldn’t be that surprising. This is predominantly driven by macroeconomic factors such as higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures.”
We know, most importantly, that if it hadn’t done a deal with Entain, TAB NZ would now be either broke or less attractively partnered with one of two alternative offers – fact.
What else is there to know beyond that last bit?
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Our featured Yearling this week is our Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – “Boomer“
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and acope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card 7% Left – Click HERE to order a share online
Mark Walker surges to a dominant leading Strike Rate in the Victorian Metro Trainers rankings
2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
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Fortuna has four runners on Saturday – one in NZ and three in SingaporeNZ – Trentham
INCA BELLE
races in the R75 1400 – Race 9 @ 4.58pm – Ashvin Goindasamy to ride from the outside barrier in a field of 11 runners. Two solid efforts since winning at Tauranga in January – gets back to 1400m here – wide draw to contend with but will appreciate the roomy track and only carries 54.5kg – strong top 3 contender $4.80 Singapore
TRIDENT contests the Class 3 1600m Turf event – Race 8 @ 3.30 Singapore time (8.30 NZT) with Ronnie Stewart to ride from a mid field barrier. Steps up to the Mile here for only the 2nd time in his 16 start, 4 win career – raced without much luck last start – but ready for this trip now
Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: MAKIN (4)
Last start was his best performance yet, was caught in trouble in the straight and powered home thanks to a great steer from Nunes. Finds another class 3 and steps up to 1600m against similar competition. Will be a short price favourite and should be hard to beat. Main danger.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (6)
Coming out of the same race behind Makin, was crowded during the run and had some excuses. Has placed behind the impressive Silo before and gets Ronnie Stewart in the saddle this week. He should get his chance.
3rd Pick: PACIFIC BAO BEI (7)
He is a last start winner and might be looking for further, likely to sit close in the run. Can be competitive here.
4th Pick: BLACK STORM (12)
The last two performances have been encouraging, had every chance most recently and peaked on his run. He needs to be respected in class 3.
KNIPPENBERG runs in the Class 3 1200m Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30 Singapore time (9.30 NZT) with Stable apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, to ride from the outside barrier. Disappointed somewhat last start, but 4 wins and 3 2nds from 14 career starts is his formline – has a difficult draw in what is a good field, so will need some luck in the running, but if he gets it, is a top 3 chance
GUN runs in the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 12 @ 5.35 Singapore time (10.34 NZT) with Stable apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, to ride from the No 1 barrier – has shown promise with a win and a 2nd from his six start career – gets the ace draw with a featherweight to carry – good top 3 chance
Tuesday 5th MarchInca Belle (V Colgan) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.8, home in 40.6.
Malborough Bay (R Sheehan) and Leaderboard (T McCrissican) worked over 1000 metres in 1.11.2, home in 39.9.
Wednesday 6th MarchStar Shadow (T Melvin) worked over an easy 800 metres, home in 38.89.
Thursday 7th March
Vivacious (O Bosson) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.14.1, home in 44.6. Ragamuffin (R Sheehan) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.2, home in 38.7.
Inca Belle (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.8, home in 40.0.
Singapore Trackwork Saturday 2nd March
GUN (JAMIL)1000/600-37.5; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38.5;; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;
Tuesday 5th March
RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-39.5;
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OTHER NEWS
Mark Walker surges to a dominant leading Strike Rate in the Victorian Metro Trainers rankings
Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne stable has got off to a flying start. While stable numbers remain relatively small and the total number of starts in the current season (33) are also small, Mark has managed to produce 11 winners from these 33 starters, giving a strike rate of 33.3%, well ahead of his closest contender, Simon Wylde, on 20.8% and more than double or strike rate of most of the leading contenders. Of course, it helps when the Stable has a bonny Champion Mare like Imperatriz in the stable, but even if you take her wins and starts out of the figures, Mark’s strike rate is still in the low 20’s
Knowing Mark and the Te Akau principals well, I am sure they will not be sitting on their laurels and will be firmly focused on continuing the plan to build more boxes and continuing to deliver winners from the Cranbourne complex. Mark is certainly racking up the air miles at the moment as he criss-crosses the Tasman and on a day to day basis, Assistant Trainer at Cranbourne, Ben Gleeson and the other stable staff are doing a great job in getting this relatively new venture humming along – see the Trainers table below
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Filly – (Karaka) – 100% Sold
Written Tycoon – Selica Filly – (Karaka) – 100% Sold
Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – (Magic Millions) – 13% Left
El Roca – Megara Filly (Karaka) – 35% Left
Our featured Yearling this week is our Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – “Boomer“
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and acope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
GUN (JAMIL)1000/600-39; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-39;
Tuesday 27th Feb
KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-40;
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OTHER NEWSThe NZ KIWI takes off
From NZ Racing Desk
There were plenty of fireworks in the Karaka sales ring on Tuesday evening at the inaugural NZB Kiwi slot auction, with all nine slots up for grabs far exceeding their $450,000 reserve. The initial $3.5 million prizemoney on offer in next year’s NZB Kiwi (1500m), with a $1 million bonus up for grabs, was enticing for prospective New Zealand and international buyers alike. Group One darling Seachange was the first “hero” racehorse through the ring, representing slot one for the NZB Kiwi, and bidding was spirited from the get-go, with an opening bid of $600,000 which soon exceeded $700,000, and was finally knocked down to the $725,000 bid of Singapore businessman John Chew.
The next four slots had a distinct New Zealand flavour, with slot two going to the $675,000 bid of Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing, slot three knocked down to Wexford Stables for $700,000, well-known owner and industry supporter Daniel Nakhle made sure he was in the mix when securing slot four for $675,000, while Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis ensured his ‘King of Karaka’ title wasn’t lost when his $675,000 bid bought slot five.
Te Akau Racing director Karyn Fenton-Ellis was rapt her husband was able to secure a slot, but said it was unnerving going into the auction not knowing what to expect. “We had spoken to numerous people that we knew were registered, as the New Zealand industry is quite a compact industry, and no one knew what to expect,”she said. “When we come to the Karaka yearling sales, we have a game plan and know exactly what to expect. David Ellis never gets nervous and we know exactly what we want to do, he has bought some very expensive yearlings here. We sort of had a game plan, but it had to be a bit flexible. We talked about this (NZB Kiwi) and we said given Te Akau Racing’s success with (trainers) Sam (Bergerson) and Mark (Walker), and the whole team, we were taking a slot home for our owners.”
Te Akau Racing are hoping to have a number of contenders for what will be the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, and Fenton-Ellis said they already have a transparent system in place to identify their contender. “We have got a very good process that we have already decided on because we may have a number of contenders,” she said. “We will be very transparent with an independent third-party involved so that every owner and every horse in the Te Akau stable know they are equally considered and it will be a judgment made on merit.”
Australian businessman Ozzie Kheir has been a strong supporter of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, sourcing many of his racehorses from this side of the Tasman, and he ensured there would be a trans-Tasman element to the NZB Kiwi when he secured slot six for $700,000.
Entain New Zealand took Kiwi punters on a whirlwind ride when securing a slot in last year’s A$20 million The Everest (1200m) and their representative I Wish I Win just came up shy when runner-up to Think About It. They are hoping to replicate that excitement on home soil after securing slot seven for $700,000.
Chief executive Cameron Rodger had been the underbidder on a number of previous slots, so was delighted to finally come out on top with just a couple of lots to go. “I was nervous,” Rodger said post sale. “They were opening and going higher and faster than we ever dreamed of. We had to revise the strategy there. I had the CFO (chief financial officer) next to me so we had to make a few emergency budget increases, but we got there, so we are pretty happy. There were a great number of bidders early on from a different range. We didn’t want to be last, so that was the strategy, but the market found its price really well, so I think everyone will be pretty happy with how it turned out.”
Rodger said the process of filling their slot had already started. “We have had a look at who didn’t get one and we are probably going to start conversations as we speak and that is the beauty of a slot race, it gets you engaged and talking starts right from the dot,” he said. “Hopefully we can have a few on our radar soon.”
Rodger was pleased with how the slot race has been received and he said that has been reinforced by the heavy level of interest in the evening’s auction. “I think the action you saw today is a vote of confidence in the industry about where things are and where things are going,” he said. “That is important to us and we believe in the path that everyone is on at the moment, so bring on 2025, we can’t wait.”
Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping eight is his new lucky number after paying $675,000 for the slot, while Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay were intent on securing the final slot of the night, and went to $700,000 to fulfil that. “At the end of the day it is $3.5 million in prizemoney, plus a $1 million bonus. New Zealand has never seen anything like this before,” Brendan Lindsay said. “Jo and I have to be a part of it and we were always going to buy lot nine. We decided that we were going to buy lot nine no matter what happened – last in, first out. We would have gone a bit higher. We made our mind up that we were going to buy the last lot.”
After the dust settled, the nine slots sold for an aggregate of $6.225 million, with an average price of $691,667, and a median of $700,000.
The remaining five slots for the NZB Kiwi have been purchased by Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, RACE, and the Canterbury Jockey Club, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing holding the final slot for promotional purposes.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Bruce Sharrock was rapt with the outcome of Tuesday’s auction.“Tonight exceeded all expectations and sets a new standard for the New Zealand racing industry,” he said. “The best part was how excited our participants and stakeholders are, and it sets us up extremely well for the future.”
NZTR chairman Cameron George echoed those sentiments and said it was great to see international interest in the concept. “It’s an outstanding result for the industry and we are really proud of the fact that people around the world were participating,” he said. “We are looking forward to the next 12 months and how we can make this race the great event we can have in New Zealand racing.”
New Zealand Bloodstock has been instrumental in the launch of the NZB Kiwi and managing director Andrew Seabrook couldn’t have been happier with Tuesday’s outcome. “It’s the first time that a slot race has been auctioned anywhere in the world. Everyone went into the unknown and what unfolded was quite incredible,” he said. “It’s great to see global participation and there is an amazing buzz here at Karaka.”
Results
Average – $691,667
Aggregate: $6,225,000
Median: $700,000
Slot 1: John Chew – $725,000
Slot 2: Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing – $675,000
Slot 3: Wexford Stables – $700,000
Slot 4: Daniel Nakhle – $675,000
Slot 5: Te Akau Racing – $675,000
Slot 6: Ozzie Kheir – $700,000
Slot 7: Entain New Zealand – $700,000
Slot 8: Forsman Racing – $675,000
Slot 9: Cambridge Stud – $700,000
The inaugural running of the NZ Kiwi will be run at Ellerslie in March 2025 over 1500 metres for the Stakes of $3.5m, which lifts to $4m in 2026 and $4.5m in 2027 – there is also $1m of bonuses on offer
Readers should note that eligibility for this race is confined to 3yo’s, to any horse that is bred in NZ or any horse that has been sold at a NZ Bloodstock Yearling, Weanling or Ready To Run Sale.
From a Fortuna perspective, the three Yearling Fillies that we have bought at the 2024 Yearling Sale, i.e the Too Darn Hot, El Roca and Written TycoonFillies are all eligible to run in the 2026 edition (shares still available in the Too Darn Hot and the El Roca) – Click HERE to see our Buy Shares page) – notable that our 2yo Filly Our Paramour (by Contributor), whom we purchased at the 2023 Ready To Run Sale, will be eligible to run in the inaugural 2025 edition. She is fully sold of course, but she had her debut trial at Tauranga 20th Feb, finishing boldly for 3rd and trials again at Taupo 14th March – her ownership group have a lot to look forward to as she develops and matures and gets to the races – there are only 14 runners in the NZ Kiwi, so competition will be fierce for the slot places, with performances during the Spring and early summer of 2024 being critical
It would be no surprise to anybody that the perennial champion Savabeel is the leading Stallion in New Zealand for the current season. It is a throne he has occupied for several years now. What is somewhat of a surprise is who sits at number two on the list by winners for the current season, it is not Proisir, Tavistock, Per Incanto or Iffraaj, but the Westbury Stud Stallion, El Roca. Standing for the modest Stud fee (2023 season) of $15,000 he has produced 34 individual winners (including 2 Stakes winners) for the current season, just 3 less than the mighty Savabeel. El Roca(whose own Sire is the Champion Australian Stallion, Fastnet Rock) has been quietly climbing the Stallion ranks in recent seasons, finishing in 10th place by winners in the 2022 season, 4th in the 2023 season and now in 2nd place for the current season.Fortuna has had first hand experience with the progeny of El Roca with our Singapore runner, the 5yo Gelding,ROCKY, who has had 3 wins and prizemoney of $100m in that jurisdiction and now our recent 2024 Karaka Sale, acquisition, the yearling Filly out of Megara (by Encosta de Lago
Note that “Meg” is registered for the Karaka Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Karaka Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for $1m prizemoney and the Karaka 3yo Classic in Jan 2026 for $1.5m – she is also eligible for the NZ Kiwi for $4m prizemoney in March 2026
About The Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
This beautiful Filly was acquired by Fortuna Racing and David Ellis at the 2024 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Yearling sale – this after David, in conjunction with fellow thoroughbred selectors, Marcus Corban and Fortuna’s NZ Trainer, Mark Walker, had conducted extensive inspections over the previous six weeks. As always, our focus was very much on type and any Fillies that made the shortlist needed to have ticked several boxes before they could be on the list. We also had a budget and we are firm on not going above budget. Our budget for this year sale was NZ$120,000 and we managed to secure this lovely Filly for NZ$105,000 from her Breeders, Westbury Stud
Pedigree
This Filly’s Sire, El Roca, a Sire son of Champion Australian Stallion, Fastnet Rock, is well proven Stallion with 135 winners to date with several Stakes Winners, including the Group One winners, Traveling Light and Romancing The Moon
The Dam, Megara (by Encosta De Lago) was a winner in Australia and she is the dam of five foals to race, with four winners, including the Listed winner, Red Striker and the Te Akau trained Accidental Tourist who is Stakes Placed.
This Filly, whom we have given the Stable Name “Meg” is a beautiful walking Filly of good size and scope. She certainly ticked all of the usual boxes we look for when trying to select genuine, athletic types. Click HERE to see her parade ahead of the Karaka Sale
Preparation and Racing Plans
“Meg” has enjoyed a four week paddock break at Te Akau Stud in the western Waikato since the sales – on 1st March she left the Stud to commence her breaking in process at Cambridge. This usually takes around 5 to 6 weeks and after being broken in she will travel to the Matamata stables of Te Akau Racing, where under the close eye of Fortuna’s trainers, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, she will have her first preparation – this will last about three weeks and after that she will go for a further paddock spell before returning to Matamata for a more complete preparation, which may well culminate in a trial at some stage during the spring of 2024 and ongoing plans for her will be dependent on her physical progression and maturity at that time. Presenting as a physical type who will develop into a strong, powerful 3yo, we will take her along patiently in her early preparation, but as a well grown, early foal, she may well be ready to make her raceday debut in the Autumn of 2025
Here is what our selection Team have to say about this Filly
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says
“John, once again you have done incredibly well here with a beautiful physical type of Filly here We loved this Filly when we paraded her – she has a lovely walk and has plenty of size and scope about her. By a Stallion who leaves consistent performers and out of an Encosta de Lago mare, who is out of a Danehill mare, she has a lovely pedigree page and we bought her at a great price – she represents exceptional value for you and your Syndicate Members.”
Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says
“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“We love buying Fillies who present as real athletes at inspections and have the size and scope to develop into middle distance/staying types as 3yo’s – this Filly by El Roca certainly ticked all of the boxes we look for and we were very happy to secure her within budget ”
Karaka Millions Race Series
Note that “Meg” is t registered for the Karaka Millions Race Series. This means she is eligible to run in the Karaka Millions 2yo event over 1200m for $1m run at Ellerslie in January of 2025 and the Karaka Millions 3yo event over 1600m for $1.5m run at Ellerslie in January of 2026 – she is also eligible to run in the NZB Kiwi – the new “slot” race for 3yos over 1500m for prizemoney of NZ$3.5m
10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Race Series Fee and working capital of over $7,000
Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
Click HERE to order a share online or call/text John 021 921 460 if you would like further information
Our featured Yearling this week is our Magic Millions purchase, the Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Our last weekly inspection visit to Te Akau Stud to view the new yearling purchases is Thursday 29th February
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Fortuna has four runners coming up, two in NZ/Aus on Friday and two in Singapore on SaturdayRiccarton – Friday
ANGELS WINGS contests the R75 1200 Race 3 @1.05pm with Ashwin Goindasamy to ride from a mid field draw – this three win mare was a last start winner this track 1100m 27 Jan – up in grade here but can feature – each way @$5/$2
Terang – Friday
FLEET FOOTED races in the Maiden 3yo 1200 – Race 4 @ 2.55pm Aus time (4.55pm NZT) – apprentice Luke Cartwright will ride from Barrier 9. His last start performance for 3rd over 1400m had plenty of merit, back to 1200 will suit as will the 3kg claim – is a good top 3 chance here @ $10/$3.30
Singapore
RHETT BUTLER races in the Class 3 1400m Turf event – Race 4 @ 1.30pm Sing time (6..30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice, SW Chong, claiming 4kg. A winner on debut in Singapore as a 2yo, he had a long time away from the track during 3023, faded out closing stages when resuming 14th Jan, but has taken a lot of improvement from that run. Has a featherweight to carry and can sneak into the placings here with the right run
TRIDENT races in the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Jaden Lloyd from a good barrier. Comes into this race after a win and a 3rd in January, has a lovely draw and is a good each way chance here
This beautiful Filly was acquired by Fortuna Racing and David Ellis at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale – this after David, in conjunction with fellow thoroughbred selector, Marcus Corban and Fortuna’s NZ Trainer, Mark Walker, had conducted extensive inspections over the previous six weeks. As always, our focus was very much on type and any Fillies that made the shortlist needed to have ticked several boxes before they could be on the list. We also had a budget and we are firm on not going above budget. Our budget for this year sale was A$120,000 and we managed to secure this lovely Filly for A$100,000 after she had been originally passed in at A$140,000, from her Breeders, Cambridge Stud
Pedigree
This Filly’s Sire, Spirit Of Boom, needs little introduction and is well proven – consistently a Top 10 Stallion by wins and winners on the Australian General Sire list, he has been Queensland Champion Sire for four seasons in a row, and is the Sire of over 370 winners, including 25 Stakes Winners. A powerful Sprinter himself as a racehorse, he won twice at Group One level, the Doomben 10,000 and the The William Reid Stakes and raced until he was a six year old winning nine times from 52 starts, demonstrating that he was a very durable type.
The Dam, Aotearower (by Shamardal) won 4 times in NZ and was Group 3 placed. Her Dam, Katoon (by Kaapstad) won four times including twice at Group level. This is the family of Black Panther and Cross Roads and represents the tough, hardy nature that the NZ thoroughbred is renowned for
This Filly, whom we have given the Stable Name “Boomer” is a beautiful walking Filly of good size and scope. She certainly ticked all of the usual boxes we look for when trying to select genuine, athletic types. Click HERE to see her parade ahead of the Magic Millions Sale
Preparation and Racing Plans
Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis says “John, once again you have done incredibly well here. We loved this Filly, she is full of class and by a Stallion who leaves consistent performers at all ages – physically she ticked all of the boxes and has an extremely good pedigree page as well.”
Te Akau Racing Trainer Mark Walker says “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale is a top end sale and it can be very difficult to buy at, particularly if you are working to a budget as we are – doing appropriate research and inspections is extremely important and Fortuna Racing is very fortunate to have the team of David Ellis, Mark Walker and Marcus Corban doing this research for us. In the end we had several nice Fillies on our list and we would have been happy to own any of them, but “Boomer” was one who had particularly caught our eye due to her physical type and walk. Her pedigree page represents just what we like to buy, i.e a combination of Australian speed influence with tough middle distance/staying New Zealand bloodlines.”
Magic Millions Race Series
Note that “Boomer” is to be registered for the Magic Millions Race Series. This is a series with all of its races being run on one day in mid January each year and which now carries in excess of A$14 million of prize money, including a A$3 million race for two-year-olds and a A$3 million race for three-year-olds – only runners purchased at this sale are eligible to run in any of the races in the series
10% share $18,000 – 5% share $9,000– 2.5% share $4,500 – 1% share $1,800 – all costings are in NZD
Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12,000
Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
Click HERE to order a share online or call/text John 021 921 460 if you would like further information
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Our last weekly inspection visit to Te Akau Stud to view the new yearling purchases is Thursday 29th February
Our new yearling purchases are due to leave Te Akau Stud Friday 1st March so our final inspection day is Thursday 29th Feb – please email John (by replying to this update) or call/text 021 921 460 if you wish to book in. We will meet 10am at the BP Ngaruawahia before heading out to the farm (30 min drive approx)
Emerging shuttle Stallion TOO DARN HOT “on fire” at the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney
Donna Logan announces plans for a return to NZ after the Singapore Turf Club closure
Our weekly inspection visits to Te Akau Stud to view the new yearling purchases are under way – Next one is Thursday 22nd February
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Fortuna has two runners coming up, one in NZ on Friday and one in Singapore on Saturday
New Plymouth
INCA BELLE contests the R75 1200 with Warren Kennedy to ride from the Ace draw – this four win mare is in great form with a win and a 2nd from her last two starts and looks to be be right in this – represents a very good each way chance @$2.30 fixed odds
Singapore
PRINCE LONHRO races in the Open Maiden 1200m Turf event – Race 2 @ 12.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice, Clyde Leck, claiming 1kg, from an inside barrier. Has run a 2nd and a 4th this grade in five previous Singapore starts – is capable, but resuming off a freshen up without a trial and needs to be taken on trust
Emerging shuttle Stallion TOO DARN HOT is “on fire” at the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney
Readers will be aware that Fortuna acquired a lovely yearling Filly by Too Darn Hot at the recent tracker Karaka Yearling sale on very good terms and it has been fascinating to watch the results from this week’s Inglis classic sale in Sydney where the progeny of this young stallion have been extremely well sought after. The highlight was undoubtedly on Monday when the Too Darn Hot – Hell Its Hot Filly (lot 325) was knocked down to Yulong for an eye watering (and Inglis Classic sales record breaking) A$600k.
TOO DARN HOT was a sensational race horse in the UK, winning four times as a 2yo (from 4 starts) including the Group One Dewhurst Stakes and then winning twice as a 3yo, both at Group One level, from five 3yo starts (ran 2nd twice and 3rd once in the other three) – he was retired to Stud due to a small fracture in his canon bone after this victory in the Group One Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
At Stud, he has got off to a flyer, finishing 2nd on the 1st season Sires list in the UK (2023 season) with 20 individual winners from 56 starters, while his first Australian crop (2023/24 season) sees him equal 1st on the winners list (4 winners from 8 starters) alongside Alabama Express
Naturally this is of big interest to us having acquired the Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Filly at Karaka for just NZ $120,000 – this Filly is a natural 2yo type with a 1st Sept foaling date, whom we think will be an ideal prospect for the 2025 Karaka Million. Mark Walker describes this Filly thus;“John, Too Darn Hot is a very exciting young Sire and this filly is out of a Flying Spur Mare who is out of a Bluebird Mare, so it is a very speedy family – Dave and I just loved her on type, loved the way she walked and we had her on your list, just had reservations if we could buy her for your budget, but luckily we managed to secure her for you in the end. She is a definite Karaka Millions 2yo type – born 1 September, she is very forward and looks as if she will run very early, but at the same time has the scope to furnish into a lovely 3yo. We are rapt to have a Filly of this quality in the stable to train for the Fortuna Team”
Click HERE to see our Too Darn Hot Filly parade pre sale
TOO DARN HOT – MISS CHALLENGER YEARLING FILLY – “Hottie”
As readers will know, we had a real live prospect in this year’s edition of the Karaka Million with Bellatrix Star, who ran 4th in the race after being slow away. However, on the day we hosted 120 very excited syndicate members and their guests and there is no question that it is a great thrill to have a runner in the Karaka Million – so don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in this one
“Hottie” has been very popular with our clients to date but there is still 18% left as I write this – click HERE to view her on the Fortuna website and orders can be made direct from this link – feel free to contact John direct by return email or call/text 021 921 460 if you need more info
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Donna Logan announces plans for a return to NZ after the Singapore Turf Club closure
As readers would be aware, during the middle of 2023, the Singapore Turf Club (STC) and the Singapore government made the shock announcement that thoroughbred racing in Singapore would come to an end in October 2024 bringing to an end 150 years of proud racing history. Initial reaction from participants was shock and disbelief and a good battle has been fought along the way by those effected to endeavour to change minds or at least get an extension. However it certainly looks as if the closure will take effect.
Naturally in this situation there is always conjecture among parties as to how those affected by these changes plan their ongoing careers by trainers, jockeys, stable hands, et cetera. Having worked closely with Donna and her husband Peter Woods, through all of this, I can say that Donna’s view was that she would be there “until the light went out” and her primary focus was on ensuring that her staff were well looked after in terms of the support they needed for a life after Singapore racing came to an end and, accordingly, fended off any conjecture. However the months go by and while, Donna and Peter are determined to stay in Singapore until racing is finished there, they of course have the need to make ongoing plans after that and so over the past couple of months Donna has made a couple of trips back to New Zealand to attend sales and during that time she has looked at various options and has made a decision relocate to return to New Zealand and set up at Byerley Park (near Karaka) with a small training operation.
Donna said to me this week “Yes John, it’s heartbreaking that Singapore racing has come to an end, as Peter and I have invested so much time and effort here, but the closure is now inevitable and accordingly we need to make firm plans about our own future. We have looked at different options in New Zealand Australia and elsewhere, but have decided that with the current resurgence of New Zealand racing, it is time to come home and we are really looking forward to it – I don’t plan to be a big time trainer, we will train a few, trade a few and race a few and look to re-engage with the many loyal clients we have had from the past, but rest assured we are committed to both Te Akau and Fortuna and the other owners whose horses we are looking after here in Singapore to continue until the bitter end, making sure that every horse in our care is well looked after and supporting our staff Members as they make the necessary transition in their careers.”
Donna and Peter are very well regarded by the NZ racing fraternity and I am sure will constitute a warmly welcomed boost to the NZ Training ranks
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Our weekly inspection visits to Te Akau Stud to view the new yearling purchases are under way – Next one is Thursday 22nd February
Thursday 15th Feb was our first visit and then every Thursday thereafter. As always, we meet at the BP Station in Ngaruawahia at 10am and then travel in convoy out to the farm – the farm is around a 30 min drive from Ngaruawahia – we are usually at the farm for about an hour and attendees can expect to be back at the Ngaruawahia BP by around 12.30pm – if you would like to book in for one of these Thursday visits, drop me a note by return email or call/text me 021 921 460
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Guest Selector – Gary Williams
After several months in the Chair, Gary is stepping aside from the role – we will be announcing a new “Guest Selector” in the next week or so. A big thank you to Gary for his efforts over the last few months
