WEST INDIES – 2nd Career Win – 21st July 2025 – Craig Newitt aboard
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Headline News
WEST INDIES delivers a winning result for Fortuna Racing at Bairnsdale 21st July
Historic Jumping races to be renamed
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Fortuna has two runners this weekend both at Te Rapa
INCA BELLE contests the R65 1200m event – Race 2 @ 12.42pm with Apprentice Yuga Okubo, claiming 3kgs, to ride from a mid field barrier – draw will suit, claim is a big help, track conditions are in her favour – doesn’t win out of turn but always runs an honest race – a top 3 finish would not surprise – TAB says ” definite winning chance – rates highly and shouldn’t be far away” Showing $11/$3.40
MALBOROUGH BAY races in the Open 1300m event – Race 6 @ 3pm with Apprentice Hayley Hassman, claiming 3kgs, to ride from a mid field barrier – strong last start winner this track July 5th – up in grade but carries a featherweight and is strong each way chance – TAB says “form hard to fault – has confidence back and can sneak into the finish again” – Showing $5/$1.80
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Trackwork – Fortuna Runners
Matamata – 22nd July
Inca Belle (D Danis) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11.4, last 600 in 42.3.
Malborough Bay (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.5, home in 40.4.
Riccarton – 22nd July
Court Of Appeal (T Solomon) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.12.7, home in 39.8.
Vivacious (K Hadler) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 56.7, last 600 in 36.9.
Cranbourne – 22nd July
Titahi Bay (C Anderson) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 58.7, last 600 in 38.2.
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Other News
The only runner for trainer Mark Walker on 21 July at Bairnsdale (Victoria), West Indies (3 g Fastnet Rock – Anchovy, by Galileo) won the $27,000 Dyson Group Benchmark 58 2200 metres. Contesting the corresponding event after racing well for second over 2200 metres on 23 June at Pakenham (poly-track), West Indies had been devoid of luck before his last start performance and despite carrying top weight (62kg) he rated a top three chance.Able to secure the trail from barrier one, West Indies was desperate for room turning for home at the 400m, which came on straightening, and he quickened to an advantage and won well.West Indies was ridden again by Craig Newitt, who was aboard last time, and also when he contested the Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) in November at Flemington.“He’s got better ability than a (Rating) 58, that’s for sure, and I actually rode him in the VRC Derby, in his first start for them (Walker and Fortuna Racing),” Newitt said. “He’s probably been a bit frustrating for connections, but his run the other day put the writing on the wall, he was perfectly placed here today, from a good gate, and he had a good run. He felt the winner from a long way out. He had to carry a big weight, but he had favours from the inside gate. He still had to do it, and he probably hit the front and was waiting a little bit. Had he been challenged, I think there was a bit more under the hood, so I’m sure he’s going to win a few more for them.He’s a tricky horse, but we got the measure of them today.”On Soft5 footing, West Indies ran 2200 metres in 2:19.5 and paid $8.90 & $2.40 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
WEST INDIES – first win in Fortuna Silks – Bairnsdale 21st July 2025 – Craig Newitt aboard
On course, stable representative Rachael Kramer said: “Hayden (strapper), it’s his first day at the races, Sage (Duric) is here, and she also rides West Indies in track work, and Froggy (Craig Newitt) was quietly confident after his last start that this could be the day he got the job done. I said to Hayden when they jumped, “yes, he’s found a good spot”, and it was exciting to see his face, watching the race, on his first day. It’s an exciting day for the team.”
Owned by the Fortuna West Indies Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), he was offered for sale by Coolmore Stud, at the 2024 Inglis October (Late) Online Sale as a one win 3yo, and purchased by Galvin for A$200,000.
Having had his first start for the new owners in the VRC Derby, West Indies was subsequently given a let up and resumed in March, with consecutive thirds, before quickening from midfield for fourth in the VRC St Leger (Listed, 2800m) on 25 April at Flemington.
“It was a really good win and a lovely ride of Craig Newitt’s,” Walker said. “He’s a slower maturing horse, but we found the right race to give him a confidence-building win. It was good to see him run out the 2200 metres so strongly, which is not easy under such a big weight, and sometimes, these horses, they get the win and can really go on with it. He is out of a Galileo mare, so it’s a slower maturing, staying, pedigree, and we do think he’ll improve as a four and five-year-old.”
“I’m pleased West Indies could beat the Aussies, today,” quipped John Galvin, referring to the West Indies v Australia T20 cricket game, earlier today, in Jamaica, in which Australia won narrowly. “It’s a been long haul and a bit frustrating at times, but he’s run some reasonable races and hasn’t had all favours on other occasions. To get the first win for the new owners is very satisfying.I’ve said to the owners on many occasions, that given his breeding, by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare, we need to be patient with this horse. He’s still just a raw three-year-old and probably won’t be the real deal until he’s a late four-year-old or even a five-year-old. We bought him for the (VRC) Derby, but he wasn’t mature enough to run the 2500 metres out. He’s still only three and got a bright future, I think.”
WEST INDIES – winning post in sight
By Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill), West Indies is out of a three-quarter sister to European Champion Three-Year-Old Ruler Of The World (Galileo), and from the family of five-time Group One winner, European Champion Older Male, and sire, Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill).
West Indies was strapped by Hayden McInnes.
Hayden McInness celebrates his first day at the races as a strapper with a win by West Indies
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Notable that Fortuna had two runners in this race – the other being ZEDWILLDO, who finished in 7th place, beaten just over 3 lengths – this is not a common event and what is more interesting is that WEST INDIES and ZEDWILLDO have different trainers, Mark Walker for West Indies and Brett Scott for ZEDWILLDO – here is a nice pic of our two riders post race, “Froggy” Newitt on the left and Koby Jennings on the right 
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Historic Jumping races to be renamed
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Racing Te Aroha are proud to announce a significant milestone in the history of New Zealand jumps racing. The revered Great Northern Hurdle and Great Northern Steeplechase will now be known as the Great New Zealand Hurdle and Great New Zealand Steeplechase, marking a new chapter for these iconic events.
The renaming reflects the races’ relocation to Te Aroha and their continued importance on the national racing calendar. Racing Te Aroha President Raewyn Armstrong shared her thoughts on the change.
“The Great Northern Hurdle and Steeplechase hold a special place in New Zealand racing history and were synonymous with the unique terrain at Ellerslie,” Armstrong said. “With these iconic races now proudly homed at Te Aroha, we felt it was appropriate to mark this new chapter.”
NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe acknowledged the significance of the name change and what it means to continue the tradition while also improving the race’s profile.
“Renaming these races the Great New Zealand Hurdle and Great New Zealand Steeplechase acknowledges not only the national significance of the races but also signals a fresh era and we’re excited to see Te Aroha continue the legacy with a renewed vision,” said Balcombe.
Additional changes include a new format for the end of the jumps season with the historic races being run over a two-day carnival taking place in September, with the Great New Zealand Hurdle scheduled for Friday 19 September, and the Great New Zealand Steeplechase to follow on Sunday 21 September. The Club is looking forward to creating an event for the community and jumps fans to enjoy while honouring the history of the races.
“At Racing Te Aroha, we’re committed to building a true carnival atmosphere around these races, one that celebrates the tradition of jumps racing while bringing together both our local community and the wider racing fraternity,” Armstrong added. “It’s about honouring the past whilst creating something special for the future.”
Racing Te Aroha is also delighted to confirm that the Great New Zealand Hurdle will be supported by J Swap, while Ben & Ryan Foote Racing will continue as naming rights sponsor of the Great New Zealand Steeplechase.
“We’re thrilled to have J Swap and Ben & Ryan Foote Racing as sponsors of these iconic jumping features,” Armstrong said. “Both have long-standing ties to the races and a genuine passion for jumps racing, so it’s fitting to have them involved as we usher in this new era. Their support means a great deal to the Club and we look forward to welcoming them on course in September.”
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Guest Selector – Des Coppins
Fresh off tipping out six winners at Riccarton yesterday to his subscribers, here is what Des has for us this week
Greetings John and Fortuna followers
Here are three horses to place on stand by when next produced.
THE HANGOVER: did his best work over the final stages at Oamaru on Sunday over 1200m. Over 1400m or further he’s one to stick with.
UNWRITTEN: I thought the run at Avondale had a next up look about it.
PRESUMING: this horse has an issue in the birdcage at Avondale; was cleared to start but over raced. It’ll be improved with the run. The trial prior to Avondale looked encouraging.
TRACK BIAS
It’s never easy backing winners at this time of the year but it was very much a front runners bias at both New Plymouth and Rotorua on Saturday which begs the question, what is track bias?
Basically track bias refers to the way the track races and the obvious advantages or disadvantages it holds for certain gallopers. I dare say some punters on Saturday were somewhat bewildered on how things were playing out with the front runners, especially at New Plymouth when all but two of the results , were won by the go to whoa gallopers.
Always remember if there is noticeable track bias – and you can make up your mind up very quickly after watching just the first two race – the best advice is to never back the traditional back runners but instead back those horse whose formlines suggest they mostly run in or near the lead.
In saying all this we managed to get it right on the email tipping service for clients with the Best Bet ( What A Charmer) and Value bets ( Ocean Road) at Rotorua, and uniquely Ocean Road came off the pace as did my best bet winner at New Plymouth, Joshua Brown.
JACKPOT MEMORIES
This weekend marks the 53rd anniversary of the biggest winter race day ever!
Some 33,000 punters queued in cars aiming to grab a share of the spoils for the last big on course jackpot meeting for the Taumarunui Cup at Te Awamutu. They parked their cars on the side of the road, miles away from the track, if they left their run too late to get to the course and fill in the many forms to invest their hard earned as they chased the pot of gold which climbed to a staggering $831,564.
For the record that equates to almost $7m today and when you realise that the biggest lottery type windfall in that era was the Golden Kiwi ( $24,000) you could understand why all and sundry, punters and non punters alike, were caught in the frenzy.
From gold coin punters to big syndicates seemingly the entire country came out to play and controversy took centre stage after the running of the 6th and final leg of the jackpot races. The winner, Nelsonian, who was first past the post, was relegated through interference. Protracted court action took place before the payout was made on the official placings.
Ps my flatmates and I spent $100 between us and we were out by the first race!
RISING FAST’S CONNECTION WITH THE TAUMARUNUI CUP 50 YEARS AGO
On this Saturday 50 years ago the Bill and Graeme Sanders trained Quick Answer won the Taumarunui Cup, who was ridden by Des Wyatt.
Quick Answer was owned by Leicester Spring who raced one of the all time greats, Rising Fast, the only horse who has ever won the spring triple crown, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup, in the same year, 1954. Rising Fast is inducted in both the NZ and Australian Hall of Fame and arguably holds claim to our greatest stayer in the last 75 years.
Might and Power won all three too, but the Cox Plate came a year after the two Cups!
HOORAY FOR HOWIE!
Otaki trainer Howie Mathews doesn’t have many horses in work these days, two or three at the most, and most of us were so pleased to see him get his well deserved solitary win for the season with Free Spirit on the synthetic at Awapuni late last week.
Had he gone through the this week until the end of the season winless it would’ve been the first time in 50 years of training that Howie has missed out in training at least one winner for a single season.
Howie is the complete horseman.
He was a better than average jockey in his day ( apprenticed to Dave O’Sullivan) and took to training in his early twenties. He prepared Extra Flash to win the Telegraph in 1978 and Big Gamble a year later in the Wellington Cup.
PROMINENT CD JOCKEY RELOCATED IN ALICE SPRINGS
When based in Foxton Danielle Hirini made every post a winner and had over 100 victories. She had a bit of a hiatus as she eased herself out of the game after having her last ride in late November, 2021 at Wanganui.
She’s back riding predominately around Alice Springs and she’s going great guns with around 57 rides since returning to the saddle in mid March this year with an impressive one, two or three placings totalling 34!
Alice Springs holds 33 race meetings per year and the stake monies in a single day are hardly ever less than $A 20,000 per race.
LEX NICHOLS – LEGEND
In 1978 Linda Jones MBE rode her first winner, Big Bikkies, a horse raced by former racing journalist, Lex Nichols.
About the same time, Lex met his wife to be Sharryn at Awapuni to honour and report at the NZ Filly of the Year Awards, won, I recall, by Hastings filly, Mun Lee.
Sharryn was part of the function staff and Lex was a tad besotted with Sharryn and I vividly recall him saying to me on the night : “ I could marry that girl” even though he’d just met her.
True to his words, he did!
Sadly we lost Lex, who’s been fighting cancer for a couple of decades, last week on the Sunshine Coast.
Back in the day I’d say Lex, alongside fellow racing journalist , John ( “Cozzie”) Costello , was one of the strongest advocates for women jockeys. They both worked tirelessly for equal rights and despite the NZ Racing Conference putting up brick walls, Lex and “Cozzie” eventually assisted in breaking down the barriers and thankfully lady riders burst on the scene with the fanfare they deserved around this time 47 years ago.
Lex started racing journalism with the Hoof Beats in the 1960’s; dissected Saturday racing on mainstream tv each Sunday; was racing editor of the Sunday News and and Best Bets and was well respected in his craft and was one who never stopped challenging authorities if he thought stake holders weren’t getting a fair go. He also worked hard for the punter, unashamedly being one himself and an astute one at that. He raced many horses both in NZ and Australia; his first horse was with Trevor McKee and Alan Jones followed. When he moved and built a property in Caloundra he was proud to see his daughter Sheridan gain her trainers license and train horses in his colours.
Deepest condolences to his beloved Sharryn and families.
His funeral was on Monday.
RIP Lex!
Des Coppins
021 448 052
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