Entain NZ leadership pair resign
The NZ Herald broke the news on Thursday that two of Entain NZ’s staff had tendered their resignation, being Lachlan Fitt, the deputy chief executive and chief financial officer at Entain Australia, and Cameron Rodger, managing director of Entain NZ. “After a decade as an international wagering executive, now is the right time to move on to my next chapter,” Fitt told the Herald.
“While I am resigning from Entain, I am not resigning from New Zealand. Racing in New Zealand still has a tremendous amount of opportunity and it is critical that the industry focus on improving its efficiency in order to achieve sustainable long-term funding. I hope to shortly announce what I will do next, there are a number of opportunities that combine my passion for racing and bloodstock and the global opportunities both present.”
TTR AusNZ will have exclusive interviews with the pair in the coming days.
Cameron Rodger and Lachlan Fitt | Image courtesy of NZ Herald
“After more than a decade in the wagering industry and two incredible years leading Entain NZ, the time feels right to turn the page and take on a new challenge,” said Rodger. “The progress made in modernising the New Zealand wagering landscape has been extraordinary and I leave knowing the business is in great shape.
“While my time in wagering is coming to an end my commitment to NZ racing remains. There are still big challenges ahead in the industry and I want to play a role in ensuring it thrives for the long term.”
Godolphin pair set for G1 Blue Diamond
Godolphin have two runners in Saturday’s G1 Blue Diamond, James Cummings-trained filly Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) who won on debut and was second in the G3 Widden Stakes at her only other start. “Tempted went very well in the Widden, she drew the wide barrier and got left with a lot to do on a day when it was advantageous to be up near the lead and on the rail,” Cummings told godolphin.com.
“Coming out of a race like that, where the pace was solid all the way, she’ll have been improved by that. I think it’s a good lead-up for the Blue Diamond and I think it gives her every opportunity to be seasoned enough to be tackling those horses in this early Group 1.”
Their colt Tentyris (Street Boss {USA}) is trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman and won the Listed Talindert Stakes at his most recent start. “I liked the other day he didn’t shirk his task to run down that other horse, who was a lot more seasoned with more runs on the board. He was up for the challenge and I think on Saturday you’ll see the type of horse who really enjoys the hustle and bustle of things happening round him. It’s usually a very good sign for a young colt,” Sam Freedman told godolphin.com.
Broadsiding resumes in G2 Hobartville
Champion 2YO Colt and winner of the G1 Golden Rose over the spring, Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) resumes in Saturday’s G2 Hobartville Stakes. “We are eager in anticipation for his return for this carnival. The Hobartville is a beautiful kick-off point for him over seven furlongs at Rosehill,” trainer James Cummings told godolphin.com.
Broadsiding | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“We are anticipating that he’s come back in top order, and he’s got even more opportunity to assert his reputation and build on it as a three-time Group 1-winning colt. I’ve got the first few steps on the path worked out, but we’ll get through the Randwick Guineas at least before we lock in our next move. We are dealing with a versatile horse; I could keep him to his own age or I could also keep him to 1500 to 1600 metres, races like the George Ryder, the Doncaster and the All Aged.”
Four Blue Diamond runners to be vetted on Friday
Racing Victoria will vet four G1 Blue Diamond runners again on Friday. Field Of Play (Deep Field) was passed fit to run but requires another inspection after being re-plated. Cherish Me (Brazen Beau), Icarian Dream (Blue Point {Ire}) and Palm Angel (Starspangledbanner) were all deemed to have a changed action when inspected on Thursday.
Blue Diamond runner for Hunter
Only three years into his training career, Rory Hunter has a G1 Blue Diamond runner with Autumn Mystery (The Autumn Sun). “We thought he would go for $100,000 or $150,000 being by The Autumn Sun but I think because he was one of the last lots or so to go through (on the day),” Hunter told racenet.com.au of the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale $15,000 purchase.
Autumn Mystery as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
“Everyone had gone home by then and it's worked in our favour … he wasn't even actually on my book (shortlist). We just came across him out at the sale, he came off a really good farm, Gilgai, I think they were late on arrival that day too, and I just walked past and thought this is a cracking type. I thought he would be a better 3-year-old, he had a lot of furnishing to do, but he's just really surprised us and taken everything in his stride.”
Moody’s big weekend
Trainer Peter Moody’s daughter Carlton AFLW footballer Brea is getting married on Friday and on Saturday, the 2-year-old colt Olatunde (Farnan) she part owns with her mother Sarah and sisters Celine and Cara will run in the G1 Blue Diamond. “Brea's getting married on Friday and we're having a big wedding recovery on Saturday, so none of us are going to be at the races, we'll miss being on track for his biggest run,” Brea’s twin Celine told racing.com. Celine is a former AFLW player.
Olatunde as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“We were surprised when we found out he was running this weekend but obviously he's shown Dad and Katherine (Coleman) enough that they think he should take up this opportunity, it's exciting. He's at long odds and we're not expecting him to win but wouldn't that just be unbelievable for it to happen this weekend.
“What better way to celebrate than out at our family farm all together, we'll be cheering him home with everything we've got. We'll be doing the same with I Wish I Win too, we just love him too.” I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) runs in the G1 Futurity Stakes.
Wodeton draws outside in Silver Slipper
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy has a challenge ahead of him after exciting colt Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}) drew the outside gate for Saturday’s G2 Silver Slipper. “At the end of the day you’ve got to see how the race unfolds,” McEvoy told racingnsw.com.au.
“You go there with a bit of an idea how it might unfold. He’s still learning his craft as well. Who’s to say, he might take me into a forward spot or he might need to be ridden a bit quieter. It all comes down to how the horse is reacting to the race, I’m going in there a bit open minded. You have to when you’ve drawn the outside in a sprint race at Rosehill.”
Pivotal Ten secures NZB Kiwi slot
Impressive 3-year-old filly Pivotal Ten (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) has secured a slot for the upcoming NZ$3.5 million NZB Kiwi, running for the Selangor Turf Club (STC). “We worked hard to get them this filly who we just love and are thrilled to get her,” agent Mike Kneebone told nzherald.co.nz.
Pivotal Ten | Image courtesy of Monica Toretto
“We have all seen her class as she has gotten better every start this summer and she is not only a really good filly but it is a great story. Everybody knows how passionate and proud South Island racing fans are and here they have one of their own, a horse who has done her racing all around the South Island, in the richest race we have ever held in this country.”
Cosmo Centaurus compared to Rothfire
Trainer Rob Heathcote will set 3-year-old gelding Cosmo Centaurus (Cosmic Force) for the Queensland Winter Carnival after he runs in Saturday’s Jewel Prelude at Doomben on Saturday. “He’s very similar to Rothfire but it’s a big call at this stage of his career to say he’s as good as him,” Heathcote told racingqueensland.com.au.
Cosmo Centaurus | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“He’s won twice over 1000 metres so far and I’d say 1110 metres is still short of his best distance. I think he’ll run 1600 metres so this is a nice stepping stone for the winter carnival. His owners and I have all got a healthy opinion of him and so far he’s franked that opinion.”
Pony series heads to Tasmania
Friday’s night Listed Tasmanian Oaks meeting will enjoy the spectacle of the Pony Series which is the first time the series has raced in Tasmania. “We felt it was very important that Tasmania featured in the national series,” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins told tasracing.com.au.
“Our participation not only allows Tasmanian pony club participants to race against other young riders in Australia, but it will also help create understanding around local career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry and help strengthen relationships between the equestrian and thoroughbred sectors in the state.”
Busuttin Young stable hunt for Kiwi black type
Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have sent Thedoctoroflove (So You Think {NZ}) to New Zealand for Saturday’s G2 Avondale Guineas. “He travelled over last Thursday and got there on Friday morning and has settled in well at Shaune Ritchie’s place,” Busuttin told Loveracing.nz.
Thedoctoroflove | Image courtesy of Reg Ryan Racing Photos
“Brendon Hawtin, our assistant trainer here, is over there with him and the horse galloped well on Tuesday morning so we’re happy with him. This horse is a real mile and a-half type and he doesn’t have a lot of change-up speed, so he’ll need every bit of the 2100 metres to be competitive, but we’re sure he’ll run well.” His main aim is the G1 NZ Derby on Champions Day.
Vinrock wins at Pakenham
Juvenile colt Vinrock (I Am Invincible) won on debut at Pakenham on Thursday night for trainer Matt Laurie and jockey Mark Zahra in a 3.25l demolition. Purchased by his trainer and Wilannah Park Bloodstock for $300,000 from Rosemont Stud’s 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Vinrock is the third winner from three to race for Group 2 winner Girl Gone Rockin’ (Redoute’s Choice) who is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Syreon (Flying Spur)
Around the Nation: Thursday’s highlights
Over at Geraldton, 3-year-old filly Gav Has Spoken (God Has Spoken) won on debut. At Newcastle, 3-year-old gelding Peace Centre (Written Tycoon) resumed with a win. He won on debut at two and had two misses in stakes company in his other two starts. Rapt (More Than Ready {USA}) won the Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier to gain a start in the $1 million final.
Kiwi slot horses have hit out in Listed race
Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott will run NZB Kiwi slot pair Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) and Checkmate (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in Saturday’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes. “Checkmate had 10 days in the paddock for a freshen-up, as did Sethito and now it’s just maintenance work going into this race,” O’Sullivan told Loveracing.nz.
“They’ve had one piece of work together but do most of their work separately, in saying that, they are pretty evenly matched.”
Cups bids for Group 2 winner About Time
Cambridge Stud’s 4-year-old mare About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah {USA}) will run in Saturday’s G3 Avondale Cup before heading to the G2 Auckland Cup. “She has obviously won her last three, she likes Ellerslie, and I am looking forward to it,” trainer Lance Noble told Loveracing.nz.
About Time (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright Race Images
“She had a bit of a break between the Dunstan Stayers’ Final and her last run, which has brought her on even more. She is looking well. She comes in well with her form being strong and dropping weight (to 53kg). It is a good recipe when they have carried weight and dropped it into the next one, although it is a class rise.
“All going well she will head to the Auckland Cup. At this time of year most of the horses have been in work for a long time and it has been a long, hot, dry summer. If you can keep them in good order, hopefully she has got a couple of good runs left in her.”
Durrant dispersal in upcoming Inglis Digital
The latest Inglis Digital catalogue is set to be released shortly and Inglis sent out a press release to say that there will be 47 lots from Durrant Breeding and Racing as part of a dispersal sale by WA trainer Adam Durrant.
This includes city-winning racehorses and broodmares in foal to the likes of Awesome Rock, Snippetson, and Universal Ruler.
Ka Ying Rising looking for hat trick of Group 1 wins
David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) will run in Sunday’s G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup aiming to make it three Group 1 wins in succession. “He hasn’t drawn a decent barrier for a while – it’s an incredible run of bad barriers,” Hayes told scmp.com of his barrier nine of the nine runners.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He’s got a couple of questions marks – the wide barrier, he’s never been seen at the distance and a new jockey, albeit a new jockey who’s won on him. I would have loved a more inside draw but that’s the way it is and he’s got a bit more time to the first bend at the 1400 metres. The biggest positive is he’s a bit of a freak and he overcomes things.”
Hong Kong dirt specialist will travel to Meydan
Hong Kong’s dirt winner Frankie Lor-trained Sword Point (American Pharoah {USA}) will travel to Dubai and run in the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan, but first he will run in Sunday’s G1 Gold Cup at Sha Tin. “There are no more dirt races for him here in Hong Kong, so I need to run him on Sunday and then after, maybe he will trial before we go to Dubai,” Lor told scmp.com.
Beauty Destiny makes it four at Happy Valley
Known for his bad manners last season, Frankie Lor-trained Beauty Destiny (Star Turn) has figured it out and made it four wins from his past five starts at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. “When he started racing, he trialled good and the jockeys said he was a really good horse,” Lor told scmp.com.
Beauty Destiny | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“But in his races, he would jump fast and go forward and couldn’t finish. He put his head up and swished his tail. Now he sits back, relaxes and settles and he’s like a totally different horse. I think he’s learning and the jockeys say every race he’s improving and improving.”
Goliath set for international program, John Stewart unhappy with Arc restrictions
Last year's King George hero Goliath (Ger) will make his 2025 bow in Hong Kong on Champions Day on April 27, according to an X post by the gelding's co-owner, John Stewart of Resolute Racing.
Stewart purchased a majority share in the son of Adlerflug (Ger) after he landed the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard last summer. Geldings remain barred from participating in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. “I am dedicated to international racing at the highest level,” Stewart told TDN Europe.
“I think the fans want to see the best horses compete in the top races. There are a lot of barriers to global competition and the sport needs to evolve. The Arc has become a substandard race compared to Royal Ascot, the Breeders' Cup, the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup, the Everest and other international races. I think the Arc could benefit from a rule change that would open the race to the best performing horses in the world.”
Interesting draws for stars in Saudi
Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), a Group 1 winner at the back end of 2024 in the Tokyo Daishoten and third in the G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Breeders' Cup Classic, will jump from the widest alley in barrier 14 for Saturday's G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Post positions were drawn Wednesday evening at the racecourse. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said, “I prefer the outside to the inside,” after selecting the widest gate.
Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) drew three. “We're happy with it,” James McDonald said of the draw. “We didn't come here with any expectation of a particular draw. He seems to be going really well on the dirt, all the team are very happy with him and my horse has really good gate speed.”
