The upcoming New Zealand National Breeding Awards on Saturday 26 July promises more than just a celebration of excellence in New Zealand’s thoroughbred community – it’s also a night to champion the future. Central to the evening is a fundraising initiative for the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship, a transformative programme that offers emerging Kiwi talent a nine-month global immersion in the racing and breeding industries. The experience has shaped the careers of more than 20 alumni, who now hold pivotal roles both at home and overseas. Continuing a proud tradition of investing in people, stallion nominations were previously auctioned in 2001 and 2012 to support the scholarship, and this year that generosity is on show once again. Three nominations will go under the hammer on the night, with proceeds going directly to the Sunline Scholarship. The nominations come courtesy of the Proisir Syndicate (Rich Hill Stud), Windsor Park Stud (Circus Maximus), and Cambridge Stud (Sword of State). Proisir, crowned champion sire for 2023–24, has emerged from modest beginnings to become a prolific source of Group 1 winners, with 11 individual stakes winners this season and yearlings fetching up to $1.1 million. Circus Maximus, a triple Gr1-winning European miler, is now making his presence felt through his first crop of two-year-olds, while Sword of State, the Gr1 Sistema winner and 2025’s leading first-season sire by yearling average, has produced young stock praised for their early speed and quality. The stallion farms behind the nominations all spoke to the scholarship’s importance. “The Sunline Management Scholarship gives young New Zealand horse people the chance to travel abroad, expand their knowledge and skillset and ultimately contribute to the New Zealand industry,” said John Thompson of Rich Hill Stud. “The Proisir Syndicate recognises the opportunity this creates for the next generation, and we are gifting this nomination to help future recipients carry on the legacy.” Cambridge Stud’s Scott Calder agreed: “You only need to look at the list of alumni and the positions they now hold to see the value the Sunline Scholarship provides to our industry.” Steve Till of Windsor Park Stud added, “We’ve always prided ourselves not just on investing in thoroughbreds, but in people. Supporting the Sunline Scholarship is our way of giving back to an industry that has given us so much.” Sunline Trust and NZTBA trustee Nick Johnson summed up the industry’s support: “The Sunline Scholarship has opened doors, broadened minds and built confidence in the leaders our industry needs. The support of Rich Hill, Windsor Park and Cambridge Stud shows what’s possible when our industry invests in its people.”
New Zealand-bred Ka Ying Rising as a foal (supplied)
There's a Spring in Andrew Forsman's Step
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Andrew Forsman heads into the new season with a strong cohort of young talent, optimistic that several up-and-comers in his Cambridge stable will handle the transition into more demanding age-group company. While pleased with his depth, he remains realistic about the steps required to develop promising juveniles into spring contenders. At Avondale on Wednesday, Forsman will be represented by Rio Grande (NZ) (Vadamos) and Eloise (NZ) (Iffraaj), both expected to run well as he continues a strong start to the 2024/25 term, already having prepared 55 winners – his best since the departure of former training partner Murray Baker. "I've got a few nice three-year-olds coming along, but where they get to in the spring will be race by race, it's hard to know which ones will cop the rigours of spring racing and the track conditions," Forsman said. One youngster already sparking interest is Quondo (Wootton Bassett), who won his only trial during the autumn. Shoebill (NZ) (Per Incanto), a filly Forsman holds in high regard, also showed ability when finishing runner-up in March. "I like her a lot, she may take a little bit more time in the spring though." Also tracking well are The Espy (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Fat Cat (Written Tycoon), both on the radar after solid juvenile campaigns. "The bulk of the horses in work are two and three-year-olds," Forsman said. The Espy was a winner and placed from three starts, while Fat Cat shaped with promise during his first prep. Among the older brigade, Moonlight Magic (NZ) (Almanzor) and Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) are returning after stakes-performed 3YO seasons. "I'm looking forward to those two, it's always hard when they perform well as three-year-olds to come back as four-year-olds," he said. "I thought they ran creditably without a lot of luck, and I really think as mature five-year-olds they will come into their own." Moonlight Magic captured the Gr3 Championship Stakes (2100m) and finished runner-up in the Gr1 Queensland Derby (2400m), while Mary Shan is a multiple stakes placegetter. Another rising five-year-old on the cusp is Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel), a four-time winner from eight starts, who is nearing a return. "He's got a good record and will either resume on Saturday week or at the next Te Rapa meeting," Forsman said. "He's on the cusp on becoming a genuine open class horse, he's been there against the winter gallopers and now he's got to prove it against the better spring horses."
Olentia Adds Heft to Upcoming MM Virtual Sale
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
A rare offering awaits breeders and investors alike when the outstanding racemare Olentia goes under the hammer at August’s Magic Millions Virtual Sale next month. The multiple stakes winner, trained by Chris Waller, boasts not only a glittering record on the track but also a pedigree that places her among the most coveted broodmare prospects in the country. Her most recent start was a third-place finish in the Gr1 Tattersall’s Tiara, capping a career that saw her defeat elite company including Amelia's Jewel, Manaal, Zougotcha, Fireburn and Magic Time. Olentia, a daughter of Widden Stud's Zoustar, was a $310,000 yearling purchase and more than delivered for her Star Thoroughbreds owners, earning nearly $1 million. Her stakes haul includes victories in the Gr2 Emancipation Stakes, Gr3 Nivison Stakes, and Gr3 James HB Carr Stakes. “She is a good, tough, sound and strong mare,” said Waller. “She is a great type – from conformation through to size and strength. She has a great temperament, great colour and has always been a healthy mare. She was an exciting racehorse who performed on all track surfaces.” Waller noted that mares like her are exactly the type buyers seek out for their yearling programs, regardless of who the progeny is by. The strength of her bloodlines further amplifies her value. Olentia is one of ten winners from ten runners produced by the blue hen mare Mabkhara, a dual-winning daughter of Anabaa. Mabkhara is also the dam of Gr3 winner Wandabaa, stakes performer Malkovich, and the black-type-placed Seewhatshebrings. As Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch observed, “Star Thoroughbreds have had a remarkable record with their fillies on the track and Olentia continued this trend during a wonderful career. Olentia is by a champion sire in Zoustar and is from the real blue hen producer in Mabkhara. Few mares with her racetrack record and pedigree come up for sale each year and this mare presents an incredible opportunity.” Bowditch acknowledged, “We are grateful to Denise Martin and her Star Thoroughbreds syndicate of owners for providing us with an opportunity to present Olentia at our Virtual Sale.” The 2025 Magic Millions August Virtual Sale will be held on Tuesday, August 5.
Olentia's credentials suggest a seven-figure sale price (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Bootlegger Given Tick of Approval for Sires
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Trainer Dan Clarken is keeping his expectations grounded ahead of Saturday's Gr3 SA Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), but that doesn't mean he's short on confidence. The co-trainer of Bootlegger, a gelding by Too Darn Hot, believes the progressive youngster is on the up following a smart maiden win at Gawler and is ready to take another step forward in the two-year-old feature. "He hasn't taken any step back from the other day," Clarken told racingsa.com.au. "You think they might need a break, but they can surprise you by putting on weight, and sometimes the racing can toughen them up. He's certainly done that between the two runs. He's still not there in the coat, so there's more to come from him." Bootlegger has been steadily building after earlier immaturity held him back, with Clarken explaining the gelding had dealt with bone-related immaturity and repeated shin soreness. "We actually thought he might be a bit earlier than what he is, but he was a bit immature through the bone and kept going shin sore. From what we see, he's going to be worth waiting for. He's got gears." Clarken, who trains in partnership with Oopy McGillivray, has already celebrated a Group 3 juvenile win this season with Steel Trap in the David Coles Stakes and sees Bootlegger as capable of producing something similar. "I'm happy to be going there on Saturday because I don't think there are any superstars there," he said. "It's a good race for him and he's a versatile horse, he has the tactical speed if he needs it, but we've seen him run well from behind as well." Thoughm acknowledging the different physical make-up of Bootlegger compared to Steel Trap, Clarken believes the two aren't far apart on raw talent. "He's a different type of horse than Steel Trap; she's a bit tougher, and she obviously got there earlier than he did too. But there wouldn't be a great deal between them on natural ability." Thirteen juveniles have been nominated for the Group 3 feature, with runners from both South Australia and Victoria including Oaklands Plate placegetters Ethereum Girl and Kazaru. The field may also feature debut winners Volkano from the Tony and Calvin McEvoy yard and Savannah Chill for Lindsay Park. For Clarken, who has learned to "go with the flow and let them lead the way," Bootlegger may just prove the next smart two-year-old to rise to the occasion.
Andrews Cuts to The Chase with Deel Her In
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Trainer Trevor Andrews didn't hesitate when Peter Morley asked about the future of rising star Deel Her In. "Aim high," came the reply – a two-word endorsement that says plenty about the regard in which the Belhus Racing filly is held. Morley, the syndication supremo behind Western Australia's longest-serving racehorse syndication company, has good reason to be optimistic, reveals racingwa.com.au. The Dundeel filly made a big impression in her debut campaign, particularly with a blistering last-to-first win in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1500m) at Ascot, showcasing a turn of foot that stamped her as a serious carnival contender. That explosive performance was enough to justify the $110,000 price tag paid by Morley at the 2023 Inglis Easter Sale for the daughter of exceptional Arrowfield sire Dundeel. With Shaun O'Donnell swinging her wide on straightening, Deel Her In surged clear, underlining her class. She hasn't raced since that Challenge Stakes triumph, with Andrews opting to bypass the Natasha Stakes and WA Oaks in favour of giving her time off. "She had a bit of remodelling of the knees and needed some time out," Morley told Tabradio. "With me it's all about ability and longevity. If they need the time, they need the time." After four months off, Deel Her In returned to work two weeks ago, starting with a week on the walker before beginning ridden work last week. Deel Her In now shapes as a key player for the upcoming Pinnacles carnival — potentially providing a perfect complement to Belhus Racing's banner performer, Hemlock Stone. The Dalghar gelding shocked punters when taking out the Perth Cup on New Year's Day with a devastating run from the tail. He's since run with merit in both the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m), but Morley has decided against sending him east. "We've made the decision not to pursue the Melbourne Cup thing," he said. "It's a bit disappointing because he was very unlucky with those races that were transferred away from Belmont Park. I'm sure he would have won two of those races, but he didn't and that's that." Instead, Grant Williams has advised keeping Hemlock Stone at home to chase major Ascot targets like the Railway Stakes, Northerly and Ted Van Heemst before a Perth Cup title defence. Belhus Racing's strong 2025 continues to roll with Desert Whisper adding to the team's momentum. The speedy Rommel filly scored a second consecutive 1000m win at Bunbury on Saturday, with the rich Summer Scorcher now firmly on the radar.
Murphy Speaks after Massive BHA Sanction
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Oisin Murphy has spoken publicly for the first time since a drink-driving crash in April left him facing court, media scrutiny and personal fallout, describing the ordeal as "a nightmare for everyone involved". The four-time champion jockey, who has continued to ride through the storm – including a five-win haul at Royal Ascot – says he is determined not to repeat the mistake and wants to repay the BHA for its support. Murphy was fined £70,000 and disqualified from driving for 20 months after his case was heard at Reading Magistrates' Court earlier this month. It was revealed he had a single-vehicle accident in April, his car leaving the road and striking a tree. On Friday, the BHA confirmed that "an extremely strict set of conditions" had been imposed on Murphy's riding licence, effective immediately. While licensing details are usually confidential, the BHA said Murphy must comply with "detailed and strict procedures relating to further enhanced testing, both on and off the racecourse". Speaking after riding a winner at Windsor on Monday night, Murphy told Sky Sports Racing: "It's very important not to make that error again. It was a nightmare, particularly for everyone involved, not just myself, but the people who had to pick up the pieces and my support network. Time is a great healer but I won't be forgetting about that mistake." He praised the BHA's handling of the situation, saying: "They never disclose licence information. I'm not the first jockey to drink and drive or commit offences. It's obviously more high profile because of the profile I have. Those incidences should never occur, but the BHA has been fantastic to work with and I really appreciate what they've done to help me. I want to repay them." Murphy also spoke about the counselling he's undertaken, both before and since the crash. "I have been [in counselling] for the last four years," he said. "I had very good spells due to that support network and I've relied on it an awful lot since late April and before. I've got to thank those people because they've gone above and beyond when that process hasn't been very easy." He confirmed the female passenger involved in the crash was "really well" and criticised the media's treatment of the case. "There was going to be a lot said in the media and it's important not to allow the media to bully you too much because you can get very down," he said. "Not everyone wants one to achieve, there's a lot of jealousy out there… but I worked all my life to ride good horses and I'll continue to do that. The only thing that can inhibit me… is myself."
1122 Days and Waiting for Import Latin Lover
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Should Latin Lover manage to salute at Sandown in Melbourne on Wednesday, it will be a triumph rooted in lessons handed down from the late Robbie Laing, reports racenet.com.au. Laing, who passed away unexpectedly last month, was renowned for extraordinary training feats, most famously nursing Sir Pentire through a two-year injury layoff to win the 2009 Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool. One young horseman who paid close attention was Angus Townley, now using that hard-won wisdom in his own career. "If you're going to rehab a tendon horse, make sure it's at least a group horse," Laing told him. With Latin Lover, Townley may well have just that. mThe Pakenham-based trainer has poured time and patience into the imported sprinter, who hasn't raced in more than three years. "I only need to get him to win over 1000m at Flemington," Townley said. "Robbie got his horse to win over 5000m and that's amazing." Latin Lover, a son of Starspangledbanner, last raced at Royal Ascot in 2022, where he beat 26 rivals in a Rating 105 sprint. He was sold for 210,000 guineas before being sent to Hong Kong but never raced there. After landing in Australia and being transferred to Clinton McDonald, Latin Lover again broke down – this time doing his second tendon. "When I got him a year ago, he'd had two bowed tendons," Townley explained. "He was very up in the air. He had sarcoids on his stomach, which is sort of like a cancer thing, so we had to have those lasered off." Townley's approach has been all about minimising impact. "We ran him out in a seven-acre paddock with our mares for six months at one point," he said. "We brought him in, rehabbed him, water walked him and all that stuff, but he's never taken a backward step. I pretty much hand-walked him at the track for over six weeks and had him in the pool and on the water walker, then we gave him another spell." The now six-year-old has had just three proper gallops since and only two jumpouts – the latest on July 1 on what Townley called "bottomless" ground at Pakenham. Wednesday's MRC Membership Feel The Thrill Handicap (1000m) will be Latin Lover's first run in 1122 days, and punters have marked him a $18 chance. "It's been three years since he's raced so he's entitled to be a bit ring rusty first-up, but I think he'll still put in a nice performance," Townley enthused. "I'm expecting a big run on Wednesday but if he could go there and win, he'd be doing it on class alone, not fitness. Getting a metropolitan win with this horse would definitely be a feather in the cap…"
Aw-Shucks Moment for Never-Say-Die Hoop
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Evan Taiaroa had to wait until the age of 47 to taste his first win in the saddle, but the moment was worth every second. Aboard Grand Prospect at Woodville on Sunday, the amateur jockey saluted for Foxton-based trainer Sue Walsh and, in doing so, paid tribute to a family legacy steeped in racing. "It was great to finally get the monkey off the back," Taiaroa said after the breakthrough win, which came decades after he first dreamed of following in his father Arnold's footsteps. Horses have been in Taiaroa's blood since childhood, despite initial family reluctance. "Dad showed me the ropes when I was six to about 12 years old," he recalled. "My mother was really against it because she didn't want me to get hurt." As a boy, he was already helping his father while he rode for Bill Skelton. "I was riding them in the yard and Mum didn't even like me doing that," he said. Though Arnold Taiaroa had to push hard to get his son started, Evan always felt the pull. "I always had a passion because I wanted to be with Dad, with the horses, and making Dad proud." He began an apprenticeship in the 2006-07 season, working under Errol Skelton in Levin and later with Noel Waddell at Trentham. But weight was a hurdle too difficult to overcome. "I was sitting at around 58-59kg as a four-and-a-half kilo claimer. I couldn't get my weight down, no matter how much I dieted, and back in those days if you couldn't claim your weight you weren't going to get put on." With dreams derailed, Taiaroa stepped away from race-day riding for more than ten years. The spark returned when his daughter Temyia began her riding career. "I made a comeback when my daughter Temyia started riding and I was based with Suzy Gordon then, who gave me my first ride back," he said. "Seeing Temyia out there rekindled the love of the horses." Now a fully-fledged jockey, Temyia is taking a break but plans to return. "She had the same feeling as myself, wanting to make us proud and carry on that legacy." Taiaroa is now in his fifth season riding as an amateur and enjoys the atmosphere the class brings. "There is no pressure and it is a good class to have for up-and-coming riders to lead onto an apprenticeship," he said. As for what lies ahead, he's simply enjoying the moment. "I will keep kicking on until the body gives up," he emphasised.
Heathcote Calls a Spade a Spade from Canada
Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Intrepid traveller – this time he's sojourning in Canada – Robert Heathcote admits this could be the end of the line for Prince Of Boom, unless the troubled gelding delivers something special in Wednesday's $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton. Once a rising star who claimed the Group 3 WJ Healy Stakes two years ago, Prince Of Boom hasn't won since and continues to battle chronic hoof issues, according to punters.com.au. Now six, he faces a horror draw in barrier 20 and a future that hinges on this performance. "His desire is still there but his feet are causing him problems," Heathcote said. "Certainly, Prince Of Boom, his future is clouded unless he can recover his old form." Jockey Aaron Bullock takes the reins in what shapes as a tough ask, while Heathcote's other runner, The Big Goodbye, also returns in the Ramornie, which he won as a 5YO in 2023. The Big Goodbye has been given time to get over a hoof infection, similar to that which struck stablemate Rothfire ahead of the Stradbroke. "It's fair to say they're past their best but if they can recover some of their past form then they're going to be competitive," Heathcote said. Both horses are rated $11 chances in early markets. Brisbane rival Kelly Schweida withdrew last-start Healy Stakes winner Metalart on Monday after the gelding drew poorly in barrier 19. Metalart had been a $5.50 chance prior to the draw. Meanwhile, the Richard Litt-trained Barber heads betting at $4 from barrier four, the ex-Godolphin sprinter having scored in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford in May. Heathcote, speaking from abroad while on holiday, said Prince Of Boom needs to find something fast after finishing last in the Healy on June 28 at Eagle Farm. "He's an ongoing source of frustration but I reckon we've got him right going into this race," he said. With $1.4 million in the bank and undeniable class, Prince Of Boom still carries the backing of his trainer, but Heathcote knows talk is cheap. "On his best day, he would beat these," he said. "I can shout from the highest mountain saying 'he's spot-on' but we won't really know until he's under pressure at the 300m mark." One of Queensland's most talented sprinters not long ago, Prince Of Boom now faces the toughest test of all: proving he still belongs.
Talented Spirit of Boom (orange cap) has struggled with hoof issues (pic: Eureka Stud)
