Kiwi Chronicles
Dynasty
Video of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Cambridge Stud in 1990 is a timely reminder, not only of the Queen’s passion for horse racing and horse breeding, but also that dynasties exist outside of the Royal Family. Sir Patrick Hogan was present at his “old” stud last week when the New Zealand Thoroughbred... Read More
More from Kiwi Chronicles
One is good, two is better
When breeder Don Goodwin purchased Opulence (Danroad) for $14,000 out of the 2011 New Zealand Bloodstock Broodmare Sale, could he have dreamed that one of her foals would capture 11 Group 1 wins, including a magnificent Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) in such devastating fashion? Yes, he could. Goodwin intentionally put in place an experiment.... Read More
One of us
Our industry lost one its most ardent supporters last week. From an early age, Her Majesty The Queen understood the attraction of the thoroughbred and, following on from her father, King George VI, and grandfather, King George V, became, not only enamoured, but deeply involved. Saturday’s issue of ANZ Bloodstock News featured a wonderful tribute... Read More
Excitement building
Barely a month into the new season and already the juices are flowing. Moonee Valley’s weight-for-age classic championship, the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040), is just next month, albeit the fourth Saturday of next month. However, the field is developing into another gem. It’s been a decade since a New Zealand-bred horse won the Cox... Read More
Breathing different air
Te Akau Racing’s latest star, Imperatriz (I Am Invincible), has some way yet to go to match the exploits of former stablemates Melody Belle (Commands) and Avantage (Fastnet Rock), but on Saturday’s electric performance, when bolting away with the Foxbridge Plate (Gr 2, 1200m), the four-year-old clearly has all the makings of a champion. Her... Read More
Will to win
Lickety Split (Turn Me Loose) knows where the line is. The tough filly doesn’t win by much, but she fights like a tigress, a trait she has displayed in all three of her victories. A winning trial (late January at Ellerslie) was followed by her race debut, also at Ellerslie (February 19), where she co-led... Read More