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News
First winner for Chianti
Winner for Chianti (IRE)
Chianti (IRE) Danehill x Sabaah) registered his first win as a sire on Saturday when Tuscan Spirit (NZ) defeated He’s Licarocket (NZ) at Tauranga.
Tuscan Spirit (NZ) had earlier this month won a barrier trial at Counties by eight lengths.
Chianti (IRE), a full brother to Desert King displayed good two year old form winning his first two starts and placing in the Group Two Champagne Stakes and showed progressive form at Group Level at three and four years of age.
“Obviously his brother Desert King has shown that he best leaves horses getting over ground with a bit of age so it is a promising start for Chianti to produce a very nice autumn two year old” said Te Runga Studmaster Wayne Larsen.
Chianti (IRE) has punched well above his weight division in the sales ring and has sold up to $70,000 and was leading Auckland based first season sire at the NZB Weanling sale.
Owned by a partnership of prominent Hamilton Accountant Chris Luoni, Hall of Fame member Lance O’Sullivan and South Australian identity Bill Crabbe, Chianti (IRE) stands at Te Runga Stud for a fee of $3,500 plus GST.
Chianti (IRE) is represented by four weanlings at next months New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale. To view click here. Relocation to SYDNEY
de Kabat Bloodstock is moving to Sydney, Australia on 7 May 2008.
The move is prompted by the relocation to Sydney of one of the business owners (Brennan Daly). Brennan is an Australia citizen who has spent 8 years in NZ working for an Australian company, Transfield Services. During that time, he met horse enthusiast and owner, Renée Geelen. Together they formed de Kabat Bloodstock.
Brennan and Renee have two delightful young boys, Vincent (3) and Keegan (2), and the family is looking forward to the move to Sydney.
The relocation means the bloodstock owned by the company will be sold, and the business will concentrate on the advice and statistical consulting to the industry for the short to medium term. It is our intention to get back into the business of breeding horses, but this may be a longer term plan with more emphasis put on quality bloodstock. Get your broodmare analysed
With the breeding season only a few weeks away, it's time to get your broodmares pedigrees analysed. You'll get a professional report with up to date catalogue information, sales data, family commentary, and a selection of five suitable stallions. Contact Renee at dekabat@xtra.co.nz for your report. Wanted: broken yearlings and 2YOs
I have a client who is looking for correct, unbroken yearling and 2YO colts or geldings. His price is up to $NZ10,000. Please contact me at dekabat@xtra.co.nz with information if you have horses for sale that fit this description. Get your yearlings analysed now
Pedigree analysis for yearlings - either pre-purchase or vendors wishing for extra information to help with marketing.
The analysis will include seven generation inbreeding, dosage analysis, family background and suitability of sire to family, sire statistics and sales prices for two generations.
Priced at $40plusGST per yearling with discounts for more than 30 yearlings.
Comes packaged with extra data in a great looking folder.
Horse Genetics Book out now
A publication put out by the NZ Equine Research Foundation, this book on Horse Genetics is a must for all breeders. Starting with the basics of inheritance, simple genetic theory and colour genetics; the book goes on to discuss pedigree patterns, genetics of performance and equine diseases. The book is easy to read and a good laymans outline of genetics and their relevance to horse breeders. For a copy, contact the Foundation here: mailto:manawatu.racing@xtra.co.nz?subject=Horse%20Genetics%20BookMandela (Ebony Grosve) to Melbourne Cup
2 October 2006
Mandela (NZ) (Ebony Grosve x Wairongoa Belle by Sea Anchor) took a step closer to a tilt at the $5.1 million, Group I, Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 7 with a stylish win over 1600m at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Pukekohe trainer Richard Yuill said Mandela (NZ) remained a contender for the Melbourne Cup and is also entered for the Caulfield Cup (2400m).
"His owners are keen to have a crack at the Melbourne Cup," Yuill said. "They have never had a horse race in Australia before and how often do you get a horse good enough to run in the Melbourne Cup."
"He only has 50kg in the Cups which makes him very competitive," he said.
Mandela (NZ) finished second in the Mercedes New Zealand Derby (2400m) as a three-year-old. However, after suffering a case of Selenium poisoning, the best of Mandela (NZ) was not seen last season.
The five-year-old is raced by Kaiawa couple David and Elizabeth Olsen who also owned top two-year-old Flying Babe (Flying Spur x Cast Your Fate) who won the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m).
NZTM Update.
| Mandela into serious Melbourne Cup contention |
26 Oct 2006 |
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| By Rob Burnet |
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The $150,000, Group III, Petstock Geelong Cup (2400m) was won in handsome style by the New Zealand bred and trained Mandela (NZ) on Wednesday at Geelong’s spring feature meeting.
Mandela, trained by Richard Yuill at Waiuku, Auckland, and ridden by Craig Williams, showed a turn of foot that changes the calculations for the 2006 Emirates Melbourne Cup over 3200m on Tuesday, November 7th.
Williams, who was won both the meeting’s features after riding Gorky Park (NZ) (Montjeu) in the Geelong Classic, positioned Mandela perfectly sitting in second behind Cefalu through out the journey.
Once into the main straight Williams set Mandela alight and from 200m out the five-year-old belied his age and staying status with a turn of foot that left the field floundering. They passed the wining post with a comfortable 1 3/4L to spare.
Vanquished (Hector Protector) carrying 57.5kg was second and $3.80 race favourite Drac’s Back (Dracula) carrying 53kg was third, the margin 1/2L. The time was 2.28.29. Mandela paid $21.80 on STAB.
Of the other New Zealand trained runners Kerry O’Reilly finished fourth, Pentane a disappointing 12th and Envoy 13th.
“The major mission we came with was to get to the Cup,” said Yuill.
“He showed brilliance in the run today, so if he can settle like that as well I do not think there will be a problem with the distance of the Melbourne Cup.
“He is a five-year-old now and being by Ebony Grosve he will get better with age.
“I am very excited and you dream about having a runner in the Melbourne Cup when you are in New Zealand,” he said.
“He gave me a lovely feel and ride today,” said Williams.
“Even the Clerk of the Course said on the way down that he was the pick of the horses in the mounting yard.
“He strode away from them. A lovely horse and I would think a big opportunity in the Cup,” he added.
Mandela was bred to stay being by the Grosvenor (Sir Tristram) sire Ebony Grosve (NZ ) out of the Sea Anchor mare Wairongoa Belle (NZ ). He was good enough to run second to Xcellent in the New Zealand Derby and come with good form from New Zealand with a recent win at Ellerslie over 1600m on September 30th, and second at Hastings over 2040m on October 7th.
After carrying 53kg on Wednesday he drops to his Emirates Melbourne Cup weight of 50kg, and although he will receive a penalty for the Geelong Cup win it will not be 3kg giving him a luxury weight over the 3200m in comparison to Wednesday.
There will now be searching looks at the top weights headed by some of the international horses, and the trans-Tasman winner on perhaps 52kg.
Mandela is owned by Mr and Mrs D E Olsen and he has raced 18 times for five wins and seven places, with stakes exceeding $280,000.
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First SW for San Luis
Star Of Luis, a three-year-old son of San Luis, broke through for a deserved stakes win at Rosehill last Saturday.
Trained by Rick Worthington and ridden by Larry Cassidy, Star Of Luis completed a double when taking the Listed $A120,000 Heritage Stakes (1200m) by a length and three-quarters.
Star Of Luis was bought for $A16,000 at the 2005 Inglis Sires' Produce Sale and has always been held in high regard by his connections.
After running second in his debut as a two-year-old last season, his next two starts were both in stakes races, the latest effort resulting in a fourth in the Gr II STC Darley Pago Pago Stakes on April 1.
Star Of Luis was given a spell after that placing and resumed on a high note when clearing maiden ranks by two and a half lengths over 1080 metres at Canberra in his leadup to last Saturday's stakes win.
Star Of Luis is from the Woodborough mare Woodland Nymph, who is a grand-daughter of the Gr I Irish 1000 Guineas winner Miralla.
de Kabat Bloodstock owned Xianthe (Woodborough) was booked to San Luis earlier in the season, and the mating will produce a foal bred on the same cross as Star of Luis. NZTR Northern Forum: dawn of a new era?
Susan Archer of the NZTBA writes: "We’re not going to invest in 52 venues any longer." That statement by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chairman Guy Sargent was the most significant of several announcements made at NZTR’s Northern Forum, held at Te Rapa on Thursday 2 June.
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| Guy Sargent, Chairman of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing |
It was a long overdue acceptance of a major recommendation made by the McCarthy Royal Commission on Racing: For too long the industry has consumed its energies, and its betting public, with too many courses, and in some areas, too many days racing. Courses and dates must be used to best advantage.
The McCarthy Report was published in 1970. Thirty-six years may be an instant in geological time, but for the New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry it has been an agonising age of decline and loss measured by every key indicator: attendances, betting turnover, gaming market share, bloodstock investment, returns to owners, trainers’ and jockeys’ incomes.
Seeing NZTR finally present evidence of New Zealand racing’s failure to provide competitive returns to owners should be cause for celebration, after years of collective leadership denial. However, it’s impossible not to have a sense of profound regret for the opportunities and many outstanding people lost to an industry that has taken far, far too long to confront its problems, and embrace new opportunities.
A new age of progress now seems possible, thanks to sustained political lobbying, a new Racing Minister who has delivered equitable taxation on race wagering and realistic depreciation rates for bloodstock, and NZTR’s dawning recognition of its responsibility to provide dynamic business leadership for the entire thoroughbred industry. Reduced taxation of wagering will give an anticipated $32.4 million boost to the New Zealand’s Racing Board’s 2006-07 income. This will be allocated according to the recommendations of the Racing Board’s Jackson Report, published last year: Wagering – returns to punters - $4.1 million
Infrastructure investment - $8.3 million
Returns to owners - $20 million
Funding of better returns to punters will be left with the Racing Board which operates the TAB. The allocation of the remaining $28.3 million to thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing will be determined this month, after the three codes have made detailed submissions to the Board. The NZTR board will sign off on its submission on 13 June; the Racing Board meets on 20 June; and a public announcement should be made by 1 July.
Although NZTR’s presentation did not state the total amount it is asking for, it did announce an $11.8 million (27%) increase in its own total available funding for next season. In addition NZTR would request direct funding from the Racing Board of $1.685 million to fund the "Free Racing" initiative (refer below). Chief Executive Paul Bittar confirmed that the additional income would not necessarily be allocated to the three codes under the Section 16 formula of the Racing Act.
Highlights of NZTR’s funding proposals are:
- $1.685 million applied to the "Free Racing" initiative, which will eliminate nomination & acceptance fees for standard races. This will save owners an estimated $2.8 million p.a., and a further $300,000 in GST leakage (ie GST paid by the 85% of owners who are not GST-registered and therefore cannot claim it back). Scratching and withdrawal fees will be applied to standard races, to encourage owners and trainers to start horses in races they are entered for. NZTR will request funding for this initiative directly from the Racing Board, not as part of the thoroughbred code’s share of distributed income.
- The minimum prizemoney for Group One races will be $150,000; for Group 2 races, $100,000. Minimum stake levels for Group 3 and Listed Races have yet to be determined. Nomination and acceptance fees will apply to all Group & Listed Races.
- Higher minimum stakes will apply to all races and meetings, including maiden races, which will increase in base value from $5,000 to $6,000. The maiden subsidy of $100 per unplaced starter (approximately $750 per race) will remain in place for 2006-07. NZTR estimates the benefit of Free Racing at $1000 per race, giving an indicative total return to owners for maiden races of $7750.
One note of caution: the benefit of the Free Racing initiative for owners may be lessened by increases in training fees which have been held at uneconomic levels because of poor prizemoney. The New Zealand Trainers’ Association confirms that some trainers have already raised their fees in anticipation of increased stakes.
Other industry priorities identified by NZTR include:
- Education & training identified as a "core function" of NZTR - Paul Bittar commented, "Where are our jockeys going to come from? Our current system won’t deliver them. We must link with the school curriculum and attract them younger than 15 or 16."
- A strong focus on integrity - Mr Bittar noted the shortage of on-course integrity staff in New Zealand compared with Australia. New Zealand’s Rules of Racing also need "a complete overhaul."
- Infrastructure investment – Gary Foskett has been employed on a 12-month contract as NZTR’s track and venue consultant. Mr Bittar said, "We need to review opportunities for all-weather tracks. Thirty per cent of UK flat meetings are now held on all-weather surfaces."
NZTR's summary of refunds and abandonments for the past 12 months confirmed that thoroughbred racing is the highest cost and highest risk operator of the three codes. Thoroughbred losses on 13 abandoned meetings totalled a startling $21.35 million in turnover, compared with losses suffered by harness racing ($1.5 million) and greyhound racing ($0.85 million).
- Strategic Venue Plan - this proposal, to identify venues that will be industry-funded, presents obvious difficulties for NZTR, whose board includes seven members elected by club committees. It presents a stern test of NZTR’s resolve and of the Racing Board’s ability to make decisions in the best interests of the industry, rather than particular clubs, groups or regions.
Paul Bittar emphasised that non-strategic venues with strong community support can be highly successful. An example is Lockhart in New South Wales, which holds a very popular annual picnic race meeting. Board members Alistair Sutherland added that clubs can thrive without their own venues, citing the South Waikato Racing Club as a great example of that.
- Better returns to punters - are crucial in the battle to be competitive against unlicensed betting operators, for example, bookmakers in Australia’s Northern Territory. Co-mingling of pools offer opportunities to improve better returns, because bigger pools mean better value.
Paul Bittar said, "I don’t believe there’s only a limited amount of money available for race wagering. We depend on wagering for our survival. We must increase wagering on racing, and that will increase returns to the industry.
"Let’s look at different models for presenting wagering and the sport, for example by using different television feeds for different customers."
Priorities for NZTR’s internal operations include:
- Better customer service
- Website re-development and expanded online services
- Commitment to training and development of staff. Mr Bittar said, "I’ve been surprised by the lack of investment in people and infrastructure. This has left us at a critical point. We must invest in resources to lift standards."
Towards the end of the Forum, Alistair Sutherland, who will play a crucial role in presenting thoroughbred racing’s case for funding at Racing Board level, noted that in his experience fact, rather than emotion, is the best basis for presenting arguments. He’s absolutely right.
Yet the facts of New Zealand racing’s decline have been obvious for years, and for years nothing effective was done to reverse it.
The thoroughbred industry’s current billion-dollar contribution to New Zealand’s GDP hasn’t been generated by the prospect of excellent incomes, careers, prizemoney or investment returns. It’s been driven largely by the love of horses and passion for horse-racing displayed by thousands of New Zealand owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, clubs and stud & stable workers over the past three decades.
And without the anger and distress which motivated the individuals and sector groups behind last year’s Fair Tax campaign, and Winston Peters’ enthusiasm and concern for racing, there would be no additional income for the Racing Board to distribute, or for the code boards to spend.
And that's a fact.
Notes:
The Northern Forum was led by NZTR Chairman Guy Sargent. NZTR board members in attendance at Te Rapa were: Peter Hutt (NZTBA director), John Rennie (NZ Racehorse Owners’ Federation director), Colin Jenkins (Northern region director) and Alistair Sutherland (Northern region director, and thoroughbred code representative on the Racing Board).
NZTR’s line-up was completed by Paul Bittar, appointed Chief Executive last November, and Simon Cooper, General Manager – Communications. New Zealand Trainers’ Association director Graeme Sanders was unable to attend due to illness.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing plans to scrap nomination and acceptance fees for all races other than black-type events and to lift Gr. 1 races to a minimum of $150,000 next season.
AEI article published ››
The NZTBA asked Renee to write an article about the Average Earnings Index.
Goldfinger Girl wins Wyndham Cup ››
Goldfinger Girl, a seven year old daughter of Lady Version, won the Wyndham Cup by a neck ...
Racing industry makes Fair Tax stand ››
By Dennis Ryan |
18 May 2005 |
Wednesday's Avondale race meeting saw the racing industry make its first move in a strategy aimed at highlighting government indifference and turning it into an election issue.
The next act for the New Zealand thoroughbred industry ››
The announcement last week by the New Zealand Government that there would be no adjustment to the tax status of the New Zealand racing industry in the Government’s coming budget has produced the inevitable disappointment in the thoroughbred
A horse called FART ››
By Leo Molloy |
17 May 2005 |
Apologies to Tim Barton for hijacking his excellent piece in last weeks Dom but mates can do that, so heres the story..
Stuck in the Stalls ››
By Tim Barton (Dominion Post) |
15 May 2005 |
The much hyped racing hybrid Tax Relief is expected to be at long odds in next week's Budget.
Time to bang on doors says NZTR chairman ››
By Dennis Ryan |
15 May 2005 |
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chairman Guy Sargent has called for industry stakeholders to canvas their local politicians as a means of gaining support for what he sees as racing’s rightful share of the pie
NZRB to introduce starters fee ››
The New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) will introduce a starters' fee for non-stakes finishers in maiden galloping races from the start of next season (August 1).
Ebony Grosve 1993 - 2005 ››
By John Hutchinson |
04 May 2005 |
No sooner had Kevin Moses’ promising two year old Kincharm gone past the post on Saturday than I promised myself to do a piece on his sire, the 1997 AJC Australian Derby winner, Ebony Grosve, whose relocation from New Zealand to Paul Higgins
Kincharm earns winter trip to Brisbane ››
By By Rob Burnet |
30 Apr 2005 |
Randwick trainer Kevin Moses declared himself ‘very happy’ after his two-year-gelding Kincharm (NZ) comfortably won the $60,000, NRL 'That’s My Team' Handicap (1200m) at the Sydney Turf Club’s meeting at Rosehill on Saturday.
Xianthe: Half brother in top five lots ››
In a difficult weanling market, Xianthe's half brother by Desert Fox was the fifth top lot of the Westbury Dispersal sale. He is a strongly made grey colt who made 2.8 times the sale average of $2,897 for 82 lots. Desert Fox is a son of Champion S
Xianthe: Trial Result ››
Xianthe had a really good hitout today.
Exploza: Out for a short spell ››
Exploza has been racing below her ability over this summer and the hard tracks are to blame. She pulled up a bit sore after her run at Paeroa today and will be spelled for 3-4 weeks. This will give her plenty of time to recover from the run as wel
Exploza vs Xianthe?? ››
Exploza and Xianthe may clash on Sunday 30 Jan at Te Teko over 1100m.
Nice 4th fresh up at Taupo ››
Exploza ran a nice race for 4th at Taupo yesterday, being just nosed out of third by Toey Zoe (ridden by Karl's wife Lisa). First was highly regarded Secret Kash and second was Hong Kong returnee Guarding Angel. Guarding Angel won two trials as a
Xianthe: 2nd at Pirongia Trials ››
Xianthe flew out of the gate to lead by 4 or 5 lengths down the back straight. She was trucking along in front, looking like she was doing it easily. Coming into the corner, she started to hang a little, but the jockey slowed her up and sent her a
Trial win for Exploza ››
Good news for her syndicate, as Exploza won easily today
Xianthe: change of trainer ››
Xianthe has been moved north to Chris Wood at Cambridge. The main reason for this change was to get access to a swimming pool for her. She continues to be troubled by arthritis in her left knee, and showed some signs on tendon trouble after her fi
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