News Briefs : July 12

Ward gets first win, with her own horse

What a thrill it was for Alison Ward when Tornado Banner, a horse she bought at the 2019 Yearling Sales, gave her her first training success at Addington on Friday night. The Bettor's Delight five-year-old went to the front for Sarah O'Reilly and managed to stave off a fast finishing Rosie Richter. It was the mare's fourth start. Ward, who's originally from Perth, has been in New Zealand since 2017 and works for the All Stars stable as well as preparing a small team herself.

The Bulldog available to NZ breeders

The world's fastest horse Bulldog Hanover is going to be available to Australasian breeders this breeding season. The 2022 US Harness horse of the year, who posted the new world record of 1:45.8 for ex pat Kiwi driver Dexter Dunn, is part of the Empire Stallions roster and will be available to breeders in this part of the world via frozen semen.

Stallion expos early next month

The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders' Association Stallion Expos are fast approaching, with the first of them kicking off at Alexandra Park on Friday August 4, followed by Addington Raceway on Sunday, August 6 and then Ascot Park, Invercargill on Tuesday August 8. For those wanting more information - [email protected]

Battle for minors in trainers' premiership

While Robert and Jenna Dunn have a commanding lead at the top of the trainers' premiership the battle is heating up for the minors. Team Dunn has 67 victories in 2023, with Michael House and Mark and Nathan Purdon next on 39, and Mark Jones one behind on 38. Blair Orange is well ahead in his quest for another drivers' premiership with 87 wins, with John Dunn on 64.

Catch A Wave back at Melton

Catch A Wave has starred in his first public hit out since his Miracle Mile win in March with an impressive trial win at Melton yesterday. He ran his last half in around 54, winning by a length. The son of Captaintreacherous is the second favourite to win the Eureka on September behind Queensland star Leap To Fame. The third favourite is Captain Ravishing who's likely to be back racing again next month, with Greg Sugars booked as his driver this campaign. Superstar North American trotter On A Streak also made a surprise appearance at the Melton trials. He's being prepared for a return to the race track after covering around 100 mares during his first season at stud in Australia.

Turnovers for past week

Turnover at Addington on Friday night surpassed $1m. The total for the 10 races was $1,073,503 with a GBR (Gross Betting Revenue) of 26.9%, while Thursday at Cambridge's turnover was $541K at 13.9% and Addington on Sunday was $724K at 25.2%.