News Briefs - May 6

Next Gen and Harness 5000 eligibility for the weanling sales, an on-farm parade at Woodlands, and the return of the only trotter to have beaten Keayang Zahara all feature in this week's News Briefs.

Who's Next Gen and Harness 5000 eligible?

May's NZB Standardbred National Online Weanling Sale will feature seven Next Gen and 13 Harness 5000-eligible horses. A total of 45 weanlings will go up for sale on gavelhouse from May 23-30.

To see the complete list click here

To find out more about the on-line weanling sale click here

Woodlands to host on-farm parade

Woodlands Stud will open its gates to buyers and industry participants this Saturday (May 9) and host an on-farm parade ahead of the Gavelhouse Standardbred On-line Weanling Sale. The parade will begin at 11am at 60 Hamlin Road, Papakura. It will feature Woodlands Stud’s 2026 draft of 22 weanlings, alongside five weanlings from Alabar. For further information, please contact Woodlands Stud or the NZB Standardbred team.

Paddock To Podium update  

A third of the way through 2026, and so far more than 1000 horses have earned more $500,000 in breeding credits under HRNZ's Paddock to Podium scheme. The scheme offers a 5% credit to the listed breeder of all prize money won by NZ-foaled 2YO - 6YO horses finishing 1st to 4th in all races in New Zealand, other than in Group and Listed races. For Group and Listed races, $1000 will be split among the breeders of horses finishing 1st–5th. These credits can be used directly against stallion service fees and semen transport costs, helping breeders to reinvest and grow the next generation of champions. The total liability is estimated at $1.4m annually. As at the end of April 1047 horses had earned $511,000 in breeding credits under Paddock To Podium since January 1. Credit totals can be viewed by individual breeders through My HRNZ.

BB goes 8 from 10

How good is Bruntwood Brigade going in 2026? The Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained pacer took out his eighth race in 10 starts this year when he won at Rangiora on April 26. No horse has won more races in this country this year, with the Scott Dickson-trained Melton Mogul next with six wins from 14 starts. Bruntwood Brigade, a half brother to former top-liner Classie Brigade, was bought at the sales for $30,000. He has now earned over $130,000.  

Susan readying for return

The only trotter to have beaten Keayang Zahara is readying for a race day return. Susan Is Her Name beat the freakish Victorian in the Macarthur Mile at Menangle in May last year. While Keayang Zahara has now won 28 from 29 the lightly-raced Susan Is Her Name has been recovering from injury ever since. She won a recent trial at Menangle in 1:56.2, signaling a return to race day action may not be too far away.

Raspalia goes 8 from 9

A three-race winner in this country for Invercargill trainer-driver Kirstin Green continues to impress in North America. The four-year-old made it eight wins from nine starts in the USA when winning at Pennsylvania over the weekend. The Johny Rock mare won at Pocono Downs in 1:51.1.

Southern trotter lives up to "Imperious" name

How impressive was another southerner in the Craig Ferguson trained and driven trotter Imperious Girl at Winton? A winner first up in April the Imperial Count filly was heavily favoured to make it two from two on Sunday. After starting off 20 metres she looked to have done her chips when breaking mid race and losing a lot of ground. She then circled the field before winning by 12 lengths! It was some performance - the three-year-old filly clearly has a great future. Imperious Girl is owned by Brian Norman who also trains the runner-up on Sunday in Glendhu Mischief. Imperious Girl's last half was 56.9, her last 400 in 28.3.