Matamata Slipper

Pike duo chasing Matamata black-type success

Posted on February 21, 2024
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Two younger members of Tony Pike's team will spearhead the stable's representation at Matamata with higher honours beckoning the duo if they race up to expectations. The Cambridge trainer will chase a two-year-old feature double on Saturday with Archaic Smile in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m) and Poetic Champion in the Group 2[...]

Posted on February 26, 2023
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Local mentor Mark Walker was on top of the podium at Matamata on Saturday when he claimed the two juvenile feature races on the day. Walker and Te Akau Racing produced the quinella in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) with the unbeaten Tokyo Tycoon making it four straight wins as he romped home from[...]

Posted on February 24, 2023
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Craig Zackey has regrettably called time on his brief and highly successful riding stint in New Zealand that included a memorable victory in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) aboard undefeated youngster Tokyo Tycoon. The South African jockey proved a valuable addition to the northern domestic ranks during his three-month stay with his talent quickly recognised[...]

Posted on February 23, 2023
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Mark Walker would love nothing more than to see the jockey statue in the Matamata racecourse birdcage painted in the colours of a Te Akau Racing-trained winner. That's one of the spinoffs for connections of the winner of Saturday's Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (1200m), providing the winning trainer a bit of one upmanship on[...]

Posted on February 21, 2023
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Matamata trainer Graham Richardson has an eye on New Zealand's longest juvenile Group One race as he prepares To Catch A Thief to resume racing at his home track this weekend. Third in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa on New Year's Day, To Catch A Thief will seek his first victory[...]

Posted on February 26, 2022
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Local runner Alabama Gold broke his maiden status in emphatic fashion when he led from go to whoa to take out the Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) at Matamata on Saturday. The speedy son of Windsor Park Stud stallion Turn Me Loose was coming off the back of an eye-catching late run for eighth[...]

Posted on February 24, 2022
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

New Zealand trainer Lauren Brennan is looking forward to dodging top sprinting mares Levante and Entriviere as she attacks the Group 1 El Cheapo Cars WFA Group One Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday with Packing Rockstar and Vigor Winner. For Brennan, who has a boutique stable of racehorses, it is a significant achievement to[...]

Posted on February 23, 2022
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

Desert Lightning made a belated start to his racing career earlier this month and the wait proved worthwhile at Ruakaka where the colt was an impressive winner. That performance has earned the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained son of Pride Of Dubai a crack at black type level in Saturday's Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m)[...]

Posted on February 23, 2022
in New Zealand Horse Racing News

New Zealand trainer Tony Pike has changed tack with Group Two winner Field Of Gold following his fifth place finish in Saturday's Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) won by impressive filly La Crique. The son of Starspangledbanner was beaten less than six lengths after setting the tempo for much of the contest, but a regression[...]

Pike duo chasing Matamata black-type success

Walker tops 2YO podium at Matamata

Zackey hoping to bid farewell in style

Walker two-year-olds take centre stage

Richardson has eye on Sires’ Produce with To Catch A Thief

Alabama Gold too speedy in Matamata feature

Spotlight on Rockstar in Group One mile

Stable banking on lightning striking twice

Different path for Field Of Gold

What are you really gambling with?