3YO features await promising colt

A well-related colt part-owned by Waikato Stud overcame an unsuitably heavy track to make a winning debut at Avondale this afternoon with a bright black type future predicted for the newcomer.

Unbeaten in two trials, The Irishman was only fairly away in his 1100 metre maiden and was forced wide when improving around runners. He finished off determinedly under the urgings of rider Leith Innes to get in the deciding stride.

The son of Tavistock is highly-regarded by trainer Tony Pike and he is expecting the good-looking three-year-old to measure up to the best of his age group.

“He’s a gorgeous individual and he’s showed plenty on the training track. I expect him to be competitive in the better three-year-old races,” he said. “The concern was the heavy track and making sure he got around safely.”

It was mission accomplished on both counts for The Irishman, who was a $170,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale purchase for Pike.

He is a son of the unraced Zabeel mare Zeranti, who is out of a half-sister to the stakes winner Snapshots and the family of the three-time Group One winner Sea Siren.

Recent News
30 June 2025

Olivia Blane honoured at Industry Excellence Awards

We’re proud to share that our very own Olivia Blane was named the winner of the Stud, Stable & Kennel Excellence category at the Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain. As Waikato Stud’s Yearling Manager, Olivia leads our yearling preparation team and oversees the preparation of nearly 100 yearlings for public auction each season.

Read More
29 June 2025

Knocks it out of the Park with a metro double across the Ocean

Proven sire Ocean Park struck again with a metro double in Australia on Saturday, 28 June, led by Misterkipchoge and Arcadia Park. A multiple Group 1 winner himself, Ocean Park continues to deliver high-class progeny including Tofane, Kolding, Kovalica and VRC Oaks placegetter Powers Of Opal.

Read More