Pins 3YO Mackintosh on Derby Mission

11 January 2016

The James Bridge stable is confident that Mackintosh has the pedigree to back his Gr 1 New Zealand Derby claims. The three-year-old is on target for the autumn classic after winning for the second time in three starts when he was successful at Ellerslie today.

“We’ve got aspirations for the Derby for him so let’s hope he keeps on improving,” said Bridge’s father John, who shares in the ownership of the gelding. “He’s quite a big, lean horse who has taken some time to mature and you can’t beat the breeding.”

A WS graduate, he is a son of Pins and the Generous mare Lolly Scramble and the family of the Gr 1 Australian Derby winner Headturner. Mackintosh was bought out of the farm’s 2011 Weanling Sale draft for $11,000.

Mackintosh was given an economical run behind the leader today by Samantha Collett and they were in control of the race over the closing 200 metres. His performance saw his Derby odds cut to $16.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.

14 September 2025

Smart Love too smart this start

Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.