Derby hopes don’t disappoint
Waikato Stud graduates performed with distinction in today’s $2 million Gr.1 Australian Derby at Randwick.
The Matamata farm’s graduates Madison County and Surely Sacred finished second and third respectively.
For good measure, Savabeel’s son The Chosen One came from last to take the fourth spot.
A son of Pins, Madison County was gallant in his chase for another top-flight title.
The Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas and Levin Classic hero closed gamely along the fence, but couldn’t overhaul the front-runner Angel Of Truth.
Rock ‘n’ Pop’s son Surely Sacred also turned in a meritorious effort and found the line strongly.
Bred and sold by Waikato Stud, Madison County was a $36,000 purchase for the China Horse Club and Surely Sacred a $160,000 buy for Raffles Racing.
Tivaci’s Movie Night steals the show at Newcastle
A sister to the Gr.1 ATC Flight Stakes (1600m) winner Never Been Kissed, the Waikato Stud-bred and raced Movie Night (NZ) was rewarded for her consistency, breaking her maiden with an all-the-way win over 1400m at Newcastle for trainer Tom Charlton.
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Oilman’s stud stake could change course of NZ breeding
Eighteen months ago, Texas oilman Nelson Bunker Hunt walked through the lush Waikato pasture of Matamata’s Balcarres Stud and announced he wanted some just like it for his own.
Today he has-360 acres about a mile down the road which has been transformed from a dairy farm to one of New Zealand’s leading horse and cattle breeding establishments.
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