Group One for O’Dianne

6 March 2015

O’Dianne will move back up in grade following her maiden success at Ellerslie on Wednesday.

Fourth in the Listed Karaka Million, the youngster led all the way to be rewarded for four previous placings and trainer Stephen McKee is now keen on Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes start.

“I think she’s a touch better left-handed,” he said. “She deserves a crack and she’s maturing all the time.”

O’Dianne was ridden by her regular partner Sam Spratt, who said it was a straightforward victory.

“She was just cruising all the way, hugged the rail and did it nicely. She’s a big, strong girl.”

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.