Lofty targets for Duchess Kate

8 October 2015

Trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards look to have another promising filly on their hands with Wednesday’s Taupo winner Duchess Kate putting her hand up for a tilt at the Gr.1 NZB 1000 Guineas.

Despite her royal name, Duchess Kate has been somewhat lacking in manners, over-racing early under Cameron Lammas before producing a powerful finish to down Thornhill.

“We’ve always liked her,” Stephen Autridge said. “Her attitude along the way hasn’t helped her but she’s getting there.

“We’ve got big plans for her and whether we’ve got the time to do it this time in, who knows, but we’re full steam ahead.”

Autridge indicated the Max Whitby-owned three-year-old would have one more start before a decision is made whether to target the Guineas.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It would appear I now have to continue my weekly Corner with the amount of rumblings at the start of our new racing season. I have been around long enough to know we can never please all; my tenure as Chairman of the Racing Board was subjected to as much vitriol as subsequent Boards have had to bear, so what’s different this time, or is it different.

5 August 2026

First foal for Waikato’s Group 1 winner Skew Wiff

Group 1-winning Savabeel mare Skew Wiff (ex Starvoia), known affectionately as ‘Wiffy’, foaled a filly by Super Seth in the early hours of Wednesday, 5 August.