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.

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.

9 July 2026

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.