Mark’s Mail – 27 April

Mark Chittick

Last week was a week well spent down in the Hawkes Bay bush with my boys. I’m back in action this week and I have to say, there is never a dull moment here at Waikato Stud!

The WS racing team continue to dominate on the track and this week we were very proud to celebrate the victories of our home-breds on both sides of the Tasman. Queen Leonora and Subban were successful in Australia and Hanger won his second consecutive race here in New Zealand. A huge credit goes to our trainers and their dedicated team of staff – thank you for all of your hard work.

There has been an influx of winners for our stallions over the past few weeks and I’m particularly proud of the achievements of our young sires Ocean Park and Rock ‘n’ Pop in producing winner after winner.
This week we made an exciting new addition to our broodmare band with the acquisition of Stakes winner Starvoia. She is a beautifully put together mare and we couldn’t be happier with the purchase.

We will be holding an open weanling parade at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 1 at the Waikato Stud yearling barn to showcase our 14 weanlings heading to the Karaka May Sale early next month. We are proud to present an excellent line up of weanlings this year by Ocean Park, Pins, Sacred Falls and Rock ‘n’ Pop so please feel free to come along.

Have a great weekend.

Cheers,
Mark

Recent News
15 May 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

Read More
14 May 2026

Sav’s girl Chispa targeting the Gr.1 Oaks

Savabeel filly Chispa enhanced her Queensland Oaks credentials with a dominant Randwick victory for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with the Pencarrow Stud-bred and raced filly surging clear over 1800 metres in impressive fashion.

Read More