O’Reilly mare claims Pukekohe feature

24 November 2013

O’Reilly mare Annie Higgins look set to bring further stakes honours to her champion sire in the coming months. The Lance Noble-trained six-year-old came with a powerful late burst to win today’s Gr.3 Counties Cup with the promise of more to come.

Annie Higgins was making the third start of her current campaign and off the back of her narrow victory at Pukekohe she will next defend her Gr.3 Waikato Gold Cup title. ““She needed every bit of the 2100 metres today so it’s onwards and upwards now to the 2400 metres of the Waikato Cup.”

Ridden by regular partner Leith Innes, Annie Higgins took time to wind up in the straight and arrived late to snatch a narrow victory. “That was heart in the mouth stuff, but Leith (Innes) timed it to perfection,” Noble said. “She’s a really tough and honest mare and gives 100 per cent every time.”

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.

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.