Pins mare Decorah wins Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes

Versatile mare Decorah ensured the winning roll of New Zealand racing’s most formidable trio continued at Awapuni on Friday.
The five-year-old looked ideally-placed in the Gr.3 Swap Stockfoods Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman and so it proved with Opie Bosson once again coming up trumps for the stable.
The Cambridge trainers have enjoyed a stellar domestic season with 85 winners, and a buffer of 24 on closest rival Lisa Latta for the trainers’ premiership title, and an impressive 17 black type successes.
They have also been leading players at The Championships with their crack colt Mongolian Khan doubling his Derby tally in Sydney last weekend and Bosson an integral player in the three-year-old’s trans-Tasman dominance.
Decorah was also the recipient of a gun ride from the 34-year-old with a sweet run on the fence behind a pace set up by Michievous Mis.
“There was a concern that she might be a little bit fresh, but the Baker and Forsman team have done another amazing job,” Bosson said. “She travelled beautifully throughout.”
Previously Group placed in the Waikato Gold Cup and the Trentham Stakes, Decorah was in front at the top of the straight and the doughty daughter of Pins held a strong gallop to beat Emerald Queen and Flying Orca.
Baker and Forsman will be hoping Friday’s success is a forerunner to further success at Randwick on Saturday with Diademe and Sports Illustrated, who provided them with a Group One quinella at Te Aroha last weekend, in action.
They go head to head again in the $A1 million Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes with Bosson on Sports Illustrated and champion international jockey Ryan Moore to partner Diademe. – NZ Racing Desk.

Recent News
8 April 2026

Waikato Stud reveals stallion fees for 2026

From proven producers to exciting young sires on the rise, Waikato Stud’s 2026 roster offers breeders proven performance, emerging momentum and genuine depth across the board through Savabeel, his sire son Noverre, Ardrossan, Ocean Park, Banquo and the exciting new recruit in the unbeaten Group 1-winning juvenile, Return To Conquer.

Read More
6 April 2026

Mr Bombasa gives Banquo another winner

Three-year-old colt Mr Bombasa provided another winner this season for Banquo, who is having a watershed season with a Group 3 winner and performer also turning heads.

Read More