Royal Date For O’Reilly Colt

6 May 2013

Champion WS stallion O’Reilly will be represented at the highest level at this year’s Royal Ascot carnival. His three-year-old son Shamexpress is a confirmed starter in the Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes on June 18 and will then stay on for an extended European campaign.

“We are under no constraint as to when he has to come home,” trainer Danny O’Brien said.

“With Star Witness he had to come home to get to stud. If this guy is in form, we might run him in the July Cup and possibly the Nunthorpe.”

Shamexpress won the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap at his last appearance at Flemington in March and will return to O’Brien’s stable this week after preparatory work at the trainer’s Barwon Heads property.

“He’s in really good shape,” he said. “He’ll have a jump out at Flemington a week before he gets on the plane.” Craig Newitt, who rode Shamexpress in the Newmarket, retains the ride in the King’s Stand.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Mary and I had a great weekend. As usual, Taupo Race Club put on a couple of days that encourage you to go to the races. The lead-in to the day was an hour or so at the iconic Yacht Club Bar – an easy place to be, perched above the lake: wine, beer and pizzas provided. A chance to meet and greet, bearing in mind the visitors that make the effort to attend.

19 August 2026

Noverre’s son Spill It sold to Chris Waller

Christchurch trainer Anna Furlong will be keeping a keen eye on the progress of promising three-year-old Spill It after the talented youngster was sold to Australia following his impressive Riccarton victory earlier this month.