Smart filly on stakes trail

11 February 2014

The well-named Sports Illustrated showed her style on the big stage at Te Rapa on Saturday when she won on the Group One undercard. The Garry Chittick-bred and raced filly gave ample evidence she was a black type filly in waiting with a powerful performance to claim her second victory in four career starts.

“She’s a big, rangy horse for a three-year-old and we might look at something like the Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha and give her a race or two beforehand,” said Andrew Forsman, who prepares her at Cambridge with Murray Baker.

A daughter of Fast ‘n’ Famous and the Pins mare Pin Up, Sports Illustrated was a winner at her New Plymouth debut and was unplaced before she finished third at Ellerslie after a wide trip. She was dropped back in the field today by Mark Du Plessis and came with a sustained finish from last at the 600 metre mark to win with authority.

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.