Stud graduates gallant in karaka million

7 February 2017

WS graduates produced sterling efforts to finish in the money of the Karaka Million at Ellerslie. Hasahalo roared home from the back to claim the runner-up berth while Felton Road ran on bravely for third money.

“All going well, we’ll be back here for the Diamond Stakes,” Hasahalo’s trainer Stephen McKee said. “She really rattled home, but to be fair the winner (Melody Belle) was too good. We got a bit further back than we wanted when the pace went out of the race.”

A daughter of Savabeel and the Encosta de Lago mare Halloween, Hasahalo was a $110,000 Karaka purchase for Go Racing’s Albert Bosma. WS will offer a full-brother during tomorrow’s Premier Sale.

Felton Road is a son of Pins and the O’Reilly mare Rose Red and he sold for $20,000 12 months ago. “It was a good effort and full credit to the horse, he’s come a long way,” rider Leith Innes said.

Pure Alpha delivers again as Ardrossan continues to rise

Ardrossan gelding Pure Alpha led throughout to win by 1.29 lengths at Eagle Farm for owner Ozzie Kheir, taking his earnings past $300,000. The result caps a stellar run for sire Ardrossan, whose yearlings fetched up to $450,000 this year on strong Hong Kong form.

28 August 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is difficult to maintain momentum when sitting in judgment of racing’s governance. After all, I get no pleasure in searching for non-credible decisions, but one is perpetually bewildered by the rationale behind many of the positions that make little sense.