Time called on quality mare

15 February 2016

WS’s Group Two-winning mare Sports Illustrated has been forced into pre-mature retirement. The curtain fell on the racing career of the Garry Chittick-bred and raced daughter of Fast ‘N’ Famous following an injury to a suspensory in Saturday’s Gr.1 NRM Sprint at Te Rapa.

“She knuckled over and slipped quite badly about two-strides out of the gates,” co-trainer Andrew Forsman said.

“On Sunday morning when I got to the stable and we walked her out of her box, it was pretty obvious she had injured herself pretty badly, and scans confirmed it.”

Sports Illustrated won the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes at Te Rapa in 2014, and was also twice Group One placed, including a third behind Kawi and Stolen Dance in last month’s Thorndon Mile.

“The main thing is she will heal in time, and she will get every chance as a broodmare at Waikato Stud,” Forsman said.

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.