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.

Wee Nessy breaks her maiden in style

Savabeel’s three-year-old filly Wee Nessy impressed at Ellerslie, charging home to break her maiden in dominant fashion. The win marked Savabeel’s 1057th individual winner, with his progeny earnings surpassing $208 million as his legacy continues to grow.

21 April 2026

Golden Family Delivering for Waikato Stud

O’Reilly mare Gram may only be 10 years old, but she is already proving to be a powerhouse producer for Waikato Stud. From her first three foals she has left Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) hero …