Tivaci’s Tuxedo eyes Group 1 Glory

Tivaci’s son, Tuxedo (ex Ball Gown), delivered an incredible performance on Saturday, 8 February storming to victory in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas by 3.5 lengths at just his fifth start for trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray.

Bred by Waikato Stud, Tuxedo was purchased from their draft at the 2023 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale by his co-owner GI Barnett, for $70,000 and has won the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes in late November and second in the 2025 Karaka Millions 3YO race.

In the lead-up to the race, co-trainer Shaune Ritchie was asked whether the NZB Kiwi or the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby – both set for 8 March, would be the gelding’s primary target.

“We’ve had a couple of approaches for the Kiwi, but my client (Barnett) bought him primarily to win the Derby,” Ritchie explained. “He’s been in racing a long time, and it’s the blue riband event, so we’ll have a go at that one first and see how we go.”

March 8 is shaping up as a significant day for Tivaci, with another of his sons, Sought After (ex Popular), confirmed in Waikato Stud’s NZB Kiwi slot. The colt is trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

Tuxedo is the first foal of the O’Reilly mare Ball Gown, from a deep Waikato Stud family that includes Starcraft.

Waikato Stud will offer Ball Gown’s third foal, a filly by Super Seth, at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale as Lot 47.

The Matamata nursery will also offer two colts by the Group 1-winning sprinter/miler Tivaci at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in Lot 256 and Lot 402 – both are bred on a Group 1-producing cross.