Herald racing editor.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
'Right where he needs to be': Skyman backed despite 18-month win drought
'I think the race is almost perfect for him.': Trainer Marsh on Skyman’s chances today.
Waitak and Karman Line face tough challenge in Counties Bowl
Pukekohe racing heats up as elite fields challenge trainers at Counties Cup meeting.
Waikato racing on brink of historic change
The racing industry in Waikato looks to centralise operations.
Captured By Love needs luck to challenge Alabama Lass in Guineas
Walker seeks luck for Captured By Love in NZ 1000 Guineas, eyes rain-free Riccarton.
Racing: Kiwi racers must make their point to break Swayzee
Can the locals maintain a proud home record against the Aussie bully?
Savaglee set to win 2000 Guineas at Riccarton
'The good colts can bounce out of hard races or the travel and he has done that.'
Horse racing: Orchestral gets blinkers for spring grand final at Flemington
Roger James confident as Orchestral aims for Empire Rose Stakes win at Derby Day.
Three Kiwi entries set for Melbourne Cup
New Zealand is guaranteed to have three representatives in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
Jockeys halt Sarten Memorial as two horses slip on Te Rapa track
Abandonment marks another setback for racing, but top fillies may clash at 1000 Guineas.
Captured By Love aims for victory in $150,000 Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa
Co-trainer Bergerson confident after training adjustments for Captured By Love's start.
Racing: Cambridge trainer planning for late dash
Stephen Marsh: 'I can see my fillies sitting just in behind them and charging late.'
Kango returns as Arna Donnelly's stable gears up for a big night
Jolimont, with strong form, is Donnelly's best hope for victory at Alexandra Park tonight.
Ceolwulf storms to victory at A$5m King Charles
The wild rollercoaster ride of elite level racing was perfectly summed up by one horse.
Battle of the Giants: NZ studs Waikato and Cambridge face world racing elite
Australia’s richest race has become New Zealand racing’s Battle of the Giants.
Tony Pike eyes big day at Ellerslie with four strong contenders
Pike is aiming for spring success at Ellerslie with Val Di Zoldo in the R75 1600m.
I Wish I Win aims for Everest glory at second time of asking
“It is definitely easier the second time around,” says Mark Chittick.
Joliestar draws ideal barrier 4 as Everest contenders take shape
Two New Zealand horses have drawn barriers linked to past Everest victories since 2017.
Snazzytavi's stunning win at Te Rapa cements her Group 1 potential
Snazzytavi benefited from a great ride on Saturday.
Superstar mare Orchestral at long odds in Australia
NZ Derby winner in a different situation to the last time she crossed the ditch.
Campionessa takes concerns into Livamol Classic
Trainer Mark Walker admits favourite Campionessa’s preparation has been less than ideal.
Warren Kennedy optimistic about Te Rapa despite Snazzytavi’s draw
Drawn well, Snazzytavi would have been one of the horses to beat.
Ryan Elliot retains ride on One Bold Cat for $550,000 Te Rapa showdown
Pairing for Livamol Classic target back-to-back Group 1 wins.
Trainer confident as I Wish I Win prepares for world's richest turf race
'All we need now is a decent draw,' says Peter Moody as he eyes victory at Randwick.
James McDonald to reunite with Orchestral for Toorak Handicap
'She had had a tricky spring, she was very delicate for much of it,' says Roger James.
Mustang Valley saved for heavy track as dominoes fall in Hawke's Bay
Sometimes the dominoes just don’t fall your way.
One Bold Cat shows claws to overhaul Skew Wiff at Matamata
Late dash seals victory in Group 1 race with the upcoming Livamol the next goal.
Arrowfield Stud Plate move to Matamata suits favourite says trainer
“The race being here has to help her,” says Mark Walker.
The big losers out of Arrowfield Stud Plate reshuffle
The Arrowfield Stud Plate looks the same but in reality could be very different.
Mick on Monday: Meeting cancellations no longer feel unusual
OPINION: It is annoying and frustrating, and everybody knows it isn't good enough.
Group 1 colt Move to Strike sidelined for tie-forward operation
David Ellis: 'We think she can race well this weekend.'
Oulaghan chasing remarkable double-double
Mark Oulaghan has been gifted the last piece to the puzzle as he chases a remarkable feat.
Imperatriz a deserved Horse of the Year winner
The magnificent sprinting mare won the supreme title.
Mick on Monday: Why Legarto won't race again this year
'Our target is now either late summer or even autumn,' trainer Ken Kelso confirmed.
Beauty, brutality of industry summed up for Pride Of Jenni
The mare has become the people’s champion of Australasian racing.
Triple shot for Forsman in transtasman effort
Aegon, Belardi and Yaldi are all set for strong runs in Australia.
Pier's racing career at risk as knee injury threatens season
“He will be trotted up and have his knee injected with a solution."
Jumps racing future in NZ comes under the microscope
Submissions close on September 6 and NZTR had already received over 60 last week.
Different outlook for Bosson and Skew Wiff at Te Rapa
'She obviously has class so I think she will be in the finish.'
Trainer not harbouring same concerns as many of his rivals
'I am not worried about the track, he handles any sort of going and has won on heavy.'
Savalgee makes perfect start to three-year-old season, wins Poverty Bay event
“He was awesome, he settled beautifully."
Red-hot jockey makes tough call for Taupō feature race
Alabama Lass, with a 3kg advantage, could flip the TAB market to start as favourite.
Racing: Crocetti could skip Tarzino Trophy for Sydney
Punters should tread carefully with Crocetti.
Premiership-winning trainers launch first wave of new horses
Bellatrix Star heads to Australia for a Group 3 campaign.
Apprentice jockey Wong eyes Hong Kong dream after NZ stint
Former top jockey Innes praises Wong: "She could end up being a superstar."
Cambridge trainer Roger James wins big at Master Builders awards
Trainer Roger James celebrates major house awards while preparing Melbourne Cup contender.
Vintage spring of racing in hands of weather gods
Mick on Monday: The boys and girls of summer have been reminding us of their talents.
Premiership winner signals new priorities
Warren Kennedy goes into today's final meeting of the season 15 wins clear.
Warren Kennedy crowned NZ jockey premiership winner
Kennedy wins NZ jockey’s title, McNab concedes.
New Zealand racing's wildest season heads for historic finish
Thoroughbred racing has been through an incredible season.
McNab's last stand: Needs huge wins to catch premiership leader
McNab trails Kennedy by nine wins in NZ jockey's premiership race.
$115,000-per-week payments threaten harness racing in northern region
A crippling interest bill is threatening to cut into the future of the code.
Racing: Legarto has building blocks to construct solid campaign
Ken Kelso says Matamata mare has come back 'huge'.
Title gap grows for sidelined McNab
Michael McNab’s chances of defending the jockey’s premiership title are eroding.
Michael McNab to nab chances in making up for time out
Premiership king Michael McNab returns following a spectacular race fall.
O'Sullivan's hopes for Tauranga victory riding on Highlighter
Wexford Stables hope Highlighter will continue their good run after Winexpress' victory.
Kennedy rides on as rival McNab recovers from fall
Race fall disrupts McNab's title defence; Kennedy rides at four meets.
Jockey avoids broken bones but premiership hangs in balance
'I am pretty sore but I know it could have been a lot worse,' says McNab.
Little Bit Of Love looks to step up at Te Rapa
It might be a case of high input producing maximum output for Little Bit Of Love
Jumps jockey crisis in NZ: Trainers call for pay rise amid shortage
'If they got paid more maybe we can lure more here from overseas.'
Michael Guerin: HRNZ make crucial appointment at key juncture
OPINION: HRNZ has found the right leader at the most important time in its history.
Lance O’Sullivan’s star filly seeks redemption Downunder
Molly Bloom will be looking to make it third time lucky.
Stable stats tell only part of trainer's story
The biggest season of Stephen Marsh’s career has also been the bravest.
Magic mare will attract millions at auction today
Imperatriz could go for an estimated price of between A$4 million and A$7 million.
NZ horse racing legend dies
Dave O’Sullivan, a legend of NZ horse racing who beat the best in the world, has died.
Merlin establishes title as new prince of pacing
Merlin did something even more special last night. He won hearts.
Racing's royal rumble: Merlin to challenge Don't Stop Dreaming
Friday's racing has been set up for some great do-or-die early drama.
What Imperatriz will do today seemed impossible a few years ago
And that is before she even races in the A$1 million William Reid Stakes.
Mick on Monday: Sydney trip will inform Melbourne Cup tilt for Mahrajaan
Trainer Shaune Ritchie may have to go to Sydney to see if he has a Melbourne Cup horse.
Imperatriz not carrying dead weight
Added advantage: Bosson at 57kg means not hauling extra lead.
Trainer just happy Alexandra Park meeting is being held at all
Winning would be a bonus when Old Town Road resumes at Alexandra Park tonight.
Trainers behind NZ Derby win know Auckland Cup won’t come as easily
The pair trained Orchestral to destory her rivals in the $1million Trackside Derby.
Opie Bosson may find himself in an unusual position at Matamata
Bosson is fresh back from riding Imperatriz to win the Lightning Stakes in Melbourne.
Molly Bloom set for spell before targeting Australia
Winning has bought Molly Bloom the luxury of certainty this week.
Three-year-old trio may be rivals but also fighting for common goal
The trio are not just racing for individual glory, but to put a stamp on their crop.