Herald racing editor.
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![Title gap grows for sidelined McNab](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
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.
![Jockey not immediately pleased with hot favourite's barrier draw](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Jockey not immediately pleased with hot favourite's barrier draw
"But the more I thought about it the more comfortable I am,” Elliot says.
![Major share sale in Molly Bloom may see her farewell NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Major share sale in Molly Bloom may see her farewell NZ
The superstar filly will stay in New Zealand for the rest of the season.
!['This is home': McDonald's magical day at Karaka Millions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
'This is home': McDonald's magical day at Karaka Millions
'I was nervous coming here today,' said the man who rode to victory in two $1m races.
![Legarto star of first Ellerslie meeting in two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Legarto star of first Ellerslie meeting in two years
Five seconds of Legarto magic yesterday confirmed what the new Ellerslie is going to be.
![Dragon Leap's trainer confirms star jockey for Telegraph](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Dragon Leap's trainer confirms star jockey for Telegraph
It comes after the jockey rode Dragon Leap’s stablemate Waitak to a spectacular victory.
![Cambridge trainer eyes broodmare glory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Cambridge trainer eyes broodmare glory
Andrew Forsman ponders double derby delight for Mary Shan.
![Myers caps riding comeback with Te Rapa win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Myers caps riding comeback with Te Rapa win
It didn’t take long for comeback jockey Kelly Myers’ competitive nature to kick back in.
![Ellerslie track visit could boost Velocious hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Ellerslie track visit could boost Velocious hopes
The one possible unknown for Velocious is her lack of experience at Ellerslie.
![Babylon Berlin's trainer reveals tactical edge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Babylon Berlin's trainer reveals tactical edge
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing holds its first major meeting of the summer season today.
![Joliestar’s victory in an important brick in rebuilding of Cambridge Stud](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Joliestar’s victory in an important brick in rebuilding of Cambridge Stud
It wasn’t just another group 1 win for owner Brendan Lindsay.
![Imperatriz set to remain offshore until next winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Imperatriz set to remain offshore until next winter
Imperatriz will head to the spelling paddock but in Victoria rather than New Zealand.
![Kiwi queen Imperatriz in top company after A$3m win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Kiwi queen Imperatriz in top company after A$3m win
Imperatriz could end up being the highest-earning racehorse ever trained in New Zealand.
![Imperatriz’s Flemington debut: Can she dominate the straight six?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Imperatriz’s Flemington debut: Can she dominate the straight six?
Michael Guerin on five races not to miss this weekend.
![Unbeaten and unstoppable? Crocetti favoured at Riccarton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Unbeaten and unstoppable? Crocetti favoured at Riccarton
Crocetti seems to have the race at his mercy, writes Michael Guerin.
![Racing continues in Melbourne: All you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Racing continues in Melbourne: All you need to know
Yesterday was far more than just the day after the Melbourne Cup, writes Michael Guerin.
![Covid, Controversy and Cups: Jockey's ride to racing immortality](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Covid, Controversy and Cups: Jockey's ride to racing immortality
From party penalties to Melbourne Cup glory: Mark Zahra's incredible journey.
![Kiwi glory as nothing goes Skew Wiff at last](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Kiwi glory as nothing goes Skew Wiff at last
New Zealand glory on Melbourne Cup day came from the most unlikely of sources.
![Horse racing: Double blow for NZ horses in Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Double blow for NZ horses in Australia
Roller-coaster week for two New Zealand thoroughbred stars ended on a double low.
![Golden Eagle will tap into Kiwis emotions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Golden Eagle will tap into Kiwis emotions
Legarto takes on stars from Australia, Europe and even Japan.
![Horse racing: Legarto being kept on sharp side](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Legarto being kept on sharp side
A$10m richest race contested by a Kiwi horse hits track in Sydney tomorrow.
![Horse racing: Imperatriz stuns Aussie punters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Imperatriz stuns Aussie punters
Kiwi sprint queen Imperatriz stunned Australian punters in the A$2 million Manikato Stakes
![Three Queens of NZ racing are exactly where their trainers want them](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Three Queens of NZ racing are exactly where their trainers want them
This fortnight Kiwi racemares will chase nearly A$20million in stakes.
![Horse racing: Molly looks a Bloom-ing good shot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Molly looks a Bloom-ing good shot
North’s best fillies chasing plane ticket to NZ 1000 Guineas.
![Horse racing: Fans get more coverage and new pop-up channel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Fans get more coverage and new pop-up channel
New Zealand racing fans are in for more comprehensive coverage of major meetings.
![Horse racing: Olivia Thornley climbs into hottest seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Olivia Thornley climbs into hottest seat
Kiwi jockey Ryan Elliot laughs when he sees himself on the list of the world’s best jockey
![Horse racing: Being top jockey no sweat except for weight of expectation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Being top jockey no sweat except for weight of expectation
Kiwi jockey Ryan Elliot laughs when he sees himself on the list of the world’s best jockey
![Racing: Crocetti ready to get a move on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Racing: Crocetti ready to get a move on
Walker warns unbeaten 3YO is not yet hitting full speed and can lead or trail
![Star jockey gains exemption to resume racing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Star jockey gains exemption to resume racing
Star jockey Matt Cameron will return to race riding tomorrow.
![Horse racing: Top jockeys are in short supply for racing in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Top jockeys are in short supply for racing in NZ
If you like horses, adrenalin, the sensation of speed then you might have a job.
![Two superstar sprinters may divide loyalties by clashing next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Two superstar sprinters may divide loyalties by clashing next month
The pair used to be stablemates when trained by Jamie Richards and raced each other twice.
![Kiwi entry a luckless second in $20m Everest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Kiwi entry a luckless second in $20m Everest
I Wish I Win struggled to find room to run before falling short with a late charge.
![Trainer assures punters Mustang Valley will put best hoof forward](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Trainer assures punters Mustang Valley will put best hoof forward
What to watch out for on Livamol Day.
![Cambridge trainers are fronting up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Cambridge trainers are fronting up
Winning chances in three of the richest races and upset hopes in two events.
![I Wish I Win flying Kiwi flag at Randwick](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
I Wish I Win flying Kiwi flag at Randwick
Moody is an Australian but he was one of New Zealand’s most loved trainers.
![Horse racing: Something Skew Wiff about starts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Something Skew Wiff about starts
One of New Zealand’s best racehorses is going back to school.
![Hopes in Aussie spring target get stronger for Legarto](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Hopes in Aussie spring target get stronger for Legarto
Her hometown Matamata Cup wasn’t the only major victory Legarto had on the weekend.
![Racing: Legarto looms large but it goes skew wiff in Oz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Racing: Legarto looms large but it goes skew wiff in Oz
Legarto was the big winner with a comprehensive performance in the Matamata Cup.
![Three group one darlings of NZ racing face three very different challenges today](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Three group one darlings of NZ racing face three very different challenges today
Legarto, Prowess and Skew Wiff head to Matamata, Hawera and Flemington.
![Outstanding mare Prowess adds glamour to Taranaki Breeders Stakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Outstanding mare Prowess adds glamour to Taranaki Breeders Stakes
Prowess almost didn’t make it to Hawera tomorrow because she is too good.
![Bolt back for more brilliance after fracturing bone in leg](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Bolt back for more brilliance after fracturing bone in leg
Champion trainer-driver Herlihy has no doubt star can get back to his best
![Prowess and Skew Wiff cross paths during track gallops at Matamata](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Prowess and Skew Wiff cross paths during track gallops at Matamata
Two of NZ’s most exciting mares got a rare glimpse of each other yesterday.
![Heart takes West Coast to the top](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Heart takes West Coast to the top
Something caught the eye of champion jumper West Coast.
![Epic finale to jumping season could be decided by Te Rapa track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Epic finale to jumping season could be decided by Te Rapa track
Te Rapa is the highlight of the racing weekend.
!['A class mare': Nothing can slow Mustang Valley](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
'A class mare': Nothing can slow Mustang Valley
Battle between class against the guts and the winter warrior fitness of Justaskme.
![Racing: Sharp ‘N’ Smart wins big at Horse of the Year awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Racing: Sharp ‘N’ Smart wins big at Horse of the Year awards
Sharp ‘N’ Smart wins big at Horse of the Year awards
![Racing: Bosson gets kudos over Imperatriz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Racing: Bosson gets kudos over Imperatriz
New training partner Bergerson’s win in Tarzino Trophy his first at highest level.
![Dragon Leap looks a chance to break group one drought](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Dragon Leap looks a chance to break group one drought
Dragon Leap has always been group one quality, he just hasn’t won one yet.
![Comeback by Legarto on the right track for Kelso](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Comeback by Legarto on the right track for Kelso
Legarto will be having her first start since winning in March.
![Horse racing: Te Akau set the early-season pace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Horse racing: Te Akau set the early-season pace
Champion stable will continue to send their horses to the South Island
![I Wish I Win pitched a race curveball](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
I Wish I Win pitched a race curveball
Connections of Kiwi galloping star offered big drawcard.
![Dragon Leap claims back-to-back wins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Dragon Leap claims back-to-back wins
The last time Dragon Leap won two consecutive races was in early 2020.
![Uncharted territory for trainer with two superstars at Te Rapa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=792)
Uncharted territory for trainer with two superstars at Te Rapa
Paul Nelson has two stellar horses running for the second time in four days.