Ellerslie’s newly developed StrathAyr track passed its first test on Monday since remedial work was undertaken following several slips on the surface earlier this year.

Michelle Bradley had to settle for second in her hometown feature over the weekend and she’s hoping to go one better with capable mare Sulabella at Pukekohe Park on Wednesday.

With 168 wins to their name this season, Te Akau Racing’s Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have already sealed the trainers’ premiership, and they already have their eye on continuing their dominance into next term.

Tom Lowry, an immensely influential figure in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, passed away on Monday aged 88.

Early trans-Tasman discussions have encouraged Shaune Ritchie to aim at Australasia’s top staying prize with his distance specialist Mahrajaan.

Former top three-year-old filly Llanacord will be offered to the public through gavelhouse.com’s National Online Breeding Stock Sale, which will go live at 5pm on Friday, June 28.

Group Three winner Trust In You made his first public outing of his preparation at Pukekohe on Tuesday, with trainers Grant Cooksley and Bruce Wallace eyeing a potentially lucrative spring campaign with the rising six-year-old.

Promising jumper Auld Jock could earn a place in his first prestige jumping assignment with a strong showing on Sunday at Te Aroha.

Ashburton trainers Sarah and Matthew Smith are looking forward to heading to Oamaru on Thursday where they will line-up a trio of runners.

Premier Waikato farm Rich Hill Stud and the Proisir Syndicate have thrown their support behind a worthy cause by offering a nomination to champion sire Proisir.

There are five meetings set to take place on Friday including at Coffs Harbour where a 10-race card is scheduled.