Waitak edged Tuxedo in another thrilling finish at Hastings on Saturday, claiming his fifth career Group One victory in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
Progressive mare Astoria Brooke claimed her first victory at black-type level when she burst through the middle of a crowded pack with 100m to run to score in the Listed Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes (1600m) at Matamata.
Former champion stallion Savabeel, who passed away at his Waikato Stud home base in June this year, showed what a loss he has been to the local breeding industry thanks to two impressive winners early in the day at Matamata.
Top class mare Qali Al Farrasha added a second stakes victory to her impressive career record when she burst clear in the concluding stages to win the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders Stakes (1400m) with consummate ease.
The Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) got the contest and finish it deserved as 2025 winner Waitak defended his crown in a thrilling three-way finish to the Hastings feature.
There has been plenty of hype surrounding Coniston, and the three-year-old son of Wootton Bassett delivered on his promise when winning the Waharoa Transport Co. (1995) Ltd 1400 at Matamata on Wednesday.
Group One performer Lollapalooza will be looking to get her campaign back on track when she heads to Ellerslie on Saturday to contest the Trackside.co.nz 1600.
An inch-perfect ride from Sam Collett enabled Matamata raider Justin Case to claim the feature event at Hastings on Saturday, the Listed Timberspan Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
