Briefs for 25th November 2014

McCaw hoping to continue winning streak; Catalogues online at NZB; Far Fetched retired to stud; Moves to combat off-shore betting welcomed.

McCaw hoping to continue winning streak

It’s been a rugby season to savour for Richie McCaw and success in another code may well come his way on Wednesday.

He celebrated his 100th game as captain in the All Blacks win over Wales last weekend and he will be taking a keen interest in the debut performance of the well-bred Snapshot at Te Aroha.

McCaw and former All Black Ali Williams share in the ownership of the son of Stravinsky and Group One winner Snap, who races in the colours of his breeder the Dowager Duchess of Bedford.

“He’s been an immature horse and he’s definitely come on since he won a trial,” trainer Graham Richardson said. “He was only half fit and he’s got the right alley to go well.”

Catalogues online at NZB

Catalogues for New Zealand Bloodstock’s 89th National Yearling Sales series are now online.

The Premier, Select and Festival Sales have a combined 1364 yearlings entered across six days of selling, starting on Monday, January 26 at Karaka.

The sales series produced 15 Group One winners last season, the most of any Australasian auction house for the second consecutive year. The depth of the Premier session is again emphasised with 90 progeny of stakes winners and 114 siblings to stakes winners.

Far Fetched retired to stud

The career of the Group performer Far Fetched has been cut short.

A bleeding attack at Te Rapa earlier this month has resulted in the Waikato Stud-bred and owned mare being retired and served by Savabeel.

“It’s a great shame as she had the goods and we were patient with her, but these things happen,” trainer John Bary said.

Far Fetched won three of her 11 starts and finished third in last season’s Gr.3 Lowland Stakes at Hastings.

Moves to combat off-shore betting welcomed

Minister for Racing Nathan Guy is making moves to combat the impact of off-shore racing and sports betting.

“Betting through overseas providers deprives our local industry and sports of the funding they deserve,” he told this week’s annual meeting of the New Zealand Racing Board in Petone.

It is estimated that New Zealanders bet up to $300 million per year with overseas agencies and ministerial officials are currently preparing membership options and the group’s terms of reference. Recommendations for change from the working group are expected in late 2015.