Encouraging news from Vespa camp; Survived to make debut from new stable; Horror gate for Habibi; Jackson new NZTR chairman

Encouraging news from Vespa camp

Vespa’s recovery from the serious lung infection that curtailed his spring campaign will see him return to work on November 1.

“All the reports have been positive and we’ll probably look to aim him at The Telegraph,” said co-trainer Johno Benner.

Vespa was laid low by the complaint after he finished fifth, following an interrupted run, in the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes.

Survived to make debut from new stable

Talented galloper Survived will make his debut from his new quarters this month.

The Group One winner will have his first start for Waiuku trainer Moira Murdoch on Labour Weekend.

The six-year-old will contest either the open 1400m at Ellerslie on October 24 or the open 1600m at Te Rapa two days later.

Survived hit the line well when fourth in an open 1150m heat at the Waipa trials on Tuesday.

Stablemate King Krovanh, who had to mark time with a bruised heel, is likely to contest the open 1400m at Ellerslie.

Horror gate for Habibi

The barrier draw for the Gr.1 Canadian International at Woodbine (Monday morning NZ time) has done Habibi no favours.

The in-form Kiwi mare, who won the Listed Flaming Page Stakes two runs back and then finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Northern Dancer Stakes, will jump from the outside of the 11-horse field.

Habibi is rated a 10-1 chance behind the Luca Cumani-trained favourite and Gr.1 Grosser Preis von Berlin winner Second Step.

Jackson new NZTR chairman

Dr Alan Jackson will take over as chairman of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing after the annual meeting on November 6.

“Together with the board, I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders and industry bodies to implement a sustainable plan for thoroughbred racing and the racing industry in a rapidly changing industry which presents challenges and, more importantly, opportunities,” he said.

Dr Jackson will succeed Matthew Goodson, who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election. Victoria Carter has been appointed deputy chairman of NZTR.