Taking Trigon Lad to New Plymouth on Friday was something of an afterthought for Pukekohe trainer Michael Rogers, but that back-up plan produced a welcome return to the winners’ circle in the Landmark City of New Plymouth Cup (1600m).

Champion Kiwi rider retires from race riding

In a blockbuster edition of the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), outsider Midnight Edition and favoured runner Yaldi went to the line as one, with the latter securing the Boxing Day feature in a protest.

The Matthew Williams-trained Unseen Ruler came from well back in the field to prevail in the Dennis Hanrahan Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield Heath on Boxing Day as the five-year-old gelding notched his fifth career victory.

The owners of Damask Rose have been given a late Christmas present, with Te Akau Racing selecting the exciting filly to represent their slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8.

A pair of talented three-year-olds from last season locked horns in the Te Rapa straight on Saturday, with Tanganyika claiming a narrow win over Talisker in the Print House (1400m).

There aren’t too many accolades missing from expat Kiwi jockey James McDonald’s mantle, but recognition from his home country’s sporting industry has been one, and that has finally been rectified with his announcement as a finalist for the ISPS HANDA Halberg Sportsman of the Year.

Former New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart is set to head to Trentham on Saturday to kick-off his summer campaign and ready for a Group One assignment at the Upper Hutt track next month.

The demise of racing in Singapore has had a bright side for Roger James and Robert Wellwood, with Sweynesday emerging as an exciting young talent in their Cambridge stable.

Former Manawatu mare Kelly Coe continued a golden run for her connections with a $28 upset victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

Te Akau Racing resisted the temptation of a big spring campaign with promising filly Damask Rose, and their patience could be rewarded in a pair of seven-figure races at Ellerslie later in the season.

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group One placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months.

Talented juvenile Yaldi will make his first Kiwi appearance as a three-year-old at Te Rapa on Saturday, with plenty of exciting prospects on the horizon.

Stephen Marsh has endured a frustrating run of bad luck with barrier draws leading into Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa on Saturday, but the Cambridge trainer still expects his team to make their presence felt.