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All the latest news and views from New Zealand.

Te Aroha Track Damaged By Storm

Racing at Te Aroha was abandoned on Wednesday after the track suffered damage as a result of storms that swept the northern part of New Zealand.

“I’d say 70% of the rail was blown down," said Stipendiary Steward Alan Coles. "The lengths of rail have actually bent and twisted in half.

“Three hurdles that were put up along the straight were absolutely flattened to the ground and the three down the back were just demolished. The wind ripped pegs and everything out of the ground.

“There were palm branches all over the track from the trees at the end of the course and part of the winning post sign had been blown off. It was like a tornado had been through.”

Coleman On Copy Watch

Matamata jockey Michael Coleman is the new rider of exciting Northland two-year-old Copy Watch.

Coleman replaces Matthew Cameron, who was suspended for careless riding aboard Addictive Habit in last Saturday's Taumarunui Cup at Te Rapa.

Cameron had been aboard for Copy Watch's previous two starts, successful both times at Ruakaka.

The Donna and Dean Logan-trained Time Thief gelding has drawn barrier three for the $15,000 Swiss Ace 2yo Challenge (1200m), which has attracted a field of 12, including last-start Listed Champagne Stakes runner-up Asprey.

Pimms Time Retired

Gr.2 Travis Stakes winner Pimms Time has been retired.

Hamilton bloodstock agent Adrian Clark, who manages Greg Tomlinson's bloodstock interests, said Tomlinson's Nearco Stud had bought the Pins mare and that she would be mated with Darley stallion Commands next spring.

Pimms Time, whose third dam was the champion mare Emancipation, won five of her 16 starts for Hastings trainers Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen.