Matamata Racing Club

Last night we held our MMRC Racing Awards for the 2025-26 season, celebrating what was some incredible success.

Having produced 50% of the G1 races run in NZ for the season, there was a lot of celebrate.

Our Award winners were:

* Trainer of the Year - SAM BERGERSON & MARK WALKER of Te Akau Racing

* Jockey of the Year - CRAIG GRYLLS

* Apprentice Jockey of the year - Hayley Hassman

* Strike Rate trainer of the year - KRIS SHAILER

* Breeders of the Year - Rich Hill Stud

* Owners of the Year - LEGARTO SYNDICATE

* Jumper of the Year - LEADERBOARD for Fortuna Thoroughbred Racing & Te Akau Racing

* Stayer of the Year - LEGARTO

* 2yo of the Year - LARA ANTIPOVA for Fortuna Thoroughbred Racing & Te Akau Racing

* 3yo of the Year - BELLE CHEVAL for Te Akau Racing

* Sprinter/Miler of the Year - WAITAK for Wexford Stables

2025-26 MMRC HORSE OF THE YEAR - LEGARTO

We also acknowledged a true champion of the sport in Savabeel Waikato Stud with a MMRC tribute award.
As we know Savabeel left an incredible mark on our industry, but it was his affinity with our training centre that will live with us forever.

Of the 36 individual Group One winners sired by Savabeel, no less than 14 (or 38.9%) were trained and won their Group One races from our facility.
This is something we are extremely proud of and we look to seeing his legacy live on through his broodmare daughters and sire sons in years to come.

We look forward to celebrating further success in 12 months and if there is a message from last nights awards, its to follow, race, own or back MMRC trained runners!!

WE ARE UP AND RUNNING!!!!

Fair to say, our horses and stables have continued on in the current season as we left the last.

Last weekend was the first of the NZ spring racing meetings of the new season with Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate Raceday at Te Rapa Racing.

The headline race Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (G2) was taken out in fine form by speedy mare ALABAMA LASS (pictured) for the Ken & Bev Kelso stable to claim the 5th straight win in the race for MMRC trained gallopers.

Starting as a short priced favourite, ALABAMA LASS proved too slick under a quality ride by Michael McNab.
She mapped as the horse to beat and proved too good first up, but two other MMRC trained gallopers that produced eye catching runs in the race were STERLING EXPRESS (3rd) and AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (4th) Ballymore Racing NZ
Definitely a couple to keep a close eye on over the next few weeks.

The winners didn't stop there, with MMRC trained gallopers claiming the first three races on the card.
Danica Guy stepped out with a smart 3yo TEXAS COWBOY in the first, followed by two Mark Brosnan trained runners AUTUMN HEIGHTS & DIAMOND JAK continuing the stables good run of form.

TEXAS COWBOY for Danica Guy looks one to follow into the spring 3yo races, and the Hawkes Bay Guineas looks a target.

AUTUMN HEIGHTS for Mark Brosnan has found some good form of late and looks a progressive mare coming through the grades, but it was the win of DIAMOND JAK that stole her thunder with an impressive win carrying 62kg and 8kg more than the 2nd and 3rd horses. He really is in fine form of late.

Tickets for our 2026/27 summer racing season will be on sale soon. 🥳

To make sure you're ahead of the field, use the link below to sign up to our database. You'll get 24 hours of advance notice before they are available to all...and with consecutive sell-outs under our belt for some days, it's worth getting the jump!

https://form.123formbuilder.com/6769167/matamata-racing-club-sign-up

MATAMATA - Dennis Ryan

Foxbridge Plate favourite Alabama Lass confirmed her readiness for a big fresh-up effort in Saturday’s Te Rapa feature when she worked stylishly at Matamata on Tuesday morning.

Another heavy frost meant the course proper, with the markers set at 14 metres, provided reasonably good footing.
Alabama Lass was ridden by raceday rider Michael McNab as she worked away steadily from the 1000m mark, quickly gathering momentum to run the full distance in 1:06.7. She hit the line travelling sweetly, with the final 600m taking 37.3, the best time of the session.

The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained mare has dominated the early market for the weight-for-age feature and after a comfortable trial win and smart trackwork she looks in the right order to justify that position. A continuation of the fine and frosty weather through to Saturday will only aid her chances.

Matamata’s other Foxbridge Plate prospects to get through their work well were last year’s winner Sterling Express (pictured), last-start winner Spencer and Affirmative Action.

Sterling Express was ridden by his raceday rider Masa Hashizume in solo work on the course proper, completing 1000m in 1:08.8 and 39.2. The Mark Brosnan-trained gelding has never been one to star in training but looks improved by his Te Rapa trial, when he hit the line well behind Alabama Lass.

Affirmative Action (Rooke) was paired with Niccita (Parmar), building momentum as they went over 1000m to run the distance in 1:10.6 and finish off well over the last 600m in 37.8. The Pam Gerard-trained four-year-old has developed well since last season and signalled his spring prospects with a smart trial win earlier in the month.

Spencer was ridden by his co-trainer Shaun McKay on the No.1 sand, where he was allowed his usual east task, striding out well under a hold to complete 800m in 53.2 and the last 600m in 38.8. He has trained on pleasingly from his recent Ruakaka win.

Back on the course proper, Te Rapa maiden prospects Fiamma (Mullineaux) and Coniston (Loki) shaped up well over 1000m in 1:09.2 and 38.8, while stablemate Ribkraka (Hashizume) wasn’t hurried over the same distance in 1:13.5 and 41.8.

Afterglo (Sanson) prepared for Te Rapa with Hastings weekend entry Toni Marie (E Jones) over 1200m in 1:22.6, the last 1000m in 1:07.9 and 600m in 38.5.
Sweet But Psycho (Loki) was allowed an easier task over ground when completing 1200m in 1:24.5 and 42.6.

Talisker (Melvin) impressed when he led Born To Be Royal (Bosson) to the end of 1000m in 1:07.2 and 37.7. Later in the session Spirit Of Ardsley (Nishizuka) and Imperialstatecrown (Paswan) did well to cut out 1000m in 1:08.8 and 41, while Sonoran (S Collett) and Highflying Ace (Boyack) ran the same distance in 1:09.8 and 39.2.
Paparazzi (Rooke) and Divider (Nishizuka) completed 1000m in 1:09.6 and 40.6, and were followed by Van Damme (Parmar) in 1:10.2 and 40.8. Te Rapa entry Noble Cabello (Goodwin) was never at top over 1000m in 1:12.6 and 40.2.

Qali Al Farrasha (McNab) and Perlino (Wilson-Taylor) were timed over their last 800m in 54.6 and 38.9, while Sarti (McNab) and Tiantai (Winter) ran the same distance in 55.4 and 40.2.

On the No.2 sand, Zacabasso (Wratten) prepared for Te Rapa over a well-held 1200m in 1:23.5, the last 1000m in 1:07.6 and 600m in 38.2. Fly My Wey (M Brosnan) strode out well over 1200m in 1:21.8, 1000m in 1:04.5 and the last 600m in 37.2.

Last-start winner Whatz Done Is Done (Hillis) left 1000m behind in 1:06 and 36.9. Our Bill Bone (S Collett) ran the same trip in 1:10.8 and 40.3, followed by Vantage Point (Cameron) in 1:11.7 and 40.8.
Luvabeel (Bosson) and Firestrike (Azrul) weren’t after time as they strode over 1000m in 1:12.4 and 38.8. Stromlinien (Winter) and Themarierose (Hashizume) also took it easy over the same distance in 1:13.8 and 42.6.

Haaaaave you heard about our new-look raceday?

The inaugural Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes Raceday is taking place on Saturday, 3 October and is headlined by the Listed Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes, part of the Prezzy Card Country Cup series.

We’re also proud to support the Matamata Primary School PTA, with proceeds from hospitality tickets purchased through the school going directly towards school projects.

More about the day and how to buy tickets 👇

Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes Raceday Join us oncourse for our first feature raceday of the year ft. the Listed Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes

Our 2026/27 racing calendar is now live!

Head to our website to see when we’ll be racing at Matamata throughout the new season.

Tickets for the always-popular Noble & Lee Christmas Twilight and J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Day will be released soon. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social channels - we have a few exciting updates planned that you won’t want to miss!

Learn more: https://matamataracingclub.co.nz/events

MATAMATA - Dennis Ryan

Quality gallopers preparing for spring features added to the action as they got through their paces at Matamata on Tuesday morning.
A number of them worked on the outside of the course proper, where while still on the heavy side, the ground provided relatively good footing.

Foxbridge Plate favourite Alabama Lass (M McNab) - pictured, worked away from the 800m mark, hard held to begin with as she covered the distance in 53.4 and when allowed more rein stretched out impressively to cover the last 600m in 37.5.

The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained mare looks very well ahead of the black-type trial at Te Rapa on Saturday. Michael McNab has committed to riding her in her upcoming engagements, which all going to plan will include the Gr.1 Proisir Plate.

Damask Rose (C Grylls) and La Dorada (Bosson), who will follow the same path as Alabama Lass, were paired in sound work over 1000m, completing the trip in 1:10 and finishing off with a well-contained 600m in 40.1. Both Te Akau mares are coming to hand well.

Wexford Stabkes star Waitak (Loki) wasn’t after time as strode from the 800m in 58.5 and 600m in 41. The big gelding looks bright as he readies for his first public appearance of the season in a pre-race trial at Taupo on Sunday week ahead of the Proisir Plate.

The Richardson/Norvall-trained Lollapalooza (Paswan), another set to contest Saturday’s Te Rapa trial ahead of the Foxbridge Plate, looked comfortable throughout her work over 800m in 55 and 600m in 40.5.

Last year’s Foxbridge Plate winner Sterling Express (Hashizume) was paired with Big Bold Bob (M Brosnan) over a soundly-run 1000m in 1:08.2 and 40.2. The Mark Brosnan-trained gelding is carrying plenty of condition and will take further benefit from his weekend trial at Te Rapa.

Of those scheduled to race at Te Rapa on Saturday, Afterglo (Sanson) impressed as she strode over ground, timed from the 1200m in 1:25.4 with the last 1000m in 1:10 and 800m in 54.6. The Stephen Autridge-trained mare will be an interesting weekend runner in her first start beyond 1600m.

Stablemate Caitlyns Wish (Stumbles) followed and was timed over 1000m in 1:11.2 and 800m in 56, likewise with no 600m split possible due to poor light. Little Bit Of Love (L Singh) who also runs in the Te Rapa open 1200, was timed over 800m in 54.2 and 39.2.

Te Rapa open 1600 entry Lotus (Paswan) was partnered by Imperialstatecrown (Nishizuka) over a well-run 1000m in 1:07.5 and 39.6.
Over the same distance Ribkraka (Mo) took 1:10 and 40.1, while Little Orchid (Mullineaux) and Lomasi (Mo) were kept to 1:16.2 and 43. Ever Charm (Loki) was also well held as he strode over his final 600m in 42.2.

On the No.1 sand, Faultless (S McKay) worked well over 1000m in 1:04.8 and 37.4. Stablemate Subiaco (S Collett), who runs at Cambridge on Friday, strode over 800m in 52.4 and 600m in 38.6.

On the No.2 sand, Shavasana and Did The Trick also shaped up well for their Cambridge engagements. Shavasana (Ramsay) cut out 1000m in 1:04.6 and 36.8, while Did The Trick (Hillis) covered the same distance in 1:06.2 and 37.6.

Hostility (M McNab) caught the eye in his work over 1000m in 1:10.2, quickening readily from the 600m in 38.5. Now a gelding, he has developed significantly since last racing. Party Time (Goodwin) ran a tidy 1000m in 1:06.8 and 37.6.

Over 800m, Latoya (Hashizume) and Levarti (Fawcett) were paired over 800m in 55.2 and 38.6. Latoya looks bright after a short break since her Ruakaka debut win last month, while Levarti, yet another likely looking Proisir filly in the Kelso stable, shaped up well when winning her first trial recently.

Stromlinien (C Grylls), a recent addition to the Kelso stable, went with Themarierose (Hashizume) over 800m in 54.4 and 38.3. Live On Air (Olney) ran the same distance in 54.2 and 37.5, while Tiantai (Fawcett) and Sarti (McNab) caught the eye with 800m in 52.2 and 36.8.

Today marks the end of the 2025-26 NZTR racing season, and boy was it a good one for our club and training centre.

Each and every day our team prides themselves on producing the best quality training facility it can, for our trainers, their horses, staff and owners, and let me tell you it is no easy feat.

However, we celebrate the season that was with a few facts and figures of which we are very proud of.

* 50% of all Group One races run in NZ, were won by MMRC trained gallopers.
* Four individual stables tasted success at Group One level with 7 individual horses.
* Waitak (Wexford Stables) and Legarto (K&B Kelso) claimed two Group One races each.
* Te Akau Racing are crowned the NZ Trainers' Premiership winners for the 7th straight season.
* No less than 25 individual trainers or partnerships tasted success on the racetrack.
* Total Stakes won for the season by MMRC trained gallopers is in excess of $23M for the season.

None of this is a fluke, and we are extremely proud of the premium product we produce off our tracks and the amazing people behind the success.

MMRC trained G1 winners for 2025-26 season in order of races run.

QUINTESSA - Te Akau Racing Ellerslie Rich Hill Stud Proisir Plate

WAITAK - Stables Te Rapa Racing Howden Insurance Mile

WAITAK - Wexford Stables Livamol Classic

ROMANOFF - Ballymore Racing NZ Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 2000 Guineas

LEGARTO - K&B Kelso Te Rapa Racing Herbie D**e Stakes

OHOPE WINS - Wexford Stables Al Basti Equiworld NZ NZ Oaks

LARA ANTIPOVA - Te Akau Racing Sisema Stakes

LEGARTO - K&B Kelso Ellerslie Bonecrusher NZ Stakes

SEIZE THE DAY - Te Akau Racing Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes

BRING ON 2026-27!!!!

MATAMATA - Dennis Ryan

A combination of the heaviest frost of the winter and light starter numbers this weekend meant a low volume of fast work at Matamata on Tuesday morning.

On the course proper, where the markers were set at 15 metres, Ruakaka maiden rivals Odds And Ends (Pino) and Foreign Currency (L Pertab) were paired over a truly-run 1000m in 1:06, completing their work with 600m in 37.6.

Odds And Ends has finished second in two recent starts at the northern track and needs only to run up to that form to claim a deserved win on Saturday. Foreign Currency, a rising four-year-old by Satono Aladdin, makes his debut off the back of a trial win at Avondale last week.

Sweet But Psycho (L Singh) wasn’t asked for a lot as she strode over ground, completing 1200m in 1:24.6 and maintaining an even rate over 1000m in 1:10.1 and 600m in 42.3. She has shown steady improvement over recent weeks, capped by a late-closing second at Ruakaka a fortnight ago, which is good form ahead of her weekend engagement at the same venue.

The Perfect Ram (Sanson) hit out well in solo work over 1000m in 1:07.5, the last 600m in 38.5. He is a recent trial winner shaping up well for his debut. Crackercol (Loki) and Tzarina’s Crown (Mullineaux) worked well within themselves over 1000m in 1:11.2 and 41.6.

In similar well-contained work Test Pilot (Prastiyou) and an unnamed filly by Exceedance (E Smith) were timed over 1000m in 1:13.6 and 600m in 40.8. Talented galloper Lupo Solitario (Leighton) was hard held over a round of the course proper and was allowed a little more round from the 800m in 1:03.2 and 600m in 45.8. He is shaping up well for his spring campaign.

Alabama Lass (Winter), who worked on the No.2 sand, also appeared to enjoy herself as she got through 1000m hard-held in 1:14.8 and 43.5.

We might not be back racing until September but never fear, our friends around the Waikato have plenty of racedays to keep you satisfied!

If you're looking for a racing fix this weekend there is:
⭐ Taumarunui Gold Cup Day at Te Rapa Racing, Saturday 25 July
⭐ Te Aroha Veterinary Services Raceday at Racing Te Aroha, Sunday 26 July

Details here:
https://waikatoracing.co.nz/taumarunui-rc-te-rapa-2
https://racingtearoha.co.nz/te-aroha-veterinary-services-raceday-0