Debbie Sweeney Racing

We couldn’t be prouder of our apprentice, Ashlee Strawbridge, who received the Ngakau Hailey Trophy for Most Improved Apprentice Jockey, sponsored by Lee Somervell.

This is such a special award for Ashlee and our whole team. She has put in so much hard work, especially since returning from her accident in July last year.

To receive an award named in honour of her late fellow apprentice makes this moment even more special, and it means the world to Ashlee.

Congratulations Ashlee, we are so proud of you 💙💛🤍

Great to see Perfumist getting it done in Australia! We prepared her for the 2023 Ready to Run Sale. Her full brother, El Roca x Tapputi (lot 66), is among the Westbury team we’ve been preparing for this year’s sale.

A great first up win for the mare to score a dominant win in the Group 3 $250,000 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle today, and taking her stake earnings past the A$850,000 mark.

Trained by Bjorn Baker Racing and given a perfect ride by , had trialled well in preparation for today and received a nice run in fifth spot until angle in the clear with 300m to run, racing clear to win by 2.6 lengths.

The 15th individual winner for her sire, is raced by OTI Racing and partners and was a $190,000 RTR purchase for Bjorn Baker Racing / OTI / Phill Cataldo Bloodstock / Clarke Bloodstock and has won 8 of her 21 starts.

is bred on the same El Roca/Swiss Ace cross that has produced current Group 2 winner .

Today, we remember our apprentice, Ngakau Hailey, who we sadly lost one year ago today.

Ngakau had an infectious smile, larger than life personality, and was loved by everyone around him. He was more than a member of our team, he was family, and his presence is deeply missed.

Today, Bonnie Gem will represent our stable in the Remembering Ngakau Hailey 1300 (Race 2) at the Cambridge Synthetic track, with Ngakau’s fellow apprentice and friend, Ashlee Strawbridge, in the saddle. It’s a race that means a great deal to our team.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our stable over the past year. Our thoughts are with Ngakau’s family and loved ones today as we remember a young man who will never be forgotten 🤍

Tomorrow, we pause to remember a talented young rider and a special part of the racing community.

We’re proud to sponsor the Remembering Ngakau Hailey 1300 - Race 2 at 12.07pm - at the Cambridge Synthetic track.

Ngakau rode his first raceday winner on 24 June 2023 aboard Chattahoochee at the Cambridge Synthetic track, trained by Debbie Sweeney Racing . Ngakau’s passion, talent and dedication made a lasting impression on those around him, and we’re honoured to help celebrate his memory through this race.

We invite everyone to pause tomorrow and remember a promising young rider who left a mark on the racing world far beyond his years.

Congratulations to Debbie Sweeney Racing and on a great effort with the 4YO mare winning at just start number two today at Racing Te Aroha.

The daughter of bounced in front and was perfectly rated in the lead by her young rider, finding plenty in the straight and holding her rivals at bay comfortably.

Raced by her breeder Gerry Harvey, was the third individual winner for her sire over the weekend and continued a great run of form by his progeny.

To watch a replay of Meisai winning, click on the link below.

https://loveracing.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202607%2fM6_TARO_R04_050726.mp4&i=%2fCommon%2fImage.ashx%3fw%3d565%26h%3d314%26a%3d1%26o%3d1%26z%3d1%26bg%3deeeeee%26p%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202607%2fM6_TARO_R04_050726.jpg&r=Race%204%20-%20EQUINE%20COUNTRY%20NZ%201400&rs=1

Pictured: Apprentice Ashlee Strawbridge

WINNERS (2) 🥇
A fantastic day for the team at Te Aroha with two impressive winners.

Meisai 🥷
Successful in the EQUINE COUNTRY NZ MDN 1400m. Ridden by our stable apprentice Ashlee Strawbridge, she jumped well, travelled strongly throughout and carried that momentum all the way to the line to score in the Westbury Stud colours.

Sonar 🌊
Successful in the AGPLUS TE AROHA MDN 1150m. Ridden by Lynsey Satherley, he tried hard throughout and produced a determined finish to record his first race start win in the Oak Stud colours.

Congratulations to all of our owners and connections. A great result for everyone involved 🥂

📸 Race Images