Debbie Sweeney Racing

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.

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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

WINNER 🥇

Scarlet Temple was too good in Race 7 – the AT Cook Contracting Benchmark 75 (1560m) at Rotorua today.

Ridden confidently by our apprentice Ashlee Strawbridge, Scarlet Temple settled nicely throughout before producing a strong finish to score.

Congratulations to on a well-deserved win. A big credit also goes to our hardworking team for the care and dedication that goes into preparing our horses every day.

Well done, team! 💙

📸 Race Images

WINNER🥇

Wine Rocs was successful in Race 7 - The Lawn Shed Winter Championship (1400m) at Ellerslie yesterday.

Ridden by Lynsey Satherley, he travelled comfortably throughout and was able to take over in the straight before holding on well to score.

Congratulations to our owners, it’s great to see colours back in the winners circle, and thank you to everyone involved in the care and preparation of Wine Rocs 🍷⭐️

looks to have a promising type on her hands in the shape of the 3YO who posted his second win from just 4 starts when winning at Ellerslie in the $40,000 Elsdon Park Handicap over 1400m.

Ridden by , sat outside the leader throughout and quickly assumed the lead once turning in, and despite of racing a little greenly over the last 100m, he was too good for his rivals.

was bred by S J Liddington & J M W Tarrant who race the smart youngster with M G Logan, L W Wilson, R D Marsh, R D Odey, S Jensen, P Meiklejohn & P Magill ... and is out of the mare .

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

https://loveracing.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f202606%2fM2_AUCK_R07_060626.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%2f202606%2fM2_AUCK_R07_060626.jpg&r=Race%207%20-%20ELSDON%20PARK%201400&rs=1

Pictured: El Roca (Lesley Warwick)

Wine Rocs salutes at Ellerslie Wine Rocs winning at Ellerslie on Saturday.  Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wine Rocs salutes at Ellerslie Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk 6 June 2026 Promising three-year-old Wine Rocs indicated there are more wins in store in his current campaign as he produced a sustained finish to ...