Matt Smith

A half-sister to Inferno and Ortem Fire has White Robe Lodge stud manager Wayne Stewart pretty excited about the South Island sale in Christchurch next week.

Ryan Thistoll has been lucky enough to sit on one of the world's best gallopers, but he got an equally big thrill at Oamaru yesterday.

The national trainers' premiership will be decided at Rotorua tomorrow, but Yaldhurst trainer Michael Pitman can reflect on a job well done no matter what happens.

Ellis Winsloe would love to return to the scene of Kidunot's greatest racing triumph.

One lifter took care of three New Zealand records at the South Island Olympic weightlifting championships in Dunedin on Saturday.

A win on the right-hand side of the form line is always a good look for any galloper, but there was a little bit more to Aronsay's last-start win at Timaru.

Kaikorai batsman Iain Robertson is the big winner in Otago coach Vaughn Johnson's 13-man domestic contracts list released yesterday.

ODT racing writer Matt Smith  shares his thoughts on the racing world.

John Dunn has been unlucky with Kotare Mahal twice, but it will not happen a third time as Dunn chases 100 season wins tonight at Addington.

Jamie Richards saw some pretty impressive horse-flesh during his time overseas in 2012, but now he is surrounded by quality thoroughbreds every day.

Struggling pacers in the lower South Island will have a new option next season, with claiming races for 1-2 win pacers programmed in Southland from next month.

A plan to give Miss Maximuss the winning feeling again paid off when she took the short way home in the $25,000 Oamaru Cup yesterday.

Kylie Williams is not worried about the potential threat of Civics Rock when she climbs aboard the Jan Hay-trained Rewa in the Waitaki River Trophy at Oamaru tomorrow.

Mr Majestic's maiden win was a few starts in the making, but there was extra pleasure for trainer, driver and owner Alan Clark in the trotter's victory.

Some day, when a couple of the players in the Green Island under-8 green team reflect on their early careers, they might rue the time they ignored an overlap with Ben Smith on the end of the chain.

Jonny Cox has had a season to remember, but he might not be finished just yet.

As a former jockey, Megan Brick knows all about the importance of the Melbourne Cup on the racing calendar.