“It (training) is something that I have always wanted to do." Former jockey Chelsea Burdan is looking forward to taking the next step in her career at Matamata on Wednesday when she lines-up her first runner as a trainer. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3XbOnsp

"Hopefully she can get the job done tomorrow.” There is plenty of anticipation heading into Matamata’s Wednesday meeting, with local trainers Darryn and Briar weatherley set to unveil exciting filly Gossip. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3XrUpq1

“You just have to work hard at it , but when you ride race-day and ride a winner or two, it’s all worth it.” New Zealand has a history of producing top-class jockeys that ply their trade around the world, a process that begins as an apprentice. 📖 READ: buff.ly/4ecQTpl

“We are really happy to have certainty on his future in New Zealand." Former shuttle stallion Almanzor’s flying days are now behind him, with Cambridge Stud announcing their Group One-producing sire will remain a permanent resident of NZ. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3TgHLIh

“She is going to need to perform on Saturday and I am confident that she will and then we’ll go to the Arrowfield.” Shaune Ritchie's Pearl Of Alsace will open her spring campaign at Ruakaka on Saturday, before a tilt at the Hastings features. 📖 READ: buff.ly/3TchsTm

Lux Libertas overcame plenty of adversity early in her life, but the four-year-old left unfortunate beginnings behind her when completing a winning hat-trick at Matamata on Wednesday Kylie Bax Wexford Stables 📖 Read more: buff.ly/4geffk4

“She’s just tough, even at home she’s the boss. It’s hard to get those types of horses, but she’s really good." Talented mare Casino Princess added another success to her ever-growing tally at Matamata on Wednesday for Cliff Goss. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3MyeCUW

“She has definitely improved off the run and will need to." Archaic Smile has taken significant benefit from her first-up outing and will line-up in the Gr.3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings for Pike Racing. 📖 READ: buff.ly/3MzzLOQ

The Barneswood Farm team are looking forward to their Group One winner Desert Lightning making his debut for new trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman at The Valley on Saturday. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/4ebAZLL

RACE Update This week, Jayne Ivil caught up with RACE CEO Tim Savell, RACE Trentham Track Manager Jamie Phillips and RACE Awapuni Track Manager Daniel Amies to provide an update on all the exciting developments within the organisation. Click here to view: youtube.com/watch?v=3Ccc8A…

“We look forward to seeing Raceform establish an even greater presence in New Zealand racing.” TAB New Zealand is set to acquire the Raceform brand and magazine publication (Raceform) from Raceform Publications Limited. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3z9cjVo

“He’s proven at Group One level and we believe he’ll be much more competitive on Saturday, we’re expecting a bold performance.” Wexford Stables co-trainer Andrew Scott will chase his third title in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on Saturday. 📖 READ: buff.ly/3XlhlX4

Newly turned four-year-olds have a proud record of making early spring statements in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in recent years, and one of New Zealand’s most exciting racehorses is poised to follow suit at Hastings on Saturday. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3MCHr2s

“It’s a day that we’ve really been looking forward to. To have runners in our colours in Group One races in both New Zealand and Australia, we’re very excited." Waikato Stud have plenty to look forward to on Saturday. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3My6iVi

Grant Cooksley won the Gr.1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy (1400m) as a jockey seven years ago aboard the Shelley Hale-trained Close Up, and on Saturday he will vie to capture the Hastings feature as a trainer. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3ThY5Zk

. TAB NZ is once again showing their support for Daffodil Day at the Tarzino Trophy meeting at Hastings on Saturday, donating $2,000 to the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society each time the Daffodil Day silks win a race. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3z7YJ4w

Racing is at Ruakaka tomorrow for a 9-race card meeting, Track Manager Brian McKinney provides the latest on weather and track conditions heading into the meeting.

Ken and Bev Kelso are no strangers to big-race success during the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, and they will attempt to add another Hastings trophy to their collection when Alabama Lass tackles Saturday's Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3zb4IFR

. Cody Cole made a winning start to his season earlier this week at Matamata, a trend he hopes to continue with a strong team heading to Hastings on Saturday. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3Z8iTpL

It’s been a long and wet winter for Southland trainer Robert Dennis, and he is glad to be through the other side with spring racing on the doorstep, beginning at Wingatui on Sunday where he will line-up an eight-strong team. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/3Xw1cix