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Your chance to race fillies with NZ Cricket Players	23 Jun 2004



Fancy racing a horse as part of a syndicate comprising a group of Kiwi cricketers. Then here is your chance. Two fillies by boom sire O'Reilly are to be raced by a syndicate which includes Black Caps Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Darryl Tuffy and Scott Styris. The fillies will be trained by Lance O'Sullivan at Matamata. Available are three 10 per cent shares at $8000 per share which includes gst. There are no payments required until August 1, 2004 and the price includes the racing interest in both horses as a package. Inquiries to Andrea the Wexford Stables office on 07 888 7639.

Te Aroha 9.6.04	9 Jun 2004



Racing Te Aroha 9.6.04 Race 4 Java Lodge Occidental Tourist, 1100m, 12.55pm: DANAMORA: Well-bred type who has been close up in recent starts. Needs some luck from the 15 barrier draw. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 6 Lunjevich and Martin Contracting, 1550m, 2pm: CIAO: Was making ground well fresh-up and should be all the better for that run and strip a fitter horse this time. Finbarr Leahy has the mount fresh from his big win in the Great Northern Hurdles at Ellerslie last weekend. Drawn barrier 8.

Vouvray delivers in Queensland Oaks	5 Jun 2004



In a major triumph for Hong Kong-bound Paul O’Sullivan and the New Zealand breeding industry the O’Sullivan-trained Zabeel filly Vouvray won the $A325,000, Group I, Queensland Oaks, 2400m at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Not only was Vouvray first but the first five home were New Zealand-bred. Vouvray became Zabeel’s 28th individual Group I winner and his 74th black type winner. The capacity field was led down the back straight at a strong pace by the Generous filly We Can’t Say That and they were strung out over 15L. Natural Woman was fifth and Winning Belle seventh at the 1000m mark. Vouvray was mid-field and on the fence. As they fanned for the run home the leaders tired quickly and Winning Belle was five wide and trying to run onto the front. Natural Woman sprinted first and took the lead at the 300m mark, but then Chris Munce on Vouvray came off the fence for a run and at the 150m they were inb the lead. However Darren Beadman and Zumanity were in the middle and chasing very hard. These two pulled away from the rest of the field and faught out a hard battle to the line. Vouvray won by a short head. There was a margin of 3l to Winning Belle. Natural Woman was fourth and Bridie Belle fifth. The time was 2.27.00, the last 600m in 35.60. In a master case of conditioning O’Sullivan had taken the filly from a seventh at Awapuni in the Manawtau Classic over 2000m in May 1st, to third and a stakes place in the Warstep Stakes over 2000m at Riccarton on May 1st to the classic victory and Group I glory on June 5th at Eagle Farm. Brent Taylor’s Trelawney Stud in Cambridge owns Vouvray and she is from the Group II and twice Group III winning mare Real Success that the Stud owns. She has had three foals to race and all have won, and her Zabeel colt sold for $150,000 at the 2004 New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd Premier Sale at Karaka. Real Success, by the excellent stallion Succes Express, won six times in total. Zumanity, by O’Reilly, was previously trained by O’Sullivan from his Matamata base when known as Zinc. She is now under the care of Randwick trainer John O’Shea and the filly has gone from a win on the Kensington track over fillies and mares to a Group I place. Third placed Winning Belle is also by the Cambridge Stud sire Zabeel, Natural Woman is by emerging stamina sire Generous and completing the New Zealand line up was Bridie Belle from Grangewilliam Stud’s Success Express sire Al Akbar. The irony of the race was that Munce had been responsible for almost stopping the chances of the O’Sullivan-trained Falkirk from achieving a start in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. Munce had severely hampered Falkirk on Patong in the QTC Cup the race before the Oaks, with Patong reaching the line a half head in front of Falkirk. The stewards reversed the placings after an inquiry. Munce then went out delivered for O’Sullivan on Vouvray. Vouvray has raced seven times for three wins and two thirds, and the stake money from the Oaks of $A208,000 dwarfed her previous earnings of $13,668. For Zabeel this was the second year in succession his progeny had won the Queensland Oaks after Zagalia's win last year.

Falkirk confirmed for QTC Cup	1 Jun 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has confirmed a start in this Saturday's $A200,000 QTC Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm. A win in Saturday's race would automatically qualify him for the following week’s $A1 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), but a start in that feature would only be considered if he pulled up well from his second consecutive weekend’s racing. Last Saturday the Windsor Park Stud-owned colt went down in the final strides of the Gr. 3 BTC Sprint, that in spite of once again having difficulty with the right-handed way of going. “His jockey told me that he got on the wrong leg with 500 metre to run and never switched back,” said O’Sullivan. “To just get beaten shows what a good horse he is and I think he could be a toff in those good sprints in Melbourne in the spring.” Falkirk will again be ridden on Saturday by Scott Galloway who was aboard the colt last weekend. The other O'Sullivan-trained runners on Saturday are Tonic (open 1600m event at Ellerslie) and Vouvray in the $A325,000 Queensland Oaks (to be ridden by Chris Munce).

O'Sullivan Granted Licence For Hong Kong	4 May 2004



New Zealand’s 11-time champion trainer Paul O’Sullivan has been granted a licence to train in Hong Kong. O’Sullivan will start his new position in Hong Kong when the racing season begins there in August. Advice of O’Sullivan’s appointment was received on Tuesday from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The 44-year-old from Matamata will be one of only 12 international trainers accepted to train in Hong Kong next season. “The chance to test yourself in Hong Kong is one virtually every trainer in the world would want, and it is a huge thrill and a huge compliment to both myself and to New Zealand racing to be offered this position,” Paul O’Sullivan said. “Still, this is not my compliment alone. Without the support of my clients and guidance from my father and the many great New Zealand horse trainers I have learnt from over the years, the opportunity simply would not have been possible.” “I leave with the greatest confidence in the future of the New Zealand racing industry, particularly with the forward-thinking restructuring at racing club and national administration levels currently taking place. I believe the high regard in which New Zealand racing is held internationally was a factor in my appointment.” “New Zealand horses and jockeys have established over the years a great reputation in Hong Kong. Now with this appointment, a trainer from New Zealand has a chance to compete against some of the best in the business and at the same time to further showcase the New Zealand thoroughbred.” O’Sullivan began work as a stablehand for his father, retired champion trainer Dave O’Sullivan, as a 17-year-old in 1976. He entered into partnership with Dave O’Sullivan four years later. Together the pair captured 10 New Zealand training premierships over the next 17 years, their dominance shown best in the four years from 1991 to 1994 through which the partners captured the New Zealand Trainers Premiership four years in succession with over 100 wins each season. With Dave O’Sullivan’s retirement in 1998, Paul took sole charge of the family’s Wexford Stables operation and over the next four years Paul O’Sullivan made steady progress up the New Zealand Trainers’ Premiership table to claim his first premiership in his own right in the 2002-03 season. O’Sullivan also captured the prestigious Dunstan Trainer of the Year title that season. In partnership with his father or on his own account, Paul O’Sullivan has trained the winners of 48 Group One races in New Zealand and a further 15 Group One races off shore. In the latest complete racing season, Paul O’Sullivan established himself firmly as the favourite trainer for New Zealand’s betting public with almost 50% of his runners in New Zealand paying a dividend for first, second or third. Just under a quarter of all starts produced a win for his runners in the 2002-03 season.

Saturday 1 May 2004	30 Apr 2004



The Paul O'Sullivan stable has two runners in the open 1600m event at Te Rapa on Saturday. They are Tonic, to be ridden by Vinny Colgan, and desperate, who will be ridden by Michael Coleman. Tonic finished second at her last start and this is her pet distance. She has drawn barrier 9. Desperate finished fourth last time and has been in very consistent form. He has drawn barrier 12. Also lining up from the O'Sullivan stable at Te Rapa on Saturday is Danazira (race 10, 4.42pm) who has also been in very good form of late and looks a big each-way chance. Mohawk drops back to 1400m in race 9 at 4.05pm and should merit consideration. At Riccarton tomorrow Vouvray contests the Listed $30,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes with Noel Harris in the saddle. She looks a strong chance in the event. Her effort last time was below par but she won a trial nicely before that and can make amends.

Tauranga 28 April 2004	28 Apr 2004



Wexford Stables only has the one runner at Tauranga on Wednesday. Waikatea, who showed some good form last campaign, lines up in race 10 at 4.25pm with Leith Innes in the saddle. Certainly looks an each-way prospect. The 1600m should suit.

Cambridge JC 24.4.04	24 Apr 2004



Cambridge JC 24.4.04 Race 1 Prince Albert Juvenile 11.35am: O'LEARY: Seventh on debut and big improver on that run. Vinny Colgan has the mount. Drawn barrier 3. OMNIA: Making race-day debut. Trials winner and shows promise. Nice staying type. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn ideally at barrier 2. Race 2 Presland Tocker Insurance, 12.10pm: GLITZY: Any rain would assist chances. Has the class to be right in it. Leith Innes takes the mount. Drawn perfectly at barrier 2. Race 3 Cambridge Vet Services 1600, 12.45pm: CALVEEN: Shooting for three wins on end and steps up in class here. Leith Innes has the ride. Drawn barrier 13. KAKAKO: Could be the roughie of the day if he puts his best foot forward. Kate Hercock has the ride. Drawn barrier 15. Race 4 William Inglis and Son 1200, 1.20pm: ROCKABUBBLE: Goes well fresh and has worked up well. Drawn barrier 12 which won't help over 1200m. Vinny Colgan has the mount. Race 6 Sunline Stakes, 1200m, 2.33pm: GLAMOUS PUSS: Comes up against some smart ones here but can perform with credit. Has run real nice races this campaign. Drawn barrier 3. With right run can be in it. Gary Grylls has the mount. FALKIRK: Comes in fresh after injury break. Unbeaten in three starts last campaign and has all the class in the world. Lacks experience but makes up for that with ability. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 4. Race 8 Travis Stakes, 1600m, 3.53pm: MARIE CLAIRE: Probably having her final race-day start and it would be nice to go out on a good note. Will be ridden by Thomas Russell. Drawn barrier 10. DIAMOND LIKE: Has worked well all week and has run well over 1600m of late. Strong each-way claims. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 6. Race 10 Bargain Timber 1600, 5.13pm: ZINK: Consistent type overdue to break through maiden ranks. Has the chance here. Drawn barrier 15 which doesn't help matters. Thomas Russell has the mount.

Racing Matamata 21.4.04	21 Apr 2004



Paul O'Sullivan rates Biddee the best chance of his runners at Wednesday's Racing Matamata meeting. Biddee, a three-year-old filly by O'Reilly, lines up in the final event on the card at 5.08pm. She will be ridden by Leith Innes. In two outings today Biddee has run a fifth on debut at Paeroa and then a fourth at Te Aroha. She has blinkers on today and should prove most competitive in a handy field. Other runners at the Matamata meeting from the Wexford Stables barn are: Race 3 1.15pm Waikato Stud 2000, Maiden, 2000m: SORESTAN: Very disappointing last start but previous form was as consistent as could be. Can bounce back. Drawn barrier 11. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 7 3.22pm Lowe Schollum and Jones 2000, Intermediate, 2000m: COOL TALK: In very good form and will take some beating in this race despite awkward draw (15). Leith Innes has the mount. Race 8 3.55pm Bank Of New Zealand 1200, Intermediate, 1200m: ZANZIBELLE: Has been racing well enough but usually seems to find one or two better on the day. Capable of being thereabouts again. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn ideally at barrier 3.

Stable runners 17.4.04	16 Apr 2004



The stable has runners at both Hastings and Auckland on Saturday. At Hastings the runners are: Race 2 Curraghmore Stud Gold Cup, 11.55am: CLEVELAND: Nice win two starts back and wasn't really at his best last start. Raced by the colourful Stuart Hale. Looks right in it here. Hayden Tinsley has the mount. Race 10 Let's Go Turk's Bar, 4.52pm: MOHAWK: When struck at her best she is a very capable filly and maybe this can be her day. All the better for fresh-up run. Watch for bold run. Drawn ideally at barrier 4. Bruce Herd has the mount. At Ellerslie the runners are: Race 4 Newstalk ZB, 1.25pm: LUTAANA: Task made much harder by the draw. Has share of class and definitely improved by last run. Drawn barrier 13. Leith Innes aboard. Race 8 Life Members 2100, 4pm: GENGHIS: Talented galloper who should be right in the firing line here. Leith Innes aboard this handy stayer. Race 9 King Of Kings Ashwell Farm, 1200m, 4.40pm, DANASAR: No luck with draw which makes task harder. Has class to be competitive. Drawn barrier 12. Leith Innes in the saddle and maybe he can work the oracle.

Two-pronged Easter attack	8 Apr 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan is chasing Saturday's $150,000 Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie with two runners. These are Marie Claire and Diamond Like. The pair shape up as both having strong claims in the Gr. 1 feature which the O'Sullivan stable won 19 years ago with Eastern Joy. Diamond Like finished second at her last start in the NZ Bloodstock Breeders' Stakes, Gr. 1 1600m, at Te Aroha. She will be ridden by Leith Innes. Marie Claire finished a game third at her last outing in the Gr. 2 Japan/New Zealand Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga. She will have the services of globe-trotting jockey Grant Cooksley who is chasing his fourth win in the Easter Handicap. He won the feature in 1983 on Clear Gold, in 1990 on Status and in 2003 aboard Sedecrem. O'Sullivan will also have a strong chance at the Otaki meeting on Saturday with Desperate who will be ridden by Michael Walker. Desperate finished a good second fresh-up at Ellerslie behind Diamond Like.

Racing Te Aroha 7.4.04	6 Apr 2004



Racing Te Aroha 7.4.04 Race 2 12.40pm Marks Ewen and Associated Vets Maiden: KRUGER: A smart galloper who finished home late for fourth on debut at Matamata last month. An each-way chance here provided the track conditions are okay. Drawn nicely at barrier 3. Race 3 1.10pm Lunjevich and Mikkelson Contractors Maiden Juvenile: DANAMORA: Has gone three nice races to date and biggest hurdle here is the wide barrier draw (16). With luck in the running can threaten. Race 4 1.40pm Wallace Meats 2100 Maiden: SORESTAN: Only beaten by bad luck at Hastings and deserves to break through for a win. Drawn barrier 7. Hoping for good track. Race 7 3.18pm Ecolab 2100: VIAGGIO: Has to come up against the big local hope Waitoki Dream but looks a cut above the rest and will be right there. Drawn barrier 7. Race 8 3.53pm Revell and Mace Cartage 1600 Maiden: BIDDEE: Beaten favourite last start when fifth on debut but still went the race of an improver. Has another chance here. Hard to beat. Drawn barrier 5.

Iflooxcouldkill aiming for Sires double	1 Apr 2004



No-one needs to tell Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan about the importance of a win by two-year-old star Iflooxcouldkill in the $120,000 Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni on Saturday. O'Sullivan is fully aware there is a lot hinging on the outcome of the Group I 1400m event. "The title of top two-year-old and the Ford 2YO series are on the line for starters and if Iflooxcouldkill wins then she will be clean up everything," O'Sullivan said. The Daggers Drawn filly is the current leader in the Ford 2YO series with 24 points but breathing down her neck are Keeninsky (23), Kapsdan (19), Lotzatow (18), Egyptian Ra and Velasco (16). Tomorrow's race carries 20 points to the winner, 10 for second and other points for horses placed down to sixth. O'Sullivan says he cannot fault the condition of Iflooxcouldkill as she attempts to become the third horse in consecutive years to complete the Ellerslie-Manawatu Sires' Produce double. Two years ago Allan Sharrock-trained Grout won both races while last year Mark Walker-trained Maroofity took out the big double. Iflooxcouldkill has had her races well spaced this season which was a deliberate ploy on O'Sullivan's part. "I said from the start of the season she was the best two-year-old in my stable and for that reason the Sires' Produce races were always going to be her aim," O'Sullivan said. O'Sullivan said the step up to 14000m of tomorrow's race and a firm track will only serve to boost the chances of Iflooxcouldkill who will be ridden by Leith Innes. "I feel she is already at a stage where she needs more ground. She always finishes her races right out and I've felt the 1400m will suit her," he said. "She won a wet track at Ellerslie but if you saw the time she ran in a 600m gallop on a rock-hard track at Paeroa last week then you would know she is a firm tracker," he said. Iflooxcouldkill had a gallop between races at the Paeroa meeting last week and was timed over her final 600m in 33.6. The O'Sullivan stable has won the Manawatu Sires' previously with Snap (1993) and Little Jamie (2000). O'Sullivan has some other strong chances engaged at both Awapuni and Te Rapa tomorrow. The other Awapuni entrants from the stable are promising three-year-old filly Vouvray in the $60,000 The Oaks Stud Classic (2000m) and Glitzy in the fillies and mares 1400m event. At Te Rapa the O'Sullivan-trained runners are River Chief, Calveen, Abracadabra, Cool Talk and two-year-olds O'Leary and Cleveland.

Marie Claire ready for Tauranga	24 Mar 2004



A brilliant gallop at the Matamata track on Tuesday morning by talented mare Marie Claire confirmed to her trainer, Paul O’Sullivan, that she had overcome her injury worries in time for Saturday's $100,000 Westernbay Finace Japan/New Zealand Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga. “The gallop showed she has put all of her problems behind her,” O’Sullivan said. Marie Claire sprained a joint just prior to a planned start in New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha a fortnight ago. “She was all set to run at Te Aroha but the joint problem flared up and we ran out of time to get her right,” O’Sullivan said. “It came at the worst possible time to miss out on a Group I race like that but hopefully she can make up for it on Saturday.” “She didn’t miss a lot of work and it hasn’t taken her long to get back to full fitness again,” he said. Marie Claire impressively won a trial at Cambridge late last month but has not raced since the Thorndon Mile at Trentham in January where she didn’t perform up to expectations. “She didn’t handle the track at Trentham that day and got a check in the running as well,” he said. Marie Claire finished second in the Group I Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last October. “That Group I placing showed she’s got the class,” O’Sullivan said. Leith Innes will ride Marie Claire in tomorrow’s event in which stablemate Desperate is also a contender. Desperate finished second at Ellerslie last start and has a good record on the Tauranga course. He will be ridden by Andrew Calder and appeals as a lightweight chance. Other O’Sullivan-trained runners racing at Tauranga are Mohawk in the $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique, Danazira, Genghis and Danasar.

South Waikato RC 17.3.04	16 Mar 2004



The South Waikato Racing Club holds its annual race-meeting at Matamata on Wednesday. Stable runners from Wexford Stables are: Race 1: Arnheim: Placed in two outings to date and ready to strike here. Leith Innes has the mount. Zink: Placed third last start which was an encouraging effort. Include. Jason Waddell, very much the form jockey of the month, has the ride. Race 2: Kruger: First starter with a ton of ability so expect bold effort. Leith Innes to ride. Finished second at the Cambridge trials. Race 3: Lutaana: Making much awaited comeback. A top horse and will go close here. Leith Innes to ride. Zanzibelle: Consistent form and can go another bold race. Vinny Colgan aboard. Race 4: Sorestan: Looks tought to beat after some solid runs of late. Leith Innes in the saddle. Drawn barrier 5. Lamri: Requires major improvement on latest form. Vinny Colgan aboard. Race 6: Danamora: Solid runs of late and will be hard to beat here on home track. Leith Innes in the saddle. Drawn barrier 8. Centaurea: Seventh last start. Include in combinations. Gary Grylls aboard. Race 7: Danasar: Handy type who can strike good form again if best form produced. Leith Innes takes the mount. Race 9: Viaggio: Nice win two starts back and racing consistently well. Tough to beat. Leith Innes to ride.

Final race-day start for Sierra Dane	12 Mar 2004



The curtain will come down on Sierra Dane's racing career at Otaki tomorrow. The Danehill four-year-old mare, trained by Paul O'Sullivan, is having the final race-day start of her career. She is in foal to Windsor Park sire Golan. Sierra Dane will be ridden by Brian Hibberd in the Gr. 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m). Wexford Stables will also be represented in the same event by Tonic who is to be ridden by Darryl Bradley. Wexford Stables other runners on Saturday are at the Te Aroha meeting. Diamond Like backs up a week after winning over 1600m at Ellerslie to contest the $120,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders' Stakes (1600m). She will be ridden by Leith Innes. Glitzy will tackle the open 1400m event and promises to be a good each-way chance as she has worked well this week. Opie Bosson has the ride. In the same event Zahdeal can show the necessary improvement to be in the firing line at the finish. He has the services of Leith Innes.

Cool Talk can repeat win	9 Mar 2004



Cool Talk can repeat a last-start success when racing at Avondale on Wednesday. The Shinko King filly contests race 5, the Peter Cathro 2000, at 2.35pm. Her work has been excellent since she scored at Te Rapa on February 25 in maiden company over 2100m. That win capped some consistent form. Her rider at Avondale will be stable jockey Leith Innes. Meanwhile, regally-bred mare Diamond Like is now a starter in the $120,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on Saturday. The Danehill mare, who is owned by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, burst back into her best form with a win over 1600m at Ellerslie last Saturday and has come through the race very well hence the decision to back her up at Te Aroha in the Gr. 1 feature.

Dominatrix lining up at Trentham	5 Mar 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will line up classy mare Dominatrix in the $35,000 Listed Lightning Stakes (r7, 3.42pm) at Trentham tomorrow. He won the race last year with Diamond Like who is racing at Ellerslie tomorrow in an open 1600m event. Michael Walker will ride Dominatrix who has a very good record in her brief racing career. She has won four of her five starts including the Pegasus Handicap at Riccarton in November. She bled when fourth in the Gr. 3 Stewards Handicap at Riccarton also in November. Dominatrix was purchased for $120,000 as a yearling by Brent Taylor of Trelawney Stud in Cambridge. The O'Sullivan stable also lines up Kakaho, Danasar, Upside and Danazira at the Ellerslie meeting and they should be strong chances. All of these horses will be ridden by stable jockey Leith Innes. The other Ellerslie entrant is Desperate (r8) who will be ridden by Cameron Lammas.

Rotorua RC 3 March 2004	3 Mar 2004



The Paul O'Sullivan stable heads to the Rotorua meeting on Wednesday with a small but more than useful line up of runners. In race one Abracadabra lines up looking to improve on her last-start third. She will take a lot of beating and has Leith Innes in the saddle. Upside (r2) ran a useful fourth last start and her overall form has been solid. Leith Innes has the mount. Danamora (r3) is a well-bred filly who has not been far away in her two race-day outings to date. She looks a good each-way hope with Leith Innes in the saddle. Pilot Bay (r7) has blinkers added to his gear and that could work the oracle for this Zabeel three-year-old gelding who will be ridden by Leith Innes. Lamri (r10)has made the field from the ballot and can go better than the recent form suggests. Leith Innes aboard.

Iflooxcouldkill to run in Sires	27 Feb 2004



Talented 2yo filly Iflooxcouldkill lines up in the Gr. 1 $120,000 Ford Ellerslie Sires' Produce Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan is very happy with the filly heading into the race. "She has worked well this week and is the best 2yo I have in my stable this season." Iflooxcouldkill finished second on a badly rain-affected track in the $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique (1200m) at Te Rapa on January 31 at her last start. She has drawn barrier 8 and will be ridden by Leith Innes. The stable will also be represented in the Gr. 2 Championship Stakes (2100m) by Royal Stakes winner Buckle My Shoe who will be ridden by Leith Innes. She flopped in the NZ Oaks but can bounce back here. Diamond Like will lump 59kg in the pq 1600m event with Leith Innes aboard.

Te Rapa Wednesday 25 February 2004	25 Feb 2004

Pr

Te Rapa Wednesday 25 February 2004 Race 1 12.15pm COOL TALK: Second in last two outings and can hit winning form today. Leith Innes aboard. Has drawn wide which is biggest hiccup. Race 3 1.15pm MILCAPE: Promising two-year-old ready to go one better than first-up second. Hard to beat. Drawn barrier 7. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 4 1.45pm ARNHEIM: Smart sort who was gallant second on debut and will take a power of beating here. Leith Innes has the ride. Drawn barrier 10. Race 5 2.17pm ZINK: Freshened up and can go well with Leith Innes in the saddle. Ran home strongly enough in debut in November. Drawn barrier 7. Race 6 2.47pm VIAGGIO: Smart type who won impressively last start and set to continue good form here. Drawn barrier 9. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 8 3.55pm TZAR: In-form runner drawn perfectly at barrier 3 to make presence felt. Leith Innes has the ride. Race 9 4.30pm ZANZIBELLE: Nothing wrong with form and another honest effort expected. Vinny Colgan has the mount. GLAMOUR PUSS: Showed plenty of class last campaign to run first and third in only two starts. Big chance. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 7. Race 10 5.08pm PENTIQUITY: Can improve on recent showings. Leith Innes has the mount. 1600m trip should be ideal. Drawn barrier 8.

O'Sullivan closes in on $1 million mark	18 Feb 2004



The country's leading trainer, Paul O'Sullivan, is set to crash through the $1 million mark in stable earnings for the season. After last weekend's meeting at Matamata, where the stable won races with Vouvray and Desperate, Wexford Stables has collected $999,515 in prize-money this season. O'Sullivan does not have any runners at Wednesday's Avondale meeting. At Hastings on Thursday he has Vinaka engaged in the $100,000 Family Hotel Weight-For-Age (1400m). The race was originally scheduled to be run at Otaki but was transferred because of the weather. Vinaka won the Gr. 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on January 1 in brilliant fashion. He subsequently finished out of the money in the Waikato Draught Sprint but is capable of bouncing back. Opie Bosson has the mount. The stable's other runner at Hastings will be Pilot Bay who was a shade unlucky last start and can figure right in the finish here. He will be ridden by Leith Innes. On Saturday at Tauranga Glitzy shoots for gold in the $40,000 Tauranga Classic (1400m) which should be an ideal race for her. She won her last start at Ellerslie on January 1. She is in good order and will be ridden by Leith Innes.

Local charge for O'Sullivan	12 Feb 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will be kept busy with a large team at his home track meeting on Saturday. O'Sullivan has runners in all but one event on the card. He will be out in force with the following representatives: Race 1 12.15pm Mark Ewen and Associates 1400: UPSIDE: Leith Innes to ride, has drawn barrier 4. Failed last time but previous form first class and must go close. Race 2 12.40pm Stanley Construction 2000: PILOT BAY: Michael Walker's ride. Good win two starts back and will make presence felt here. Has drawn barrier 7. VOUVRAY: Handy galloper who will run a bold race. Nice win last start and capable of another bold run. Leith Innes in the saddle. Drawn barrier 13. Race 4 1.55pm Bloomsbury Stud 1400: GIRVAN: Has drawn barrier 13. Has been running reasonable races and not the worst of chances. Reared at the start of his last race and lost valuable ground so it was a good effort to finish fifth under the circumstances. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 5 2.30pm St Petersburg 1400: DANAZIRA: Fresh up from a spell and can be counted on for a reasonable performance. Drawn barrier 11. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 6 3.13pm Fairview Ford Slipper: BEZ BAZARA: Maiden galloper who has shown promise in his 2yo racing to date. Not the least of chances. Has drawn barrier 6 and Leith Innes to ride. CLEVELAND: Fourth on debut and has been freshened up since. Hayden Tinsley to ride. Drawn barrier 9. Race 7 3.53pm Waikato Stud Stakes, 1600m: ZAHDEAL: Likes the course and should run well. Opie Bosson has the mount. Has 57kg. Drawn barrier 5. DANASAR: Relegated from first last start and can make amends here. Has the services of Leith Innes here. Drawn barrier 3. Has 54kg to carry. Race 8 4.33pm Robin, Duke Of Bedford Matamata Breeders Stakes, 1200m: PRICKLE: Classy filly who will be very competitive. By in-form first season sire Pins. Form is solid. Third last start in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes. Leith Innes to ride. Drawn favourably at barrier 2. Race 9 5.10pm Java Lodge 1600: DESPERATE: Has been racing fairly and capable on his day. Drawn barrier 2. Michael Walker has the mount. RIVER CHIEF: Races well on home course. Won't mind the wet track. Leith Innes has the mount. Goes from gate 8. Race 10 5.50pm Rich Hill Stud 2000: KAKAHO: Class horse of the field and will appreciate drop in class here. Michael Walker has the mount. Drawn the ace barrier. GENGHIS: Smart galloper who won last start and can go on with the job. Has won two of last three starts. Drawn barrier 16. Leith Innes to ride.

O'Sullivan has busy weekend	6 Feb 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan is gearing up for a busy couple of weeks. This weekend his programme kicks off at the Ellerslie and Wairarapa meetings on Friday. At the Auckland meeting the stable's sole runner is the first starter Milcape who finished second in a trial at Te Awamutu. This Cape Cross filly should run well. Also on Friday at the Wairarapa meeting Sierra Dane runs in the Wairarapa Breeders' Stakes and should put up a top run. She finished second at Trentham and will be hard to beat. Also at Wairarapa the stable will be represented by Cool Talk and Centaurea. The trio of runners will be ridden by Michael Walker and should all run well. The focus switches to Te Rapa on Saturday and here the stable will have last start winner Waiana in race three with Leith Innes to do the riding. She should run another bold race. Mohawk runs in the Sir Tristam Fillies Classic and should cope well with the step up to 2000m. She would prefer a reasonable track. Leith Innes has the mount. And in the $100,000 Waikato Draught Sprint the stable has a strong hand with Railway winner Vinaka, to be ridden by Leith Innes, and Diamond Like, the mount of Opie Bosson.

Yearling Sales Purchases	31 Jan 2004



People interested in racing a share of a horse with Wexford Stables have an ideal chance right now to become involved after the latest round of yearling sales at Karaka. Purchases made by astute yearling buyer Paul O'Sullivan at Karaka this week in the Premier and Select Sales are: Premier Sale: Lot 39 C C Elnadim / Kilsheelan Marie $60,000 Lot 62 B F Danasinga / Light of Night $40,000 Lot 259 C F Almutawakel / Sulina $70,000 Lot 442 B C Stravinsky / Easter Joy $80,000 Lot 499 B F Pins / Gio $90,000 Select Sale: Lot 574 BR F Favorite Trick / Kharlie Princess $25,000 Lot 611 B F O'Reilly / Light and Free $30,000 Lot 639 BR F Faltaat / Mazurka $40,000 Lot 659 B F O'Reilly / Mon Cheri $30,000 Lot 739 B C Bahhare / Rebus Little $47,500 Lot 752 BR F Sandtrap / Rondstat $14,000 Lot 817 B F Almutawakel / Spindrift $75,000 Lot 881 B F Howbaddouwantit / Valentine Girl $10,000 Lot 906 C F Kaapstad / Wild Wood $55,000 Lot 936 B F O'Reilly / Auchtric $30,000 Lot 985 B C Faltaat / Cantango $40,000

Brave run from Iflooxcouldkill	31 Jan 2004



Paul O'Sullivan-trained two-year-old filly Iflooxcouldkill was game in defeat as she finished second in testing conditions in the $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique (1200m) at Te Rapa today. It was still a valuable second placing in the restricted Listed event for the Daggers Drawn filly. Rider Leith Innes said Iflooxcouldkill never gave up trying even though she was struggling to handle the rain-sodden track.

Innes hopes he has pulled right rein	29 Jan 2004



Matamata jockey Leith Innes hopes he has pulled the right rein this time with his choice of Iflooxcouldkill ahead of stablemate Prickle in the $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique at Te Rapa tomorrow. Innes is still cursing the fact he made the wrong choice in the $250,000 Sky City Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day. He elected to ride unplaced Diamond Like on that occasion and turned down the winning mount on stablemate Vinaka. "You like to think you can get it right more often than not and I feel that Iflooxcouldkill is the better ride than Prickle although they are both good chances and the barrier draw will play a big role," Innes said. "I liked the way Iflooxcouldkill fought on for third at Ellerslie after having to lead them up and the roomy Te Rapa track will suit her even better," he said. "A month ago I decided that this filly is the one I wanted to ride when it came around to the big race at Te Rapa," he said. Paul O'Sullivan-trained Iflooxcouldkill made a winning debut over 1000m at Te Rapa on November 8 before finishing third on the same track a month later. She then finished third in the $150,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Fillies' Prelude (1200m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Prickle finished third in the Ford Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) at Trentham on January 17 after having won her debut on a previous trip to the same course on December 6 and running a close-up fifth in the Mercedes Fillies Prelude. She will be ridden in tomorrow's race by leading Central Districts apprentice Jason Waddell. "She has done well since her last trip to Trentham and she can be right in it too," said O'Sullivan.

Galway Lass ready for Wellington Cup	24 Jan 2004



Trainer Paul O'Sullivan is hoping Galway Lass can put Wexford Stables' Wellington Cup hoodoo to rest at Trentham on Saturday. The Wellington Racing Club's Group I 3200m feature is one of the few major races in New Zealand to have eluded the country's top stable although it has gone close on a number of occasions including a third placing in last year's race with Mojo. After her second placing in the Lion Red Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, Galway Lass looms as a big each-way chance for tomorrow's event provided track conditions are good. "If it's wet she won't be running as she simply hopeless in bad ground," O'Sullivan said. O'Sullivan said despite a long season the Rhythm five-year-old mare remains in good order. "She has been up a long while and will be the only horse this season to have run in the New Zealand, Auckland and Wellington Cups. She's been placed in the first two of these races and hopefully she can go even better this time," he said. "Her races have been well spaced and I don't feel she has trained off at all," he said. O'Sullivan is pleased that Galway Lass won't be coming up against her Auckland Cup conqueror Upsetthym in Saturday's feature. "With Upsetthym out of the way it improves our chances no end," he said. "She (Galway Lass) has shown she can get the 3200m and now it's a case of putting everything together on the day." Galway Lass will have the services of her regular jockey, Michael Walker, who won the race on Smiling Like three years ago. O'Sullivan will have three strong chances in the other Trentham feature tomorrow, the $130,000 Thorndon Mile - Marie Claire, Kakaho and Tonic. "Of the three horses I rate Marie Claire as my best chance but there's not a lot between the other two," he said. "Marie Claire hasn't raced for a couple of months but she goes well fresh and she's flying at present. She ran a terrific second at Trentham earlier this season in the Captain Cook Stakes," O'Sullivan said. Marie Claire will be ridden by stable jockey Leith Innes while first-day Anniversary Handicap winner Tonic will be ridden by Robert Hannam and Kakaho has the services of Michael Walker. Kakaho finished a good fourth in the Jerry Claytons BMW Trophy (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 2. The stable's other Trentham runners on Saturday are Mohawk in the $45,000 Smokefree Wellington Stakes and debut two-year-old runner Tropics.

Yearling sales time fast approaching	13 Jan 2004



The annual round of yearling sales at the Karaka sales complex gets underway on January 26. Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan - the country's leading trainer - has been doing the rounds looking at yearlings and has got it down to a short-list of horses he will be interested in purchasing at this year's auction. O'Sullivan said anyone interested in joining in the fun of racing a horse with friends or family or for purchasing a filly with a view to entering the world of breeding should give him a call on 021-545-555 any time. He has a proven record as a trainer and was New Zealand's champion trainer of the 2002-03 season and is currently top of the ladder in 2003-04.

Waikato RC 14.1.04	13 Jan 2004



Runners from Wexford Stables at the Waikato Racing Club meeting at Te Rapa on Wednesday January 14: Race 1 12.15pm Industrial Promotional 2100: CIAO: Has been knocking on the door and deserves to break through for a win. Has drawn barrier 11 and she will be hard to beat. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 3 1.15pm Collison Forex 1200 Maiden: ARNHEIM: Has trialled up well and ready for bold debut performance. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 8. Race 6 2.50pm Sokool 2000: PENTIQUITY: Racing out of class but could put in useful effort. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 9. Race 9 4.35pm Teakaustud.co.nz Maiden: SORESTAN: Failed last time but not suited by slow pace on that occasion and should be given another chance to make amends. Good second two starts back.

O'Sullivan team preparing for Trentham	7 Jan 2004



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan is gearing up for a strong attack on the Wellington Cup carnival. The country's leading trainer, who has saddled up 37 winners to date this season, will have two runners in the $250,000 Wellington Cup. These are Auckland Cup runner-up Galway Lass and the Zabeel horse, Sunray. His runners in the $100,000 Telegraph Handicap (1200m) on January 17 will be the unbeaten three-year-old colt, Falkirk, and the smart racemare Diamond Like who was an unlucky runner in the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie. In the $300,000 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on January 17 Wexford Stables will line up Royal Stakes winner Buckle My Shoe and the promising Calveen. Marie Claire lines up in the Anniversary Handicap on the first day along with Kakaho and both horses could head towards the Gr. 1 $130,000 Holden Thorndon Mile (1600m) on the final day. Promising two-year-old Prickle will contest the $100,000 Ford Wakefield Challenge Stakes on the first day of the meeting.

Taupo 4.1.04	4 Jan 2004



Taupo Racing Club 4.1.04 Race 1 12.40pm Campbell and Pilots Maiden, 2000m: BUSBY: Last-start failure but previous form solid and could make amends. Drawn barrier 5. Darryn Weatherley has the mount. Race 1 12.40pm: PILOT BAY: Looks one of best chances in the field. Lead-up form very solid and will take some beating. Leith Innes has the mount. Wide draw to overcome. Race 2 1.10pm: DANAMORA: First starter who had a trial outing on this course. Leith Innes has the ride. Drawn barrier 3. Race 4 2.15pm WAIANA: Sixth on debut was reasonable effort and will improve further. Leith Innes has the ride. Race 5 2.45pm COOL TALK: Freshened since last campaign. Drawn barrier 11. Leith Innes in the saddle. Race 6 3.20pm VIAGGIO: Last start winner at Matamata and can repeat the dose here. Leith Innes to ride.

Thames Saturday January 3 2004	3 Jan 2004



Race 3 Unichem Pharmacy Maiden, 1200m, 1.25pm: ZANZIBELLE: Fresh-up and expected to go a strong race. Has drawn barrier 13. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 4 Peter Colwill 1700, 1700m, 1.55pm: JENNY MAY: Good second on debut in strong field and should go one better here. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 5 Goldfields Shopping Centre 2000, 2000m, 2.33pm: WAIKATEA: Good efforts to date and can go on with it. Nicely drawn at barrier 3. Leith Innes aboard. Race 9 Haagen Lager Sprint, 1200m, 5.13pm: CAVALRY KING: Likes the sea air and can go a big race even with topweight of 58kg. Leith Innes has the mount.

Buckle My Shoe tackles Royal Stakes	1 Jan 2004



Three-year-old filly Buckle My Shoe is capable of running another honest race in the $120,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Friday. Buckle My Shoe was successful at her last start and the 2000m trip looks ideal for her in this Gr. 2 contest. She will be ridden by Leith Innes. The stable also has last-start winner Genghis entered for the intermediate 2100m event. He will also be ridden by Leith Innes. Zahdeal tackles the Jerry Clayton BMW Trophy, Gr. 2 1600m, and comes into the event as a last-start winner. He will be ridden by Leith Innes and has drawn barrier 10. In the same event Desperate (Michael Coleman) and Kakaho (Craig Newitt) are engaged. They have drawn barriers 13 and 9 respectively.

Sunray and Galway Lass in Auckland Cup	31 Dec 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan has encouraged the loyal supporters of Sunray to stick with him for the $350,000 Lion Red Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “I know he’s let the side down in his last couple of races but it hasn’t exactly been his fault,” O’Sullivan said. “His run in the Queen Elizabeth Handicap last week was better than it looks on paper. He got checed with 400m to run and finished the race off very well to wind up less than three lengths from the winner. It told me he was ready to run a big race in the Auckland Cup,” O’Sullivan said. At his last two outings Sunray has proved a costly failure in the Waikato Cup and the Queen Elizabeth Handicap. As a result the Zabeel horse has lost the favourite’s tag for the Auckland Cup with that position being taken over by Queen Elizabeth winner Upsetthym. However, O’Sullivan points out that Sunray suffered a heart problem in the Waikato Cup which accounted for his poor performance that day. Sunray will be ridden by Leith Innes who is seeking his first Auckland Cup success. O’Sullivan has a second string to his Auckland Cup attack. That comes in the form of New Zealand and Manawatu Cups placegetter Galway Lass who will also be a big hope provided the track is good. “She’s hopeless on rain-affected ground but on a good track she will give another good performance,” O’Sullivan said. Galway Lass will be ridden again by champion apprentice Michael Walker. O’Sullivan is sure that both his Auckland Cup contenders will see out the 3200m trip. The stable also has a strong representation in the other New Year’s Day feature with Diamond Like, Vinaka and Danasar all contesting the $250,000 Sky City Railway Stakes (1200m). Diamond Like returned to her brilliant best with a win at Ellerslie on December 14. She produced a withering finish but does have an awkward draw (14) to overcome. She will be ridden by Leith Innes. Vinaka is the dark horse in the field. If he produces his best form he is capable of winning the sprint but he has not raced for a couple of months and has been fitted for the race with a couple of exhibition gallops. He has the services of Opie Bosson. Danasar has a wide draw also. He will be ridden by Michael Walker. Other Auckland Cup day runners for the O’Sullivan stable are: Sorestan (r2) went a much improved race for second last start and can figure in the finish here. Leith Innes has the mount. Glitzy (r4) won’t mind if the track becomes rain-affected. She is an under-rated mare who is capable of running a cheeky race. Leith Innes aboard. Florida and Tonic (r11) are both capable of featuring prominently in the finish. They will be ridden by Michael Walker and Andrew Calder respectively.

Firewheel to have Derby rivals spinning	23 Dec 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan has issued a word of warning to punters not to under-rate Firewheel’s chances of winning the $500,000 Mercedes Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “He might not be one of the most talked about runners in the field but I think he can give a good account of himself,” O’Sullivan said. “There is not much wrong with his form going into the race and he is certainly bred to get the trip,” said O’Sullivan. Firewheel’s sire, Entrepreneur, won the English Derby over 2400m – the same distance as the NZ Derby. As well Entrpreneur won the English 2000 Guineas. And the dam of Firewheel, Imposera won the Caulfield Cup over 2400m. Firewheel was successful in his first two starts at Matamata and Te Rapa over 1600. He then stepped up to 2000m in the Avondale Guineas at his last start and finished a meritorious fifth after being trapped out wide during the running. Regular jockey Leith Innes again has the mount in the Derby in which Firewheel has drawn barrier 12. The O’Sullivan stable has already tasted success in the Mercedes Derby. When training in partnership with his father, Dave, Paul O’Sullivan won the race with Surfers Paradise in 1990 and with Popsy in 1993. Paul O’Sullivan has some other high-class members of his stable in action at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. He has a two-pronged attack on the $150,000 Mercedes Fillies’ Prelude (1100m) and will have his Auckland Cup contender Sunray lining up in the $100,000 NZ Herald Queen Elizabeth Handicap (2400m). In the Mercedes-sponsored two-year-old fillies’ race the stable will be represented by Iflooxcouldkill and Prickle. Both have already tasted racing success and have drawn favourable barrier positions for this event. Iflooxcouldkill, a last-start third in the Fairview Ford Stakes, will be ridden by Leith Innes. Prickle, a debut winner at Trentham, will be ridden by Michael Walker. Sunray will line up in the Queen Elizabeth. He suffered a heart fibrallation during the Waikato Cup but appears to have made a full recovery and will be looking to get his Auckland Cup plans back on track. Leith Innes has the mount. In the $30,000 Friday Flash Newmarket Handicap (1200m) O’Sullivan-trained Cavalry King (Leith Innes) and Sierra Dane (Andrew Calder) will be fronting up. They have drawn barrier 2 and 10 respectively. The stable also has a dual attack on the $100,000 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) where Mohawk (Leith Innes) and Rockabubble (Vinny Colgan) will face the starter. This is a race in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series.

Galway Lass for Manawatu Cup	16 Dec 2003



Galway Lass, scratched from last Saturday's Waikato Cup, will now head to the $60,000 Z-One Manawatu Cup at Awapuni this Saturday instead. Paul O'Sullivan had no option but to scratch at Te Rapa after the rain came. Galway Lass will line up at Manawatu with Michael Walker aboard. The mare promises to be hard to beat. She finished third last time out in the NZ Cup at Riccarton. Plans for Galway Lass after this race are a tilt at the $350,000 Lion Red Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on January 1. Also accompanying Galway Lass to Palmerston North for the second day of the Manawatu meeting will be two-year-old Bez Bazara who lines up in the $150,000 Mercedes Colts and Geldings Prelude (1100m). He will be ridden by Leith Innes. On debut Bez Bazara finished second behind talented filly Flying Florence. He wears blinkers this time. At Te Rapa on Saturday O'Sullivan will line up Tonic, who will be suited by the step up to 1600m, and Genghis, who is better placed in this sort of company. Busby is the stable's other runner here and always goes a consistent race. Mid-week at the Counties Racing Club's meeting on Wednesday the stable's runners are: Race 1 12.15pm Cable Shop Juvenile, 880m: CATTRALL: Finished fourth on debut which was a nice effort and much improved by that outing and race-day experience. Has drawn the ace here. One to watch. Leith Innes aboard. Race 5 2.15pm Progressive Lifestyle Maiden, 1600m: WAIKATEA: This Danske gelding has the ability to figure. Nice fourth on debut at Matamata last month and has trained on well since. Leith Innes aboard. Has drawn wide.. Race 9 4.28pm Business Finance 0800, 1300m: GIRVAN: Won debut at Te Aroha and then good fourth at Te Rapa when running another sound race. Well placed here. Drawn barrier 7. Leith Innes has the mount. Race 11 5.30pm Borich and Associates 1600, 1600m: SORESTAN: Volksraad filly who will like it firm. Second at Pukekohe trials. Can show up. Drawn barrier 16. Leith Innes aboard.

Big week for Wexford Stables	10 Dec 2003



Wexford Stables will be out in force at the various race meetings this week around the country. At Matamata's Christmas race-meeting on Wednesday the stable has a big line-up of entrants. These are Waiana, Lamri, Royal Tease (all in race one), Calveen and Hamie (race 3), Viaggio (race four), Ciao (race 5), Vouvray (race six), Olgavich and Wild Oscar (race 7), Tzar and Upside (race 8), Au Fait (race 9), Busby (race 10), Buckle My Shoe and Sorestan (race 11), Waikatea and Pilot Bay (race 12). On Saturday watch out for the stable's two-pronged attack on the $100,000 Waikato Times Gold Cup with Sunray (Leith Innes) and Galway Lass (Michael Walker). Impressive debut winner Iflooxcouldkill lines up in the $30,000 Fairview Ford Stakes for two-year-olds. Leith Innes has the mount. Florida will line up in the PQ 1600m event with Leith Innes riding. River Chief and Desperate will both contest the open Listed 1400m event. Heading to Awapuni for the Eulogy Stakes will be the improving three-year-old filly Our Kitty.

Galway Lass for Waikato Cup	5 Dec 2003



New Zealand Cup placegetter Galway Lass will start next in the Gr. 2 $100,000 Waikato Times Gold Cup at Te Rapa on Saturday week, her Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has confirmed. She finished third in the Riccarton 3200m feature and before that had won her previous four starts. O'Sullivan will also line up Sunray in the Waikato Cup.

Firewheel set to light up	5 Dec 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will find out whether Firewheel is a genuine Mercedes Derby contender for Boxing Day when he lines him up in the $60,000 Sky City Avondale Guineas (2000m) at Avondale on Saturday. "He has won his last two starts extremely well but now it's time to step up against the big boys and find out how good he is," O'Sullivan said. "I think that if he can finish in the first three home at Avondale then he could win the Derby because the more distance he goes the better he will perform," O'Sullivan said. "He's got a Derby horse's pedigree. His sire (Entrepreneur) won the Two Thousand Guineas in England and was placed in the Epsom Derby and his dam (Imposera) won the Caulfield Cup," he said. O'Sullivan is well aware of how much of a good guide the Avondale Guineas is in relation to the Derby. The past two years has seen the Avondale Guineas winners, Leica Guv (2001) and St Reims (2002) go on to complete the double in the Mercedes Derby. Firewheel made a winning debut over 1600m at Matamata on October 22 and followed that up with another come-from-behind win over 1600m at Te Rapa on November 8. "He certainly has got a big finish on him which will be useful when they have to go a mile-and-a-half in the Derby," O'Sullivan said. Firewheel will be ridden by Matamata jockey Leith Innes who returns from a three-day riding suspension in time for Saturday's meeting.

Avondale first day runners	3 Dec 2003



Avondale JC Wednesday December 3 2003 Race 10 Lion Solus Stakes, 1400m, 5.34pm KAKAHO: Formerly raced as Danger Danger in Australia and had good record across the Tasman. Ready to go a nice race today. Drawn barrier 13. Michael Walker has the mount. Race 12 $60,000 Matua Valley Wines Concorde, 1200m, 6.55pm DANASAR: Has drawn barrier 15 which won't make task easy but has the class and ability to overcome it and will be ridden by Michael Walker in an open field. Not the least of chances.

Genghis in vital Derby Prelude	28 Nov 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan knows crunch time has arrived with maiden three-year-old Genghis when he runs in the $20,000 Mercedes Balmerino Prelude (2000m) at Ellerslie tomorrow (Saturday). Genghis has run a couple of minor placings to date which will not be enough to secure him a start in the $500,000 Mercedes Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. "The first two horses in this Saturday's race are exempt from the ballot for the Derby and that's what we are after for him," O'Sullivan said. " He's not going to get too many more cracks at getting himself into the Derby field, maybe one more after this in the Derby Trial but I don't want to be leaving it that late," O'Sullivan said. O'Sullivan said the 2000m trip of tomorrow's race will be ideal for the Entrepreneur gelding. "His two starts to date have been over 1600m and he's been winding up late in his races. He's a real staying type so the extra 400m this time will be more to his liking." "I rate him a good chance for the Derby but he's got to get a start first." Genghis opened his racing career with a second placing behind leading Derby candidate Waitoki Dream at Matamata on October 22. He then finished third in his next start at Te Rapa a fortnight ago. He will be ridden in tomorrow's race by in-form Matamata jockey Michael Coleman. The other O'Sullivan runner at Ellerslie tomorrow is the consistent Buckle My Shoe (r2, 12.20pm) who has drawn barrier 15 and will have the services of Grant Cooksley.

Te Rapa Sunday	23 Nov 2003



Cambridge JC Sunday November 23 Race 1 12.40pm Fairview Ford Cambridge: CATTRALL: First starter two-year-old who finished second at Pukekohe trials. Ready to go a good race. Leith Innes aboard. Drawn barrier 2. Race 3 1.40pm Cambridge Edition 1600: OUR KITTY: On trial for start in the Eulogy Stakes. Ready to run well. Strong each-way claims. Leith Innes aboard. Race 5 2.40 William Inglis Intermediate: GIRVAN: First start winner at Te Aroha and should go on with the job. Leith Innes aboard. Race 8 4.15pm Cambridge Supporters 1600: CONVIVIAL AND CIAO: Both capable of running well.

Busy Saturday for Wexford Stables	21 Nov 2003



COUNTIES RC 22.11.03 Race 1 12pm Terry Ryan Timber 1400m: CALVEEN: Improver after last-start second. Will go a top race here. Leith Innes has the mount. Drawn barrier 15. Race 2 12.30pm Fruit World 1400, $13,750, 1400m: MOHAWK: Second last time was top run and can go one better here. Working well and looks one to beat. Drawn barrier 12. Leith Innes aboard. Race 5 2.08pm South City Seafoods 1300, $27,500, 1300m: TONIC: Had no luck last start when seventh and looms as real each-way chance here. Include in combinations for value. Leith Innes aboard. Drawn barrier 5 which should ensure a nice trip from the outset. Race 6 2.42pm NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes, $60,000, 1400m, Gr. 2: GLITZY: Under-rated type who can figure in the finish here. Working well and wil have strong support from owners. Leith Innes on board. SIERRA DANE: Good win two starts back and nice fourth last time. Has share of class and will be competitive. Michael Coleman in the saddle. Race 8 4.02pm Eagle Technology Counties Cup, $100,000, 2100m, Gr. 2: SUNRAY: Will start favourite after impressive last-start win at Rotorua in the Centra Challenge Plate (1900m). Has impressive career record. Leith Innes on board. BLACK MUSCAT: To be ridden by Victorian jockey Rhys McLeod. Up-and-comer who has fashioned a nice record. Fifth last time followed stylish fresh-up win. Drawn barrier 12. Nicely weighted to be effective. Race 9 4.42pm Karcher Classic, $30,000, 1100m, Listed: DIAMOND LIKE: Smart mare who got toppled last time but was carrying too much condition on that occasion. Fitter for this task and will take power of beating. Leith Innes in the saddle. Drawn barrier 2 which looks the perfect alley for this trip. Race 10 5.22pm 0800 For Hay 1600, $27,500, 1600m: FLORIDA: Has strong record in third-up run like here. Two nice runs to date this campaign and ready to top them off. Leith Innes in the saddle. Drawn barrier 14. HAWKE'S BAY 22.11.03 Race 3 1.20pm Jimmy Ryan's Last Ride, $10,000, 1200m: FALKIRK: Impressive type who delivered on big reputation with debut win at Paeroa. Can go on with it. Bruce Herd riding. Drawn barrier 7. Race 7 3.43pm Bryan Hutchinson Stayers, $5000, 2000m: BUSBY: Has improved with racing and ready to strike winning form here. Bruce Herd rides. Drawn barrier 3.

Two-pronged attack on Counties Cup	17 Nov 2003



Paul O’Sullivan-trained Sunray has opened as favourite on the TAB’s fixed odds market for the $100,000 Eagle Technology Counties Cup (2100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday November 22. Sunray is currently the $6 favourite for the Group Two feature and will be one of two runners from the O’Sullivan stable running in the race. The other is the exciting galloper Black Muscat who is listed as a $12 chance. Sunray was most impressive in his fresh-up win in the Centra Rotorua Challenge Plate (1900m) at Rotorua on October 18. “He will trial at Matamata on Thursday and then go straight into the Counties Cup,” said O’Sullivan. The Zabeel four-year-old has been successful in six of his nine career starts to date. O’Sullivan is also happy with the condition of Black Muscat who has also compiled an impressive racing record. “The way the Counties Cup is generally run will suit Black Muscat’s style of racing,” O’Sullivan said. Also lining up at Pukekohe this Saturday in the Listed Karcher Classic will be Diamond Like. The mare's race fitness has improved out of sight since her fresh up placing at Rotorua last month. "She was too fat that day at Rotorua and I'll be making sure she is much fitter for the Counties meeting," O'Sullivan said.

Galway Lass set for NZ Cup	13 Nov 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan says a decision to delay the trip to Christchurch for Galway Lass until mid-week was the right move in her build-up to the $180,000 Canterbury Draught New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday - reports the Friday Flash. By not taking Galway Lass south until Wednesday, O'Sullivan was then able to give the five-year-old mare another key gallop at the Matamata track on Tuesday. Galway Lass worked alone in the 1200m gallop recording 1:17.2 and covered the final 600m in 37.2. "It was exactly the sort of gallop she needed to top her off before the race," O'Sullivan said. "It was a nice hit-out from her and now I'm confident about her fitness going into the New Zealand Cup," he said. "I have to admit I was not totally happy with her after she had an exhibition gallop at Paeroa last week and that's when we decided to keep her home a few more days than originally planned," he said. Galway Lass goes into the New Zealand Cup as having won her last four starts in succession and is sure to start favourite for the Group II race. The winning sequence began at Hastings in June and she scored further wins on the same course in July and September before she triumphed in the Egmont Cup (2300m) at Hawera on October 18. "You can't fault her lead-up form and she has had the right preparation for this race," O'Sullivan said. "She's bred to run four miles and I can't see any trouble with her getting the trip at Riccarton even though it's her first attempt," he said. "She's got a stayers' pedigree but yet she's got a very good turn of foot." O'Sullivan can see the Rhythm mare developing into an ideal type for the Adelaide Cup next autumn. Galway Lass will be ridden by top apprentice Michael Walker who stole the show on the first day of the meeting with his brilliant winning ride aboard Tattletail in the Group I $275,000 New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Walker will also retain the mount on the unbeaten O'Sullivan-trained mare, Dominatrix, who contests the $50,000 Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m). Dominatrix made it four wins on end when she convincingly won the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) on the first day at Riccarton. "It will be a similar field to what she beat on the first day so there is no reason why she can't back up and win again," O'Sullivan said. O'Sullivan will also be represented in the Group III $40,000 Tauranga Stakes at Tauranga tomorrow by under-rated mare Marie Claire. The O'Reilly mare was a fast-finishing second in the Group I Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham at her last start and was successful the start before in a Listed race at Hastings. Marie Claire will be ridden by Matamata jockey Leith Innes who will also ride stablemate River Chief in the open 1400m race. River Chief will be joined by two other O'Sullivan runners, Zahdeal and Desperate, in this event. Also lining up for O'Sullivan in the intermediate 1600m race at Tauranga will be Au Fait who dead-heated for first at Matamata last time out.

Runners for Saturday November 8	8 Nov 2003



Wexford Stables will have runners at both meetings in New Zealand on Saturday November 8. The stable will be represented at Riccarton by unbeaten mare Dominatrix who lines up in the Pegasus Handicap (r4, 2.10pm) with Michael Walker to do the riding. She was a most impressive last-start winner at Hastings beating Vinaka which extended her winning sequence to three. At Te Rapa the stable lines up Genghis (r4, 1.55pm) who ran an eye-catching second on debut and certainly looks capable of going one better. He will be ridden by Opie Bosson and is considered a Mercedes Derby prospect. Florida and Olgavich (r7, 3.38pm) line up in the same race and both have to be respected. Florida will be ridden by Jason Waddell. Danasar (r8, 4.13pm) is back from a spell for this Listed event and will be ridden by Jason Waddell, an apprentice from the Central Districts. Debut winner Firewheel (r10, 5.37pm) will have a big following and will be ridden by Jason Waddell.

Falkirk wins impressively on debut	8 Nov 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan labelled Falkirk a future stallion prospect after his impressive winning debut at Paeroa on Wednesday. "He's a smart colt and he's going places fast," O'Sullivan said. "He's got the ability to one day be a serious stallion prospect," O'Sullivan said. "He still has quite a bit to learn so it's all ahead of him," he said. O'Sullivan said Falkirk had impressed him for quite some time. "From the time he had his first run along he looked the part and he's kept shining ever since. "He won at the Counties trials extremely well and I was confident he would run a nice race today," said O'Sullivan.

Paeroa Wednesday November 5	5 Nov 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan predicts a good future for Falkirk who lines up for his debut at the Paeroa meeting on Wednesday. The Tale Of The Cat ex Madam Valeta three-year-old was an impressive winner at the Pukekohe trials last month. "He won his trial very nicely and I'm quite taken with him. He should make a good start to his racing career," O'Sullivan said. Falkirk has drawn perfectly at barrier two and will be ridden by Matamata jockey Leith Innes. The O'Sullivan stable has a strong line-up at Wednesday's meeting. Busby (race 6, 2.52pm) was an unlucky fourth last start and should go close this time. He will be ridden by Leith Innes and has drawn barrier 5. Calveen (race 3 1.50pm) looks a likely improver after a respectable sixth on debut. The Canny Lad filly will be ridden by Leith Innes. She has drawn barrier 14. Convivial (race 5, 2.20pm) is another first starter who has drawn wide but still looks set to go a nice race. Leith Innes is aboard. Zink (r10, 5.08pm) makes her debut after running second at the trials. She is a staying filly who will be better placed the further she goes.

Marie Claire heading to Tauranga	30 Oct 2003



Last weekend’s Captain Cook Stakes runner-up Marie Claire has come through the Group One race in tip-top order and is now being aimed at the $40,000 Pak ‘N Save Tauranga Stakes (1600m) at Tauranga on Saturday November 15. Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan was thrilled with Marie Claire’s effort in the Captain Cook. “Another stride and she would have won the race,” O’Sullivan said. “She’s an under-rated mare who keeps steeping up to the plate and delivering the goods and looks to have a very bright future ahead of her this summer,” said O’Sullivan. At her previous start Marie Claire had won a Listed race, the GR Kelt Memorial, at Hastings. Marie Claire, owned by Peter and Philip Vela who bred the O’Reilly mare, is already the winner of six races. The Tauranga weight-for-age feature on November 15 carries Group Three status and is sure to attract a quality line-up. Meanwhile, O’Sullivan has also confirmed future racing plans for another stable star Diamond Like. The Danehill mare will start next in the $30,000 Karcher Classic (1100m) at Pukekohe on November 22. She will then race in the $250,000 Lion Red Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. O’Sullivan will be represented at this Saturday’s Avondale meeting by the capable three-year-old filly Tracktalk who will be looking to recapture her smart two-year-old form of last season.

Three runners at Te Aroha	29 Oct 2003



Wexford Stables has three runners at Wednesday's Te Aroha meeting. Race 1 12.15pm Lion Foundation 1200, $5000, 1200m: GIRVAN: First starter to be ridden by Michael Coleman, shows promise and looks an each-way prospect from barrier draw 13. Race 2 12.45pm Cheep Liquor 1100, $5000, 1100m: ABRACADABRA: Having first start and has shown promise. Drawn ideally at barrier 5 to make presence felt. Not the least of chances. Race 3 1.15pm Honor Bound Mile, $5000, 1600m: AU FAIT: Looks a big chance after a couple of solid efforts. Rocky run last time but still not far away when finishing fifth. Has drawn barirer 9. In-form Michael Coleman aboard.

25% share available for purchase	24 Oct 2003



Here's a rare chance to own a 25 per cent share in a horse trained by New Zealand's leading trainer Paul O'Sullivan at Wexford Stables in Matamata. The share is available in a very promising Casual Lies-Kantuta two-year-old gelding. The purchase price for the share is a total of $13,400.32 which includes the $1800 to cover costs up until now. Paul O'Sullivan is retaining a quarter-share in this horse himself as he holds it in high regard. If you are interested contact Paul O'Sullivan on 021-545555 or email: wexford@xtra.co.nz

Innes commits to Black Muscat	24 Oct 2003



The barrier draw ultimately swayed top jockey Leith Innes into deciding with of the Paul O’Sullivan-trained runners he will ride in Saturday’s $100,000 Avery Ford Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. Innes had the choice of riding either Black Muscat or Marie Claire in the Gr. 1 feature. “There is nothing between them so I waited for the draws to come out. Black Muscat drew much better so I opted for him,” Innes said. Black Muscat has won five of his eight starts to date and looks an exciting type. His most recent race resulted in a win at the Otaki meeting on September 13. He finished second in an open trial at Te Awamutu last week. Under-rated mare Marie Claire was an impressive last-start winner at Hastings on September 27. “This will be the biggest test for both Black Muscat and Marie Claire but they should rise to the occasion,” said trainer Paul O’Sullivan. The ride on Marie Claire has been taken up by Central Districts jockey Jason Waddell. Innes had a good and bad day at Wednesday’s Matamata meeting with three wins and four second placings but he also received a three-day riding suspension which means he will miss next week’s meetings at Te Rapa, Te Aroha and Avondale. The stable will also line up Desperate and Zahdeal in the Trident Tavern 1400 at Ellerslie on Saturday. Desperate will be ridden by Andrew Calder while Zahdeal's rider will be Opie Bosson. Both horses are in with a good each-way chance.

Powerful team for Matamata meeting	22 Oct 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan looks set for a field day and should be a frequent visitor to the winners’ circle. Rockabubble (r4) is on trial for a trip to Riccarton for the New Zealand 1000 Guineas next month and she is going to take a power of beating. She is already a black-type performer having won the Listed Cullen Stakes at Pukekohe last yeaer at just her Much is expected from Genghis (r6) who makes his racing debut today. He has been well supported in the fixed-odds market for the Mercedes Derby on Boxing Day being backed in from $40 to $14 last week. He boasts a trial win at Taupo this month. Danazira (r7) is another O’Sullivan-trained runner who looks home and hosed. She was good enough to race in Australia last season where she acquitted herself well enough and will have too much class for her rivals today. Sugar Moon (r1), Viaggio and Glamour Puss (r2), Bez Bazara (r3, Mohawk (r8) and Firewheel (r11) also look strong prospects for the O’Sullivan stable.

Two-pronged attack on Rotorua feature	17 Oct 2003



Diamond Like and Glitzy give Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan a two-pronged attack in the feature sprint at Rotorua on Saturday, the Group Three $40,000 Lion Red Plate (1200m). O'Sullivan, last year's champion New Zealand trainer, last won the race when in partnership with father, Dave, in 1990, when their champion racehorse Mr Tiz beat Our High Noon. Mr Tiz won a total of eight group races and won the Gr. 1 Railway Handicap three times. Diamond Like, who is returning from a spell, will be ridden by Michael Coleman. O'Sullivan is very pleased with how forward Diamond Like is. ``She is flying,'' he said. ``She's a smart mare and she will be very competitive.'' Glitzy resumed racing at Matamata with an eye-catching win over 1200m on September 27. O'Sullivan is happy with her preparation leading up to the Lion Red. ``She is very well, and likes the course,'' O'Sullivan said. Glitzy has been twice placed at Arawa Park from two starts. She has won four races at 1200 metres. Glitzy will be ridden by in-form rider Andrew Calder. When asked to separate his two starters, O'Sullivan suggested that the expected easy track would suit Diamond Like a little better than Glitzy. Other O'Sullivan horses to watch at Arawa Park on Saturday are Au Fait in race three - she has improved since her good first-up fourth at Matamata - and River Chief in race five, who won on the track two starts back and has won three races at the distance. River Chief has been tidied up since his fifth when resuming from a spell at Matamata. Sunray is also resuming from a spell and will start in the other feature on the card, the Group Three $40,000 Centra Rotorua Plate (1900m). O'Sullivan said that the 1900m would be a bit short for the son of Zabeel. The last of the O'Sullivan starters is Florida in race nine. She takes a little time to come to hand and is expected to need the race on Saturday. At Hawera the O'Sullivan stable will also have two runners contesting the Gr. 3 Fayette Park Stakes (1400m). Luscilla (Leith Innes) and Sierra Dane (Michael Walker) give the stable a strong hand in this race. Galway Lass contests the Egmont Cup at Hawera and will be ridden by Michael Walker. She is heading towards a start in the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton on November 15.

Hastings Thursday October 9 2003	9 Oct 2003



Hastings Thursday October 9 2003 Race 4 Race Images Dash 1.15pm, progressive 1200m: TRACKTALK: Has drawn wide and meets a strong field but nevertheless she looks competitive and will be thereabouts. Darryl Bradley has the mount. Drawn barrier 16. Race 5 Hawke's Bay Today 3YO 1.45pm, maiden three-year-old 1200m: CALVEEN: Promising filly who can put her best foot forward on debut. Drawn barrier 6. To be ridden by stable jockey Leith Innes.

Jet Copy for Te Aroha Wednesday	8 Oct 2003



Consistent galloper Jet Copy will be lining up at Wednesday's Te Aroha meeting and another honest effort is expected. "He will improve with the race but should still perform well," said trainer Paul O'Sullivan. Jet Copy lines up in race seven at 3.40pm and will be ridden by Leith Innes. He has drawn barrier 13. He is a previous course and distance winner who generally races well fresh.

Taupo Trials Thursday	29 Sep 2003



Wexford Stables will be well represented at the Taupo trials on Thursday. A total of 35 horses will make the trip, including eight two-year-olds. Thirty-two of the horses on show are unraced. For stable jockey Leith Innes and the rest of the staff at Wexford Stables, this is a huge undertaking.

Blinkers for Guineas Pair	29 Sep 2003



Our Kitty and Rockabubble, who are both being readied for a tilt at the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, will be tried in blinkers next start. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan said he was pleased with their last-start runs. Our Kitty finished second to stablemate Sierra Dane in the 1300m Intermediate event at Hastings last Saturday.

Diamond Like for Rotorua	29 Sep 2003



The weight-for-age $40,000 Lion Brown Plate (1200m) at Rotorua on Saturday October 18 will mark the return to racing of speedy Paul O'Sullivan-trained mare Diamond Like. The sister to Group One winner Viking Ruler won three starts last season, including the listed Lighting Handicap (1000m) at Trentham, before being spelled.

Future Plans for Weekend Winners	29 Sep 2003



Marie Claire is being set for the Counties or Avondale Cups. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan will also consider a start in the Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham next month. "The race is a good stepping-stone to those middle distance races," O'Sullivan said. Galway Lass was outstanding in her first start for the season, winning the main handicap staying race on the Hastings programme. She will continue her preparation for the New Zealand Cup with a start in three weeks in the Lowe Corp Egmont Cup (2300m). She will most probably start in the Gr. 3 Metropolitian Trophy Handicap (2500m) on the first day of the Cup Carnival. Sierra Dane will join stablemate Luscilla in the Gr. 3 Fayette Park Stakes (1400m) at Hawera next month. Dominatrix will try to extend her unbeaten record to four when she races next at the New Zealand Cup meeting. O'Sullivan believes the straight chute at Riccarton will suit the mare. The listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) is her first assignment. Glitzy will return to the scene of her late season stakes placing at Rotorua last May to contest either the Gr. 3 Lion Brown Plate (1200m) or the open 1400 metre event on October 18.

Stable wins five in the day	27 Sep 2003



Champion trainer Paul O'Sullivan enjoyed a great day with five wins today - including four races on the card at the premier Hawke's Bay meeting. O'Sullivan's Hastings winners were Marie Claire, Sierra Dane, Dominatrix and Galway Lass. Marie Claire's win in the Listed GR Kelt Memorial (1400m) earned the O'Reilly five-year-old mare valuable black type. She is owned by Pencarrow Stud. Sierra Dane is also owned by a leading breeder, Windsor Park Stud. Galway Lass is considered a future New Zealand Cup prospect. Dominatrix is now unbeaten in three race-day outings and put up a top effort to hold out the Group One winner Vinaka in a good finish.

Stable launches powerful attack	23 Sep 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will have his stable firing on all cylinders this week. The trans-tasman trainer will line up Danazira and Volkiss at Warwick Farm on Tuesday. Danazira will tackle a fillies and mares event over 1600m and will be well suited by the step up in distance. Chris Munce is aboard. Volkiss is expected to go a bold race over the 1400m trip and is very forward in this Sydney debut. At Canterbury Park, Sydney, tomorrow Danger Danger will line up over 1550m and will relish the drop back in class. This is a little short of his best trip but can still run well. He's On Fire is stepping up to 1900m and the trip looks ideal for him. He races well on the Canterbury Park track and Mithcell Bell will ride him with a 2kg claim. At Hastings' big meeting on Saturday the stable will launch a big attack. Rockabubble will contest the $100,000 Windsor Park Golan Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) and looks a strong chance. She was very impressive in a trials win at Te Teko last week. Leith Innes takes the mount. Marie Claire will also head to Hastings for the Listed $35,000 GR Kelt Memorial (1400m) and she is ready to run a bold race fresh-up. She has had a trials outing under her belt and can be a force to be reckoned with. Leith Innes takes the mount. New Zealand Cup aspirant Galway Lass also lines up at Hastings in the 2-6 win 2040m event and will be a strong chance despite not having raced for eight weeks. Dominitrix is all class and will be hard to bowl in the premier quality 1200m event at Hastings. Michael Walker will ride her. There is plenty of good word about Our Kitty and she will be very hard to beat in the class 1 1300m event at Hastings. Her rider is Leith Innes. In the same event Sierra Dane makes her return to the NZ racing scene and will bring a wealth of experience with her on both sides of the Tasman from last season. She will be ridden by Michael Coleman. Cleveland will contest the 2YO event at Hastings. This son of Al Akbar is raced by colourful Cambridge bloodstock agent Stuart Hale who will no doubt do handstands in the birdcage should his horse win. He was a winner at the Te Teko trials but will only start if he draws well at the barrier. Wexford Stables' runners at its local meeting at Matamata include Glitzy (Thomas Russell), River Chief (or Hastings), Tracktalk (Michael McNab), Piata (Michael McNab), Mohawk (Thomas Russell) and Aufait (Darryl Bradley).

Luscilla wins stakes race	20 Sep 2003



The Gr. 3 $40,000 Fayette Park Stakes (1400m) at Hawera on October 18 is the next race planned for today's Listed race winner Luscilla. The Paul O'Sullivan-trained mare was always travelling well in the 1400 metre race at New Plymouth today and left her rivals behind once Leith Innes let her stride to the lead on the point of the turn. At the finish she was three and three-quarter lengths clear of local runner Wairau Lass and the favourite Balmuse. It was the first stakes win for Innes since he became stable jockey for O'Sullivan. "She showed a great turn of foot in today's race and has shown further improvement since she last race," said Paul O'Sullivan. "Winning a black race today has made a huge difference to her value as a broodmare," O'Sullivan said. Luscilla is owned by Augusta Bloodstock Ltd and was bred by Windsor Park Stud Ltd in partnership with Alan Burnet, of Wanganui. She produced her third win in only six starts with today's success.

Two top hopes at New Plymouth	18 Sep 2003



Wexford Stables has two strong prospects for Saturday's Taranaki Jockey Club meeting at New Plymouth. Luscilla will contest the meeting's feature, the $40,000 Mason Appliances 4YO over 1400m at 4.02pm. She has a proven record on bad ground and the track on Saturday will certainly be heavy. Her form last season was very solid. New stable jockey Leith Innes will ride Luscilla and will also have the mount on Galway Lass, a future NZ Cup prospect, in race 7 at 3.20pm. Galway Lass will be chasing a hat-trick of wins in the 1800m event. She won at Hastings on June 28 and was again successful on the same course on July 31 as she finished the 2002-03 racing season in great style.

Strong team for Matamata meeting Sept 27	18 Sep 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will take his stable up another notch for his home-track meeting on Saturday week. O'Sullivan has had a reasonably quiet start to the new season but this will all change at the Matamata meeting with a number of last season's stars swinging back into action. O'Sullivan's stable entrants for the September 27 race-meeting at Matamata will include Tracktalk, Mohawk, Glitzy, Marie Claire, River Chief and Sierra Dane.

Rockabubble ready for Guineas	16 Sep 2003



Smart filly Rockabubble confirmed a start in the $100,000 Windsor Park Golan Hawke's Bay Guineas on Saturday week when she narrowly downed King's Chapel in a trial at Te Teko yesterday. The big filly, who won one of her three juvenile starts, used the 1000 metre trial after mssing a start in last Saturday's Highview Stakes. "She did it well, racing wide and finding the line strongly," said trainer Paul O'Sullivan. "That was enough to top her off for Hastings. She's had plenty of work and I should be able to take her through to that race easily."

Watchful eye on weather	9 Sep 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has six members of his stable nominated for the Hawke's Bay meeting on Saturday but none of them will start if the track conditions are not to his satisfaction. O'Sullivan hopes to have a two-pronged attack on the $50,000 Highview Stakes with Rockabubble and Tracktalk. His other runners at Hastings at this stage are Volkiss, Our Kitty, Dominitrix and Black Muscat. O'Sullivan has two horses entered for Wednesday's Te Rapa meeting. They are Barzar Babe (r6) and Vanilla Sky (r9). Both horses will be ridden by Leith Innes who is now the stable's number one jockey.

Sunray headed for Auckland Cup	4 Sep 2003



The Lion Red Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day is the goal for rising staying star Sunray who trialled at Te Aroha today. Although unplaced in the open catchweight 1000m trial, Sunray will derive plenty of benefit from the outing today. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan said Sunray will be back racing in October. "He will have another trial before he goes back to the races". Sunray won the New Zealand St Leger last season and the son of Zabeel started one of the favourites in the AJC Derby but failed in that event and was later found to be suffering the effects of a virus. Stakes-placed mare Marie Claire was also in action at today's Te Aroha trials and looked in good order when she finished fourth in the same heat as Sunray. Marie Claire could be a runner in the Matamata Cup (1600m) on September 27. Luscilla also produced a reasonable effort in her open catchweight trial which was won by the highly impressive Tintagel from the Jim Gibbs stable. Luscilla could head down to the Taranaki meeting this month for the Mason Appliances Stakes. A three-year-old qualifying 1000m heat was won in nice fashion by the Paul O'Sullivan-trained filly Au Fait (Manntari-No Idea).

Mojo to contest Newcastle Cup	2 Sep 2003



The focus for trans-tasman trainer Paul O’Sullivan will be in Australia this week with stable representatives at several Sydney meetings. On Tuesday O’Sullivan lines up the handy racemare Danazira at the Randwick meeting (race 2) with Hugh Bowman to do the riding. She is on the improve and ready to go a better race in this 1400m contest. Also lining up at Randwick on Tuesday will be He’s On Fire in race 7 in a 1400m event. He races well on this track and has the services of Mitchell Bell. On Thursday the handy stayer Mojo will be in action in the $A150,000 Newcastle Cup and will be ridden by Rodney Quinn. He is stepping up in distance which will suit him and an improved performance is anticipated. He is heading for a start in the $A600,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Monday October 6. Also racing on Saturday is the capable galloper Danger Danger who is having his first start back after a six-week break following a setback. He will be a force to be reckoned with.

Spring is in the air at Taupo	19 Aug 2003



Spring racing gets into full swing with Wednesday's Taupo meeting with the stable having four runners. In race 1 at 11.40am BARZAR BABE (Opie Bosson) will line up. She produced an improved effort for third last time at Hastings in a maiden highweight. In race 7 at 2.40pm VANILLA SKY could be worth following for good odds. A good run expected with Opie Bosson aboard. In race 9 at 3.45pm VOLKISS (Lucas Camallieri) looks very hard to beat after a good second placing at Hastings on July 31. In race 10 at 4.18pm LETS PLAY (Opie Bosson) lines up. She won on debut at Matamata but flopped last time at Hastings and will need to improve again. Drawn barrier 12.

Mojo ready to take Sydney by storm	12 Aug 2003



Talented Kiwi stayer Mojo is ready to take Sydney racing by storm. With one run over 1600m in Sydney under his belt, the Paul O'Sullivan-trained six-year-old gelding steps up to 1900m at Rosehill on Saturday and should be more competitive. Saturday's race will provide another vital run for Mojo as he heads towards races such as the Wyong Cup, Newcastle Cup, Colin Stephens Handicap and The Metropolitan. Mojo finished third in the Wellington Cup and fourth in the Auckland Cup last season and O'Sullivan the Dance Floor gelding has a big season ahead of him. "He's improved out of sight since last season when he was still maturing," O'Sullivan said. Also lining up for O'Sullivan at Rosehill on Saturday will be handy galloper The Player. At Wednesday's Canterbury Park meeting the O'Sullivan stable has two runners in the shape of Switch Hitter and He's On Fire and both look competitive chances.

Mercedes Champion Trainer	12 Aug 2003



Paul O'Sullivan collected the prestigious title of Mercedes Champion Trainer of 2003 at the annual Mercedes Thoroughbred Racing Awards in Christchurch on Friday. O'Sullivan claimed his 11th New Zealand trainers' premiership in the 2002-03 season, training 83 winners in New Zealand last season. He has a nice team of promising horses for the new season.

O'Sullivan to train Horlicks filly	3 Aug 2003



New Zealand’s leading trainer Paul O’Sullivan will train the Zabeel-Horlicks three-year-old filly this season. The unraced filly has been named Sambuca by her Hastings owner Graham de Gruchy who also bred and raced Horlicks. Paul O’Sullivan and his father, Dave, trained Horlicks who recorded seven wins at Group One level including the 1989 Japan Cup in world record time. Horlicks is currently in foal to Stravinsky and will return to the Cambridge Stud shuttle sire this spring.

O'Sullivan reaches $1 million mark	3 Aug 2003



Trainers’ premiership leader Paul O’Sullivan took his quest for $1 million in stable stake-earnings down to the wire when Galway Lass, his final runner for the 2002-03 season, claimed the $6250 winner’s prize in the Noel Eales Stables Metric Mile at Hastings on Thursday. O’Sullivan had started the day needing $6305 to break the seven-figure barrier, but after early runners Volkiss and Barzar Babe had collected only place money, nothing short of a win by Galway Lass would suffice. The promising mare delivered big-time, responding to an ice-cold ride by visiting Hong Kong apprentice Thomas Yeung for an easy win and taking O'Sullivan's tally to $1,001,445. “On top of the premiership win and our strike rate, that tops off the season brilliantly,” said an enthusiastic O’Sullivan as he accepted congratulations for his eighty-third win of the season. “Thomas is stoked, and so he should be. He handled his part brilliantly, but I guess coming from Hong Kong he knows all about dealing with pressure.” The win by Galway Lass was the twenty-first for the season by horses owned by Wexford Stables' most significant client, Steve McCollam’s Augusta Bloodstock. O’Sullivan was sufficiently impressed by the rising five-year-old’s win, her third from 12 starts, to suggest she may be a worthy New Zealand Cup candidate in another three months’ time.

Yeung picks up Hastings rides	29 Jul 2003



Hong Kong apprentice Thomas Yeung has picked up three rides from Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan for Thursday's Hastings meeting. Yeung is yet to post a winner in New Zealand but will get a golden opportunity at Hastings with all three O'Sullivan-trained mounts looking top prospects. Yeung is based with O'Sullivan during his stay in New Zealand which lasts until August 10. He will ride Volkiss in the maiden 1400m event, Galway Lass in the progressive 1600m race and Let's Play in the intermediate 1600m race. Galway Lass and Let's Play are both last-start winners while Volkiss has been knocking on the door for some time and deserves to break through for an overdue win in maiden company. The other O'Sullivan-trained entrant for Hastings on Thursday is Bazaar Babe who will contest the highweight event and will be ridden by Finbarr Leahy.

O'Sullivan closes on $1 million mark	16 Jul 2003



The stable of Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan is poised to become the fourth in the country to top $1 million in prize-money earnings for the 2002-03 season. With a fortnight of the season remaining O'Sullivan's stable earnings to date this season have reached $992,695. The McKees, Mark Walker and the Jillings-Yuill stable have already surpassed the $1 million mark. O'Sullivan requires $7305 before the end of the season to reach the millionaires' club. Jet Copy fronts up in the intermediate 2100m event at Ellerslie on Saturday. The winners' purse in that race is $6500. O'Sullivan said Jet Copy has been working well and was only just beaten (a head) at his last start. He will be ridden by Hong Kong apprentice Thomas Yeung who is currently riding in New Zealand during the off-season in Hong Kong. O'Sullivan said he could have several runners at the Hastings meeting on July 31 including Galway Lass and Let's Play. O'Sullivan also has a runner in Sydney this weekend with He's On Fire racing at his favourite Rosehill track. He will be ridden by Mitchell Bell.

Fijian holiday gets better	2 Jul 2003



A Fijian holiday got even better for trainer Paul O'Sullivan when Galway Lass won at Hastings last Saturday. Galway Lass was the stable's sole representative last weekend. She strolled home for an easy win in the Williams and Kettle Livestock 2000. "She's a nice staying mare who was a bit slow to mature and has been looking for more ground. She will develop into a nice stayer," O'Sullivan said while holidaying in Fiji. Galway Lass is owned by successful busuinessman Steve McCollam who tasted his 20th success as an owner in the current season. Galway Lass provided O'Sullivan with his 81st training season in New Zealand in the 2002-03 season.

Hulachine for HB Guineas	1 Jul 2003



The $100,000 Windsor Park Golan Hawke’s Bay Guineas at Hastings in September will be the first spring target for exciting Matamata-trained filly Hulachine. The rising three-year-old filly’s trainer, Paul O’Sullivan, said Hulachine was back in work at his stable and was “looking a million dollars”. “The doubling of the stake for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas and the fact the race is run at 1400m makes it an ideal race for her,” O’Sullivan said. “I am very excited by her prospects next season as her performances as a two-year-old were something out of the ordinary,” said O’Sullivan. “You would have to say she’s one of the best staying type of two-year-olds we have seen out this season,” he said. Hulachine remains unbeaten after two wins in her juvenile campaign. The Tale Of The Cat filly scored a last-to-first win on debut at Te Rapa and then followed a Listed race win in the Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie late May where she again produced a brilliant finish to carry her to an impressive victory. O’Sullivan said Hulachine’s other major goals next season will be the New Zealand One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton in November and the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham next January. Both of these races are Group One events.

Jet Copy best chance at Te Rapa	25 Jun 2003



The rapidly improving runner, Jet Copy, will be the stable's best chance at Wednesday's Te Rapa meeting. Jet Copy was an improvers' third at Avondale last start and has trained on well since. The five-year-old gelding is a half-brother to Cronus and Pravda. He will be ridden by Thomas Russell in race 10 at 4.35pm. Race 6 at 2.17pm sees Volkiss line up and she should be a good each-way chance provided she can handle the heavy track conditions. Volkiss is by Volksraad from former top racemare Kiss. She was a good second at Riccarton at her last start in April when she zoomed home late. Her rider will be Jason Waddell. The stable's other Te Rapa runner is Seen The Light (race 7, 2.52pm) who will be ridden by Jason Waddell. He is capable on his day of putting up a good performance. He has won previously on the track and on heavy ground.

Luscilla to lead the way at Tauranga	17 Jun 2003



Luscilla, winner of her last two starts, will spearhead the three-runner attack for Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan at Saturday's Racing Tauranga meeting. Luscilla left no doubts about her fitness for Saturday's three-year-old 1600m event when she worked in great style at the Matamata track on Tuesday morning. "It will be a jump in class for her at Tauranga but she looks up to the task," O'Sullivan said. Luscilla will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan and she is quite happy on rain-affected ground. The other O'Sullivan-trained runners heading to Saturday's Tauranga meeting are Barzar Babe and Vanilla Sky. Barzar Babe's form is poor heading into this race but with blinkers added that could bring a reversal in form. Lance O'Sullivan has the mount. Vanilla Sky is back from a spell and will line up in the three-year-old 1200m event with Lance O'Sullivan aboard. In a freshened state Vanilla Sky looks capable of a bold effort. The O'Reilly filly won two on end in her last campaign. Lance O'Sullivan will be aboard.

Two runners at Avondale Wednesday	10 Jun 2003



Wexford Stables will have two runners at Wednesday's Avondale Jockey Club meeting. These are: Race 2 Roadways Maiden 2YO $5000, 1200m: COOL TALK - Made debut at Pukekohe where unplaced on May 21. Improvement expected here but may yet need another race to reach top form. Jason Waddell has the mount. Drawn barrier 10. Race 3 Ace Insurance 2100 $5500, 2100m: JET COPY - Needed first-up run when fifth at Matamata on May 25 and will probably need another to reach peak fitness. However, he should still be competitive in this highweight event. The in-form Finbar Leahy to do the riding. Drawn the ace.

Sole runner at Te Rapa Saturday	6 Jun 2003



The stable will have just the one representative at Te Rapa on Saturday. Barzar Babe lines up in race five, the Matrix Investments Maiden, at 1.32pm. Barzar Babe has had three runs to date and has weighed in each time so not a lot of improvement is required to see the Danasinga three-year-old filly right in the mix. Top jockey Lance O'Sullivan has the mount. The filly has drawn barrier 12 in the 1600m event.

Luscilla inherits family ability	5 Jun 2003



Paul O’Sullivan-trained three-year-old filly Luscilla showed she had inherited the family ability with her brilliant 4-½ length win at Matamata last month. Luscilla is a daughter of the Group Three winning mare, Madam Valeta, who has already left a Gr.II winner in Mulan Princess (by Kaapstad). Madam Valeta is a half-sister to the dual Group One winner Golden Sword who included the Epsom Handicap and Toorak Handicap among his eight wins. Also from Madam Valeta’s dam, Lovenvain, are the black-type winners Balmoral Keep and Greta Hall. Luscilla was bred by Alan Burnet in partnership with Windsor Park Stud. She was sold from Windsor Park’s draft at the Karaka yearling sales for $NZ275,000 It was Luscilla’s second win on end and O’Sullivan fully expected her to triumph. “She’s obviously got some of the family ability and she won in a canter,” O’Sullivan said. “She hardly got off the bridle.” “The family has a history of being able to get through wet ground so she will race again at Tauranga on June 21 in a three-year-old 1600m event,” O’Sullivan said.

Hulachine wins Foal Stakes	24 May 2003



Hong Kong-based New Zealander Gary Plowman has bred an Oaks winner – next season he might be the owner of one. Plowman bred last year’s South Australian Oaks winner Tully Thunder – a filly he sold for $NZ350,000 as a yearling at the Karaka sales through the Windsor Park Stud draft. At this year’s Karaka yearling sales, Plowman sold the Zabeel half-sister to Tully Thunder for $NZ375,000 – also from Windsor Park’s draft. At Karaka 2002 yearling sales, Plowman was in the buyer’s role when top Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan paid $NZ100,000 on his behalf for a Tale Of The Cat filly from It’s Hula Time. That filly, who races as Hulachine, made it two wins on end with another exciting last-to-first win in the Listed $30,000 Great Northern Foal Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. O’Sullivan said horses have to be extra smart to do what Hulachine achieved in Saturday’s win. “It takes a very smart horse to win in the manner she did. She’s improved out of sight in the past few weeks and there’s still a lot of improvement in her yet,” O’Sullivan said. “She has gone out for a spell and next season I will set her for the One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton and the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham. “You would have to say she’s one of the best staying type of two-year-old fillies we have seen out this season which augurs well for next season,” O’Sullivan said.

Hulachine For Foal Stakes	22 May 2003



Hulachine will be out to extend her record to two wins from as many starts when she chases black type in Saturday’s $30,000 Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie. The Tale Of The Cat filly opened her account with a fine win at Te Rapa last month and she has done nothing but improve since. She’s out for a spell after Saturday’s race in which Lance O’Sullivan will be aboard. A nice future looks in store for Hulachine next season. The Foal Stakes jumps at 2.25pm. Hulachine has drawn barrier 11. The stable’s other runner is Cavalry King but he will require reasonable track conditions for his assignment race nine at 4.10pm. Lance O’Sullivan is also aboard here. The O’Sullivan stable is currently on 78 wins. The stable’s target this season has been 80 wins and that certainly looks achievable.

King the sole weekend runner for stable	14 May 2003



Trainers’ premiership leader Paul O’Sullivan will finish the last weeks of the season with very few runners, as evidenced by his sole stable representative, Cavalry King, at Te Rapa this weekend. “I’ll just have to rely on the light numbers I’ll be taking to the races until the end of the season,” he said in reference to maintaining his lead on the trainers’ table. At this stage the Wexford Stables tally stands at 78, 17 clear of the Canterbury partnership of Michael Pitman and Chris Harris. O’Sullivan would prefer to hold Cavalry King back until next week’s Ellerslie meeting instead of running him in the Fairview Motors Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday. “All his form is right-handed, but he can’t wait back given the time of year while the track promises to be so good,” said O’Sullivan. Cavalry King scored his third win from his last four starts with a plucky performance in good time at Avondale at his last start and will again be ridden by Lance O’Sullivan in Saturday’s 1200 metre event. Wexford Stables will be represented in Sydney this weekend by the smart mare Talista Belle, who lines up in the $A70,000 Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill. The 2400 metre race, in which she is well weighted on the minimum, gives her the opportunity for a listed stakes win to go with the stakes placings she has already registered.

Weekend double for stable	12 May 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan is marching towards his first trainers’ premiership on his own account. O’Sullivan posted win number 78 for the season when Luscilla (NZ) (Entrepreneur) was successful at yesterday’s Paeroa meeting. The day before River Chief (NZ) (O’Reilly) was also successful for the O’Sullivan stable at the Rotorua meeting with a storming last-to-first finish. O’Sullivan had set himself a goal of 80 wins for the current season. He won the trainers’ premiership five times eight times in partnership with his father, retired trainer Dave O’Sullivan, during the 1980s and 1990s. However, since he has got out on his own the premiership has proved elusive for Paul O’Sullivan. The 78 wins represents the highest tally achieved by a New Zealand trainer since the 1996-97 season when Dave and Paul O’Sullivan prepared 84 winners.

Wexford season's "last big roll of the dice"	8 May 2003



In a weekend described as his “last big roll of the dice” for the season, premiership leading trainer Paul O’Sullivan is looking forward to lining up several leading prospects in the next three days. The Wexford Stables action begins tomorrow when Wild Oscar and Olagavich line up in progressive grade at the Timaru race meeting. Olgavich goes into her 2100 metre race with second placings at her last two starts, the last of them in listed three-year-old filly company at Riccarton. Wild Oscar also has the right form, having followed up a win two starts back with a solid fourth placing on unsuitable soft ground. Both he and Olgavich will be ridden by in-form jockey Jason Waddell. Back in the North Island the O’Sullivan stable has good prospects at both Rotorua and Hastings. River Chief has the draw to suit his style in the three-year-old 1400 metre event. He has worked very well this week and with Lance O’Sullivan in the saddle will be hard to beat. The stable will be represented by Glitzy and Our Fling in the listed fillies’ and mares’ event, the Gould Photographic Rotorua Stakes. Both have returned recently from racing in the South Island, where Glitzy was a winner at Riccarton and Our Fling went close in open company on the same track. Glitzy especially appears to have weathered her racing and travelling well, with some attractive work this week underling her progress. With Lance committed to race favourite Critic, Glitzy will be ridden by Garry Grylls and Our Fling by David Walker. At Hastings Danasar will be chasing his fourth win on end when he lines up in the open sprint. He has shown real class in achieving his recent hat-trick and appears well placed to continue that formline. Intermediate 1600 metre prospect Florida returns to her favourite track, hopefully for a deserved win after narrow defeats at her last three starts. Desperate has a question mark over him in the open 1600 metres after trackwork this week that could only described as average. He looks well, however, and cannot be discounted. All three stable runners will be ridden by Jason Waddell. Paeroa runners Zahdeal, who appears well placed at the weights even with equal topweight in the restricted open sprint, and improving maiden Luscilla round off the weekend on Sunday. Lance rides both of them, hopefully adding to his big lead on the jockeys’ table and to brother Paul’s 15-win margin on the trainers’ premiership.

Course specialist racing	29 Apr 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan is looking to course specialist Cavalry King to fly the flag for him at Wednesday’s Tauranga meeting. Zahdeal provided the stable with its 72nd training success of the season when he dead-heated for first with Be Famous at Te Rapa on Saturday. Cavalry King lines up in the seventh race at 2.40pm. He has drawn barrier 10 in the 1200m event. He has won three times out of four appearances at Tauranga. His last-start fourth on the course was a good effort considering he was inconvenienced by the bad ground. Lance O’Sullivan has the mount on Cavalry King who promises to be hard to beat. The other Paul O’Sullivan-trained runners lining up at Tauranga on Wednesday are: Race 4 1.05pm Luscilla: This Entrepreneur filly finished sixth on debut at Paeroa last month and is capable of the improvement required to figure in the finish here. Lance O’Sullivan has the mount and she is nicely drawn in barrier three. She is a daughter of former top racemare Madam Valeta. Race 5 1.35pm Taylor’s Park: Had little luck last time after sitting wide for most of the trip. Looks well positioned here from barrier four. Good win two starts back at Matamata when winning in fine style. Lance O’Sullivan takes the ride. Race 6 2.10pm Ciao: Has not shown up at the trials although did finish on well in last trials outing. The distance of 2170m will suit her down to the ground. Lance O’Sullivan has the ride. Gets back so wide draw should not be too much of a worry.

Busy Weekend for Wexford Stables	24 Apr 2003



Paul O’Sullivan’s Wexford Stables is hoping for a successful weekend in both the North and South Islands this weekend. At Te Rapa, Zahdeal, in the hands of Lance O'Sullivan, will be a big threat if he races to his full potential in this strong 1400m Open Handicap event. River Chief steps up in class when he takes on some of the country's best three-year-old sprinters in the Westbury Stud Sunline Stakes 1200m. He has trained very well and a good draw would be an advantage for this Group Three race. Lance will again ride River Chief. Florida will run in race nine – the Intermediate 1400m event. She was scratched last start due to unfavourable track conditions. With fine weather forecast and a good track expected, Florida will be a big chance in the hands of champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan. At Riccarton, Marie Claire, who was beaten by Missy in the South Island Breeders Stakes last start, will look to avenge that loss when the two mares meet in the 2000m Canterbury Gold Cup. Marie Claire has trained on well and will be ridden by Jason Waddell. Olgavich earned a trip to the South Island when she impressed at Matamata last start. She will be in the hunt to add black type to her pedigree when she contests the 2000m Warstep Stakes in the hands of Darryl Bradley. Wexford Stables will have two runners in the 1400m Great Easter Stakes. Glitzy was impressive when winning at Riccarton last start and should continue on her winning way. The stable foreman said she had "trained on a treat". Jason Waddell will ride Glitzy. Our Fling was unlucky last start and has since been freshened. She is expected to acquit herself well at the 1400m distance with David Walker on board. Wild Oscar was unlucky last start when unable to find any room at the top of the straight. He finished off his race well and is expected to improve on that run. Jason Waddell will ride Wild Oscar.

Bahira Injured, Sydney Contingent Settle in Well	16 Apr 2003



The promising Volksraad mare Bahira has received a knee injury and will be spelled. She will not return until next season. The three stable stars who will race on Saturday at Rosehill, have all settled in well. Danazira will race in the Group Three Adrian Knox Stakes 2000m worth $A 400,000. Diamond Like is making a big step up in class in the Group One Galaxy $A 1,000,000 1100m. The daughter of Danehill has the pedigree to step up. Sunray will appreciate the mile and a half of the AJC Derby $A 2,000,000 2400m. The Zabeel colt is proven over ground having won the Gr. 3 NZ St Leger (2500m) and has thrived since last start. Back in New Zealand the stable will have runners at home at Matamata Wednesday and Ellerslie Saturday. Desperate will be a lightweight chance in the Group One Jaguar Easter Handicap. Seen The Light returns from a tracheotomy operation and should make a sharp improvement in race ten. Two-year-olds Lamri and Our Kitty make their debuts in race two at Matamata and Barzar Babe makes her race day debut in race six. Flaring Star is stepping up to 2000m in race four and Olgavich is on trial for a trip to the South Island for an attempt at a listed race, should be competitive in race ten.

O'Sullivan aims for decade high	8 Apr 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has set himself a new goal for the season. The country's leading trainer has saddled 70 winners to date this season and has a clear lead on the New Zealand trainers' premiership. His target now is to get to 76 which will be the highest total in 10 years by any New Zealand trainer. The Rogerson-Autridge stable saddled up 75 winners when it won the trainers' premiership last season. That had been the highest winning tally in NZ since Dave and Paul O'Sullivan's total of 103 wins in the 1993-94 season. Paul O'Sullivan will have three runners at Wednesday's Te Aroha meeting. In race three at 1.10pm the two-year-old Buckle My Shoe lines up in a maiden juvenile event and has drawn barrier four. She drops back in class and should be very competitive. Lance O'Sullivan rides. In race 8 at 3.50pm, a maiden 1600m event, Dazzling Walk, will be looking to improve further on an encouraging last-start third. The Zabeel filly has drawn barrier 14. Lance O'Sullivan rides. In the apprentice riders race (9) Jason Waddell will be aboard the O'Sullivan-trained runner Florida who looks a real each-way chance after a close second at Matamata at her last start. On Saturday the stable has runners in Sydney and at Hastings. Danazira travels to Sydney today and will line up in the $A400,000 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday with Lance O'Sullivan aboard. She leaves in tip-top order. At Hastings Pay N Display will be lining up in her first race for some time. She goes well fresh and will be ridden in the 1400m event by Darryn Weatherley.

Don't write off Mohawk	4 Apr 2003



Leading trainer Paul O'Sullivan warns punters not to write off the chances of Mohawk in tomorrow's $120,000 Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni. "I wouldn't be letting her go," O'Sullivan said. "She's a definite each-way chance for longer odds," O'Sullivan said. "She's very well at present and she's got her share of class," he said. Mohawk will be ridden in the Group 1 juvenile feature by Brian Hibberd. The O'Sullivan stable looks set for another big weekend. At the Manawatu meeting its other runners are the in-form three-year-old Black Muscat and promising Danasar. At the Te Rapa meeting tomorrow Zahdeal looks a strong hope in the open 1400m event in which he will be ridden by Opie Bosson. Zahdeal has finished runner-up in his last two starts and deserves to go one better. He has a good record at Te Rapa where he already boasts two wins on the course. Taylor's Park lines up in race eight at Te Rapa and is a real show after having cleared maiden ranks at Matamata last time out. Bosson also has the mount. Emily's Command lines up in race 10 but may find the 1600m a fraction short. At Riccarton the stable will have a two-pronged attack on the $30,000 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes with Marie Claire and Our Fling lining up. They will be ridden by Jason Waddell and Jason Laking respectively. Tracktalk will fly the flag for the stable in the $30,000 Felix The Cat South Island Juvenile Stakes (1200m). She will be ridden by Jason Waddell. The other stable runners at Riccarton are Glitzy, Eightsome and Wild Oscar.

Black Muscat to back up	1 Apr 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan said today that crack three-year-old Black Muscat is likely to race at the Manawatu meeting on Saturday. He will be entered for the Oaks Classic for three-year-olds and the Awapuni Gold Cup. O'Sullivan said he preferred the Awapuni racing option ahead of taking the O'Reilly three-year-old to Sydney for the Tulloch Stakes and Frank Packer Plate. "He tended to lug out on the right-handed track at Tauranga last Saturday when he won so it looks a better idea to wait and take him to Melbourne in the spring with the availability of left-handed tracks," O'Sullivan said. Black Muscat was most impressive in winning the $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique at Tauranga last Saturday. He is owned by Aucklander Terry Jarvis. Stablemate Sunray, also an impressive winner at Tauranga, will definitely cross the Tasman for a crack at the AJC Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 19. O'Sullivan said he has never seen a horse improve as much as what Sunray has in the past 12 months. "He had six trials and looked an absolute duffer. Now he's a genuine racehorse who just keeps getting better at everything he does," O'Sullivan said. The stable's only runner at Wednesday's Rotorua meeting is the two-year-old Centaine filly Viaggio who lines up in the sixth event at 2.23pm. She finished second at Te Rapa on February 26 at her debut. Her recent work has been first class and with the in-form Lance O'Sullivan aboard, Viaggio looks a real winning prospect.

On Trial For Sydney	28 Mar 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan will be looking to add two further strings to his bow for the Sydney autumn carnival when Sunray and Black Muscat race at Tauranga tomorrow (Saturday). O’Sullivan already has Zafar, Diamond Like and Danazira confirmed for the Sydney carnival. Sunray is on trial for the AJC Derby in three weeks when he lines up in the premier quality 2100m event at Tauranga. The son of Zabeel was an impressive last-start winner of the New Zealand St Leger at Trentham over 2500m on March 6. Black Muscat was an easy winner at Te Aroha a fortnight ago and has compiled an impressive record in his career to date. The three-year-old could line up in races like the Tulloch Stakes and Frank Packer Plate in Sydney should he perform well again in the $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique (1600m). The O’Sullivan stable also has two runners in race three – River Chief and Piata and both should measure up well. In particular a wet track should favour River Chief. The rider for Rver Chief is Lance O’Sullivan while Opie Bosson is aboard Piata. Course specialist Cavalry King lines up in race seven and should again aquit himself well. Lance O’Sullivan is aboard.

Zafar wins Taranaki Group III	26 Mar 2003



Boom horse Zafar did all that was expected of him and then some when he waltzed away with the Group III Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup at New Plymouth on Saturday March 22. "I never had any worries - he was just cruising all the way," said winning jockey Lance O'Sullivan after reining his fourth winner of the day in the $30,000 feature. O'Sullivan admitted to covering extra ground on the big bay, but excused himself, preferring to take the safe option. "I didn't want to strike any traffic problems," he said. "I guess having that luxury shows what a good horse he is." From being 10 lengths behind pacemaker Greene Street halfway through the 2000 metre race, Zafar improved steadily to be in a challenging position at the top of the straight. O'Sullivan had tagged on to Supa Belt by that stage and went past her easily with 200 metres to run and drew away for a two length win. Supa Belt fought on for her placing ahead of Greene Street, Burton and Fairy Tipsy. Last Saturday's win confirmed plans to race Zafar in the $A500,000 Chairman's Handicap at Ranwdwick. He will be part of an impressive three horse team trainer Paul O'Sullivan intends sending to Sydney for Easter racing. Last start winners Sunray and Diamond Like will make up the contingent. Today's win, his seventh from eight starts, has not altered plans to give Zafar just one run in Sydney before an early winter spell. "I'm more ready than him to run two miles," said his manager Dave O'Sullivan to suggestions that Zafar may also run in the Sydney Cup.

Zafar heading to NP	21 Mar 2003



Lower North Island racegoers get their first chance to see Zafar (NZ) (Zabeel), rated by many as New Zealand’s most exciting racehorse, when he lines up in tomorrow’s Group Three Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup. Trainer Paul O’Sullivan and the big gelding’s manager, his father Dave, have included tomorrow’s race in Zafar’s programme for a number a reasons. Paramount is its timing, seen as ideal in the build-up to the major autumn target, the $A500,000 Chairman’s Handicap at Randwick on April 19. Another is the stake-money, less than one tenth of the Sydney race but still favourably comparable on the New Zealand domestic scene. The 2000 metre distance is also attractive as a step up from the 1600 metres of Zafar’s last race - his first after a short let-up - and as a stepping stone to the 2400 metres of the Chairman’s. But equally important is the value of the race as an opportunity for a trip away from Wexford Stables with a view to Zafar’s extensive future racing plans. The furthest that he has travelled is the two-hour float ride from Matamata to Ellerslie. Matamata to New Plymouth is only a little more than double in distance, but it means being able to give the four-year-old an overnight stay in different surroundings. Those plans could have been thwarted by tonight’s Santana rock concert at New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands, adjacent to Pukekura Raceway where the O’Sullivan team would normally be quartered. As much as Paul O’Sullivan, if not his father, might enjoy the sound of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and his band, he did not feel the appreciation would extend to Zafar. An option would have been to travel south early on raceday, a not uncommon practice for Waikato horses, but wanting to use the trip to best advantage, O’Sullivan has found Friday night accommodation for Zafar at the John Wheeler stable outside New Plymouth. The rest, then, will be up to the horse to further deepen the impression he has made since he began racing 10 months ago. It is anticipated that the only barrier to his seventh win from eight starts will be bad luck, something that the tight Pukekura Park circuit could lend itself to. That said, however, and for all his size, Zafar does have the ability to take a position and round his races off with an impressive turn of foot.

Winning tally now 63 - Matamata runners	20 Mar 2003



A brace of five wins last weekend has cemented the lead of Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan in the New Zealand trainers' premiership. The five-win bag took O'Sullivan's tally for the season to 63. His winners were Bahira and Tracktalk at Otaki, Black Muscat and River Chief at Te Aroha - all on Saturday - and Wild Oscar at Pukekohe on Sunday. Bahira won the Gr. 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Otaki and will line up next in the Gr. 1 $150,000 Jaguar Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie on Easter Saturday (April 19). O'Sullivan's stable has a strong home-track representation at Matamata on Wednesday. His runners with comments on each are: Dazzling Walk (r1): Disappointed last time but has freshened up nicely and has been working well. Lance O'Sullivan to ride. Eightsome (r2): Has been knocking on the door and will give plenty of cheek here. Has nice draw and looks hard to beat. Lance O'Sullivan riding. Florida (r3): Drops back in class and will take a power of beating. One of best stable chances at the meeting. Lance O'Sullivan to ride. Our Kitty (r5): First starter who looks very promising. Trialled up well at Paeroa and looks a good type in the making. Lance O'Sullivan to ride. Danasar (r7): Nice and forward to resume racing and should be right in the firing line. Michael Coleman to ride. Glitzy (r7): Unlucky in recent starts and should be in the thick of the finish. Lance O'Sullivan aboard. Taylor's Park (r8): Unlucky on debut and can be a real each-way chance here. Liked a lot. Lance O'Sullivan has the mount. Equivocal (r9): Nice win last time and can go on with it. Lance O'Sullivan to ride.

Bahira for Thompson Handicap	14 Mar 2003



Promising four-year-old mare Bahira will spearhead Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan’s weekend racing attack. The country’s leading trainer with 58 wins to his credit already this season, O’Sullivan has form runners at both the Otaki and Te Aroha meetings tomorrow as well as at Pukekohe on Sunday. Bahira’s mission is the $35,000 Thompson Handicap at Otaki, a Group Three open handicap event. Unlucky in finishing fourth at her last start in the Tauranga Classic, Bahira will make her presence felt although she obviously has to overcome the threat of Zvezda. Bahira will be ridden by Brian Hibberd. The other O’Sullivan-trained runner at Otaki is the talented two-year-old, Tracktalk, who finished second in the BNZ Matamata Breeders’ Stakes at her last start and promises to be very hard to beat this time with the ride taken up by Jason Waddell. At Te Aroha the stable’s three-year-olds, Black Muscat (r5) and Danazira (r9) look very hard to beat. They both won two starts back and have been in great form all season. Lance O’Sullivan rides both horses. Also lining up at Te Aroha from the O’Sullivan stable are Zahdeal (r4) and River Chief (r8) and both appeal as strong chances. At Sunday’s Counties Racing Club meeting the stable’s runners are Flaring Star (r5) and Wild Oscar (r8) along with Queen Rania (r8).

Sunray wins NZ St Leger	8 Mar 2003



Paul O'Sullivan-trained colt Sunray left no doubts who was the best stayer in today's New Zealand St Leger at Trentham. Ace distance rider Noel Harris bided his time at the rear of the field on Sunray while tearaway Small Town Boy went to a lead of nearly 20 lengths through the middle stages. Harris edged his mount slightly closer on the big bend approaching the home straight and into a challenging position by the straight entrance. Small Town Boy was in reverse by this stage, with favourite Diamond Hill and Reg challenging hard. But Sunray put the race away when he joined in 250 metres out. He was so full of running over the concluding stages that Harris was able to sit up on him and in fact had more work to do afterwards as he endeavoured to pull his mount up. The win gave Harris a St Leger hat-trick, coming on top of succeses in the previous two years on Forfar and Hail. Like previous O'Sullivan-trained stars Vialli and Bawalksana, the good looking bay races in the colours of Indonesian-based Mualim Hasnan Ltd. O'Sullivan, who left his retired father Dave to saddle up at Trentham today, outlined plans afterwards to enter Sunray as well as his other winner Diamond Like for important Sydney races at Easter. "We'll look at the AJC Derby with the colt and I'll also be putting in a Galaxy nomination for Diamond Like," he said. Both group one races are scheduled for Randwick's rich Easter Saturday fixture, on April 19.

Zafar headed for New Plymouth	25 Feb 2003



The Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup has been declared as the next start for Zafar, who took his record to six wins from seven starts at Matamata last week. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan decided on the $50,000 New Plymouth race on March 22 after considering a variety of options. "The timing is just right and it's a race worth winning," said O'Sullivan today as he outlined plans for the exciting young galloper. "I think it's well within his scope even allowing that he might prefer a roomier track. I won it with Pravda and this horse is better than her." Pravda, who is also by Zabeel, went to Sydney soon afterwards and won the AJC Chairman's Handicap. That A$500,000 race is also on Zafar's programme after New Plymouth. The Chairman's, raced over 2400 metres at Randwick on April 19, will be Zafar's only start in Sydney. He will then return to Matamata for a let-up prior to embarking on a campaign aimed at the Melbourne Cup in November.

Good prospects for Tauranga Saturday	18 Feb 2003



Saturday’s Tauranga meeting provides Paul O’Sullivan with more ammunition to add to his trainers’ premiership lead, with course specialists Cavalry King and Equivocal as well as classy mare Bahira and smart three-year-old River Chief entered. Former Australian galloper Cavalry King has won both of his starts on the Tauranga course and should be hard to beat in his quest for a hat-trick in the progressive grade Renners Bar 1200. “He’s been impressive both times he’s lined up there,” says Wexford Stables foreman Gavin Parker. “His work has been good and we don’t see any reason why he can’t do it again on Saturday.” Equivocal needs to improve the racing manners she has shown lately, but a repeat of her maiden win on the course would see her go close in the intermediate 1600 metre event, in which she will be ridden by in-form Michael Coleman. Bahira has freshened well since her disappointing run in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham last month. She meets a strong field in the fillies’ and mares’ weight-for-age event, the Tracs Bar The Mount Tauranga Classic, but in Parker’s opinion has the ability to match it with them. “She has come to hand well lately and should be finishing over the top of them at 1400 metres,” he said. Lance O’Sullivan takes the mount on the chestnut as well as River Chief, who resumes from a brief spell in the 1300 metre three-year-old event. He showed immense potential in the late spring and has been working well. The remaining Wexford runner, Dazzling Walk, had no luck at Avondale last week and is bound to be strongly fancied in the maiden 1300 metre. “Lance got off and said to get her back to the races as soon as we can because she never had a race,” Parker said of the Zabeel filly. Tomorrow’s Avondale meeting sees the form runners Wild Oscar, Eightsome and Flaring Star line up. Eightsome, who was run down late for second at her last start, will wear a nasal strip in the maiden fillies’ and mares’ 1200 metre event.

Mohawk draws ace for Breeders	12 Feb 2003



Likely favourite Mohawk has drawn barrier one for Saturday's $70,000 Bank Of New Zealand Breeders' Stakes (1200m) at Matamata. The Group Two 1200m feature for two-year-olds has drawn a capacty field of 16 runners. Paul O'Sullivan-trained Mohawk was an impressive winner on debut at Trentham last month and has trained on a treat in the interim. "She ran all over the show in that race at Trentham so she has blinkers on at Matamata. She has been working in blinkers and they seemed to have worked the oracle," O'Sullivan said. Mohawk will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan who is shooting for his 11th black-type win of the season. Michael Walker is the only rider in the country with more stakes wins this season. His tally in black-type races in 2002-03 is already 11 following Tit For Taat's win in the Group One Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa last Saturday. The final field (with barrier draws) for Saturday's feature Matamata race is: Phoenicia (9), Rutland Lass (12), Butterface (13), Mohawk (1), Pay My Bail (2), Purrfection (7), Tracktalk (11), Clifton (15), Dragon Maiden (8), Katana (10), Pink (14), Snipight (16), Danette (3), Psychedelic (6), Scene Steeler (5), Catscan (4).

Strong attack on Matamata meeting	10 Feb 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will attack his home-track's most important meeting of the year with a big team of horses this weekend. O'Sullivan could have up to 10 runners at the meeting. He will have two runners in the $70,000 Bank Of New Zealand Breeders' Stakes - the Group Two feature for two-year-old fillies. These are Mohawk and Tracktalk and both should be strong prospects. Mohawk won at her only start to date at Trentham. She will wear blinkers on Saturday as she tended to run about the track in her debut. Mohawk will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan. Tracktalk was a recent trials winner at Te Awamutu and has also been successful at the races. She is not the least of chances and will be ridden by Leith Innes. The O'Sullivan stable's very exciting stayer Zafar resumes after a short break in the open 1600m event. He is unbeaten at Matamata. Other stable entrants for the meeting will be Zahdeal, Black Muscat, Diamond Like, Olgavich, Our Fling, Kasman and Sunray.

Sunray shooting for hat-trick at Te Rapa	5 Feb 2003



Promising stayer Sunray will be shooting for a hat-trick of wins when he lines up for Paul O’Sullivan in the Jardine Bloodstock Services Three-Year-Old at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Zabeel colt, who races in the same Indonesian ownership as former top Wexford Stables performers Vialli and Bawalaksana, cleared maidens two starts back and followed up with a smart win over subsequent Trentham winner Corrupted at Hastings last month. “He needed four or five trials to get the idea and it’s not surprising with his pedigree that he has taken a bit of time,” says Wexford foreman Gavin Parker. “But he is starting to look fairly smart and Saturday’s race will give us a further line on him.” Four-year-old mares Marie Claire and Pay ‘N’ Display come up against each other with shared topweight in Saturday’s premier quality 1600 metre event, both looking to extend their impressive formlines. “Marie Claire galloped better than Pay ‘N’ Display on Tuesday morning, but not too much should be read into that as she generally is the better trackworker,” says Parker. “They’re both in the right shape to be in the finish again.” O’Sullivan’s remaining Te Rapa runner, premier quality sprint candidate Glitzy, also has 57kg to carry, but she is up to the task on her latest form. “Like Marie Claire she’s an O’Reilly four-year-old who is now starting to show the benefit of a bit of time,” says Parker. “Weight and all, she has to be respected.”

Shares available in top yearlings	1 Feb 2003



The Select Colts Sale has resulted in a number of opportunities for people to invest in horses with Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan. He has one-fifth shares available in the following Lots. Lot 535: Kaapstad-Dellewood colt - A beautiful type and from a wonderfully successful family. Purchased for $32,000. Lot 605: Stark South-Jacindra colt - By a super stallion who has really made his mark in the past few months with the likes of Auckland Cup winner Bodie and Zabeel Classic winner Hail. Purchased for $26,000. Lot 732: Sandtrap-Regal Glen colt - Sire has had a huge season with the likes of Bunker. Looks a superstar for the race. Purchased for $58,000. Lot 746: Daggers Drawn-Russian Slice colt - Sire has made very promising start and this colt looks a realy early two-year-old type. Purchased for $28,000. Premier Sale: Lot 341: Pins-Snobbish filly - Out of a sister to Slight Chance. Looks a very nice type. Purchased for $75,000.

Blinkers added to Swing The Cat's gear	30 Jan 2003



Blinkers will be added to the gear of promising Paul O'Sullivan-trained two-year-old Swing The Cat (by Tale Of The Cat) in Saturday's $500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique at Te Rapa. Swing The Cat didn't help her chances at all by running around when she fnshed third at Ellerslie last start n the Mercedes Fillies Prelude. Even so she was only a long head and short neck from the winner, Foxette. "She has worked in blinkers at the track and it appears to have worked the oracle," said Paul O'Sullivan's Matamata stable foreman Gavin Parker. Swing The Cat will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan who will have his first mount on the filly. Mark Du Plessis was her rider at Ellerslie while Brian Hibberd and Bruce Herd rode her in two previous third placed starts. Other O'Sullivan stable runners at Te Rapa on Saturday are Piata (race 3, 1.25pm), Queen Rania (race 5, 2.35pm) and Equivocal (race 9, 5.15pm). Piata missed a start at Trentham after knocking a joint. She has made a quick recovery and will run on Saturday with Lance O'Sullivan the rider. Her last-start failure was due to the fact that she ran off the track. Queen Rania will be ridden by Bruce Herd. Parker said it would be best to forget her last run as she got her tonge over the bit and raced too fiercely for her own good. Equivocal races in blnkers. She needs a truly run race to prove most effective. She has a bit to learn but certainly shows ability. Lance O'Sullivan will have the mount.

Zahdeal hard to beat at Avondale	27 Jan 2003



Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan believes an inside barrier draw can make the world of difference to stable runner Zahdeal in the HS Dyke 1200 (r6) at Avondale today. “He has been drawing wide in his races and having no luck. He’s been freshened right up for today’s race and the drop back to 1200m will be ideal for him,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s got a lot more class than most of the field for today’s race,” he said. Zahdeal, who has always looked above average, will be ridden by top jockey Lance O’Sullivan. The O’Sullivan stable looks set for another good day at the office with one of its best winning chances being Dazzling Walk (r5). She has been placed in her only two outings to date and with a perfect barrier draw she looks ready to break through for her first success. Emily’s Command (r4) is a previous course and distance winner and should prove hard to beat while the stable has a strong attack on race nine with Marie Claire shooting for three wins on end and Our Fling looking to turn around her form.

Mojo on track for Wellington Cup	21 Jan 2003



Mojo is on track for his Wellington Cup bid, according to Paul O’Sullivan’s Matamata stable foreman Gavin Parker. The five-year-old has trained on well since finishing a meritorious fourth in the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. He had an exhibition gallop between races at Te Rapa last week. Lance O’Sullivan is back on board him in the Wellington Cup for first-time horse owner Gordon Fraser. Mojo has a good record at Trentham having won on the track and he finished second in the New Zealand St Leger on the course last year. The O’Sullivan stable will also send Bahira to Trentham this weekend for the $130,000 Thorndon Mile provided she makes the field. Two-year-old Mohawk is a promising young galloper and she makes his race-day debut at Trentham this Saturday followng a second at the Paeroa trials last week. Lance O’Sullivan is the jockey. Hopefully she will perform well enough to clinch a start in the BNZ Matamata Breeders’ Stakes at Matamata next month. Piata ran off the track at Ellerslie last time so she will have blinkers added to her geat for her Trentham assignment, a three-year-old 1200m event. Olgavich will represent the stable at Wednesday’s Rotorua meeting and she promises to be hard to beat in the Alexandra’s Night Club and Bar 1900 after having finished third at her last two outings. Lance O’Sullivan is aboard. She has drawn three.

Kasman gets final chance	10 Jan 2003



Capable sprinter Kasman gets his final chance to impress in the progressive 1400m event at Avondale tomorrow. "He needs to show us something this time or it could be the end of the road for him," said stable foreman Gavin Parker. "His run n the Concorde at Avondale two starts back wasn't a bad run but he disappointed last time in a progressive race at Te Rapa," said Parker. The other O'Sullivan runner at Avondale on Saturday is last-start winner Sunray. This son of Zabeel lines up in race eight and should again be prominent.

Three winners at Tauranga	10 Jan 2003



Woodville apprentice Jason Waddell broke through for the 100th win of his career when successful on the Paul O'Sullivan-trained mare Marie Claire in the DB Draught 1600 at Wednesday's Tauranga meeting. Waddell had collected his 99th win earlier at the Tauranga meeting aboard Aisa. He made it 101 wins when collecting his third win of the day on Bo Rogue in the Kingfisher Mill 1400 and then made it 102 wins when successful on Scusa Mi in the final event. Unfortunately he incurred a three-day suspension for careless riding on Scusa Mi which will take effect after Saturday's racing. The 16-year-old has been riding for about 15 months and is appenticed to his father, Woodville trainer Noel Waddell. The most important win for him to date was his win in the Listed Kelt Memorial at Hastings aboard Doyle. Marie Claire’s second straight win came in an apprentice riders’ only race and was not without a minor fright at the start of the 1600m race. “She missed the jump but fortunately she didn’t lose too much ground and it didn’t take her too long to get in touch,” the 16-year-old said. “She still had plenty of work to do on the final turn but once she got wound up she went to them very quickly and I was confident she would get up,” he said. Marie Claire is owned by New Zealand Bloodstock principals Peter and Philip Vela who bred the O’Reilly four-year-old mare. She was the third winner of the day for Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan, a feat which earned him a $4000 jackpotted bonus put up by the TRAC group of racing clubs. “This bonus is the equivalent of winning a $70,000 race for Paul,” said O’Sullivan’s stable foreman Gavin Parker. Paul O’Sullivan was busy today looking at yearlings in the Auckland area in advance of the upcoming sales round at Karaka. “I spend most of January looking at yearlings to buy and in the course of a year I would inspect more than 2500 horses Australasia and end up buying about 25 yearlings to fill my stable requirements for next season,” O’Sullivan said. The earlier winners for O’Sullivan at Wednesday's meeting were Cavalry King and Glitzy.

Hope you like the Cup draw Paul	29 Dec 2002



Without any prior warning this writer was suddenly called upon to do the barrier draw for the Paul O'Sullivan-trained Mojo for next Wednesday's $350,000 Lion Red Auckland Cup. The live barrier draw for the Lion Red Auckland Cup and Sky City Railway Stakes was carried out in view of horse connections and the general public at Ellerslie racecourse this evening. With neither Paul O'Sullivan or Mojo's owner, Gordon Fraser, present at the draw my name was called out by function presenters Keith Haub and Steve Davis to decide the horse's fate at the barrier. I have to admit the heart rate went up a notch or two as I went up and chose what I hoped would be the right Lion Red can containing the marble. Much to my relief the number on the marble was two. O'Sullivan was very happy with Mojo's draw and believes the up-and-coming stayer is not the least of chances in Wednesday's big race. Mojo was blocked for a run at a crucial stage of the Queen Elizabeth Handicap on Boxing Day and finished up sixth. "With any luck he could have finished second or third," O'Sullivan said. "He's got to be a realistic lightweight chance in the Cup," said O'Sullivan. With stable rider Lance O'Sullivan already booked for Manawatu Cup winner Small Town Boy, the Auckland Cup mount will go the way of visiting Singapore-based jockey Mark Du Plessis.

Zafar to spell despite fine win	26 Dec 2002



Despite scoring another impressive victory at Ellerslie today, Zafar is headed for the spelling paddock. "I talked it over with Paul before the race and decided that win, lose or draw, he could have a bit of a rest after this," said the gelding's manager, retired trainer Dave O'Sullivan. Today's Dunstan Stayers' Championship Qualifier win took Zafar's record to five wins from six starts. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan will now shelve plans to start him in the Marton Cup at Awapuni next month. The Zabeel gelding will, however, still be set fror a brief Sydney campaign in the autumn. Today's 2100 metre race was the four-year-old's first at a middle-distance and confirmed his staying potential. He came with a dour run from midfield to overhaul the pacemaker Star of Honor, who also gave way late to Diamond Hill.

Pukekohe double for stable	19 Dec 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan saddled up two winners at today's Counties meeting and expects plenty more from both horses this season. Well-bred mare Marie Claire (O'Reilly-Trotanoy) made her return to the racing scene in the best possible fashion by winning the Haven NZ Progressive (1300) at the Counties meeting today. Marie Claire had not raced previously this season so her fresh-up effort was full of merit. Marie Claire raced in the club's colours as the familiar Pencarrow Stud royal blue and white silks were mistakenly left behind. "The best thing to say is that she went that fast that the blue stripes flew off her and she was left with just the white on her colours," O'Sullivan said. "She's come up very nicely and looks set for a good season," O'Sullivan said. The winning jockey was Lance O'Sullivan. Marie Claire was bred and is owned by Peter and Philip Vela of Pencarrow Stud. She beat home stablemate Glitzy by one length. O'Sullivan's other Counties win came from debut runner Black Muscat (O'Reilly-Black Sugar) who won the CTM Architectural 1200. Black Muscat is owned by Auckland-based Sky TV founder Terry Jarvis. O"Sullivan's weekend runners will be Pay N Display and Kasman at Te Rapa on Saturday and The Player at Randwick in Sydney. All three horses have been working well. Andrew Calder has the mount on the Te Rapa runners.

Runners everywhere for stable	12 Dec 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will be out in force at the North Island's three major race-meetings this weekend. At Te Rapa on Saturday O'Sullivan will have runners in most of the races on the programme. He has two strong chances in the $32,500 AG and Turf Sportsground 1400 with Ugachaka and Zahdeal. Formerly trained by Lee Freedman in Melbourne where she was a dual group two winner, Ugachaka has been working sensationally and she will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan in Saturday's Listed race. Stablemate Zahdeal is also a big chance. He was inconvenienced by the rain-affected track when third at Otaki. He will be ridden by Opie Bosson. Mojo looks a big chance in the premier quality 2400m event. Rider Lance O'Sullivan is booked for the mount. Mojo was eliminated from the Waikato Cup so looks a big chance in the lesser grade race. Two-year-old Tracktalk won impressively at Tauranga and has trained on well since. She looks a big hope in the $27,500 Fairview Ford Stakes. If Busby re-enters the field in race one expect an improved effort from the debut performance. Danazira tackles race four after bypassing the Matamata meeting mid-week. She has a bit of class about her and promises to be hard to beat. One of the top chances of the day at Te Rapa has to be Zafar in the final event after a luckless third at Pukekohe last time out. He will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan. At Ellerslie on Sunday the stable has two runners in the Derby Trial. These are River Chief and Sierra Dane. The latter was scratched from the Avondale Guineas because of the rain-affected track last Saturday. Both horses are out to impress for the $500,000 Mercedes Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Desperate looks a big hope in race six while there will be plenty of interest in Railway Stakes contender Diamond Like as she runs in the open 1200m event where she has drawn barrier one. Heading to Awapuni on Saturday for the Eulogy Stakes is the very capable filly, Florida, who is out to secure some valuable points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series. She will be ridden by Bruce Herd. First-start winner Piata also lines up at Awapuni and should take a power of beating in race two. Wild Oscar is the stable's other runner at Awapuni.

Sprint pair in good shape for Avondale	3 Dec 2002



Paul O'Sullivan is confident that Kasman and Cavalry King are in the right shape for their sprint engagements at Avondale tomorrow. Kasman takes on a smart field in the $60,000, Group 2 Concorde and has to be rated a chance from his handy barrier draw. "That was a good effort to finish fifth in the Counties race," says O'Sullivan. "He doesn't have to improve a lot to be right in this as he was only three-and-a-half lengths from the winner." Cavalry King has trained on well since his impressive maiden win at Tauranga. "I liked the way he did it at Tauranga. He won as though he would be well up to this stronger company," says his trainer. In-form jockey Opie Bosson will ride both horses.

Sierra Dane back for Avondale Guineas	3 Dec 2002



New Zealand-owned Danehill filly Sierra Dane is due back from Sydney tonight to contest Saturday's Avondale Guineas and other important three-year-old races. She will return to her original trainer Paul O'Sullivan after having raced this spring from the Sydney stable of former South African Dayid Payne. O'Sullivan started Sierra Dane three times last season for a first-up second, third in the Bank of New Zealand Breeders' Stakes and sixth on soft ground in the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes. She was transferred by owners Windsor Park Stud for her three-year-old season to Payne and provided him with his first win since relocating when successful over 1600 metres at Randwick in October. At her last start she finished an unlucky second over 1800 metres. "I know what she's capable of and her Sydney form stacks up well against the New Zealand three-year-olds she will be meeting," said O'Sullivan this morning in anticipation of Sierra Dane's return. Windsor Park Stud principal Nelson Schick will be guided by O'Sullivan whether to make a late entry this Thursday for the Mercedes Derby. "If Paul is happy with her when she arrives tonight, we'll go ahead with the Derby nomination. Otherwise the New Zealand Oaks is a good alternative," said Schick. "When we sent her to David, it was on the understanding that she may return to New Zealand for these races. All going well, she'll go back to him for atumn racing." Lance O'Sullivan has been booked to ride Sierra Dane in Saturday's Avondale Guineas. Paul O'Sullivan is also looking forward to the return to the track of another former Australian-based but New Zealand-owned galloper, Ugachaka. The Waikato Stud-owned Danasinga mare, who won Group 2 races in Melbourne and Sydney when trained by Lee Freedman, is due to have her first New Zealand start in the listed Windsor Park Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday week. Ugachaka is several weeks in foal to Zabeel. "She's coming along nicely and will have got through some good quality work by the time that

Tracktalk wins at Tauranga	27 Nov 2002



Paul O'Sullivan-trained Tracktalk ran a slick time in winning the Lonestar 2YO at Tauranga today. Having her second race-day outing, Tracktalk showed a clean pair of heels to her rivals and scored by half a length in a time of 55.25 for the 970m journey. Tracktalk was ridden by Michael Coleman who has been in terrific riding form in the last couple of months. The Armidale filly is the 15th foal from Mountain Jewel. She was purchased for $30,000 from the draft of Hamilton's Phoenix Park at this year's Select Fillies Sale at Karaka. The purchaser was Robbie "The Ace" Hewetson who was also responsible for purchasing last Saturday's impressive Counties listed two-year-old race winner Rockabubble.

Blinkers go on River Chief for Bayer	26 Nov 2002



The addition of blinkers and a good barrier draw will be added factors for River Chief when he contests the $200,000 Bayer Classic (1600m) at Otaki on Thursday evening. Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan said River Chief had had a bad run of barrier draws and it was nice to see him draw an inside alley for a change. “That good draw is definitely a big help for him and he will have blinkers on for the first time,” O’Sullivan said. River Chief will also have a change of jockey for the Group One three-year-old feture with David Walsh in the saddle. Also heading south for the Otaki meeting are Zahdeal (for the Levin Stakes with Opie Bosson the rider) and Our Fling for a 1400m four-year-old race with Opie Bosson in the saddle. The stable’s runners at Tauranga on Wednesday include the promising two-year-old, Tracktalk (by Armidale), who lines up in the Lonestar 2YO (970m). Tracktalk will be ridden by Michael Coleman and has drawn a favourable barrier (three). She ran an encouraging fifth on her debut at Te Rapa on November 9. Eightsome is in race seven, the Guild and Spence Electrical, a maiden three-year-old event. She is by Octagonal from the former crack sprinter, Morar. Her rider will be Andrew Calder and she will have blinkers added to her gear for this race. Olgavich lines up in race nine with Opie Bosson to ride. She has drawn wide but is all the better for her last outing. Galway Lass (race 5) has been working very well and has trained on nicely since finishing third in a tiral at Matamata. She looks a good each-way prospect.

Rockabubble claims Listed race win	24 Nov 2002



Promising two-year-old Rockabubble had to overcome a minor race-morning injury before posting her first win in the $30,000 Cullen Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe yesterday. "When we about to load her on the float to bring her to the races we noticed she had given herself a knock on her hind hock which must have happened in the paddock," said her Matamata trainer, Paul O'Sullivan. "We bandaged her leg and decided to see how it was when she got to the track. We trotted her along after we unloaded her and everything seemed fine," he said. The injury made no difference to the Australian-bred filly as she scored by one and a half lengths in the Listed 1100m race from Shadowfax Babe. "We have known since she trialled up at Paeroa early last month that she was very smart," O'Sullivan said. "That's why I decided to put her in to the Wellesley Stakes at her first start and she only just failed to win it," he said. Rockabubble was beaten half-a-head by Rat Tat in the Listed Wellesley Stakes at Trentham on October 28. On the strength of that performance punters made her a hot favourite for yesterday's event. "I was confident she would be hard to beat today and she ended up winning it very easily," he said. The Bubble Gum Fellow filly was bought for $57,500 at this year's Karaka yearling sales by Auckland bloodstock agent Robbie Hewitson. "I marked down on my catalogue that she had a ugly head but was a beautiful animal," Hewitson said. Rockabubble is raced by a seven-member syndicate of which some members previously raced Awapuni Gold Cup winner Beaujolais.

Piata cruises home for debut win	24 Nov 2002



Woodborough three-year-old Piata lived up to the big opinion held of her by trainer Paul O'Sullivan with a win in the Widden Stud 1200 at Te Rapa today. "I've always held her in very high regard and knew that she would be hard to beat today," O'Sullivan said. "She's a filly who has a lot of class about her," he said. Piata is closely related to Group One winning sprinter Morar who was also formerly trained by Paul O'Sullivan and his father, Dave. Piata's dam, Hinekaha (by Otehi Bay), is a sister to Morar who won the Group One Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham. She was purchased by Paul O'Sullivan at last year's Select Fillies Sale at Karaka for $60,000. Piata, ridden by Japan-bound jockey Lance O'Sullivan, blew her rivals away in today's race winning by two and a half lengths from another first starter, Zarracha.

Rockabubble set for Counties	22 Nov 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has a new level of confidence about the chances of promising juvenile Rockabubble in this Saturday's $30,000 Cullen Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe. "I threw her in the deep end by running her in a listed race at her very first start at Trentham but she almost tore it off," O'Sullivan said. "Now I just don't think she's got the ability, I know it," he said. Rockabubble was beaten only by a half-head in the Wellesley Stakes at Trentham on October 28 at her race-day debut. O'Sullivan said he had known for some time that the Australian-bred filly was above average. "She trialled up well at Paeroa and had shown us quite a bit at the track," he said. Lance O'Sullivan has the mount on Rockabubble in tomorrow's Listed race for two-year-old fillies while Gary Grylls will have the mount on stablemate Soreston who is making her debut. The unbeaten exciting galloper Zafar will also provide O'Sullivan with a big chance in the premier quality 1600m event. "He has won all three of his races to date and I think he's got a big future as a stayer. This is his biggest test to date as there are some nice horses like Sir Kinloch in the field," O'Sullivan said. Other runners from the O'Sullivan stable at Counties include Desperate, Kasman, Enchant and Emily's Command.

Gem Dancer retired to stud	19 Nov 2002



Talented mare Gem Dancer (by Faltaat) has been retired to stud. The five-year-old mare is in foal to Glenmorgan Farm stallion Minardi. Gem Dancer was trained by Paul O'Sullivan. She has joined the broodmare band of Cambridge's Trelawney Stud.

Diamond Like for Railway Stakes	19 Nov 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan has confirmed plans to set Diamond Like for the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day. The three-year-old has recovered well from her fruitless One and Two Thousand Guineas venture. "She had a saddle back on her yesterday and is really bright," O'Sullivan said this morning. "She can run in the open sprint at Ellerslie on December 15. That will tell us if she is worth a shot at the Railway." As the winner of just two races, Diamond Like is expected to receive the minimum weight of 52kg for her next start, meaning that Lance O'Sullivan will replace her regular rider Opie Bosson.

Good winning prospects for Tauranga	13 Nov 2002

By Dennis Ryan

Paul O’Sullivan stands a strong chance of extending his lead in the trainers’ premiership with an impressive line-up of form runners engaged at Tauranga on Saturday. Heading the Wexford Stables list is Mojo, probable favourite for the John Warren Insurance Stayers’. Mojo, an entry for the big summer cups coming up for decision, has worked well since last racing when he finished fourth on an unsuitable track He will be ridden by in-form jockey Michael Coleman. “He really needs good ground to show his best, but given those conditions on Saturday he will be hard to beat,” said stable foreman Gavin Parker. In the same event Forfar, who has returned a positive pregnancy test to Kaapstad, needs to improve on her efforts to date this season. River Chief will be shooting for his third win on end in the TRAC Sports 3YO 1400. “The handicapper hasn’t missed him,” says Parker, “but he can still manage 57kg against this field. The main concern is that he copes racing right-handed for the first time.” David Walsh maintains his recent association with River Chief, whose sire O’Reilly won this race for the O’Sullivans in 1996. Another looking to extend her good record is Te Puke Hotel 1300 candidate Dominatrix, the winner of her only start to date. She has a big future, but still has a lot to learn, according to Parker, who rates the Australian-bred a good each way chance in the hands of Opie Bosson. He also rides Cavalry King, who is expected to be favoured by a return to right-handed racing in the Fahys Motor Inn 1300. Another Bosson mount, Kingfisher Mill 1300 candidate Pay ‘N’ Display, is the stable improver on the strength of her work since resuming with a useful effort at Te Rapa last month. “Her Tuesday gallop was first class,” says Parker. Zahdeal, Michael Coleman’s mount in the Ultimate Motor Group 1400, is expected to appreciate the step up in distance after his last start fourth placing over 1200 metres. The same applies to Olgavich, in the 1600 metre J Swap Contractors 1600. “She has the distance she has been looking for,” reckons Parker, “and is bound to be hard to beat after galloping well on Tuesday morning.” Visiting jockey Brian Hibberd takes the mount on the daughter of Maroof.

River Chief on familiar path	12 Nov 2002



Promising three-year-old River Chief will follow a familiar path when he lines up in the TRAC Sports Rotorua/The Mount 3-Y-0 at Tauranga on Saturday. The 1400 metre race carries a guaranteed start for the winner to the Group 1 Bayer Classic at Otaki at the end of the month. River Chief's sire O'Reilly won the same Tauranga race six years ago before going on to win the Bayer, the first of his two Group 1 victories as a three-year-old. River Chief, who is part-owned by O'Reilly's former senior trainer Dave O'Sullivan, has looked well above average with wins at his last two starts. He is one of numerous smart progeny of the former champion galloper, who sired his second Group 1 winner when The Jewel won the New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas at Ricarton last Saturday.

Diamond Like confirmed for 2000 Guineas	11 Nov 2002



Paul O'Sullivan this afternoon confirmed that Diamond Like will start in the Coupland's Bakeries New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas on Wednesday. The Danehill filly was a shock failure when starting a hot favourite in the New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas on Saturday. "We can't be exactly sure, but one possible reason for the run was that she swallowed her tongue," said O'Sullivan. "She worked with a tongue-tie on this morning and seemed quite happy. "I can't fault her condition and (owner) Sir Patrick (Hogan) is keen for her to line up." Opie Bosson will be on the filly again, while Lance O'Sullivan has taken the mount on Bank Note following the withdrawal of Florida.

Top gallop by Diamond Like	7 Nov 2002



Leading One Thousand Guineas chance Diamond Like produced a sparkling track gallop at the Matamata track on Monday -24 hours before flying out to Riccarton. Diamond Like, racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud, will be out to preserve an unbeaten record when she contests the $275,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. She won on debut at Matamata and followed that up with an equally decisive win at Hawera. The sister to Australian Group One winner Viking Ruler will be ridden in Saturday's big race by Opie Bosson. Diamond Like is trained by Paul O'Sullivan who will also be represented in the race by another smart type, Florida. Diamond Like has drawn barrier 15 while Florida will start inside her from barrier 11. Florida will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan. The O'Sullivan stable will also be represented in the $50,000 Highview Guineas at Te Rapa on Saturday by the in-form Seen The Light. Starting from barrier 7, Seen The Light promises to be hard to beat after the way he stormed home late for a good win at Matamata on October 23. David Walsh rides him at Te Rapa. Two-year-old runners at Te Rapa from O'Sullivan's stable will be Soreston and Swing The Cat who are fillies by Volksraad and Tale Of The Cat respectively. Emily's Command is the stable runner in the progressive 1600m event and is right in top form for this race. Wild Oscar runs for the stable in race seven, the progressive 1400m event.

Ugachaka to race in NZ	30 Oct 2002



Top-class four-year-old mare Ugachaka (NZ) (Danasinga) is to make a comeback to the racetrack after all – this time in New Zealand. Owner-breeder Garry Chittick of Waikato Stud made the surprise announcement today that Ugachaka will undertake a final racing campaign in New Zealand. Previously it was stated that Ugachaka had been retired after her unplaced performance in the Jayco Stakes in Melbourne earlier this month. “She will re-enter work with our pre-trainer Janine Hercock and will then go into full training at Paul O’Sullivan’s Matamata stable,” said Chittick. “It appears that her last race performance was affected by a virus and she has made a good recovery,” he said. Ugachaka was covered last week by champion Cambridge Stud sire Zabeel (NZ) (Sir Tristram). “There is no reason why she can’t race on until February. She will be aimed at the group one Thorndon Mile at Trentham in January,” Chittick said. Ugachaka was trained in Melbourne previously by Lee Freedman. She won twice at group two level in Australia – in the 2001 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington and in the 2002 Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Rosehill.

Florida on trial for Riccarton	25 Oct 2002



Paul O'Sullivan-trained filly Florida will get a shot at both the 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas at Riccarton next month provided she lives up to expectations in the $30,000 Goldstar Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie tomorrow. O'Sullivan has already earmarked Diamond Like for both guineas races at Riccarton after she scored her second straight win in impressive style at Hawera last weekend. And he says that Florida is on a par with her well-bred stablemate in terms of ability. "Florida is certainly right up there with Diamond Like and both fillies look the types that could go for the guineas double," O'Sullivan said. Florida has not raced since she scored stylishly over 1400m at the Hastings meeting on September 30. "I pulled her out of the Lowland Stakes a fortnight ago because of the heavy track," O'Sullivan said. "She had a trial at Te Aroha last week to make sure she was ready for Ellerslie," he said. The Pompeii Court filly will be ridden by top jockey Lance O'Sullivan who has elected to ride at Ellerslie tomorrow in preference to Trentham where his mounts would have included top hope Cinder Bella in tomorrow's Ashwell Stallions Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham. O'Sullivan will also line up the in-form Vanilla Sky in the Soliloquy Stakes. She goes into the race chasing a hat-trick of wins and looks well suited by the 1400m trip. "I thought the 1100m last time would be too short for her but she still won," O'Sullivan said. Vanilla Sky will be ridden by David Walsh. O'Sullivan also has a two-pronged attack on the open sprint with Zahdeal and Gem Dancer both strong chances. His other runner at the Ellerslie meeting tomorrow is in the progressive 1600m race where in-form The Player will also be chasing a hat-trick of wins.

Zafar wins three on end	24 Oct 2002



Exciting four-year-old Zafar extended his unbeaten record to three when he scored a decisive win in the New World Matamata 1600 at Matamata today. The Zabeel gelding was backed down to hot favouritism after two impressive lead-up wins, but he had to work hard to justifty his support. With 300 metres to run his stablkemate Emily's Command had taken the lead,while Zafar apeared to be labouring as he mounted a run wide out. But after another 100 metres he found his stride and asserted his superiority to go on to a length-and-a-quarter win. Emily's Command held second from Sumas, who had been last on settling. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan confirmned afterwards that Zafar is now looking for a middle-distance. "He's felt like it lately in training, and he raced like it today," he suummed up. "We'll go home and check out programmes. Hopefully we'll be able to find a suitable race for him on a right-handed track." All three of Zafar's wins have been on his left-handed home track. Understandably his connections want to give him a right-handed experience while he is still coming through the grades. Long term plans for the Westbury Stud-owned bay extend as far as next year's Melbourne Cup. He was selected as a yearling by former leading trainmer Dave O'Sullivan with such a race in mind and at this stage he is living right up to that intention.

Seen The Light powers home for win	24 Oct 2002



Only a desperate last sride lunge enabled Seen The Light to justify his microscopic odds in the Dawson Insurance Brokers 1600 at Matamata today. Encountering the fastest track of his brief career, the Maroof three-year-old dropped to the rear and was still last turning for home. Even with 200 metres left to run the prospects of carrying his supporters through seemed bleak, but he rallied bravely for rider Gary Grylls to collar Gentleman George in the last bound. Seen The Light's support was based on his previous start second in the Lindauer Guineas at Ellerslie and the set weight conditions of today's intermediate race. His win capped another successful day for trainer Paul O'Sullivan, who bagged his third $3000 TRAC bonus of the short season with three winners. Zafar and Danazira were his earlier winners.

Mojo headed for Cups races	21 Oct 2002



Paul O'Sullivan-trained Mojo passed his first staying test this season with flying colours at Rotorua on Saturday. A placegetter in last season's NZ St Leger, Mojo produced a top performance to win the Rotorua Citizens Club 1900 at Arawa Park. The Dance Floor five-year-old gelding was having his third start from the O'Sullivan stable which he joined about four and a half months ago. "I wanted to get a win with him under his belt this season before making any major plans for him," O'Sullivan said. "Now I will aim him for a race like the Waikato Cup," said O'Sullivan. Mojo was ridden by Michael Coleman in Saturday's 1900m contest. "If anything he found the 1900m too short. He will stay all day," Coleman said. Mojo is owned by Auckland man Gordon Fraser. The other winner for O'Sullivan on Saturday was the well-bred three-year-old filly Diamond Like who made it two wins on end when she scored at Hawera. The Cambridge Stud bred-and-owned sister to Group One winner Viking Ruler will now head for a start in the $275,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9.

Bosson stays aboard Diamond Like	16 Oct 2002



Matamata jockey Opie Bosson will retain the ride on Paul O'Sullivan-trained Diamond Like in her engagement at Hawera on Saturday. Diamond Like and Bosson combined for an outstanding winning debut at Matamata on September 30. The Danehill filly owned by Cambridge Stud is on trial in the intermediate 1400m event at Hawera for a start in the $275,000 New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9. The other O'Sullivan-trained runners in action on Saturday will be at the Rotorua meeting where the rapidly improving Mojo (Michael Coleman) and Forfar (Brian Hibberd) face the starter.

Diamond Like on trial at Hawera	11 Oct 2002



Cambridge Stud-owned filly Diamond Like, who won so impressively on debut at Matamata a fortnight ago, gets a taste of life on the road when she travels south to race at Hawera next Saturday. The Danehill filly lived right up to her reputation and breeding in her career opener. She crossed easily from an outide draw and won her 1100 metre event untouched. "We want to give her a trip away with a view to taking her to Riccarton for the One Thousand Guineas," explained trainer Paul O'Sullivan. "She's thrived since her win and worked very well yesterday." There is a wealth of emerging three-year-old filly talent in the O'Sullivan team. Vanilla Sky scored her second win on end at Te Aroha on Wednesday, while impressive Hastings winner Florida is also highly rated. Vanilla Sky, by O'Reilly and a grey like her illustrious grandam Emancipation, is expected to shine once she steps over more ground. Florida was an intended runner in tomorrow's Faltaat Lowland Stakes, but O'Sullivan did not pay up with her due to the likelihood of soft or heavy ground. "It was disappointing that the Masterton club didn't see fit to shift to a track like Tauherenikau when it became obvious that Trentham was going to be pretty wet," O'Sullivan said. "The Lowland is an important race and it's unfair to expect fillies who have some even bigger races coming up to line up on ground that will not suit most of them. "I was not prepared to travel my fily all that way and then be forced to pull her out. She can trial next week instead and then go for the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie."

O'Sullivan stable running hot	10 Oct 2002



The New Zealand stable of Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan is running hot. A triple success at the Te Aroha meeting on Wednesday capped a 10 day peirod in which the stable has produced 10 winners. The winning sequence began at the Matamata meeting on September 30 where the stable produce four winners. On the same day it had one winner at Hastings. Then last Saturday at Ellerslie there were wins by The Player and Zahdeal. The Te Aroha winners were Esmay, Vanilla Sky and Midway to take the stable's number of wins this season to 14 and a clear lead in the New Zealand trainers' premiership. Esmay and Vanilla Sky are owned by Augusta Bloodstock with Bruce and Maureen Harvey sharing in the ownership of Esmay. Midway is owned by Colin Devine and Peter Menzies who formerly owned Auckland Cup winner Miltak. Devine is a contender for the chairman's position on the Auckland Racing Club which will be announced on Monday night. Esmay will start next at Te Rapa on Labour Day in a class one 1600m event. "She will stay all day and is a real beautiful individual," O'Sullivan said of Esmay (Desert King-Tycoon's Model). Vanilla Sky, who has now won her last two starts, will line up next at Ellerslie on October 26 in a progressive fillies and mares event or the Soliloquy Stakes. Wexford Stables will look to continue its fine run at Hastings on Thursday with Danazira and Wild Oscar who both look top chances. Similarly good chances at Pukekohe on Saturday will be Bahira and Desperate. In Sydney at the Rosehill meeting O'Sullivan will be represented by He's On Fire and Panorama.

Seen The Light to be set for Derby	8 Oct 2002



The $500,000 Mercedes (NZ) Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day will be the mission for Seen The Light after his fine second in last Saturday's $60,000 Lindauer Guineas (1600m) at Ellerslie. Seen The Light's Matamata trainer, Paul O'Sullivan, said the three-year-old was a shade unlucky not to win the Lindauer Guineas. "He went for a gap close to the fence which closed on him and he ended up colliding with the running rail at a crucial stage of the race. He did well to run second," O'Sullivan said. "The run showed me he is clearly an ideal type for the Derby," said O'Sullivan who has previously won the Group One three-year-old classic with Surfers Paradise and Popsy, both trained in partnership with his father, retired champion trainer Dave O'Sullivan. Seen The Light will have his next start in the $50,000 Highview Guineas (1600m) at Te Rapa on November 9 followed by the Derby Prelude at Ellerslie and either the Avondale Guineas or Derby Trial before he contests the Derby.

Last two races fall to O'Sullivans	6 Oct 2002



The trainer-jockey duo of Paul and Lance O'Sullivan was seen at its best when the brothers combined to win the last two races at Ellerslie this afternoon. Zahdeal indicated that he is ready for a big season when he scored a narrow but convincing win in the Sydney Turf Club Sprint. The Player made a successful graduation to progressive class with a last-stride win in the Lindauer Magnum 1400. The O'Reilly gelding had made an impressive return to racing at his previous start when winning at Hastings. Paul O'Sullivan-trained three-year-old Seen The Light also put up a mighty performance to run second in the Group Two $60,000 Lindauer Guineas (1600m) at Saturday's Ellerslie meeting.

Seen The Light can shine brightly	4 Oct 2002



Seen The Light is the O'Sullivan stable's big hope in tomorrow's $60,000 Lindauer Guineas at Ellerslie. Seen The Light has been finishing out his races well and should have no problem with the 1600m journey. He is a talented type and can test out some of the favourites here. Gary Grylls takes the mount. The stable's other two runners at Ellerslie are The Player and Zahdeal and both go into their respective races with solid lead-up form. In Sydney He's On Fire will fly the flag for the O'Sullivan stable. He won well two starts back and should acquit himself in good fashion. Brian York takes the mount.

Five wins in day for stable	29 Sep 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan had a day to remember today in New Zealand with five training successes. Four of these came in succession at the Matamata meeting where Diamond Like, Zafar, River Chief and Emily's Command were all successful. The other win for Wexford Stables came at Hastings where Lance O'Sullivan and Florida combined for an easy victory in the final race.

Wexford season starting to unfold	26 Sep 2002



With several prominent runners at Saturday's Matamata meeting, the season has suddenly become busier on the racing front for Paul O'Sullivan's Wexford Stables. "I'm really looking forward to the weekend with a mixture of older proven horses and young, largely untried ones lining up," said O'Sullivan. Gem Dancer steps out for her first start of the season in the 1200 metre Jack Lindsay Classic on her home track. According to her trainer, the Faltaat mare is in forward condition and rates a srong chance, especially given her good fresh-up and course records. Two of Wexford Stables' most interesting runners will be first starter Diamond Like and Zafar, the winner of his only outing to date. Diamond Like, the sister to Viking Ruler, has won her only trial and despite a wide draw, warrants respect in the 1100 metre Matamata TAB/Talisman Maiden. Zabeel four-year-old Zafar would be expected to need further than the 1200 metres of Saturday's Peter Coleman Decorating Intermediate, but could well show up in his fresh state. He will be riden by Michael Coleman, son of the race's sponsor.

Seen The Light on trial for Guineas	19 Sep 2002



Impressive Te Rapa maiden winner Seen The Light will be on trial for the Lindauer Guineas when he races in the Postponed 1600 at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Manntari gelding showed the benefit of blinkers at Te Rapa, racing handier than he had in his previous outing and scoring a convincing win. Trainer Paul O'Sullivan reports that he has more than satisfied him in training since and expects a bold showing on Saturday. "If he races up to expectations he can go forward to the Lindauer Guineas a fortnight later," said O'Sullivan, whose brother Lance will ride the black for the first time on Saturday. Vanilla Sky rounded off a good week for Wexford Stables client Steve McCollam when she won fresh-up over 1200 metres at Avondale yesterday. The Player had done the same in McCollam's Augusta Bloodstock colours at Hastings last Saturday. "I really liked the way she finished off her race at Avondale," O'Sullivan said, "and I think the win at 1200 metres was a bonus as she will be even better over more ground." The Player, who like Vanilla Sky is by former Wexford Stables star O'Reilly, will race next in premier grade at Ellerslie on October 5. Zabeel four-year-old Zafar makes his first public appearance since a debut win last autumn at tomorrow's Avondale trials. "I want to give him some right-handed experience," explained O'Sullivan. "His first race back will probably be at Ellerslie in two weeks' time." O'Sullivan does not hide the hopes he has for the impressive bay. "He's got enormous potential and we won't be hurrying him. I fancy having him ready to run in the Dunstan Stayers' series."

Young guns to come out this week	9 Sep 2002



Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will unleash some of the stable's young guns for the 2002-03 season on the racetracks of Australasia this week. In New Zealand, Saturday's Hastings meeting will see the appearance of exciting stable talent such as The Player, Zahdeal, Bahira and Florida. All of these horses are very talented with a big future. At the Counties meeting the new stable member, Mojo, lines up over 1400m with apprentice Cameron Lammas riding. He looks set for a big season in the staying ranks after being a placegetter in last season's NZ St Leger and producing a good effort at the recent Taupo trials. In Sydney the stable runners at the Canterbury meetings on Saturday are Talista Belle (Brian York) and He's On Fire. Both will run well. During the week the focus in NZ is on Te Rapa's meeting on Wednesday. Chit Chat has drawn wide and is not a definite runner in race one. Danazira lines up in race three and has to be the unluckiest maidener around. She looks hard to beat and will be ridden by Lance O'Sullivan. Seen The Light stormed home late for second at Taupo last month and he lines up in race 10 where he will face the talented Lafleur. Seen The Light will be ridden by apprentice Jason Waddell. Midway lines up in race eight with Michael Coleman aboard. Improvement on recent racing is required. In Sydney the stable will be represented at the Canterbury meeting by Panorama who should put up a big fresh-up performance with Glen Boss in the saddle.

Tracktalk 2002 Syndicate - 3 shares left	3 Sep 2002



There are just three shares remaining for the Tracktalk 2002 Syndicate. The three fillies to be raced by the syndicate are by Armidale (sire of last Saturday's Wanganui 2YO winner Romar Dale), Shinko King making a big impression as a young sire coming through) and a Frenchpark filly out of former top racemare Apricot Road. The three fillies are to be trained by Paul O'Sullivan at Matamata. The shares are $5000 plus gst apiece with $300 a month required for training fees as from April 1, 2002. A former Tracktalk syndicate raced the well-performed Soap Opera.

O'Sullivan in full swing at Taupo trials	27 Aug 2002



The stable of Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan will be in full swing at Thursday's Taupo Racing Club trials at Taupo racecourse. O'Sullivan is taking a team of 23 horses to the Taupo trials. These include the proven horses such as Zahdeal, Bahira, Lutaana, The Player and last season's New Zealand St Leger placegetter Mojo. In addition there will be 18 unraced three-year-olds heading to the trials. O'Sullivan was satisfied with the results of the stable's runners overall at last week's Taupo meeting. Runner-up Seen The Light, who powered home late for his placing, will race next at Te Rapa on September 11. Florida heads to Hastings next while future racing options for the luckless Danazira will be worked out soon. Meanwhile, Zafar, the winner of his only start in the autumn, is beginning to quicken up in his work for trainer Paul O'Sullivan. The slow maturing Zabeel gelding lived right up to his reputation when he won his home-track debut in May. An early winter spell followed and after a stone-bruise hindered his progress recently, he has now begun to speed up in training. "We're in no hurry with him," said Paul O'Sullivan this morning as the big gelding was put through a quiet gallop by his brother Lance. "He'll be ready to trial or race later on next month and his first target of any sort will be the Dunstan Stayers' Series."

Mojo joins Matamata stable	7 Aug 2002



This year's NZ St Leger runner-up Mojo has joined the Matamata stable of Paul O'Sullivan. Mojo finished second behind Hail in the Group Three Trentham feature when trained by Tony Cole. "He certainly looks a promising staying type for the future as he indicated with his St Leger run," said Gavin Parker, stable foreman for O'Sullivan's Matamata yard. The O'Sullivan stable is currently re-stocking with its star performers of last season including the likes of The Player, Zafar, Lutaana, Volkiss, Bahira, Beaujolais, Queen Rania, Gem Dancer, Zahdeal, Desperate, Kasman and some early two-year-old types. One of the stable's best racemares of recent seasons who won't be back racing this season is the multiple group race performer Soap Opera who has been retired to stud.

High-profile fillies in O'Sullivan stable	25 Jul 2002



Transtasman trainer Paul O'Sullivan has a sister to Spring Champion Stakes winner Viking Ruler and the three-quarter sister to Melbourne Cup winner Brew among his line-up of rising three-year-olds for next season. O'Sullivan intends to line up both rising 3-year-olds at the Taupo trials on August 29. "They are both shaping up really well in the stable and will be among 20 three-year-olds having their first barrier trials at Taupo," O'Sullivan said. The Zabeel-Horlicks filly is called Mocha and is owned by her breeder, Graham de Gruchy, of Hastings. The Danehill-Tristalove filly is also exceptionally well bred. O'Sullivan said Danger Danger has recently returned to his Sydney racing stable after a lengthy lay-off and believes he will have a strong season ahead.

New opportunties for fairer sex in Sydney	18 Jul 2002



Fillies and mares can race every Saturday in Sydney from August 1 in events restricted to their own sex for stakes of at least $NZ60,000. Matamata trainer Paul O'Sullivan, who operates a satellite stable at Randwick, sees this as a great move by the Sydney Turf Club and Australian Jockey Club. "They have recognised the strength of these fillies and mares races in Melbourne and done something about introducing them into Sydney. "It's a great opportunity now for New Zealand owners to send their fillies and mares to Sydney to race for excellent prize-money. The compeitition won't be as tough as it is in Melbourne in these types of races," O'Sullivan said. "I applaud the Sydney clubs for their new initiative."

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