Wexford Stables

07/03/2025

It's a day Team Wexford have been looking forward to for some time... Champions Day at Ellerslie is upon us! 🏇

KELLY COE (Masa Hashizume, barrier 9) will line up in the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at 2.47pm. We’re hoping to see her bounce back to her consistently competitive form today. She’s worked very well heading into toda and while she’s in a strong field, we believe she’ll be competitive.

CHECKMATE (Kevin Stott, barrier 3) will line up in The NZB Kiwi at 4.32pm. Filling Wexford Stables’ slot in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest race, we believe he’s improved with his run in the Uncle Remus Stakes under his belt. He’s primed for the grand final today.

SOUGHT AFTER (Ryan Elliot, barrier 4) will also line up in the $3.5million NZB Kiwi. Representing Waikato Stud, he comes into today fresh but has done a lot of work at home and won’t lack in fitness. A last start course winner, he’ll make his presence felt.

SETHITO (Sam Spratt, barrier 7) will line up in The NZB Kiwi. Filling Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s slot, she’s improved post her Uncle Remus Stakes win. She’s a super consistent filly that loves Ellerslie and will be competitive again today.

HANKEE ALPHA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will complete a Wexford quartet in the inaugural running of The NZB Kiwi. Another that has taken good improvement with the recent run in her belt, she put in a PB on the training track this week and is far from out of it. She’s one for longer odds.

PEERLESS (Daniel Moor, barrier 10) will line up in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy at 5.42pm. He’s been freshened for this race and has had a gallop at Ellerslie to familiarise himself with the track. He’s a horse we have a good opinion of and it wouldn’t surprise us if he was right in this.

TRISTAR (Craig Grylls, barrier 7) will line up in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy. Unlucky last start, she’s gone the right way since and is well placed in this race. If she gets a change of luck, she’ll be hard to beat.

05/03/2025

Hankee Alpha is cleared for takeoff in the $3.5m NZB Kiwi ✈️🥝✈️.

Our' girl enjoyed a light canter this morning, complete with an update from her Wexford Stables trainers, Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott - and a cheeky reminder that someone had better ensure Masa's silks are ironed before she steps out for the big dance!

04/03/2025

Wexford Weekly - 4/3 🐎

Between a wedding, preparing four runners for the looming NZB Kiwi and usual stable proceedings, it’s been A BIG seven days for team Wexford.

We’ll start on a personal note - the wedding! Lance’s eldest daughter, Caitlin, married Tom Doyle last Friday at Lance and Bridgette’s home, followed by a reception and day 2 party at The Red Barn. Tom is a recent racing convert (funny that!), whose first horse was none other than the Group 1 winning MOLLY BLOOM. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and more trips to the winner’s circle!

Sarah and Andrew ventured north this evening for the barrier draw for The NZB Kiwi, and it was a job well done! SOUGHT AFTER will jump from barrier 4, HANKEE ALPHA from 6, SETHITO from 7 and our Wexford Stables representative CHECKMATE drew barrier 3 (chosen by Sarah Scott 👏🏼).

On the gallops at home, MORE BLISS and OUR LURRINA are two unraced horses you can follow with a bit of interest.

Lance made an appearance on the Between Two Beers podcast on Sunday, sharing plenty of stories from his riding days, as well as chatting about the future state of racing. Call us biased, but we think it’s a pretty good listen! Check it out via Spotify.

Although the winner’s circle eluded us at Taupō Racing Club on Wednesday, we walked away with the trainer’s prize, for the most successful trainer for the 2024/25 season. Taupō is a brilliant club - their track provides a great surface and they are only too happy to help the industry, be that by allowing trainers to gallop their horses or hosting trials. Thank you for all you do, Taupō Racing!

Stay tuned… there’s plenty happening this week as we gear up for Champions Day at Ellerslie. Let’s bring it on!

03/03/2025

Can this little filly win the richest race for 3YO horses in the Southern Hemisphere? 💙🩵💛

3YO Thoroughbred filly HANKEE ALPHA may be small, but according to co-trainer Andrew Scott of Matamata’s Wexford Stables, she’s “flying”.

As our chosen runner in the NZB Kiwi, she’s giving the Club a serious shot at claiming a share of the massive $3.5 million purse.

Club ambassador Ryan Teece caught up with Andrew to learn more about this pocket rocket, the key role her owners Bryan Black, Dee Black and Jenny Courtney play, and just how big a chance “Hankee” has when she lines up against some of the best here at Ellerslie on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day THIS Saturday 8 March 2025.

02/03/2025

Lance joined Between Two Beers Podcast for one epic chat and his riding career and all things racing!

Be sure to have a listen 🎧

28/02/2025

We're looking forward to an afternoon of home track racing! 🏇

IAMEXCITEMENT (Kevin Stott, barrier 2) will line up in race 1 at 12.45pm. He put in a real improvers run on debut and has trained on well since. He will relish the mile and home track and will be very competitive.

IVY'S DANCER (Masa Hashizume, barrier 4) will also line up in race 1. A sharp improver, she's getting out to a distance that she's bred to run. She should be right in the thick of it with her stablemate.

ALADDINS GEM (Kevin Stott, barrier 6) will line up in race 2 at 1.18pm. On debut today, she'll take good benefit and confidence with the run, but should be finishing on well.

MY SHARONA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 5) will also line up in race 2. She's been knocking on the door all prep and deserves a win! We believe the left-handed way of going and home track will aid and it wouldn't surprise us if she broke through today.

SASSY LASS (Masa Hashizume, barrier 4) will line up in race 4 at 2.24pm. She's lacked fortune in her last two runs. With a good gate today, we're hoping she can turn that around. A smooth run will take her very close to winning and she looks to be one of our better chances of the day.

MISS BO PEEP (Craig Grylls, barrier 13) will line up in race 5 at 3pm. Looking to keep her impeccable form line in tact today, the draw is no help but she has the class to overcome that. She's a promising mare and if she gets a nice run, she'll be awfully hard to beat.

JAFFIRA (Craig Grylls, barrier 2) will line up in race 6 at 3.35pm. Back to rating 65 grade, he'll be aided by a good gate and with a nice run, can make his presence felt. Once he gets to the mile, he should put his hand up.

SABRINA HALL (pictured) (Masa Hashizume, barrier 12) will also line up in race 6. Hugly impressive last start and she's only getting better with time. She's drawn awkwardly, but with a patient ride, she'll show her wicked turn of foot and sprint home strongly.

DESERT MYSTIC (Kevin Stott, barrier 9) will line up in race 8 at 4.45pm. Shooting for four in a row - there's no reason why he can't do it! His confidence is sky high, he's fit and very sound, and should finish our day strongly.

EVER CHARM (barrier 14) will also line up in race 8. He was unsuited with the run last start. If he can get to the outside, he'll be rocketing home and is one for longer odd to round off the day.

25/02/2025

The team is heading south to Taupō Racing Club this afternoon 🏇

THE WEAPON (Rory Hutchings, barrier 1) will line up in race 5 at 4.59pm. A talented horse that we've waited for, he's trialed particularly well heading into today. Aided by the ace draw and good jockey, he will sprint well fresh.

UDERZO (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will line up in race 7 at 6.04pm. Back to the 1400m today, he's racing well this prep and we're expecting much of the same again today.

LITTLE BIT OF LOVE (Vinnie Colgan, barrier 5) will also line up in race 7. He's worked well and is only a shower of rain away from winning one of these open contests. Today should top him off nicely for his next start at Tauranga.

WASHI (Sam Spratt, barrier 7) will line up in race 8 at 6.37pm. She doesn't have to improve much to be winning today. She's trained well, is bred to run a trip and looks to be our best winning chance of the day.

24/02/2025

“She is certainly very progressive and Andrew and I and the team really rate her, although she is probably a season away from her best."

TOMODACHI 🤩 Following a tidy victory in open company at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Sir Peter Vela-bred mare has now won five of her seven starts.

Rider Masa Hashizume made a quick return to winning action following an injury-enforced stint on the sideline when he guided emerging star Tomodachi to an impressive victory in open company over 1200m

23/02/2025

DEADLY DESIRE times her run to perfection at Pukekohe Park this afternoon! 🥇 🌟

A big congratulations to owner Sir Owen Glenn on the thrilling win from this smart filly.

22/02/2025

We're in for a Sunday session at Pukekohe Park today 🙌

MODELO (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will line up in race 3 at 2.42pm. Going right-handed is the key here. He has more than his fair share of ability, was unlucky last start and can atone today.

DEADLY DESIRE (Craig Grylls, barrier 8 ) will also line up in race 3. She put in a much improved effort last start. She's lacked confidence in her first couple but believe the penning is dropping now. Up to the mile today, we’re expecting her to be very competitive.

SAN MARCO (Marc Lerner, barrier 9) will line up in race 5 at 4.04pm. Improving all the time, he ran into a good one last start. He deserves a win and it wouldn't surprise us if today was the day he broke through.

WHO ROX THE HOUSE (Masa Hashizume, barrier 1) will also line up in race 5. She's still looking for a run from her last start! She's continues to train on well and from the ace barrier, looks hard to beat.

WAIATA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will line up in race 7 at 5.13pm. Our best winning chance of the day, she was brutally unlucky last start and can atone today. She's trialed well at Pukekohe Park in the past and from barrier 6, should get a nice run.

MONDAY MELODY (pictured) (Kevin Stott, barrier 10) will line up in race 8 at 5.45pm. He's had plenty of luck recently... it's just all been bad! With a change in fortune today, he should finish the day very strongly for team Wexford.

22/02/2025

SETHITO 👑 She takes out the Listed Trevor Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes at Ellerslie today and puts in a lovely dress rehearsal for the looming NZB Kiwi!

We couldn’t be anymore thrilled for Gary and Waikato Stud, as well as Te Rapa Racing, who have taken SETHITO for their slot in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race.

Fellow NZB Kiwi hopefuls CHECKMATE and HANKEE ALPHA were flashing home and have pulled up safe and well. It’s all systems go towards March 8!!

22/02/2025

She loves winning! TOMODACHI kicking off our day the best possible way 🥇 We’re thrilled to see Masa Hashizume straight back into the winner’s circle, following his injury.

A big congratulations to owner Sir Peter Vela and the team at Pencarrow Stud!

22/02/2025

We’re thrilled to have our fourth runner in The NZB Kiwi! HANKEE ALPHA will fill Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s slot in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race 🥝

The countdown is on! In exactly two weeks, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing will host the inaugural $3.5m NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie and star Wexford Stables Hankee Alpha (NZ) is set to take on the challenge!

The daughter of Proisir burst onto the scene with a dominant 6-1/2 length debut win at Te Aroha and backed it up in style at her next start. Now, she’s ready to fly the flag for the locals in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race! 🌟

21/02/2025

The team heads to Ellerslie today, with a good load of tallent on the truck 🐎

TOMODACHI (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will line up in Race 2 at 1:35 pm. Having her first look at Ellerslie today, she’s a promising mare and will sprint well fresh. We believe she has the class to step up to open grade.

TANGANIKA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 11) will line up in Race 4 at 2:52 pm. Flying on the training track, he’s a super consistent racehorse who knows his way around Ellerslie well. He will be right in this, as he always is.

GRANDE GALLO (pictured) (Kevin Stott, barrier 6) will also line up in Race 4. Going for three in a row—there’s no reason why she can’t bring up a hat-trick of wins today. She goes best right-handed, gets around Ellerslie well, and will be super competitive again today.

WAITAK (George Rooke, barrier 10) will line up in the Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Māori WFA Classic at 4:37 pm. We believe the 1600m is what he’s been looking for. He put in a PB on the training track on Monday morning, and if they run the race to suit, he’ll make his presence felt against a red-hot field.

CHECKMATE (Kevin Stott, barrier 11) will line up in the Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes at 5:12 pm. He’s aiming up well for The NZB Kiwi, filling Wexford Stables’ slot in the Southern Hemisphere's richest 3YO race. He’s drawn awkwardly today but has the class to overcome that and will be hitting the line hard.

SETHITO (Sam Spratt, barrier 4) will also line up in the Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes. She’s been freshened since Boxing Day but has done a lot of work at home in the interim. She’s won well at Ellerslie in the past, will be in it for a long way, and will be cherry ripe for The NZB Kiwi, representing Waikato Thoroughbred Racing.

HANKEE ALPHA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 6) will line up in the Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes. We believe the 1400m trip is right up her alley. She’s worked as well as she ever has leading into today. We'll look to be a little more prominent in the running and believe she will give a strong account.

TRISTAR (Craig Grylls, barrier 2) will be one of four Wexford runners in the Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes. We’re treating her as if she’s on the path to The NZB Kiwi! She had a good confidence building win last start. She's a super talented filly and from a gun draw, it wouldn’t surprise us if she was right there in the finish.

21/02/2025

Ahead of her tilt at tomorrow’s Trevor & Corallie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes, the team at WTR popped in to visit their NZB Kiwi hopeful, SETHITO 🌟

17/02/2025

Wexford Weekly - 17/2 🏇

True to form, it’s been a busy week for the team, with plenty of action both on and off the track.

On Tuesday, a number of our two-year-olds had their first trial at Ellerslie. While many of them will not race until they turn three, it was great to get them underway. All of our trialists have now gone to the paddock and will trial again when the ground softens in autumn. OSIPOVA and PANTHER both looked particularly good going and could be strong contenders for the spring. Both were purchased at the Karaka Yearling Sales, and it is exciting to have large groups of owners involved in each horse.

With a big ownership group behind her, SHE’S ALL THAT delivered a dominant performance at Te Aroha. She raced in the Little Avondale Stud colours, and we could not be more thrilled with the result for big supporters of the stable. She is likely to have her next start at Matamata on Saturday week.

Our Karaka yearlings are all currently enjoying a month in the paddock before beginning their early education. Lance and Andrew visited them on Thursday, and they are thriving! As always, we are taking a patient approach to ensure they are given the best possible start to their careers with Wexford. There are shares remaining in three horses. Find out more or snap up your share via https://www.wexfordstables.co.nz/yearlings-and-shares/.

DESERT MYSTIC made it three on the bounce at Matamata on Saturday! His owners Rich Hill Stud have been incredibly patient, and it is great to see their perseverance paying off with a hat trick of dominant wins. Matamata provided perfect track conditions, and the day ended on a high with a quinella in the final race. KING OF THE NORTH pleased with a 2nd in his first attempt over ground - he looks like he’ll stay all day!

A number of our horses had a jumpout on Thursday morning. Our WRITTEN BY x GIVE US A CUDDLE filly moved beautifully and looked light on her feet. She’s one to keep an eye out for!

There is plenty to look forward to with our NZB Kiwi contenders this week. CHECKMATE, SETHITO and SOUGH AFTER all had a nice hit out this morning. CHECKMATE and SETHITO will both race at Ellerslie this Saturday and are progressing well. TRISTAR will also line up in the same race. She’s been working the house down and yes, she’s eligible for the big dance come 8 March!

Bring on a new week and big day at Ellerslie this Saturday!

15/02/2025

Talk about a horse finding their winning groove! DESERT MYSTIC makes it three on the bounce, with yet another commanding performance at Matamata Racing Club this afternoon.

Congratulations team Rich Hill Stud on another brilliant win from this talent son of Satono Aladdin!

14/02/2025

The team is looking forward to some top home track racing this afternoon! 🏇

CYPHER (Craig Grylls, barrier 3) will line up in race 1 at 12.25pm. She will start the day strongly for team Wexford! Close to our best winning chance of the day, she's trained on well since her last start win and with the home track advantage, should be hard to beat.

FOXGLOVE (George Rooke, barrier 9) will line up in race 2 at 1pm. She’s trained well and in a manor that suggests she’s back. Back left-handed and on the beautifully prepared Matamata track, she can bounce back into form today.

KING OF THE NORTH (pictured) (Mark Lerner, barrier 6) will line up in race 4 at 2.10pm. Having his first attempt over 2000m, this is what we’ve worked towards with 'Jonny' for a long time. He’s a fit horse, meets an even field and will stay well.

KARMAN LINE (Kevin Stott, barrier 8 ) will line up in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes at 3.28pm. Last year's winner of this race, on her day she’s incredibly talented. She’s been freshened, loves her home course, and one for longer odds.

LUX LIBERTAS (Harry Grace, barrier 7) will be one of two Wexford runners in a race that’s very close to our hearts. Another taleted mare, she will enjoy the comfort of her home track. She’s trained particularly well, is going as good as she can go and we expect her to be right in this.

SASSY LASS (Harry Grace, barrier 4) will line up in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes at 4.37pm. Anther that’s been freshened, she’s a super consistent mare, loves her home track and from a good draw, should get a good run and be hitting the line strongly. She’s on track for the Auckland Cup.

MOSINVADER (Ngakau Hailey, barrier 2) will line up in race 9 at 5.12pm. He ran a blinder when finishing 3rd in the Karaka Million 4YO last start. Back in his grade, he only needs to mirror that performance to be winning.

DESERT MYSTIC (Kevin Stott, barrier 7) will also line up in race 9. Going for three in a row! He's high on confidence, continues to thrive at home and will be right in it again today. He’s improved any amount this preparation and is a great case of giving a horse time.