News

  • Sushi rolled by Highview Tommy
    29 Jan 12
    Last Saturday nights time honoured Ballarat Cup meeting bought together some of Australasia top horses with two pronounced favourites Sushi Sushi & Smoken Up almost equal in the punters opinions with NZ visitor Highview Tommy ruled the rank outsider in the field at $102 on the tote. The 6YO son of Bettor’s Delight - was himself the result of his Bettor’s first frozen crop, who went onto be voted NZ 2YO of the year back in 2008 along with being = NZ 2600m C&G record holder - had already amassed $749,655 up until Saturday night’s Cup meeting. Purdon knew if the race was run to suit Tommy then he could unleash a withering quarter & that he did, after initially settling 9th in the field 12 he bided his time, but with 300m to run he sprouted wings in the fastest run ¼ (28.3) of the race running down Sushi Sushi to win by a half head margin in 1:57.5 for the 2710m trip with Smoken Up 3rd   Not to be outdone earlier in the night 4YO son of Bettor’s Abettorpunt came from outside of the 2nd row to run away a very easy winner by 7.8m in 1:56.5 in a $15k MO. Then in the penultimate race on the card, 4YO Pegasus Spur gelding Brief Glace bounced back to winning form in a T2+ race for driver/trainer Amy Tubbs & owner Ian Arnold.   Last Friday Night at Melton – & the first round of Victorian Derby heats were conducted with the NZ star 3YO Ideal Scott proving too good for his opposition with the son of American Ideal leading all the way in Heat 1 winning the 2240m $20k effortlessly sprinting home the final ¼ in 26.5, powering away to score by 6.3m on the line in a slick 1:57.2.   Other winners in Australia last week include; 3YO American Ideal filly Obahma Joy won at Penrith, Bettor’s 3YO’s Fantastic Arden won at Kilmore, Bettor Believe It won at the Maryborough @ Melton meeting & Bettor’s 4YO’s Our Blackbird won very easily at Bendigo in 1:56.7, Bettagetawaymore won at Victor Harbour, Shakchloe won at Echuca, Tara Top Lady won at the Maryborough @ Melton meeting, Snap To It won at Penrith,   In New Zealand, Forbury Park last Tues proved a big day for Woodlands sires also when 4YO son of Pegasus Spur, Cup Day Star took out the opener combined with 4YO Bettor’s - Pembrook’s Delight winning the 3rd race by 6.3m, Highland Delighted won the 5th, Princess Delight the 8th & Lulll Midfrew the 11th race. Alexandra Park Fri & 3YO Bettor’s Cheer The Lady won an $11k 2200m pace. Ascot Park Sat – Pegasus Spur 4YO Cool Cobber won a $10k 2700m trot, Bettor’s 3YO Texican won his 4th this season in a 3YO & Older $10k pace & in race 11 Bettor’s 4YO mare Onedin Classic saluted the judge making it 2 from 3 this season . At the Bay Of Plenty HRC meeting Sunday Woodlands Bred Bettor Dream won by 4.3m & with Lislea 8YO Jonny English winning the final event & finally also on Sun at Oamaru HRC Bettor’s pair 3YO Tipsy Gambler won a 3YO & Older & 4YO mare Gumboots won the last on the card.   The 2011 O’Brien Awards were announced in Canada on Sunday with American Jewel voted 2YO Pacing Filly of the Year. The daughter of American Ideal who won 8 out of 9 starts amassed over $669,000 in stakes with 3 of her wins in Canada including a season’s best effort at Mohawk winning the Shes A Great Lady Stake in World Record time of 1:50.2

  • Déjà Vu in $40k Gr2 Mares Feature
    23 Jan 12
    Addington Raceway last Friday night & the running of the $40k Gr2Caduceus Club of Canterbury Mares Championship was sure to reproduce the clash we have grown to love & what everybody within Harness Racing was seemingly robbed of when Bettor Cover Lover was struck down through injury. The two 4YO daughter’s of Bettor’s Delight slipping effortlessly back into the fray once more when Carabella, starting from barrier three roared to the lead early with Bettor Cover Lover settling one out one back, some 4 lengths off the leader, driver Brent Mangos releasing the ribbons at the 400m to come out after her rival. In a scene reminiscent of some other their great tussles both mares dug deep (recording sectional of – last half in 56.1 final ½ in 27.9) Carabella turning the tables on their last battle to win her 16th race in 1:57.7 for the 1950m trip (a siring feature race quinella)   On the Thursday night’s Alexandra Park meeting Pegasus Spur 4YO mare Medlin Minnie settled 4th in a strung out field she was driven a treat by Maurice McKendry who simply gave the favourite her head as the turned for home, she proved way to strong in the opening event (3YO & Older 2200m Trot) for her opposition who had every chance to run her down in the straight. In the second Idolise Me bred by our very own Charles Roberts snagged back to 4th last on the fence then shuffled to 2nd last with a lap to go. When Tony Herlihy asked the 3YO son of American Ideal to go he rounded them up three wide round the turn, balancing up in the straight to score in a close finish. Bettor’s Delight 4YO’s The Draw Card took out race 6 (Windinherhair 3rd) with Thefasterthebettor winning the final event.   Menangle Monday 16th – 4YO Bettor’s mare Bella Shine won the opening event leading all the way, 3YO filly Just Delight took out race 3 & 3YO colt Lord Lexus winning the race 5. Lord Lexus out of Panoramic Lady the dam of Make Me Smile $517k, Can’t Bluff Me $281k & Lady Lexus $316k.   At Albion Park Tue, 2YO Bettor’s first starter Caesar Augustus settled 1 out 2 back early with driver Petroff unleashing the colt 3 wide from the back turn, although green he blew past his rivals to win drawing away by an ever increasing 11.9m on the line. His dam Armida won $159k including the Bathurst Gold Tiara Final back in 2007.   Menangle Tues, 6YO Bettor’s Our Crown Law gave them a cold shower winning by 15.2m in 1:53.4 then at Gloucester Park Heavens Delight made in 3 straight this campaign. Star 2YO Bettor’s from last season La Machane made a winning return at Ballarat. American Ideal 4YO Cold Ideal won at Tamworth. Bettor’s 3YO Waldenburg & 4YO Ebony Shannon both won at New Castle. 3YO Bettor’s Mark Dennis won & Abettorpunt gapped his opposition to also win at Melton in 1:54.9 for 1720m. 4YO Bettor’s Total Control made it back to back this time in at Junee, The Phantom won at Shepparton (1:57.4 for 2190m). At Launceston last Sunday Bettor’s scored a siring double & when the Barrie Rattray trained colt Bettor Draw took out race 2 & filly Benediction won the $8k Northern TAS Light Harness Association Cup Final, 4YO Bettor’s Heres Rommel also won at Goulburn.  

  • Ohokas Bondy Wins $50k WA Nights Of Thunder Final
    9 Jan 12
    In Australia, last Friday night 4YO son of Bettor’s Ohokas Bondy roared back to winning form at Gloucester Park in the $50k WA Nights Of Thunder Final for the Greg & Skye Bond/Colin Brown combination. Starting at the lucrative odds of 7/1 Brown settled the colt 1 out 4 back from the 7 gate stepping out to join the 3 wide train as they turned for home Brown drove the colt to the lead with 50m to go holding of some rivals to take out the 20th win (7 minors) of his 39 race start career in grand fashion adding $33,500 to an ever expanding $337k bank balance.   Bettor’s 4YO’s winner - Bettor Bet Black ran away the winner @ Albion Park in the Southern Queensland Plumbing pace, Bella Shine won in 1:55.5 at Menangle Park, Benazir Bhutto won at Bathurst easily by 5.9m, Our Blackbird won very easily by 12.2m at Bendigo, Heavens Delight won race 2 at Gloucester Park then Rakatup took out the 7th,  The Phantom also won a $15k MO at Melton,  Total Control won a FFA at Young with American Ideal 3YO Blazin Idea winning race 7, Our Silver Dollar Girl scored at Mildura - 6YO Bet Your Life also won at Mildura. Pegasus Spur 4YO Brief Glace saluted at Melton by an ever increasing 18.1m margin   In New Zealand, the winners just keep on coming this season for Woodlands sires, Bettor’s 3YO Terrific won at Central Otago TC after running 2nd his previous two starts in the final race No Bettor won by 1 ½ lengths. At the Roxburgh TC meeting Bettor’s sired yet another trifecta in the Southland Standardbred Breeders Association 3YO & Older mobile when 4YO’s Holly Patron beat Delightful Song with Easybet 3rd. Cambridge meeting last Friday & Bettor’s 3YO Bettorbeastar kicked off the nigh winning a $9,799 3YO & Older mobile American Ideal 3YO Idolise Me running 3rd, next up Bettor’s sired a 4YO quinella in race 3 Bachelors Delight beating Anvils Delight, then again in race 10 with 3YO’s Highview Teejay winning from Alberto Contador - also on the night Victors Delight ran 3rd, On The Razzle 2nd Bettor Dream 3rd, Cullies Delight 3rd. Nelson HRC & Bettor’s 3YO Fear Flying took out the Adcock & Donaldson Mobile, 4YO’s Rehab & Im Bettor ran yet another Bettor’s quinella, 3YO Bettor’s Onedin Classic saluted the judge – also  Better Than Money 2nd, Kristina 2nd, Arden’s Southee 2nd. Wyndam HRC Sunday & Bettor’s 4YO Young Tommy won the $7,776 3YO & Older. Arden’s Southee on the fast backup, scored in the last at the Nelson HRC meeting Sunday  

  • American Ideal sires 1st & 3rd in $268k PGG Yearling Sales Final
    2 Jan 12
    As of 1/1/12 Woodlands sires Bettor’s Delight & American Ideal sit 1st & 2nd on the NZ Leading Sires of 3YO Pacers list. In fact Bettor’s Delight tops the All Ages List with $1,122,679 in stakes, The 2YO List, The 3YO List, The 4YO List & 7th on The 5YO & Older List with only 3 starters. In the US he continues to top the Leading Money Winning 3YO List & All Age Lists   At Alexandra Park last Saturday night Woodlands Stud sires Bettor’s Delight & American Ideal could not have had a more impressive end to 2011.   In the Listed $268k PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales Open Final (Race 10) – American Ideal 3YO Ideal Scott was driven perfectly by Todd Macfarlane from the pole. As the field turned for home Macfarlane had a lap full of horse at his disposal when he cut the ribbons the son of American Ideal simply gapped his opposition running home in 29.3 & 27.8 to win, fellow American Ideal Besotted running home hard down the middle of the track into 3rd for the Ray Green camp. This win takes Ideal Scott’s earnings to $214k from 10 starts 3 wins 4 minors.   Race 2 the $22k Breckon Bloodstock 2YO Young Guns (heat 3) Bettor’s colt Ohoka Punter made it two from two, with American Ideal colt Hard Copy filling the Woodlands sired quinella Race 4 the $19k 2012 AUS Classic Yearling Sales Parade mobile Bettor’s Delight sired yet another trifecta when 4YO’s Minnie Moose beat Southwind Arden & Paradise City Race 5 the $17k Alabar Sires Stakes Fillies Championship (Silver) 3YO daughter of Bettor’s Dancing Diamonds returned to the winners circle on a slushy track. Race 8 PGG Yearling Sales Open (Consolation) 3YO Your Good Fortune for the Purdon/Payne combination made it 2 from 4 as an odds on favourite. Race 9 the 2012 AUS Classic Yearling Sales mob Bettor’s pair Bettor Dream & Delight Brigade ran 2nd & 3rd. Race 11 the one33vincent mobile – Bettor’s 4YO mare Donegal Delight ran 3rd in a close finish.   In Australia, Bettor’s continues to sire multiple winners each week with 4YO’s The Phantom winning at Ballarat, Shakchloe won at Leeton, Sam Douglas won at Menangle in 1:56.4, Benediction won at Hobart, Kurahaupo Quin, K C Kamalight & (3YO) Antigua all won at Cobram, Our Blackbird won at Bendigo, Just Delight won at Penrith, Well Hello Dolly won at Melton, 3YO Charm Alarm won Albury, Maybebaby won at Echuca, 3YO’s Bettor Draw won the Boags Final along with The Dip (bred by Charles Roberts) who won the $10k Tasmanian Guineas then to round out the night at Hobart 4YO Benediction won the BIG Stud Final. Evergreen 6YO Im Percy The Punter won by 8.2m in the Clipsal SS Handicap at Gloucester Park.   In US – The 2011 Obrien Awards have been announced with Bettor’s daughter 3YO See You At Peelers taking out the 3YO Filly Pacer Of The Year - the only repeat winner of the prestigious honour after she captured the 2YO title last season. Next up is Bettor’s full brother Roll With Joe who was awarded the 3YO Male Pacer Of The Year – he also took out New Jersey Horse Of The Year honours

  • American Ideal 11m Winner at Menangle
    26 Dec 11
    At the Menangle Park meeting 20th Dec American Ideal 3YO Equity Kicker spanked an eight horse field recording an opening quarter of 27.3 and final in 27.9 to win by 11m on the line to record a 1:57.8 victory. The colt is closely related to $550k 1:53.3 winner Rohan Home. This win takes his sire to 9 winners from 15 starters in AUS.   Bettor’s Winners last week, Welsh Beauty won the Ouyen @ Mildura meeting, Our Silver Dollar Girl won at Charlton, Dans Gamble won at Gold Coast & Just Delight won at Goulburn   Lislea 7YO UK Connection scorched the track at Menangle on Dec 23rd running the mile in 1:51.9, first half in 54.1sec - winning by 2.9m driven by Matt Rue for trainer Luke McCarthy.   In Canada, the 2011 O’Brien Award nominees have been announced with Woodlands Sires well represented in three of the major categories. American Jewel represents her sire American Ideal in the 2YO Pacing filly division after winning 8 of 9 races, setting a 2YO filly World Record 1:50.2 at Mohawk in the process with stakes topping $677k   The 3YO Pacing filly of the year division sees daughter of Bettor’s Delight, See You At Peelers nominated, a winner of 13 races & $916k this season inc a World Record 1:49.2, the Fan Hanover, Tarport Hap, Valley Forge and the Art Rooney where she beat up on the C&G   Son of Bettor’s - Betterthancheddar nominated in the 3YO Pacing Colts division who won both his elim & final of the 3YO Breeders Crown, American National & Windy City Pace - a winner of 10 races from 18 starts $777K in stakes & a 1:49.1 mark   In The US, Bettor’s Delight is set to take out the 3YO Leading Money Winning Sires along with the Leading Money Winning All Age titles this year. In the All Age category in which his nearest rival Western Hanover has sired almost double his foals. Bettor’s 730 foals > 419 winners of $14,802,854, Western Hanover has 1590 foals > 378 winners of $14,313,343. American Ideal colt Heston Blue Chip tops the 2YO Pacers by Wins list with 13 starts for 11wins 2 places for $375,650 in stakes and a mark of 1:50.4.   To all those connected with Woodlands Sired winners in 2011 we say a big CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU  to all those owners/breeders trainers & drivers who have made 2011 a massive year  –  Woodlands Stud looks forward to seeing the next crop of stars on the track in 2012. May the new year bring you all luck love laughter & plenty of winners.

  • Betty Bounces Back To Gr1 Best
    19 Dec 11
    For all those connected with Harness Racing throughout Australasia Friday nights Gr1 Queen Of Hearts run at Alexandra Park was truly one of the most remarkable wins on record. Back in April 2011 only hours after winning the Gr1 Victorian Oaks star filly Bettor Cover Lover suffered one of the most publicised & serious injuries, which not only had her race career in doubt but also her life. After 8 months painstaking rehab, countless hours Hayden Cullen spent walking her along with the collective best wishes & TLC from everybody directly and indirectly connected “Betty” returned to the track & her adoring fans   Opting for a tilt at a Gr1 first up wouldn’t be the choice of many with such an invaluable broodmare prospect but her co trainer/driver Brett Mangos who knows Betty inside and out thought differently. Owners Trevor & Colleen Lindsay of WA trusted Brett’s judgment implicitly "She's come back from almost dust straight to the top and I'm just so thankful. "I have enormous respect for Brent and how he prepared her. I kept saying are you sure you don't want to go for a softie first and run in a little race at Cambridge? ". Last Friday night along with all those on track or watching on TV, everybody sat fingers crossed as the gate pulled away Brett drove her forward 3 wide rounding the turn, moving into the one out line, being headed 3 times throughout to end up one out 3 back buried in traffic. As the field turned for home gaps opened up, Carabella sprinting to the lead with Bettor Cover Lover some 5 lengths off the NZ Harness Horse Of The Year. With the urgings of the entire crowd behind them the champion daughter’s of Bettor’s Delight rekindled one of sports’ greatest modern day rivalries, on the line only  ½ neck separating the two with Betty taking home the spoils on the night, capping of a truly amazing recovery. I know I can speak for all those in racing when I say Congratulations and Welcome back Betty, we’ve all missed you !   Alexandra Park Friday was filled with Woodlands Stud highlights when Bettor’s Delight sired the trifecta in race two the Euroglass $19,700 3YO & Older fillies with Charles Roberts bred / Woodlands Partnership Syndicate 4YO Victors Delight beating Southwind Arden, Minnie Moose 3rd.  In race three the $23,499  Breckon Bloodstock Young Guns Series pace Ohokas Punter (Bettor’s 2YO)  rated 1:57.4 to score. In the $49k Alabar Classic American Ideal 3YO  Ideal Scott ran 3rd, then in the fillies division Bettor’s 3YO Cheer The Lady ran 2nd, Bettor Cover Lover & Carabella ran the Bettor’s sired quinella in the Gr1 Queen of Hearts with Your Good Fortune running a close 2nd in race 12 a $19.7k pace.   Saturday at Winton Bettor’s 4YO Dream Out Loud won the Macca Lodge Junior Drivers Mobile (Poacher 3rd), Princess Delight beat Pembrook’s Delight in the following race (Bettor’s quinella). Sunday 4YO Bettor’s Delight mare Nicole Vaidisova won at Wanganui TC then across at Rangiora HRC Pegasus Spur 4YO Frisson won a $5k 2600m trot, Ruben (3YO Bettor’s) won the next a 3YO & Older, Bettor’s Fire then saluted in a $6.5k 3YO & Older Pace, 4YO Mel Gibson (Pegasus Spur) won race 5 the Jack Behrn’s Memorial   In Australia, Bettor’s 4YO Our Silver Dollar won at Charlton, Lisharry made it back to back wins at Gloucester Park with Heavens Delight winning first up in the last, Bettor’s 4YO Tara Top Lady won at Ballarat, Pegasus Spur 3YO Cookeyslass won at Bendigo, American Ideal 3YO Obahma Joy won at first start @ Penrith, Bettor’s 4YO’s Benazir Bhutto won at Bathurst, Ohokas Boston won at Globe Derby & Mabrook rated 1:53.5 to score along with 6YO Bettor’s Roman Stride both winning at Menangle Park Sat night.   On a extremely sad note harness racing NZ was shocked by the sudden death of Woodlands Assistant Stud Master Louise Pallin Tuesday night 13th Dec, killed in a tragic car accident while returning home. Louise will be sadly missed by everybody at Woodlands with our condolences & sympathy going out to Louise’s family and friends at this time.

  • American Ideal – 3YO Winning Double
    11 Dec 11
    At Rangiora 4YO son of Bettor’s, Bowen Delight won in a tight finish then at Morrinsville TC meeting 3YO Bettor’s Excellarate won after coming from outside back row, Forbury & 3YO Bettor’s Creek saluted the judge in fine style moving onto Alexandra Park with Bettor’s siring 3 winners on the card, (with a further 3 places) 3YO Your Good Fortune won $9.7k Grand Park, 4YO Southwind Arden winning the $19.1k Meadow Fresh with 4YO Carabella taking out the $29.5k Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes that included AUS visitor Forever Gold. Carabella lead from the pole, with a three wide train pressuring as the bell lap sounded – top of the lane she simply dropped into overdrive & sprinted hard to gap her opposition to make it 15 wins from 16 starts. Final sectionals for the 2200m trip 800m in 56.3 last 400m in 27.5 home in 1:57.1   Across at Addington Highview Teejay won again after starting from the 12 spot. Blair Orange sat the 3YO Bettor’s gelding in the running line 8th until the top turn he unleashed the wraps and the full brother of Highview Tommy blew past the field to win as he liked by 2 ½ lengths. Later on the card American Ideal 3YO Springsteen again for driver Blair Orange beat Bettor’s 4YO Far Too Rusty to make it a Woodlands sired quinella.   Sunday & American Ideal 3YO filly Magna cleared an early scrimmage at the Methven TC meeting to settle back of the early leader Vanilla Rose with little movement until they turned for home when Magna cut across heels to end up 5 off the paint to secure a run down the middle of the track she toughed it out to haul in Elusive Chick close to home to win at her second race start after being placed third at Banks Peninsula back on Nov 27th.   Bettor Cover Lover’s much anticipated return to racing is planned for this weeks Gr1 $100k Rosslands Queen Of Hearts – we wish her & her connections the very best of luck.   In Australia, Gloucester Park & 3YO Bettor’s colt Say It Now sprinted away from his opposition to make it 3 from 5 this time in, then Charles Roberts bred Bettor’s 4YO Lisharry won in a slick 1:56 flat over the 1700m trip   Tabcorp Melton last Thurs & Bettor’s 4YO Dickies Bromac won first up in 1:54.8, At Burnie Saturday Bettor’s 3YO filly Vickymurphy won at leading early took the trail to win by 4m on the line, Lislea 7YO UK Connection won $10k Heat 2 of the Xmas Gift at Menangle last Sat followed by Bettor’s Delight 7YO Vegas Bound taking out a $14k FFA in 1:53.0   At Launceston Sunday – classy Bettor’s 4YO mare Benediction took out the $7k Boags Draught Stakes at her second run this season. A winner of over $70k she was a long odds on fav expertly driven by Gareth Rattray to secure the run at the 400m mark she raced away from the field to win by 3 ½ eased down.  

  • Carabella toys with FFA field first up
    5 Dec 11
    Star Bettor’s mare Carabella returned to racing last Friday at Addington in a 2600m FFA pace, with driver Ricky May leading up early, she surrendered the lead to Mach Banner. In a field of stars in their own rights, Carabella shone brightest lacking none of the brilliance that saw her voted NZ Harness Horse Of The Year, NZ Pacer Of The Year & NZ 3YO Filly Of The Year she blew past her rivals in the straight when Ricky May released the ribbons to score from Major Mach, Last 800m in 56.7 final ¼ in 28.8. Trainer Brendon Hill said. “She did a bit early but got a nice trip after, it was all about doing the job as softly as we could and that run was perfect,” This win takes her overall record to 14 wins from 15 starts & over $582k in stakes for breeder/owners Cavalla Bloodstock Ltd. Also on the card Bettor’s 4YO’s Lulli Midfrew won a 3YO & Older pace followed by Kristina winning the next $6.9k 4YO & Older.   The amazing recovery of Carabella’s former juvenile sparring partner Bettor Cover Lover continues to please not only her owners but all those in harness racing . Since day one the daughter of Bettor’s intestinal fortitude along with copious amounts of TLC & patience of all those connected has seen the now 4YO Bettor’s mare return to the track with little signs of the freak accident which nearly cost her life let alone her race career. At the recent Franklin TC workouts (Nov 30th) in a field of 7 she worked over a distance of 2500m, she was beaten by a head on the line by the 1:54.5 $381k winner Sir Lincoln with a further ½ to third but most impressive was the slick sectionals – last 800m in 57.5 then 26.7 for last 400m.   Bettor’s winners last week include - Invercargill HRC & Arden’s Southee won a $9k 4YO & Older 2700m pace. Sundays Waimate TC meeting, 3YO Gaylee’s Delight beat Brutus GNP to make it yet another siring quinella   American Ideal as of Sunday has a 70% 3YO Winners to Starters in New Zealand, from only 10 starters so far this season. This % is the highest Winner/Starter ratio of all pacing sires, he’s currently placed 6th on the earnings list, with only $5k separating positions 4,5 & 6 with all sires above represented by between 72 foals up to 147 foals. In The US his stats read 157 starters, 103 in 2:00 45 in 1:55 & over $6.58mil.   At the Franklin TC trials last Wednesday 3YO American Ideal, Idolise Me ran home the 800m in 58.3 last 400m in 28.3 with fellow American Ideal Bloomin Ideal running 3rd.   In Australia, on Sunday 27th Nov at Launceston 4YO Bettor’s Twilight Town stormed away from the field to score by 8.5m after sitting 3 wide mid race then outside leader with lap to go – a winner of 7 from 16 starts with 4 minors so far. Bettor’s winners last week included the Geoff & Lorraine Barnes bred Bettagetawaymore winning at Globe Derby after leading she held on to score in a photo, Patch Maguire won at Albion Park also leading all the way, Aveross Mac won at Yarra Valley home in 28.7, 3YO The Dip bred by Woodlands very own Charles Roberts won at Melton in 1:58.5 for the 2240m trip, 3YO Bettor Believe It won at Ballarat at her first race start, 3YO Classic Croupier also won at first start, 4YO Signory Shannon won at Bathurst Sunday, 4YO The Phantom won at Wedderburn @ Melton meeting Sunday also with 3YO favourite Ciskei rounding out the night winning the last race at Devonport for the Rattray breed/owned/trained & driven combination.   To all those happy breeders/owners of Woodlands sired foals please send your photos in so we can upload them onto our website

  • Bettor’s Sons win Franklin Cup, Golden Nugget & Mount Eden Final
    28 Nov 11
    Some readers may get bored of hearing the exploits of the record breaking, history making sire Bettor’s Delight but we sure don’t, nor do breeders & owners of his progeny....   Last Friday at Alexandra Park, the time honoured Gr2 $50k Franklin Cup run over 3200m SS attracted a full field of 15 with the 6YO son of Bettor’s - Highview Tommy starting from a 20m handicap. After setting 4th last early Blair Orange, who has driver the entire since his 2YO days moved him into the running line, making his move from 1400m mark out 3 wide to hit the top at the bell. The NZ 4YO & Older 2600m record holder, with Smiling Shard on his shoulder simply hit the go button in the home straight to blaze away to win by 3 ¾ lengths pulling away from the field at the post to avenge his 2nd placed effort on 2010. Congratulations to Woodlands very own, part owner of Highview Tommy, Hazel van Opzeeland - Also on the night Woodlands Bred, Symphony In Motion won race 2, Charles Roberts bred Abide With Me took out race 5 & yet another 4YO siring quinella to Bettor’s in the last when  On The Razzle beat Bachelors Delight.   Bettor’s winners – 4YO Southwind Arden won at Geraldine TC, 3YO Arden Torres & Bettor’s Fire both won at Banks Peninsula meeting last Sunday.   In Australia – Gloucester Park played host to Gr1 $175K Lancaster Park Golden Nugget 4YO Championship last Friday. With Gary Hall Jnr again doing the steering behind (The) Gold Ace at his second WA start coming of an effortless win in the Gr2 $50k Ross North 4YO Championship the previous week he was installed as a long odds on favourite after drawing the pole. At the start Hall drove through to lead & from then on it was times & margins with the son of Bettor’s securing a 2m win in 1:58.5 for the 2506m trip taking his earnings to $672,377. The win of (The) Gold Ace was Garry Hall Snr & Jnr’s first win in the event which has alluded them up until now with the likes of Im Themightyquinn & The Falcon Strike both running places in previous years.   Menangle’s Miracle Mile meeting last Saturday night & sons of Bettor’s filled the trifecta in the $25k Mount Eden Championship Final when Vladimir The Great beat heavily backed fav Mabrook & God Send filling third place (on the fast backup from his win thurs night at Penrith). Sitting 4 back the pegs Vladimir The Great was in desperate need of a run turning for home, he hooked out 4 wide to secure a needle eye opening then sprouted wins to beat his fellow Bettor’s brothers, 3rd ¼ in 28.1 final in 28.0 stopping the clock in 1:58.6 for the 2300m journey.   Also in Australia, Pegasus Spur 4YO Billy Phelps won by 13.2m at Menangle’s Tues meeting with Bettor’s winners, 3YO Mark Dennis winning at Cranbourne by 11.3m, God Send won at Penrith last Thurs & Our Blackbird won at Geelong

  • Betterthancheddar, The Dan Patch Award big cheese
    21 Nov 11
    Continuing his late-season run at divisional honours among the 3YO colt pacing set, Steve Calhoun & West Wins Stables’ Betterthancheddar continued to emphatically state his case for a Dan Patch Award by destroying seven other sophomores by 5-½ lengths while taking out last Fri $175,000 Windy City Pace at Maywood Park in an effortless 1:52.3. His sire Bettor’s Delight is some $600k clear on the Leading Money Winning Sires list in the US with $5,012,132 & some $700k clear on the All Age Leading Money winning sires list as of Sunday   In New Zealand – all eyes were on star Bettor’s mare Bettor Cover Lover’s first public workout at the Auckland TC trails Wed 16th Nov. After braking at the 400m mark most onlookers hearts were in their mouth waiting on news relating to sudden gallop. Brent Mangos said “It was one of those sunny cloudy days where the sun comes & goes and it was probably just bad timing for a horse like her, she can do that and I'm not too worried about it, she can trial again next Tuesday (Nov 29) & then have another ten days later. I'm really happy with her, her works been good & the injury isn't a concern, it's healed very well," Bettor Cover Lover & Carabella will meet once again, this time in the Gr2 $100k Queen Of Hearts Dec 16th with all participants eager to witness one of harness racing’s greatest modern day rivalries reignite.   Woodlands sired winners in New Zealand - 4YO Pegasus Spur mare Sweetcheeks won at Manawatu Raceway Tues then Bettor’s Delight winners - 4YO mare Benazir Bhutto won Thurs at Manawatu, 4YO Paradise City won at Addington, Bettor’s Brigadier won at Invergargill beating fellow Bettor’s Terrific (siring quinella) in the “Bettor’s Delight at Woodlands Stud 3YO Mobile” along with 4YO Lochlea winning the “American Ideal at Woodlands Stud Mobile”   In Australia, The welcome return to racing of (The) Gold Ace in the Gloucester Park Ross North Homes 4YO Championship last Friday night saw the $555k winner display all his brilliance - but also yet again another siring quinella to Bettor’s Delight when Lovers Delight & Ohokas Bondy filled the placings in the $50k classic. Ohokas Bondy lead from the 3 with (The) Gold Ace sitting in the death from the 4, in the back straight the two went head to head till the final turn with Lovers Delight running on into 2nd with 20m to go – (The) Gold Ace Home in a very slick 56.6sec   At Melton last Saturday in the $25k Gordon Rothacker Memorial Championship final, Bettor’s Delight 4YO Suave Stuey Lombo came from the backline 11 draw sitting three wide one back at the bell lap. At the bend Suave Stuey Lombo drew to the lead close to home to score in 1:54.7 for the 1720m trip.   Other 3YO Bettor’s winners – Say It Now won at Bunbury, Bettors Best won at Newcastle, while 4YO’s The Adriatic won at Terang, Beaudiene Betta won at Maryborough, Bettor Give It won at Melton. Pegasus Spur 4YO gelding Brief Glance won the St Arnaud Trotters Handicap