Waikato Stud stallion Ocean Park received a timely boost ahead of next week’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.

 

The Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) hero’s progeny recorded a winning double at Canterbury on Wednesday, adding to his nine winners in the past seven days and 21 in the past 30.

 

Sydney champion trainer Chris Waller combined with champion jockey Hugh Bowman to win with three-year-olds Kolding and Matowi, who were purchased out of the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale for $170,000 and $200,000 respectively.

 

Kolding broke his maiden with a short-neck win over 1200m as favourite, while Matowi posted his second win from seven starts when scoring by half a length over 1550 metres.

 

"They're quite similar horses actually," stable foreman Charlie Duckworth said. "Both are still learning how to switch off and relax but are showing plenty of promise.

 

"Being by Ocean Park you would expect them to get over a bit further. The sire is going super which is great because we have plenty in the stable."

 

The winning double followed the impressive win of progressive filly Oceanex at Flemington last Saturday. The Mick Price-trained filly has won three races in succession and is now being aimed towards Black Type events.

 

 

 

Apprentice jockey Zubair Bholah is on the mend and recuperating well after his fall at Kumara earlier this month according to his employer, Wingatui trainer Steve Tyler.

 

The Mauritius-born rider suffered serious injuries after his mount, Morena Roc, clipped heels and fell at the South Island track.

 

He was disgnosed with three fractures in his neck, a broken collarbone and shoulder along with suffering a severe laceration around his jaw and chin.

 

He was airlifted to Christchurch and has since been transferred to Dunedin hospital.

 

“He’s doing really well, I am really proud of him. He’s got all of his memory back and he’s walking himself to the toilet and shower,” Tyler said.

 

“He is still obviously very sore, with all the breaks and injuries he has got, but I’m so proud of him, he is doing so well and will make a full recovery. 

 

“It might be a little bit of time yet, but talking with him yesterday, all he can talk about is getting back on the horses.

 

“He’s doing really well and thanks to everyone for sending through messages to him, it has been huge.”