Waikato Thoroughbred Racing is looking forward to hosting some of the stars of spring racing this Saturday, August 24, at Te Rapa for Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate Day.

 

Many of the country’s top spring hopes will kick off their campaigns in the Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m), while jumps racing will also play a leading role with the running of the Bridges Insurance Services Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m).

 

Wexford Stables’ Dragon Leap won’t be able to defend his crown in the Foxbridge Plate after being scratched on Thursday, however, the Matamata stable still has a leading contender in the feature flat race with Group One-winning sprinter Waitak.

 

The Group Two race has also attracted last year’s runner-up Skew Wiff, who will be carrying the hopes of Te Akau Racing, alongside stablemate Romancing The Moon, while the Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained Bonny Lass will be making her first appearance at the Hamilton venue since winning the Gr.1 BCD Group Spring (1400m) in February.

 

Trainers Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley are tipped to feature prominently with their dual Group Three winner Sacred Satono, who is currently a $3.80 favourite for the feature, which is set to jump at 3:49pm.

 

Adding some diversity to the 10-race card will be the Pakuranga Hunt Open Hurdle (3200m) and Pakuranga Hunt Cup, with the two races acting as key lead-ins for next month’s Great Northern Day at Te Rapa.

 

Pukekohe trainer Rudy Leifting has a strong hand in both races, with stablemates Mont Ventoux and Renegade Fighter holding favouritism for the Hurdle and Steeplechase respectively.

 

Racing fans should look forward to an exciting full day of racing, with the opening race of the card kicking off at 11.35am and finishing up with race 10 at 5.01pm.

 

General admission is free, and the public will have access to the Flemington Lounge Bar, while there are still tickets available for the Lodge Lounge, with packages starting at $160.

 

Get into the new season of thoroughbred racing with a packed day of 10 races at the iconic feature meeting.

 

What: Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate Raceday

When: Saturday, 24 August 2024

Where: Te Rapa Racecourse, Waikato (Ken Browne Drive Hamilton)