International Investors Celebrate Avondale Success

Media Release - Wednesday July 22

Good looking gelding All Black Bourbon made a winning debut at Avondale on Wednesday for trainer Stephen Marsh.

The two-year-old son of Highly Recommended had been placed in all three of his trials and rallied under a strong Danielle Johnson ride to defeat well-bred three-year-old Kurt in an 1100m maiden.

All Black Bourbon - image Trish Dunnell

Purchased for $110,000 as a yearling at the 2019 Karaka Select Sale by Bourbon Lane Stable LLC, the youngster was identified by bloodstock agents Mike McMahon and Jamie Hill on behalf of American investor Dennis Foster who heads the Bourbon Lane partnership.

All Black Bourbon is one of six horses owned by the US partnership in training with Marsh, consisting of four two-year-olds and two yearlings, and the first runner to the races.

“He’s a horse with a bright future,” Marsh said.

“He is a lovely horse. I know he is nearly three, but taking on those older horses first-up, I thought it was a gutsy effort.

“He got knocked over coming out of the gates and Danielle said he got really tightened, but he picked himself up. He did a lot wrong, but I thought he was really good through the line.

“He is a cracking type of horse and his trials have all been good, so the writing was on the wall. We will probably keep him going through for a little bit. He has got a lovely action, but he seems to go through those wetter tracks too and he will definitely get further.

Advertisement

“I think he will get a mile at short notice and he is a horse that might have a couple more runs and be aimed fairly high in the spring.”

Foster is a former pilot and corporate chief executive and has owned thoroughbred farms in Florida and Kentucky and been involved in the horse business since 1973.

His passion for New Zealand has grown with his daughter Shaune and son-in-law David Blackwell, who was on-course on Wednesday, residing in Auckland.

“They’re big players in New Zealand,” Marsh said. “They love New Zealand racing so it’s great to have them investing here.

“They’re a great team of people. We have a WhatsApp group and I speak to Dennis a lot.

“None of them are any fuss. They pay us to do a job and it has started off in brilliant fashion.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Visit The Sunday Markets Mdn 1100m

Avondale Track: Heavy(10) Time: 1:08.74
1
All Black Bourbon
- 2g Highly Recommended (AUS) x Airflight (NZ) (Golan (IRE))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: D S Johnson 56.5
2
0.2
Kurt
- 3c Kingman (GB) x Miss Olive (IRE) (Rip Van Winkle (IRE))
Tnr: S Autridge & K Shailer Rdr: C J Grylls 59.5
3
2.5
Uncle Terry
- 4g Guillotine (NZ) x Artemesia (NZ) (Peintre Celebre (USA))
Tnr: W P Hillis Rdr: T L Newman 56.5
4
6.5
Rubyshowoff
- 2f Showcasing (GB) x Cheetie (NZ) (Felix The Cat (USA))
Tnr: N P Bishara Rdr: T D Thornton 55
5
7.0
Snakeye
- 4g Coats Choice (AUS) x Mercury Angel (NZ) (Colombia (NZ))
Tnr: P P Mirabelli Rdr: E H Nicholas 55.5
6
10.3
Zoltan
- 2g Iffraaj (GB) x Ebony Babe (NZ) (Ebony Grosve (NZ))
Tnr: K Rae & K Williams-Tuhoro Rdr: T Yanagida 55.5
7
12.2
Paddy Wagon
- 4m Niagara (AUS) x Parole (NZ) (Towkay (AUS))
Tnr: M B Garrett Rdr: S T Collett 57.5
8
12.8
Little Stevie
- 5m Power (GB) x Cat's Account (USA) (Tale Of The Cat (USA))
Tnr: Ms C Evans Rdr: C M Burdan 55.5
9
13.8
Nitro
- 5g Niagara (AUS) x Lady Of Petersburg (NZ) (San Luis (AUS))
Tnr: Ms D Waddell Rdr: O M Helagi 55.5
10
21.2
Burton
- 5g Roc De Cambes (NZ) x Black Razyana (NZ) (Anziyan (USA))
Tnr: M, M L & M F Rogers Rdr: S C Spratt 59.5
11
21.8
Atom Ant
- 4g Zacinto (GB) x Barbara Jennie (NZ) (Bahhare (USA))
Tnr: Ms K McQuade Rdr: M Kareem 56.5
12
31.9
Miss Cinda
- 4m Ekraar (USA) x Chica Mala (NZ) (Danasinga (AUS))
Tnr: M & K Murdoch Rdr: S M Mc Kay 57.5
More Reading...
Almanzor Stayer wins G3 Tattersalls Cup
It's been a long time since the  2022 Victoria Derby and some may have wondered whether the winner Manzoice was ever going to win again!
Tattersall’s Mile For The Inflictor - Under The Louvre’s Second SW
Third at Listed level before winning at Doomben, the Craig Cousins-trained The Inflictor (Under The Louvre) then tackled the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, and while not in the same league as winner War Wachine (Harry Angel), the 4yo gelding showed his class on Saturday to win the Listed BRC Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
Super Seth 3YO Salutes for Baker
A tenacious front-running performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill added a first city victory to Puntin’s burgeoning record.
Private Eye’s Half-Brother King’s Secret Wins Again
Although he may never reach the heights of his older half-brother Private Eye, a Group 1 winner and earner of more than $12m to date, connections of King’s Secret (Shalaa) are sure to have plenty of their own fun with the 3yo gelding winning at Rosehill on Saturday.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Corumbene Stud Homebred Tashi Wins G1 Tatts Tiara
From the last crop of foals sired by Widden Stud’s much missed Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, five year-old mare Tashi may also be his final Group I winner as she produced a career best performance at Eagle Farm on Saturday to win the $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m).
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Saturday June 28
Here is the full list of 109 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.