NZ First Synthetic Track a Winner

Media Release - Wednesday May 19

It’s been a while coming for New Zealand to have its first raceday on a synthetic track, but for Darryn and Sam Weatherley it was well worth the wait.

The father-and-son team combined to win the first ever race on Cambridge Jockey Club’s newly developed polytrack on Wednesday courtesy of Champagne Princess in the Magnum Industries 1550.

Champagne Princess winning the inaugural race on Cambridge Jockey Club’s polytrack on Wednesday. Photo: Trish Dunell

Jumping from barrier 10, Champagne Princess settled three-wide with cover before jockey Sam Weatherley asked her to improve at the 600m mark. She swiftly looped the field and opened up several margins turning for home and ran away to a comfortable five-length victory over Jojakk.

Trainer Darryn Weatherley was ecstatic to team up with his son to take out the historic race.

“That is one record no one will ever take off me,” he said. “I am absolutely stoked and I am so thrilled for (owner) Pam Brindley who has been a great supporter of ours.

“I am thrilled to bits to have her and for Sam to ride her like he did and get the result was just huge.”

Weatherley said he discussed the daring tactics with his son prior to the race and he was delighted they paid off.

“I said to him before he went out that I think they will show more toe than a roman sandal and just to let her go through the gears and if she comes up underneath you, bring her into the clear and see what we have got. That is exactly how it unfolded,” Weatherley senior said.

Droves of local supporters flocked to the meeting and Weatherley said the atmosphere was electric on course.

“It’s a great atmosphere here,” he said. “I went and had a quiet beer with Rambo (Steven Ramsay, trainer) before we watched it, it was super.”

Advertisement

The winning jockey was just as animated with the result.

“It’s pretty special and all the more special that I can share it with Mum and Dad, and the whole family,” Sam Weatherley said.

He was also full of praise for his father’s tactics.

“Dad was spot on,” Weatherley said. “He said there is no point chasing her too much. We drew wide and I was able to get on the three-wide train and really put them to the sword before the corner.

“She won so well and I am so pleased for Pam, she puts so much into racing and she is here and she is so thrilled. It is great to get another winner for Dad and to create history.”

Having raced on Heavy11 grass tracks in the last week, Weatherley said it was a welcome change to return with clean riding breaches and silks after the race.

“It’s great, I have got no mud on me or anything. I can’t say a bad word about it,” he said.

Matamata-trained runners won the first two races, with Champagne Princess paying $23.50 and the Mark Brosnan-trained Pablo Casals ($36.20) winning race two, before Cambridge trainer Chris Wood struck in race three with the well-supported Funtonic ($3.60).  – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Windsor Park Delighted with First SW Circus Maximus
Promising youngster Towering Vision crowned a successful couple of days for Windsor Park Stud when he credited resident sire Circus Maximus with his first Southern Hemisphere black-type winner.
FBAA Mentorship Program - Successful Applicants Announced
The FBAA is excited to announce the selection of two mentees to participate in the second annual FBAA Mentorship Program commencing 19th May 2025.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets Inglis Weanling Sale Alight
The first session of the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale on Monday produced a new overall record price for this sale when a filly by Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside sold for $650,000.
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Cambridge Stud Welcome Hello Youmzain First NZ bred SW
Lucy In The Sky delivered a memorable result on multiple fronts with her historic success at Riccarton.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
A busy set of trials at Randwick this morning saw Group I winning stallion Schwarz win a heat in good style in preparation for a Queensland trip, while on the juvenile front there were also a couple of carnival aspirants.
Godolphin Again - Unbeaten Desert Flower Wins Newmarket 1000 Guineas
The stars continue to align for Sheikh Mohammed with the Godolphin blue again in the winner’s circle in the UK overnight with undefeated filly Desert Flower taking out the Group I Newmarket 1000 Guineas (1m).
Sires With Winners - Sunday May 4
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Magic Millions Off-The-Track Cup Prizemoney Increases to $100,000
Magic Millions co-owner, Katie Page-Harvey and Queensland Off-The-Track Chair, Dr Christine Johnson today confirmed the prizemoney pool for the 2026 QOTT Cup will increase to $100,000.