Picket Fence for Reliable Man Gelding

Media Release - Monday October 16

Grey gelding Chattahoochee has been a stable favourite for trainer Debbie Sweeney for some time and he is quickly taking the mantle as the stable star as well.

At Hastings on Saturday the son of Reliable Man recorded his fourth win from his last five starts in the Tumu Supplies Premier (1600m), and Sweeney believes there are plenty more wins left in the five-year-old. 

Chattahoochee winning at Hastings on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

“It was very impressive considering he drew barrier 12 and he was three-wide the whole way. It was a tough effort,” Sweeney said.

“Chattahoochee is like the stable pet. He is just a lovely, quiet and relaxed horse - everyone loves him. He is very spoilt and that was even before he was fast.

“He has won four from five now, so he has been very impressive. He has been very adaptable, and I think he is a horse that has a lot of ability. Hopefully he can carry on with it.”

Chattahoochee will now head for a well-deserved break before being set for some loftier autumn targets.

“We are going to turn him out for four to six weeks now and then get him back up and going around early March,” Sweeney said.

Advertisement

“We’ll possibly look at the Easter Handicap (G.3, 1600m) and there are some nice races over the Carnival at Ellerslie, so we will try and target some bigger races.”

Sweeney has swiftly turned her attention to racing this week where she will line-up a handful of runners.

“I have got a couple at Tauranga on Wednesday – Kiwi Man and Mr Nice,” she said.

“Kiwi Man showed a fair bit of promise last year and is a staying horse. He is going over a mile on Wednesday and once he gets over ground I think he will be a horse to keep an eye on.

“Clever Ruds is lining up on Saturday (at Te Rapa). She is very honest and tries really hard. She ran second last time at Hastings. Hopefully we can get some black-type with her this time around. She has shown enough.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday August 28
Here is the full list of 33 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday August 26
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Trial Winner for Captivant
Captivant’s early promise was on full display at today’s Waipa trials when Capital Express stormed to victory in Heat 4. The Paul Pertab-trained 2YO colt impressed early, showcasing the speed and class expected of his G1 Champagne Stakes-winning sire in a performance that marked him as one to watch.
Sire Power Highlights Quality MM Horses in Training Catalogue
An incredible selection of the country's best proven and hottest young sires will feature at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale in October.
Spring Trial Watch – Everest Contenders on Show
The Rosehill trials on Thursday morning featured a couple of key Everest contenders with Private Harry winning easily over speedy 3YO North England, while Lady Shenandoah was under a tight grip to finish third in a later heat.
Sir Stanley Goosman’s Impact on the National Yearling Sale
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and a prominent buyer during the history of the Sale was Stanley Goosman (later Sir Stanley).  He was a key player at the Sale during the World War II era, and headed the list of winning owners in New Zealand on 10 occasions.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing More Stakes Success
Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly Platinum Diamond will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).
Sires With Winners - Wednesday August 27
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Al Riffa Aiming Towards Melbourne Cup for Australian Bloodstock
The exceptional qualities of Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) are such that he can get fast juveniles and also high class older horses over a distance and we are set to see a taste of it this spring as media reports suggest Australian Bloodstock have purchased his top class 5YO stallion Al Riffa.
Via Sistina Honoured at NSW Horse of the Year
One of the greatest seasons of all time has secured Via Sistina the TAB NSW Champion Horse of the Year award. The Chris Waller-trained mare was recognised at Racing’s Night of Champions for her outstanding performance in 2024/2025 which included equalling Winx’s record of seven Group 1s in a single season.