Runranirun Makes a Statement on Debut

Mark Smith - Thursday August 15

The Press Statement filly Runranirun did just that when making a stunning career debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock Super Maiden Plate (900m) at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Looking at home on the heavy track, Runranirun jumped to the front for Jay Ford and had the field off the bit chasing on straightening. Under minimal urging, Runranirun put eight and three-quarter lengths on the favoured Extreme Choice filly Extreme Diva, with D'Argento debutant Pearler a neck back in third.

Trained by Matthew Smith, Runranirun displayed above-average ability in four barrier trials, winning three and finishing second in the other.

Stable representative Paul Rowe said they were concerned by the favourite who had performed well in better races.

“She brought her trial form to the races. She is a fast horse who we knew handled soft going, and we thought it would come down to whether her or the favourite would sprint better on the heavy track,” Rowe said.

“The margin was surprising considering the ability of the second horse.

“It wasn’t a high-pressure race. She jumped, got into a rhythm, and they ran 34 for the last 600m on a heavy track.

Advertisement

“It’s onwards and upwards. She’s had a good day out, and it’s great for the owners.

“She’s only tiny but is growing into herself. They are Matt’s colours, and the Cooks are also in her.”

Press Statement has a promising filly in Runranirun

The homebred daughter of Press Statement is the eleventh foal and eighth winner for the Marju mare Marju Rani, who Matt Smith trained to win a 900m maiden at Newcastle in 2004.

Marju Rani is a half-sister to the dam of Group III BRC Gunsynd Classic winner Trump from the family of BATC Doomben Ten Thousand Hcp and STC Winfield Classic winner Flitter.

The final foal of Marju Rani is a 2-year-old filly by Casino Prince.

After beginning his career at Vinery Stud, the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas and JJ Atkins Stakes hero Press Statement transferred to Novara Park in New Zealand, where his 2024 fee has been set at $6,000.

Advertisment

Race Result - New Zealand Bloodstock Super Mdn Plate 900m

Newcastle Track: Heavy(9) Time: 0:53.05
1
Runranirun
- 3f Press Statement (AUS) x Marju Rani (NZ) (Marju (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: J Ford 55
2
8.8
Extreme Diva
- 3f Extreme Choice (AUS) x On A Given Day (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: A J Cummings Rdr: Zac Lloyd 55
3
9.2
Pearler
- 3f D'argento (AUS) x Redan Lane (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: G R Nickson Rdr: Molly Bourke 53
Inglis Great Southern Sale $3,000
Seller: Hollylodge Thoroughbreds, Avenel
Buyer: Comstock Racing Pty Ltd
4
11.1
Spandex
- 3g Pariah (AUS) x Le Clercq (AUS) (Danasinga (AUS))
Tnr: Scott Aspery Rdr: Reece Jones 57
5
11.4
The Big Ticket
- 3g Stratum Star (AUS) x Warzone (NZ) (War Pass (USA))
Tnr: P M Perry Rdr: C Reith 57
6
14
Backward Glance
- 3f Saxon Warrior (JPN) x Mad About You (AUS) (Northern Meteor (AUS))
Tnr: P M Perry Rdr: Jenny Duggan 55
7
18.4
Outcast Maggie
- 3f Pariah (AUS) x Magnumaris (AUS) (Magnus (AUS))
Tnr: Jay Hopkins Rdr: Jean Van Overmeire 55
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Saturday August 2
Here is the full list of 101 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bred to Win Returns on Monday night
Caroline Searcy’s Bred To Win returns this Monday night profiling new and proven stallions heading into the Spring of 2025 and promoting the thoroughbred breeding industry in Australia and around the world.
King of Roseau Wins G3 Aurie’s Star
Placed in the Listed VRC Poseidon Stakes at Flemington last spring as a three year-old behind Growing Empire, Capitalist gelding King of Roseau returned to the same venue on Saturday to capture the Group III VRC Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).
The Novelist Returns to Form
The very first stakes-winner for his sire Written By when winning the Group III BRC BJ McLachlan Stakes in December 2022, The Novelist made light of the heavy 10 track at Rosehill on Saturday to claim another victory.
Per Incanto Mare Wins $100,000 Polytrack Championship
Synthetic flyer Cosentino silenced any doubt about running out the seven furlongs with a blistering performance to claim Sunday’s $100,000 Japac Homes Polytrack Championship (1400m) at Awapuni.
Inglis Digital Bargain Buys Deliver Kosciuszko Dreamers
Sunshine Law was not the only Inglis Digital success story to come out of the Rosehill meeting on Saturday with two contenders for this year’s $2million Kosciuszko also giving connections cause to dream big and one of them is an unbeaten mare with a Black Type pedigree.
MM Yearling Sales 2026 Open for Entry
The 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sales - from the Gold Coast in January to Perth and Tasmania in February and the Gold Coast and Adelaide in March - are ready to deliver more groundbreaking results.
Highland Blaze Wins $250,000 Grand National Hurdle
Jumps racing was the highlight at Sandown Lakeside on Sunday with the $250,000 Grand National Hurdle (4200m) the highlight and the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) offering a great start to the day.
Victorian Breeders Celebrate Annual Awards Night
The 2025 Victorian Breeding Awards has once again showcased the outstanding achievements within Victoria’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
Sires With Winners - Sunday August 3
Here is the full list of 57 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.