18/08/2026
Woodville – 16th August 2026
While the weather may not have been that hospitable, the team at Woodville certainly was. If anyone wants to see what Community Racing brings to the table, then a visit to Woodville is highly recommended, even on a cold wintery day.
When the market opened, the Mark OULAGHAN runner PINKERTON presented as great value considering his debut run at Trentham, and punters certainly climbed aboard, shortening him into favouritism at the jump. When the gates opened, the Myers pair ISLAND HOP and SPINAYARN made the early pace, followed closely by COMEDY, then SWEETEST, while PINKERTON and Joshua PARKER, back after injury, were content to watch things unfold, settling towards the rear. The pattern of the race remained pretty much the same until they turned for home, with the only change being the PARKER and PINKERTON pairing replacing the fading SPINAYARN, and their challenge was looking very ominous.
Once headed for home, PINKERTON quickly ranged up and, almost in the twinkling of an eye, assumed control. Most punters were off to collect before the last and, although stablemate SWEETEST was closing, victory was never in doubt, while COMEDY battled on well for third.
For most pre-race, the Open Hurdle looked a very even affair, but many weren’t predicting that the race would turn into a real slugfest, with only the brave standing tall in the winner’s enclosure.
When the barriers burst open, most expected BILLY BOY to assume control, but SEMPER MAGIO was all fired up and together they went faster than last week’s pay-up-front, with neither looking content to hand up. While JUWALA and THE REPUBLICAN stayed within earshot of the leading pair, there was a break to the others.
Although the pace hadn’t slackened, the gaps up front began to close around the bottom bend, when first TUTIN CANS and then THE BELVOIR tacked onto the leading quartet. Safely down the back straight, WENEEDASHOCK had also been sent forward, just as the two former leaders were beginning to pay the price for their early burn. Left in front by default, THE REPUBLICAN and JUWALA were then joined by WENEEDASHOCK, who was sustaining a long run from the back, while THE BELVOIR and TUTIN CANS were also whacking away.
Turning for home, the remaining warriors were spread across the track. THE REPUBLICAN was giving his all, but no sooner had he shaken off the JUWALA challenge than he was joined by THE BELVOIR. The pair went stride for stride after the last until THE BELVOIR and Joshua PARKER finally got the upper hand metres from the end. TUTIN CANS produced an improved run for third, ahead of JUWALA and WENEEDASHOCK.
The Remembering Lorraine Brown Steeplechase was the feature event on the day and drew an even field of chasers. Rising star DUKE OF PLUMPTON was clearly the punters’ elect, starting at microscopic odds, but as the race unfolded, it was the topweight SMUG that once again showed his affinity with the Woodville course, having previously won the 2025 Hawkes Bay, who would prevail.
In or near the lead for the entire trip, SMUG, under Michael ROUSTABY, never really looked like relenting and presented great value to those that supported him on the tote. He jumped cleanly all the way and, at the finish, was pulling away from favourite DUKE OF PLUMPTON. The Duke didn’t lose a lot of friends running second. He copped a fair bit of interference down the back straight the last time and jumped a couple of fences indifferently, but shouldn’t be written out of your calculations going forward. NAME THE GAME and AULD JOCK were both solid in behind.
The David Oliver Memorial was the second of the Restricted Open chases and also drew an even field, including the promising locally owned SAINT BERNARD and rejuvenated 12-year-old PRINCE TURBO, fresh from his Grand National placing.
SAINT BERNARD was sent out favourite for the event and, as he frequently does, missed the kick when the field was released. Over the first two fences, he quickly barged his way through the field to assume control up front, a position where he obviously now prefers to run and dominate from. Once he got to the front, he relaxed and, for the most part, jumped superbly. There were never any real concerns for the punters.
PRINCE TURBO has just kept on giving this season and would certainly deserve a victory in the remaining weeks after a string of placings in some of our best races. Although a distance back, HEY HEY HEY and EMPIRE STATE also produced solid runs.
It’s off to Hawera this weekend, then back up North for the Pakuranga HC Meeting at Te Aroha the following Sunday. After that, we are back at Woodville on the 6th September 2026.
Now, I am reliably informed that ON THAT DAY, as well as featuring both the $50,000 Tararua Hurdle and Tararua Steeplechase, it will also coincide with their annual Members’ Day meeting.
Now, I’m no rocket scientist, but the word is that if you join the Woodville Racing Club on the day or beforehand ($70 double / $45 single), they will feed and water you all day long.
If anyone out there is keen to take up the offer, then please contact the Club and let them know.
