28/07/2025
2024/25 Season Wrap-Up
We wrapped up 2024/25 with 9 winners:
Monte Civetta, Caffeinated, Three Ninety, Tipsy Tart, Tommy Perfect, Ali Nel, Deciphering Me and De Russian Rocket (x2) along with 46 top-five finishes – including 19 seconds and 7 thirds.
This season has been one of growth, challenges, and milestones, and we’re proud to say this season we purchased our first property, thanks to this racing journey, the amazing Bradley James Birse and the incredible support behind us. 💙
Here’s a look back at the season highlights.
- We kicked off with Monte Civetta running a bold race and getting win number one on the board for the season for the team in the R65 2200m at Invercargill.
- Monte Civetta returned later that month at Riccarton to run 2nd over 2600m, my first time having a runner at Cup Week.
- At Cromwell on the 1st of December, we celebrated our first quinella, with Caffeinated and Three Ninety finishing 1st and 2nd in the R65 2030m.
- One of the most memorable wins was when Three Ninety delivered a beautifully timed run along the rail to win the feature race, the R75 Carrier's Arms Hotel Summer Cup, on New Year’s Day at our home track. The day was made extra sweet with Tipsy Tart breaking her maiden and Tommy Perfect running a gritty 3rd.
- Tommy Perfect broke through with a strong win on the 1st of March in the R65 1600m at Wingatui, with Whiny Meow placing 3rd a nose behind – a very special moment!
- Ali Nel broke maidens with a tough and deserved win on the 16th of March at Wingatui over 1200m.
🟢⚪️ Riverton Easter Carnival ⚪️🟢
This was a weekend to remember!
We had 12 runners over two days, with most of the team backing up for the 2nd day and came away with 7 seconds and 2 thirds, a testament to the consistency and grit of all the horses 💙
- Deciphering Me saluted at Riverton at just her second start for the stable, on the 9th of May over 1400m.
- De Russian Rocket finally broke his maiden on the 23rd of May over 1200m at Wingatui after a season of multiple 2nd placings!
- We then saw Drakaina pick up her first win in Western Australia on the 28th of May.
- De Russian Rocket then returned to Wingatui on the 1st of June to win again in the R65 1200m.
- Drakaina struck again, claiming her second WA victory on the 28th of June, in a thrilling finish!
Unfortunatly with highs there are lows and heartbreak followed mid season, in what was seemingly an amazing season, Three Ninety was retired due to injury. Shortly after, the decision was made to humanely euthanise our beautiful girl on welfare grounds. Her toughness, kind soul, and that special cup win 🏆 will always be part of our story. How lucky we were to have known and cherished such a beautiful soul, rest in paradise our sweet Onesie. 💔
We were honoured to finish 2nd Equal in the 2024/25 Gavelhouse Newcomer to Training Award, with 8 individual winners for the season. A proud moment for our small but determined team. Huge congratulations to all the other trainers in the running — it’s been a pleasure to share the journey with such a passionate and hardworking trainers. We’re excited to build on this momentum and can’t wait to see what the 2025/26 season brings.
To our owners – thank you for your trust.
To our supporters, family, and friends – thank you for backing the dream.
To our horses – thank you for your heart.
Thank you,
🔹Yvette Durham - for all your help and endless hours organizing my accounts.
🔹 VetSouth Equine – for your outstanding care
🔹 Richard (Farrier) – for keeping the team balanced and sound
🔹 Monica Toretto - AMAZING, Photography that we adore.
🔹 PGG Wrightson – for reliable supply and support throughout the season
🔹 Equine Products NZ – for helping our horses perform and recover at their best
🔹 Kim Bennett – for your bodywork it makes a world of difference
🔹 Riverton Racecourse – our trusted base and racing home
🔹 And to all the jockeys – your commitment in the saddle never goes unnoticed.
To the wider racing community – thank you for the encouragement, the camaraderie, and the competition that makes this sport so special.
We have a stable full of exciting 2YOs, 3YOs, and returning stable stars — all in for pre-training and fuelling up for the 2025/26 season.
We look ahead with momentum, hard-earned lessons, and the same passion that drives us every day.
Let’s go again. 🐎
Thanks again to everyone for their incredible support 💙
– Ebony Turner
Taipa Tiger Racing 💙