New Zealand and Australia Head to International Events
Over the last few years, Australia and New Zealand have both noticed an increase of horses being flown out to international racing events, rather than taking part in local racing meetings. Many are wondering how the growing number of horses leaving New Zealand and Australia will affect their clubs and racing festivals, as the best horses are running in international races. In the past, events held in England and America did not pose a great threat, but big international events are now being hosted in Dubai and Asia, giving New Zealand’s horses a competitive field to compete in.
It seems that after Choisir, a horse from Australia, took home wins in both the Golden Jubilee Stakes and the King Stand Stakes at the Royal Ascot, the trend to race internationally has begun to grow. Horses from Australia and New Zealand have been making a name for themselves in the international racing arena and this year some of the best horses from these countries will be seen in action around the world.
Sir Slick and Spin Around from New Zealand took part in the Singapore Airlines International Cup meeting, held over the weekend; while Australian powerhouses, Magnus and Takeover Target were contenders in the KrisFlyer International Cup. In two months time, New Zealand will be pinning their hopes for a spectacular performance on Seachange, when she takes part in the July Cup. Other horses, such as Miss Andretti and Exceed And Excel have all tested their abilities outside of their home countries, with some of them succeeding magnificently against the competition. As far back as the early 1930’s, Australian horses have been making themselves seen and heard, and gaining the respect of the American public, as when Phar Lap was victorious in one of the major races in North America at Agua Caliente racetrack in 1932. Recently purchased Auckland Reactor will also be heading for the United States shortly, to show off his strength, speed and endurance amongst formidable competitors.
International racing events have big purses, bigger opportunities and attract the world’s best. It is for this reason that horses are lured to other countries, where they gain experience and stand the chance to be seen and hopefully appeal to a stud farm for purchase. The more internationally known a horse is, the greater the value of a racehorse becomes. As for the horses that are migrating into the world arena from New Zealand and Australia, they are brilliant athletes and most definitely worthy of recognition and applause.
