Caulfield Cup doubt for Gingernuts

AAP - Saturday October 7

Gingernuts is now in doubt for the Caulfield Cup after rain at Hastings caused the Livamol Classic race day to be called off midway through the program on Saturday.

Advertisement
Kiwi Gingernuts could now target the Cox Plate Photo: Steve Hart

The biggest meeting on New Zealand's spring racing calendar was abandoned after five races when the track was drenched after starting the day in the good range.

Hawkes Bay Racing Incorporated and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing will now hold discussions about the immediate future for the remaining five races including the Group I Livamol Classic for which the Rosehill Guineas winner was favourite.

If the meeting cannot be run in the next couple of days, Gingernuts could contest the Cox Plate on October 28, a week after the Caulfield Cup.

The Emirates Stakes at the Melbourne Cup carnival is also an option.

Safety concerns were raised after the Hawkes Bay Guineas when runner-up Bostonian slipped when he was pulling up.

Chief steward John Oatham outlined the reasons for the abandonment.

"The film footage clearly showed that Mark Du Plessis' mount (Bostonian) slipped quite badly when pulling up so the riders had concern about that part of the track," Oatham told NZ Racing Desk.

"We re-inspected it again with the riders but it was clear there was a not a lot of confidence that they could ride competitively into that bend."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Breeding to Win - 2026 G1 Surround Stakes
The $750,000 Group I ATC Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday brings together the best three year old fillies in Australia, so who are the top chances? 
First Winner for Tiger of Malay
Newgate Farm is home to champion sire Extreme Choice and also his promising young sire son Tiger of Malay, who broke the ice with his first winner at Canterbury on Friday night.
One to Watch – Canterbury
Extreme Choice was a brilliant sprinter and has thrown his share of brilliant sprinters, but as with great champion sires of the past, he can also get a stayer such as Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice and VRC Oaks winner She’s Extreme.
Kingsclere seeking another Derby with Ocean Park Filly
Kingsclere Stables have an exciting week ahead of them, with promising mare She’s A Dealer shooting for black-type at Trentham on Sunday, while six days later the Cambridge barn will hold a strong hand in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
Anamoe Breeding Right Sold for $450,000
The Inglis Digital February (late) Sale that concluded on Wednesday has a new top lot with Inglis announcing a breeding right to Anamoe has now been sold.
Opportunities Present as Latest Magic Millions Digital Sale Opens
Bidding is now open the latest Magic Millions Digital Sale (27 February-4 March) with great opportunities across all ages and categories.
The Story of Surround - Best 3YO Filly Ever
The only Group I race in Australia for three year-old fillies run at less than a mile, the $750,000 Group I ATC Surround Stakes (1400m) is named in honour of the only three year-old filly to ever win a Cox Plate, so who was she?
Timing is Everything - Newhaven Park Present Streisand Half-Brother
When entries were taken for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale last year a colt by Star Witness from Zouper Star was hardly seen as a standout offering, but events of the last six months will have this youngster as one of the must inspect horses of the sale.
Fast Track 2026/27 Launches Nationally: Applications Now Open
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has officially launched applications for the 2026/27 Fast Track program — a nationally recognised traineeship designed to build the next generation of thoroughbred breeding professionals.
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 26
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.