Closely related to NZ Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux, promising staying filly Ohope Wins chose the best possible moment to break her maiden status when she powered home to take out the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

The leading sire by worldwide winners in 2025, Widden Stud’s flagship sire Zoustar kicked off on New Year’s Day with a brand new stakes-winner when Queen Zou captured the Group II Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie and her full sister is headed to Inglis Premier.