A typically patient ride from the evergreen Chris Johnson paved the way for local runner Yannick to take out the opening event at Riccarton on Saturday as racing returned to the South Island for the first time since the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

26th of June in Bermuda and the 27th of June in New Zealand, no matter what year, will always be a day of reflection of winning the 35th America’s Cup for many kiwis.

Gallagher Chiefs captain Sam Cane returns from injury Mitchell Brown and Mitchell Karpik return from injury Brad Weber to start in 80th Gallagher Chiefs cap

After a tight opening, The Good Oil Tactix produced a storming second half to open Round 3 with a convincing 45-36 win over Splice Construction Magic at the Auckland Netball Centre on Friday.

The Crusaders return to Orangetheory Stadium this weekend for the first time since March, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged line up to take on the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.

Three-time Group One winner Humidor has been put on notice by trainer Lindsey Smith heading into Saturday’s Gr.3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont.

“I can’t play a blade,” (Kevin) Na says. “It’s too difficult, and I’m a pro golfer. I think a blade goes shorter. Off-center hits aren’t going to perform as well as cavity-backs. I don’t see a reason why you’d want to play a blade.