New Zealand

THE Kevin Myers-trained Little Thief, the least fancied of the stable’s three runners, has won the 136th edition of the New Zealand Grand National Hurdle at Riccarton on Saturday.

With eight facing the starter at the 4,200 metre mark, Lemmy Douglas aboard Little Thief was content to sit out the back in second last for the majority of the run-in. Working into the race, it was not until inside the 700 metre mark, with three hurdles left, that Douglas got to work.

Running right up behind the leaders as they rounded the final bend, Little Thief switched off heels to be the widest runner as he jumped himself to the lead at the second last.

Building his advantage, he saved his best jump for the final to put the result beyond doubt. Hitting the line five lengths clear, the five-year-old Dundeel gelding defeated his stablemates; Quid and Happy Star, to claim the NZ$100,000 feature jump at just his third hurdle start.

Despite not having a hurdle start since he broke his maiden five weeks earlier, Little Thief’s unusual preparation included two starts on the flat after that win, including carrying and winning with 66.5 kgs in a 2,200 metre amateur race on the Riccarton synthetic three days before his National win.

“It is the first time I’ve sat on him and I was told to just sit dead quiet and he was pulling my arms out most of the way,” said Lemmy Douglas.

“I thought he might be a little tired after Wednesday, but he travelled up beautifully and he jacked up over the last and he did what he did. I almost got a bit too excited coming around the top corner as I had forgotten how long this straight is, but he was so responsive and full credit to the Myers team as they really get their horses ready for this week.”

Douglas lands thrilling National double on Lord Spencer

THE JJ Raynor-trained Lord Spencer came into the 151st edition of the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase as a $1.90 favourite having won three of his four Steeple starts since making the switch from hurdles in June.

With Lemmy Douglas up and into his ‘head on chest’ rhythm, Lord Spencer settled in behind the leader Brucie, taking up that role until the pressure poured on with 800 metres remaining.

Rolling off the back of the leader to track wide, and still two-lengths in arrears, Douglas was urging Lord Spencer along.

Both Brucie and Lord Spencer cleared the last beautifully as the race boiled down to a 150 metre sprint.

Lord Spencer levelled up to Brucie, edged ahead, and claimed the margin by a half-neck in the 5,600 metre feature worth NZ$150,000. Third home, 10 lengths from the winner, was Prince Turbo.

The win completed the Grand National Hurdle and Steeple double for Lemmy Douglas, who became just the second jockey behind Tom Hazlett in 2006 to complete the double on the same day.

“It’s such a thrill to be associated with such a great horse and a great family,” said Douglas.

“The Rayner family have been doing this for generations, so to be a part of this success is amazing.

“I knew Brucie was going to try and get the edge on us, so I wanted to get behind him, but not like that. He (Lord Spencer) absolutely pulled my arms out the whole way and horses just don’t win going over 5,000 metres like that, so it shows how tough he is.

“The whole way I knew he needed a breather and I was grateful to be able to do that before the home turn and I was able to get back up over the last.

“This is career defining and I’ve been battling away for so long, so I’ve been rewarded for sticking it out.”

Gambling changes threaten revenue

THE Australian Government’s Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026 has been the subject of a Senate Inquiry in Canberra during August, with racing industry CEOs being called to state their case as the Greens, the Coalition (Liberal and National parties) and independents are calling for tougher action against sports betting inducements and increased limits on betting advertising on both television and social media.

The fear for the racing industry CEOs, who state that around 85% of their funding comes directly from wagering-related revenue, is that limits, or bans, on existing-customer promotions could erase up to 30% of turnover creating dire funding shortfalls that could threaten the viability of some country racetracks. Of the 109 racing clubs in Victoria, all but four are located outside inner-Melbourne.

Consider the harm

“We support harm minimisation and sensible reform, but the decision makers also need to consider the harm caused by overreach,” stated the Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison this week.

“This debate is often framed as bookmakers versus gambling reform.

“That’s not the real issue for racing. The real issue is what happens to the people, jobs, country clubs and regional communities that rely upon an industry where 85% of our funding comes from wagering.

“If governments take more funding out of the system, there is no replacement funding source waiting on the sidelines for racing.”

The Senate Inquiry will be scheduled to hand down its report later on in this month.