Te Akau TV - Big News This Episode

Welcome to another edition of Te Akau TV - this week we catch-up with Te Akau trainer Mark Walker who delivers some exciting news regarding the introduction of two talented jockeys to the Te Akau and New Zealand riding ranks.

This includes 24 year old Hakim Kamaruddin. Hakim arrives in New Zealand on Sunday after winning both Champion Apprentice and Champion Jockey titles last season in Singapore. Capturing both awards exemplified the ability and talent of Kamaruddin, in just his second season riding, a feat not achieved since 1995 when Benny Woodworth won both titles as an apprentice in Singapore. Not related to our 'smiling apprentice' Joe Kamaruddin, Hakim is able to ride as light as 49kg!

We are also delighted to announce that top Group 1 Australian jockey Joshua Parr is also preparing for a stint of riding for Te Akau in New Zealand. Parr (35) is among the best of his ilk in Australia, ridden over 1000 winners, including 68 stakes wins,and earlier this year gained a Group One double aboard Duais (Shamus Award) in the Australian Cup (Gr. 1, 2000m) and Tancred Stakes (Gr. 1, 2400m). Joshua will be engaged to ride a number of Te Akau runners over New Zealand Cup Week and we look forward to welcoming him to New Zealand shores.

Mark catches up on the week that was, including the performance of Kabugee at Rotorua and Skew Wiff (Waikato Stud) and Fierce Flight at Tauranga on Wednesday.

This weekend we check out our runners at Te Rapa, Riccarton and Trentham. This includes Romancing the Moon and Stella Splendida in the Group Three Super Seth Soliloquy Stakes and Dynastic and Wild Night in Group Two James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes. Cognito and Marlborough Bay will take another step towards the Group 1 2000 Guineas in the Group Three War Decree Stakes, a race won by the stable last season with Noverre. Last years Coupland's Mile winner Markus Aurelius will take his place on Sunday in the Group Three Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap at Trentham on his way south.

Mark also provides his best bet for the weekend and gives us an insight into our five 2YO's who take their place at Te Rapa and Riccarton.

Remember to keep up to date with any scratchings or balloted runners over on loveracing.nz for NZ runners and racing.turfclub.com.sg for Singapore runners.

Good luck to all our runners and connections ahead of their races this weekend. We'll be cheering them home!