NZ Briefs: Kiwi trainer scores first winner in South Korea
The first New Zealander to gain a trainer’s licence in South Korea has quickly made his presence felt.
David Miller established his operation in the spring and last weekend he produced I’m Your Father, an American-bred son of Tiznow, to win the prestigious Busan Mayor’s Cup over 1800 metres.
A former jumps jockey, the 54-year-old is vastly experienced and South Korea is the 11th country he has worked in within the thoroughbred industry.
Miller is based at the Busan course, where he has 24 boxes, and opened his yard following a training stint in Malaysia.
Jacksstar makes progress after Auckland cup injury
Jacksstar continues to make pleasing progress in his recovery from the tendon injury suffered when he finished third in the Group 1 Auckland Cup.
“He’s doing great and after two lots of stem cell treatment the leg looks marvellous,” trainer Gary Vile said.
“He’s on the walker now and once it gets a bit warmer he’ll go swimming and then a bit of paddock rest. We’ll scan the leg as we go along and realistically he could be back in work after Christmas.”
Jacksstar won the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup during his last preparation and also placed in the Gr.2 Wellington Cup and the Listed Marton Cup before his brave effort at Ellerslie in the autumn.
Kiwi-bred winner has trainers celebrating
A New Zealand-bred four-year-old has given a new training partnership their first Australian winner.
Iffraaj’s son I Boogi got the father and son team of Russell and Scott Cameron off the mark when he was successful at Sandown on Wednesday.
“To get my first winner in town is a good thrill,” the Flemington-based Scott Cameron said.
“I’ve ridden work since I was 14 for Dad and I always thought this was the way I was going to go.”
Russell Cameron, who has prepared five individual Group One winners, trained in New Zealand from 2004 until 2008 and prepared 72 winners, the majority of them in partnership with Gareth McRae at Pukekohe before he returned to his native Australia.