Te Rapa, 11th February 2023 - 2000m Grp 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes – jockey Ryan Elliott

Owned by: G A Rogerson, Todd Bawden, C A Leishman, NZ Thoroughbred Holdings Ltd, M & M Butterworth & M B Waddy

This 3YO gelding by Redwood (GB) had to overcome a wide and torrid run to get up for an impressive 3/4L win in this prestigious race. It was his 5th win from 10 starts. 

Sharp 'N' Smart had had a successful stint in Australia in October 2023 with wins at Warwick Farm and Randwick, then a 2nd at Flemington. He came home and ran a nice second in the Thorndon Mile so hopes were high for the Herbie Dyke Stakes. He was sent out favourite - but this was a seriously strong field. Forced to race wide without cover for most of the way, there were a few anxious moments for connections and punters - and no doubt for jockey Ryan Elliott - but despite being bumped at the 400m mark, he surged to the front and got the prize. 

This is a seriously good racehorse - and being part-owned by Auckland Owners Association Committee member Craig Leishman, we've got our eyes firmly on his future, which we're sure will carry on in a successful vein. Congratulations to all involved!

Celebrating a fine win!