NEWS

Corporal Jones farewelled New Zealand racing on a valiant note when he finished runner-up in the Gr 1 NZ Derby at Ellerslie on Saturday. The exciting Pentire three-year-old came from last on the home turn in the hands of the Hong Kong-based Australian rider Zac Purton for his placing.
"We're really pleased with him and very proud - the other horse Military Move got a more economical run and the best horse won on the day," Matamata trainer Andrew Scott said. He will now do his future racing from the stable of Paul O'Sullivan, a member of the Hong Kong Trainers' Syndicate that recently purchased a major interest in the gelding.
Corporal Jones settled well back in the running and could see the entire field into the straight. "Zac said it was a bit of a stop-start affair and wasn't the genuine pace we needed," Scott said. His sustained finishing run down the outside of the track was an excellent effort under the circumstances.
He has been admirably managed by Scott and leaves for Hong Kong with two wins and four placings from his six appearances. He was successful on his November debut at Paeroa and made it consecutive wins next time out at Ellerslie before finishing in the money in the Rich Hill Yearlings @ Karaka in January and in the following Gr 3 Waikato Guineas and Gr 2 Championship Stakes.
Meanwhile, Rangirangdoo beat all but the top-class Theseo in the Gr 1 Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm. He was given a perfect run behind the pace by fill-in rider Tim Clark and briefly headed the Gai Waterhouse-trained representative who then rallied for a narrow victory.