War Decree Stakes post race presentation
- The final day of the four-meeting Riccarton Park spring racing season took place under still and very hot conditions.
- SWORD OF STARS was the public elect to win the $100,000 War Decree Stakes after breaking her maiden at Phar Lap Raeway three weeks earlier. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson trained filly justified that support with a convincing victory over PLATINUM LA DANSE from the Lisa Latta stable and the Stephen Marsh trained SO FEAR. Wiremu Pinn was the rider. The filly is now a $10 fifth favourite for the Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas and $12 for the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas.
- The listed Pavilion Now Open Spring Classic saw SIR ALBERT replicate his 2025 victory with a ¾ length win over the favourite HAKKINEN and COURT OF APPEAL. As was the case last year Leah Hemi rode the Terri Rae trained gelding.
- MYSTIC PARK carried topweight of 62 kg to an outstanding win in the TAB Mile Prelude and cemented his favouritism in the $250,000 TAB Mile itself. IFFIDIDIT and IRON HAWK filled the minor placings.
- Ex Canterbury apprentice Floor Moerman was the leading rider on the programme with three winning rides including the very impressive debut two-year-old REINA DE FUEGO. The John and Karen Parsons trained filly won the 800 metres Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series juvenile from stablemate CORONADA and favourite SUPER ACCORD.