Shaun Fannin has dominated the New Zealand jumps jockey ranks in recent years, but he is now passing on the baton after confirming his retirement from riding over fences.
“They have both won two races on the synthetic, so I am hoping to get them into some sort of fitness shape and a little bit of form to get them to Cambridge to go at that 2000m $100,000 race."
Howie Mathews dared to dream of competing in this year’s $300,000 Gr.3 NZCIS Wellington Cup (3200m) with Weneedashock, but the talented gelding has ended up qualifying for a race on the undercard worth $50,000 more in prizemoney.
Howie Mathews has always held Weneedashock and Free Spirit in high regard, and his faith was rewarded when the pair stylishly quinellaed the McVerry Crawford 1700 at Awapuni’s synthetic meeting on Friday.
