Latest news with #Kiwi-born
New Paper
01-08-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Waller set to start 15th reign on a winning note at Rosehill
Fresh from a 15th crown earned from 142 metropolitan winners, Sydney's premier trainer Chris Waller is unlikely to rest on his laurels at the first city meeting of the new 2025-26 season on Aug 2. The Kiwi-born horseman saddles his usual strong squad of 16 runners at the Rosehill Gardens 10-race programme. Unfortunately, Singapore viewers will not get to see the running of the race honouring his latest title, the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap as the race slated as Race 10 in Sydney is not part of the Singapore Pools' Australia card. But they can certainly take a good look at two of his smart prospects in the earlier part of the afternoon, Sister Daae, a solid each-way chance, and Concordia Wind, a value bet, in Races 5 and 7 respectively on Pools' card. Sister Daae is only the second pick in a Benchmark 78 race, the A$160,000 (S$134,000) Congratulations James McDonald Handicap (1,400m), after the Peter Snowden-trained Tuileries, who is all the rage to score a sentimental win for Sydney's gun jockey, recently anointed its champion for the ninth time. A four-year-old daughter of So You Think, Tuileries chalked up back-to-back wins at Canterbury and Randwick in December, earning a shot at the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1,400m) on the Gold Coast on Jan 17. From the outermost alley in the field of 18, she still finished an eye-catching seventh to Bosustow after settling well back. She was sent an odds-on favourite at her racing comeback at Rosehill on July 19, but was left with too much to do from a rearward spot in a muddling-run affair. She still closed in late for fourth, around ¾ length off the winner Useapin. With that first run under the belt and the extra 200m, Tuileries is widely expected to hit the target this time, but Sister Daae could be a tough nut to crack. At her last start in a Benchmark 72 event (1,500m) at Rosehill on July 19, the Zoustar four-year-old mare should have won if not for having to change course twice. She still ran a head second to Amusing. Rising star Zac Lloyd, who was aboard at that torrid run, will certainly be keen to make amends. While Sister Daae is unproven on a heavy track, it should not be much of a question mark as Zoustar's progeny are noted swimmers. In the very next race, the shorter Benchmark 72 event over 1,200m named as the Congratulations Braith Nock Handicap in a nod to Sydney's new champion apprentice jockey, Concordia Wind may not be Waller's best bet of the day, but at 16-1, she represents superb value. Racing in the same Hermitage green and red silks as Sister Daae, the Justify four-year-old mare showed ability with three wins from seven starts, but is resuming from a nine-month spell, which may explain the cool reception. However, she did not show any signs of ring-rustiness at a Randwick barrier trial on July 22 when she was pushed out late to run a head-second to Mamushka. Should her long odds still deter some, her one-from-one record on a heavy track can certainly help them take the plunge. A spitting image of her famous sire, the game chestnut with the white face will settle in her customary role at the back for Tommy Berry before charging down the Rosehill straight. manyan@
1News
11-07-2025
- 1News
Inquest hears tragic details of Kiwi surfer's death in WA shark attack
An inquest has been held following the death of a Kiwi-born surfer who was mauled by a shark in Western Australia earlier this year. Steven Payne, 37, was attacked by a great white shark "between 3.2m and 3.5m in length" at Wharton Beach, east of Esperance in Western Australia on March 10. Drone footage from a witness who happened to be filming at the time of the attack showed the shark swimming away from a large cloud of blood close to the shore. Payne's body was never recovered, but parts of his wetsuit and "distinctive surf hat" were. The Kiwi was living in Geelong, Victoria and his partner and dog were five weeks into a six-month caravan trip around the western half of Australia when the incident happened, according to his family. ADVERTISEMENT The devastating circumstances surrounding his death have now been revealed at a mandatory coronial inquest. The coroner heard Payne was a keen surfer, who had previously been cautious about the possibility of shark attacks and used deterrent devices while in the water, WA Today reported. The inquest heard he was not wearing the device on the day, because he thought it was not needed after leaving South Australia. "[The couple] had discussed wearing [shark deterrents] prior to their visit to Granites Beach," Senior Constable Assisting the Coroner Craig Robertson told the court. "Unfortunately, they thought after leaving South Australian waters it would be safe to enter the water without them." Payne and his partner had also made the decision not to surf at South Australia's Granites Beach after locals warned them about a fatal shark attack there in January. "They were aware of a fatal shark attack at the location on January 2, 2025 and following speaking with locals they ultimately decided not to enter the water," Robertson said. ADVERTISEMENT Perth Now also reported that Payne had been in remission for testicular cancer for three years when he died. Coroner Sarah Linton indicated she would likely determine he died accidentally, and was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt he was deceased. She would hand down her findings at a later date.
The Age
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Legendary music venue shuts its doors
One of Sydney's best-loved jazz venues, Ultimo's Foundry616, is closing its doors after 12 years at the heart of the city's improvised music scene. The Harris St club, founded by local jazz icon Peter Rechniewski, will bring down the curtain on Saturday with a final gig featuring vocalist Anna Weaving. It all started in September 2013 as a 'labour of love', says 74-year-old Rechniewski, also a co-founder of the Sydney Improvised Music Association. 'I wanted to create a really good venue for the scene,' he says. 'One that had a good atmosphere with really good sound on stage that could present the best bands on the scene as often as possible as well as internationals.' Rechniewski built it, and they came. Over the years, Foundry616 has played host to a who's who of established and up-and-coming Australian jazz talent such as James Morrison, The Catholics, Barney McAll, Dale Barlow and Sandy Evans. Then there were the international artists including Lakecia Benjamin, Veronica Swift, Wayne Bergeron and Kamasi Washington. A particular drawcard for many artists was the high-end Yamaha grand piano that Rechniewski installed, which led Kiwi-born jazz icon Mike Nock to make Foundry616 almost his second home for many memorable gigs. 'There was also a period when we were the main site for the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival, and I was then co-artistic director,' says Rechniewski. 'We brought out some really, really good artists who were on the cusp of breakthrough.'
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Legendary music venue shuts its doors
One of Sydney's best-loved jazz venues, Ultimo's Foundry616, is closing its doors after 12 years at the heart of the city's improvised music scene. The Harris St club, founded by local jazz icon Peter Rechniewski, will bring down the curtain on Saturday with a final gig featuring vocalist Anna Weaving. It all started in September 2013 as a 'labour of love', says 74-year-old Rechniewski, also a co-founder of the Sydney Improvised Music Association. 'I wanted to create a really good venue for the scene,' he says. 'One that had a good atmosphere with really good sound on stage that could present the best bands on the scene as often as possible as well as internationals.' Rechniewski built it, and they came. Over the years, Foundry616 has played host to a who's who of established and up-and-coming Australian jazz talent such as James Morrison, The Catholics, Barney McAll, Dale Barlow and Sandy Evans. Then there were the international artists including Lakecia Benjamin, Veronica Swift, Wayne Bergeron and Kamasi Washington. A particular drawcard for many artists was the high-end Yamaha grand piano that Rechniewski installed, which led Kiwi-born jazz icon Mike Nock to make Foundry616 almost his second home for many memorable gigs. 'There was also a period when we were the main site for the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival, and I was then co-artistic director,' says Rechniewski. 'We brought out some really, really good artists who were on the cusp of breakthrough.'
NZ Herald
24-06-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Hurricanes sign Kiwi-born Japan lock Warner Dearns for 2026 season
The Hurricanes have signed Kiwi-born Japanese international Warner Dearns for the 2026 Super Rugby season. The 2.02m , 124kg lock has been allowed a temporary break from his contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus club, in Japan. 'I'm really excited about the opportunity to join the Hurricanes and take on a
