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Find your Sport Nation frequencyCallwood secures first New Zealand victory
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING NZ News desk • July 5th, 2025 9:37 pm
Squire winning the OTL Group Ltd Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa on Saturday | Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Visiting English jumps rider Ellie Callwood secured her first success in New Zealand when she guided promising jumper Squire to victory in the OTL Group Ltd Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa.
Callwood has joined a number of jumps riders from the United Kingdon making their way to New Zealand for winter racing and put her name on the winners list with a superbly judged ride aboard the Peter and Jessica Brosnan-prepared Squire, who was having just his second attempt over fences after scoring narrowly at the venue last month when on his jumps debut.
Callwood had the four-year-old son of Saville Row positioned in midfield throughout as pacemaker English Gambler set a steady pace out in front ahead of Duke Of Plumpton and Abu Dhabi.
That trio kicked clear with 1000m to run and had the rest of the field off the bit as a trio of runners including Squire and race favourite Jerricoop chasing hard to join the fight.
Callwood had Squire firing on all cylinders as he joined issue rounding the home bend and he flew the remining obstacles in the straight to score by nearly ten lengths from Jerricoop who shaded a brave Duke Of Plumpton for the runner-up position.
Jessica Brosnan was thrilled the stable could provide Callwood with her first victory after being instrumental in getting her across to New Zealand for the jumps season.
“We thought he might be a little fresh as he can be a bit naughty, but obviously that is how he likes to go,” Brosnan said.
“I’m just so pleased to get Ellie’s first winner as we have done a lot to get these riders here.
“She emailed and said she wanted to come over and she looked more than adequate for what we need over here and she is finally here, we’ve got her on one of our horses, so it’s just marvellous.”
Brosnan indicated a trip to Christchurch for a race during the Riccarton Grand National Carnival in August could be a path they now take with Squire.
“I’ve been nagging at Peter to let me go to Christchurch as the syndicate of owners just want to have a jumper and travel the country with him, so I reckon he might let me now,” she said.
“I want to go down for the 0-1 win (hurdle) but we will get him home and assess as he’s not very big and is only a four-year-old, but I do want to go to Christchurch.”
The 22-year-old Callwood was elated to get the win at her ninth raceday ride in New Zealand and admitted she was thoroughly enjoying her time here although she was committed to returning to the UK for the winter season there.
“That was brilliant as he just travelled like a real professional,” she said.
“He jumped perfectly, although I thought I got there (the front) a bit soon as he could have won by more.
“It’s taken me a bit (to ride a winner) but we finally got there and it’s a big thanks to Jessica and Pete for letting me ride him as he is a nice horse.
“I’ve had about 110 rides for thirty winners, mainly over chase fences, back home. I’ve just come here for a holiday mainly as I have a retained, sponsored ride at home so I need to be there, but I’m loving it here and would love to come back.”
Bred by well-known Matamata racing identities Karen and Kevin Crawford, the pair share in the ownership of Squire with the Brosnan’s and the Squire Syndicate, with their charge adding his two wins over fences to a success on the flat from just 15 starts. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
