While Churmatt will continue to wear the silks of Raptors Thoroughbreds at Ellerslie on Saturday, an additional set of OTI clients will cheer him on from various Australian and NZ locations, having recently acquired an interest in the 3-year-old son of Churchill.
Churmatt has stepped out at the races twice in the hands of premier trainer Stephen Marsh. On debut, he was a dominant 3-length winner at Rotorua, leading throughout before clearing away from his rivals in the straight.
Stepped straight up to Listed level for the Wanganui Guineas as his second start, he was asked to make a sustained three-wide run from the 600m. In doing so, he gave the multiple Listed winner Platinum Diamond the perfect cart into the race. That filly proved a little strong over the concluding stages, relegating Churmatt to a promising 2nd-placing.
Churmatt finishes 2nd in the Wanganui Guineas in August.
Churmatt steps up to the 1400m for the first time in contesting Saturday’s 3yo race at Ellerslie, with legendary NZ-jockey Opie Bosson taking the ride on Saturday from barrier 2. A forward showing would likely see the horse enjoy a break across the latter spring, with the summer/autumn targeted. He is eligible for the 3yo Karaka Millions in January, prior to him seeking a slot in the 2026 Kiwi in March. Following those targets, a move to Australia for the remainder of his 3yo career and beyond would be likely.
We look forward to the journey ahead to all connected with Churmatt this Saturday.