CANTERBURY PARK erupted with excitement on Friday, December 19, as The Australian Turf Club’s Kia Friday Night Racing delivered a spectacular evening of high-octane action across seven fiercely contested races. The spotlight shone on Race 6 – Kia Evening Star, carrying $80,000, which produced a breathtaking finale that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. From the first jump to the last furlong, the night crackled with speed, strategy, and sheer racing brilliance, leaving fans buzzing long after the final race.
The night’s curtain-raiser, Race 1 – Schweppes Handicap, saw WOOTTON WAY, expertly guided by jockey Z T Lloyd and trained by Chris Waller, seize victory ahead of OUR HUNTRESS and MISS LOLA.
Moments later, Race 2 – The Agency Real Estate Plate delivered another surge of excitement as HEREWARD, under jockey A R D Morgan and trainer David Payne, stormed home ahead of VIVA MAURICIO and MAN OF WORTH.
As the night unfolded, Race 3 – Quayclean Handicap showcased tactical brilliance, with MISS HADES taking the win for jockey Ms S Grima and trainer Gary Portelli, narrowly beating O CARA MIA and SISTER SHAY.
Race 4 – Ocean “PLS Bind” Sprint exploded into life as CINSAULT, piloted by T Berry and prepared by Michael Freedman, powered to the line first, with JAEGERS and IL PASSERO completing the podium, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for the latter part of the card.
The middle of the evening saw Race 5 – First Hitotsu Yearlings Handicap turn into a masterclass of youthful energy, as KENMARE BAY, guided by D Gibbons and trained by John O’Shea & Tom Charlton, outpaced HOW MUCH BETTER and MIRRA IMPACT in a display that had fans and onlookers cheering in unison.
The feature Race 6 – Kia Evening Star at 8:30pm was nothing short of spectacular. ZULFIQAR, expertly guided by C Schofield for trainer Richard Litt, surged past VIS I DO and ME ME, delivering a performance that combined timing, precision, and sheer power. Owners R Litt, V Multari, D Hardy, J Foxe and others celebrated a memorable victory that capped off the night’s intensity.
The night concluded with Race 7 – Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap, where PLEASURE ARTIST, ridden by B Nock and trained by Richard & Will Freedman, clinched victory over ECLAIR ENCORE and EXISTENTIAL BOB, sending the Canterbury crowd home on a high note.
With the festive lights shimmering and cheers still echoing, the atmosphere was electric, a perfect close to 2025’s final meeting at Canterbury Park. The Australian Turf Club will now turn its focus to 2026, with Kia New Year’s Day Twilight Racing set to resume on January 1, promising another season of speed, skill, and unforgettable moments.
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