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Williams appointed to NZTR Board; Xcellent’s dam in foal; Dee riding in Macau.

Williams appointed to NZTR Board

Rick Williams is looking forward to the challenge of serving on the Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

The respected general manager of The Oaks Stud has been elected to the position made vacant by the retirement of Joe Walls.

“Stake holders are going through some tough times and I want to make a contribution and get in there and see if I can make a difference,” Williams said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but hopefully I can contribute in a positive way and I appreciate the support and confidence shown in me.”

Xcellent’s dam in foal

Wentwood Grange’s decision to send Excelo to first season sire Ferlax has proved a wise move.

The 21-year-old dam of the two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year and multiple Group One winner Xcellent has scanned in foal to Haunui Farm’s son of Pentire.

“We had considered Ferlax early in the season, but knowing her history and how difficult she can be to get in foal we thought we would keep the float trip as short as possible and walked her out closer to home a couple of times,” Wentwood’s Dean Hawkins said.

“But, we had no luck so we decided to revert to our original idea of sending her to Ferlax and she got in foal first pop. Now all we have to do is keep her that way!”

Dee riding in Macau

Talented teenager Michael Dee is furthering his international racing experience in Macau.

The 18-year-old is representing his country in an invitation apprentice jockeys’ series opening on Friday night and concluding on Saturday.

Dee, who has 94 career wins to his credit, will return to New Zealand on Monday and he will be riding at Awapuni on Tuesday.