Commentators gather to Celebrate Roso’s career
Peter Fenemor • February 16th, 2026 4:13 PM
The annual Palmerston North GRC hosted Commentators Day will be a special occasion with ten race commentators gathering together to call the outstanding 15 race card at the Manawatu Raceway.
There will be a touch of emotion attached to the afternoon which will be a celebration of the outstanding commentary and broadcasting career that Mark Rosanowski has enjoyed since 1987.
Roso will hang up his binoculars after calling the February 27 Palmerston North meeting.
On Tuesday Roso will commentate two races including the Group 2 $20,000 North Island Challenge Stakes, a 457m race that the chasing phenomenon Jerry Cola won last year.
The Dave Fahey and Katie Wyllie prepared Jerry Cola is returning to defend his title as he looks to build on his imposing career record, having won 45 of his 60 races.
“Jerry wasn’t quick out on Thursday; however, he was too good once he got into clear air. He has come through that good and we gave him a hand slip on Friday to complete his preparation for Tuesday,” said Fahey.
Against him will be the recent Auckland Cup winner Paw Bradley for Craig Roberts. He won his only previous 457m race at this venue and he has drawn ideally in the one-trap.
“He has won nicely up there, and he races good at Ascot Park. He’s strong and big enough to hold the rail, although he must stay in touch with the leaders. He can use the nice long home straight up there to wind up late,” advised Roberts.
Lisa Cole has recently returned the 2025 Auckland Cup winner More Magic to the races following a four-month spell. He has returned in emphatic style as seen by his pair of strong 375m and 520m wins.
“More Magic has come back as good as ever. His Friday 520m win (30.06) was like his old self. That race will bring him on further and he has pulled up great,” stated Brendon Cole.
Andy McCook will be the voice heard calling the Group 2 $20,000 Nancy Cobain Memorial over the 720m race distance.
Again, it is an outstanding field of stayers who will contest the event, with the 2024 Commentators Day victor Chief Dribble retuning north for Matt Roberts.
“I was pleased with his 681m win (39.97) two races ago, although he’s going to need to be right on his game in the field of that calibre.
“He’s come through Thursday’s 525m race in good order – he was looking for the next lap,” laughed Roberts.
The Lisa Cole mentored 660m track specialist Johnny Football won this race last year over 720m.
“We haven’t been able to get any staying races for him lately and we’re concerned that he may be slightly underdone for 720m. He is proven, he has had the work, and he will give a good sight on Tuesday,” commented Brendon Cole.
Other stayers in the field who are expected to feature during it includes the Matt Roberts prepared Addington Thursday 732m feature race winner Fox On Fire, along with the consistent Dave Fahey and Katie Wyllie conditioned Opawa Shirley.
