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Castelvecchio, Written Tycoon join new-look Arrowfield roster

Written by
7 min read
Arrowfield Stud's stallion roster will take on a different look in 2020, with dual Group 1 winner Castelvecchio retired from the track at the peak of his powers and Written Tycoon drafted from Victoria to fill a gap left when a decision was made not to shuttle three stallions from Japan.

Arrowfield Chairman John Messara admits the decision to call quits on Castelvecchio's racetrack career was a very difficult one for him personally, with the Arrowfield-owned colt initially aimed at winning the G1 Cox Plate in the spring.

But commercial considerations, plus the fact the new stallion would be presented with an outstanding book of mares in his debut season alongside his own sire Dundeel (NZ), meant it was too good an opportunity to pass up and he will debut at $33,000 (inc GST).

"We decided to retire Castelvecchio prematurely. We had big hopes of winning that Cox Plate after his effort last year when he was second," Messara told TDN AusNZ.

"It was a really hard decision for me, because I'm getting on in age a bit and I thought this was the chance to win a Cox Plate. He was spelling beautifully here and was ready to go back into pre-training next week. But the pragmatic approach tells us that he will get the best opportunity he will ever get at stud this year.

"The pragmatic approach tells us that he will get the best opportunity he will ever get at stud this year. " - John Messara

"Because of the circumstances where we have a lot of free mares that would suit that horse. There are a lot of Danehill-line mares that would have otherwise gone to other stallions that aren't here. He's going to get a once in a lifetime launch, Castelvecchio, already we have 50-60 bookings from shareholders. It’s not going to be difficult to fill him up and make sure he gets a really good start in his life at stud."

Messara would have loved to see him [Castelvecchio] race on

Messara the businessman knows it was the right rein to pull, but Messara the racehorse owner can't help thinking about Castelvecchio adding to his successes in the G1 Champagne S. and G1 Rosehill Guineas.

"In the end from a business point of view, it’s the right thing to do, but from an emotional point of view I would have loved to race him on. He had a lot left to do. He was sound, he was well, and I reckon a couple of those lead-ups into the Cox Plate would have been a beautiful program for him as well as the race itself," he said.

A new future is Written

Written Tycoon is the other addition after an agreement was made with Woodside Park to move him to the Hunter Valley, having served in Victoria for all but one year of his 13-season breeding career to date.

He will make his Arrowfield debut at a very attractive fee of $77,000 (inc GST), a substantial drop on the $110,000 he stood for in 2019 and being Danehill-free is set to get a very good book of mares.

Written Tycoon will head to Arrowfield Stud this year

"We spoke to Woodside Park and they could see merit in moving him this year to us and getting access to those Hunter Valley mares including our own. He will get a very good pick of mares here," Messara said.

"The stud and the shareholders will do well out of it, and it’s good for us, because we want to use him. He's another one who is free of Danehill, which is one of the issues we have with the Arrowfield broodmares.

"He will get a wonderful opportunity here and we are going to use him extensively with some of our best mares." - John Messara

"We are always looking for outcrosses to mate them with. He will get a wonderful opportunity here and we are going to use him extensively with some of our best mares. I'm confident he's going to be well received in the marketplace. We are taking a lot of bookings already and the ink is barely dry."

Japanese agreement on hiatus

The need to draft in two stallions, one off the track and one from elsewhere, arose when it was mutually agreed with the Shadai Stallion Station to put a hold on shuttling their stallions for 12 months until the uncertainty around COVID-19 dissipates.

Last year, Arrowfield stood three Japanese stallions, Mikki Isle (Jpn), Maurice (Jpn) and Real Steel (Jpn).

The three Japanese stallions including Real Steel (Jpn) (pictured) will not come over this year

"We mutually agreed that we would give the Japanese horses a rest this year. We were unsure whether we could get them here and we were unsure about whether they could get back there," Messara said.

"We thought it was all too hard so let's give them a year off. It won't do them any harm. We'll resume again next year and hopefully by then it will all be clear."

Also a notable absentee on the roster is Not A Single Doubt, whose progeny have enjoyed an amazing past 12 months, but who has been retired from stud duties due to health reasons.

Snitzel fee drops

The other significant change on the Arrowfield Stud roster was the reduction in fee for three-time Champion Australian Sire Snitzel, who drops from $220,000 (inc GST) to $165,000 (inc GST).

With Snitzel currently on target for a fourth straight sires title. Messara said the reduction was certainly no reflection of the quality of the stallion.

Snitzel's fee will drop to $165,000 (inc GST)

"It’s purely based on economic conditions, the horse can do no more. He's won three-in-a-row and he's leading in a fourth. To some extent, I feel the market takes him for granted, they just expect him to be there," he said.

"I thought in the economic conditions we have at the moment, we’d make him as attractive as we could and we thought we'd take him down to $150,000 plus GST, which is genuinely attractive to someone wanting to breed to Australia's Champion Sire."

"It’s purely based on economic conditions, the horse can do no more. He's won three-in-a-row and he's leading in a fourth." - John Messara

For similar reasons, another son of Redoute's Choice, The Autumn Sun, has had a slight reduction in fee from $77,000 (inc GST) in his first season to $66,000 (inc GST) this year.

Pariah, also a son of the great Redoute's Choice, has had a price cut in his third season from $22,000 (inc GST) to $16,500 (inc GST).

Dundeel (NZ) ($66,000 inc GST), Shalaa (Ire) ($33,000 inc GST) and Showtime ($11,000 inc GST) remain at their 2019 fees, while Scissor Kick has remained in France where he shuttles to Haras d'Etreham.

1/5

Light at the end of the tunnel

Messara said he felt that there was a degree of positivity creeping back into the thoroughbred industry ahead of the 2020 breeding season.

"I think we are all starting to feel that we are getting on top of the virus as a nation and that will create more opportunities for lessening of the restrictions. I think it is putting people in a far more positive frame of mind," he said.

"I think people are saying this is coming to an end and it can start to grow again. We know that the governments are going to be very active in reflating the economy, so we are hoping that it flows on into the horse industry."

John Messara

Woodside Park looks to boost breeders by dropping stallion fees

Written by
4 min read
Woodside Park Stud has reduced its fees for the four stallions on its roster for 2020 and is confident it can work together with breeders to ensure the Victorian industry can negotiate its way through the broader economic challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Written Tycoon heading to the Hunter Valley to stand at Arrowfield Stud, the roster is headed by proven Group 1-producing stallion Foxwedge, whose 2020 fee will be $11,000 (inc GST), down from $16,500 in 2019.

Cable Bay (Ire), whose first Southern Hemisphere crop will hit the track in 2020/21, will shuttle to Victoria again and stands at a reduced rate of $9900 (inc GST), Tosen Stardom's (Jpn) third season at stud will be at $12,100 (inc GST), while Written Tycoon's son Rich Enuff, whose first crop has produced four winners, will stand for $8800 (inc GST).

Rich Enuff's first crop has produced four winners so far

Woodside Park CEO James Price told TDN AusNZ that it was crucial for stallion farms to understand the pressure that many breeders were under and adjust their prices accordingly.

"There is no doubt that we are in a challenging time for the industry. We have recognised that it is not just a challenging time in 2020, it is going to be a challenge for everyone going forward and we need to look out for each other," he said.

"I think it's important for stallion farms to keep broodmare owners breeding, because without broodmare owners, there is no requirement for stallions."

"I think it's important for stallion farms to keep broodmare owners breeding, because without broodmare owners, there is no requirement for stallions." - James Price

Price said that with 40 per cent of Victorian-based breeders considered to be hobbyists, there was an additional pressure on stallion farms to get it right when it came to setting their fees for the 2020 season.

"When the economy hits a downturn, the first thing that goes is luxury items, and racehorses can fit into that category. We need to keep people breeding for the benefit of our industry and we feel that the prices of our stallions are very, very competitive and recognise this time that we are in," he said.

James Price (centre)

"We are a bit more exposed here in Victoria and it's the way the Victorian industry is made up and the type of breeders we have. It’s up to us to try and support them through these difficult times and try and keep them breeding. It's been a very fruitful industry for the past decade and there has been great opportunities and great rewards for people, but it’s now time to support each other."

While Written Tycoon won't stand in Victoria in 2020, Price says he is far from lost to Woodside, who are very much looking forward to seeing what he can achieve with Arrowfield as part of an ongoing partnership between the two studs.

"Under no circumstances has Written Tycoon been lost to Woodside Park. There has been no ownership change." - James Price

"Under no circumstances has Written Tycoon been lost to Woodside Park. There has been no ownership change. I think it's incredibly exciting to join an alliance with probably Australia's best stud in Arrowfield," he said.

"First and foremost what Arrowfield can do to support Written Tycoon with their very strong broodmare band, but into the future to have an alliance with Arrowfield, there are great opportunities not just for Woodside but all of Victoria."

Woodside Park is very much excited about its current roster and Price said the fee reductions reflected the uncertainty of the times and not the prospects of the four stallions on offer.

"The fees that we have set for 2020 are not a reflection of the horses themselves, it’s a reflection of the current economic environment," he said.

"We feel we've hit the mark quite well with our fees. Our roster is at an exciting stage with a proven stallion in Foxwedge and three younger stallions.

1/3

"We’ve got Rich Enuff, who has just hit the board with his fourth winner. We’ve got Foxwedge, who gets stakes winner after stakes winner, he's a very proven commercial product. Cable Bay's 2-year-olds are going to fly on the track at the end of this year. Tosen Stardom's oldest stock, which are weanlings, are outstanding physicals.

"We look forward to supporting broodmare owners through these difficult times which we feel will continue for the next couple of years."

In terms of reductions for the younger trio of stallions, Tosen Stardom drops over $7000 from his 2019 fee of $19,250 (inc GST), Cable Bay drops from $13,200 to $9900 and Rich Enuff from $12,100 (inc GST) to $8800 (inc GST).

Growth in racing audience a huge opportunity in time of crisis

Written by
9 min read
Through the myriad of challenges posed for the thoroughbred industry by the COVID-19 crisis, the one significant opportunity to arise is for racing broadcasters to grow their audiences to a much broader base as the only live game in town.

Australia's two key racing broadcasters, Sky Racing and Racing.com, have reported significant surge in viewership and engagement during the COVID-19 lockdowns, especially around feature Saturday meetings, with a broader sporting audience attracted to live racing in the absence of other live sporting events.

Everyone you speak to in the thoroughbred industry speaks of the importance of the fact that racing has continued in every state except Tasmania, but while keeping the commercial wheels of the industry turning is crucial, attracting a new fan base could play a major role in building a more prosperous future.

Tabcorp's Executive General Manager - Media and International, Darren Pearce, who oversees all of Sky Racing's operations, said the opportunity to reach bigger audiences in this time is one the industry can not afford to waste.

"I think across Australia and the world there has been suspension of most live sporting events and racing events. That means there is a significant opportunity for Australian racing given we have got great leadership in Australian racing and they’ve been able to win the confidence of government and the community to race on," he told TDN AusNZ.

"It’s given Australian racing the opportunity to be in the spotlight for the world sporting audience." - Darren Pearce

"It’s given Australian racing the opportunity to be in the spotlight for the world sporting audience, not just the Australian sporting audience and off the back of that we have had massive engagement from sports fans around the world.

"What we would hope is that firstly, it is keeping Australian racing fans engaged, but it is also creating some new fans for racing, who will support the industry going forward, both here and abroad."

Darren Pearce (right) | Image by Matt Coughlan courtesy of AAP Photos

Key audience metrics surge

Quantifying that surge in interest, Pearce said the growth in numbers was evident across all platforms, subscription broadcast, digital broadcast and radio.

"Sky has been the number one channel on Foxtel for the last five Saturdays in a row and the audience figures for the Sydney carnival just concluded were up 36 per cent year-on-year. When you look back and see last year was Winx's farewell, and that was a national event and had huge ratings at the time, to be up another 36 per cent on that, is significant," he said.

"Last year was Winx's farewell, and that was a national event and had huge ratings at the time, to be up another 36 per cent on that, is significant." - Darren Pearce

"Even on our biggest days, our digital audience through the TAB App, it would be rare to go over 500,000 hits, but on Day 1 of The Championships, we had over 1 million hits for Sky vision on the TAB App.

"We've got almost 100,000 downloads of our newly active, Sky Racing Active platform while radio has been strengthening year on year. Across radio, TV and digital, there has been growth on all platforms, setting new benchmarks every time we front up. What that probably tells you, with the momentum that has been built, is that we are connecting to sports fans, and they are sticking and bringing friends with them because the growth curve is continuing."

The growth in live streaming numbers is mirrored by growing engagement in our race-day broadcasts on free-to-air and pay TV | Image by Darren England courtesy of AAP Photos

Racing.com, which primarily broadcasts Victorian and South Australian racing, is also reporting a surge in users, particularly on its live stream, with a 122 per cent growth in users year on year in March. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Catterall said the growth of audience on a national level was an endorsement of the attraction of thoroughbred racing to a broader audience.

"The growth in live streaming numbers is mirrored by growing engagement in our race-day broadcasts on free-to-air and pay TV, as people turn to racing for entertainment in the absence of other live sports," Catterall said.

"The industry has done a great job enforcing strict COVID protocols onto racecourses, and we have been able to work with our broadcast partners TRP, Gravity and our studio here at the AFL, to find innovative new ways to deliver highly engaging race-day broadcasts with less people and technology on the racecourse."

Strict COVID protocols meant broadcasters have had to find innovative new ways to deliver highly engaging race-day broadcasts | Image by Albert Perez courtesy of AAP Photos

Global reach at an all-time high

Sky Racing has the prime responsibility for expanding Australian racing to an international audience and with a void in live sports and racing globally, its reach has never been so broad.

"We are now distributing Australian racing to 65 countries around the world with an average weekend audience of 65 million people, which is fantastic, through our Sky International audience," Pearce said.

"We are now distributing Australian racing to 65 countries around the world with an average weekend audience of 65 million people." - Darren Pearce

"We are going to countries we have never been to before such as Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium and even Russia with Australian racing. It is great to be able to have quality content and for Australian racing to have put in place the protocols to allow it to continue and we’re blessed to have the opportunity to take it to the world."

Adapting to new circumstances and a new audience

With the opportunity comes the challenge of ensuring the product is being presented in a way to facilitate maximum engagement with these new audiences.

Biosecurity protocols have prevented Sky Racing from many of the initiatives it would have usually taken with such an opportunity, but it continues to pursue ways of using innovation to engage with both existing and new audiences.

Biosecurity protocols have prevented Sky Racing from many of the initiatives it would have usually taken | Image by David Moir courtesy of AAP Photos

"The problem that COVID presents logistically is that there are strict biosecurity protocols on racetracks around the country. So that means our ability to change the broadcast is restricted because we can only have minimal staff on course to comply with the protocols." Pearce said.

"Certainly there is an opportunity to do something using new technology and using distribution to be innovative and our team has been incredible at doing that. We’ve set-up a whole raft of remote broadcast solutions, we are doing form shows from people's lounge rooms and studies and stitching that together across the country.

"We’ve set-up a whole raft of remote broadcast solutions." - Darren Pearce

"We’ve got studios in Melbourne, Sydney, French's Forest, Brisbane and broadcasters here, there and everywhere and we have been able to stitch together quality broadcasts. Where people would generally come together in a central studio or race track, we have had to do things differently because of COVID and the innovation and technology that has been adopted by the team has allowed us to continue to broadcast engaging content and showcase racing incredibly well."

Sky working on a free-to-air offering

With pubs, clubs and agencies closed, Sky Racing's reach in Australia is restricted to those who either have Foxtel or can view its channels via apps or websites. Racing.com, on the other hand, has a free-to-air television platform to showcase its racing product, completed by live streaming through its app and website.

Sky Racing are working on a free-to-air offering | Image by Vince Caligiuri courtesy of AAP Photos

The Seven Network, who broadcast The Championships, confirmed on Thursday it will give additional free-to-air exposure on its main channels to thoroughbred racing in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland over the next seven weeks while Pearce said Tabcorp is working closely with networks to broker a deal which would get its Thoroughbred Central product onto a free-to-air.

"For those fans who enjoy Sky Racing and can't get it, we are working with the networks at the moment to see if there is an opportunity to get Thoroughbred Central out to those people and to continue to grow racing's audience, or keep those people who can’t go to a pub or club or local agency engaged," Pearce said.

"We are working with a couple of networks at the moment to see if we can stand that opportunity up and to grow racing fans and keep racing fans engaged."

An opportunity not to be missed

While there may be interstate competition across broadcasters, with Sky Racing and Racing.com currently in a heated battle for the future broadcast rights to Queensland racing, they are united by the sense of purpose and opportunity in the current environment.

Sky Racing and Racing.com are currently in a heated battle for the future broadcast rights to Queensland racing | Image by Vince Caligiuri courtesy of AAP Photos

Pearce, formerly a long-term Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Turf Club, says it is an opportunity which can't be missed.

"Racing has the chance to be the sport in the spotlight for the Australian sports loving public, not just the racing public. The big opportunity for racing now is to convert those new fans who are tuned in to racing because it is the only live sport going, to ensure they stick with racing. That is the real growth engine for racing into the future," he said.

"Here's a unique scenario for racing to be on the pedestal for sports fans. We have to do what we can to encourage those new people to racing and get them to stick." - Darren Pearce

"Usually the Australian sporting landscape is very fragmented, where you have racing on at the same time as rugby league or AFL or cricket or whatever else. We are a sports loving nation and we usually have significant competition for the sports fans' attention. Here's a unique scenario for racing to be on the pedestal for sports fans. We have to do what we can to encourage those new people to racing and get them to stick."

Sale Standouts: Group 1 producers

Written by
4 min read
In today’s Sale Standouts, TDN AusNZ highlights three mares in the Inglis Chairman’s Sale catalogue who have produced Group 1 winners.

Lot 25 – Admirable (Magic Albert x Starglow Express)

Offered by Monarch Stud in foal to Exceed And Excel

View pedigree

This mare has a 100 per cent record at stud with all four of her foals to race successful and the jewel in the crown is the G1 Goodwood H. and G1 Memsie S. winner Vega Magic (Lope De Vega {Ire}), also a three-time Group 3 winner. Their dam won on two occasions, including one as a 2-year-old, and she is a daughter of Starglow Express (Danewin) whose dam is a sister to the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Century Miss (Century).

More recent form in this family is produced by the outstanding sprinter Pierata, successful in the G1 All-Aged S. and recently to stud, and the Group 3 winners November Flight (Flying Spur) and Ashokan (More Than Ready {USA}).

Lot 25 - Admirable

“Born and raised at Monarch Stud, Admirable has always been a magnificent specimen from the outset. She is a strong, correct individual with a brilliant temperament - qualities that she seems to pass on to each of her offspring. She has a fantastic produce record and it’s very rare for any mare to produce a horse of the class of Vega Magic. To further add to Admirable’s appeal, her two daughters that have been to stud have both produced winners with their first foals, with her third daughter, Vega Dior, in foal to Lonhro.” - Kieran Falvey, Monarch Stud

Lot 35 – Cleanup (Dehere {USA}) x Feather Duster)

Offered by Glenesk Thoroughbreds in foal to The Autumn Sun

View pedigree

Cleanup was a speedy type who was a dual winner as a 2-year-old and she’s achieved fame as the dam of the quirky but highly-talented mare Nettoyer (Sebring). She won three times at Group 3 level before she claimed major honours in the G1 Doncaster H.

Also the dam of three other winners, Cleanup is a sibling to the G3 Newcastle Tibbie S. winner She’s Clean (Redoute’s Choice) and they are out of Feather Duster (End Sweep {USA}). Her half-brother Kinshasa No Kiseki (Fuji Kiseki {Jpn}) was a champion sprinter-miler in Japan to add an international flavour to the pedigree. The G1 Schweppes Oaks winner Abbey Marie (Redoute’s Choice) and her sister Absolutely, who won the G1 Australian Oaks, add further top-flight domestic form.

Lot 35 - Cleanup

“A high-class proven broodmare via the deeds of her recent Group 1 winning daughter Nettoyer, it is important to point out how well her immediate family has already worked with Redoute’s Choice via her half-sister Group 3 winner She’s Clean (by Redoute’s Choice) and half-brother Floyd (by Not A Single Doubt), as well as Group 1 winners Absolutely and Abbey Marie, both by Redoute’s Choice. Considering this, the fact that she is in-foal to such a top-class son of Redoute’s Choice in The Autumn Sun has the potential to be very significant.” - Brett Howard, Glenesk Thoroughbreds.

Lot 90 – Miss Barley (Fastnet Rock x Wheatland Lady {USA)

Offered by J. Erkelens, not in foal

View pedigree

This mare was unraced and has found Group glory through the deeds of her high-class son Gytrash (Lope De Vega {Ire}). He was a Group 3 winner before he was triumphant in the G1 Lightning S. and his impressive resume also features elite level placings in the William Reid S. and the Newmarket H.

Miss Barley is a half-sister to the Listed Keith McKay S. winner Strawberry Storm (Thunder Gulch {USA}) and also under the first dam is the stakes winner Goodfella (Snitzel). Another well-performed Australian family member is the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup winner Strawberry Boy (Redoute’s Choice) and Tippitaka (Red Ransom {USA}) who won the Magic Millions Trophy. While in New Zealand, the G2 Challenge S. winner and G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S. winner and sire Danroad has made his mark.

Lot 90 - Miss Barley

TAB locks in Nature Strip for The Everest

3 min read

By Bren O'Brien

Four-time Group 1 winning sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) has been assured another shot at Australia's richest race, The Everest, after the TAB locked him in with its slot.

The rising 6-year-old is the first runner confirmed for the race, having finished fourth in the 2019 edition when he ran under James Harron's slot.

Since that point he has established himself as Australia's leading sprinter winning both the G1 VRC Sprint Classic and the G1 TJ Smith S. with ease thanks to scorching front-running performances.

TAB, who had Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}) finish second in its slot last year, did not hesitate in locking Nature Strip away as its pick.

“Each year the race continues to grow in popularity and we are proud to have been involved from the beginning," Tabcorp Managing Director Wagering and Media, Adam Rytenskild said

“We went so close with our slot when Santa Ana Lane ran a great second last year and we are confident Nature Strip is the horse to beat this year. We look forward to involving our customers along the journey to race day.”

"We are confident Nature Strip is the horse to beat this year. We look forward to involving our customers along the journey to race day.” - Adam Rytenskild

Trainer Chris Waller won the race last year with 3-year-old Yes Yes Yes (Rubick), who has been subsequently retired to stand at Coolmore Stud, and is looking forward to Nature Strip leading the charge for him in 2020,

“It’s really exciting to partner with TAB who have been supporters of The Everest for a long time,” Waller said.

“I’m confident the learnings from Nature Strip competing in The Everest last year will go a long way in 2020.

“With this partnership in place, we can now build a plan for the remainder of the year to give us the best possible chance of success.”

Nature Strip | Image by Dan Himbrechts courtesy of AAP Photos

Nature Strip has blossomed since arriving at Waller's stables at the start of 2019. He has won six of 11 starts under the Rosehill trainer including four at Group 1 level.

His first Group 1 success came in The Galaxy in March 2019 and he followed that up with victory in the Moir S. at Moonee Valley last September. He led up The Everest field before being swamped late but then thrashed his rivals by 3.25l in the VRC Sprint Classic.

His autumn campaign included a dominant 3l win in the G2 Challenge S. at Randwick and then another all-the-way cruise by 2l in the G1 TJ Smith S. defeating defending champion Santa Ana Lane and dual The Everest winner Redzel (Snitzel).

Managing Owner Rod Lyons told Sky Racing that he would not be surprised if there is further improvement in Nature Strip.

“The horse has matured, getting bigger and stronger and all those together with Chris’s wonderful patience and expertise have really turned the horse into what we are seeing at the moment,” Lyons said.

The Everest is scheduled to be run on October 17 at Randwick.

TDN Job Board

2 min read

To have your job featured on the TDN Job Board, contact advertising@tdnausnz.com.au.

Segenhoe Stud: Foaling Manager

Segenhoe Stud is looking for a highly motivated person for the position of Foaling Manager for the upcoming breeding season.

This is a full-time position and will require the successful person to assimilate into normal stud duties in the off season.

To be successful you will need to have the following skills: -

• Extensive experience in foaling down and neo-natal after care is essential

• Extensive experience in the administration of medication (IV, oral & IM)

• Extensive experience with problem foalings

• The ability to manage a small team and interact easily and professionally with management and co-workers

• The ability to maintain accurate records

• Excellent horse handling skills

• The ability to manage and execute a farrier program and interact with consulting farriers and veterinarians

• The ability to adhere to WHS policies and guidelines

An extremely competitive remuneration package including accommodation will be offered to the successful applicant.

Application will close by 22nd May 2020

Successful applicants will be expected to commence by 1st July 2020

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence

If you think you would be a great asset to our team please forward your application, resume and reference to brian.clarke@segenhoegroup.com.au

Coronavirus Daily Update: NZ plan confirmed for racing's return

7 min read

Compiled by Paul Vettise

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has confirmed its plan and funding model when racing returns from its coronavirus-forced break on July 3.

With the assistance of working groups of trainers and clubs, NZTR has developed a return to racing program, which includes a flat stakes level of NZ$15,000 for all races at 13 meetings during July.

In addition, the following initiatives will also be introduced with the focus on reducing costs and spreading returns for owners:

- To ensure a wider distribution of stakes to more owners, payments will be made back to 14th.

- No nomination/acceptance fees for any starters.

- Meetings scheduled to be held closer to the horse population.

- Race programming during July only will allow for open nominations to ensure those horses entered are able to gain a start.

A return to racing in New Zealand includes a flat stakes level of NZ$15,000 for all races at 13 meetings during July

“We understand that this is a different approach, but NZTR recognised this as an opportunity to provide some innovation and flexibility around the payment of stakes to owners, trainers and jockeys during July,” NZTR said in a statement.

“Confirmation of RITA’s transitional funding to the codes follows discussions with codes and industry consultation on a draft racing calendar for a resumption of racing.

“The distribution from RITA reflects the reduced racing over the period and the phased return to racing for each code.”

“The distribution from RITA reflects the reduced racing over the period and the phased return to racing for each code.” - NZTR Statement

NZTR and the other codes are also working with RITA on funding and race dates for the 2020/21 season and further updates on these issues will be provided in the future.

“This has been a testing time for all our participants and NZTR thanks you for your patience while we have worked through this process for the resumption of racing in July,” NZTR said.

New Zealand horses are back in training under alert Level 3

“It was pleasing to see our horses back at the training track under alert Level 3 this week and we appreciate the work of those at the coalface who are implementing the protocols at training tracks and race clubs across the country.

“We will continue to keep you informed through regular communication on our website and weekly updates from the CEO via our social channels.”

Latest from the US

Hoping for May return

Courtesy of TDN America

Santa Anita will target May 15 for the resumption of live racing under strict protocols with no fans present, according to a letter issued by track management Wednesday.

The TDN obtained a copy of the letter, which was sent to Greg Avioli, the President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California; Alan Balch, the Executive Director of California Thoroughbred Trainers; and Darrell Haire, Regional Manager of the Jockeys’ Guild.

Officials at Santa Anita said that they would have no comment in time for the deadline for the story.

Santa Anita could resume racing on May 15 | Image courtesy of Horsephotos

“Santa Anita Park will be issuing a condition book on Thursday, April 30, targeting May 15 for the resumption of live racing under strict protocols, including the exclusion of spectators,” the letter, which is signed by Aidan Butler, the Executive Director of California Racing Operations for the Stronach Group, reads. “This coincides with the expiration of LA County’s current Safer-At-Home order and following California Governor Gavin Newsom’s comments on Tuesday that the state could begin to relax the current COVID-19 restrictions in the next few weeks.”

“As businesses throughout the state are preparing to gradually reopen, horse racing is unique as we cannot literally open the doors the moment orders are relaxed." - Aidan Butler

The letter continues, “As businesses throughout the state are preparing to gradually reopen, horse racing is unique as we cannot literally open the doors the moment orders are relaxed. Horsemen need time to plan, which is why the tentative date is being put forth. It would be derelict of us to not give you as much notice as possible, with your understanding it is still a contingency plan. Additionally, the plan presented to County officials is logistically complex and it will take Santa Anita up to two weeks to resume operations with the guidelines in place.”

Santa Anita has put forth a plan to Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and the LA County Health Department officials, which would see them operating under rigid safety and social-distancing protocols, and the letter says that Santa Anita could only open if the county’s stay-at-home order is lifted May 15.

Confidence growing

With Lone Star Park announcing that it will open its stable area May 4 and with Texas Governor Greg Abbott going ahead with aggressive plans to re-open the state’s businesses, Texas horsemen have said they are confident that racing will resume shortly at Lone Star Park. And there may even be fans in the stands to greet racing’s return.

Lone Star Park | Image courtesy of Horsephotos

There has been no racing in Texas since March 28, when Sam Houston ended its meet ahead of schedule. The Lone Star meet was set to begin April 16, but the track was forced to close because of the coronavirus. The first sign that racing could resume within the next few weeks came Tuesday when Lone Star made the announcement that it was ready to open its stable area.

“Everyone is feeling a lot more certain that we are on the right path to racing again." - Mary Ruyle

“Everyone is feeling a lot more certain that we are on the right path to racing again,” said Mary Ruyle, the executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association. “Using proper safety protocols, we think we can begin live racing before the end of May with no spectators and then adding a limited number of spectators and go from there.”

Lone Star Park President and General Manager Scott Wells sent a statement to the TDN, which, read, in part: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates on additional new procedures and restrictions as well as our intended opening in the coming days and weeks.”

Backstretch go-ahead

Churchill Downs has been cleared by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to open its backstretch area on May 11 so long as the track adheres to enhanced pandemic precautions approved by the state.

Andy Beshear in 2019 | Image courtesy of Getty Images

Beshear announced the clearance Wednesday at his daily COVID-19 video press conference as part of a phased-in reopening for various state industries. Churchill followed up about an hour later with a press release that included specifics pertinent to horsemen.

Neither Beshear nor the track pinpointed an exact date for the return of live racing. But the Churchill release stated “it will be staged at a minimum of four days per week,” Thursday through Sunday.

Latest from Europe

Visitors excluded

Courtesy of TDN Europe

Deutscher Galopp has announced that no runners trained outside Germany will be allowed to race in the country before the end of May.

German racing is set to resume behind closed doors on Monday, May 4 at Dortmund. The first Pattern races, the G2 Carl Jespers Preis and the G3 Cologne Classic, will be held the following Friday in Cologne.

The Richard Hannon-trained Fox Champion won last year’s Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen | Image courtesy of Racing Post

British-based trainer Karl Burke had been hoping to send a runner for each of those contests but, following an announcement by the German racing authority on Wednesday, he will not be permitted to do so.

A statement on the Deutscher Galopp website confirmed that overseas horses will be prevented from racing in the short term. It read, “After discussions with the authorities, horses trained abroad will not be allowed to race until May 31, 2020; the Presidium will regularly reassess the overall situation and will review it again by May 15, 2020 at the latest.”

Record return for largest Inglis Digital Sale

4 min read

The largest catalogue in Inglis Digital’s history concluded on Thursday evening, with a record gross of $4.14 million and 420 lots sold for a clearance rate of 77.4%. The top lot, a half-sister to the dam of exciting 2-year-old Isotope, was secured by Craig Rounsefell for $170,000.

The sale was topped by Kingstar Farm-consigned mare Conducir, offered in foal to Capitalist and bought by Boomer Bloodstock and Daandine Stud for $170,000.

“It was a fantastic result to purchase Conducir for Daandine Stud,” Boomer Bloodstock’s Craig Rounsefell said.

“I was on the phone to Daandine Stud’s principal Jan Clark throughout the final hour of the sale as we exchanged bids with our competition, before coming out on top at $170,000. The purchase was close to home for Daandine Stud as we purchased Conducir’s half-sister Great Danasaar in 2016 in $80,000 and her first foal is the extremely exciting, unbeaten 2-year-old Isotope."

Craig Rounsefell (right)

“We have a lot of confidence in the family and Jan was very keen to have another half-sister to Yankee Rose in her broodmare band, plus Conducir will be easy to mate as she is free of Danehill. The Daandine Stud program is completely focused on producing top class two-year-olds, so this goal will be factored into the mating. She is in-foal to Capitalist, so that is a good start," Rounsefell said.

"The purchase was close to home for Daandine Stud as we purchased Conducir’s half-sister Great Danasaar in 2016 in $80,000 and her first foal is the extremely exciting, unbeaten 2-year-old Isotope." - Craig Rounsefell

Rousnsefell and Daandine Stud have partnered up for success in the past with when purchasing the broodmare Kitalpha in 2012. After foaling a quality Written Tycoon colt, they purchased her half-sister Quality Impulse.

"The Written Tycoon colt turned out to be Capitalist, who won the Golden Slipper, while Quality Impulse has been a good producer, with recent Hong Kong winner Victoriam," said Rounsefell.

Two lots topped the Race Fillies category at $105,000, Dark Confidant (Pierro) and Wimlah (Sebring), bought by Neil Jenkinson and Torryburn Stud respectively.

Wimlah is a full sister to Group 2 placed Serena Bay, out of WA Listed winner Caiguna (Dubai Destination) and was offered by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott on behalf of the ownership group.

“We were able to once again see the benefits of the Inglis Digital platform,” Adrian Bott said.

“We had two nice prospects reach a diverse platform of buyers, with Hey Mighty being purchased to continue his racing career in Hong Kong ($85,000) and Wimlah being recognised as a nice breeding prospect by the Cornish family of Torryburn Stud."

Conducir’s half-sister Great Danasaar is the dam of Isotope (pictured)

Linda Treloar experienced her first Inglis Digital Online Sale and sold three out of four of her yearlings catalogued for the Inglis Gold Sale, including her Sooboog colt out of Mar Mara for $25,000.

“I didn’t expect this kind of result at all – I bought him for just $3000 from the Inglis Australian Broodmare and Weanling Sale last year so it’s turned out to be a great pinhook.

“I had a really smooth experience with the whole Inglis Digital process, it’s definitely a platform I’ll continue to use going forward. Honestly I was blown away by the response.”

Inglis Digital Business Manager Nick Melmeth was delighted with the sale results.

“It was a very strong sale," Melmeth said. "We were concerned that the large volume of entries might compromise the sale but the quality of lots were readily found across all categories and competition was spirited.

“Incredibly we had 400 new registered bidders since last Friday, when the catalogue went live.

“I think selling techniques of vendors are evolving all the time but again it was very evident through this sale that buyers bid with more confidence when information is readily disclosed and quality photos/videos are provided.”

2020 Announced Stallion Fees

1 min read

To have your stallions service fee included please email olivia@tdnausnz.com.au

Adelaide (Ire)Galileo (Ire)Coolmore Australia$8800$11,000
Akeed Mofeed (GB)Dubawi (Ire)Swettenham Stud$16,500$16,500
American Pharoah (USA)Pioneerof The Nile (USA)Coolmore Australia$55,000$66,000
ArdrossanRedoute's ChoiceWaikato Stud (NZ)NZ$3000 + GSTNZ$8000
AsternMedaglia D'Oro (USA)Darley, Kelvinside$22,000$33,000
Belardo (Ire)Lope De Vega (Ire)Darley/Haunui FarmNZ$10,000 + GSTNZ$12,000
Blue Point (Ire) **Shamardal (USA)Darley, Northwood Park$44,000-
Brazen BeauI Am InvincibleDarley, Northwood Park$49,500$49,500
Brutal **O’ReillyNewgate Farm$27,500-
Calyx (GB) **Kingman (GB) Coolmore Australia$17,600-
Castelvecchio **Dundeel (NZ)Arrowfield Stud$33,000-
ChoisirDanehill Dancer (Ire)Coolmore Australia$16,500$27,500
Churchill (Ire)Galileo (Ire)Coolmore Australia$19,250$22,000
DanerichDanehill (USA)Rangal Park Stud$6600$8800
DenmanLonhroTwin Hills Stud$8800$8800
Dundeel (NZ)High Chaparral (Ire)Arrowfield Stud$66,000$66,000
EpauletteCommandsDarley, Kelvinside$22,000$27,500
Exceed And ExcelDanehill (USA)Darley, Kelvinside$132,000$88,000
ExosphereLonhroDarley, Kelvinside$16,500$22,000
Fastnet RockDanehill (USA)Coolmore Australia$165,000$165,000
Frosted (USA)Tapit (USA)Darley, Northwood Park$22,000$27,500
Hallowed Crown *Street Sense (USA)Twin Hills Stud$11,000$11,000
Harry Angel (Ire)Dark Angel (Ire)Darley, Kelvinside$16,500$22,000
Highland Reel (Ire)Galileo (Ire)Swettenham Stud$16,500$16,500
HollerCommandsDarley, Northwood Park$7700$8800
I Am Immortal **I Am InvincibleSwettenham Stud$13,750-
ImpendingLonhroDarley, Northwood Park$19,800$22,000
InferenceSo You Think (NZ)Chatswood Stud$6600$8800
Justify (USA)Scat Daddy (USA)Coolmore Australia$66,000Private
Kermadec (NZ)Teofilo (Ire)Darley, Kelvinside$13,750$16,500
LonhroOctagonal (NZ)Darley, Kelvinside$66,000$77,000
Magna Grecia (Ire) **Invincible Spirit (Ire)Coolmore Australia$22,000-
Manhattan RainEncosta De LagoBlue Gum Farm$13,200$16,500
Merchant NavyFastnet RockCoolmore Australia$44,000$55,000
Microphone **Exceed And ExcelDarley, Kelvinside$38,500-
NadeemRedoute's ChoiceLittle Avondale StudNZ$5000 + GST LFGNZ$5000
Ocean Park (NZ)Thorn ParkWaikato Stud (NZ)NZ$20,000 + GSTNZ$15,000
Odyssey MoonSnitzelTwin Hills Stud$6600$8800
PariahRedoute's ChoiceArrowfield Stud$16,500$22,000
Per Incanto (USA)Street Cry (Ire)Little Avondale StudNZ$17,500 + GST LFGNZ$17,500
PierroLonhroCoolmore Australia$137,500$88,000
Pride Of DubaiStreet Cry (Ire)Coolmore Australia$38,500$38,500
Puissance De Lune (Ire)Shamardal (USA)Swettenham Stud$19,800$8800
Reward For EffortExceed And ExcelChatswood Stud$11,000$16,500
Ribchester (Ire)Iffraaj (GB)Haunui FarmNZ$15,000 + GST$22,000
RubickEncosta De LagoCoolmore Australia$33,000$38,500
SavabeelZabeel (NZ)Waikato Stud (NZ)NZ$100,000 + GSTPrivate
Saxon Warrior (Jpn)Deep Impact (Jpn)Coolmore Australia$17,600$24,750
SepoyElusive Quality (USA)Darley, Northwood Park$7700$11,000
Shalaa (Ire)Invincible Spirit (Ire)Arrowfield Stud$33,000$33,000
Shooting To WinNorthern MeteorDarley, Kelvinside$16,500$22,000
ShowtimeSnitzelArrowfield Stud$11,000$11,000
Smart MissileFastnet RockTwin Hills Stud$22,000$22,000
SnitzelRedoute's ChoiceArrowfield Stud$165,000$220,000
So You Think (NZ)High Chaparral (Ire)Coolmore Australia$38,500$38,500
SooboogSnitzelKitchwin Hills$13,200$13,200
Soul Patch **Shamus AwardRangal Park Stud$8800-
Street Boss (USA)Street Cry (Ire)Darley, Northwood Park$27,500$27,500
Super Seth **Dundeel (NZ)Waikato Stud (NZ)NZ$35,000 + GST-
Tassort **Brazen BeauNewgate Farm$11,000-
Territories (Ire)Invinicble Spirit (Ire)Darley, Kelvinside$11,000$16,500
The Autumn SunRedoute's ChoiceArrowfield Stud$66,000$77,000
Time TestDubawi (Ire)Little Avondale StudNZ$10,000 + GST LFGNZ$10,000
TivaciHigh Chaparral (Ire)Waikato Stud (NZ)NZ$12,500 + GSTNZ$20,000
Too Darn Hot (GB) **Dubawi (Ire)Darley, Kelvinside$44,000-
Toronado (Ire)High Chaparral (Ire)Swettenham Stud$27,500$27,500
Trust In a GustKeep The FaithSwettenham Stud$6600$6600
TurffonteinJohannesburgBlue Gum Farm$6600$8800
Vancouver Medaglia D’Oro (USA)Coolmore Australia$30,250$44,000
Written Tycoon *IglesiaArrowfield Stud$77,000$110,000
Yes Yes Yes **RubickCoolmore Australia$38,500-

*new to farm

** first-season sire

Five minutes with... Brett Howard

8 min read

Brett Howard - RBA Bloodstock

TDN AusNZ: Where are you from and what is your earliest racing memory?

Brett Howard: I was born in Melbourne. My earliest racing memory was as a 6-year-old, the 1970 Melbourne Cup. My parents said they put some money on a horse for me. It ran unplaced and I remember reading all about the Baghdad Note’s (NZ) (Kurdistan {GB}) Cup win in the following day’s Herald Sun and I was hooked.

TDN AusNZ: Which is your favourite racehorse of all time? Why?

BH: Manikato (Manihi). Who won a Blue Diamond and a Golden Slipper, and then was pretty much Australia’s best sprinter/miler up until he retired at the age of seven. If he was racing today he’d have won 25 Group 1 races, the same number as Winx (Street Cry {Ire}). He nearly won an Australian Cup as a 3-year-old over an unsuitable 2000 metres. It took the great Dulcify (NZ) (Decies {GB}) to beat him that day. He broke track records and weight carrying records, he did not know how to run a bad race.

Brett Howard | Image courtesy of Inglis

TDN AusNZ: Do you have a favourite day on a racecourse? Why?

BH: It's hard to beat Melbourne Cup Day. It was the day when walking out of Flemington racecourse in 1999 (Rogan Josh’s (Old Spice) year), that I jumped into the rose bushes, plucked out a red rose, got down on one knee and proposed to Rachael.

I really liked Prince Of Penzance’s (NZ) (Pentire) chances in the 2015 Cup and started backing him a week out from the race. I was able to secure as much as 500/1 on Betfair, plus I managed to get the exacta, trifecta and first four, so that also turned out to be another memorable day.

TDN AusNZ: Could you tell us how you got into this industry, about your job now and what you love most about it?

BH: From a young age I always wanted to work in the industry. Even before I left school I had started working on studs in my holidays. As soon as I left school I wanted to learn as much about horses and the industry as possible and started working on studs and in stables and completed a two year full time course at agricultural college in Horse Management.

All of this eventually allowed me to get enough experience, knowledge and confidence to help set up Randwick Bloodstock Agency in 1987. I’m not sure if there is any one thing which I love most about it. I just love being part of the industry. It is a well worn cliché, my work is my hobby.

Brett confesses that his work is his hobby | Image courtesy of Jo Griffin

TDN AusNZ: Who do you believe to be a value sire for the upcoming breeding season? Why?

BH: As I write a good number of studs are yet to announce their 2020 fees, however, very recently Coolmore published theirs and I really like the fact they haven’t lifted the fees for both Pride Of Dubai and So You Think (NZ).

We have a 25 per cent interest in Needs Further, so it would be remiss of me not to mention him. Although his 2020 fee is yet to be announced, whatever it is will represent great value for a proven sire.

TDN AusNZ: Is there a stallion that you consider to be under the radar? and why?

BH: We bought into Sooboog just before he retired to Kitchwin Hills. Apart from being a great looker and well bred, most importantly he had an enormous amount of ability which due to an injury he sustained early in his career, we unfortunately didn’t get to see.

Sooboog has an amazing syndicate of owners behind him and his first yearlings so far have averaged $70,000 (off a $12,500 fee) with an extremely high 95 per cent clearance rate, a reflection of the consistent quality of types he is siring.

Sooboog | Standing at Kitchwin Hills

He has had seven yearlings sell for in excess of $100,000, with a high of $250,000. And they have been bought by some of the country’s most astute trainers – Hawkes Racing (3), Neville Parnham, Gerald Ryan, Mike Moroney, Matthew Smith, David Pfieffer, Richard and Chantelle Jolly, Lloyd Kennewell, Mark Kavanagh, Desleigh Foster, etc. I can’t wait to see them hit the tracks later this year.

TDN AusNZ: Which stallion, ever, do you think was the best type?

BH: I have seen many great stallions over the years. My first trip to Kentucky in 1987 was memorable and I was fortunate to inspect some of the giants of the modern-day thoroughbred. Danzig (USA), Nijinsky (Can), Mr Prospector (USA), Nureyev (USA), Sir Ivor (USA), Seattle Slew (USA), Blushing Groom (Fr), Alydar (USA), Halo (USA), Riverman (Fr), Secretariat (USA), Lyphard (Fr), Alleged (USA), Fappiano (USA), Roberto (USA), and the list goes on.

What struck me was how different all these horses were in terms of size, build, bone and leg conformation (many were far from perfect). I saw some major legends on that trip.

However, my all-time favourite would be Galileo (Ire), which I had the privilege of working with during my time at Coolmore. I loved how well balanced and conformationally correct he was and how he appeared to just float over the ground. His action was so economical, when he moved it was like he didn’t exert one ounce of energy. His movement was truly magical.

Galileo (Ire) | Standing at Coolmore

TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire (other than your own) do you believe is most exciting?

BH: This year we helped Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds with their yearling selections. Star were able to secure yearlings by first-season sires Alpine Eagle, American Pharoah (USA), Astern (2), Divine Prophet, Extreme Choice, Maurice (Jpn), Shalaa (Ire), Star Turn, Territories (Ire) and Winning Rupert.

We also tried, without success, to buy yearlings by Capitalist and Flying Artie. I would like to think anyone of these stallions has a second to none chance of success. Certainly, Star’s purchases will be given every possible chance under the guidance of Chris Waller.

TDN AusNZ: What was your favourite weanling, yearling or mare purchase this year?

BH: Hard to narrow it down to one horse, so I will give you two yearlings which were both purchased by Star Thoroughbreds. The Territories (Ire) x Kaniana filly purchased for $350,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, the sale’s equal second highest-priced filly. And the I Am Invincible x Limbo Down (NZ) filly purchased for $350,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the sale’s highest-priced filly.

I Am Invincible x Limbo Down (NZ) filly

TDN AusNZ: Who do you think is a rising star within the industry? (Person not horse).

BH: Sebastian Hutch. I very much admire his enthusiasm and work ethic, as well as his determination to try and drive change at Inglis (I haven’t been paid to say this, however, in lieu of cash I will happily accept a sale upgrade for one of our yearlings for the 2021 sales).

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry?

BH: That’s easy. One TV channel which is dedicated to thoroughbred horse racing and is able to showcase the best race meetings and races from around Australia and the world on a daily basis.

I think it is offensive to all thoroughbred industry participants, the punter included, that our racing administrators have been unable to set up such a channel. I cannot believe none of them are able to see or acknowledge that their actions are, in my opinion, counter productive to the industry’s overall health and well being. The current status quo of having to constantly flick between the various channels, as well as the inclusion of harness and greyhound racing, which holds little or no interest to most thoroughbred racing people, is an unpalatable experience to say the least.

Industry participation across the board is shrinking. Everyone in the industry’s expectation, administrators included, should be one of attempting to keep as many people engaged as possible by making the experience of watching our racing a pleasurable, rather than a painful one? Not sure how this can be achieved, however, if it could I would be prepared to get right behind it.

"I honestly can’t think of anything else I would want to do" - Brett Howard | Image courtesy of Coolmore

TDN AusNZ: If you weren’t in this industry what would you do?

BH: This is the hardest question you’ve asked. I honestly can’t think of anything else I would want to do.

TDN AusNZ: How are you keeping busy in isolation?

BH: I have always said if you work in the thoroughbred industry and you’re not busy, you must be doing something wrong!

We are currently flat chat welcoming people (social distancing style), almost hourly to our farm (Glenesk Thoroughbreds) to inspect the 11 mares in our Inglis Chairman’s Sale draft. We have an amazing line up of stakes winning mares off the track Noire (Foxwedge), Think Bleue (So You Think {NZ}), Smart Coupe (Smart Missile), Cleanup (Dehere {USA}) (the dam of Nettoyer (Sebring) and young mares in foal to stallions of the ilk of Dundeel (NZ), Justify (USA), Not A Single Doubt, Pierro, The Autumn Sun and Trapeze Artist. There isn’t one mare in our draft I wouldn’t be happy to own.

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Webster staying on

Mark Webster has agreed to extend his tenure as Inglis Managing Director for a further three years.

He will remain in the role until at least the end of 2023, by which time he will have served 16 years in the position.

Mark Webster

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Inglis Managing Director since 2007 and I am delighted to extend my term to assist the company through these challenging times and to implement a number of new growth opportunities,’’ Webster said.

“With the support of a dedicated and progressive board of directors and a first-class management team, I am enthusiastic to be serving the racing and breeding industry into the future.

“Innovation has been a priority during my tenure and I can assure our customers there is more to come.’’

Chatswood lowers fees

Chatswood Stud has reacted to the current times by reducing service fees for Reward For Effort and Inference.

Reward For Effort, whose progeny have earned more than $23 million, will stand at $11,000 (inc GST), while Inference, a Group 1-winning son of So You Think (NZ), will be offered at $6600 (inc GST).

Reward For Effort | Standing at Chatswood Stud

“This will obviously be a challenging season for our industry. Chatswood has built a client base by standing stallions for 49 years and I hope these fee reductions help keep breeders motivated enough to keep doing what they love,” Greg Willis said.

“Both Reward For Effort and Inference have never covered less than 100 mares per season and I am confident their value will ensure that remains the case in 2020.”

Sierra Sue ready for Oaks

Connections of exciting filly Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) are hoping she can continue her near perfect formline when she contests the G1 Schweppes (Australasian Oaks) at Morphettville on Saturday.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained filly has won three of her four career starts, with her only blemish coming when she finished runner-up over 1600 metres two starts back.

Part-owner John O’Neil has been thrilled with her performances and he is enjoying the experience of being involved with the Busuttin-Young stable.

Sierra Sue (NZ)

“It has been a short relationship, but a really positive one, and one we are building on pretty quickly with Trent and Natalie,” O’Neil said.

“They are great communicators and wonderful trainers. Trent bought this horse off a trial with Ozzie Kheir, so all the boys who are in Ozzie’s crew jumped into this. We are really excited to win three starts out of four in the first prep.”

Lion roars for Contributer

Multiple Group 1 winner Contributer (Ire) sired his first winner when Lion’s Roar won the Good Luck Andrew Bensley 2YO Showcase H. at Wagga on Thursday.

Fittingly, the Champion Thoroughbreds-raced gelding was prepared by John O’Shea, who trained Contributer to win both the G1 Chipping Norton S. and G1 Ranvet S. when head trainer at Godolphin.

“Contributer was a very special horse to me and hopefully he will continue to be,” O’Shea said. “I was delighted to train his first winner.”

Sold by Wellfield Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2019 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale, Lion’s Roar was secured by O’Shea and Jason Abrahams' Champion Thoroughbreds for NZ$65,000.

Bensley honoured

The Australian Turf Club has paid tribute to broadcaster and journalist Andrew Bensley following his retirement from Sky Racing and TABCORP.

Bensley had a highly successful 21-year career on television, radio and social media platforms with his final day on air last Saturday.

Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath congratulated him on his stellar career covering the Australian racing industry.

Bensley will be awarded an Honorary Membership of the Australian Turf Club in recognition of his efforts.

Vale Diane Neylon

The racing industry lost an unsung hero last week with the sad passing of pedigree expert Diane Neylon. She will be warmly remembered for recommending some of the finest matings, advising on many successful purchases and offering proven advice on breeding theories throughout her life.

Neylon advised the mating that produced the influential stallion I Am Invincible and the three-time Group 1 winner Private Steer (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). She also convinced trainer John O’Shea to secure Racing To Win (Encosta De Lago) as a yearling and he went on to win five Group 1 races.

The late Diane Neylon

“Having battled breast cancer successfully, unfortunately it was brain cancer that claimed her in the end,” close friend Ronda Matthews said. “Without the restrictions COVID-19 has caused, there is no doubt the room would have overflowed with all her friends and associates from her thoroughbred family there in person.”

Diane was farewelled by son Mark, daughter Siobhan, her two grandsons Liam, 8 and Edward, 6, her brother Tony and a handful of close friends at her funeral last Friday.

“Her dear friends and clients are proud to be part of Club Neylon and she will be dearly missed by them all,” Matthews said.

Mare hard to catch

Greysful Glamour (Stratum) is in the right form to make a bold play for top honours in Friday’s Listed Navigate Advisors Wagga Wagga Gold Cup.

The Mark Newnham-trained mare was third in the G3 Epona S. two runs back and then finished runner-up in the G3 JRA Plate, both times taking up her customary role at the head of affairs.

In between times, she was a trial winner and from an inside gate rider Koby Jennings should be able to let her stride forward and dictate terms off the front.

Greysful Glamour

Savacool (NZ) (Savabeel) is a genuine mare coming off a third in the G3 Easter Cup and she looks sure to run well again while Master Of Arts (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is improving with each run and doesn’t mind a rain-affected track.

Neither does his stablemate Maurus (GB) (Medicean {GB}), who has measured up in better fields than this in the past. Kaapfever (NZ) (Sufficient {NZ}) is well-seasoned and a last-start second at Warwick Farm showed he was ready to step up to Listed company.

Change for better

Trainer Kevin Corstens has brought about a change for the better with Street Icon (Street Boss {USA}) and the mare’s ability to adapt to a back-running style and her improved form has secured her a start in the G1 TAB Classic (Robert Sangster S.).

"There were Group races in mind for her towards the end of the autumn and I was hoping to take her up to Queensland, but that wasn't going to be at all easy," Corstens said. "Plus I know a lot more people in South Australia, so Adelaide won out."

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Corstens cannot enter South Australia without first undergoing two weeks isolation and long-time family friend David Aldridge is looking after the mare at Murray Bridge.

Queensland beckons

A Queensland campaign is now in the offing for promising filly Sky Horse (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) after her 2l victory over 1600 metres at Sandown on Wednesday.

It was the second consecutive win for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 3-year-old after winning over the same distance at Pakenham last month.

“Last start I thought the other horse had the better of her, but she just kicked back and got the money,” Maher said. “She’s a proper horse in the making I reckon. She will stay whatever trip you want and she handles whatever conditions you have got.

“We will see how she pulls up first and foremost. She could go to Queensland, we will have a look at the program there. We will space her runs again. She is improving with each start and I think if we are kind to her she will do the right thing by us.”

Looking Ahead - May 1

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Today, we take a closer look at a 2-year-old on debut at Muswellbrook who has performed well at the trials while at Cranbourne we like the prospects of a pair of first-timers from well-performed stakes-winning families.

Muswellbrook, Race 2, 12.55pm AEST, Magic Millions 2YO Mdn, $20,000, 900m

Tupou (Real Impact {Jpn}) has a speedy background and the chestnut can put that to good use from a handy barrier. He is a son of Kokomo (Choisir), a five-time winner with one as a 2-year-old up to 1200 metres.

Real Impact (Jpn), sire of Tupou

She is a sister to the G3 Concorde S. winner Wouldn’t It Be Nice and their dam Mia Cat Dancer (USA) (Tactical Cat {USA}) was a stakes winner in North America. It’s also the family of the G1 Sapling S. winner Travelling Music (USA) (Spring Double {USA}). Tupou has placed in both of his trials for trainer Paul Perry and with the gate in his favour can threaten on debut.

Cranbourne, Race 2, 1.30pm AEST, Skye Excavations Mdn, $31,500, 1000m

Johnny Boss (Deep Field) was a $310,000 Magic Millions Sale purchase by co-trainer Ciaron Maher and is a son of the winning Not A Single Doubt mare Undoubted Pleasure. She is a half-sister to the G2 Greyville Golden Horseshoe winner Zodiac Ruler (Zoffany {Ire}), also runner-up in the G1 Kenilworth Cape Derby.

Johnny Boss as a yearling

It is the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Laisserfaire (Danehill {USA}) and her half-sister A Time For Julia (Redoute’s Choice), a two-time Group 3 winner. Johnny Boss hasn’t been seen at any official trials but trust can be placed in the stable, which has had an outstanding season with its 2-year-olds.

Cranbourne, Race 3, 6.00pm AEST, Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Plate, $31,500, 1200m

The Lindsay Park representative All About Fashion (Written Tycoon) is another who hasn’t trialled, but the filly is from a smart sprinting family. She is a half-sister to three winners, all starring over shorter trips.

All About Fashion as a yearling

They are out of Elle Labelle (Elvstroem), who is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Group performer Strawberry Field (Encosta De Lago) and the black type winner Pellizotti (Stratum). All About Fashion was a $135,000 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale purchase and her family also includes the G2 Autumn S. winner Silver Glade (Kenmare {Fr}).

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results

Wagga (Country)

Wyong (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

VIC Race Results

Racing.com Park (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

QLD Race Results

Cairns (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

WA Race Results

Geraldton (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

AUS Sire Premiership

AUS Broodmare Sires' Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ Broodmare Sires' Premiership

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1 min read

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