Messara to keep the peace
Recently appointed Racing Australia independent Chair John Messara has described his desire to fix racing’s broken relationships as his motivation to return from a five-year hiatus.
Messara said that he had been observing the border war and increasing hostility between Racing NSW and Racing Victoria with increasing unease.
“I don’t think anybody is enjoying what’s going on and it’s not good for the industry as a whole,” Messara told RSN927.
“We have a common border. How good would that industry go if we could be synergistic? I’m hoping to be a bit of a conciliator with an unbiased national view.”
John Messara
Browell comfortable with changes
Moonee Valley Racing Club CEO Michael Browell is satisfied with recent changes made to the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival, despite a number of the club's proposed carnival changes falling on deaf ears.
"We suggested to move the Feehan S. to four weeks out from the Cox Plate but that was knocked on the head," Browell told Racing.com.
"However, we are comfortable with the changes this season, we don't think there will be an impact on our races, and we will keep tweaking the program as we see fit.”
Planet prepared
Leviathan owner Rupert Legh is delighted by the condition of leading G1 Stradbroke H. contender Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) ahead of Saturday week’s 1400 metre feature.
Leigh said the last start G1 Doomben 10,000 runner-up is well placed under handicap conditions.
“He loves competing, he can run on the speed, off the speed so he is a proper racehorse. Probably not an open Group 1 horse but in a big handicap like this, they will know he is out there,” Legh told Racenet.
Kent to decide
Trainer Mick Kent is confident former boom gelding Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) can prove competitive when stepping out to 2000 metres and beyond during the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival.
Kent said he was pleased by the 4-year-olds 1000 metre jump-out at Cranbourne on Monday and expects the former Chris Waller-trained galloper to make a racetrack return at either Flemington or Sandown during the upcoming winter months.
"When he gets 10 furlongs-plus, that's his trip, so I won't know until I get him over those trips, but he seems to be going fine this time around," Kent told Racing.com.
Endresz launches legal action
Allan Endresz, the owner of G1 Australian Guineas winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard), has lodged a court appeal against his gun gelding’s disqualification from last year's $2 million R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
Endresz has applied to the court for “the purported disqualification of Alligator Blood” after traces of altrenogest were found in a post-race sample to be found “void”.
Alligator Blood
He seeks that Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, Racing Queensland and Racing Australia pay the costs of the application.
“Alligator Blood won the race, Ezybonds No 1 was awarded prizemoney of $978,945.56, additional prizemoney was also awarded to Alligator Blood’s trainer and jockey,” Endresz says in an affidavit.
“I was never given an opportunity to be heard by the (Queensland Racing Integrity) Commission or the Stewards before the purported disqualification of Alligator Blood.”
Paddock for Paradee
Leading Victorian-based trainer Danny O’Brien has confirmed via SEN Track’s ‘Bensley’ program that Group 2-winning mare Paradee (Epaulette) will be sent for a spell following a third-placed effort in last Saturday’s G3 Pam O’Neill S. at Doomben.
Childs nears return
Victorian-based hoop Jordan Childs is nearing a return to trackwork after progressing as planned from a shoulder injury suffered in a fall at Moonee Valley on February 12.
"I'm in no rush to get back to the races, I'm probably going to set myself six weeks once I start riding trackwork again just to get back into the rhythm of things,” Childs told Racing.com.
"It's all going to depend on how the shoulder is and eventually I'll go to trials and jump-outs and go from there."
Walker motivated to return
Victorian-based hoop Michael Walker remains motivated to return to the saddle despite suffering horrific leg injuries in a fall at Pakenham fewer than three weeks ago.
The 37-year-old required three surgeries in five days to save his leg from amputation.
Michael Walker
"If I don't need a knee reconstruction, I'm hopeful of being back in the spring but if I do it won't be until the following year,” Walker told Racing.com.
"Either way I can guarantee I'll be back riding, I'm hearing that there are already a few people doubting whether I can come back but I'd tell them to never discount 'The Cuz', I'll be back as strong as ever."
Black-type prospect
Central Districts trainer Chrissy Bambry is keen to land some early black type with promising juvenile Bellacontte (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}), who will contest the Listed Castletown S. at Wanganui on Saturday.
She finished third on debut at Awapuni late last month and ran home strongly, despite showing signs of greenness and Bambry expects the multiple trial winner to benefit from that experience.
“I think she will improve quite a bit,” she said. “It has come up quite a strong field but you expect that in a stakes race.
“There are a number of proven horses with wet track form, though I think she should cope with the rain-affected track alright (currently a Heavy 10)."
King off to Flying Start
New Zealander Charlie King, 21, has gained a place on the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start, a two-year Thoroughbred Industry Management and Leadership Program, which commences in Ireland in August.
The son of Nick and Anne-Marie King grew up on Brighthill Farm and is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University, and is currently working for Te Akau Racing.
The class of 2021 to 2023 comprises of eight men and four women from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, the UK and the USA.
“I’m delighted to be accepted for the program and to be the first Kiwi for a while,” King said.
“It’s a massive opportunity. The exposure to every aspect of the industry will help make my mind up as to where I’d like to be involved the most and allow me to plan for the future."
Tutukaka set to rise
Promising juvenile Tutukaka (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) will be out to break maiden ranks when he contests the Listed The Phoenix at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
He has finished runner-up in his two prior starts, including over 1400 metres at the Sunshine Coast last month.
“That was a really good run first-up,” trainer Tony Pike said. “That was only his second start and he is a horse that is looking for further, and raceday experience is going to be a huge help to him.
“He galloped really well in company on the course proper at Eagle Farm and I think he is second-favourite for the race in the early market. With natural improvement, he should be a chance on Saturday.”
Williams' stayer wins
Seven-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Llyod Williams unearthed a promising staying prospect at Navan in Ireland on Sunday.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained Point Nepean (GB) (Camelot {GB}) saluted by a short head in the 2615 metre 3-year-old maiden under the urges of Shane Crosse.
“It was a game effort, he’s still quite raw and green,” Joseph O’Brien’s assistant trainer, Brendan Powell, told Irishracing.com.
“If you've got a game horse you are going to win races. Hopefully, he will do so in the future over longer trips as he'll improve in every way from this run."
