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Magic Millions Race Day supercharged with two new races in 2023

Written by
5 min read
The Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast will become the first in Australia to feature eight individual $1 million-plus races from 2023, after confirmation that two new races will be added to the program, taking total prizemoney to $11.75 million.

The addition of the Magic Millions The Syndicate, a 1200-metre race for 3-year-olds and up, and Magic Millions The Debut, a 900-metre race for 2-year-olds having their first start, will ensure a feature packed raceday of 10 races.

Eight of those races will be worth $1 million or more in 2023, an Australian first, and behind only the Dubai World Cup meeting and the second day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which offer nine races with prizemoney at that level.

The $1 million Magic Millions Snippets 2021 | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The announcement came ahead of the 2022 raceday next Saturday, and will no doubt whet the appetite of potential buyers ahead of this week's 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, which begins on Tuesday.

The new initiative was announced with the support of Racing Queensland and the Queensland Government on Sunday.

“It’s fantastic to see this incredible event continue to grow, with the upcoming expansion providing even more reason for racing and equine enthusiasts to come, stay and see everything the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer, including the world-famous beach gallop; barrier draw; and yearling sales,” Racing Minister Grace Grace said.

“It’s fantastic to see this incredible event continue to grow, with the upcoming expansion providing even more reason for racing and equine enthusiasts to come, stay and see everything the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer." - Grace Grace

“Importantly, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is responsible for generating more than 31,500 bed nights and contributing $38.7 million to the Queensland economy on an annual basis.”

Syndicates get their own race

The innovative changes see the establishment of the Magic Millions The Syndicate, a $1 million race exclusively for horses which are owned by a minimum of 20 individual registered owners and/or syndicate members. Horses must have raced with that number of owners since their first start.

Syndication has underpinned the broader economy of the Australian thoroughbred industry for 30 years, making ownership affordable to a broader a range of people than anywhere else in the world. A recent report from Aushorse indicated that one in every 254 people in Australia is involved in horse ownership.

Connections of Chapter And Verse after winning the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Open | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Syndicators have experienced success in Australia's biggest races, including The Everest, the G1 Melbourne Cup and a host of Magic Millions races.

Syndication companies made up 17 of the Top 100 buyers at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with around 16 per cent of overall investment in the Sale. Their confidence ahead of this week's Sale will be boosted with a $1 million target race just for their horses.

Rich beginnings

Meanwhile, the Magic Millions The Debut will be run for $500,000 and be restricted to 2-year-old first starters. It will become the richest 2-year-old maiden in the world and prove a perfect complement to the $2 million R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic, which has been run since 1988.

“The incentive to buy, breed and back Queensland racing has never been better,” Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson said.

Steve Wilson | Image courtesy of Racing Australia

“The success of traditional syndicators and now micro-syndication has been well-documented in recent years, and through the addition of The Syndicate, it can scale new heights with hundreds of owners descending on the Gold Coast Turf Club to participate in the Magic Millions, sharing in the ownership journey.

“In conjunction with the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic, The Debut offers an incredible opportunity for owners to obtain an immediate return, and to reinvest in Queensland racing.”

“In conjunction with the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic, The Debut offers an incredible opportunity for owners to obtain an immediate return, and to reinvest in Queensland racing.” - Steve Wilson

Racing Queensland has also confirmed further changes to the race program which will see the Magic Millions Country Cup double in prizemoney from $250,000 to $500,000 and relocate from the Aquis Wave Raceday, which will now host the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden.

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch expects the changes to benefit all sectors of the industry in what has become one of the thoroughbred industry's biggest destination events.

“The introduction of these two innovative races to The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day will drive significant growth in participation and investment, both new and renewed,” Bowditch said.

“Syndicators across Australia provide an integral pathway to making racing accessible and The Syndicate will enable those large ownership groups to come together and experience one of the biggest and best racedays in the world – on the Gold Coast.

“Syndicators across Australia provide an integral pathway to making racing accessible and The Syndicate will enable those large ownership groups to come together and experience one of the biggest and best racedays in the world – on the Gold Coast." - Barry Bowditch

“These new races will be enormously exciting and will broaden the reach of the raceday.

“Just think of the anticipation of having your horse race for half a million dollars at its first race start in The Debut. This is not happening anywhere else in the world but Queensland.”

Magic Millions
Raceday
Grace Grace
Queensland
Steve Wilson
Barry Bowditch
The Syndicate
The Debut

Elements stack up for another bumper Sale

Written by
7 min read
Element Hill prides itself on getting its mix of quality horses just right in its yearling drafts and the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale is no different, with a usual array of deep pedigrees and top-line stallions mixed with international quality.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The success of the Hutchins family bred and 2017 graduate of this Sale Golden Sixty (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) in Hong Kong should be enough of a reminder of what you can get from an Element Hill draft, and buyers have been well-versed on the quality on offer from the Queensland-based farm in recent years.

In 2018, it sold its first $1 million yearling, a Fastnet Rock colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, while it has achieved six other results of greater than $500,000 at this Sale in the years since.

Golden Sixty, winner of 16 races in succession including the recent G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

"We have always focused on those big, deep pedigrees in our broodmare band, so we are no strangers to producing yearlings that have those and which are by commercial sires that people want to buy," Josh Hutchins told TDN AusNZ.

"What we do each year is try to present them in good order and each year we try and do our best and I think this year is no different."

While searching for that top-end result is always on the mind of any vendor, Hutchins said the focus for Element Hill is very much about catering to the entire gamut of buyers at the Sale.

Josh Hutchins

"There's a real diverse range of stallions and price brackets that suit a lot of people. I'm quite proud of the draft that we have brought together for this Sale. I truly believe there's a horse there for everyone," he said.

The 13-strong Element Hill draft features the progeny of 12 different sires, with Capitalist the only one that has multiple representatives.

The French connection

And while there is the progeny of Australia's leading commercial stallions, such as Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Written Tycoon and Zoustar, it is Lot 191, a filly by an overseas-based stallion, which is the apple of Hutchins' eye at the Sale.

"The Lope De Vega, there's only five in the Sale and I would say without a doubt, she is one of the best horses in our draft," he said.

"The Lope De Vega (Lot 191), there's only five in the Sale and I would say without a doubt, she is one of the best horses in our draft." - Josh Hutchins

The filly is a result of considerable planning for the Hutchins family, who purchased this filly's grandam, Listed winner Monblue (GB) (Monsun {Ger}), in 2013 for €400,000 (AU$630,000) at the 2013 Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale.

"When Arrowfield sent Redoute's Choice over to France, we decided to breed her to him Northern Hemisphere time," Hutchins said.

"We got an outstanding Redoute's Choice filly, Lady Athena. We decided to sell her as a yearling, and had she been here at a sale in Australia, she would have been one of those half-a-million dollar Redoute's fillies every day of the week. We put a modest reserve of 200,000 euros on her and she passed in.

"Fortunately for us, we had plenty of fun racing Lady Athena over there. She ran fourth in a Listed race and ran fifth in the French Oaks, the Prix de Diane."

Lot 191 - Lope De Vega (Ire) x Lady Athena (Fr) (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

With Group 1 race performance and a pedigree that includes several European stakes winners, it was decided Lady Athena (Fr) (Redoute's Choice) would join the Element Hill broodmare band in Australia.

"So we decided to send her to Lope De Vega Southern Hemisphere time and this is the resultant filly," Hutchins said. "Lope De Vega has been able to achieve some great stats in Australia from only a few crops and that's what makes him so desirable down here."

Hot families

Another yearling out of an internationally bred mare with plenty of desirability is Lot 359, the I Am Invincible colt out of Pasar Silbano (Ire) (Elnadim {Ire}). That makes him a half-brother to young Widden Stud stallion and Group 2 winner Zousain as well as to the Zoustar filly that Element Hill sold for $700,000 at this Sale last year.

"Zousain is setting the world on fire a bit in the Hunter Valley with his progeny. He was a super racehorse himself who was unlucky to not be a Group 1 winner," Hutchins said.

Lot 359 - I Am Invincible x Pasar Silbano (Ire) (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

"He got a good book of mares and we sent a couple of mares to him ourselves in that first season. The foals we got are outstanding."

Zousain's popularity at Widden soared off the back of his first crop of foals, and he served 203 mares in 2021, 15 more than in is first year.

"To have a half-brother to what could be the hottest stallion in the country in the next few years is pretty good. He's a very nice type which always helps. He's one I’d imagine would sell very well," he said.

"To have a half-brother to what could be the hottest stallion (Zousain) in the country in the next few years is pretty good. He's (Lot 359) a very nice type which always helps. He's one I’d imagine would sell very well." - Josh Hutchins

Off the back of last year's success with the progeny of Zoustar, Element Hill presents a filly by the Widden Stud stallion, Lot 214, out of London Rebel (Fastnet Rock).

"She's obviously a very nice type as well. There's a lot of Zoustars in the book, but we are confident that filly is in the top 10 per cent of his stock based on her looks and pedigree," he said.

It's a family that has proved popular before, with London Rebel's half-sister Risk Aversion (Encosta De Lago), the dam of colts by Fastnet Rock and Sebring which were sold by Element Hill for $1 million and $800,000 respectively on the Gold Coast in 2018 and 2019.

Lot 214 - Zoustar x London Rebel (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

London Rebel has already produced the multiple stakes-placed Handsome Rebel (Denman) and the winner Hardy (I Am Invincible).

"I think she will be quite desirable with that residual value as a filly," Hutchins said.

The original Element

Blue hen Tracy's Element (Last Tycoon {Ire}) was quite literally the mare that built the farm which her name adorns, and Element Hill's draft features two of the progeny of her daughters in its draft.

Lot 234 is a colt from the first crop of The Autumn Sun out of Madame Tracy (Encosta De Lago).

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Gallery: Some of Element Hill's yearlings being offered at Magic Millions, images courtesy of Magic Millions

"I have been told by a few people that have inspected him that he's in the top couple of The Autumn Suns in the Sale, which is comforting to hear. He's obviously a nice type that should sell well," Hutchins said.

Then there is Lot 639, a filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Tracy's Image (Encosta De Lago).

"The Tracy's Image filly is a typical Spirit Of Boom, a bit more of a racy type," he said.

"She's already produced a couple of handy horses in Daredevil and Redoute's Image for Australian Bloodstock. Again, she's a mare that can produce runners and I don't see why this filly won't sell well as well."

"She's (Tracy's Image) a mare that can produce runners and I don't see why this filly (Lot 639) won't sell well as well." - Josh Hutchins

Both Madame Tracy and Tracey's image are half-sisters to Australian Racehorse of the Year Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom {USA}) and stakes winner Red Element (Red Ransom {USA}) and three-quarter sister to the dam of G1 Australian Guineas winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard).

In total there are six stakes winners descended from Tracy's Element, who herself was a three-time Grade 1 winner in South Africa.

"It’s a family that is very dear to us. She is the catalyst for us calling our farm Element Hill," Hutchins said.

Click here to view Element Hill's 2022 Magic Millions Sale draft
Element Hill
Josh Hutchins
Golden Sixty
Lope De Vega
I Am Invincible
Zoustar
Zousain
Spirit Of Boom
Tracy’s Element

Snowdens and Will Johnson seek mutual benefit in new yearling partnership

Written by
5 min read
Peter and Paul Snowden and bloodstock agent Will Johnson have come together ahead of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in a partnership that the rising star agent hopes can be of considerable benefit to both parties.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Johnson had worked with the Snowdens and their racing and bloodstock manager Colum McCullagh on a couple of key international purchases, notably Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}), who is since unbeaten in Australia in three starts, and Old Flame (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), when the suggestion came about that he could assist them with yearling selection through the 2022 season.

With the Snowdens and McCullagh busy running a stable in Sydney during a period where COVID-19 has made travel quite complex, Johnson has been able to work on inspections, and on Sunday he was given a bit of a masterclass in what makes Peter Snowden one of the most respected judges in the thoroughbred game.

Will Johnson | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

"Just walking around with Peter today, you can tell how critical and analytical he is looking at them. The opportunity is there for me to learn from one of the best trainers in the country as to how he identifies horses and what he thinks makes those top-class horses that he has trained over the years," Johnson told TDN AusNZ.

"It's a very privileged position to be working in alongside Peter and Paul. It’s a fantastic opportunity they have presented me."

The Snowdens' desire to extend their buying reach to Europe, notably through the private purchase of Huetor and buying Old Flame, who cost 250,000 gns (AU$480,000) through the Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale, led them to working with Johnson, who established his own bloodstock agency in 2020 after previously working for Hubie de Burgh and Roger Varian.

"It's a very privileged position to be working in alongside Peter and Paul. It’s a fantastic opportunity they have presented me." - Will Jonhson

"They are looking to be a little bit more commercial in the way that they are purchasing and syndicating horses, putting partnerships together with the client base. They are open to a few opportunities overseas in terms of those middle-distance horses," Johnson said.

"We expanded from that into the yearling work to try and ensure they are spending as much time at the stables training. The plan is for me to use what I have learned with my background working with Hubie (de Burgh) and other trainers to help narrow down and select catalogues into a format where Peter and Paul can come along and pick the eyes out of them."

"The plan is for me to use what I have learned with my background working with Hubie (de Burgh) and other trainers to help narrow down and select catalogues into a format where Peter and Paul can come along and pick the eyes out of them." - Will Johnson

Johnson has inspected the entire Magic Millions catalogue, either in the Hunter Valley or on the ground at the Gold Coast before Paul Snowden arrived last week to work through an initial shortlist. On Sunday, it was Peter Snowden arriving to cast his eye over the pick of the bunch over two days before heading back to Sydney.

"Paul and I will be on the ground to hopefully secure some horses and put them out to the Snowden Racing clients," Johnson said. "Peter and Colum will be part of the process from Sydney."

An enviable record

Peter and Paul Snowden are renowned for their success with 2-year-olds and they have won seven Group 1 2-year-old races since joining partnership in 2013. That includes the G1 Golden Slipper S., the G1 Blue Diamond S., the G1 Inglis Sires' on three occasions and the G1 Champagne S. twice.

Prior to that Peter Snowden has won nine Group 1 2-year-old races as head trainer for Darley.

Paul and Peter Snowden | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Conducting inspections alongside Peter Snowden on Sunday, what became apparent to Johnson was the attention to detail the trainer showed.

"If there's anything to pick up on, it's noticing the horse's maturity and their ability to cope with the workload ahead of them in the coming months," he said.

"Peter is looking at their knees and conformation and just the way that the horses are structurally put together. That goes hand in hand with the amount of development that can come in the next 12 months, working back to having something in the Magic Millions race next year.

"What it has done is really heightened my awareness of precocity and there are a few things that he spots pretty quickly that might hold a horse back.

"What it has done is really heightened my awareness of precocity and there are a few things that he (Peter Snowden) spots pretty quickly that might hold a horse back." - Will Johnson

"What you can also tell is that he loves and appreciates the animal. He really just wants to spend as much time taking care of his team, so that's where if I am able to help them I will and hopefully it can be a success long-term."

Johnson is also looking to bring some of his own clients into the Snowden stable through the yearling sales.

While he expects the market to be more competitive than ever, Johnson said he believes he and the Snowdens can find some quality horses at the right price for the stable in that mid-range price bracket.

Huetor (Fr), an international purchase made by Will Johnson and Snowden Racing | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

"It’s important to try and get a return on investment for your owners and make the investment worthwhile, particularly for stable clients," he said.

"Trying to get value for money is important and if you think you can find an above average physical at the average price for the Sale, you are doing well as a general rule of thumb."

Will Johnson
Peter and Paul Snowden
Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Colum McCullagh

Philosopher another Magic moment for Harron

Written by
6 min read
Bloodstock agent James Harron has sourced future superstars Capitalist, Vancouver, King's Legacy and Sweet Idea (Snitzel) out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale over the past decade, but if he needed a recent reminder of the opportunities the Sale provides, debut winner Philosopher (Zoustar) provided him with that on Saturday.

Philosopher, who cost Harron $800,000 from the Widden Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, will be looking to follow in the footsteps of those Harron-sourced Group 1 winners after racing himself into contention for next month's G1 Blue Diamond S. at Caulfield with his all the way success at the same track over 1000 metres.

While the Zoustar colt is eligible for the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic next week, Harron said the decision was made in consultation with co-trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman to focus solely on the Blue Diamond in his first campaign.

"Anthony was very keen to put him on a Blue Diamond path," Harron told TDN AusNZ.

"We certainly discussed the Magic Millions and we felt like that could have probably hindered his chances to be as effective as possible in the Blue Diamond, so Anthony wanted to keep him on that path and we went with him. The first box is checked and we have obviously got a lot to go to get there.

Freedman has an enviable recent record in the Blue Diamond, having won it with his son Sam last year with Artorius (Flying Artie) and in his own name in 2019 with Lyre (Lonhro).

James Harron

Harron said Philosopher, who is out of Sepoy mare Lone, had been a model student ever since he was purchased from his breeders at Widden, who remain involved in the ownership along with a host of Harron clients.

"Our breaker, Peter (McMahon) at Kolora, earmarked him as what he thought was a really nice horse. He has shown really good signs all the way through. He developed beautifully from the Sale, and it was lovely to see him do that on debut," Harron said.

"Our breaker, Peter (McMahon) at Kolora, earmarked him (Philosopher) as what he thought was a really nice horse. He has shown really good signs all the way through." - James Harron

"He's a real jump-and-run type and the stable had worked that out and he was able to use that to his strengths yesterday."

Diamond dreaming

Harron is hopeful that Saturday's win, which while fairly professional did leave room for improvement, will bring the colt on further into the Blue Diamond series, which starts on Australia Day at Caulfield.

Philosopher as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

"Any horse having their first start, doing it from start to finish and making all, it's not an easy task and he certainly wasn't wound up to do that," Harron said.

"It was very much his natural composition. He had a really good blow afterwards and definitely wandered about a bit and pricked the ears and wasn't sure. So hopefully he can get some nice and natural benefit from all of that."

Six years after Capitalist's success in the race, Harron's dark green colours won't feature in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic next Saturday but he does have a host of smart juveniles ready to make an impression in the coming weeks and months.

"He (Philosopher) had a really good blow afterwards and definitely wandered about a bit and pricked the ears and wasn't sure. So hopefully he can get some nice and natural benefit from all of that." - James Harron

"Zambezi River, he was very good when second in the Breeders' Plate, he is trialling next week. We've also got Eros, who ran second (at Geelong) a couple of days ago, he was another good debut," he said.

"Then there's Wilbury, who ran down the straight on (Melbourne) Cup Day and had no luck at all, We have a nice opinion of him and he’ll be jumping out and coming through that Blue Diamond series as well."

The search for more Magic

Harron's focus is on this week's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he has been busy in the build up working through inspections of the big catalogue of yearlings.

James Harron inspecting a Bhima yearling at Magic Millions

"We are just getting down to the final bits now and we will get back through them again. It’s obviously a big catalogue to get through and we go through it very thoroughly," he said.

"There have been so many good horses at all different levels come out of the catalogue, so you just have to make sure that you give everything as much time as you can and be as thorough as you can.

"We are delighted by what we have seen so far and we'll tighten those lists up and start discussing some horses with our owners over the next few days."

"We are delighted by what we have seen so far and we'll tighten those lists up and start discussing some horses with our owners over the next few days." - James Harron

Harron spent $5.3 million across six colts and one filly in 2021 to be the fifth biggest buyer of the Gold Coast Sale, while the previous two years he purchased 10 yearlings in each edition, spending $4.77 million in 2020 and $5.4 million in 2019.

Those numbers have been relatively consistent and while Harron said the market and the quality of stock on offer would be the ultimate determining factor, he expected no major change in the level of investment.

"You are never quite sure until you get to the final lists and get to the vetting lists. That has been around our number and I can't see it being too much different," he said.

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Gallery: Some of James Harron's Magic Millions purchases that he has had success with

With such fond memories of buying so many quality horses out of the Sale, it’s little wonder he goes into the Gold Coast sales ring with confidence.

"We've been really lucky, even back to the likes of Sweet Idea and Vancouver with Gai (Waterhouse), and now Capitalist and King's Legacy, these are the sort of horses that really move the needle and mean a great deal to us," he said.

"It’s a very important sale and it's one that we love and we've enjoyed and we want to continue to get some nice horses out of it."

James Harron
Philosopher
Anthony And Sam Freedman
Blue Diamond Stakes
Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

Rapid Reflections with Ryan McEvoy

5 min read

In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Rosemont Stud's General Manager of Bloodstock, Ryan McEvoy.

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?

Ryan McEvoy: Not necessarily one moment, but to see the Group-winning success of those sporting the Rosemont red silks such as Extreme Warrior, Minhaaj, Brooklyn Hustle, Sneaky Five, Brereton, etc., was a proud moment for us all and incredibly rewarding. To have our stallions (Shamus Award and Starspangledbanner) sire the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate winners was also a great thrill for everyone and trust it gave those breeders who supported them in 2021 something to smile about too!

1/2

TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?

RM: The Olympics were obviously pretty special and was great to see so much Aussie success. You get such an appreciation for the Olympic athletes who have trained for so long to get to that moment when a medal is on the line. Loved the emotion of Jess Fox winning her event and the Boomers winning their first-ever medal in particular.

TDN AusNZ: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

RM: Like most, hoping the world returns to some pre-COVID normality but sadly suspect that’s being naive! From a racing viewpoint, we’re looking forward to seeing some promising and exciting runners return in the autumn such as Extreme Warrior, Minhaaj, Maximal, Promise Of Success, Sneaky Five, Rampant Lion, etc.

TDN AusNZ: Whose progeny have impressed you so far on your Magic Millions inspections?

RM: Haven’t seen a huge amount however have inspected a few Harry Angel yearlings who look strong, attractive types.

TDN AusNZ: Which first-season sire to stud did you send mares to this season, and why?

RM: We were so excited to launch the career of Hanseatic in 2021 and feel he has all the attributes to make an immediate success. A dynamite 2-year-old who was rated off the charts, world-class pedigree, sireline that is on fire and one of the most stunning physicals you could wish for. We’ve been blessed with such amazing support from breeders Australia-wide – so much so – he’ll be the most patronized first-season stallion in Victorian breeding history. That in itself is some endorsement. Bivouac and Farnan were clearly both elite horses and profile as young stallions that could really hit so we’ve sent mares their way also.

Ryan McEvoy

TDN AusNZ: If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?

RM: When James McDonald is hitting a hole in one at golf a week after winning the Melbourne Cup amongst everything else he won this year I’ll happily be J-Mac for a single day!

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite stallion, and why?

RM: It’s hard not to be swept up in the rise of Shamus Award particularly over the last 18 months. Five individual Group 1 horses ranging from 1000 metres – 3200 metres. Incentivise winning a Caulfield Cup by a huge margin, Mr Quickie winning the Toorak H. by a big margin, Swats That placed in the Lightning S., Coolmore Stud S. and the Darley Sprint not to mention the brilliant Oaks victories of Duais and Media Award. He’s fast become an elite source and arguably the most versatile stallion in the nation.

TDN AusNZ: Which stallion do you believe is the best physical type?

RM: Hanseatic, Zousain.

TDN AusNZ: What was your best purchase in 2021?

RM: 2021 saw the launch of the Rosemont-Victorian Alliance and we were rapt to have the support of some of Victoria and interstate’s leading breeders who share the same passion as and vision as we did. Our first of twelve purchases for the year, a Zoustar colt at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale subsequently named Brereton, was outstanding winning the G3 Maribyrnong Plate on Cup Day for Peter Moody. A great thrill for all our partners involved and an exciting colt to kickstart the venture.

Brereton, winner of the G3 Maribyrnong Plate

TDN AusNZ: Favourite binge-worthy television show?

RM: Peaky Binders.

TDN AusNZ: What's the best book you read in 2021?

RM: The Happiest Man On Earth by Eddie Jaku.

TDN AusNZ: Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why.

RM: I wouldn’t say he’s emerging because he’s highly recognised already but Gerard Jones – Rosemont’s operations/stud manager is exceptional. His ability to manage such a high volume of work, tasks, staff, etc., in a calm, easy-going, positive manner is phenomenal. Rosemont vet, Dr Freya Jones is another young talent and tremendous worker. A stud vet is obviously a demanding and high-pressure role but she shoulders the workload with an awesome ‘can-do’ attitude.

TDN AusNZ: Who do you think will take out 2022 first-season sire honours?

RM: Great to see Raheen’s Heroic Valour starting off strongly and he looks a young sire with real promise. Russian Revolution and Merchant Navy obviously have big numbers going for them and will finish strongly. Will tip Merchant Navy to have his nose in front at end of season.

Heroic Valour | Standing at Raheen Stud

TDN AusNZ: What kept you occupied during this year's lockdowns, aside from work?

RM: My two young boys Charlie and Finn! Challenging…yes! But awesome fun to spend more time with them than one would regularly get pre-COVID.

TDN AusNZ: What positive change would you like to see in the industry in 2022?

RM: Additional funding and resources put into education/pathways to encourage more participation from the younger generation. The brilliant Lindy Maurice, whose Thoroughbred Industry Careers has been so important for so many, as well as Aushorses' ‘Fast Track’ program are just two vital examples of pathways that we need to sustain and continue to grow.

Rapid Reflections
Ryan McEvoy

Pedigree Boosters – Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

3 min read

In the build up to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, we have picked out three yearlings who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

First-up, we take a look at a Capitalist colt whose stakes-placed brother broke his maiden over the weekend, then to a Merchant Navy colt whose family have been winning all over the place, and to a colt by Sooboog whose half-brother was a feature winner on Saturday.

Lot 109 - Capitalist x Hidden Attraction (Hidden Dragon), colt - On account of Kingstar Farm

View pedigree

The colt's brother Sneaky Shark was placed in the R. Listed Karaka 2YO Million last year and hadn't raced until he re-appeared for trainer John O'Shea at Canterbury on Friday night. At his fourth start, he showed his class, winning comfortably from outside the pace and he certainly looks a 3-year-old worth following this campaign.

It puts his brother in a good spotlight, given he sells on Tuesday on the Gold Coast. Their dam, Hidden Attraction, is a sister to G1 The Galaxy winner Atomic Force (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Lot 109's grandam, Show Of Force (Luskin Star), was placed in a G1 Sires' Produce. That family also includes six-time Group 1 winner Encounter as well as the Listed winner Red Striker (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}).

Lot 109 - Capitalist x Hidden Attraction (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Lot 438 - Merchant Navy x River Dove (Hurricane Sky), colt - On account of Cressfield

View pedigree

This colt will already be the centre of plenty of attention, being a half-brother to Group 2 winner and Champion Second Season Sire of last season, Headwater, who has 37 Australian winners again this season. Their dam, River Dove, won a G1 Oakleigh Plate. It's a busy and successful family that seems to have runners, and winners, every week.

No fewer than five close relations have won since the catalogue has gone to print. Singapore-based Cao Cao (Fastnet Rock) has won a trio of races, while Macau-based Luen Of Poseidon (Pierro) was also a winner. Lighthorse Lad (I Am invincible), who is out of one of River Dove's half-sisters, was twice successful at Townsville, while Coco Rox (Better Than Ready) recently won at the Sunshine Coast and Along The River (Written Tycoon) won two races in Victoria for trainer Mathew Ellerton.

Lot 438 - Merchant Navy x River Dove (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Lot 1047 - Sooboog x Wolfsburg (Husson {Arg}), colt - On account of Kitchwin Hills

View pedigree

Michael Costa's in-form 5-year-old Sir Rocket (Smart Missile) has been doing a few favours for his half-brother, who will sell through Book 2 of the Sale next Monday. He won at the Gold Coast in November and was then a dominant winner of the Magic Millions Country Cup on Saturday. Their half-sister, Rapidity (Duporth), was a winner at Canberra late last year, while Wild West Wing (Exceed And Excel), who is out of a half-sister to their dam, Wolfsburg, won at Happy Valley in December.

Those horses all feature multiple Listed winner Oomph (Flying Spur) as their second dam, as does Group 3 winner Mongolian Wolf (Pluck {USA}). Oomph is the dam of Group 2 winner Thump (Red Ransom {USA}) and half-sister to Listed winner Noble Red (Red Ransom {USA}).

Lot 1047 - Sooboog x Wolfsburg (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Pedigree Boosters
Magic Millions
Capitalist
Merchant Navy
Sooboog

Black type results: Ellerslie

2 min read

Cover image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Listed Te Akau Gingernuts Salver, NZ$70,000, 2100m

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained White Noise (NZ) (El Roca) stated his case for the G1 New Zealand Derby with victory in the Listed Te Akau Gingernuts Salver at Ellerslie

The promising son of El Roca came with a determined finish for rider Ryan Elliot to down second-favourite Regazzo (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in a stirring duel.

The pair cleared away from their rivals before White Noise asserted his superiority to win by 0.5l with Arjay’s Flight (NZ) (Highly Recommended) a further 3l back in third.

Co-trainer Forsman will now sit down with Baker to discuss the options for White Noise as they plot a path towards the New Zealand Derby.

It was the 3-year-old's second stakes win after his victory in the G3 Wellington S., run at Otaki, back in November. His record is now four wins from eight starts.

Owned by a large syndicate that includes his breeders Mike Gatt and Matthew and Allan Fenwick, White Noise is out of the unraced Sir Percy (GB) mare White Nymph (NZ), the dam of three-time winner El Nymph (NZ) (El Roca).

White Nymph was sold to Dave Mee of Pinhook Bloodstock for NZ$3000 last year. She produced a colt by Wrote (Ire) in 2020 and then visited Raise The Flag (GB).

White Noise's third dam is the Italian Group 3 winner Spring (GB) (Sadler's Wells {USA}), a half-sister to the successful stallion Pentire (GB).

Black type results
Ellerslie

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Bright Blue Sky set to make Classic field

The Jamie Richards-trained Bright Blue Sky (Fastnet Rock) is set to grab the final spot in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

With several horses above the filial on the order of entry ruled out, Bright Blue Sky, currently 19th, should be the final one to sneak into the field ahead of it being announced on Monday.

Bright Blue Sky | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Those ruled out of the race above her on order are Palazzo Spirit (Spirit Of Boom), Philosopher (Zoustar) and Latizia (Capitalist).

Brett Prebble, who rode two winners at the Gold Coast on Saturday, is expected to take the ride.

Meanwhile, Tim Clark will take the ride aboard Miss Hellfire (Hellbent).

Williams aboard Far Too Easy

Craig Williams has secured the ride aboard the in-form Far Too Easy (All Too Hard) in Saturday's R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Far Too Easy, trained by David McColm at Murwillumbah, has won four of his six starts.

The final field for the race will be determined on Monday with Dovetail Diva (Headwater) and Socialist (Capitalist) likely to get the last two spots in the field.

All-Star aims for Forgot You

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are plotting a path to the All-Star Mile with 3-year-old Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel).

The Cranbourne training partnership will aim the talented 3-year-old at the G1 Australian Guineas via the G3 CS Hayes S., with a view to the $5 million feature on March 19.

“He’s going to the Australian Guineas second-up and the All-Star Mile is a $5 million race so we have to enter him to have a go at it,” Young told Racenet.

Forgot You (NZ)

Forgot You, who won both the G2 Bill Stutt S. and G2 Moonee Valley Vase last campaign, hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the G1 Victoria Derby.

“He’s been back in work for about four weeks and is another couple of weeks off a jump-out but we’re really happy with him,” Young said.

“He spent about six weeks in the spelling paddock, and he did really well so he’s come back bigger and stronger."

Another Extreme success

The Tom Dabernig-trained Finance Choice delivered a 14th seasonal winner in Australia for last season's Champion First Season Sire, Extreme Choice, with a maiden success at Warrnambool.

Having his fourth start, but first as a 3-year-old, Finance Choice, a $110,000 yearling purchase by McKeever Bloodstock at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, held on for a narrow success.

He becomes the 18th winner from 30 runners from Extreme Choice's small first crop, which has included Group 1 winner Stay Inside as well as five other stakes winners.

Waikato Stud's Tivaci had his eighth winner for the season in Australia, with Single Tail a comfortable winner over 2000 metres at Mornington.

Feature miles on Brightside's agenda

Progressive galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is being campaigned towards two feature mile races, the All-Star Mile and the G1 Doncaster H.

Co-trainer JD Hayes told Racing.com that Mr Brigthside was showing further improvement after a spring campaign where he progressed from maiden to Group 1 level.

Mr Brightside (NZ)

"He’s put on weight and thriving in work," Hayes said. "Horses like him usually improve from his first prep to his next and that is what he’s done and hopefully we’ll see that when he steps out."

Mr Brightside has been entered for the $5 million All-Star Mile at Flemington and Hayes said that if he does not gain a run via the public vote, the G2 Blamey S., where the winner is ballot-free for the All-Star Mile, will be his back-up chance.

"We’re planning a four-run campaign with the Doncaster (H.) run two weeks after the All-Star Mile on his agenda as well."

Thompson's Heroic aim

Jockey Adin Thompson has full faith in Heroic Son (Heroic Valour) as he attempts to become the first apprentice to win the coveted R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Thompson will have his first ride in the race for his bosses Peter and Will Hulbert after Heroic's Son unlucky run when fifth in the Aquis Gold Nugget on Saturday,

Adin Thompson | Image courtesy of Racing Queensland

“I did the trials and the work on him and Will and Pete are the most loyal people you will ever meet, you won’t find anyone else more loyal, the owners are loyal too so they have kept me on the whole time,” he told Racenet.

“It’s not my first ride on the day, I rode there last year but it is my first time in the big race. It is good to find one that has been good enough to get us through all the stages and then finishing up in the Millions, it is exciting win, lose, or draw.

“There’s nothing you can really do different to prepare for it, I know the horse well so it is really left in my hands.”

No Diamond for Eurell duo

Greg Eurell has opted not to pursue Group 1 goals with his two promising 2-year-olds and will instead focus on black-type goals later in the calendar.

Taut You Could (O'Lonhro) won his only start at Cranbourne at the expense of subsequent R. Listed Inglis Nursery winner El Padrino (Street Boss {USA}), but won't be back in time for the Blue Diamond series.

Taut You Could

"He had a spell straight after he won at Cranbourne on Cup Day and came back into work last Monday," Eurell told Racing.com.

"The timeframe won't allow for the Blue Diamond. He pulled up fine after winning on debut but we thought that at this stage of his career we'd allow him a bit more time to mature.

"Whatever he does now is a bonus, he's a nice horse," Eurell said, indicating Taut You Could could be back at the races in March.

Queen Latifa as a yearling | Image courtesy of Greg Eurell Racing

Meanwhile, Queen Latifa (Pride Of Dubai) is out for a spell after placing at both starts last month.

"She's still very raw and is a super doer, she'd eat the amount of two horses, she's incredible, which tells me she's sound and happy, there's a lot of scope for her," he said.

Fellini puts forward Million case

A determined victory by Fellini (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) at Ellerslie has seen the Jamie Richards-trained colt shorten into equal second-favourite for the Karaka Million 2YO.

While stablemate Time Flies (NZ) (Time Test {GB}) carried to the lion's share of punters' money, it was Fellini who proved the better on the day, edging out Alabama Gold (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) by 0.75l with Time Flies back in third.

“He was given a nice ride by Joe (Kamaruddin) and the two-kilo claim (55.5kg) was a big help to him,” Richards said.

“The win will set him up nicely for the Karaka Million in a couple of weeks and we’ve used this race before with our 2-year-olds, like Avantage and On The Bubbles, as a stepping stone.

“Whether he’s top drawer like them, I’m not 100 per cent sure, but he’s a good honest horse and he’ll show up here in thirteen days and give it everything.”

Fellini (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased Fellini for NZ$40,000 from breeders Valachi Downs at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale.

He was one of two winners for Haunui Farm's Belardo (Ire) on the day at Ellerslie.

Allpress' Group 1 opportunity

In-form jockey Lisa Allpress has picked up the mount on Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) in Saturday's G1 Telegraph at Trentham.

After picking up a brace of wins at the Tauherenikau meeting on Sunday, January 2. Allpress was back in winning action again at Awapuni on Saturday where she repeated to dose.

With the first day of the Wellington Cup carnival at Trentham commencing Saturday, Allpress is keen to make her mark.

Lisa Allpress | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“I’ve just picked up the ride on Roch ‘N’ Horse in the Telegraph, which I am thrilled about,” she said.

“She had no luck in the Railway on New Year’s Day and I think she is a real chance on Saturday.

‘I’ve also committed to riding Southern Ocean for Terri Rae in the G3 Trentham S. and he is another good chance for me.

“This is a good time of the year to be riding winners and I’m hoping with the form I’m in that people are taking notice and I can secure a few more mounts throughout the Trentham carnival.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - January 10

4 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.

On Monday our focus is at Newcastle where a Not A Single Doubt gelding debuts for Annabel Neasham, while Kris Lees looks for maiden wins for well-related daughters of Fastnet Rock and Free Eagle (Ire).

Newcastle, Race 1, 1.45pm AEDT, Sky Racing Mdn, $24,000, 1350m

Judgement Day, 3-year-old gelding (Not A Single Doubt x Veloce Forte {High Chaparral {Ire}})

Annabel Neasham sends this gelding out for his first start after a couple of recent trials, the most recent of which saw him finish fourth at Warwick Farm. That performance and his pedigree indicate he might be better suited out over a trip, hence why he kicks off at 1350 metres here.

Judgement Day as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

He was a $160,000 purchase for Darby Racing/de Burgh Equine at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Kenmore Lodge. His dam, Veloce Forte, is a half-sister to multiple Group winner and G1 Queen Of The Turf placegetter Gypsy Diamond (Not A Single Doubt), making that mare a three-quarter sister to this colt. Incidentally, Gypsy Diamond's half-brother by Grunt (NZ) goes through the Yulong draft on the Gold Coast this week as Lot 97.

View Lot 97 in the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
1/6

Newcastle, Race 2, 2.20pm AEDT, TAB Fillies and Mares Mdn, $24,000, 1350m

Royal Ballet, 3-year-old filly (Fastnet Rock x Ballet Suite {High Chapparal {Ire}})

This Kris Lees-trained and Coolmore-owned filly has been building towards her maiden win having finished sixth on debut and then an improved third at this track and distance when closing off well on Boxing Day. Having had three trials as well, she should be at the top of her fitness for this challenge.

Royal Ballet as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

This filly, a sister to $1.1 million Magic Millions yearling and recent winner Lambardi, was retained by her breeders. Their dam, Ballet Suite, is a Listed-winning half-sister to stakes winner Casquets (Fastnet Rock) and stakes-performed duo Furiosa (Fastnet Rock) and Merensky Reef (Platinum Scissors). Further back on the page are Group 2 winner Flak Jacket (Rubiton) and 1988 R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Molakai Prince (Biscay).

Newcastle, Race 3, 2.55pm AEDT, Sharp Office Mdn, $24,000, 1150m

Luna Eagle, 3-year-old filly (Free Eagle {Ire} x Cislunar {Redoute's Choice})

Kris Lees debuts Luna Eagle off a couple of very good recent trials at this track and then at Wyong, where she finished second both times having tracked the speed. She had a couple of trials in her last campaign too, so should be well ready for her racetrack debut.

Free Eagle (Ire) | Standing at the Irish National Stud

Her dam, Cislunar, is a three-quarter sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Miss Finland (Redoute's Choice), who is the dam of G1 Thousand Guineas winner Stay With Me (Street Cry {Ire}). Cislunar has already produced the Group 3 winner and G2 Adelaide Cup runner-up Epidument (Americain {USA}). Luna Eagle was a $26,000 purchase as a weanling from the Inglis Great Southern Sale in 2019.

Looking Back

The meeting at Coffs Harbour was postponed ruling out our first selection, Sneak Leveque (Shooting To Win). Our second selection Mon Cheval (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) stormed home for a creditable second-placing. Lastly, Dodgy One (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) was a late scratching at Warrnambool.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Sunday, January 9

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Monday, January 10

No first season sires' runners

First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Sunday, January 9

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Please note the Wellington meeting has been transferred to Warren

Runners: Monday, January 10
Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

1 min read

Please note: The meeting at Coffs Harbour was postponed

Nowra (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

VIC Race Results

1 min read

Mornington (Country)

Warrnambool (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

QLD Race Results

1 min read

Sunshine Coast (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

WA Race Results

1 min read

Albany (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

SA Race Results

1 min read

Port Lincoln (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

NZ Race Results

1 min read

Ellerslie

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian General Sires’ Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand General Sires’ Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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