Bowditch hails incredible Sale, aggregate touches $229 million

Written by

Bryan Littlely

10 min read

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale closed Book 1 on Saturday night with a record taking just shy of $229 million, dominated by firsts, sparking high emotions for both buyers and sellers as four million-dollar-plus horses were knocked down.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

At A Glance

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Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale closed Book 1 on Saturday night with a record taking, up considerably from last year, the average of $294,476 up from $251,095 and aggregate of $228,807,500 ($199,118,000).

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The clearance rate at 92.72 per cent at the closing of Book 1 up from 89.71 per cent last year.

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There have been 19 yearlings sell for more than $1 million, four of those coming on Saturday's after-race Sale as celebrations played out following the win of the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

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Arrowfield, Fernrigg Farm, Widden Stud and Newgate all had million-dollar lot sales, Newgate notching up four for the Sale and emerging as top vendor with $18,810,000 in sales, ahead of Arrowfield with $15,340,000 while Silverdale Farm had the highest average at $612,500 and Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm next on $490,000.

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Ciaron Maher Bloodstock was the biggest buyer of the Sale, by number and value, buying 35 yearlings for a total value of $13,335,000 at an average price of $381,000. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and Kestrel Thoroughbreds were next with 27 horses for $10,995,000.

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The top lot of Book 1 was a $1.9 million I Am Invincible colt purchased by Tom Magnier of Coolmore Stud from the Newgate Farm draft.

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Managing Director Barry Bowditch said the Sale would be seen globally as one of the most significant sales in auction history.

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On the last day of the Sale, James Harron Bloodstock, A List Stud, Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA) and Tony Fung Investments all made $1 million buys.

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The Autumn Sun teased the million-dollar sale mark twice, with a filly and a colt each falling just one bid shy of breaking through that ceiling for the first-season sires.

It included an uplifting first million-dollar lot for Fernrigg Farm, an Exceed And Excel colt, a Lonhro filly hitting $1.05 million to get the tears flowing for owners who raced it's dam Cool Passion (Not A Single Doubt); and the first million-dollar buy for Hong Kong’s A List Stud.

A colt and a filly from the first crop of The Autumn Sun also soared close to the million-dollar mark, selling for $925,000 and $950,000, respectively.

The Autumn Sun | Standing at Arrowfield Stud

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said the Sale will be seen as one of the most significant sales ever held in the history of auctions with a 93 per cent clearance rate, an average price of just under $295,000 and a median price of $230,000. And he has no reason to think it cannot continue to climb.

“The fundamentals of racing here in Australia are in a very strong position,’’ he said. “Is it sustainable? Why not?

“I think the parameters for our industry are sustainable. Our prizemoney is so good, it’s an industry that our culture engages in and people want to own a horse.

“I think the parameters for our industry are sustainable. Our prizemoney is so good, it’s an industry that our culture engages in and people want to own a horse." - Barry Bowditch

“The syndicator model is so great and trainers want to bring people into the game. The information that they share with their clients gives everyone a journey whether they own one per cent of a horse or a whole horse.’’

First of four million-dollar moments

Sheamus Mills Bloodstock, already twice laying down one million-plus for horses in the Sale, got the million-dollar lots off to a start, purchasing a Lonhro filly out of a Not A Single Doubt mare Cool Passion who was raced by the McDonnell family for 11 wins, including at Group 2 level and with a Group 1 second-place to her name. Mills paid $1.05 million.

Lot 877 - Lonhro x Cool Passion (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Cool Passion’s owners, John and Anne, and Brad McDonnell were ecstatic with the result of the sale from the Widden Stud draft.

“We couldn’t be happier, it’s an amazing result,’’ Brad McDonnell said. “You dare to dream in these situations that you get that good result but it’s blown us all away.’’

“We’ve had a few others (sell) but this is the first foal for Cool Passion. We’ve followed the journey through for the past few years building up to this moment and I know Mum and Dad will be at home crying and celebrating.’’.

Sheamus Mills | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Mills said he had kept coming back to the horse over and over, describing it as a Lonhro the likes of which he had never seen before and one that he went home at night thinking about.

“She had a walk on her you rarely see on a horse, she’s by a Champion Broodmare Sire out of a fantastic-running Not A Single Doubt mare who I think will be a champion broodmare in time. I just loved everything about her to be honest. I fell in love the first time I saw her,’’ Mills said.

“She (Lot 877) had a walk on her you rarely see on a horse, she’s by a Champion Broodmare Sire out of a fantastic-running, Not A Single Doubt mare (Cool Passion) who I think will be a champion broodmare in time." - Sheamus Mills

“I bought a few horses earlier in the week but I also stayed off a few for her. I’m over the moon to get her. It is a high price for a Lonhro but they don’t make them like that.

“There’s substance, the walk, the attitude. I think a lot of it comes out of Not A Single Doubt. It’s basically the best Not A Single Doubt you’ve ever seen with the skin of a Lonhro… as in the colour. She was the perfect combination of her sire and her dam sire."

Fernrigg breaks through

When James Harron Bloodstock outlaid $1.2 million for an Exceed And Excel colt out of Devious Rumor (USA) (Street Boss {USA}) it nearly brought Fernrigg Farm owner Rae-Louise Kelly to tears of celebration.

Lot 910 - Exceed And Excel x Devious Rumour (USA) (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“That was unbelievable,’’ she said. “We bought the mare three years ago and she lost her first foal. We put her in foal to Exceed (And Excel). We knew when he was born he was something special but that was just… his reserve was $300,000 so that just completely blew us.

“I don’t think we’ll sleep for the next week now. That is our first million-dollar horse."

Harron said Saturday night is never a time he wanted to buy a horse as it’s always quite highly anticipated waiting for it.

Rae-Louise and Padraig Kelly

“He was a colt that when we first saw him was on the very top of the list and we’re very pleased to get him,’’ said Harron. “He’s just a very sharp horse, he’s got a fantastic attitude. Great shape, great movement and Exceed And Excel needs no introduction. He’s out of a good American speedy mare and just suits our profile down to the ground."

Golden Slipper on the A List

A List Stud owner, Hong Kong-based Chris Lee purchased the stable’s first ever million-dollar horse, a Snitzel filly out of Divine Centuri (I Am Invincible) for $1 million from the Newgate Farm Draft, which had four million-dollar sales across the week.

“I’m feeling so excited to get this filly,’’ Lee said. “The Snitzel out of the I Am Invincible mare is a good cross and I really liked the page. When she walked out in the ring, you can look at her and every time the action and the way that she moved, she was so relaxed and that’s why we thinks she’s a Golden Slipper filly.’’

“The Snitzel out of the I Am Invincible mare is a good cross and I really liked the page. When she (Lot 917) walked out in the ring, you can look at her and every time the action and the way that she moved, she was so relaxed and that’s why we thinks she’s a Golden Slipper filly.’’ - Chris Lee

Gold Coast trainer Allan Chau, who also is from Hong Kong will train the horse with the Magic Millions race series the first target.

Newgate’s Henry Field said the Snitzel filly was out of a very fast I Am Invincible mare.

“She was a filly that we thought was super athletic, there was an amazing amount of competition on her, I think there were seven or eight individual bidders about 300, it was like a machine gun of bids, left, right and centre,’’ Field said. “I’m very confident that filly will run.’’

Late play

With just a few horses left to go through the sales ring, Tony Fung made a million dollar play at a Snitzel colt out of Dream Date (Stracraft {NZ}), a half-sister to Not A Single Doubt, out of the Arrowfield Stud draft.

Tony Fung | Image courtesy of Browen Healy

Fung’s racing manager Sally Williams said they were not sure on a trainer for the prized yearling that was “athletic, beautiful and lovely-moving with a stallion’s pedigree’’.

“We’ll take him home and get him broken in and decide on that at a later date. He was one of our picks of the Sale and we’re delighted to get him,’’ Williams said.

Arrowfield’s John Messara said Tony Fung Investments had been strong supporters of Snitzel.

Lot 930 - Snitzel x Dream Date (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“He’s a really good-looking horse with a real stallion's pedigree,’’ Messara said. "He’s out of a sister to Not A Single Doubt so we knew he was going to be popular and he fetched about what we thought he was going to be worth really.’’

Close for The Autumn Sun

Former AFL footballers Shane Crawford and Fraser Brown teamed up with Mornington Peninsula trainer Matt Laurie and a bunch of mates of over 30 years to take home the most expensive The Autumn Sun yearling at the Sale and almost bring up the first million dollar sale of Saturday night.

Out of Champagne Run (USA) (More Than Ready {USA}) they paid $925,000 for the filly in Lot 849, with Laurie saying she was from a nice, progressive filly family with a lot to like about her.

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Gallery: The Autumn Sun's highest-priced yearlings of the Sale, images courtesy of Magic Millions

“We love the filly. She’s very much an athlete and quite a forward horse, I thought, even though maybe you wouldn’t expect that from an Autumn Sun,’’ Laurie said.

Then a colt by the sire and out of Duchess Kate (NZ) (Savabeel) and out of the Kitchwin Hills draft went a little better late in the Sale to up the highest price paid for the first foals from The Autumn Sun, with the colt selling for $950,000.

The first session of Book 2 commences at 2pm local (3pm AEDT) on Sunday.

Top lots


910	Exceed And Excel	Devious Rumour	C	Fernrigg Farm	James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership	$1,200,000
877	Lonhro	Cool Passion	F	Widden Stud	Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)	$1,050,000
930	Snitzel	Dream Date	C	Arrowfield Stud	Tony Fung Investments	$1,050,000
917	Snitzel	Divine Centuri	F	Newgate Farm	A List Stud Pty Ltd	$1,000,000
932	The Autumn Sun	Duchess Kate	C	Kitchwin Hills	Bahen Bloodstock/ Kris Lees Racing	$950,000
849	The Autumn Sun	Champagne Run	F	Arrowfield Stud	Matt Laurie Racing/ ARJB Racing	$925,000
865	Trapeze Artist	Cocoa Doll	C	Mill Park Stud	Phillip Stokes Racing	$850,000
871	Lonhro	Concubine	C	Marquee Stud	Lindsay Park Racing	$700,000
873	Snitzel	Consistency	C	Rosemont Stud	Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott/ Kestrel Thoroughbreds	$625,000
929	Trapeze Artist	Dream 'N' Believe	C	Widden Stud	Ciaron Maher Bloodstock	$550,000

Top buyers


Ciaron Maher Bloodstock	35	$13,335,000	$381,000	$1,500,000
Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott/Kestrel Thoroughbreds	27	$10,995,000	$407,222	$900,000
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing	14	$6,990,000	$499,286	$850,000
Tony Fung Investments	16	$5,970,000	$373,125	$1,050,000
Chris Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock	15	$5,910,000	$394,000	$650,000
Mick Wallace As Agent For Freedman Brothers	14	$5,285,000	$377,500	$600,000
Tom Magnier	4	$5,100,000	$1,275,000	$1,900,000
Legend Racing Pty Ltd	8	$3,825,000	$478,125	$900,000
Annabel Neasham/Brian McGuire	13	$3,540,000	$272,308	$500,000
Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA)	3	$3,500,000	$1,166,667	$1,550,000

Top vendors by aggregate


Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW	45	$18,810,000	$418,000	$1,900,000
Arrowfield Stud, Scone, NSW	50	$15,340,000	$306,800	$1,050,000
Widden Stud, Widden Valley, NSW	41	$14,125,000	$344,512	$1,250,000
Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW	32	$12,270,000	$383,438	$1,100,000
Segenhoe Stud, Scone, NSW	26	$12,070,000	$464,231	$1,700,000
Coolmore Stud, Jerrys Plains, NSW	35	$11,315,000	$323,286	$900,000
Vinery Stud, Scone, NSW	26	$7,850,000	$301,923	$650,000
Sledmere Stud, Scone, NSW	22	$7,420,000	$337,273	$1,300,000
Yulong, Nagambie, Vic	21	$6,310,000	$300,476	$900,000
Baramul Stud, Widden Valley, NSW	20	$5,360,000	$268,000	$600,000

Top vendors by average (3 or more sold)


Silverdale Farm, Avoca, NSW	6	$612,500	$3,675,000	$1,350,000
Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm, Corinella, Vic	3	$490,000	$1,470,000	$1,100,000
Strawberry Hill Stud, Mt White, NSW	7	$481,429	$3,370,000	$950,000
Emirates Park, Murrurundi, NSW	10	$466,000	$4,660,000	$1,550,000
Segenhoe Stud, Scone, NSW	26	$464,231	$12,070,000	$1,700,000
Fernrigg Farm, Denman, NSW	6	$463,333	$2,780,000	$1,200,000
Milburn Creek, Wildes Meadow, NSW	10	$419,500	$4,195,000	$800,000
Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW	45	$418,000	$18,810,000	$1,900,000
Yarraman Park Stud, Scone, NSW	32	$383,438	$12,270,000	$1,100,000

Top sires by aggregate


I Am Invincible	44	$23,830,000	$541,591	$1,900,000
Snitzel	38	$19,805,000	$521,184	$1,350,000
Zoustar	43	$18,375,000	$427,326	$1,300,000
Deep Field	48	$14,130,000	$294,375	$1,000,000
The Autumn Sun	28	$10,750,000	$383,929	$950,000
Written Tycoon	29	$10,520,000	$362,759	$800,000
Capitalist	37	$8,155,000	$220,405	$750,000
Trapeze Artist	27	$7,115,000	$263,519	$850,000
Russian Revolution	29	$6,905,000	$238,103	$600,000
Justify	23	$6,900,000	$300,000	$900,000

Top sires by average (3 or more sold)


Not A Single Doubt	11	$589,091	$6,480,000	$1,700,000
I Am Invincible	44	$541,591	$23,830,000	$1,900,000
Snitzel	38	$521,184	$19,805,000	$1,350,000
Savabeel	3	$516,667	$1,550,000	$950,000
Lope De Vega	5	$474,000	$2,370,000	$700,000
Zoustar	43	$427,326	$18,375,000	$1,300,000
Fastnet Rock	8	$422,500	$3,380,000	$675,000
Pierro	15	$402,333	$6,035,000	$1,500,000
Extreme Choice	9	$399,444	$3,595,000	$700,000

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

The Autumn Sun

Exceed And Excel

Fernrigg Farm

Sheamus Mills Bloodstock

A List Stud

Newgate Farm

Widden Stud

Lonhro

Snitzel

Cool Passion

Devious Rumour

Divine Centuri

Dream Date

Tony Fung

Arrowfield Stud

Champagne Run

Duchess Kate

Saturday summary: Coolangatta captures Magic Millions Classic, Snowdens go back-to-back in Guineas

Written by

Richard Edmunds

13 min read

All eyes were on hot favourite Coolangatta in Saturday's Magic Millions 2YO Classic, and the elite daughter of Written Tycoon didn't disappoint.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Race-Day Recap

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Star filly Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) lived up to her hot-favouritism and added Saturday’s R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic to her perfect record.

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Peter and Paul Snowden won the R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas for the second year in a row, with King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible) joining the honour roll alongside the 2021 winner Aim (Star Witness).

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Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock) added another R. Listed Magic Millions Cup to his remarkable record at Queensland's richest race meeting, while Isotope (Deep Field) scored a special win in the Magic Millions Snippets.

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Levante (NZ) (Proisir) broke free of her Group 1 bridesmaid tag with a thrilling triumph in the JR & N Berkett Telegraph at Trentham.

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Unbeaten 3-year-old Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) stepped up to stakes level in style in the G2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas.

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Merchant Navy sired his first winner with Galaxy Affair in Perth, while Saturday’s other 2-year-old winners were Lofty Strike (Snitzel), Sweet Ride (Deep Field) and Hanalei (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

Coolangatta all class in Classic

If there were any remaining doubts around her position at the top of her generation, star filly Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) put them to bed in Saturday’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained juvenile has towered over her peers since she ignited the 2-year-old season with a scintillating victory in the G3 Gimcrack S. in October, and she was an overwhelming favourite at $1.95 to add the Magic Millions Classic to her unblemished record.

Jockey James McDonald rode her like the best horse in the race, pushing forward from her wide gate and looming large behind the leaders coming up to the home turn.

Coolangatta fights off Russian Conquest (red cap) to win the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Coolangatta then swooped to the front in the straight, and despite a gutsy chase by brave runner-up Russian Conquest (Russian Revolution), the favourite would not be denied and scored by 0.2l. Third-placed Snitcat (Snitzel) finished another 2.25l behind the first pair.

It was a first Magic Millions 2YO Classic win for McDonald, who deflected credit on to the exciting filly.

“It feels bloody good – she’s a special filly,” he said. “The race panned out perfectly. I managed to get her into the best spot possible, and she did the rest.

“It feels bloody good – she’s (Coolangatta) a special filly. The race panned out perfectly. I managed to get her into the best spot possible, and she did the rest.” - James McDonald

“Riding such a dominant favourite in a race like this comes with big expectations, and it’s a big thrill to get it done.

“She’s got such a great turn of foot on top of the ground. I’ve ridden some nice 2-year-olds over the years, and she’s definitely up there.”

Maher and Eustace have now won the race twice in the last three years, having triumphed with Away Game (Snitzel) in 2020.

“Winning races like this on these big days, that’s what it’s all about,” Maher said. “The owners of this filly – Brae Sokolski, Ozzie Kheir, John O’Neill and others – they’re massive supporters of the industry and our stable, and it’s great to get a win like this for them.

David Eustace and Ciaron Maher with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic trophy | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“I can’t thank our team enough. It’s been a big effort by the whole lot of them, all the way through.”

Coolangatta was a $280,000 purchase from Milburn Creek’s draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Her perfect three-start, three-win career has so far netted just under $1.4 million in stakes.

Magic Millions breakthrough for Sokolski

Coolangatta’s part-owner Brae Sokolski has triumphed in many of Australia’s greatest races, and Saturday’s triumph ended a frustrating run in the Gold Coast’s lucrative feature for 2-year-olds.

Matt Scown and Brae Sokolski | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Sokolski has struck Magic Millions misfortune in previous years, including with She’s All Class (I Am Invincible), an unlucky third placegetter from a wide gate last year.

“It’s so fulfilling,” Sokolski said. “Just the nature of this race – every year, coming up against every other owner who’s buying yearlings and hoping and dreaming of being here. I’ve been unlucky in this race in the past, so to finally win it is fantastic, and what an amazing group of owners to share this experience with.

James McDonald aboard Coolangatta | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“If it wasn’t J-Mac (McDonald), you couldn’t really imagine your horse being given such a great ride, but we’ve come to expect it from him. He was confident he had the horse under him. He took off nice and early and put them to the sword.

“The second horse is obviously a very talented filly and pushed her hard, but our filly was so brave and held on to win the race.

“Her previous two wins have been so brilliant and dynamic, but today she won it with heart. It shows she has the courage of a champion, and not just the ability.

“Her (Coolangatta's) previous two wins have been so brilliant and dynamic, but today she won it with heart. It shows she has the courage of a champion, and not just the ability." - Brae Sokolski

“She can have a rest now, and hopefully we can put our eyes on a Magic Millions-Golden Slipper double.”

Sneaky Starter takes Women's Bonus

The $320,000 bonus for the first horse home in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with all-female ownership was this year won by Sneaky Starter (Press Statement).

Trained by Mick Mair, the filly led up to the turn and fought bravely down the straight to finish seventh, 5.8l from the winner.

Bought for just $15,000 from Baramul Stud’s draft in Book 2 of the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Sneaky Starter has had five starts for two wins, earning $98,900 along with Saturday’s big bonus.

Snowdens again in Guineas

Just like they did last year, Peter and Paul Snowden triumphed in Saturday’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas with a horse carrying the red and yellow colours of the China Horse Club.

The Snowdens took out last year’s race with Aim (Star Witness), and on Saturday King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible) joined him on the honour roll.

King Of Sparta (red and yellow cap) wins the R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, the gelding sprinted brilliantly out of the back to take control in the straight, holding out the fast-finishing Me Me Lagarde (Star Turn) for an impressive win.

“It’s a big thrill to win this race two years in a row,” Paul Snowden said. “He’s a really nice horse, and he always has been. He just did a few things wrong when he got up against that better class of horse, and he got found out a little bit.

“He’s a much more mature horse now, and hopefully he can keep improving.”

King Of Sparta as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

King Of Sparta was a $700,000 purchase by the China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and Starlight Racing from Yarraman Park’s draft at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He has had 12 starts for three wins, four placings and more than $1.3 million in stakes.

Eleven Eleven does it again

Something about the Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast brings the very best out of Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock).

The gelding was promoted to first in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2020, and returned a year later to take out the Magic Millions Cup. On Saturday he did it again, defending his title in the Magic Millions Cup and improving his record at the Gold Coast track to three wins from four starts.

Eleven Eleven, winner of the R. Listed Magic Millions Cup for a second year in a row | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

“To be able to win here three years in a row, it’s special for anyone,” trainer Greg Hickman said.

Bought for $230,000 from Edinburgh Park’s draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Eleven Eleven has now had 27 starts for nine wins, six placings and more than $2.8 million.

Another return visitor to the Magic Millions this year was Isotope (Deep Field), who fell as favourite in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas 12 months ago. She subsequently suffered a near-fatal colic attack while spelling in New South Wales.

But on Saturday she put those trials and tribulations behind her with a special win in the Magic Millions Snippets.

“She’s a star, isn’t she,” trainer Tony Gollan said. “She has had a lot go wrong, falling last year and then getting colic, now she has come out and won like that.

“There’s a big crew in this mare and we have ridden some highs but there’s been some lows too. Magic Millions Day last year and then when we had her back on track she almost died on us. Having her back here today is a little bit of justice I think.”

“She’s (Isotope) a star, isn’t she. She has had a lot go wrong, falling last year and then getting colic, now she has come out and won like that." - Tony Gollan

Saturday's other $1 million race winners were Navy Cross (I Am Invincible) in the Audi Centre Gold Coast Magic Millions Subzero, Snapdancer (Choisir) in the TAB Magic Millions Fillies & Mares, and Wisdom Of Water (Headwater) in the Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS.

Levante's day in the Group 1 sun

High-class mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) stepped out of the long shadow of Te Akau Racing to claim a well-deserved first Group 1 victory in Saturday’s JR & N Berkett Telegraph at Trentham.

Levante went into the race as the winner of eight of her 13 starts, including the G2 Westbury Classic and two Listed races, but the recurring theme of her career was as a bridesmaid to Te Akau’s superstars.

Levante (NZ) (white cap), winner of the JR & N Berkett Telegraph at Trentham | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Her four previous starts at Group 1 level had ended in a third behind Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the Railway S., fifth to Avantage in the BCD Group Sprint, fourth to Avantage in the New Zealand Breeders’ S., and a last-start second behind Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in the Railway S. on New Year’s Day.

Entriviere was among the opposition again on Saturday, but this time it was Levante’s day. Defying her reputation for costing herself with sluggish starts, the 5-year-old jumped well and sat in third place before pouncing at the top of the straight.

The biggest challenge came from Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), who burst out of the pack and drew up alongside Levante in the last 100 metres. The two Matamata-trained mares went to war in a head-bobbing duel to the line, and Levante triumphed by 0.1l.

Ken and Bev Kelso | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“That wasn’t too good for the heart,” said Ken Kelso, who trains Levante in partnership with his wife Bev. “But this is a huge result. She’s a wonderful mare with such a great temperament and will to win. She’s an absolute dream to train.

“I was a little bit surprised at how close she was in the running, but to her credit she stuck at it down the straight. I’m very pleased for the owners.

“Making this even more remarkable is the fact that this mare has had two colic surgeries. It’s taken a lot of hard work and real team effort by a lot of our staff to get to this point.”

“Making this even more remarkable is the fact that this mare (Levante) has had two colic surgeries. It’s taken a lot of hard work and real team effort by a lot of our staff to get to this point.” - Ken Kelso

Mascarpone (NZ) (Shooting To Win) finished third, 2.4l behind the first pair, with Entriviere making ground for fifth after being last at the top of the straight.

Levante’s Telegraph heroics made her the first Group 1 winner for her sire Proisir, who stands at Rich Hill Stud for a service fee of NZ$12,500 (plus GST).

The winner of Newcastle’s G3 Spring S. and a placegetter in the G1 Spring Champion S. and Randwick Guineas, Proisir commenced his stud career in 2015 and has been represented by 87 winners from 169 runners to date. He has seven individual stakes winners.

Shamus stars in Guineas

Undefeated gelding Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) joined the top echelon of New Zealand’s 3-year-olds this season with a breath-taking black-type debut in Saturday’s G2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas at Trentham.

Trained by Allan Sharrock at New Plymouth for long-time clients Noel and Ron Stanley, Shamus went into Saturday’s showpiece as an impressive winner of all of his three previous starts.

Shamus (NZ) wins the G2 Wellington Guineas at Trentham | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

But all of those races had been in lower grades, and this clash with the likes of Group 2 winner Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro) and Group 1 placegetter Shepherd’s Delight (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) loomed as his first real acid test. It was a test that Shamus passed with flying colours.

Ridden by Hazel Schofer, Shamus sat back towards the tail of the field before powering home out wide in the straight, roaring past Pareanui Bay for an emphatic 1l victory.

“He’s a serious racehorse,” Sharrock said. “This was the race where he had to put his hand up, and he’s done that. He’s put his hand up and said, ‘I’m the man.’ He knows he’s a good horse, he’s got a bit of a swagger.

“He’s (Shamus) a serious racehorse. This was the race where he had to put his hand up, and he’s done that. He’s put his hand up and said, ‘I’m the man.’ He knows he’s a good horse, he’s got a bit of a swagger." - Allan Sharrock

“The Stanleys have already turned down a lot of money for this horse, and I think he’s worth even more money now.”

Now the favourite for the G1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 5, Shamus was bought for NZ$85,000 from Woburn Farm’s draft at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale. He is by Windsor Park stallion Shamexpress (NZ) out of an unraced mare by Per Incanto (USA).

Saturday's 2-year-old winners

There were five 2-year-old races staged across Australasia on Saturday, with top billing obviously belonging to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic heroics of Coolangatta (Written Tycoon).

But there was also an impressive debut victory by the blue-blooded Lofty Strike (Snitzel), whose dam Overreach (Exceed And Excel) won the Golden Slipper in 2013.

Lofty Strike

Sweet Ride (Deep Field) scored an impressive victory in the Davali H. at Rosehill, while Merchant Navy sired his first winner with Galaxy Affair at Ascot. Across the Tasman, Hanalei (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was an impressive winner of the Listed IRT Wellesley S. at Trentham.

Saturday Summary

Gold Coast

Coolangatta

Magic Millions Race Day

Trentham

Levante

Isotope

Shamus

Eleven Eleven

King Of Sparta

Sneaky Starter

Proisir

Brae Sokoloski

Bourne hails Coolangatta's star quality

Written by

Richard Edmunds

4 min read

Ciaron Maher Racing’s Bloodstock Manager Will Bourne took special satisfaction from Saturday’s R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic triumph by standout 2-year-old filly Coolangatta (Written Tycoon), but admits her stellar juvenile season has taken him by surprise.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Bourne selected Coolangatta from Milburn Creek’s draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and she was bought for $280,000.

Twelve months on, Coolangatta has had three starts for three highly impressive victories. She kicked off in style in the G3 Gimcrack S. in October, then added the G3 BJ McLachlan S. on Boxing Day, and on Saturday she put the icing on the cake in the Gold Coast’s $2 million bonanza.

Coolangatta was among more than 40 horses bought by Ciaron Maher Racing from Book 1 of last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – a group that also includes the impressive recent Flemington debut winner Latizia (Capitalist).

Ciaron Maher, Will Bourne and David Eustace | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Bourne acknowledges that if he had been asked to identify likely precocious 2-year-old talents from among that group, Coolangatta would not have been on the list.

“We buy a number of yearlings every season, so you hope to be coming away with some good ones among those, but this result is pretty special,” Bourne told TDN AusNZ moments after Coolangatta’s Magic Millions triumph. “It was a great win by a very exciting filly.

“When I picked her out at last year’s Sale, I just liked her as a type. She had good girth, was very rangy and athletic. To be honest, I didn’t really expect her to race much or even at all as a 2-year-old. She didn’t strike me as that type of filly, and she had open knees – which she actually still does. But she’s just such an athlete, it doesn’t stop her at all.”

“To be honest, I didn’t really expect her (Coolangatta) to race much or even at all as a 2-year-old. She didn’t strike me as that type of filly, and she had open knees – which she actually still does. But she’s just such an athlete, it doesn’t stop her at all.” - Will Bourne

One factor that drew Bourne to Coolangatta is the promising nick between her sire Written Tycoon and daughters of More Than Ready (USA).

That combination has produced 15 winners from just 17 runners, with Coolangatta becoming the second Group winner – joining Luna Rossa (NZ), who won the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce S. in New Zealand in 2016 and later placed in the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude at Caulfield. There have been three other stakes placegetters.

“She’s by Written Tycoon out of a More Than Ready mare, and at the time I bought her, I think that combination had produced a Group 1 winner and a couple of other stakes performers from only about 10 runners, so that caught my attention,” Bourne said.

Written Tycoon | Standing at Yulong Stud

“Coolangatta probably wasn’t the most obvious pick in the catalogue that year, but she was a nice, athletic filly who I thought was under cost. By no means was she a filly that I would have refused to walk away without, but I did think she might be a bit of good value.

“What she’s done this season has been amazing.”

Could lightning strike again?

Coolangatta became the second Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner in three years for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, who also won it with Away Game (Snitzel) in 2020.

The team have upped the ante again in this week’s 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, surging to the top of the leading buyers’ list with over 40 purchases and a total spend in excess of $15 million.

Away Game, winner of the 2020 R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic

They have been active at the top end of the market, signing for 10 yearlings for $650,000 or more including a $1.7 million colt by Not A Single Doubt out of Miss Admiration (Sebring), and a $1.5 million colt by Pierro out of Ravi (Redoute’s Choice).

“It’s been a busy week again this year,” Bourne said. “We’re up around 40 horses that we’ve bought from this Sale so far, and we’ll be looking to add a few more tonight (Saturday).

“We’ve been really concentrating on the high end and real quality, and I think we’re coming away with a really good group of horses. I’m very happy with them.”

R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic

Coolangatta

Will Bourne

Ciaron Maher

David Eustace

Magic Millions

Consolation for filly from a unique coupling

Written by

Bryan Littlely

5 min read

Encryption and Consolation (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) were in training at Godolphin together when tragedy struck in a truck accident. Several years later, on the Saturday night session of the Magic Millions Sale, their filly was offered through the ring.

The former Godolphin pair were stablemates heading for a spell in May 2018, and on the same truck on its way through Muswellbrook along the New England Highway, a medical episode led to a fatal head-on accident between a car and the horse transporter. The driver of the car was killed in the crash, while the truck driver was uninjured.

The tears already had flowed this week for Louise MacAulay, who worked with both Consolation and Encryption at Godolphin’s race stables and was at the truck accident that day, when she saw the yearling.

When the hammer fell for the filly (Lot 874) with a price of $200,000, MacAulay wept again.

Lot 874 - Encryption x Consolation | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

"It was really quite emotional,'' MacAulay said. "I watched her parade in the ring and she was so calm the whole time. If you’re taking one through that’s how you want them to be.''

From bingle to broodmare

Consolation wasn’t injured in the accident but she never made it to the race track, being put on the market in foal to Encryption. Her dam, Altar (Commands), was a Group 2 winner, claiming the ATC Magic Night S. and placed in the Group 1 Goodwood H. in Adelaide.

Consolation’s grandam, Hosannah (Octagonal {NZ}), also was a multiple Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed, making a great case for Twin Hills Stud to buy Consolation in the 2020 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $85,000 after she recovered from the crash.

Hosannah when racing | Image courtesy of Sportpix

“We sold her unraced but she was totally fine after the accident,’’ MacAulay said. “It was just an unfortunate circumstance with the two of them on the truck together. It was bizarre.’’

There were four horses on the truck, with Encryption at the front and Consolation at the back. All were relatively unscathed and were spelled for a couple of weeks just to make sure they were okay. But Consolation was trapped in the truck and emergency services had to work to free her.

“We did have emergency services come and help them because the dividers got a bit stuck in the accident. We had to get quite a few people to help us get Consolation out,’’ MacAulay said.

“The poor thing, she was kind of stuck. But she came out and we just stayed there and she was a real angel. She just stood there on the side of the highway,’’ she added.

“The poor thing, she (Consolation) was kind of stuck. But she came out and we just stayed there and she was a real angel. She just stood there on the side of the highway.’’ - Louise MacAulay

“She was everyone’s favourite at Godolphin and from what I’ve heard from Twin Hills, everyone loves her and the baby. She’s just a lovely natured horse.’’

Low stress filly

The Consolation filly was has been paraded this week by the children of Twin Hills Stud owner, Olly Tait, and MacAulay said it was a good sign she had adopted the cool head of her parents.

“She’s obviously very quite and can handle a lot of situations and stress. She might be like mum and dad and be able to handle high-stress situations.’’

It was when working at Kelvinside, Goldolphin's property in the Hunter Valley, that MacAulay recognised Consolation when she came through the prep sheds to go to Microphone.

Louise MacAulay

“She’d already had her Encryption baby so I think we sold her in foal to Encryption. I was by chance working there one weekend and I thought: ‘Oh my gosh… it’s Consolation’.

“I noticed her ears. She’s got these giant ears on her and caught up with her and had a cuddle with the baby. It’s so funny with the baby, the ears are the exact same.’’

Great outcome

Tait, who bred and owns the filly, also was rapt with the outcome, and a bit emotional.

"She’s a beautiful filly and she sold really well. It’s sad to see her go because she was so gorgeous but she’s going to a young up-and-coming trainer in Victoria and hopefully she can help put his name in lights,'' said Tait.

Olly Tait

“It’s an incredible story and a tragic story, obviously,'' he said. "We bought Consolation at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale here in 2020 and she was carrying this filly by Encryption at the time. I had no idea of that story at the time when we bought her.

"She’s a lovely mare Consolation, and this yearling filly is like her mother, she has the most lovely temperament. She’s been a delight to deal with all the way through her life and particularly in her prep and up here at the sales on the Gold Coast. She’s really nice.

"She’s been very popular. She’s been well admired and is from a great old Woodlands Stud family that’s been carried on by Godolphin, and physically she’s just a lovely specimen.''

Consolation | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

She will go to Michael Huglin Racing, being bought in partnership with Bevan Smith Bloodstock.

"It’s a hot Sale,'' Smith said. "We paid enough for her I thought. She’s a beautiful horse. She’s got a good temperament and she looks like she’ll run. Hopefully we’re 365 days from being back here."

Twin Hills Stud

Encryption

Consolation

Michael Huglin Racing

Bevan Smith Bloodstock

Talented siblings shine at Trentham

2 min read

Written by Richard Edmunds

Cover image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

A winning double for Te Akau Racing and trainer Jamie Richards is hardly unusual for a feature race meeting in New Zealand, but a close family connection added special significance to a pair of back-to-back successes at Trentham on Saturday.

Promising 3-year-old Cote De Beaune (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) picked up his second win from as many starts with a hard-fought 0.2l victory in the Fusion Electrical Premier, and then just 35 minutes later, 2-year-old filly Hanalei (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) stepped up to stakes level impressively in the Listed IRT Wellesley S.

A second placegetter at Te Aroha on January 3 in her only previous start, Hanalei sprouted wings in the Trentham straight and careered away from her six rivals, scoring by a widening 3.3l.

Cote De Beaune and Hanalei are not only stablemates but also three-quarter siblings – the final two foals out of the 17-year-old mare Lucrative (NZ) (Pyrus {USA}). The pair’s sires, Burgundy (NZ) and Darci Brahma (NZ), are half-brothers.

Cote De Beaune was bred by Jamie Richards himself in partnership with Te Akau Stud, while Hanalei was bred by Richards’ parents, Paul and Leanne.

Paul and Jamie Richards with Hanalei (NZ) after winning the Listed Wellesley S. | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“Hanalei has always shown a lot at home, but just needed the time to furnish,” Richards said. “She is still very green, but I’m pleased with the way she was able to put them away in the finish.

“Mum and Dad bred her with their good friends, Bill and Sandra Duell, so I think I might be alright in the will for a little while longer.

“This filly has it all ahead of her, with the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. at home in February her next assignment.”

“This filly has it all ahead of her, with the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. at home in February her next assignment.” - Jamie Richards

Cote De Beaune and Hanalei’s dam Lucrative was herself bought for NZ$3000 as a weanling from an unreserved Westbury Stud dispersal sale in 2005. A full sister to the Group 2 winner Dawn Ghost (NZ) (Pyrus {USA}), Lucrative herself was a three race winner between 1200 and 1400 metres.

She produced just three foals in her broodmare career, and all of them raced. Cote De Beaune and Hanalei are her two winners, while Martello (NZ) (Coats Choice) was a placegetter in Malaysia.

Trentham

Hanalei

Cote De Beaune

Te Akau Racing

Jamie Richards

Rapid Reflections with Alastair Pulford

4 min read

In today's instalment of 2021/2022 Rapid Reflections, we feature a quickfire round with Godolphin Australia's Head Of Sales, Alastair Pulford.

TDN AusNZ: Favourite racing moment of 2021?

Alastair Pulford: Anamoe’s Sires' Produce S. followed by his win in the Caulfield Guineas.

TDN AusNZ: And favourite non-racing moment?

AP: Time spent with my 2-year-old grandson Jack Lindon.

Alastair Pulford with his grandson, Jack Lindon

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

AP: International travel. We plan to go to inspect an outstanding group of young stallion prospects including Palace Pier, Pinatubo and Essential Quality early next year.

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

AP: I’m delighted with the way the Harry Angels look. They appear to be very sharp.

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

AP: As a small cog in the Godolphin matings wheel I was very content with the matings we chose for our newcomers Bivouac, Ghaiyyath and Earthlight. All three have good reason to succeed at stud.

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

AP: I’d have liked to been Charlie Appleby on Epsom Derby Day or Breeders' Cup Day 2021.

Charlie Appleby

TDN AusNZ: Who is your favourite racehorse of this year?

AP: Anamoe. A Superstar in the making.

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

AP: I’m very keen about Too Darn Hot. A champion by a champion from a Group 1 winner. Similar to Dubawi, Galileo and Deep Impact amongst others. And to add strength his grandparents are all Group 1 winners. I don’t think you could get better credentials and his foals look the part.

TDN AusNZ: Who is the most underrated stallion in Australasia?

AP: Spirit Of Boom is not really underrated but I think he’s only going to get better in the next few years.

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

AP: That’s very subjective and in any case I probably prefer race performance and pedigree over looks. We aren’t trying to win the hack class at the Royal Easter Show, we are trying to win the Championships at Royal Randwick.

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

AP: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.

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

AP: The Godolphin Flying Start program invariably unearths some super young talents. This year’s group is no exception. I’ve known Angus Robertson since he was at kindergarten and am delighted but not surprised at the way he impresses everyone he meets.

TDN AusNZ: What do you consider the greatest sporting moment this year? (not solely racing related).

AP: Rachel Blackmore’s win in the Grand National.

TDN AusNZ: What's the first overseas trip you will be taking for fun post-COVID?

AP: I can’t wait to get back to the South Island of New Zealand to go fly fishing.

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

AP: Many things. I did a bit of art, rebuilt stables at home (started them in 2020 lockdowns) plus various garden projects. Plenty to occupy me.

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

AP: I’d like to see a practical national program that transitions our retired race horses into the many various equine disciplines that thoroughbreds readily adapt to. A lot of good intentions and initiatives are about and these need to be coordinated to achieve the best outcome for every horse.

TDN AusNZ: What's your 2022 New Year's resolution?

AP: I want to sculpt a life size bronze of my over enthusiastic Kelpie. (This was also my 2021 New Year’s resolution).

Rapid Reflections

Alastair Pulford

Black type results: Gold Coast

4 min read

R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic, $2,000,000, 1200m

She was favourite for a reason, Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) putting on display not only her class but her determination, the exciting filly remaining undefeated from three starts.

Purchased for $280,000 by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock at last year’s Magic Millions, Coolangatta was bred by Highclere Stud Australia out of their lightly raced mare Piping Hot (More Than Ready {USA}).

Racing just four times, Piping Hot won two races in Sydney. Her first foal is the promising 3-year-old Snitzonfire (Snitzel) (a $425,000 Magic Millions graduate) and she has a Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) yearling filly - last spring paying a return visit to Written Tycoon (Iglesia).

He is of course Australia’s reigning Champion Sire - the Yulong-based horse who has been so well-represented by 44 stakes winners.

Piping Hot is a daughter of the G2 Moonee Valley Oaks winner Ribe (Danehill {USA}) whose other seven winners include the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Reaan (Hussonet {USA}).

Ribe’s grandam is the G3 Colin Stephen H. winner Pontiac Lass (NZ) (Pevero {Ire}).

With his strong Mumtaz Mahal (GB) (The Tetrarch {GB}) influence, Written Tycoon picks up well with further strains and it is interesting to note that Coolangatta’s third dam sire Kaapstad (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) is a descendant.

R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, $2,000,000, 1400m

King Of Sparta (I Am Invincible) looked most royal like as he sprinted clear to this impressive victory, his third from just 11 starts.

Bred by Yarraman Park Stud with the Cope family (who remain in the ownership), King Of Sparta fetched $700,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Sale - secured by China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and Starlight Racing.

By Yarraman’s star sire, he is out of the G3 Cockram S. winner Octavia (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) whose grandam is the dual Group 3-winning, G1 Golden Slipper S. placegetter Paklani (Haulpak).

That fast mare - dam of the Group 3 sprinter Real Mak (Brahms {USA}) - is also ancestress of the South African Group 1 winners Stellite (SAf) (Fard {Ire}) and Zirconeum (SAf) (Jallad {USA}) and the local dual Listed winner Jersey Lily (Catbird).

Last spring paying a return visit to I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Octavia - who also won the Listed Kevin Hayes S. - has a Zoustar (Northern Meteor) yearling filly and a weanling full brother to King Of Sparta.

Bred on a 4 X 4 cross of Danzig (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}), King Of Sparta also boasts duplications of the terrific mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}) and Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}).

R. Listed Magic Millions Cup, $1,000,000, 1400m

Connections of Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock) must really love Magic Millions Race Day, their talented 5-year-old securing three of the day’s feature events… in 2020 the Guineas and in 2021 and 2022 the Magic Millions Cup.

Bred by Ian Smith and sold to Greg Hickman for $230,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, the son of Coolmore Stud’s G1 Oakleigh Plate and Lightning S.-winning high-class stallion (183 stakes winners) Fastnet Rock (Danehill {USA}), has proven a most savvy investment!

A full brother to the stakes-placed War Memorial, Eleven Eleven is out of the imported six-time winner Smokin’ Alice (USA) (Smoke Glacken {USA}) whose dam is the Listed winner Daring Alice (USA) (Northern Flagship {USA}).

This is an international family that has enjoyed particularly good success in this part of the world thanks to the likes of the Group 1-winning half-brothers Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) and Comin’ Through (Fastnet Rock).

Served last spring by Zoustar (Northern Meteor), Smokin’ Alice has a yearling colt by Trapeze Artist (Snitzel) and she has also enjoyed sales ring result with her yet to place 3-year-old Ovoid (Exceed And Excel), fetching $1 million at the 2020 Magic Millions.

Gold Coast

Black type results

Black type results: Flemington and Ascot

3 min read

Flemington: G3 Standish H., $250,000, 1200m

Looking the winner a fair way out, Halvorsen (Magnus) made it two G3 Standish H. victories in three years with this determined performance.

A five-time winner down the famed Flemington straight (where his sire was a Group 2 winner), Halvorsen has won nine of his 28 starts - this latest success increasing his prizemoney tally to beyond $900,000.

One of the 25 stakes winners for his reliable Widden Victorian-based sire, Halvorsen was bred by his co-trainer Robbie Griffiths who has enjoyed great success with the breed. And with the family, Griffiths - who now trains with Mathew de Kock - also training and breeding Halvorsen’s dual city-winning dam Flourishing (Not A Single Doubt) and her Listed Cleary S.-winning half-brother Beltrois (Bel Esprit).

Griffiths had a good opinion of Flourishing’s lightly raced dam Vaingt Trois (Noalcoholic {Fr}) who was injured at just her second start having impressed at debut. Last spring foaling a full brother to Halvorsen - subsequently paying a return visit to his sire - Flourishing also has a Magnus (Flying Spur) 2-year-old by the name of Mr Magnus.

Line-bred to the terrific mare Easy Date (Grand Chaudiere {Can}) via her son Snippets (Lunchtime {GB}) and grandson Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice), Halvorsen - who is also 3 X 4 Danehill (USA) (Danzig {USA}) - hails from a lovely old Australian family with his stakes-placed fourth dam Foreshow (Showdown {GB}) being a full sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Tontonan (Showdown {GB}).

Ascot: Listed Miss Andretti S., $125,000, 1100m

Miss Conteki (Eurozone) made it a memorable start to the year for her connections with this her second stakes victory in a row.

Well-fancied on the back of her Listed Summer Scorcher success on New Year’s Day, she improved on her already impressive record - now being the winner of nine of her 13 starts.

Bred by Lynch Bages Limited and purchased by Amelia Park for $55,000 at the 2017 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, she is one of four stakes winner for her Hillview Stud-based G2 Stan Fox S.-winning sire, a son of Northern Meteor (Encosta De Lago).

Her unraced dam Tipsy Moment (Redoute's Choice) is doing a good job at stud, this mare is her second stakes winner - her first being the G3 Gunsynd Classic and Listed Gold Coast Cup winner Dreams Aplenty (Dream Ahead {USA}).

Served last spring by Snippetson (Snippets), Tipsy Moment foaled a Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) colt in October with her previous foal being the yet to race 2-year-old Under Influence (Caravaggio {USA}) - a member of the Daniel and Ben Pearce stable.

Another of her runners shows good promise, the Victorian, Always In Moment (No Nay Never {USA}) winning at Sandown last winter.

Tipsy Moment is a daughter of the Listed Sky High winner For The Moment (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) whose grandam is the G2 WA Champions Fillies' S. winner Frivolous Miss (NZ) (In The Purple {Fr}) whose other descendants include the Group 1 gallopers Niconero (Danzero), Nicconi (Bianconi {USA}) and Zip Zip Aray (Bellotto {USA}).

This is the prolific Froth (NZ) (Faux Tirage {GB}) family that has also produced such outstanding gallopers as Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}), Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) and General Nediym (Nediym {Ire}).

Miss Conteki boasts a 6 X 6 cross of the aptly named mare Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) via her grandson Fairy King (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}) and son Nureyev (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}).

Flemington

Ascot

Black type results

Black type results: Trentham

6 min read

Cover image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

G1 Telegraph H., NZ$250,000, 1200m

It was an exciting finish to the day’s Group 1 feature, Levante (NZ) (Proisir) and Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) going to the line locked together with a photo required to split them - the former having her nose out where it counted.

Already a triple stakes winner, the tough and consistent mare only just missed out on Group 1 success when run down by Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) in the G1 Railway S. two weeks ago.

One of the seven stakes winners - and the first Group 1 winner - sired by Rich Hill Stud’s G3 Spring S. winner Proisir, Levante was bred by L Williams. She is the final foal produced by the imported mare Island Doy (GB) (Doyoun {Ire}) who has been represented by another four winners including the stakes placegetters Doyenne (NZ) (Kilimanjaro {GB}) and Miss Isle (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}).

Island Doy is a half-sister to the G3 Courier Mail Classic winner Cryptavia (NZ) (Gold Brose) from the family of G1 French Derby hero Bering (GB) (Arctic Tern {USA}) and the G1 Secretariat S. winner Bayrir (Fr) (Medicean {GB}).

Levante boasts crosses of the prolific mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Special (USA) (Forli {Arg}) and Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}).

G2 Wellington Guineas, NZ$110,000, 1400m

Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) remained undefeated with this determined victory and a bright future beckons.

The seventh stakes winner for his Windsor Park Stud-based G1 Newmarket H.-winning sire, he was bred by Jomara Bloodstock and purchased by the Sharrock stable for NZ$85,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Ready to Run Sale.

Bred on a 4 X 3 cross of Green Desert (USA) (Danzig {USA}) with duplications of the great mares Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}) and Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Shamus is the first foal for the unraced Chesapeake (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}).

Served in 2020 by Tivaci (High Chaparral {Ire}), Chesapeake has a yet to be named 2-year-old colt by Time Test (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and a yearling full brother to Shamus.

Chesapeake’s great-grandam is the G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Riviere D’Or (USA) (Lyphard {USA}), dam of the dual Group 1 winner Gold Spash (USA) (Blushing Groom {Fr}) and grandam of the Champion Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa {USA}).

Ancestress of this internationally prolific family is Black Ray (GB) (Black Jester {GB}) whose influential descendants include Blushing Groom (Fr) (Red God {USA}) and Mill Reef (USA) (Never Bend {USA}).

G3 Trentham S., NZ$80,000, 2100m

Waisake (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) made it a double for the Sharrock stable, in doing so recording his third victory at stakes level - having already won last year’s G3 Wellington Cup and Listed New Zealand St Leger.

Bred by L.E Jameson, Waisake - whose Grangewilliam Stud-based sire is of course best known as the sire of Verry Elleegant (NZ) (one of his 15 stakes winners) - made his way through the sales ring on two occasions.

At just NZ$1,100 a great bargain for Paul Willetts at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale, he fetched NZ$28,000 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Yearling Sale.

Waisake is one of the six winners produced by the placed and now retired Kincia (NZ) (Kinjite {NZ}), also dam of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup winner Monachee (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) (in turn dam of the Listed Wanganui Guineas winner Cooga Doon {NZ} by Makfi {GB}) and the Group 2-placed Ciara (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).

Classy Western Australian stallion Beau Sovereign (NZ) (Sovereign Edition {Ire}) - winner of the G1 Caulfield Guineas - is a member of this family.

Waisake, who has won eight of his 29 starts, boasts crosses of the wonderful mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}) and Knight’s Daughter (GB) (Sir Cosmo {Ire}).

G3 Anniversary H., NZ$80,000, 1600m

Bankers Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) made it five wins from 10 starts, looking good taking the step up to stakes class - in doing so claiming the scalp of a gallant Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) who fought on gamely under her big weight.

The first stakes winner for his Windsor Park Stud-based G1 ATC Derby, New Zealand Derby and Caulfield Cup-winning sire, Bankers Choice is an exciting prospect for his owner/breeders Okaharau Station Ltd.

Bred on a 3 X 3 cross of Danehill (USA) (Danzig {USA}), he is one of three winners (from as many named foals) for the winner Signorina (NZ) (Conatus) whose closest stakes-winning relation is her fourth dam’s dual Group 1-winning half-sister Magic Flute (Adraan {GB}).

Paying a return visit in 2011 to Mongolian Khan, Signorina did not have much luck in the two seasons after producing Bankers Choice with her most recent foal being a yearling colt by Time Test (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Bankers Choice is the fifth stakes winner as a broodmare sire for the regally related Conatus (Danehill {USA}) who is doing a great job with only a few handfuls of daughters at stud.

Listed Wellesley S., NZ$60,000, 1100m

Showing a good turn of foot quickly picking up his rivals before charging clear to an easy win, Hanalei (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) made up for an unlucky defeat at his Te Aroha debut.

A homebred for his owners who include trainer Jamie Richards’ parents, Hanalei is stakes winner number 54 for his The Oaks-based sire, a stalwart of New Zealand breeding. It was a nice way to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his win in the G1 Telegraph H.

Hanalei is the third (and final) live foal produced by the two-time winner Lucrative (NZ) (Pyrus {USA}) whose 3-year-old son Cote de Beaune (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) (also trained by Richards) won the previous race at Trentham yesterday - a nice running double for connections!

Lucrative is a full sister to the G2 Waikato Gold Cup winner Dawn Ghost (NZ) out of the six-time winner Lucadore (NZ) (Wild Rampage) whose dam Free Sand (NZ) (Super Gray {USA}) is a half-sister to the stakes winners Sierra Sand (NZ) (Avon Valley {GB}), Sandsend (NZ) (Kingdom Bay {NZ}) and Page Boy (NZ) (Heir Presumptive {USA}).

G1 Queensland Derby hero Dorset Downs (NZ) (Val Dasant {Can}) also hails from this family as do the Group winners Hon Kwok Star (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}), Go Bint (NZ) (Bin Ajwaad {Ire}), Kaapeon (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}) and Casabella Lane (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).

Hanalei boasts a pedigree of considerable depth, one which includes crosses of four influential mares within seven generations… Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Quick Arrow (Fr) (Casterari {Fr}), Sans Tares (GB) (Sind {GB}) and Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}).

Trentham

Black type results

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First winner for Merchant Navy

Coolmore’s first-season stallion Merchant Navy sired his first winner when Galaxy Affair won the Magic Millions Plate at Ascot on Saturday.

Making his second start, the Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained gelding scored by 0.17l with Clint Johnston-Porter in the saddle.

Galaxy Affair (blue and red cap) | Image courtesy of Western Racepix

A brilliant Group 1 winner of the Coolmore Stud S. at Flemington and Diamond Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot, Merchant Navy took up stud duties in Australia in 2018. He has been represented by five first-crop runners to date.

Blue-blooded colt impresses

Beautifully bred 2-year-old Lofty Strike (Snitzel) began his career on a perfect note with victory in Saturday’s Resimax Group Rapid Racing at Flemington.

Ridden by Jamie Mott for trainer Julius Sandhu, Lofty Strike packed too much power for the favourite English Riviera (Deep Field), outfinishing that rival to win by 0.75l. The rest of the field finished 4l behind the first pair.

“He’s got a nice turn of foot and to see him do it on raceday on a big stage is obviously very pleasing,” Sandhu said.

“He’s in the Blue Diamond and he’s paid up. Obviously this is a starting point, and he’s got to pull up well from this. It’s the old cliché, but we’ll take it one race at a time. He’s only a 2-year-old and he’s a big horse. We have to make sure he pulls up good and go from there.”

Lofty Strike is by Champion Sire Snitzel out of Overreach (Exceed And Excel), who won the Golden Slipper in 2013.

Offered by his breeders Corumbene Stud at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Lofty Strike was a $280,000 purchase by his owners Lofty Thoroughbred Group.

Neasham 2-year-olds to the fore

Trainer Annabel Neasham played a starring role in Saturday’s Davali H. for 2-year-olds at Rosehill, saddling three of the first four finishers.

Sweet Ride (Deep Field) led all the way in the hands of Jean Van Overmeire, never looking in any danger of defeat and crossing the finish line with a margin of 2.03l up his sleeve.

The Chris Waller-trained Northern Beaches (Not A Single Doubt) finished second, with Neasham’s Flashing Steel (Not A Single Doubt) and Smart Vengeance (Smart Missile) third and fourth.

“Sweet Ride was drawn the best of our three, and he got to the front and they couldn’t catch him,” stable representative Todd Pollard said. “He’s got a bit of attitude and he’s a real out-and-out 2-year-old who we thought would run really well today.

“He found the front, did everything right and just kept kicking so it worked out beautifully.”

Sweet Ride | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The first named foal out of the Foxwedge mare How Sweet It Is, Sweet Ride was bought for $320,000 from Widden Stud’s draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Halvorsen wins Standish again

Flemington specialist Halvorsen (Magnus) returned on Saturday and scored his second G3 Standish H. victory in three years.

Ridden by Jamie Kah for trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock, the 6-year-old gelding edged out the favourite It’sourtime (Time For War) by 0.2l.

“Robbie thought he was ready to peak today and he was, he gave me a beautiful ride,” Kah said. “He’s a tricky horse to ride, he said you just have to wait, wait, and I really wanted to push the button, but I had to wait a bit longer than I usually would, but he had plenty left and he gave me a lovely ride.

“I think he only has that short sprint, if you let him go too soon he doesn’t find the line as well – it’s difficult, because you feel you’ve got so much underneath you. I’m glad I waited and it was a good result in the end.”

First stakes winner for Mongolian Khan

Promising 4-year-old Bankers Choice (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) claimed the fifth and most significant victory of his 10-start career with a powerful finish in Saturday’s G3 Dixon & Dunlop Anniversary H. at Trentham.

The gelding had made a big impression with back-to-back victories in December at Te Rapa and Ellerslie, and he stepped up to stakes level on Saturday and continued his winning way.

Bankers Choice (NZ) | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Ridden by in-form apprentice jockey Joe Kamaruddin, Bankers Choice quickened stylishly in the straight and swept past the well-performed Coventina Bay (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}). Carrying 53kg to Coventina Bay’s 60kg, Bankers Choice maintained the upper hand and scored by 0.75l.

“He’s needed time to learn what it is all about and to strengthen physically to be able to put the talent we know he has on the track,” trainer Stephen Marsh said.

“I’m just thrilled for the owners, Ross and Corrine Kearney, that we could get the job done. They have the dam and a half-sister to this guy at home, so to be able to put a Group 3 win into the family bloodlines is huge for them. The way he has won today, it might not stop there.”

Mongolian Khan | Standing at Windsor Park Stud

Bankers Choice became the first stakes winner for Caulfield Cup, Australian Derby and New Zealand Derby-winning stallion Mongolian Khan, who stands at Windsor Park Stud for a service fee of NZ$7500 (plus GST). He has sired a total of 28 winners from 75 runners, with My Squeeze Louise (NZ) a placegetter in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks.

Saturday’s Anniversary H. produced a trifecta for current or former Windsor Park Stud sires, with runner-up Coventina Bay by Shamexpress (NZ) and third-placed Germanicus (NZ) by Rip Van Winkle (Ire).

Wellington Cup winner back on song

Two weeks out from a defence of his G3 Wellington Cup crown, accomplished stayer Waisake (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) made a timely return to winning form in Saturday’s G3 Mode Technology Trentham S.

Ridden by Craig Grylls, the dark-brown gelding unleashed a fearsome finish over the top of House Of Cartier (Alamosa {NZ}) and Mohaka (NZ) (Nadeem) for an emphatic 0.5l win.

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

Bought by trainer Allan Sharrock for just NZ$28,000 from the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, Waisake has now won eight of his 29 starts.

“That was a tidy Trentham S. field, so that was pretty special,” Sharrock said. “I said that I would be happy if he could run in the top five, so I’m ecstatic now. The aim all year has been the Wellington Cup.

“Where we go after that is still to be seen. I’ve got Our Hail Mary and Sinarahma for the Auckland Cup, so we might split paths. He could go to Sydney.”

Dark Dream breaks long drought

More than 1000 days after his last win, Dark Dream (All American) scored a drought-breaking win in the California Memory Living Legends Plate at Flemington on Saturday.

The winner of the 2018 Queensland Derby, Dark Dream later travelled to Hong Kong, where he picked up two wins in December of 2018 and April of 2019.

There have been 18 winless starts through the almost three years since then, but on Saturday the 7-year-old broke through.

“He’s been running very well without winning, so it’s great to get the money today,” said Dom Rhoden, stable representative for Lindsay Park trainers Ben and JD Hayes.

“His rating will go up again off that now, so he becomes a little bit difficult to place. There’s another BM100 race in three weeks we might have a look at, and we might even look at a Tasmanian trip with him.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - January 16

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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.

We begin on Sunday with a talented 3-year-old who looks close to a maiden win at Cowra, then take in a touch of American blood in action at Yarra Valley. We finish up at the Sunshine Coast, where the highest-priced yearling by Spirit Of Boom will make his debut.

Cowra, Race 3, 1.50pm AEDT, Australian Hotel Mdn H., $24,000, 1200m

Possibly So, 3-year-old gelding (Star Witness x Goldlago {Encosta De Lago})

After showing steady improvement through a series of four trials at Dubbo and Bathurst, the Andrew Ryan-trained Possibly So made his debut over 1100 metres at Bathurst on December 20. Settling in eighth place among a 12-horse field, he made up good ground in the straight to finish third and 0.68l from the winner. The step up to 1200 metres looks likely to suit here.

Possibly So is by Star Witness out of Goldlago, who herself won two races as a 2-year-old. She is the dam of three winners from seven foals to race, headed by Kiwi’s Dream (Sebring), who has made a name for himself in the United States with placings in the G3 San Francisco Mile and the Listed All American S., Wickerr S. and Rolling Green S.

Goldlago is a half-sister to Dubawi Gold (Dubawi {Ire}), whose seven wins include the Listed Christmas H. in Adelaide, and to Singapore stakes winner Forest Gold (Charnwood Forest {Ire}).

Other close relatives include Driefontein (Fastnet Rock), winner of the G1 Robert Sangster S., G3 Sheraco S., G3 BJ McLachlan S., G3 RN Irwin S., Listed Widden S. and the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Yarra Valley, Race 4, 2.30pm AEDT, Top Tote Plus 3YO Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1009m

Meschever, 3-year-old filly (Into Mischief {USA} x Spirited Away {USA} {Awesome Again {Can}})

Flemington trainer Simon Zahra brings some American flavour to this meeting in the form of Meschever, who will be out to improve on a close second-placing in her only previous start.

The 3-year-old filly made her debut at Moonee Valley on December 31, racing in second place throughout the 1000-metre sprint before being edged out by 0.2l at the finish line by Lord Paramount (Frosted {USA}).

Meschever is Australian-bred but by an American sire and American dam. Her sire is the all-conquering Into Mischief (USA), who was Champion Sire in the USA and Canada in both 2019 and 2020. His 105 stakes winners include America’s 2020 Horse of the Year Authentic (USA), along with fellow elite performers such as Gamine (USA), Covfefe (USA), Goldencents (USA) and Life Is Good (USA).

Into Mischief (USA) | Standing at Spendthrift Farm

The dam of Meschever is Spirited Away (USA), who won four races including the Listed Truly Bound H. She is the dam of seven winners from nine foals to race, including G2 Tampa Bay Derby winner Prospective (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}) and Listed winner Josie (USA) (Race Day {USA}). She is also the granddam of G1 La Brea S. winner Kalypso (USA) (Brody’s Cause {USA}) and G3 Bashford Manor S. placegetter Herd Immunity (USA) (Union Rags {USA}).

Sunshine Coast, Race 2, 2.35pm AEDT (1.35pm local), Battery Wise Suppliers QTIS 2YO Mdn Plate, $26,000, 1000m

Spiritualised, 2-year-old colt (Spirit Of Boom x Personalised {Snitzel})

Tony Gollan unveils an intriguing first-starter here in the form of Spiritualised, who placed in a trial at Doomben in early December.

The colt is by standout Queensland sire Spirit Of Boom out of Personalised, who is a half-sister to the G1 VRC Oaks heroine Personal (Fastnet Rock). The mare is also a three-quarter sister to the stakes-placed Selectify (Redoute’s Choice) and Laser Flash (Redoute’s Choice), and a half-sister to G2 Theo Marks S. runner-up Trope (More Than Ready {USA}).

Spiritualised as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Other close relatives include the South African star Laisserfaire (Danehill {USA}), multiple Group winner A Time For Julia (Redoute’s Choice), and Group 1 placegetter and sire Time Thief.

Spiritualised was offered by Musk Creek Farm at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Gollan Racing and John Foote Bloodstock bought him for $575,000 – the highest price paid for a Spirit Of Boom yearling.

Looking Back

Warmth (Hinchinbrook) was the headline act among our Saturday selections, scoring an impressive win in the $250,000 Magic Millions Mdn Plate at the Gold Coast. Maximillius (Written Tycoon) finished fifth on debut at Flemington, while Metallicity (Zoustar) was scratched from his Rosehill assignment.

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

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Seymour Equine Services - Broodmare Coordinator

Full-Time Employment

Location: Seymour, VIC, Australia

We are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic individual with a love for all things breeding to join our team at Seymour Park.

Do you want to progress your career and be responsible for your own department?

Are you an organisation guru?

Do you have a passion for breeding and love working with broodmares and foals?

THIS IS US

Seymour Equine Services, located near Nagambie, VIC in the Goulburn Valley region.

The administrative arm of Seymour Bloodstock and Mark Pilkington Management.

We breed, we sell, we buy, we hope, we race, we agist, we learn, we listen, we cry, we laugh, we respect and above all else we enjoy…

THE ROLE

We are looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic individual with a love for all things breeding to join our team at Seymour Park as Broodmare Coordinator.

You will be responsible for daily caretaking of the broodmares and foals at Seymour Park, with the support of a dedicated team.

This position will require a combination of equine husbandry and administration in an environment that allows you to step in and make the role your own.

THE SPECIFICS

Requirements:

• Previous experience with all aspects of broodmares including foaling, vetting, treatments, etc.

• Competent in using Microsoft Excel

• Experience with Prism beneficial but not required

• Must hold a full driver's licence and be competent in driving with a horse float

Daily tasks:

• Liase with manager to coordinate daily operations of the broodmare farm

• Ensuring any sick/injured horses are getting the necessary treatment and care when required

• Managing and recording treatment of sick/injured horses, breeding treatments, vetting requirements

• Coordination of farrier, handling and weaning schedules

• Mucking out boxes and cleaning yards daily

• The daily care and maintaining feed routines set out by manager

• Assisting vets, farriers and other contractors when required

• Assisting with the speller farm if/when required

You will be required to work outside of normal hours including weekend work and occasional additional hours if needed.

Salary negotiable based on experience.

If you would like to join our team, apply online via the form below and include a resume.

If you have any questions, please email admin@seymourequineservices.horse.

Click here to apply for the Broodmare Coordinator position

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, January 15

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, January 16

First Season Sire Results

First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, January 15

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, January 16

Second Season Sire Results

Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

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Please note the meeting at Kembla Grange was postponed