FBAA support grows
The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) has reported record participation from its members over Book 1 at last week’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale as 23 of those were involved in 163 purchases, 21 per cent of the total sold, accounting for a gross of $57.7 million (25 per cent).
President of the Federation, Boomer Bloodstock’s Craig Rounsefell said: “The Australian thoroughbred market continues to go from strength to strength and it is reassuring to see that 25 per cent of investment in Book 1 at Magic Millions was facilitated by accredited FBAA members.”
Impendabelle to tackle Karaka Million
Group 2 winner Impendabelle (Impending) will tackle Saturday’s R. Listed Karaka Million 2YO at Pukekohe on Saturday.
The daughter of Impending won her first two starts, including the G2 Wakefield S., but was most recently seen finishing third in the Pukekohe on Boxing Day, a performance Tony Pike puts down to her drawing the outside barrier.
Impendabelle | Image courtesy of Race Images PN
“It was always about giving her run at the track and barrier draws are always key,” trainer Tony Pike said. “We probably could have tried to push forward, but there looked to be a lot of speed in the race, so we erred on the side of caution and rode her quietly.
“It was a really good run and she was a long way off them and probably couldn't have finished any closer than she did.
“She'll have her final hitout tomorrow morning and at this stage everything seems A-okay with her.”
Lester in need of support
Friends and colleagues of Deane Lester have established a Go Fund Me page after the popular analyst and pundit was diagnosed with cancer. A regular contributor to RSN Racing and Sport and 7 Horse Racing, Lester is unable to work, and is in need to help meet commitments including mortgages and medical treatment.
“Deane's condition will sadly prevent him from working at all, in any form, in the short-to-medium term,” reads the Go Fund Me page.
“As Deane has always been a sole contractor, Deane will now be without any form of income. As you would expect, Deane has many commitments to meet, some historical, many in the future.”
A funding goal of $100,000 has already been largely met.
Cranbourne Trials
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr left Cranbourne’s Monday trials in good fettle after two of their stars, I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) and Jacquinot (Rubick) won their respective heats without trouble.
“Thunder was really good this morning, just his first jump-out, so it was a relatively easy one,” Kent Jnr told Racing.com.
“He began very well, we actually slipped all the gear off him this morning and the theory was that by taking the one-eyed blinker off he might be able to anticipate the start a bit better.”
I’m Thunderstruck will likely face Jacquinot in the G1 CF Orr S., of whom Kent Jnr said: “He was very good, he was having his second jump-out, we've got him a bit more forward.”
Rawiller taken ill
At Warwick Farm trials on Monday morning Nash Rawiller was taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains and feeling faint following the sixth heat.
"Nash was checked out by ambulance officers and will be transported to Liverpool Hospital for further assessment," a Racing NSW statement read of the 48-year-old.
Nash Rawiller | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
A Tweet from Racing NSW on Monday evening read: “Nash is resting in hospital where he will remain overnight under observation, awaiting a further test to be conducted tomorrow.”
Searcy’s Karaka Preview returns
Caroline Searcy’s New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) National Yearling Sale Preview makes its annual return on Tuesday evening, and will be shown on Sky Thoroughbred Central at 7.30pm AEDT.
The program will feature yearlings by some of Australasia’s top stallions, and consigned by some of New Zealand’s leading studs, such as Cambridge Stud, Pencarrow, Hallmark Stud, Haunui Farm, Windsor Park Stud, Wentwood Grange, The Oaks, Woburn Farm and Curraghmore.
Stanaway’s successful appeal
Trainer Bryce Stanaway - who was disqualified over his conduct towards stewards, a raceday vet and a barrier attendant when dealing with his injured horse at Bendigo races in 2020 - has successfully appealed the severity of his three-year ban, which is now reduced by six months.
Bryce Stanaway | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Originally found guilty of seven misconduct-related charges last February, VCAT Senior Member Jonathan Smithers assessed the ban, concluding:
“I accept that Mr Stanaway has a high level of concern for the welfare of his horses. The references given on his behalf and the other material bear that out. I accept that a motivation for his conduct the subject of this proceeding was the welfare of Moorabool. That is a mitigating factor in terms of penalty,” Smithers’ judgement said.
