Australian Turf Club to make a decision on Everest slot by end of May
The Australian Turf Club has been approached by at least two prominent international racing organisations to sell or lease their slot in the $15 million The Everest.
But the ATC board of directors hasn’t ruled out retaining their slot and selecting a horse for The Everest with a final decision imminent.
ATC Chairman Peter McGauran confirmed the club’s board met on Monday with their Everest slot high on the agenda.
“The ATC is looking to finalise what they will do with their slot as soon as possible,” said McGauran.
Gallery: Potential contenders for the Australian Turf Club's The Everest slot, should the club keep the investment
“Two international conglomerates are negotiating to lease the ATC’s slot, and we are working through both offers.
“We haven’t ruled out selecting a sprinter, either, and we are looking at Lucky Sweynesse (NZ), Nature Strip, and I Wish I Win (NZ).”
Group 1 winner Vega One retired
The Tony Gollan-trained Vega One (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has been retired following an unplaced run in The Archer in Rockhampton on Sunday.
The 7-year-old has come back from several severe injuries, most notably a flesh-eating disease, after getting stepped on in the G1 Stradbroke H. behind Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
The six-time winner’s most notable moment came in the G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup in 2021 when Jamie Kah produced a miraculous ride to win from a near-impossible position; Vega One was also a victor of the Listed Queensland Day S.
Stradbroke Handicap nominations released: Classy 3-year-olds to the fore
Tuesday saw the nominations for the $3 million Stradbroke H. to be run at Eagle Farm on June 10 released.
Amongst the nominations are the classy 3-year-old colts Aft Cabin (Astern), Lofty Strike (Snitzel), Hawaii Five Oh (I Am Invincible) and the Group 1-winning filly Sheeza Belter (Gold Standard).
The last 3-year-old to win Queensland's feature race was Impending in 2017 and Sincero (Umatilla {NZ}) in 2011 before that; however, this is arguably the strongest batch to attack the race in recent years.
J-Mac sends out Zaaki warning
Superstar jockey James McDonald has sent out a warning that the Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) is back to his brilliant best ahead of Saturday’s G2 Hollindale S. at the Sunshine Coast.
The 8-year-old gelding is searching for an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the Group 2 event; Zaaki is already in rare company with two wins in the feature, joining only Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Shogun Lodge (Grand Lodge {USA}) and Leebaz (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) as multiple winners.
The G2 Hollindale S. has been moved from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast this year due to track renovations. Zaaki was last seen placing behind Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) in the G1 All Aged S., his only run for the autumn, after earlier engagements being aborted due to a below-par barrier trial.
But McDonald says, “Zaaki has the spring back in his step. He's going really well, I thought his first-up run in the All Aged was awesome.
“He had some injections to come to Hong Kong and hit a flat spot after that last year, but he feels like he is back to his old ways.”
Archie Alexander suspended by Victorian Racing Tribunal
The Ballarat-based trainer Archie Alexander has been suspended for six weeks after one of his horses, Sylvan Sisterhood (Starcraft {NZ}), returned a positive swab to Naproxen on October 16, last year.
The Victorian Racing Tribunal handed down the decision on Friday last week, giving Alexander a $3000 fine in addition to the six-week suspension he had previously received; the suspension will be activated following the outcome of Friday’s hearing.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and has analgesic (pain-relieving) and fever-suppression properties.
Archie Alexander | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Alexander confirmed the suspension in a letter to his owners, which was sent on Monday evening. He will not appeal the suspension which is due to start on Friday.
The stable however, is hopeful of delaying the start of the suspension for a short period to allow extra time to put interim logistical plans in place.
It is believed the horses will be transferred into the care of fellow Ballarat trainer Dan O’Sullivan for the duration of the suspension. The positive swab was due to cross-contamination, with a member of staff who was on feeding duties taking over-the-counter medication for knee pain.
The Alexander stable has worked closely with stewards following the positive swab and has since established a strict personal hygiene policy for staff members.
Artorius’ Ascot countdown
Artorius (Flying Artie) is on target for his final career start in the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot on June 24, according to his co-trainer Sam Freedman.
“Artorius is in very good shape. He had his first proper gallop on Friday morning and we were very happy with it,” Freedman told Racing.com.
“We are super pleased with him and feel he’s right on target.”
“He’ll trial on May 10 at Mornington on the course proper, then he will have a jump-out down the straight at Flemington before he gets on the plane.”
Artorius winning the G1 Canterbury S. | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Champion Australian jockey James McDonald has been engaged to ride Artorius in the Platinum Jubilee, and the pair will hope to go a couple of places higher than the dead-heated third that the entire finished in the race last year, which was won by Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).
Artorius heads a strong representation of Australian runners, with The Astrologist (Zoustar), Cannonball (Capitalist) and Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) to contest the G1 King's Stand S. or the G1 Platinum Jubliee S.
Artorius will retire to Newgate Farm for $27,500 (inc GST) at the conclusion of his racing career.
Blueblood to debut at Canterbury on Wednesday
Trainer Chris Waller will debut the full brother to the former star sprinter Sunlight (Zoustar) on Wednesday at Canterbury in Race 2, a 1200 metre maiden. Named Kandinsky Abstract, the colt topped the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale selling for $3 million to Tom Magnier of Coolmore Stud and is now raced by that organisation and partners.
The son of the Champion Widden Stud-based sire Zoustar has had two official trials, finishing third and fourth under James McDonald, who has been engaged for the colt’s debut.
Kandinsky Abstract as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Kandinsky Abstract is the eighth foal from the Charge Forward mare Solar Charged, who herself won a Group 3; whilst at stud, she is the dam of two individual stakes winners of 10 stakes races.
No Japan for Lucky Sweynesse
Lucky Sweynesse’s (NZ) (Sweynesse) dominant season is likely over, with trainer Manfred Man confirming his superstar sprinter will not head to Japan for next month’s G1 Yasuda Kinen over 1600 metres.
Lucky Sweynesse's victory in Sunday’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize was the 4-year-old’s third at Group 1 level for the calendar year, and the gelding has raced nine times this season for seven wins.
Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) won Sunday's G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
“We’re not going to Japan because the horse wasn’t eating very well after Sunday’s race. It could be time for a rest,” Man told the Post Tuesday morning.
Lucky Sweynesse may not be seen on the track again until October, where Sydney’s $15 million The Everest or, more likely, the G2 Premier Bowl over 1200 metres at Sha Tin, loom as kick-off options.
Several The Everest slotholders are reportedly chasing Lucky Sweynesse.
Avdulla eager for Hong Kong challenge
The 13-time Group 1-winning jockey Brenton Avdulla feels the time is right to test his skills abroard.
Successful in Japan previously, Avdulla has been granted a short-term contract to ride in Hong Kong, which sees him make his debut at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with a trio of rides: Loriz (Smart Missile), Villa Fionn (Sebring) and Nicconi County (Nicconi).
“I feel it’s nice to test myself on the world stage again. I’ve been in Japan, had several contracts there and it’s nice to be in Hong Kong,” Avdulla said.
Brenton Avdulla | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I just want to make as many contacts as possible, work hard and try to get some opportunities. That’s all I ask, and hopefully, the results will speak for themselves.
Appearing at trackwork on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin, the Australian rode in one barrier trial on the dirt after casually greeting the local press.
“I came here for the international meeting, and I was on a mare called In Her Time for the Hong Kong Sprint, but she fell lame on race morning,” Avdulla said.
Racing Victoria statement: Victorian Point of Consumption Tax Changes
Racing Victoria released a statement on Tuesday afternoon regarding the Victorian point of Consumption Tax Changes.
The Victorian Racing Industry (VRI) welcomes the Victorian Government’s proposed changes to the Victorian Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) arrangements, increasing the VRI’s share of ongoing funding derived from the POCT collected, providing important long-term certainty for the VRI.
The Victorian Government has today announced that it will introduce legislation to increase the POCT on wagering by Victorian residents from 10 per cent to 15 per cent of net wagering revenue from July 1, 2024.
This increase will bring Victoria’s POCT into line with New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania at 15 per cent, whilst Queensland stands at 20 per cent.
The VRI will retain the majority of the planned POCT increase from July 1, 2024, with the proceeds from POCT collected on all wagering and betting activity from Victorian residents to be split evenly between Government and VRI (currently 7.5 per cent each).
The increased industry funding from the POCT will be a key component of a new industry funding framework to replace lapsing industry funding in connection with the State Wagering and Betting Licence and associated historical joint venture industry funding arrangements due to expire in August 2024.
The new funding arrangements will better reflect the evolving wagering market and continue to provide the industry with ongoing autonomous funding derived from the industry linked to wagering and betting activity on VRI products.
The confirmation of this vital funding to industry enables the VRI to continue supporting more than 35,000 Victorian jobs, investing in animal and participant welfare, and providing world-class racing and training infrastructure.
The VRI is one of Victoria’s most significant industries and substantially contributes to jobs, communities and the state economy, delivering $4.7 billion in economic value each year – around half of this in regional Victoria.
“We welcome the Victorian Government’s plan to provide the VRI with an increased share of POCT receipts from July 2024. This is money that we help generate coming back to the VRI to secure its sustainability and provide funding certainty into the future,” Racing Victoria Chairman Brian Kruger said.
Kah-Wilo fall ruled an accident
The Sires’ Produce S. fall that resulted in injuries to star jockeys Craig Williams and Jamie Kah has been deemed an accident.
Stewards released their findings on Tuesday after finishing interviews with several jockeys involved.
It came after Kah fell from the Henry Dwyer-trained Flyball (Starspangledbanner) and brought down Williams on the Chris Bieg-trained Dubenenko (Russian Revolution) in the feature race at Flemington in March.
Gallery: Images courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Kah sustained significant brain injuries and is still on the sidelines. Williams suffered injuries, including shoulder surgery, but has returned to race riding.
Williams and Kah gave evidence on Monday, while Sam Clipperton on Portorosa (Not A Single Doubt) and Damian Lane on Veight (Grunt {NZ}), Blaike McDougall on Freakofnature (Snitzel) and Blake Shinn on Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {Ire}), all gave evidence on raceday.
“Stewards established that, approaching the 100 metres, Flyball, which had been following Veight in a two-wide position, was restrained by its rider Jamie Kah to avoid the heels of Veight, which had settled in a position behind the leading runners,” the stewards’ report read.
“When restrained, Flyball began to race keenly before clipping the heels of Veight and falling. Dubenenko, which was following, was severely checked and almost fell, dislodging Craig Williams when unable to avoid making contact with the fallen Flyball.
“Also, as a result of this incident, Tom Kitten was severely checked, and Portorosa and Freakofnature were hampered when attempting to avoid the fallen Flyball. After considering all the evidence, including the analysis of all available video footage, the stewards deemed the incident accidental and not attributed to the carelessness of any one rider. Therefore, will take no further action regarding the matter.”
Ritchie hoping for carnival boost at Eagle Farm
Cambridge-based trainer Shaune Ritchie who trains in partnership with Colm Murray, will look to 3-year-old filly Maurizma (Maurice {Jpn}) to successfully open the stable’s latest overseas venture in an 1800 metre maiden event at Eagle Farm on Wednesday with stablemate The Racketeer (NZ) (Proisir), also in Australia for the winter carnival.
The Racketeer is on his way north to Brisbane, having booked his passage across the Tasman with a game last-start victory.
“There are no direct flights this year, so the horses have had to come via Sydney,” Ritchie said.
Shaune Ritchie | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“The Racketeer is heading up to Queensland tonight (Tuesday) after arriving on the plane from Sydney on Monday.
“He will take his chance at Eagle Farm on Saturday week in an open 3-year-old 1350 metre race.”
The Racketeer has won three of his 10 starts, most recently at Avondale over 1400 metres.
“We’ll start in a $125,000 race, and if he can measure up there, then there’s a stack of races leading right through to the Winx Guineas.”
