World-class facility announced for Cranbourne
Racing Victoria on Wednesday announced a new world-class equine veterinary clinic and hospital was in the works for Cranbroune, supported by the Andrews Labor government. The Victorian state government will chip in $2 million to the new facility from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with the Cranbourne Turf Club contributing an additional $2.6 million.
The hospital will provide first-class veterinary care to both the thoroughbred and harness communities with diagnostic equipment, including x-ray and ultrasound, a bone scanner and standing CT equine imaging. The new buildings will be built flanking the existing stabling area and construction will not impede training and racing activities at the racecourse.
“We are always looking to improve animal welfare for our horses,” said Anthony Carbines, the Victorian minister for racing. “The construction of a new equine veterinary hospital at Cranbourne will provide access to first-class diagnostic equipment and quality care for the horses.”
Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday morning, Neil Bainbridge, the club’s CEO, said the support of the state government was appreciated and critical.
“We know this investment will make all the difference for horses, owners and trainers who can now access world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities,” he said. “We thank the Victorian government for continuing to support the welfare of the racing industry.”
Cox Plate ticket on table for Takarazuka Kinen winner
The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) on Wednesday announced the winner of Sunday week’s G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin will be offered a subsidised invitation to come to Melbourne for the club’s showpiece event, the G1 Cox Plate, on October 28.
The MVRC is keen to further its partnership with Japanese racing, which reached a peak when star mare Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) took out the 2019 Cox Plate.
“The opportunity we are presenting with the Takarazuka Kinen this year - the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ process - is really important to ensure the relationship with Japan, which has already been proven in the Lys Gracieux era,” MVRC head of racing, Charlotte Mills, told Racing.com.
“We see the form, we see the pathways, we see the natural program that will lead into the Cox Plate and we also see the complement with the Japan Cup.
“The 2023 Takarazuka Kinen nomination field is a strong one. Australia’s best race is naturally looking to recruit the best weight-for-age runners across the world.”
Vale Reg Nolan
South Australian racing is mourning the death of its veteran identity Reg Nolan, for 18 years a chairman of the Murray Bridge Racing Club before its move in 2020 to Gifford Hill. Nolan is credited with much of the work behind the club's redevelopment at Gifford Hill.
“His leadership during our ambitious move to Gifford Hill was instrumental to the Club achieving its goal and ensuring the certainty and success for the club’s future,” said current Chairman John Leahy on Wednesday.
The late Reg Nolan | Image courtesy of Racing SA
“His determination, desire, stoicism and, on occasions, sheer pig-headiness as he worked tirelessly at the coal face was infectious to us all and gave the Committee the confidence and resolve during difficult times to push on to eventually realise what was, and is, a meritorious outcome. He was the vanguard on our march to the new Murray Bridge Race Club.”
The Murray Bridge Racing Club will honour Nolan with the Vale Reg Nolan H. this Saturday and a minute’s silence on-course. Jockeys will also wear black armbands.
Juvenile winner for Proisir at Sandown
New Zealand’s incumbent Champion Sire, Rich Hill Stud resident Proisir, had a 2-year-old winner on Wednesday at Sandown in the shape of the Mike Moroney-trained Coeur Volante (NZ). The filly was second-up after a fourth at the track on May 27.
Ridden by Billy Egan, Coeur Volante won by 1.75l to the Corstens-trained Lady In Pink (Pariah) and the well-bred Coolmore filly Clavadatsch (Justify {USA}). She had been a NZ$90,000 purchase for Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables last year at the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale when consigned by Prima Park.
Quality additions to Maher-Eustace stable
Elusive Express (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) and Xtravagant Star (Xtravagant {NZ}) will now be trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. The former, who was bred by Explosive Breeding, was recently purchased by Merricks Station for $400,000 at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale from the Blue Sky Premium Consignment.
Elusive Express raced 13 times for Anthony and Sam Freedman, winning the 2021 G2 Edward Manifold S. at her fourth start, before placing second in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.
The Seymour Bloodstock-bred Xtravagant Star began her career with Tony and Calvin McEvoy and won last year’s R. Listed Inglis Millennium, but hasn’t finished in top three in five subsequent appearances. The filly was consigned by Newhaven Park at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale, where Astute Bloodstock (FBAA)/Widden Stud went to $450,000 for her.
Defending champion draws gate two in Eye Liner
The Annabel Neasham-trained Holyfield (I Am Invincible) should get every chance to make it back-to-back wins in the Listed Eye Liner S. at Ipswich on Saturday, with the 5-year-old to jump from gate two under Jag Guthmann-Chester. Holyfield, who carried 55.5kg to victory 12 months ago, has 59kg to contend with this year.
Holyfield | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Stablemate Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) will be on the quick back-up when he contests the Listed Ipswich Cup. The 7-year-old was fifth in last week’s G2 The Q22.
Neasham also has Bartholomeu Dias (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}) and Regal Lion (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) in the $200,000 staying event.
O’Shea hoping for third time's a charm in Ipswich Cup
Randwick trainer John O’Shea is hoping for a breakthrough victory in Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup with Berdibek (Fr), a 9-year-old son of Dark Angel (Ire). It will be the third time the trainer has tried to win the race, with Berdibek unsuccessful last year and Mushtak (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) a faller in the race as far back as July 2000.
Berdibek was last seen on May 27 when third in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup at Eagle Farm, albeit his last win was nearly two years ago in the Listed Wyong Cup.
“He hasn’t won for over a year, but I think he’s going better this time than last year,” O’Shea said. “It (last year’s race) didn’t suit him when he found the fence too soon and was caught up. The pattern on the day was to be in the centre of the track.”
Twelve-month ban for jockey Scorse
Country-based jockey Patrick Scorse has been handed a one-year suspension by Racing NSW after testing positive to cocaine for the second time in three years. Scorse’s sample, after completing his riding engagements at Muswellbrook on April 28, contained benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, which is banned under AR 136(1).
Patrick Scorse | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
His suspension will commence on June 6, the day upon which he was stood down by Racing NSW stewards, and expires on June 6, 2024. Stewards will consider staying the final three months of the suspension should Scorse complete satisfactory professional counselling.
Scorse, who breached the same rule in 2021, will seek professional assistance.
Murrell apology draws attention
Australian Bloodstock Co-Director Luke Murrell, who made scathing comments about Irish trainer Sheila Lavery in a promotional video last week following the company’s purchase of Lavery horse New Energy (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), issued a profound written apology on Tuesday that has made headlines in European racing.
Murrell said the video was released to social media without editing or checking, and that his ‘emotions and excitement in relation to the purchase of this horse got the better of me and I used some language in that video which was extremely disparaging, untrue, cruel, malicious and hurtful to the people either mentioned or implied’.
Luke Murrell | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Murrell’s apology was lengthy, in which he withdrew his comments and acknowledged the damage he may have caused to Australian Bloodstock and the offence rendered to Sheila Lavery. Australian Bloodstock has been subjected to a barrage of criticism on social media in Ireland and Britain, with the story picked up by the mainstream media.
Group 2 winner retired
Per Incanto (USA) gelding Justacanta (NZ) has run his final race, with Shaun and Emma Clotworthy calling time on the career of the 9-year-old. Justacanta raced 63 times, winning eight races and placing on 24 occasions for earnings of $543,302. His best win was the 2021 G2 TAB S. (formerly Linlithgow S.), when he was trained by Patrick Payne.
Justacanta (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Justacanta made his first 47 starts in New Zealand with the Clotworthys. Bred by Little Avondale Stud, he was bought for just NZ$11,000 at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale.
He is from the Casual Lies (USA) mare Just Casual (NZ), a sister to the 1998 G1 New Zealand Derby hero So Casual (NZ).
Corey Sutherland joins forces with Pat Duff
The 19-year-old apprentice Corey Sutherland has joined the stable of Deagon trainer Pat Duff, following in the boot steps of a string of apprentice stars like Mick Dittman, Jim Byrne and Mandy Radecker. Sutherland has been riding for Duff for the last month, with the rider’s father being the stable's former farrier.
“My dad actually did the shoes on horses for Pat for a long time, so I thought it would be the best thing for my career to come up here,” Sutherland told RQ News. “He is a very, very good bloke, Pat, and he knows a lot. It has been awesome ever since I have been up here. I’ve got a lot of rides lately.”
Spirit of Racing Award
Western Australia has introduced The Spirit of Racing Award to its local scene, the award attempting to recognise exceptional dedication to thoroughbred racing across the state. It will be presented by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) at the 2023 WA Thoroughbred Racing Awards in August, and it will include a diverse range of activities in its annual consideration, including volunteer and racing participant activities.
“We welcome nominations based on efforts which can’t be counted by the number of races won, but instead on endeavours which go above and beyond expectations to support racing and benefit the community,” said David Hunter, RWWA’s chief racing office. “With this in mind, the scope is wide. Whatever the endeavour, it should have generated a positive, lasting impact on racing in Western Australia.”
Nominations are now open for The Spirit of Racing Award and may be submitted by all licensed participants, registered breeders and race clubs until July 12.
Strapper of the Year nominations open
Nominations have this week been called for Sydney’s Strapper of the Year award, which is now in its 14th year and offers recognition to the behind-the-scenes efforts of stablehands across the city’s racing scene. The award is sponsored by Racing NSW and co-ordinated by Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy (ARCC).
The award is peer-nominated, with stablehands at metropolitan meetings being invited to nominate anyone they think is deserving of recognition. A selection panel of racing officials will preside over the winner from a shortlist of finalists. Previous winners have been Ian Smith from the Neasham yard last year, Clare Heuston from Chris Waller Racing in 2021, and Graeme Wilson from Kris Lees’ operation in 2020.
Nominees can be from any stable in NSW or the ACT, but individuals must have strapped horses at metro-meeting level during the current racing season. The award will be presented at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association’s ‘Racing’s Night of Champions’ on August 31.
For enquiries, contact Colin Watts at contact@arcc.org.au or https://visit arcc.org.au.
Charges against Jack Morgan-Byrnes
Racing Victoria stewards have issued four charges against the licensed stable employee Jack Morgan-Byrnes following an investigation into the care and welfare of a horse. The charges relate to the racehorse Red Phantom (Ire) (Estidhkaar {Ire}), trained by Flemington-based Nick Ryan, to whom Morgan-Byrnes was employed.
Morgan-Byrnes is charged with fitting a stallion chain to the bridge of the horse’s nose when aware that Red Phantom had returned to his box on February 27 with blood in his mouth. The stablehand was charged under the rules of racing AR 231 (twice) and AR 228 (also twice). The charges will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.
Treble for Spratt
Group 1-winning jockey Sam Spratt took riding honours at Cambridge-Synthetic on Wednesday, leading home three winners.
Sam Spratt | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
Spratt won aboard Branciforti (NZ) (Belardo (Ire}) in Race 2, Orgullo (Pride Of Dubai) in Race 3 and Miss Cartier (NZ) (El Roca) in Race 5.
Distance rise to suit Dark Destroyer
The step-up to 2150 metres should suit Group 1 winner Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir) in Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup, according to the gelding’s co-trainers and the jockey that rode him last time out.
The 4-year-old heads into the race after finishing sixth in the Listed Wayne Wilson over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm on Saturday under Michael McNab.
“He’s going to back up in the Cup and he should run well again from a good gate of seven,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “Michael got off and said he’s looking for ground. We think his condition is improving with the warmer weather and he’s going well.
“He lacked a little bit of luck turning in the other day and they didn’t go that hard, but he stuck on well behind the placegetters.”
Saratoga preferred for Belmont
With the construction of the new Belmont Park scheduled to begin after the spring 2024 meet, and plans for the 2025 event still uncertain, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) expressed its preference that a non-Belmont Park Belmont Stakes be held at Saratoga rather than Aqueduct.
Saratoga Racetrack | Image courtesy of SaratogaPhotographer.com
In an interview with TDN America this week, NYRA CEO David O'Rourke said that plans call for the new Belmont to be finished before the 2026 Belmont, and early conversation with NYRA had centred on possibly holding the Belmont at Aqueduct in 2025, and even 2026, if necessary.
In a text to TDN America on Monday, Patrick McKenna, NYRA’s director of communications, said ‘should the construction of a new Belmont Park require the Belmont Stakes to be run at a different venue, then NYRA's preference would absolutely be to hold the event at Saratoga Racecourse’.
