NZ Premiership wrapped up for Rich Hill
With no meetings in New Zealand on Sunday and Monday, Rich Hill Stud’s Proisir has officially knocked Savabeel off his perch as the country’s Champion Sire, ending his eight-year reign.
It’s been a remarkable season for Proisir, who has sired five individual Group 1 winners: Dark Destroyer (NZ), Pier (NZ), Legarto (NZ), Levante (NZ) and Prowess (NZ).
It was a sweet victory for Rich Hill’s John Thompson, after the stud’s foundation stallion Pentire (GB) came so close a number of times.
Proisir | Standing at Rich Hill Stud
“Pentire really deserved to win a premiership and never quite managed it, so it’s great to get the monkey off the back for the stud in some ways,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s been many more convincing winners than Proisir. His progeny have earned more than NZ$4 million - the first stallion to pass that mark in New Zealand, and not far off double the amount Savabeel has earned in second place. It really has been a special season.”
Rich Hill had more reason to celebrate on the final day of the NZ season too, as their shuttler Satono Aladdin (Jpn) finished as the country’s Champion Second Season Sire and leading 2-year-old sire. He finished the season with three stakes winners and progeny earnings of NZ$1.31 million.
Satono Aladdin (Jpn) | Standing at Rich Hill Stud
Proisir stands at Rich Hill Stud this year for NZ$70,000 (plus GST), whilst Satono Aladdin commands NZ$45,000 (plus GST).
Hellbent sires Saturday double
Yarraman Park’s second-season sire Hellbent was responsible for two 3-year-old winners across Australia on Saturday - both helping their trainers on the way to doubles on the day.
Leon and Troy Corstens got underway at The Valley with their gelding He’ll Rip, who was scoring his third career win, before they trained Magnaspin (Magnus) to win in similar company.
Tony Gollan’s 3-year-old filly Blue Spinel was also notching a third career win in handicap company, and completed a double at Eagle Farm for the trainer.
Hellbent stands at Yarraman Park this year for $38,500 (inc GST).
Gollan’s 3YO goes four-from-four
Queensland’s leading trainer Tony Gollan appears to have a smart prospect on his hands after his 3-year-old gelding Freedom Rally (Rubick) justified $1.35 favouritism at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The son of Rubick put 2.27l into his nearest rivals with minimum fuss under Ben Thompson, for owner/breeders Grandlodge Thoroughbreds.
“He's a really nice horse, we've had to be a little bit patient with him, he probably should be unbeaten,” Gollan said post-race.
“He's got a lot ahead of him, he's a nice specimen of a horse, I knew that a while ago, it just took a little while with him to get his head right, he's still learning what it's all about.”
Rawiller double spoiled by suspension
Leading rider Nash Rawiller returned to Saturday racing following a holiday with a tidy double at Randwick, but left the races with a suspension for careless riding.
In completing his double aboard 3-year-old gelding King Of Naples (Your Song) for John O’Shea, Rawiller was found guilty of careless riding after his mount drifted in, causing interference.
He was handed a nine-meeting suspension starting Monday, meaning he will be able to return on August 19.
Deauville Legend may return
UK trainer James Ferguson has indicated that he intends to return to Australia with his talented stayer Deauville Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Fourth in the 2022 G1 Melbourne Cup, Deauville Legend has run only once since, placing fourth in the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot this year.
Deauville Legend (Ire) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“We plan an international campaign with him at the end of the year,” the trainer told At The Races.
“I'd like to go back to Australia - which race, is yet to be decided - but I'd like to go back,” he said, adding: “He'll go down lightly raced.”
Kah’s return still in balance
Jamie Kah must undergo further tests before she may resume riding, the leading jockey revealed on Saturday, and has been left frustrated as she looks to get back in the saddle ahead of the imminent new season.
“It is extremely frustrating as I’ve passed the neuro tests, but they still want me to do another on Friday and possibly again the following Friday,” Kah told Racing.com.
“I feel 100 per cent, but I still can’t do jump-outs, although I am riding (work) every day.”
Kah’s race riding career has been on pause since she sustained a serious concussion in a fall on March 11.
Bullock brings up double century
New South Wales-based Aaron Bullock secured his 200th winner of the season at Newcastle on Saturday aboard The Great Houdini (Written Tycoon), before winning the closing race on the card for good measure.
Aaron Bullock | Image courtesy of NSW Country and Picnic Racing
Bullock is by far the most successful jockey in the state by wins alone, with his nearest pursuer, Ben Looker, sitting on 119 victories whilst Champion Jockey James McDonald is third with 117.
Justin Potter notches treble at Morphettville
The hard-working Justin Potter rode three unfavoured winners in Adelaide on Saturday, having ridden a double last Wednesday at Murray Bridge. Potter’s shortest-priced winner at the meeting was $20, whilst his final ride was his worst chance on paper at $51.
“It’s been a while for a winner in town, let alone a double,” the 46-year-old told Racing.com after the second victories in his three-timer. “I’m floating at the moment.”
MVRC appoint O’Sullivan to Committee
Moonee Valley Racing Club on Saturday announced that Kate O’Sullivan will be appointed to the club’s Committee, in place of the retired former Chairman Don Casboult.
Kate O'Sullivan | Image courtesy of Moonee Valley Racing Club
O’Sullivan has been an owner/breeder in Victoria since 1986, and has executive experience in business social media and gaming between southeast Asia and Australia.
Macdonald bids goodbye at Morphettville
Leon Macdonald was on hand to oversee his final two runners at Morphettville on Saturday. Although he had no luck, the retiring 81-year-old bowed out on his final Saturday as a trainer with some emotional tributes from his colleagues.
Handing over to his training partner Andrew Gluyas, Macdonald leaves a record of nine Group 1 winners achieved in his 48-year career, and said simply: “Racing has been great to me.”
Cram signs off at The Valley
On the final Saturday of the season, retiring Chairman of Stewards Robert Cram was honoured for his 41 years of service at The Valley on Saturday, having held his current role since 2018.
“I’m going to sit back and have a bit of a rest and consider what I’ll do next,” he said.
“It’s been a great industry to work in and I’ll take a lot of friendships and a lot of memories out of it.”
