Allam Racing and Kestrel Thoroughbreds score Sky On Fire
The Listed-winning Sky On Fire (Exceed And Excel) was purchased by Allam Racing and Kestrel Thoroughbreds from Monday’s Gavelhouse.com online auction for NZ$297,500.
Sky On Fire | Image courtesy of Gavelhouse
The 3-year-old filly was raced by Te Akau Racing and purchased by David Ellis for $400,000 from the draft of Eureka Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Sky On Fire is the first foal from Elusive Meteor (Northern Meteor) who won twice.
New winner for Justify
The Annabel Neasham-trained Cicada became Justify’s (USA) 10th winner on Monday at Scone.
The 3-year-old colt was ridden by Heavelon Van Der Hoven to win by 1.36l from Omians (Odyssey Moon) over 1600 metres.
Cicada is the first foal from the O’Reilly (NZ) mare Nightcall. The colt was a $250,000 purchase by Annabel Neasham and Brian McGuire from the draft of Coolmore Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The Coolmore Stud-based Justify will stand the 2023 breeding season for $77,000 (inc GST).
Classique Legend retired
The 2020 The Everest hero Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) has been retired and will spend his retirement with Kerrin McEvoy on his family farm.
The grey’s trainer Les Bridge maintained race fans never saw the best of Classique Legend.
“Classique Legend was never lame and only last Thursday he worked as well as he ever has,” Bridge said.
“But we weren’t happy with the scan results on his tendon the other day and the decision was made to retire the horse. I don’t want to take any risks with him, he’s been so good to us.
Classique Legend | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I’d have Classique Legend up there with Sir Dapper as the best horses I’ve trained and even though he won The Everest, I don't think we saw the best of him.”
McEvoy who partnered the grey in his victories said, “We will give him a nice home; my children are excited to have him on the property as he has such a gentle nature about him.
“When Classique (Legend) has settled we might even put him over a few logs, keep him stimulated, but he’s going to have a good life.”
Berry to partner Mazu in trial
Disqualified jockey Tommy Berry has been granted special permission by Racing NSW to partner the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) in a barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday.
Berry was disqualified for 12 months before it was reduced to seven months after being found guilty of accepting considerations from bets placed by a prominent punter. Berry was cleared to return to riding trackwork recently and will be allowed to compete in race riding after September 24. However, Berry officially was not granted to ride trials until next week until Racing NSW granted special permission.
Mazu has already been afforded a place in this year’s $20 million The Everest by slotholders Arrowfield and The Star.
Racing Victoria announce night meetings to finish early
On Tuesday, Racing Victoria announced Victorian night meetings held outside of daylight savings will finish early. Thursday and Friday night meetings held in September, April and May will see 8.45pm AEST finish. However, Group 1 meetings such as the Moir S. meeting at Moonee Valley will be exempt from the early deadline and will host the last race at 9.45pm AEST.
Racing Victoria general manager - racing, Matt Welsh, said: “Night racing is a valuable feature of Victorian racing allowing more fans and punters the opportunity to engage with our sport at a time that best suits them.
“We see this reflected in our results with Friday night country meetings turning over 20 per cent more than a country meeting on a Friday afternoon, while Thursday night country meetings turn over 10 per cent more than Thursday afternoon meetings.
“On the flip side, we know that for some of our participants night meetings add to their working week and they are keen for earlier finishes.
“The decision to consistently finish 30 minutes earlier outside of the daylight-saving period seeks to balance the wishes of participants with the need to maximise engagement and industry returns.”
The first meeting of the new season with the 8.45pm AEST finishing time will be held at Pakenham on Friday, September 1.
Giga Kick impresses onlookers
The reigning The Everest champion Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) impressed onlookers with his jump-out victory on Monday morning at Cranbourne.
The Clayton Douglas-trained 4-year-old was partnered by his regular rider Craig Williams and went to the line under a hold in the 850-metre event to defeat Wee Nessy (Snitzel). Rounding out the field was the classy Magic Time (Hellbent), fellow The Everest aspirant What You Need (Supido) and Rose Quartz (Written Tycoon).
Amelia's Jewel back with a bang
Simon Miller’s star mare Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) returned to action on Monday morning at Lark Hill, Western Australia.
The 4-year-old mare was given time to balance up in the straight, before under quiet riding lengthened her stride to catch the leader Street Parade (Lucky Street).
Miller has outlined several options in Melbourne and Sydney for Amelia's Jewel.
Shinn called on for Rothfire
Robert Heathcote has acquired the services of champion hoop Blake Shinn for his gun sprinter Rothfire (Rothesay) when he resumes in the G2 McEwen S. at Moonee Valley on September 2.
Shinn rode Rothfire into third in the G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup last preparation.
“Some guys I know in Sydney say he (Blake Shinn) is the best in Australia at the moment, it’s who you want on,” Heathcote said.
Blake Shinn | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Rothfire trials on the 29th (Tuesday, August), then he flies down the following week and runs in the McEwen, it will be a big race.
“I think Giga Kick and a few other Group 1 horses will be there. Rothfire is going well, he has come back in good order as he has ever been.”
Bella Nipotina put on ice
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Bella Nipotina's (Pride Of Dubai) spring preparation has been delayed as the stable searches for an appropriate kick off point for the Group 1-winning mare.
Bella Nipotina is unlikely to defend her Listed Carlyon S. with the likelihood she would be allotted too much weight. Co-trainer Eustace shared that the stable is considering options in Sydney such as the G3 Concorde S. or remaining in Melbourne to tackle the G2 McEwen S.
“She will be entered but she'll have a lot of weight in the Carlyon Stakes,” Eustace said.
“So, we'll probably save her for the Concorde Stakes, but there is also the chance we could save her for the McEwen Stakes as well.
“Her trials have been great, her times have been good, so I don't see why she cannot have another good campaign.”
Gollan assembles spring army
Queensland’s premier trainer Tony Gollan has assembled a three-horse team he feels is going to be a major force in the Melbourne spring.
Among them is Skirt The Law (Better Than Ready) who was brave when running second on Saturday in the G3 Quezette S., the 3-year-old filly will be joined by the speedy Zoustyle (Zoustar) and the exciting Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}).
Tony Gollan | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
“Zoustyle and Antino will come down in a couple of weeks, they both jumped out on Tuesday,” Gollan said.
“They’ll both have a barrier trial here (Queensland) on the 29th (Tuesday, August). Antino will resume on the 16th (September) in a Listed race over 1400 metres at Flemington.
“Zoustyle will return in the G2 McEwen S., the same race he placed in last year. It’s the strongest team I’ve had for some time, even if it’s only a small team.”
Shinn and Lane to miss Carlyon S.
Leading Victorian-based jockeys Blake Shinn and Damian Lane are set to miss Saturday’s Carlyon S. meeting at Moonee Valley after both riders received suspensions at different meetings last week.
Shinn received his suspension for low-range careless riding on Sunday at Cranbourne when riding the Emma Lee and David Browne-trained Bifrost (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}). He was suspended for 10 meetings, while Lane’s seven meeting suspension dates back to Wednesday at Sandown where he was charged for careless riding aboard Pontificate (Dundeel {NZ}).
Shinn can resume riding on Wednesday, August 30 and Lane will return on Sunday, August 27.
Sham appointed as NZB representative for Hong Kong
New Zealand Bloodstock has announced the appointment of Ian Sham as the representative for Hong Kong.
Sham brings a well-rounded repertoire of skills to New Zealand Bloodstock having held roles as an editor, bloodstock agent and administrator.
“We are excited to welcome Ian to the team and bring his wealth of knowledge of the Hong Kong industry,” said NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.
“From his experience in Hong Kong, Ian (Sham) has already established many great connections and relationships with our clients and understands the importance of the market. He is very familiar with the quality of product New Zealand produces and our success in the jurisdiction and we look forward to him growing the New Zealand and NZB brands, and relationships.”
Ian Sham | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Sham, who will take up the role from early September is looking forward to the new challenge.
“I am thrilled to be part of the exceptional NZB team,” he said.
“Throughout the years, Hong Kong has played a significant role in the New Zealand markets. Horses like Ambitious Dragon, Aerovelocity, Lucky Sweynesse and Golden Sixty have all been successfully sold at Karaka.”
