Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Minister for Gaming and Racing, The Hon. David Harris MP, completed the second reading of the bill to the Legislative Assembly of the New South Wales Parliament, with the Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing, The Hon. Kevin Anderson MP, immediately requesting adjournment.

Mr Harris made his case for the extension of Balding’s tenure, which has been met with some opposition from within the industry, as reported by The Thoroughbred Report last week. Balding, who has been Chairman since 2011, is set to reach the mandatory end date of his term on December 18, a deadline that has been extended in 2019 and again in 2021.

Harris discusses key industry issues

Last week, this publication sought clarity from Minister Harris, as well as Balding, on the industry challenges which Harris says make it necessary to provide Balding a third extension to his term. In parliament on Tuesday, Harris expanded on three of the four industry challenges which he highlighted in the recent press release.

Speaking to the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Harris spoke about Balding’s tenure as Racing New South Wales Chairman.

“The success of this rejuvenated spring carnival is felt all year round and is really pressing the case for New South Wales to be the number one racing jurisdiction in the country, and this Government supports the industry in its quest to be number one. We want New South Wales to be number one. It is more than just number one in terms of economic benefit, but also in terms of animal welfare.”

Mentioning ‘welfare’ no fewer than 20 times throughout his speech, Harris also offered some headliners on the topic:

“Since Mr Balding became chair, Racing NSW has further expanded its world-leading equine welfare program, including a $34 million spend on procuring and upgrading properties for the exclusive use of Racing NSW's equine programs.”

Equine welfare concerns remain un-tapered

Racing NSW may indeed be a world leader in equine welfare, as Harris claims, but there remains a concerning lack of transparency around some key information.

While the investment in facilities makes for good reading, Racing NSW has been unwilling to answer TTR AusNZ's questions on the exact numbers of horses these facilities rehome, on multiple occasions; an important measure of progress made.

In one case where there has been transparency, there is a concerning contrast between Harris's inferences and the facts, as published by Racing NSW themselves.

“It is a fact of life nowadays that any animal-based industry will be under scrutiny, as it should be," said Harris. "If the racing industry can demonstrate that it has strong underlying principles on animal welfare, and that animal welfare is a key driver of all activity industry-wide, it can answer many of those criticisms.

“Dedicated equine welfare vets undertake audits of retired horses to confirm that owners are meeting their obligations. There is now an excluded list for persons who, on welfare grounds, Racing NSW considers unsuitable to care for thoroughbreds.”

As part of our story last week, The Thoroughbred Report examined the number of audits undertaken on retired racehorses by Racing New South Wales veterinary staff. Analysis of the 2023 Racing New South Wales Annual Report identified a noticeable decrease in the number of audits completed in the last reporting period, from 1287 in the 2022 financial year, to 582 in the 2023 financial year.

While Mr Harris is correct in his assertion that veterinary audits of retired racehorses do occur, the fact that the number undertaken has halved in a single reporting period does not alleviate many of the concerns held by industry participants about the practical use of the equine welfare fund.

Twice, in June and again last week, The Thoroughbred Report has requested specific details from senior leadership of Racing New South Wales around the application of the fund, which draws from 1.5 per cent of prizemoney from races run within the jurisdiction. On neither occasion were we provided with any data or explanation around the usage of monies directed towards the fund.

Despite this benchmark of transparency set to date, Mr Harris told parliament that he hopes the consistent leadership will change this approach going forward.

“My strong expectation with this appointment is that there will be increased transparency around welfare and rehoming, greater support for provincial racing and a continued commitment to supporting a responsible, sustainable and competitive racing industry.”

Suffice to say, Harris’ “strong expectation” is also an industry necessity, but there’s still no explanation as to why another two years on top of a 12-year tenure for Racing NSW’s chair will bring such a change in usual proceedings.

Clarity around infrastructure projects still sought

Another facet of the current climate that has drawn criticism from some within the industry is the progress of key projects at provincial and country venues.

Previous announcements of two-storey training complexes at Scone, Cessnock, Gosford and Hawkesbury have had little-to-no follow up since appearing in the 2022 Racing NSW Annual Report.

On infrastructure, Mr Harris said on Tuesday: “There has also been significant investment in racing infrastructure across New South Wales. During Mr Balding's tenure, over $88 million has been spent improving the safety and reliability of racing and training facilities. There is more spending to come over the next three years, with a substantial part of the funding to be spent on rural and regional infrastructure such as new stabling, track upgrades and public and educational facilities. This is about futureproofing the industry.”

Some participants in country New South Wales may be left wondering where the purported $88 million has been spent. While there have been a number of improvements conducted in recent years, there have been a number of smaller race clubs facing vital meetings cancelled or transferred.

Another matter of concern for many established figures in the wider racing industry is the ability to train and retain staff. The closure of equine courses at Richmond TAFE caused a lag in new staff being trained in accredited courses, and shortages are still causing grief for operations involved in all elements of the industry.

Commenting on what Mr Balding has delivered in his 12 years of service, Harris stated, “I was impressed when I visited the Scone Training Academy in August as part of a Parliamentary Friends of Racing visit.

“The Scone Training Academy delivers specialised equine courses that create a pipeline of local jobs needed in this industry such as stablehands, trainers, trackwork riders and jockeys. That day I learnt that there is a huge uptake by women in the courses. That is reflected in the general uptake of women in the industry. I have been advised that 70 per cent of apprentice jockeys coming through the system are women. There are more women in the industry than ever before driven by a love of horses.”

According to the TAFE New South Wales website, there are currently three courses available to be undertaken at the Scone campus. They are a Certificate IV in Farriery, a Certificate III in Horse Breeding and a Certificate III in Horse Care.

The ‘career pathways’ tab of these courses makes no mention of a direct pathway from undertaking this course to becoming a trackwork rider; one of the primary roles the industry is struggling to fill. Under ‘horse racing’, there are currently zero courses on offer. There remains substantial concerns within the industry that the chasms of skills will only continue to widen, if practical measures are not increased.

According to the press release when the ‘Scone Training Academy’ was initially created, TAFE NSW provided a no-cost lease for a period of three years for the site. That will expire around April 2024, leading to more questions than answers around the future for developmental pathways for aspiring industry professionals. There is no further clarification provided in the most recent Annual Report.

Industry stakeholders weigh in

Industry concern over Harris’ intentions has been publically circulating since the media release was issued, and one industry body has made its stance legally clear.

In a letter to the Minister, a lawyer acting on behalf of Thoroughbred Breeders New South Wales (TBNSW) raised concerns over the legality of the decision to extend Balding’s tenure without an apparent use of a selection panel. It alleges that Harris may not have followed the correct process to extend Balding’s posting, a process which is outlined in section 7 of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996.

No details of a selection panel being completed have been confirmed at the time of writing, which may prove problematic for Mr Harris’ desired appointment. Although, previously in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the previous statement has been made:

“The Minister intends to reappoint both the Chair and Deputy Chair for a further term, before a vacancy arises. This process is consistent with the current Act where a selection panel is not required in the case of a reappointment,” a spokesperson for the minister said.

The AFR reported on Tuesday that the bill has reportedly caused dissenting opinions through party rooms, with reports of Labor Party MP's having, "voiced discomfort" at the proposed extension.

Liberal Party frontbenchers Alister Henskens and Eleni Petinos are among a number of senior members of the opposition believed to have reservations around the legislation.

The AFR further reported Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming Kevin Anderson, who held the ministry at the time of the two previous extensions to Balding's term, is in support of the bill, however The Greens and independent Alex Greenwich are opposed.

Several state groups do support an extension of Balding’s tenure, including the NSW Jockeys Association, NSW Trainers Association and NSW Racehorse Owners Association.

Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale has 383 lots catalogued, with Lot 1 to 190 set to go through the ring on Wednesday and Lot 191 to 383 on Thursday.

Jones does not doubt the quality and education of the 2-year-olds on the ground. However, he is ‘optimistically cautious’ given the current economic situation.

“We’re very pleased with how we are tracking, but our expectations are tempered just due to the tough economic conditions for everyone at the moment,” Jones told The Thoroughbred Report.

“We are very positive the buyers are here, and the quality of the horse is also on the grounds.”

Despite the economic conditions, Jones was keen to jog prospective buyers' memories of the quality of graduates to hail from the catalogue in recent years, with the likes of the Hong Kong superstars Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse), who reminded the world of his exceptional talent on Sunday, to a Group 1 champion closer to home such as Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), a winner of over $11 million in Australia.

They are joined by the G1 South Australian Derby victor Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) and the progressive spring carnival stakes winner Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree {USA}).

“The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale is by far and away the strongest breeze-up sale in Australasia and arguably the world. The sale results will certainly take us a long way, when we’re talking about horses like Golden Sixty, Lucky Sweynesse, Mr Brightside, Dunkel and other recent graduates of the sale.

Gallery: Some of the high-class champions to emerge from the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale in recent years

“We know the quality of the graduates is certainly there and will attract people to come and buy here.”

Hong Kong to be active?

With the exception of Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), arguably, Hong Kong’s current top horses have a Kiwi connection. Alongside the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduates proving so successful in the jurisdiction, it is unsurprising to hear representatives from Hong Kong are on the ground at the complex.

“We’re really pleased with the buying bench. I’m thrilled to have such a nice big contingent down from Hong Kong. Almost every trainer from the area is here, and many permit holders and owners are there. So, we’re thrilled with their interest and likely participation in the sale.

“We have a good group from Malaysia and South Korea. While the Australians and the local Kiwi trainers and owners as well.”

Although Jones is under no illusions that missing Singapore is a demerit from the sale.

Among the Australasians inspecting are Peter Twomey of Wattle Bloodstock (FBAA), Mick Price of Price and Kent Racing, Dean Hawthorne, Lindsay Park’s Ben, Will and JD Hayes.

Others such as Lloyd Kennewell have made the trip from Australia, Pike Racing, who had Impendabelle (Impending) placed in Saturday’s G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, alongside the Pakenham-based Gemma Rielly, the trainer of Saturday’s $500,000 Country Cup Series Final winner Claidheamh Mor (Dundeel {NZ}).

“We will miss Singapore’s participation. They were really good participants and buyers around the middle market. But we are pleased with the buying bench assembled, and it’s by far and away the strongest group we’ve had down from Hong Kong for a long time, if not ever.”

Star relative

The 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run catalogue includes such star relations to the outstanding Lucky Sweynesse and the brilliant Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).

Adrian Stanley’s Woburn Farm will consign Lot 116, a half-brother to Lucky Sweynesse by Contributer (Ire), while Kilgravin Lodge is offering Lot 298, a daughter of the exciting first-season sire Super Seth and a half-sister to the G1 Queensland Derby victor Kovalica.

Gallery: Some of the lots to be offered with Group 1-winning siblings, images courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

A potent blend of local and Australian sires joins these star relations. First-season sires with representation are the promising stallions such as the aforementioned Super Seth (Waikato Stud), Ten Sovereigns (Ire) and Ferrando (Westbury Stud). While from Australia Exceedance (Vinery Stud), Tassort (Newgate), Zousain (Widden Stud) and, Darley’s Microphone and Too Darn Hot (GB) are all represented.

Among the up-and-comers are Justify (USA), Harry Angel (Ire), U S Navy Flag (USA) and Ace High, who celebrated his first Group 1 success with the Seaton Park-bred Molly Bloom (NZ) winning last Saturday's G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

The proven brigade saw such sires as the multiple Champion Sire Savabeel, the reigning Champion Sire Proisir, Ocean Park (NZ), Written Tycoon, Reliable Man (GB), and his barn mate Redwood (GB) all represented.

“We are thrilled with the quality of the pedigrees and stallions on offer and the types we have on the ground. It’s vital we have the right type of horse at the sale, and we are beyond pleased with what’s on offer.

“A wide and diverse range of horses will suit many budgets and different markets. We’ve got a really good spread of colts and geldings and several quality fillies as well.

“The New Zealand horsemen are extremely good at what they do, so these horses are well educated, extremely well prepared and presented at this sale.

“We are cautiously optimistic because of the aforementioned economic pressures, but the quality and buyers are here.”

Cover image courtesy of Yarraman Park

With heritage dating back over a century, Yarraman Park Stud has existed as a reliable pillar of the Australian racing industry. Currently home to three stallions, General Manager Matthew Scown has plenty to be excited about, including a breakthrough Group 1 victory as a producer for Hellbent.

Magical mare leaves Yarraman delighted

Not many with even a passing interest in Australian racing would have missed the slashing performance of Magic Time (Hellbent) on Saturday in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. at Caulfield. Forced to do it the hard way from the inhospitable barrier 13, the 4-year-old mare showed her tenacity matches her ability, winning in impressive fashion for top jockey Michael Dee.

Among those watching on, albeit with a few more nerves than most, was Matthew Scown, keeping a close eye on a race that could elevate Yarraman's stallion Hellbent to the next level.

“We watched the race at Harry’s (Mitchell, Director of Yarraman Park) place, and it was really exciting,” Scown explained. “We were obviously really nervous going into it drawing the wide alley at Caulfield but she showed she was superior.

“You watch her come around the bend, she’s about five-wide. She showed her explosive turn of foot, like her father, and got home to win the Group 1 so we are elated, it’s a huge achievement and it backs up what we were saying earlier.

“Hellbent had one start and won really well as a 2-year-old at the end of his 2-year-old year but just continued to get better as he got older, and now his progeny are doing much the same.

“It’s nice to have that Group 1 win for Magic Time in such a high-quality sprint race, we’re over the moon.”

As Scown asserted, Hellbent took time to reach the top of the racing mountain, even with a win on debut as a 2-year-old under champion rider Hugh Bowman. He won again when re-appearing as a 3-year-old but would only win once more until three kilogram-claiming apprentice Ben Allen steered him to victory in his first start as a 4-year-old.

He came within a whisker of Group 1 success at four, narrowly being denied by Silent Sedition (War Chant {USA}) in the G1 William Reid S. in March 2017. He would have to wait another 11 months for a chance at another Group 1, running third in the G1 Oakleigh Plate before claiming glory in the G1 William Reid S. of 2017, a year removed from his narrow defeat.

Much like his career on the racetrack, development has been key for Hellbent. Now a third-season sire, he leads his class for earnings this season, with his progeny collecting just over $2.6 million in prizemoney.

As for Magic Time, she will always have the distinction of being her sire’s first Group 1 win, a product of a first crop that also contains Group 3-winning mare Benedetta. Proving herself to be in the upper echelon of mares currently racing, her CV contains five wins, four of which carry black type, spread across New South Wales and Victoria.

Support the key to early success of emerging stallions

Hellbent may not yet be at the level of his sire, and fellow Yarraman resident I Am Invincible, but the support for him is growing within the industry, Scown believes.

“It shows with the support we’re getting from both the shareholder group as well as the outside mares. Hellbent is a syndicate stallion and we are fortunate enough to have some great shareholders in him who supported him in the early days and are continuing to support him with some really top-quality mares.

“It was just proven with John Muir’s awesome Group 1 winner on Saturday (Magic Time).”

Yarraman aren’t just limited to two stallions, with their third, Brave Smash (Jpn) also garnering interest.

“The same could be said for Brave Smash, our new horse, (he has) a smaller shareholder group, but a really good group that is supporting the horse with top-class mares and that’s a big part of getting your stallion on the board.

“Brave Smash had a sensational Saturday, he had Brave Mead place in a Group race down in Melbourne and Kimochi place again in the Group 1 down at Caulfield as well.

“It goes to show with these young stallions that we’re standing, they can get those elite runners, and we’ll continue to support them all the way through and give them our gun mares,” Scown said of their second-season sire.

Successful season for Hellbent

Building the stallion up with strong internal and shareholder support had done the trick for turning heads towards Hellbent, who according to Scown had a busy 2023.

“This season was really positive, before the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale (in May), we actually closed his book, he was fully booked out at $38,500 (inc GST).

“Everyone outside the syndicate thought that was a very fair price, they really like his stock, they’ve sold extremely well, especially off the $22,000 (inc GST) he was standing for in the previous couple of years.

“It was great to see that off that service fee ($22,000) he was maximising his service fee, lots going for $400,000 last year, so it’s a big return on investment. All the outside breeders to Hellbent thought he was at a very fair price this year, so he booked out extremely quickly.”

Scown is confident in the qualities Yarraman's stallion is able to pass down, telling The Thoroughbred Report, “I think the main thing which everyone has noticed through his progeny on the track, is that they are very honest.

“They’re very honest, very sound, they love to hit the line, you won’t see one fade out into the distance, they are always trying.

“You could see that on Saturday when Magic Time won the Group 1, nothing was in her favour, including the barrier draw, but she was able to pick herself up and win a top-class million-dollar sprint.

“Their soundness and longevity, and their resilience to rate on and (the fact they) make sure they’re always honest are the big positives with watching his progeny race.”

Plenty of offerings to go through the ring

Across the coming months, Hellbent will be well-represented across both Australia and New Zealand, with progeny going through the ring across the major sales.

Buyers can get their hands on one as soon as this week, with the New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) Ready to Run catalogue thrice featuring his name.

He first appears at Lot 146, a gelding out of prolific winner My Dear Friend (General Nediym), having greeted the judge first on 11 occasions. She has produced winning gelding Testifier (Star Witness) and is related to G1 Greyville Premier’s Champion S. winner Harry’s Son (Haradasun), who was crowned champion South African 2-year-old in 2013/14. This gelding is being offered by Kilgravin Lodge.

Gallery: Hellbent's progeny to be offered at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, images courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Ohukia Lodge brings Hellbent representation via Lot 304, an August foal out of Exceed and Excel mare We Have Lift Off. The page of this colt is deep, he is related to Argentia (Frankel {GB}), dual G1 Hawke's Bay Kelt Capital S. winner Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago) and G2 Bill Stutt S. winner Sovereign Nation (Encosta De Lago).

The final Hellbent on offer this week is Lot 308, a colt out of winning-mare Witless (Stratum). Twice a winner over sprinting trips, she is a half-sister to Fast Talker (Fastnet Rock), who produced Group 1 winner Zougotcha (Zoustar) and The Actuary (Sebring), who won the Listed Phoenix S. in Queensland. To date, she has produced two winners, headlined by Explosive Quality (Shooting To Win). Lot 308 is being offered by Leanach Lodge.

Scown is still looking further ahead, with a sense of excitement evident when discussing Hellbent’s offerings at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“I’ve gone through the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale,” Scown explained, “There’s a really nice line of horses, our draft has some top quality Hellbent progeny going to the sale, including a full brother to Kristilli, who won the G2 Percy Sykes.

“He’s a really quality horse, we are really excited. We’re also looking forward to getting up to the Gold Coast and seeing what the other farms have on offer in terms of their Hellbent progeny. He has a really nice lineup of horses we thought, on paper.”

Cover image courtesy of Arqana

William Johnson of William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) has enjoyed plenty of success sourcing international gallopers, particularly for the Sydney-based training duo Peter and Paul Snowden.

Johnson and the Snowdens combined to win the $2 million The Five Diamonds with the imported progressive galloper Unspoken (Ire) (Territories {Ire}) and Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}) claimed his second G1 Doomben Cup victory this year.

Gallery: Some of the imported purchases William Johnson has had recent success with, images courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

With such results, it is not surprising Johnson is eager to source more imported gallopers from the horses in training sales. With the 2023 Arqana Autumn Horses In Training Sale, Johnson feels he’s found two nice horses capable of competing for Australia’s rich prizemoney.

Consistent Kod

Teaming up with Snowden Racing, Johnson first signed for Lot 422 Vintage Kod (Ire), a son of Kodiac (GB), for €96,000 (AU$167,900) when offered by his trainer Gianluca Bietolini. The 3-year-old gelding has raced 13 times, winning three races in France from 1400 to 1600 metres.

Vintage Kod was originally a €135,000 (AU$236,200) purchase by Hubert Guy Bloodstock from the 2021 Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale. He is the third foal from the Pour Moi (Ire) mare Engage (Ire), who has been represented in Australia by the winning Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Angel (Fr) (Fastnet Rock).

The gelding is related to the stakes winners Pollara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Stormina (USA) (Gulch {USA) and the multiple Group 1 winner Silasol (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}). Vintage Kod is also from the family of the outstanding Solemia (Ire) (Poliglote {GB}), who claimed the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and earned the achievement of the Champion Older Female Stayer in France.

Vintage Kod’s pedigree is not entirely foreign to Australasia. Further back in the family sees the G2 Royal S. winner Needle And Thread (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) and the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Savile Row (NZ).

Johnson told The Thoroughbred Report about purchasing Vintage Kod, “We’ve had a bit of luck buying seven to eight-furlong horses that we feel might get over a little further.

“It’s been such a challenging year to buy in terms of price, but Vintage Kod met the criteria of running consistently all year. He has the ability, and he hits the line as if he tries hard, which is very important when you’re buying a horse to come down to Australia. You want to try and make sure that the horse has a good attitude and a willingness to win.

“Vintage Kod is out of a mare by Pour Moi, who won the Epsom Derby and from a family that gets over a bit more ground. So, whilst his profile is a bit shorter and sharper overseas, it’s not to say he can’t get a bit further and at the price, I thought he was very good value.

“If he goes the right way in Australia and wins a couple of Saturday races, the owners are already in front.”

Aga Khan galloper heading to Australia

The second of the Johnson and Snowden Racing purchases was Lot 428 Behtar (Fr), a son of the late Kitten’s Joy (USA) from the draft of Aga Khan Studs for €62,000 (AU$108,500). Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the 4-year-old has won twice from 2650 to 2700 metres and was third in the Listed Prix Arcangues.

Behtar is the first foal from the Dansili (GB) mare Behnasa (Fr), who is a daughter of Behkara (Ire) (Kris {GB}), a victress of the G2 Prix Hubert de Chaudenay and placed in the G1 Prix Royal Oak. Behnasa’s half-brother Behkabad (Fr) was a high-class galloper winning the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and the G2 Prix Niel. He also finished third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf and fourth in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Behtar’s third dam Behera (Ire), a daughter of the great Mill Reef (USA), was crowned the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in Europe, winning the G1 Prix Saint-Alary and placing in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. At the same time, this is the extended family of the Australian-bred La Danseuse Rogue (Manhattan Rain), a victress of the Listed Lightning S. and placegetter in the G3 Red Roses S. and the G3 Northwood Plume S.

“Kitten’s Joy has been the leading North American sire on the turf for quite some time. He gets a horse that really handles fast ground, and going into the onset of a drought, one suspects the tracks are going to be firmer, and Behtar handles those tracks,” Johnson told The Thoroughbred Report.

“He runs well on the all-weather and firmer ground. Bethar often gets back in his race and runs on and can run a sectional. Having spent a bit of time seeing the way they train in Chantilly, I felt both these horses would suit the change of training to the way Peter and Paul Snowden train and campaign a horse.

“I’ve spent many a morning there and seeing how they do a slow and fast work day, and you get a feel for what will work in Sydney. I thought Behtar was consistent and will be well-placed in Australia.”

Johnson also added a bit of insight into how he makes his selections at the international sales.

“I’ve followed both these horses throughout the year and enjoy watching French Racing. The Aga Khan raced Behtar, so he was firmly on the radar.

“Then you spend a few days on the catalogue, but the vetting is significant. We get an opinion from the stable vet in Australia and then a vet on the ground. So you’ve got to cross-reference the two opinions from the vet to ensure the owners we are buying a horse that is sound for racing in Australia.”

On a busy day at Arqana, Make Me King (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) at €380,000 ($632,623) topped proceedings, one of two six-figure purchases on the day by Wathnan Racing. Blandford Bloodstock agent Stuart Boman signed for the gelding on behalf of his colleague Richard Brown. Boman signed for six horses on the day, four of which are heading to Australia for a variety of trainers, including Annabel Neasham and Charlotte Littlefield.

A clearance rate of 83% appeared to be a decent enough statistic but this was actually markedly down from this session last year when 94% of the horses were sold. On Monday, 169 horses found new homes, with the figures up in all other sectors.

Since the start of the 2020 racing season, Sledmere Stud graduates have won 27 stakes events and have been stakes-placed a further 46 times. Furthermore, graduates have won six Group 1 events and featured in the top three placings in elite races on 13 occasions.

Not only are Sledmere Stud graduates well-performed, but they can also be secured at a reasonable price with the average yearling costing approximately $180,000.

Over this year’s spring carnival, Sledmere Stud were the proud vendors of the winners of four stakes events which included a thrilling victory with Ozzmosis (Zoustar) in the G1 Coolmore Stud S. on Derby Day. This season’s run of solid form comes as no fluke for Catriona and Royston Murphy’s Scone-based nursery, given their consignment have maintained an average of seven stakes wins every season for the past four years. Sledmere’s best season for stakes wins over this period came in 2020/21 which was largely thanks to Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible) who landed the first three legs of the lucrative Darley Princess Series. While the 2020/21 racing season was successful by total stakes wins, last season was an incredible period for the farm having been represented by four individual Group 1 winners including G1 Randwick Guineas winner Communist (Russian Revolution) and G1 Empire Rose S. winner Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}).

Table: Sledmere Stud's stakes-winning graduates since 2020

It will be music to the ears of buyers that stakes-winning Sledmere Stud graduates don’t cost a fortune with the average purchase price of their 17 stakes winners hovering at a modest $230,000. G3 Sydney S. winner Trumbull (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is the cheapest Sledmere Stud stakes-winning graduate having set back O’Gorman Racing just $65,000 at the 2017 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, while Widden Stud’s Group 2-winning stallion Dirty Work was the most expensive having fetched $800,000 at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. The average purchase price of a Sledmere Stud Group 1-winning graduate is $178,000 with the most expensive being this year’s G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Ozzmosis who fetched $250,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale.

Sledmere Stud’s 2022 yearling sales crop features four individual stakes winners including Group 1-winning duo Ozzmosis and Little Brose (Per Incanto {USA}) as well as stakes winners Arkansaw Kid (Harry Angel {Ire}) and Veight (Grunt {NZ}). The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and Inglis Classic Yearling Sale have been the vendor’s most successful site with five stakes winners hailing from each sale. While the stud is predominantly a seller of yearlings, Sledmere Stud is no one-dimensional outfit with three of it’s stakes-winning graduates sold as weanlings. Stakes-winning graduates Giannis (Flying Artie), Equation (Press Statement) and Pancho (Dissident) were all sold at successive editions of the Magic Millions National Weanling sale for an average price of $110,000.

Gallery: Sledmere Stud's Group 1-winning graduates since 2020

Over 23 per cent of the farm’s stakes-winning graduates earnt black-type status as 2-year-olds with this year’s G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Little Brose headlining the group. Other juvenile stakes-winning graduates of the farm include G2 VRC Sires' Produce S. winner Veight, G2 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Revolutionary Miss (Russian Revolution) and G3 Chairman’s S. winner Sebonack (Capitalist).

Represented by Australia’s most exciting stallion prospect in Ozzmosis among a host of stakes-performed graduates yet to hit their straps, Sledmere Stud look to be in for yet another bumper season. With 24 yearlings set to be offered at January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale, buyers are spoilt for choice to find their next stakes winner at the Sledmere Stud consignment.