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‘I think the stallion strength is the strongest we’ve seen for a few years’: NZB releases National Yearling Sales Series catalogues

Written by
7 min read
More than 1100 yearlings are set to go through the ring at Karaka at the end of January in 2024, including the progeny of several first-season sires.

Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

With the 98th National Yearling Sales Series now just two months away, New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) on Monday released its catalogues for the six-day sale, which begins on January 28, 2024 at Karaka.

Book 1 boasts 682 yearlings, while Book 2 has 442. These numbers are slightly up on 2023 (644 yearlings in Book 1, 435 in a quality Book 2).

More importantly, NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the quality is better than ever.

“I think the stallion strength is the strongest we’ve seen for a few years. The past 12-24 months… it’s certainly the strongest New Zealand stallions have been performing for a number of years,” Seabrook told The Thoroughbred Report.

“I think the stallion strength is the strongest we’ve seen for a few years. The past 12-24 months… it’s certainly the strongest New Zealand stallions have been performing for a number of years.” - Andrew Seabrook

“The number of Australian mares to come over to be served by New Zealand stallions is the highest it’s been, and New Zealand mares going to Australia this year was the lowest for a number of years; that signals the stallion strength here in New Zealand.

“We’ve had strong support from New Zealand breeders this year and I think we’ve seen fewer horses going offshore.”

NZB's Managing Director Andrew Seabrook | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Over 100 sires are represented, including big guns such as Savabeel, Proisir, I Am Invincible, Snitzel, Justify (USA), Almanzor (Fr), Per Incanto (USA) and Ocean Park (NZ), as well as exciting young stallions like Hello Youmzain (Fr), Circus Maximus (Ire), King Of Comedy, Banquo, Admire Mars (Jpn) and Ancient Spirit (Ger).

“We didn’t have any of Satono Aladdin’s progeny in the sales this year because of COVID, so it’s great to have them back in the book. In fact, Rich Hill Stud is on a bit of a high, as they also have Ace High, who is doing a nice job… Molly Bloom handed him his first Group 1 just recently,” Seabrook commented.

“There’s a nice crop of first-season sires, including Hello Youmzain and Circus Maximus.

“There’s a nice crop of first-season sires, including Hello Youmzain and Circus Maximus.” - Andrew Seabrook

“Per Incanto continues to do a fine job in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, there’s plenty of talk around Super Seth, and Contributer had a good sale last week at the Ready to Run Sale.”

The Book 1 catalogue features the first foals out of Group 1-performed mares Miss Sentimental (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), Evalina (I Am Invincible), Bargain (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Bavella (Snitzel).

And there are siblings to Group 1 stars such as Prowess (NZ) (Proisir), Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}), Affaire A Suivre (NZ) (Astern), Seabrook (NZ) (Hinchinbrook), Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), Ruthless Dame (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Manzoice (Almanzor {Fr}), along with exciting up-and-comers like 3-year-old filly Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir) and the unbeaten stakes-winning 2-year-old Velocious (Written Tycoon).

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Gallery: Some of the first-season sires represented at NZB's National Yearling Sales Series

“The catalogues are the biggest numbers we’ve had in years and the quality of the pedigrees and types on offer easily matches it,” said Seabrook.

“We are buoyed by the demand for our Kiwi horses and our team will be busy in the coming months promoting the Sale and getting the best possible buying bench established.”

“The catalogues are the biggest numbers we’ve had in years and the quality of the pedigrees and types on offer easily matches it.” - Andrew Seabrook

Coolmore Australia’s Tom Magnier confirms the status of the sale as a must-attend event.

“You have to take this Sale seriously every year, because there is always a champion that comes out,” Magnier said.

“You have to take this sale seriously every year, because there is always a champion that comes out.” - Tom Magnier

“There’s nowhere in the world that looks after you like New Zealand, the hospitality is fantastic from every farm.

“Without a doubt, it is the best week on the sales calendar anywhere in the world.”

Coolmore Australia's Tom and Charlie Magnier | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Riding a wave of momentum

Notwithstanding the fact that this is a completely different sale, and the market, while similar, isn’t the same, Seabrook said NZB is heartened by the results of last week’s record-breaking Ready to Run Sale, which grossed NZ$35,107,000 - up 39 per cent on 2022.

The sale’s average skyrocketed from NZ$129,159 last year to NZ$156,031, while 12 2-year-olds sold for NZ$500,000 or more.

“It’s certainly given everyone here a spring in their step and some confidence,” Seabrook explained.

“It’s (the 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale) certainly given everyone here a spring in their step and some confidence.” - Andrew Seabrook

“I’m sure the momentum is going to go into Karaka, but I’d be a fool if I thought we would achieve the results that we did there.

“It’s put NZ$10 million more than last year’s Ready to Run Sale into vendors’ pockets, so there’s NZ$10 million extra that’s been distributed to the industry here in New Zealand, which has got to be great.

“And it will give the pinhookers the confidence to go again.”

New Zealand Bloodstock's 2023 Ready to Run Sale experienced record-breaking results | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Another shot in the arm in New Zealand in recent times has been the backing by Ladbrokes’ owner Entain, which has signed a 25-year strategic partnership with the New Zealand TAB after committing to investing NZ$820 million in the racing industry (all three codes) over five years. As part of this deal, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) will receive NZ$87 million in the first year.

“Just as important as the sale last week is the involvement of Entain here and what they’ve brought to the industry, with increases in prizemoney and new initiatives - and we haven’t seen the last of them, there will be more announcements made over the coming months,” Seabrook added.

“The whole outlook has completely changed since they came on board. And they came just in the nick of time, because things were getting pretty grim here.

“Everyone has just been so impressed with Entain, their management and what they’ve brought to the table. They’ve been a saviour and long may it continue.

“Everyone has just been so impressed with Entain, their management and what they’ve brought to the table. They’ve been a saviour and long may it continue.” - Andrew Seabrook

“It’s all pretty exciting, really, so I can’t wait for Karaka.”

A star-studded honour roll

There’s been no shortage of Group 1 winners to come out of this sale.

Graduates to score in top company during the 2022/23 season include Affaire A Suivre, Atishu, Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}), Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}), He’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}), Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) and Prowess and Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood {GB}).

Other elite-level sale graduates include Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), So You Think (NZ), Tavistock (NZ), Ocean Park, Sacred Falls (NZ) and Kermadec (NZ).

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Gallery: Some of the elite level sale graduates

The week-long extravaganza kicks off with the Karaka Millions Raceday at the new and improved Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday, January 27. The six-race card now carries total stakes of NZ$4.45million, headed by the NZ$1 million R. Listed Millions 2YO (1200 metres), the NZ$1.5 million R. Listed Millions 3YO (1600 metres) and the all-new NZ$1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600 metres) for 4-year-olds. The sale commences with Book 1 from 10am NZT on Sunday, January 28.

Click here to view NZB Karaka 2024 Sales Book 1
Click here NZB Karaka 2024 Sales Book 2
New Zealand Bloodstock
National Yearling Sales Series
Andrew Seabrook
Karaka

Who’s on the move? People and farms changing bases

Written by
12 min read
The Thoroughbred Report has summarised the significant property and staff movements throughout 2023. This year has seen several properties hit the market, and breeders, such as John Singleton who too sold his Strawberry Hill property to Coolmore, sell their world-renowned breeding stock.

This year has seen numerous established thoroughbred properties sold or up for sale. Meanwhile, organisations will bid farewell to several key staff as they say ‘g’day’ to new opportunities. The Thoroughbred Report will reflect on some of the changes as we approach the end of the breeding season.

News broke in October that Vin Cox, the managing director of Godolphin Australia, will depart the global superpower to take up the general manager role at Yuesheng Zhang’s Yulong; an emerging global superpower.

Cox first took up the role at Godolphin in 2017 and has been at the forefront of the organisation through the Anamoe era and the careers of the Champion gallopers Bivouac and Alizee (Sepoy). Cox will join Yulong in early December, where an all-star broodmare ensemble, the Champion sire Written Tycoon, and host up-and-comers such as Grunt (NZ), Alabama Express and Pierata will greet him.

There will be no royal blue for Cox anymore but the bottle green of Yulong’s growing racing team that includes the multiple Group 1 winner Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) and the Group 3 victress Sigh (No Nay Never {USA}).

Vin Cox | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

In an exclusive interview with The Thoroughbred Report in October, Cox said, “I’m very proud of what the team has achieved at Godolphin,” he said. “And it’s a big team. I was just one part of it the last few years, but my time in the role is full of very lovely memories, both on and off the racetrack, and I will greatly miss so many parts of my everyday working life.

“They are truly wonderful people in that organisation,” he said. “The staff is just short of 300 people, and every one of them wears a blue shirt proudly. I’m going to miss them and miss representing them.”

Read: New chapter for Vin Cox at Yulong Investments

Godolphin has yet to announce a replacement for Cox’s role, who finishes up with the organisation imminently.

Also departing Godolphin in early December is Carbine Lodge's senior foreman and raceday representative, Sean Keogh.

Sean Keogh | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

Keogh, who served Godolphin for six years, will take up a position with Coolmore's September purchase of Strawberry Hill Farm. Like Cox's position, a replacement for Keogh's role is yet to be announced.

End of an era

Many industry participants were shell-shocked when the announcement came that John Singleton would disperse his vast bloodstock and property in July through a standalone sale facilitated by Magic Millions during August. Singleton, one of Australia’s most successful owners and breeders, raced the likes of the Champion mare More Joyous (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}) and the Golden Slipper winner Belle Du Jour (Dehere {USA}).

Singleton's success on the racetrack was relayed into the breeding barn at his state-of-the-art facility, Strawberry Hill Stud, located on the picturesque Central Coast in New South Wales. Inaugurated in 1984 and rebuilt in 1994, it had been Singleton’s pride and joy for around 40 years.

John Singleton | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The respect held for Singleton’s breeding stock was shown in August with the 55-lot Strawberry Hill Stud dispersal grossing $15,597,000 and a top price of $1.85 million handed over for the homebred Group 2 winner Miss Fabulass (Frankel {GB}).

In September, it was revealed that Singleton had accepted a deal from Coolmore Stud brokered by Clint Donovan’s Donovan & Co agency in partnership with Magic Millions for the property. Reportedly, the purchase price was over $30 million.

At the time of the sale to the press, Singleton commented, “Strawberry Hill has been home for about 40 years, but it’s time to move on. I’m feeling a little nostalgic about selling, but nothing stays the same forever.”

Strawberry Hill Stud during the dispersal | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Coolmore’s Tom Maginer revealed the world-class property will play an essential role in the Australian operation.

Read: 'The first time we saw the farm we knew we had to have it': Coolmore Australia secures Strawberry Hill Stud

“The plan is for Strawberry Hill Farm to be a world-class spelling farm for the best horses. We have had lots of success at Coolmore with breakers including Shinzo, Fangirl, Jacquinot and Home Affairs, and we want to complete that circle by having the best place to spell them at Mount White,” Magnier said at the time.

“The plan is for Strawberry Hill Farm to be a world-class spelling farm for the best horses.” - Tom Magnier

Edinglassie winds down

The Thoroughbred Report published in May that Mick and Michelle Talty would wind down their breeding portfolio and vacate their Muswellbrook property, Edinglassie Stud, after 32 years.

Talty stated at the time in an interview with The Thoroughbred Report that he and his wife had decided to pull reins for a few reasons. One reason was the proximity of the Mount Arthur coal mine and the increasing difficulty in getting staff.

“It’s getting harder and harder to find staff, and, as I said, we’re not getting any younger. We want to have less responsibility and more time for ourselves, not necessarily be tied to the farm, and do things like travel more, for instance. After 32 years, it’s time to sit back.”

“We want to have less responsibility and more time for ourselves, not necessarily be tied to the farm, and do things like travel more, for instance. After 32 years, it’s time to sit back.” - Mick Talty

The Taltys won’t be lost to the industry despite vacating Edinglassie. They will move to their 70-acre farm - Akuna Park on the Hunter River.

“We’ve been building this farm for the last five to 10 years, and it’s time for us to appreciate it now,” Talty said. “We bought it as vacant land, and we’ve gradually built a house on it, put up fences and yards. As I said, it’s time to appreciate it before we get too old to do that,” Talty told The Thoroughbred Report.

“We’ll have all our own horses and what I call a few low-maintenance types who’d be dry or maiden mares,” Talty said. “We’re just trying to get away from all the tough physical work in terms of foaling down and yearling and weanling preparation, all that.”

Mick and Michelle Talty | Image courtesy of Edinglassie Stud

The future of Edinglassie has yet to be revealed, whether it will be retained as a thoroughbred breeding facility or repurposed for another use.

Read: Another era approaches for Edinglassie Stud

Altomonte family purchase Invermien

In November, the Altomonte family of the famed Corumbene Stud purchased the historic Scone-based property Invermien from Duncan and Jill Macintyre. Sam Triggs of Inglis Rural brokered the deal.

Corumbene Stud, established in 1980 in Dunedoo by the Altomonte family, had seen their orange and brown spotted silks carried to success in races the calibre of the G1 Golden Slipper by Outreach (Exceed And Excel) and the G2 Expressway S. victor Standout, who now stands at the Dunedoo property.

The Altomonte family of the famed Corumbene Stud purchased the historic Scone-based property Invermien in November | Image courtesy of Inglis Rural Property

Invermien's history can be traced back to 1822 when Doctor William Bell Carlyle received a 2000-acre grant in the Kingdom Ponds area. Carlyle was followed to the area by his nephew Francis Little, who named his piece of land Invermien.

The Altomonte family has yet to confirm if they will move their bloodstock portfolio to Invermein from their current property.

Kitchwin Hills reshape as Malone goes ‘North’

September saw Kitchwin Hills’ CEO Steve Brown announce that the Hunter Valley-based farm will take a new direction, teaming up with Alma Vale Thoroughbreds with Verna Metcalfe, who was appointed responsible for the horses' day-to-day care.

The press release also stated that longtime stud manager Mick Malone and assistant stud manager Pauline Alix would be parting ways with the company.

Verna Metcalfe | Image courtesy of Inglis

“The decision to part ways comes after carefully considering the best interest of our clients and their horses. We understand that this change may bring about some uncertainty, but we want to assure you that it is a necessary step to ensure the continued excellence and growth of Kitchwin Hills,” the statement read.

Kitchwin Hills still stands two young sires in Graff and the recently acquired first-season sire Dubious.

Meanwhile, Malone and his wife Alix have relocated to Kanangra Stud in Scone. Fred and Mary Moses previously owned Kanangra Stud, and it is understood Malone has renamed the property North.

Mick Malone has relocated to Kanangra Stud in Scone, with the property now renamed to North | Image courtesy of Inglis

Under the North banner, Malone has begun a full-service broodmare and sales consignment and is set to offer yearlings as soon as 2024, with drafts expected at several Inglis’ sales, including the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

On the market

Earlier in 2023, The Thoroughbred Report wrote that the prominent breeder Ian Smith of Edinburgh Park sold his breeding stock at May’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and had listed his New South Wales Mid-North Coast property with Raine + Horne Double Bay, Donovan & Co and Magic Millions.

Edinburgh Park remains unsold | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Clint Donovan of Donovan & Co shared earlier in the year that interest in the property had been strong given the quality of the offering and success Smith had had breeding from the property. However, as of November, the property remains unsold.

Magic Millions and Donovan & Co will also facilitate the sale of David and Kayley Johnson’s Rushton Park Farm - the property based in Victoria is nestled between Tatura and Murchison.

Rushton Park was listed for sale in September and has now been listed as being under contract.

Rushton Park is currently under contract | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

More recently, James O’Brien listed his Lauriston Park Thoroughbreds for sale through Magic Millions and Donovan & Co.

O’Brien, director of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), explained his decision to scale back the breeding side of his business to The Thoroughbred Report.

“Nowadays, fewer people grow up around horses compared to years gone by. So, having people with expertise around horses is always a problem.

“It hasn’t been the main driver; it’s a decision to consolidate the mares with a focus on quality rather than quantity. It’s an economy of scale.

“The property has served its purpose for the operation, which no longer needs the facilities to operate under the future direction of the business.

“The property (Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm) has served its purpose for the operation, which no longer needs the facilities to operate under the future direction of the business.” - James O'Brien
Read: Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm up for grabs

Discussing what comes next, O’Brien said, “On a separate farm, we are operating pre-training facilities, we have three uphill tracks, and I think that’s a great competitive advantage, along with access to the beach.

“We’re quite busy in that area.”

Historic Upper Hunter Valley property still on the market

The Thoroughbred Report recently covered the news that the historic Upper Hunter Valley property Wakefield Stud is still for sale via Hamish Firth of Ray White Scone.

The 244-acre property is currently on lease to Henry Field’s Newgate Farm until Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Wakefield Stud | Image courtesy of Ray White Scone

Firth stated in an interview with The Thoroughbred Report there had been strong local and international interest in the property. However, when writing this summary, Firth confirmed the property is still on the market.

Wakefield Stud has a vast history. It was once owned by Brian Agnew, who stood Kala Dancer (GB), the sire of the 1992 Melbourne Cup hero Subzero. Brian Nutt then purchased the property and became Attunga Stud before Yarraman Stud held the property for some time.

Read: Wakefield Stud: historic Upper Hunter thoroughbred property on the market

New Zealand's Wellfield Lodge up for sale

Across the ditch in New Zealand, news broke that Wellfield Lodge, located in Palmerston North, would be sold via Bayleys.

Farm manager Peter Didham is focused on building his training operation, and with Wellfield Lodge no longer standing stallions, farm director Bill Gleeson felt it was the right decision to disperse the majority of bloodstock and sell the property.

Wellfield Lodge | Image courtesy of Bayleys

“Wellfield Lodge was under Peter Didham and myself. We got to a stage in our life where we wanted to downsize a bit, and Peter wanted to go training,” Gleeson told loveracing.nz.

“We have done a development at the farm. There are sections for sale, and we just want to downsize now.

“When we first bought the farm, we bought four or five blocks. Over the last four years, we have progressively sold down some smaller blocks, leaving us with the two main blocks, which can be sold as one block. We are also going to do a dispersal of the bloodstock, which will be done over two or three sales on Gavelhouse.”

“We have done a development at the farm. There are sections for sale, and we just want to downsize now. We are also going to do a dispersal of the bloodstock, which will be done over two or three sales on Gavelhouse.” - Bill Gleeson

Maluka relocate to Spendthrift

In December 2021, Spendthrift Farm closed the Australian arm of their business and put their Romsey, Victoria property, including their breeding stock and stallions, on the market.

November 2022 saw the prominent Victorian-based breeders David Moodie and Ash Hardwick of Hesket Bloodstock reach a deal with Spendthrift for the property formerly known as Yallambee Stud and the stock. Shortly after, Moodie and Hardwick agreed for the stallions Dirty Work and Gold Standard to join Widden Stud Victoria.

Fast forward to November 2023, Spendthrift has a new tenant with Luke and Mags Anderson relocating their Maluka Thoroughbreds brand to the property.

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Gallery: Spendthrift Farm

It was reported the couple are looking to expand their Victorian broodmare, spelling and sales preparation business. The Andersons original leased property was the Avenel-based Pisa Lodge, which was put on the market with Magic Millions and Donovan & Co.

It is understood that Hesket Bloodstock will run cattle on the property. However, Maluka Thoroughbreds have complete control over the horse side of the property.

Godolphin
Vin Cox
Yulong
Coolmore
John Singleton
Magic Millions
Strawberry Hill Farm
Inglis Rural
Corumbene Stud
Invermein
Maluka Thoroughbreds
Hesket Bloodstock
Spendthrift
Wellfield Lodge
Wakefield
James O'Brien
Donovan & Co
Rushton Park
Edinglassie
Kitchwin Hills
Mick Malone
North

Q & A with Jon Freyer

2 min read
In our latest Q & A series, The Thoroughbred Report seeks insights from a variety of professionals, be they agents, trainers, breeders, handlers, owners, administration and ancillary, etc., to hear their thoughts on our industry.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

In today's Q & A, we feature a quick-fire round with Jon Freyer, bloodstock manager at Arrowfield Stud.

Favourite moment - racing, sales or breeding-related - for the 2022/23 season?

Jon Freyer: Selling our top-priced yearling of the year, a Snitzel colt at Inglis Easter who is the first foal of a lovely mare, Ms Bad Behavior ($1.5 million to Tom Magnier). We stretched to purchase her at Fasig-Tipton in 2019 (US$600,000).

Which sire do you consider a value sire? Fee <$50k and not a first-season sire.

JF: I think Supido is a definite overachiever. An analysis of his early books indicates he has so far exceeded expectations. A fast horse from a stallion family, I expect his fee will continue to rise.

Supido | Standing at Widden Stud

What young sire (less than three crops) do you think will one day be Champion Sire?

JF: It’s early doors but we are confident The Autumn Sun will emerge as a truly top-class stallion capable of providing the complete spectrum of performers, right through to the Classics.

Which yearling purchase in 2023 are you most excited about?

JF: We purchased the top lot at Inglis Easter, a filly by The Autumn Sun from Via Africa. She is quite a special filly, and we hold high hopes for her next year.

The Autumn Sun x Via Africa filly which Arrowfield purchased for $1.8 million at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale | Image courtesy of Inglis

What, if any, is your greatest current-industry concern?

JF: Racing is primarily funded by gambling and worldwide there is a growing and powerful anti-gambling lobby.

Name an emerging human talent in the industry, and say why?

JF: Adrian Bott has already emerged as a champion trainer in waiting. Well-trained and training well!

Adrian Bott | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

If you had $10 million to invest in an industry initiative, what would it be and why?

JF: I think racing needs to know a great deal more about those it interacts with – participants, punters, customers, fans and opponents. A better understanding of these groups will help us continue to improve everything we offer and, more importantly, make it sustainable in the long term. Data collection is the key.

Q & A
Jon Freyer

Trial Report: Arabian Gold's daughter eye-catching at Kembla Grange

6 min read

Written by Keely Mckitterick

Cover image courtesy of Sportpix

There were 12 trials at Kembla Grange in New South Wales on Monday. Among them were two heats for the juveniles, while a daughter of the former star mare Arabain Gold (Dubawi {Ire}) impressed onlookers in Heat 7.

Gold’s daughter catches the eye

Monte Kate, a daughter of Australia’s reigning Champion Sire I Am Invincible, and the second live foal from the bonny mare Arabian Gold (Dubawi {Ire}) caught the eye on Monday morning with a solid display in Heat 7.

Click here to watch Monte Kate's trial replay

Trained by Robert and Luke Price and ridden by Tommy Berry, the filly held the unraced Be Real (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Ocean Eyes (Astern) at bay to win the 820-metre event.

Monte Kate as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Monte Kate’s dam, the Dubawi (Ire) mare Arabian Gold, was a popular mare, winning nine races from 1000 to 2000 metres, including the G2 Doomben Roses, the G3 Golden Pendant, and the G3 Adrian Knox S. Arabian Gold also recorded placings in the G1 Queensland Oaks and the G2 Tea Rose S.

Monte Kate was a $400,000 purchase by Roughwood Park from the draft of Fernrigg Farm at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Written By filly Glitters in the opener

On Monday morning, the local training duo Robert and Luke Price unveiled a potentially smart prospect in the 2-year-old filly Glitterscript, a daughter of Widden Stud’s second-season sire Written By.

Glitterscript, ridden by Brock Ryan, in the 820-metre Heat 1, found plenty under Ryan to run to the line, ears pricked from Froebel Star (Zousain) and Yes Arnie (Yes Yes Yes).

The filly is the fourth foal from the More Than Ready (USA) mare Sparkle, who won at Warwick Farm and is a daughter of the brilliant mare Gallica (Redoute’s Choice). Gallica claimed victories in the G1 Thousand Guineas, the G1 Schweppes Oaks, the G2 Edward Manifold and the G2 AV Kewney S.

Glitterscript was a $60,000 purchase by Strong Bloodstock from the draft of Newhaven Park at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Glitterscript as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Finishing second was the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Froebel Star, a daughter of Widden Stud’s first-season sire Zousain. The filly cost Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and David Redvers Bloodstock $320,000 from the draft of Raheen Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Froebel Star’s dam, the Stromberg Carlson mare Germayne Lass, was placed in the Listed Princess S. and is a half-sister to the Listed winner Throssell (Captain Sonador).

Rounding out the places was the Yes Yes Yes gelding Yes Arnie, a son of the Fastnet Rock mare Chatham House. Yes Arnie descends from a fast and precocious family that includes Telemon Stud’s first-season sire, Sun City and the Listed victress Parlophone (I Am Invincible).

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Gallery: First-season sires occupied two of the top three spots in Heat 1

Yes Arnie cost his trainer Theresa Bateup $40,000 from the draft of Middlebrook Valley Lodge at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Souad dominates

On Monday, a small field of three contested Heat 2 over 820 metres, which the Joseph Ible-trained Souad (Merchant Navy) won. The 2-year-old filly, under Jean Van Overmeire, found the front and stayed there, posting a 1.8l success over Blenham (Churchill {Ire}) and Jamarni (Pride Of Dubai).

The filly is from the unraced Savabeel mare Rosegarden (NZ), a daughter of the nine-time winner O’Reilly Rose (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). She posted victories in the G3 White Robe Lodge H. and the Listed Dunedin Guineas.

In addition, O’Reilly Rose was placed in the G1 New Zealand S. and the G2 Avondale Cup and is the dam of the G1 Newmarket H. victor Shamexpress (NZ).

Souad was purchased by Ible Racing for $42,500 when offered by Amarina Farm at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Souad as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Blenham, the second-placed galloper, trained by Robert and Luke Price, is a homebred for Tiree Holdings. The filly’s dam, Calamity (Flying Spur), is a half-sister to the G1 BRC TJ Smith S. winner Sizzling.

Blenham’s stablemate Jamarni rounded out the field. The gelding is related to the Prices’ late galloper Count De Rupee (Real Impact {Jpn}) and the outstanding sprinter Lankan Rupee (Redoute’s Choice). Jamarni was a $80,000 purchase by RJ and PM Price from Bhima Thoroughbreds when offered at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Sassy tenacious to the line

Joseph Ible’s Pretty Sassy (Star Turn), ridden by Louise Day, showed plenty of tenacity to win Heat 8 over 820 metres.

Click here to watch Pretty Sassy's trial replay

The filly is the fourth foal from Queen Magdalene (More Than Ready {USA}), who is a sister to Vanilla Ice Cream, the dam of the G3 Blue Sapphire S. winner Ranting (Zoustar).

Further on the page, Pretty Sassy is related to Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the G1 Australian Oaks victress Dizelle (Zabeel {NZ}) and her G1 Kennedy Oaks-winning daughter Pinot (Pierro).

Pretty Sassy as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Pretty Sassy was a $55,000 purchase by Joseph Ible Racing from the draft of Baramul Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale.

The Ible-trained All Too Lucky (All Too Hard) saluted in the following event, Heat 9. The daughter of All Too Hard is from the Encosta De Lago mare Win The Lottery, who hails from the family of the G1 Coolmore Classic victress Aloha (Encosta De Lago) and her star produce Libertini (I Am Invincible) and Hawaii Five Oh (I Am Invincible).

Click here to watch All Too Lucky's trial replay

All Too Lucky, like Pretty Sassy, was offered by Baramul Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, selling to Joseph Ible Racing for $15,000.

All Too Lucky as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Finishing 1.3l adrift of All Too Lucky in Heat 9 was the blueblood Monte Supreme (I Am Invincible). She is the first foal from the Listed-winning and Group 2-placed Smart Missile mare Sassy ‘N’ Smart.

Monte Supreme is also from the family of the G3 Widden S. victress Mallory (Not A Single Doubt) alongside the G1 Irish Derby winner and the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe placegetter Westover (GB).

She was purchased for $800,000 by Roughwood Park, who also raced Monte Kate. Yarraman Park Stud offered the filly at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Kembla Grange
Glitterscript
Written By
Souad
Merchant Navy
Monte Kate
I Am Invincible
Arabian Gold
Monte Supreme
Pretty Sassy
All Too Lucky

The Asian Bloodstock Review: Equinox delivers jaw-dropping performance in Japan Cup

4 min read

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of JRA World Racing

Japan

Equinox crushes rivals in Japan Cup

The world’s top-rated racehorse, Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), produced arguably the greatest victory of his glittering career on Sunday, crushing his rivals in the G1 Japan Cup in Tokyo.

Equinox prevailed by 4l, with star filly Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) - a daughter of the dual Australian Group 1 heroine Yankee Rose (All American) - second, and Stars On Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) third.

It was a sixth Group 1 win on the bounce for the son of the 2016 Japan Cup hero and Equinox the first horse to break through the ¥2 billion (AU$20.3 million) mark in career earnings.

Equinox’s triumph was the third in six years for Silk Racing, following Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in 2018 and 2020, and fourth for jockey Christophe Lemaire - he piloted Vodka (Jpn) (Tanino Gimlet {Jpn}) in 2009, as well as Almond Eye.

“As a professional jockey for many years, I work hard to ride for perfection, so today (Sunday) was special. Horse racing fans and lovers were able to see something very special,” Lemaire said.

“Equinox is easy to ride, he knows his job very well and he doesn’t use too much energy, so riding a horse like him is a pleasure.

“I felt very privileged to be in the saddle of such a fantastic horse.”

Christophe Lemaire and Equinox (Jpn) | Image courtesy of JRA World Racing

Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year, now a winner of eight of 10 starts, is trained by Tesuya Kemura.

“With Equinox extending his Group 1 winning streak for over a year, the pressure was so great before the Japan Cup that I felt relieved when he won the race,” he said.

Bred by Northern Farm, Equinox is from the Group 3 victress Chateau Blanche (Jpn) (King Halo {Jpn}). She has thrown four foals (all are winners), including the Group 3 victor Weiss Meteor (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}).

Equinox’s second dam, Blancherie (Jpn) (Tony Bin {Ire}), was a two-time winner in Japan and she is a half-sister to the 13-time winner and Listed placegetter Osumi Schnell (Jpn) (Sunday Silence {USA}).

Sottsass’ brother simply superb

The Yoshito Yahagi-trained Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) - a brother to the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Sottsass (Fr) - remains unbeaten (two from two), after he won the G3 Kyoto Nisai S. at Kyoto on Saturday.

Shin Emperor, a €2.1 million (AU$3.5 million) Arqana August purchase, is the 74th stakes winner and 40th Group winner for his sire, who stands under the Aga Khan Studs’ banner at Haras de Bonneval.

The colt is out of the grand producer Starlet’s Sister (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) - the dam of the stakes winners Sottsass, the Eclipse champion Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) and the Group and Grade 3 winner My Sister Nat (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}).

Meanwhile, Big Arthur (Jpn) mare Toshin Macau (Jpn) showed her rivals a clean pair of heels in the G3 Keihan Hai at Kyoto. The Mizuki Takayanagi-trained galloper scored by 2l under Akira Sugawara.

Toshin Macau is a half-sister to the seven-time winner and Listed scorer Besten Dank (Jpn) (Taiki Shuttle {Jpn}).

Hong Kong

Deep Field continues to deliver

A James McDonald special helped The Golden Scenery (Deep Field) to an impressive win in Sunday’s C1 Chevalier Cup at Sha Tin.

It was the son of Deep Field’s second win this term and fifth overall in Hong Kong.

The Tony Cruz-trained The Golden Scenery was bred by Joe Rapisarda and won two of three starts in Queensland as Dominant King before being purchased.

He was offered by his breeder at the 2019 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale (Book 2). He made $4000, with St Kevins Stud buying

The gelding is from the winning Real Saga mare Saga’s Gift.

Deep Field sits atop the 2023/24 Hong Kong Sires’ table with HK$21,871,850 (AU$4.27 million) in prizemoney.

Equinox
Kitasan Black
Deep Field
The Golden Scenery
Sottsass
Shin Emperor
Toshin Macau
Japan Cup

Foal Showcase

1 min read

To have your foal featured, send a landscape-oriented image to lucy@ttrausnz.com.au

1/9

Foal Showcase

Daily News Wrap

7 min read

Fastnet and Justify cross produces magic

Coolmore’s rising star stallion Justify (USA) sired his 23rd stakes winner and third bred from a daughter of fellow Coolmore sire Fastnet Rock.

The D.Wayne Lukas-trained Just Steel (USA) was successful in the Listed Edward Brown S. at Churchill Downs. The colt is from the brilliant Australian-bred mare Irish Lights, a victress of the G1 Thousand Guineas and G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude. Just Steel is a half-brother to the G2 Silver Shadow S. winner and G1 Golden Rose-placed Omei Sword (High Chaparral {Ire}). Furthermore, this is the family of the progressive G3 Queen Elizabeth S. victor Muramasa (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

Justify (USA) | Standing at Coolmore Stud

Just Steel joins the stakes winners Learning To Fly and Star Of Justice as winners from Fastnet Rock mares. The colt was a US$500,000 (AU$760,300) purchase by BC Stables at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Irish Light’s had a full brother to Just Steel sell to Mathew Robert for US$250,000 (AU$380,100) at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

International Group winner for Exosphere

The Oaklands Stud-based Exosphere has enjoyed a fruitful spring with Skybird flying the flag locally. Meanwhile on the other side of the world the stallion was represented by his third Group 2 winner when the French-bred Easter (Fr) was successful in the G2 Del Mar Seabiscuit H.

Exosphere has sired eight stakes winners in total. Easter is from Exceed And Excel mare Excellent Girl (GB), who was fourth in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary and is a half-sister to the Australian Group performer Fastnet Tempest (Ire) (Fastnet Rock).

The gelding is a half-brother to the G3 Prix Miesque victress Sweety Dream (Fr) (Dream Ahead {USA}). Easter has won six races including the Listed Lure S. at Santa Anita and finished fourth in the G1 Man O’ War S. at Belmont.

Ripcord to let rip in Winterbottom?

Luke Fernie will head towards the G1 Winterbottom S. with his exciting 3-year-old Ripcord (Written By). The progressive galloper was a sensational victor in the Listed Placid Ark S. giving Fernie the confidence to tackle the open age sprint.

“Obviously, the Winterbottom will be a massive step up from the other day but it will be good to see where he lines up in that class,” Fernie told Punters.

Luke Fernie | Image courtesy of Western Racepix

“He has the weight swing in his favour, so it will be interesting to see how he takes it. I have always thought he was really good but it might have been sugar-coated a little bit, there might have been some slow ones in front of him that made him look faster than what he was.

“We won’t know that until next week, but I have always thought he had a big motor.”

Progressive stayer heads Zipping Classic

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s royally bred Muramasa (Deep Impact {Jpn}) will test his mettle in Saturday’s G2 Zipping Classic over 2400 metres at Caulfield. The in-form stayer has been unbeaten this preparation and claimed the G3 Queen Elizabeth S. at Flemington last start

“He won first-up which got his rating up and then we made a plan from there,” Young told RSN.

“Muramasa was dominant on Champions Day in the Queen Elizabeth, and when he got home, he ate up, he trained on brilliantly and galloped as strongly as he had done leading the Queen Elizabeth.

“On his work, I think he can win, but it is a step up in grade and he has come up in grade very quickly, so if he runs below par, we can give him a bit of freshen up as a we have a nice horse that we can aim towards the Ranvet and the Tancred S. in the autumn.”

Panthalassa retired

After a brave performance in Sunday’s G1 Japan Cup connections have announced Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) has been retired. The Yoshito Yahagi-trained galloper has been a top-class galloper in his 27-start career winning seven races including the G1 Dubai Turf and the G1 Saudi Cup.

Stud plans for the bold front-runner have yet to be confirmed.

Kah hearing continues

On Monday the tribunal hearing of Jamie Kah’s white powder saga resumed as reported by Punters. Barrister Damien Hannan representing Racing Victoria stewards slammed Kah declaring she should have known Ruby McIntyre was filming her actions with the unidentified white powder and declared a negative drug test Kah had provided in the first hearing on November 13, was irrelevant to the case, “Kah not having tested positive is irrelevant to the tribunal, (we {Racing Victoria stewards} are) are not suggesting she ingested anything illegal,” he said.

“It’s the image, it’s the manipulation of the powder and the suspicion it could be illegal.”

It was learnt during the hearing Kah had met Ruby McIntyre only six hours before the gathering.

Kah’s barrister Matthew Stirling maintained his client had no knowledge of the footage and said Racing Victoria stewards were attacking Kah’s “integrity and honesty in a cowardly and most disrespectful way.”

Judge John Bowman said the three-person VRT will process the closing submissions and a decision will be handed down at an unspecified later date.

Australian Trainers’ Association calls RV to discuss track protocol

The Australian Trainers’ Association has declared their intent to speak to Racing Victoria regarding track policy after Sunday’s Kilmore Cup meeting was abandoned after three races and Monday’s Ararat meeting was delayed due to several jockeys fielding concern over the track conditions.

October saw a meeting at Tatura abandoned after one race, while in November Yea and Mt Wycheproof lost meetings due to track conditions.

Victorian state executive Paul Maher confirmed the ATA had contacted RV to discuss how track protocol could be improved.

Victorian state executive Paul Maher

“We understand the frustration and disappointment of all concerned with Sunday. We also understand health and safety is paramount when these unfortunate situations arise,” Maher told Racing.com.

“We have been in contact with Racing Victoria to come up with a better plan going forward. We have communicated with them that we would like to sit down, but nothing has been locked in.”

Currently the tracks are rated by track managers with help from regional managers, if circumstances permit stewards can inspect tracks prior to the meeting. However, stewards generally inspect the track one or two hours before the first race once arriving on course.

Newhaven Park Country Championship Series dates announced

On Monday Racing NSW revealed the dates and venues for the 2024 Newhaven Park Country Championship Series. The series will carry a record $2.35 million in prizemoney in 2024, and will see seven regional qualifiers and two Wild Card races carrying $150,000 in prizemoney before it culminates in the $1 million final at Randwick on Saturday, April 6.

Lismore is set to hold the first qualifier on Saturday February 17, followed by Albury on Sunday February 18.

Tuncurry-Forster, Mudgee, Moruya, Tamworth, Coonamble, Scone and Goulburn will also hold qualifiers.

The Northern Wild Card will be scheduled for Scone Racecourse on Friday, March 22, and the Southern Wild Card to be held at Goulburn on Sunday, March 24.

One in Vermillion retired

This summer's GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. winner One in Vermillion (USA) (Army Mule {USA}) injured a fetlock in early November after a workout at Zia Park and has been retired from racing, according to a report in Daily Racing Form.

One in Vermillion reportedly sustained a medial fracture and has already undergone surgery, which was successful, but will not return to the races. Stud plans for the bay are still being determined.

One in Vermillion (USA) | Image courtesy of Sarah Andrew

Bred in California by Richard Barton Enterprises, One in Vermillion sold to Jonathan Kalman for US$26,000 (AU$39,500) at auction in Arizona as a yearling. Trained by Esteban Martinez, he brought wins in Santa Anita's Lazaro Barrera S. and Sunland Park's Riley Allison Derby to his Allen Jerkens start at Saratoga. He inherited that August 26 victory after New York Thunder (USA) (Nyquist {USA}) was fatally injured late in the stretch.

Chapel Stud announce fees

Planteur (Ire), sire of the outstanding stayer Trueshan (Fr), heads the trio of stallions at Roisin Close's Chapel Stud, where his fee remains at £4000 (AU$7700) for 2024.

Both Planteur and Bangkok (Ire), who has first foals on the ground this year, including four for sale at Tattersalls, are owned by Simon Davies's DalhBury operation, sponsor of the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Bangkok's fee is also unchanged at £3000 (AU$5700), while the fee for Hellvelyn (GB) remains at £2500 (AU$4800).

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - November 28

2 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

We go racing at Bendigo on Tuesday, where a homebred Godolphin filly with a nice pedigree debuts for James Cummings, before a half-sister to a dual Listed winner steps out for Greg Eurell.

Bendigo, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Catanach's Jewellers 3YO Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1000m

Effeminate, 3-year-old filly (Street Boss {USA} x Wistful {Tiger Hill {Ire}})

This filly is a homebred for Godolphin.

The James Cummings-trained Effeminate is from a four-time winner who was placed in Group 3 grade. A half-sister to the two-time winner and Group 3 placegetter Asinara (Teofilo {Ire}), Wistful is the dam of five foals, and of those, three have raced for two winners.

Street Boss (USA) | Standing at Darley

Stakes winners on the filly’s page include Any Limit (USA) (Limit Out {USA}), Insolito (USA) (Storm Boot {USA}) and In Conference (USA) (Dayjur {USA}).

Effeminate has had three trials, and on October 23 at Warwick Farm, he finished third in a field of five.

The filly debuts in the hands of Fred Kersley.

Bendigo, Race 3, 2.30pm AEDT, Bendigo MG Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1300m

Cleopatra Link (NZ), 3-year-old filly (Almanzor {Fr} x Sarvon {Zabeel {NZ}})

Greg Eurell paid $120,000 for this Bob Emery-bred filly from the Woburn Farm draft at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

She is out of a 1200-metre winner who is a half-sister to the stakes winners Onemorenomore and Dr Green (NZ), as well as the stakes performers Fury (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}) and Roussay (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}). Sarvon has thrown five winners, including the dual Listed scorer Swords Drawn (Camelot {GB}).

Cleopatra Link (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The Eurell-trained filly is closely related to the Group 3 scorer Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}) and the Listed placegetter Illumination (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}).

Looking Back

From Sunday, in Race 2 at Newcastle, 2-year-olds Mega Mic (Microphone) and Skogafoss (Lonhro) were both unplaced on debut.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Tuesday, November 28

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Monday, November 27

No first season sires' results

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Tuesday, November 28

No first season sires' runners

First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Monday, November 27

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Tuesday, November 28

Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results

Sapphire Coast (Country)

Taree (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

VIC Race Results

Ararat (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

QLD Race Results

Warwick (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian First Season Sires' Premiership

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand First Season Sires' Premiership

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1 min read

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