Partial Sandown sale being explored
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) commissioned an independent report to study a possible partial sale of Sandown, should the club decide to develop sections of the 112-hectare site.
The board engaged a consulting firm to study impacts and potential commercial returns around selling only a part of Sandown, which could let racing continue.
According to Racing.com, the report highlighted a lack of commercial upside in a partial sale, considering the costs associated with a partial development.
MRC CEO Matt Cain said the club promised members “to do the work” on what a partial sale of Sandown would look like.
Sandown Racecourse | Image courtesy of the Melbourne Racing Club
“We said to members that we’d look at all options, we can’t commit to anything one way or another until the work is done,” Cain said.
“It’s only one piece of the work that needs to be done and gives us a myriad of data analysis that looks at the commercial, social, community and residential needs and impacts.”
The report is set to be explored at a strategy meeting next Thursday where a facilitator will attend to help the board digest its contents. Cain said the independent facilitator has been hired to “keep the session on track”.
Lucky Vega strike again at Tattersalls December Mares Sale
A big week of buying at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale continued for Yulong Stud, under its Lucky Vega banner, with the Victoria-based farm signing for the 160,000gns (AU$322,000) top lot at Park Paddocks on Wednesday.
While the Wednesday trade couldn’t match the unblinking excitement the Sceptre Sessions offered 24 hours previously, business remained satisfactory, with the Lucky Vega team once again bidding online to land the unraced daughter of No Nay Never (USA) from Godolphin.
Mufeeda (Ire) (Lot 2027) never managed to reach the track but the good-looking filly boasts a strong pedigree, being a daughter of Listed winner Zoowraa (GB) (Azamour {Ire}), and a sister to two black-type performers.
Lot 2027 - Mufeeda (Ire) became the top lot of Day 3 of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale when sold from Godolphin to Yulong's Lucky Vega for 160,000gns (AU$322,000) | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
She came out on top on a day where the aggregate dropped off by 14 per cent to 3,650,500gns (AU$7,839,200). The clearance rate dipped 11 per cent to 78 per cent, while there was a further slide in the median and average. The median was down seven per cent to 14,000gns (AU$28,200) and the average by nine per cent to 19,418gns (AU$39,100).
King places third in IJC
Australian-based jockey Rachel King accrued 16 points in Wednesday night’s International Jockeys’ Challenge at Happy Valley, which was good enough for third. The title was won by local rider Vincent Ho (20 points), while Champion Jockey, Aussie Zac Purton, was second (18).
“I think it was a good first effort. The atmosphere at Happy Valley is unbelievable and I really enjoyed it,” said King.
English-born King got off to the perfect start, guiding the David Hall-trained Oversubscribed (Reward For Effort) to victory at her very first ride in Hong Kong.
“He was probably the perfect start to riding here at Happy Valley,” King said post-race.
“He’s looked after me and did everything for me.”
J-Mac stumps up for Zaaki
Superstar jockey James McDonald claims grand campaigner Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) is in the right frame of mind and has the form to take all the beating in Saturday’s G1 Northerly S. at Ascot.
McDonald is flying back from Hong Kong specifically to ride the Annabel Neasham-trained 9-year-old in the $1.5 million race.
Zaaki, who has been running well without winning this campaign, is the class runner of the field, boasting a rating of 120 - nine more than his nearest rival.
Annabel Neasham and James McDonald after Zaaki's (GB) victory in the G2 Hollindale S. at the Sunshine Coast in May | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
“He should be very, very hard to beat,” McDonald told News Corp.
“He’s in such good form, Annabel has been reporting that he’s such a happy horse and when he’s a happy horse he normally runs particularly well.”
McDonald returns to Hong Kong for Sunday’s international meet, where he will reunite with Cox Plate hero Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Hong Kong Cup.
“It’s a monumental task that he’s facing,” the Kiwi said.
“He’s obviously travelled, gone through all the procedures in Australia and come back to Hong Kong, it’s tough work.”
Trapeze Artist colt to ramp up Millions assault
Impressive debut winner Spywire (Trapeze Artist) will continue his charge towards next month’s R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, when he contests Saturday’s Listed Phelan Ready S. at Eagle Farm.
The colt, who scored by 2.23l at Rosehill on November 15, will face just four rivals in the $200,000, 1000-metre sprint, and is certain to start at prohibitive odds.
“He’s obviously a nice colt, he’s been impressive all the way through really and he finds a race without a lot of depth,” co-trainer David Eustace told Racing And Sports.
“I see he’s come up a very short price, which you can sort of understand to an extent.”
Eustace said Spywire is the stable’s leading contender for the $3 million race at the Gold Coast on January 13.
“He would be our top seed for Magic Millions,” Eustace said.
David Eustace | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“They (2-year-olds) have all had a few preps and some are more forward than others, but I think he’s probably the most natural.”
Ciaron Maher Bloodstock/Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) paid $520,000 for Spywire from the Widden Stud consignment at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, making him the highest-priced Trapeze Artist yearling sold in 2023.
Scone relocated to Gosford
Friday’s meeting at Scone will be shifted to Gosford, with sweltering temperatures prompting Racing New South Wales to enforce a move of location.
Forecast to hit 40 degrees on Friday, a temperature potentially detrimental to the welfare of participants, the decision was made on Thursday to shift the meeting to an alternate venue, rather than wait for Friday morning and risk abandonment.
The seven-race program will commence at 1pm AEDT at Gosford Racecourse.
Exceedance filly the best of Manzelmann quintet
Mackay-based trainer John Manzelmann had a good day to collect prizemoney at Cairns, with all five horses in the opening race at Cairns under his care.
Of the quintet, it would be a daughter of first-season sire Exceedance to pick up the win, with Simply Tina scoring under Jackson Murphy.
Exceedance | Standing at Vinery Stud
Scoring by 0.5l from Rocket Power (Power {GB}), her success gives Exceedance his second winner from three runners, having also sired the G3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Dublin Down.
Trio give O’Shea a strong hand in The Ingham
Top trainer John O’Shea holds an impressive hand in the feature on Saturday, with three runners primed to have an impact on the G2 The Ingham.
Spearheaded by warhorse Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), who will be looking to return to the winner's stall for the first time in two and a half years, O’Shea holds some confidence that the 6-year-old can break a long run of outs.
“I think (his form) is significantly better and he is weighted significantly better (than last year),” O’Shea told Racing And Sports.
John O'Shea | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“I thought to myself, it’s a harder race, but they beat home Atishu last year, so the race last year had more merit to it than I first thought.
“He looks to map beautifully in a fast-run race and we couldn’t be happier with him.”
Also representing O’Shea is Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir) and Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}).
Te Akau star to defend Group 1 crown
Having taken out the G1 Captain Cook S. 12 months ago, Saturday provides an opportunity for tough 8-year-old gelding Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) to retain his hold on the race.
Now run as the TAB Classic, co-trainer Sam Bergeson is positive about the veteran galloper, who battled on strongly in the G3 Eagle Technology S. last Saturday.
“I thought his run on Saturday was really good. It was good to see him back in form and hitting the line like he did,” Bergeson told loveracing.co.nz.
“We can’t fault him here at home. He has come through the run really well and he is bouncing around the stable and looks as good as he ever has.”
Talented 6-year-old Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. winner Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) headline a strong field of 17 starters.
Equinox already full at ¥20 million (AU$210,000)
Shadai Stallion Station has set the introductory fee for Equinox (Jpn) at ¥20 million (AU$210,000), which is equal to his own sire Kitasan Black (Jpn), whose price has been doubled for 2024. Father and son are the two most expensive stallions on Shadai's 33-strong roster.
The Shadai website already has a 'book full' note posted alongside the name of Equinox, who retires to stud as the top-rated horse in the world in 2023.
Equinox (Jpn) | Standing at Shadai Stallion Station, image courtesy of the Japan Racing Association
This season's leading first-season sire in Japan, Suave Richard (Jpn), has also had his fee increased for next year to ¥15 million (AU$157,000). The same fee will be commanded in 2024 by his stud-mates Epiphaneia (Jpn) and the Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn).
Belmont Stakes to Saratoga
New York Governor Kathy Hochul made it official that the 2024 GI Belmont S. will be held for the first time at Saratoga Race Course and be run at 1 1/4 miles to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park, the governor said in a release on Wednesday.
“As part of the exciting modernisation of Belmont Park, Saratoga now adds to its storied history by hosting the third leg of the Triple Crown,” Governor Hochul said. “It's a win for horse racing and for the Capital Region to have the excitement and the ability to host the four-day Festival in June at America's most historic track."
Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Belmont S. on Saturday, June 8, the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will begin on Thursday, June 6 and continue through Sunday, June 9.
Prize-money increase at Royal Ascot
The total prize-money at Ascot Racecourse in 2024 will increase to £17.5 million ($33,353,272), the racecourse announced on Wednesday. This marks a 3.9% increase on 2023's total of £16.8 million ($32,019,141).
Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We are pleased to be delivering these prize-money increases in 2024 against a backdrop of uncertainty and an unprecedented number of negative headwinds for the industry. The financial impact on all facets of the industry is already being acutely felt."
“It is, however, crucial for Royal Ascot to maintain its position on the global stage at a time when participants at home and abroad have so many alternative lucrative options away from Britain."
No Vase for Shahryar, Arima Kinen the new goal
Corageous stayer Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has been withdrawn from the G1 Hong Kong Vase, scheduled to be run on Sunday.
The well travelled 5-year-old, who has contested races in three continents, had a problem identified as part of standing veterinary testing, resulting in him being scratched from Sunday’s 2400-metre contest.
It opens the door for him to return home to contest the Arima Kinen, a race that is more open than it previously appeared, with a number of key chances either retiring or electing to bypass the fan-voted contest.
Japan will still have strong representation in the Vase, with Lebensstil (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) an early public fancy for the race.
HISA and Oaklawn Park designate area for intra-articular injection treatments
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Oaklawn Park have launched a new pilot program under which a designated area will be available for veterinarians to administer any intra-articular corticosteroid injections at the racetrack during the track’s 2023/24 race season, which kicks off on Friday.
As HISA laid out in its Strategic Response to recent equine fatalities, many stakeholders, including a significant number of individuals calling into Horseracing and Integrity Welfare Unit’s (HIWU) confidential tip line, have questioned whether Covered Persons are properly and accurately reporting intra-articular corticosteroid injections.
In order to address this issue and ensure injections are administered in compliance with HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control regulations, HISA proposed two possible solutions: (1) a designated area at the racetrack for all intra-articular injections to be administered; or (2) the requirement of a short video of the veterinarian performing the intra-articular injection to be uploaded with the injection report.
Maekawa a trailblazer in Japan
Kyoko Maekawa made history on Thursday, becoming the first woman to receive a license to train on the lucrative Japan Racing Association (JRA) circuit.
Kyoko Maekawa | Image courtesy of Kosuke Ishiyu
“I am so happy and thankful to those who supported me to reach this point. At this moment, there is a big problem with staff shortage and hopefully, more girls will join the racing industry,” she told NetKeiba.
