'It's a relief as by the time Super Seth covered a mare it was a NZ$20 million investment.': Seth heads to Inglis Easter a Group-producing sire

Written by

Keely Mckitterick

12 min read

The Thoroughbred Report recently caught up with Mark Chittick from Waikato Stud to gain insights into their upcoming three-yearling draft set for the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Waikato Stud

Mark Chittick, of Waikato Stud, expressed his relief and excitement at Super Seth’s outstanding start to his stud career.

This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Super Seth as his promising son, Linebacker (NZ), showcased resilience to claim victory in the G3 TL Baillieu H. at only his second start.

Under the guidance of John O’Shea, Linebacker is one of four winners sired by Super Seth from 14 runners. Another notable performer from the first-crop of the G1 Caulfield Guineas victor is Poetic Champion (NZ), who impressed with a commanding 6l victory on debut. Following this remarkable debut, Poetic Champion went on to place in the G2 Wakefield Challenge S. and the G3 Matamata RC Slipper.

The Thoroughbred Report spoke with Chittick as Waikato Stud gear up to present a draft at the upcoming 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Sky's the limit

Super Seth will be represented by three yearlings at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale to kick off on Sunday, April 7.

Waikato Stud are set to present one son of Super Seth in their three-lot draft. Lot 71 is a November-born, bay colt. He is the fifth foal from the O’Reilly (NZ) mare Hopscotch (NZ), who was unraced.

Hopscotch made a sensational start to her broodmare career with her first foal, Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) winning the G1 New Zealand Oaks and the G2 Eight Carat Classic, securing her the title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

“The colt (Lot 71) we have going to Sydney for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale was born on the seventh of November. One of the reasons I wanted to have a Super Seth in the sale was because I thought well hopefully, he’s sired a Group winner by then. So, it has worked out well.

“The colt is really quite a big-framed horse and I just felt that a bit of time would give him the opportunity to fill that frame out, which is what has happened. Super Seth throws very athletic animals with plenty of size and this colt has a beautiful pedigree.

“The colt (Lot 71) is really quite a big-framed horse and I just felt that a bit of time would give him the opportunity to fill that frame out, which is what has happened.” - Mark Chittick

“We were hopeful his 3-year-old half-sister, Knucklebones would have got some black-type because she won very impressively in her first preparation. She had a break and them came back in and was supposed to be competing in Sydney but unfortunately, she pulled a shoe and stepped on the nail.

“That has held her up for a couple of weeks, getting that right but she’ll be back soon and hopefully she goes on with it.”

Click here to view Lot 71

Chittick shared some insight to what mares have been clicking with Super Seth from a physical perspective.

“He has been an interesting horse. Super Seth probably stands just over 16hh and being a son of Dundeel, who’s doing a great job, but of course he’s not a very big horse.

Super Seth | Standing at Waikato Stud

“With that in mind we put mares with a bit of size to Super Seth in his first season, but it soon became evident after the first crop of foals that it wasn’t needed.

“The size on the mare's side wasn’t needed and in fact we’ve turned a full circle now. If we want to put some leg into a mare or think she needs some size, we’ll often use Super Seth for that.

“The size on the mare's side wasn’t needed and in fact we’ve turned a full circle now. If we want to put some leg into a mare or think she needs some size, we’ll often use Super Seth for that.” - Mark Chittick

“Which is really good, and I would say he’s definitely producing his own type. The comments that we got with the second crop at the yearling sales was that this crop was better overall than the first crop.

“I think that’s probably because we learned how to breed him.”

Mark Chittick | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

More of a relief

Linebacker was sold by Haunui Farm at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$160,000 to John O’Shea Racing and Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA).

However, the 2-year-old colt has received plenty of praise from all associated with him in his early career.

Chittick keeping a close eye on the Super Seth added, “John O’Shea and Tommy Berry made plenty of comments about how Linebacker didn’t get his own way and for him to fight like that and win as a very unseasoned racehorse was incredibly impressive.

“For us it’s a relief. By the time we got Super Seth into the breeding shed it was not far off a NZ$20 million investment, a majority from ourselves (Waikato Stud) and our very loyal partners. So, when you get results like Poetic Champion coming out on winning on debut impressively.

“For us it’s a relief. By the time we got Super Seth into the breeding shed it was not far off a NZ$20 million investment, a majority from ourselves (Waikato Stud) and our very loyal partners.” - Mark Chittick

“Alongside now a first stakes winner it’s fantastic. However, in these early days to be honest it is more a relief than anything else. John O’Shea has spoken extremely highly of Linebacker and Super Seth all the way through.

“More than 12 months ago he was one of the few that approached me to try and get hold of a share in Super Seth. But also, multiple trainers just over the last month or so have really started to comment that they’ve got a Super Seth or two in their stable that they really like.

Linebacker (NZ) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“It certainly seems we’re on the right path with him.”

King of Waikato

On Saturday, Super Seth wasn’t the sole star from Waikato Stud to make waves. Savabeel, the eight-time Champion Sire, celebrated another triumph as his exceptional daughter, Orchestral (NZ), secured the G1 Vinery Stud S., adding to her impressive G1 New Zealand Derby win.

Further showcasing his prowess, Savabeel marked a milestone by producing his 143rd stakes winner, Wymark (NZ), who claimed victory in the G2 Tulloch S. The victory positions the 3-year-old gelding as a strong contender for the upcoming G1 Australian Derby.

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Gallery: Progeny of Savabeel who won Group races on Saturday

Next Saturday, will mark 12 months since Savabeel claimed the rare distinction of siring the G1 TJ Smith S. victor I Wish I Win (NZ), a homebred for Waikato Stud, and Major Beel (NZ), who took out the G1 Australian Derby.

The Champion son of Zabeel (NZ) is well-positioned to emulate the feat with all reports suggesting I Wish I Win is flying and Wymark progressing through every challenge.

Savabeel currently sits atop the New Zealand General Sires’ Premiership and is seventh on the Australian General Sires’ table. Incredibly, Savabeel has dominated the Dewar Award - Champion New Zealand-based sire by total progeny earnings within New Zealand and Australia.

Savabeel | Standing at Waikato Stud

He broke the run of his late Waikato Stud compatriot O’Reilly in the 2015/16 season and held that before another barn mate, Ocean Park (NZ) briefly took control. However, since 2020/21 Savabeel has made the award his own.

Waikato Stud will present two fillies by the Champion Sire at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. The first of those through the Riverside ring is Lot 323.

The daughter of Savabeel is the third foal from the Iffraaj (GB) mare Style By Design (NZ). She won twice and was placed in the Listed Levin RC Ryder S. and the Listed Wanganui JC O’Leary's S.

Click here to view Lot 323

The second of those fillies, Lot 403 is bred on the sensational Savabeel/O’Reilly cross. The filly is the fourth foal from Absolutely Me (NZ), who won once and is the dam of the dual winner Newly Wed (NZ) (Savabeel).

Lot 403 is from the family of the Group 1 winners Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and Espiona (Extreme Choice).

“They’re two very, very nice fillies (Lot 323 and Lot 403). They were two fillies we looked to retain but as it happened both of their dams foaled fillies again last year.

“They’re two very, very nice fillies (Lot 323 and Lot 403). They were two fillies we looked to retain but as it happened both of their dams foaled fillies again last year.” - Mark Chittick

“So that’s why I thought we’d take the opportunity to take these two to the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Between those two and the colt that’s where it became what I would call really worthwhile to make the trip to Australia.

“The Absolutely Me filly (Lot 403) is bred on that incredible cross, being an O’Reilly mare. I don’t know how many females we’re breeding out of that family, but it would be more than 10.

Click here to view Lot 403

“The mare has a couple of shots to fire with some older sisters. She has one with Roger James and Robert Wellwood and one in Australia with Anthony and Sam Freedman.

“Overall, she’s a lovely filly with a sensational pedigree. The second filly (Lot 323) is the third filly from the mare. The first filly Stylistic was injured and won’t race and the second filly Viva Glam had her first start on a wet track at Matamata and flew home.

“This filly is just an absolute beast. We haven’t put them over the scales, but I know she’d be the heaviest one we’re taking over to Australia because she’s just a beast.

“This filly (Lot 323) is just an absolute beast. We haven’t put them over the scales, but I know she’d be the heaviest one we’re taking over to Australia because she’s just a beast.” - Mark Chittick

“She’s just a big, strong, muscular filly.”

O’Reilly legacy lives on

Chittick and the Waikato Stud team were devastated by the passing of O’Reilly in 2014. However, the Champion Sire’s legacy is being felt strongly and fittingly, his daughters have formed an affinity with Savabeel.

O’Reilly is currently leading the New Zealand Broodmare Sires for the 2023/24 season with 69 winners of 111 races, including 13 stakes winners.

The top-prizemoney contributor is Savabeel’s star, filly Orchestral. Combined, the Savabeel/O’Reilly cross is striking at 14 per cent with earnings of $31,890,577. Nine Group 1 winners have been bred on the cross, while 164 winners have been produced.

The late O'Reilly (NZ) | Image courtesy of Waikato Stud

“We work very hard on our stallion selections and purchases. O’Reilly was bred on the farm, so he came along a little bit differently, but when you stand these Champion stallions, we have a policy for backing our product and keeping fillies by them.

“If they’re successful stallions, more often than not, they become successful broodmare sires. The O’Reilly/Savabeel cross has just been incredible.

“If they’re successful stallions, more often than not, they become successful broodmare sires. The O’Reilly/Savabeel cross has just been incredible.” - Mark Chittick

“They’re both bloody good stallions and have clicked quite nicely. Then you’ve got the next step, and yesterday Saltcoats, who is by our Ardrossan, finished third in the Tulloch, and he’s from a daughter of Savabeel.

“Savabeel being a son of Zabeel, who is a great sire and broodmare sire and being out of a sensational broodmare sire in Success Express, I think that it’s a no-brainer Savabeel will follow in the footsteps as a successful broodmare stallion.

I Wish I Win primed for TJ defence

The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained I Wish I Win is primed to defend his title in the G1 TJ Smith S. The Waikato Stud colour-bearer has not been seen on a racetrack since he finished second in The Everest in the spring.

“I Wish I Win is absolutely spot on. The trackwork yesterday (Saturday), to be honest was mind blowing.

“It was really quite cool to see. You know we have been waiting a wee while for him to get back to the track and now we’re within seven days the excitement of the occasion is really starting to build.

I Wish I Win (NZ), winner of the G1 TJ Smith S. in 2023 | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“From yesterday's report we couldn’t be happier and he couldn’t be better. Hopefully it all pans out and Imperatriz will line up as well. It will be very interesting with her being rock hard fit and us first-up.

“But Peter (Moody) and Katherine (Coleman) really feel as though they’ve got I Wish I Win spot on without racing.”

A breath of fresh air

Chittick also commented on the renewed sense of vitality in the New Zealand racing and breeding industry.

“It's certainly a hell of a breath of fresh air. Positive fresh air and let’s say fantastic change. This week we’ve got the whole rebranding of trackside on TV.

“It's (Entain's involvement in New Zealand racing) certainly a hell of a breath of fresh air. Positive fresh air and let’s say fantastic change.” - Mark Chittick

“Just the multilevel things that Entain are really getting behind and pushing. Prizemoney is the main thing but the branding of the trackside and within a month a whole new betting app are other things.

“Entain are also right behind the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association Pearl Series and put it this way we’ve never entered a filly to the series. Yet last week we signed up around 10. So I think Entain are giving it a real boot up the backside and tackling from all different angles.

“Entain are also right behind the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association Pearl Series and put it this way we’ve never entered a filly to the series. Yet last week we signed up around 10.” - Mark Chittick

“It’s obviously industry run on results but we’re seeing we are incredibly proud of it and it is just going to be so good. So much better having positivity in our backyard.”

Waikato Stud

2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale

Mark Chittick

Super Seth

Savabeel

I Wish I Win

Focus on welfare: why is Australia the last man standing on spurs?

Written by

Oz Wedmore

9 min read

Continuing our regular series on industry welfare initiatives, TTR AusNZ takes a closer look at the use of spurs in the industry, a tool that is banned on race day in every other major racing jurisdiction around the world.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Banned in the UK, France, Ireland and the USA, spurs are still commonplace in Australian racing, raising questions about both welfare and perception. Exploring the issue, we spoke to two industry insiders at the top of their games, and draw on evidence from the wider equine world too.

There are two rules governing the use of spurs according to Racing Australia:

- AR 125 Riders permitted to use blunt and approved spurs

Riders may use spurs provided they are blunt and of a type approved by Racing Australia, a PRA, or the Stewards.

- AR 134 Excessive, unnecessary or improper use of spurs

In a race, official trial, jump-out or trackwork, or elsewhere, a rider must not use his or her spurs in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner.

The Thoroughbred Report reached out to each of Australia’s PRAs to ask about their view of the rules, whether the issue of perception over spurs has been raised within their state and the history of enforcement of the rules. Sadly just two responded.

A Racing Victoria spokesperson said:

“Riders in Victoria are required to adhere to the Australian Rules of Racing that govern the use of spurs. If a rider uses his or her spurs in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner this will be considered by Stewards.

“We have had no recent breaches of AR134 in which action has been taken in Victoria.”

“We have had no recent breaches of AR134 in which action has been taken in Victoria.” - Racing Victoria spokesperson

Meanwhile, Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory (TRNT) Chairman of Stewards David Hensler explained:

“TRNT Stewards enforce the Rules of Racing pertaining to the use of spurs. We regularly check spurs on race days, at barrier trials and in track work. In the last 10 years we have had no rider breach either AR125 or AR134.”

The inside line

Even for those experienced in the breeding side of the industry, the choice to use spurs may still be a mystery - is it a jockey's preference or a trainer’s instruction? Do they make much of a difference?

We spoke to one of Sydney’s leading jockeys, Tommy Berry, to get an idea of exactly what goes on behind the scenes.

“Sometimes it can be up to either,” Berry said. “I know if I've watched a replay of a horse and he looks quite laid back, he misses the start, just needs a little bit of a wake up before he goes into the barriers, I'll put spurs on.”

Tomy Berry | Image courtesy of Sportpix

“I'm not someone that ‘kicks’ in a race, so if I wear spurs in a race it's really not going to affect the horse at all because I can't use them.

“Myself, James McDonald and a lot of other jockeys are in the same boat - the only time I can really use spurs is to just give them a little bit of a wake up to make sure they're switched on before they go into barriers.”

“Myself, James McDonald and a lot of other jockeys are in the same boat (not riding in a style that ‘kicks’ in a race) - the only time I can really use spurs is to just give them a little bit of a wake up to make sure they're switched on before they go into barriers.” - Tommy Berry

“Otherwise, they're pretty much pointless for us. Whereas someone like Nash Rawiller, Brenton Avdulla or Regan Bayliss, they wear spurs quite often because they can kick quite well.”

Berry described the tradeoff between jockeys that ride shorter and those that ride longer. In his assessment, whilst three-quarters of jockeys, the likes of he and McDonald included, utilise their balance to be more effective in a finish, others encourage their mounts with a kicking motion.

There’s no clear answer here as a number of elite jockeys fall into each camp, with Berry concluding that different styles suit different horses.

Just how much the spurs are used during this kicking motion in a race finish is hard to discern. Given a jockey’s crouched position, it’s hard to see how a jockey could point their feet outwards to bring the spurs into contact with the horse. And, if they did make contact during vigorous race finishes, surely we would see at least the occasional marking or rubbing of a horse’s flanks, causing an infraction of the rules.

Noting that he’s never once called before the stewards for any spurs-related infractions, Berry added:

“It's not something that you overuse - I've never ever done it to hurt a horse. You don't turn your heels out and give them a big kick up the ribs, it's just running it along their skin a little bit.

“It's (Spurs) not something that you overuse - I've never ever done it to hurt a horse. You don't turn your heels out and give them a big kick up the ribs...” - Tommy Berry

“I think it's important to state as well, that breakers often use spurs to help guide the horse along. So, when you get to a race it’s often not the first time they’ve been introduced to spurs.”

Laying the foundation

A former elite event rider, Blair Richardson runs Vantage Hill, a race educating and pre-training establishment utilised by many of Australia’s top trainers. Speaking to TTR AusNZ, he described spurs in the context of his work as ‘controversial’ in the sense that he’s highly selective about using them so early on in a horse’s education.

“We break in probably 250 to 280 horses a year,” Richardson said. “Probably most of them we don’t put spurs on to start with.

“Obviously, we want to teach them to be light off the leg and educate them. The need to go forward off your leg is the main thing in educating a horse.”

“Obviously, we want to teach them to be light off the leg and educate them. The need to go forward off your leg is the main thing in educating a horse.” - Blair Richardson

“Whether you're riding a racehorse, a cutting horse, a jumping horse, a dressage horse - they all must be ridden off your leg, that's the main thing.”

As Richardson explained, the use of spurs during the initial stages of a thoroughbred’s life is purely about education - an extra tool to teach them something fundamental - as opposed to an aid to get the most out of them on race day.

“There's some that won’t go past a gap or are a bit negative, then we put a set of spurs on and it's all to do with the rider's leg to hand coordination,” he said.

Blair Richardson | Image courtesy of Vantage Hill

“You’ve got to be careful too, there's a lot of fillies that can be backward and a set of spurs can have a reverse effect, so it’s tricky.

“If you have a horse that won't go, you're often better off to pony it along, look after it to get it to go, rather than using force and an artificial aid.

“When you're dealing with 18 month old horses, it's not about force, it's got to be an educational process.”

The evidence

As in the first piece in this series, we consulted leading equine scientist Dr David Marlin to find out what the science says.

Click here to read Focus on welfare: a common sense approach to racing in hot weather

Marlin confirmed that there has been little research on the use of spurs, with a particular paucity around their use in racing.

One study of Danish competition horses points to a picture of spurs being more likely to cause damage (hair loss and in rare cases bleeding) to horses at lower competition levels, whilst another from the UK found that FEI affiliated riders were 10 times more likely to use spurs than leisure riders, but that was still only 60 per cent of them.

It’s hard to be confident, but perhaps this suggests, as Richardson inferred, that the choice to use spurs is not as simple as ‘fine for the professionals’. Regardless, Marlin pointed out an even more salient point, that may in time change the debate in Australia.

Dr David Marlin | Image courtesy of Dr David Marlin

He noted that thermal imaging was behind the drive to change whip design towards the modern iteration, and that if the as-yet-unstudied impact of spurs in racing was similarly visible then it could have a big impact on the welfare debate.

A price worth paying?

The question remains: Would Australian racing be missing out much if spurs were banned tomorrow, given it’s the only racing nation to allow them?

“I think it would definitely affect Australian racing in some way and that's because they’ve been around for so long and are obviously working in some way,” Berry said.

“For myself, if a horse isn't jumping out of the barriers properly and they're a bit laid back then it does definitely help to give them a bit of a wake up before they leave the gates, just so they know it's game on.

“For myself, if a horse isn't jumping out of the barriers properly and they're a bit laid-back then it does definitely help to give them a bit of a wake up before they leave the gates, just so they know it's game on.” - Tommy Berry

“It's not about hurting them or anything like that, because it doesn't. It's just a little bit of a tickle to wake them up and say, ‘You're about to go, put your game face on.’

“I find it good as a tool for that, if I know a horse has come out a little bit slow on the pace.”

But, this must surely be balanced against the perception issue that spurs present us with. Whilst their use is little discussed within the industry, and they often pass punters unnoticed on race day, spurs offer a target for animal rights activists, who attempt to frame the metal fixtures on jockey’s heels as a regular weapon of torture against our beloved thoroughbreds.

This view might sound blatantly preposterous to those inside the camp, but it’s easy to see how such framing can be effective to those who don’t know how they’re actually used. Given that racing elsewhere around the world doesn’t seem to suffer for a lack of spurs, we have to ask whether it’s a price worth paying.

We want your opinion!

Do you think we should continue to allow spurs at the races?

Yes
No

If you have any welfare topics that you believe should be explored, or opinions you would like to offer, please reach out to editorial@ttrausnz.com.au and let us know.

Welfare

Spurs

Part three: siblings of Group 1 stars set to shine at Easter

Written by

Kristen Manning

9 min read

Part three of our look at the Group 1 siblings going through the ring at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Cover image courtesy of Inglis

Tough and consistent mare Prompt Response (Beneteau) has a daughter (Lot 227 by Zoustar) and a three-quarter sister up for grabs, the latter being Lot 226 by Snitzel. A member of the Newgate Farm draft, she is also a three-quarter sister to the G3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Prompt Return (Beneteau) and Newgate's Jim Carey is confident that she will attract plenty of attention.

Click here to read part one: siblings of Group 1 stars set to shine at Easter

Click here to read part two: siblings of Group 1 stars set to shine at Easter

“On pedigree and physique she will be high on every filly buyer's list,” he said.

“She is a beautiful filly, an athletic good mover with tons of strength and scope - just what you'd expect of a daughter of a blue hen mare!”

Click here to view Lot 226

A very strong family

One of the early highlights on the second day is Lot 255 being sold by Trelawney Stud. A bay colt from the debut crop of Hello Youmzain (Fr), he is a half-brother to up-and-coming young stallion Grunt (NZ), winner of the G1 Australian Guineas and the G1 Makybe S. and sire of the recent G1 George Ryder S. winner Veight.

Also a half-brother to the G2 Matriarch S. winner Zayydani (NZ) (Savabeel) out of a half-sister to the G1 WS Cox Plate winner Ocean Park (NZ), he hails from one of New Zealand's finest families - that of the high achieving racehorse and stallion O'Reilly (NZ) and of the fellow big race winners Courtza (NZ) (Pompeii Court {USA}), Our Pompeii (NZ) (Pompeii Court), Critic (NZ) (Centaine) and Prince Kaapstad (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}).

Lot 255 - Hello Youmzain (Fr) x Ruqqaya (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

It was a family Trelawney's Brent Taylor was very happy to buy into, showing the foresight to become involved early days with this colt's grandam Sayyida (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) being one of the first fillies he purchased.

“We bought her from Sir Patrick Hogan, she had a lot of ability but was injured. She has become a great taproot mare for us.”

Taylor described this colt as being “a very attractive horse with beautiful length and strength. He is a very athletic type who we expect to sell well. He is a good representative of a very strong family.”

“... a very attractive horse with beautiful length and strength. He (Lot 255) is a very athletic type who we expect to sell well. He is a good representative of a very strong family.” - Brent Taylor

Click here to view Lot 255

A Darn Hot colt

Milburn Creek's Scott Holcombe is also looking forward to the sale, pleased with the matter of fact manner in which his yearlings have handled their preparations including two who have Group 1 siblings.

The first of those is Lot 322, a Too Darn Hot (GB) colt bred by the highly successful Western Australian breeders Oakland Park Stud out of the terrific race and broodmare Stormy Nova (Metal Storm Fr}).

Click here to view Lot 322

The winner of half of her 14 starts, two of those in Group 3 company, she has fared extremely well at stud with four of her seven winners being stakes winners including the G1 Cantala S. winner Superstorm (Sebring) - as well as the Group 3 winner Cosmic Storm (Street Sense {USA}) and the Listed winners Royal Command (Street Sense) and Mikimoto (Street Sense).

Lot 322 - Too Darn Hot (GB) x Stormy Nova (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

The final foal for his now retired dam, he is, Holcombe said, “built very much in the style of his sire who has made such an exciting start to his stud career in both hemisphere.

“We had Gai Waterhouse here recently and she said that he is very much like the good Too Darn Hots she has seen,” he said.

“He is a very nice horse with plenty of strength which is typical of the breed. And his breeders certainly know what they are doing!”

“He (Lot 322) is a very nice horse with plenty of strength which is typical of the breed. And his breeders certainly know what they are doing!” - Scott Holcombe

Also throwing to dad - "he is very much like his sire” - is Lot 351, an attractive dark brown colt by Maurice (Jpn) out of the G3 SA Sires Produce S. winner Time Awaits (Nicconi) whose daughter Magic Time (Hellbent) is a high class member of the Grahame Begg stable.

Holding nominations for the G1 TJ Smith S. and the G1 Queen Of The Turf S., she ran a great race in the G1 Newmarket H. first up and looks set to enhance upon her already impressive record of five wins from nine starts - including the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. last spring.

Click here to view Lot 351

Coolmore in the headlines

Coolmore obviously have their headliner this year, the Pierro - Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) attracting as much - well let's face it, more publicity - than any Easter yearling has ever attracted.

But their overall draft is strong and they are looking forward to showing off the first southern hemisphere bred yearlings by Wootton Bassett (GB) including Lot 451, a half-brother to the 2022 G1 1000 Guineas heroine Madame Pommery (No Nay Never {USA}).

Lot 451 - Wootton Bassett (GB) x Cancel (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Still racing well but with not much luck this campaign (due to take her place in Saturday's G2 Emancipation S.), that Chris Waller trained mare is not the only Group 1 winner on the page with this colt's two times winning dam Cancel (Exceed And Excel) being a full sister to the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Earthquake (Exceed And Excel).

Coolmore's John Kennedy is full of praise for the colt who he says “has loads of quality.”

“He is a touch more precocious than Madame Pommery at the same age but he has the same class and balance.

“He (Lot 451) is a touch more precocious than Madame Pommery at the same age but he has the same class and balance.” - John Kennedy

“We are delighted to have him in our draft and we are really looking forward to getting out there and showing him off.”

Click here to view Lot 451

Nice horse - beautiful horse

G1 Doomben 10,000 winner Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) ran very nicely when finishing on the heels of the placegetters in the G2 Challenge S. and he has been nominated for the G1 TJ Smith S.

His Group 2 placed dam Chatelaine (Flying Spur) has produced another big race winner in the shape of the G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner Headway (Charge Forward) which means that her son by King's Legacy - Lot 458 for Cannon Hayes Stud - is bound to prove popular.

Lot 458 - King's Legacy x Chatelaine (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

“He is probably not a really early type but he is a very nice horse who I think in six months time is going to be a beautiful horse,” said the stud's Dave Morrissey.

“We provide owners with updates every Friday afternoon and each week we have been able to tell his breeders Parsons Creek that this colt has been improving; I think he is a great representative of his sire.”

Click here to view Lot 458

I'd buy him myself!

So You Think (NZ) just knocks up getting quality winners and one of his best - the G1 Queen of The Turf S. winner Nimalee - has a full brother going through the ring as Lot 487 for Cressfield.

The talent of his triple Group 2 and Listed Hong Kong Derby winning grandam Elegant Fashion (Danewin) was the reason the stud's Bruce Neill purchased her unraced daughter Dezign (Zabeel( {NZ}) and what a great job she has been doing with her first four foals all winners - the other three all in metropolitan company including the Group 3 placed The Chairman (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Lot 487 - So You Think (NZ) x Dezign (colt) | Image courtsy of Inglis

Cressfield's Wayne Bedggood is a big fan of this colt, laughing that “if I had the money I'd buy him myself!”

“If I had the money I'd buy him (Lot 487) myself!” - Wayne Bedggood

“The mare always throws a good type and this colt has a nice mix of both his sire and dam. He is a similar horse to Nimalee at the same stage.”

Cressfield boast a great record in all facets of racing - they breed good horses, race good horses and retire good horses, their paddocks home to high class thoroughbreds including retirees such as the terrific mare Regimental Gal (General Nediym).

Click here to view Lot 487

A special colt

There was excitement in Greg Griffin's voice when we asked him about the last of the Lime Country Thoroughbreds yearlings going through the Easter ring - Lot 492, a full brother to the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Media Sensation (I Am Invincible).

“He is just beautiful!” he enthused, “a pretty special colt.”

“He is a real Vinnie but with some of that High Chaparral (Ire) quality coming through as well.”

“A bit more compact" than his sister, the bay has impressed in his preparation for the sale with Griffin noting that "he loves his work.”

Lot 492 - I Am Invincible x Different To (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Drawing so late in the second day sometimes concerns vendors but Griffin remembers being a bit worried last year only to top the sale - with the $1.6 million Snitzel - Ultimate Fever (Gold Fever {USA}) colt - in the final hour.

That colt, named Imperial Force (Snitzel), ran second at his debut for the Chris Waller stable at Kensington on Wednesday. He was one of three seven figure yearlings - from a draft of ten - sold by Lime Country last year... “we love Easter!” Griffin said.

“We are very excited about this colt and think he will provide a well deserved result for his breeders, our good clients and friends, Peachester Lodge's Linda and Graham Huddy. They have always been great supporters of I Am Invincible, right from the start of his career.”

“We are very excited about this colt (Lot 492) and think he will provide a well deserved result for his breeders, our good clients and friends.” - Greg Griffin

Click here to view Lot 492

A fortuitous buy

The 2022 G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile (Astern) has not been having a great deal of luck of late but the G1 Doncaster H. nominee looks to have more to give and his half-sister by Street Boss (USA) is Lot 448, being sold by Emirates Park on behalf of Merricks Station.

A daughter of the dual Listed winning juvenile Calaverite (Lonhro) who Merricks purchased for $310,000 a couple of years ago, she also has amongst her relations last year's G1 ATC Derby winner Major Beel (NZ) (Savabeel).

Lot 448 - Street Boss (USA) x Calaverite (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis

“It was a fortuitous buy for us,” Merricks’ Ben Cooper said, “as it was not long after that Golden won the Guineas. She was in foal to Street Boss at the time so we can't claim to have planned the mating but it is certainly one that has worked - she is a lovely, athletic filly; a great mover who really looks to be a two-year-old type.”

Click here to view Lot 448

Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale

International news: Local Dubai World Cup domination

13 min read

Dubai

Laurel River stuns in Dubai World Cup

Carrying the famous pink, green and white colours of Juddmonte Farms to a tour-de-force in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan was the Bhupat Seemar-trained Laurel River (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}).

The colours had been carried to success in 2017 when the Champion Arrogate (USA) overcame a world of trouble to salute. Many at the time suggested it was the best performance in the history of the Dubai World Cup.

However, Laurel River put his name in the challenger spot with a stunning, front-running display breaking the long-held record of the legendary Dubai Millennium (GB) who won by 6l in 2000. Finishing 8l adrift of the son of Into Mischief (USA) was last year’s victor Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) while Senor Buscador (USA) (Mineshaft {USA}) held third.

It was the sixth success for Laurel River, who’s best performances prior to Saturday came in the G2 Pat O’Brien S. at Del Mar and the G3 Burj Nahaar S. at Meydan.

Winning jockey Tadhg O’Shea said, “When Laurel River had his first run for the stable, we thought he was disappointing, but we never lost faith. He was explosive last time, and I said the other morning to Bhupat (Seemar) I’d never ridden a horse with his ability ever.”

Laurel River is the 20th Group 1 winner for Into Mischief and is from the Empire Maker (USA) mare Calm Water (USA). Making Laurel River bred on the same cross as the G1 Kentucky Derby victor Mandaloun (USA).

Calm Water is a sister to Emollient (USA), who was an outstanding performer for Juddmonte in the United States. She won six races, including the G1 Ashland S., the G1 Spinster S., the G1 Hollywood Park American Oaks and the G1 Rodeo Drive S. at Santa Anita.

Avdulla salutes with Spangle

Australian-born hoop Brenton Avdulla celebrated Group 1 success in Dubai on Saturday for Hong Kong when he partnered the Tony Cruz-trained California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) for an emotional and track record-setting victory in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint.

California Spangle originally raced for Howard Liang, but after Liang passed away several months ago, the Michael Enright-bred 6-year-old raced under the Liang estate.

The son of Starspangledbanner also becomes the first Hong Kong-trained winner of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint since Amber Sky (Exceed And Excel) won 10 years earlier.

Winning trainer Cruz said, “I knew I’d win this race sooner or later. I got this opportunity and I came with a lot of confidence that we would win this race today (Saturday).

“The family - the ‘California family’ - is here today. Howard Liang, whose horses are named California, passed away recently so I would like to dedicate this win to him. We are over the moon with this, the owner’s wish was always to win these big races. I wish he was here tonight but his whole family is here and we’re going to celebrate together.”

California Spangle is one of six Group 1 winners for the Australian-bred Starspangledbanner, who stands at Coolmore Stud. His dam Pearlitas Passion (Ire) is a daughter of High Chaparral (Ire).

She has produced five winners, with California Spangle being her best performer. He has won 13 races from 1000 to 1800 metres. Among his notable successes is the G1 Hong Kong Mile, the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and two editions of the G2 Chairman’s Trophy.

California Spangle was a €150,000 (AU$248,200) purchase by MC Bloodstock at the 2019 Goffs Ireland Orby Yearling Sale.

Rebel rolls hotshots

Rebel’s Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a shock winner of the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.

The son of Dubawi (Ire) ran out an authoritative winner of the star-studded field. Finishing in Rebel Romance’s wake was the Japanese pair, Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s star Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) trailed home in last.

Appleby said, “Rebel’s Romance is a Breeders’ Cup winner and a four-time Group 1 winner coming into the race and we were a 28-1 shot so that shows you the strength and depth of this race.

“I was very confident down the back that William (Buick) was in the right spot because the fractions just weren’t that quick, and Williams knows this track so well. Most importantly I’m delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and to have a winner tonight (Saturday) is a great relief.”

O’Brien addressed Auguste Rodin’s performance and admitted he has been left scratching his head, “It was a bit of a non-event really. The race just developed into halves so we just want to put a line through the race really. Ryan (Moore) just said he felt he wasn’t happy where he was or anything.

“They just never activated at all so it was a bit of a non-event. It was just one of them where it didn’t happen.”

Rebel’s Romance is from the Street Cry (Ire) mare Minidress (GB). She won as a juvenile and was placed in the Listed Height of Fashion S. and finished fourth in the G3 Oh So Sharp S.

Minidress has proven to be an outstanding producer. In addition to Rebel’s Romance, she is also the dam of the G1 Jebel Hatta S. winner Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Listed-placed Petticoat (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}).

Ribchester on the board as a Group 1 sire

Darley’s Ribchester (Ire), who shuttles to Haunui Farm in New Zealand became a Group 1-producing sire when his admirable son Facteur Cheval (Ire) won the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.

The Team Valor and Gary Barber-owned runner had been placed in four Group 1 events in his four most recent starts. Seeking a four-peat in the race was Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) although the John and Thady Gosden-trained gelding broke from the barriers awkwardly and finished off the board.

The G1 Dubai Turf also had a downcast note with the North American-trained Catnip (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) who went amiss in the straight, with rider Christophe Lemaire thrown to the ground and removed from his final mounts on the program after being taken to hospital. Reportedly, Lemaire sustained a broken collar bone and rib, while the injuries Catnip sustained necessitated his euthanasia shortly after the race.

Ribchester, when not shuttling, is a resident of Darley’s Haras du Logis in France. Facteur Cheval is from the unraced Shamardal (USA) mare Jawlaat (Ire). She is a half-sister to the G3 Prix de Cabourg victress Tantheem (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).

Forever Young stamps himself a potential superstar

Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) lived up to the hype in the G2 UAE Derby, stamping himself as a potential superstar and giving Japan a third consecutive victory - and fourth since 2016.

The Yoshito Yahagi-trained 3-year-old chased gamely to defeat the pacesetter Auto Bahn (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}), while the sole North American representative Pandagate (USA) (Arrogate {USA}) was third.

Forever Young essentially has been guaranteed a start in the G1 Kentucky Derby in May with the G2 UAE Derby offering 100 points to the winner. Yahagi indicated he is eager to take the son of Real Steel (Jpn) to Churchill Downs.

“My teacher, mentor, and father passed away this morning and I want to dedicate this win to him,” Yahagi emotionally shared.

“Of course, it will be very difficult to manage the horse’s condition from Dubai to Kentucky, but I really believe my team will be able to get him in good order.”

Auto Bahn also received points for his effort, but the Kentucky Derby is not an option, as he is a 4-year-old on Southern Hemisphere time.

Forever Young is a son of the former Arrowfield Stud shuttler Real Steel, who stands at the Shadai Stallion Station. Real Steel saluted in the G1 Dubai Turf in 2016, and is a full brother to the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf victress Loves Only You (USA).

The G2 UAE Derby winner is Real Steel’s first stakes winner outside of Japan. His dam Forever Darling (USA), a daughter of Congrats (USA) won the G2 Santa Ynez S.

Bargain buy takes Golden Shaheen

Tuz (USA) (Oxbow {USA}) sensationally claimed the G1 Golden Shaheen at Meydan for Bhupat Seemar and Tadhg O’Shea, who later combined to win the G1 Dubai World Cup with Laurel River (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}).

The son of Oxbow (USA) was a US$7000 (AU$10,700) purchase by Oracle Bloodstock from the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is the son elite-level winner for the G1 Preakness S. victor, who is also the sire of Hot Rod Charlie (USA), a runner-up in the 2022 G1 Dubai World Cup.

Tuz is from the Pulpit (USA) mare Suede Shoes (USA). She won three races in France and the United States of America. Suede Shoes is the dam of five winners with Tuz the best of them.

Royal Ascot on the cards for London?

Although Aidan O’Brien didn’t get the chocolates with Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), he and Ryan Moore started on the right rein with the progressive stayer Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.

The full brother to the G1 St Leger winner Capri (Ire) burst from the back of the field and stormed home to collar Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}).

Moore said, “Tower Of London was better again. The pace slackened up down the back straight and I had to move him forward but he quickened up very well. He was impressive.”

Aidan O’Brien shared that the G2 Hardwick S. at Royal Ascot is the likely next call of port for Tower Of London rather than the G1 Gold Cup.

“He’s an Ascot-type horse, he could go for the Hardwicke-or something like the G1 Coronation Cup. Ryan (Moore) was very adamant he doesn’t need to go two miles. I don’t think Ryan thought he’d get the Gold Cup trip. He’s classy.”

Tower Of London is from the Anabaa (USA) mare Dialafara (Fr), who won over 2500 metres in France. In addition to Capri and Tower Of London, she is also the dam of the Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Passion (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Cypress Creek (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a Group 3 winner.

United States of America

Fierceness finds best in Florida Derby

Last year’s Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Fierceness (USA) (City Of Light {USA}) returned to his best form with a resounding success in the G1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

Fierceness gave his master trainer Todd Pletcher a record-extending eighth Florida Derby while jockey John Velazquez was winning the feature for the sixth time.

“That was a pretty awesome performance. That’s what we see in the mornings when we breeze Fierceness, a special talent. That’s why it was so perplexing his two races that he didn’t run brilliantly,” Pletcher said.

“From a talent perspective, he has it all. Like everyone else in the (Kentucky) Derby you’ve got to hope you draw a good post, you get a good trip and you like Churchill Downs – all those things.”

The son of City Of Light (USA) won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as a 2-year-old and recently returned in the G3 Holy Bull S. where he could only manage third before his G1 Florida Derby romp.

Fierceness is from the Stay Thirsty (USA) mare Nonna Bella (USA), who was fourth in the G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks and is a half-sister to the G1 Wood Memorial winner Outwork (USA).

Nonna Bella produced a full brother to Fierceness in 2022 and has a filly by Caravaggio (USA) born last year. She was bred to Uncle Mo (USA) for 2024.

Muth makes magic in Arkansas Derby

Muth (USA) (Good Magic {USA}) posted an impressive win in the G1 Arkansas Derby for trainer Bob Baffert.

The Zedan Racing Stables-owned runner defeated the favoured Timberlake (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}), who faded to fourth. While Just Steel (USA) (Justify) ran into second and Mystik Dan (USA) (Goldencents {USA}) took third.

Muth won the G1 American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita and then was second in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He also has a victory in the G2 San Vicente S. and was placed in the G3 Best Pal S. at Del Mar.

Originally, a US$190,000 (AU$291,800) purchase by Bishop Bloodstock from the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Muth was re-sold for US$2 million (AU$3 million) at the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Ocala Winter 2YO Sale.

Muth is the first named foal from the winning Uncle Mo (USA) mare Hoppa (USA). She hails from the family of the G1 Dewhurst S. winner War Command (USA) who sired Saturday’s G1 Tancred S. victor Kalapour (Ire).

The G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Rollout The Carpet (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) also hails from this family.

Flying filly makes stylish return in Fantasy

Thorpedo Anna (USA) (Fast Anna {USA}) made a stylish return in the G2 Fantasy S. at Oaklawn. The filly hadn’t been seen since finishing second in last year’s G2 Golden Rod S. but reminded all of her talent.

The filly is the 14th stakes winner and the first Group 2 winner for Fast Anna (USA), a son of Medaglia D’Oro (USA). Thorpedo Anna is from the unraced Uncle Mo (USA) mare Sataves (USA).

Furthermore, this is the family of the G1 Wood Memorial S. victor Eskendereya (USA) and Balmont (USA), a winner of the G1 Middle Park S.

Thorpedo Anna was a US$40,000 (AU$61,300) purchase by Kenneth McPeek from the 2022 Fasig Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale

Power causes upset in G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks

The Jorge Delgado-trained Power Squeeze (USA) (Union Rags {USA}) booked her place in the G1 Kentucky Oaks when upsetting the heavily favoured Ways And Means (USA) (Practical Joke {USA}) in the G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks.

Power Squeeze won her fourth straight race, after earlier claiming the Listed Cash Run S. in January and the February Listed Suncoast S. The Gulfstream Park Oaks was worth a total of 200 qualifying points to the top five finishers for the G1 Kentucky Oaks in May.

“We always thought very highly of Power Squeeze. I believe the stretch at Churchill Downs is going to be really good for her. Hopefully everything comes back in order and we’re going to plan a trip to go there,” winning trainer Delgado said.

The filly was a US$50,000 (AU$76,700) purchase by Monarch Farms from the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale and then was reoffered at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Spring 2YO Sale where Lea Farms paid US$90,000 (AU$$138,000).

Power Squeeze is from the Awesome Again (Can) mare Callmethesqueeze (USA) who won seven races, including the Listed Hollywood Wildcat S., the Listed Judy’s Red Shoes S. and the Listed Sweettrickydancer S.

In addition to Power Squeeze, she has also produced the Listed winner Call On Mischief (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}).

Callmethesqueeze has a 2-year-old filly by Street Sense (USA) and a yearling colt by Liam’s Map (USA). She was bred to Vino Rosso (USA) in 2024.

International News

Dual Group 1 Belclare to be offered at the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale

3 min read

Written by Keely Mckitterick

Cover image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)

On Sunday, Magic Millions announced the latest addition to the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}).

The David Woodhouse-bred mare, who has remained a part-owner, will be presented by Mike and Kate Fleming’s Bhima Thoroughbreds on Day One of the sale in late May.

Belclare is fresh off securing her second Group 1, defending her title in the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. on Saturday. Trained by Lisa Latta, the daughter of Per Incanto (USA) has been a model of consistency and toughness, winning 11 races.

Outside of her two Group 1 victories, Belclare has had success in the G2 Westbury Classic, the G3 Canterbury Breeders’ S. and the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ S., winning connections prizemoney of NZ$980,000.

Woodhouse said after the win on Belclare on Saturday, “It certainly was a great win. The biggest thrill of my career, absolutely.

“And Lisa (Latta, trainer) and the stable just love her. She’s her first dual Group 1 winner. The mare always tried so hard. We would have scratched from the Otaki Classic if it was rated as wet as it turned out to be. Back on top of the ground on Saturday she was able to again produce that powerful sprint and win so well.”

David Woodhouse leads Belclare (NZ) back to scale after victory in the G2 Westbury Classic at Ellerslie in January | Image courtesy of Race Images

Belclare is one of seven Group 1 winners for Per Incanto, who stands at Little Avondale Stud. Her dam Miss Rhythmic (NZ), is a daughter of the Champion Sire O’Reilly (NZ). She won over 1200 metres in New Zealand and all four of her progeny to race have been winners.

Olga’s Pal (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}) is the third dam of Belclare. She was crowned the Joint New Zealand Filly of the Year with six victories, including the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and the G2 Desert Gold S.

Furthermore, Belclare also counts the G1 VRC Oaks and G2 Wakeful S. winner Kirramosa (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) as a close relation.

Belclare's (NZ) first Group 1 victory came in the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders S. at Pukekohe | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell

“Sam Williams of Little Avondale Stud told me way back that the Per Incanto and O’Reilly cross was working well. So I got Bruce Perry to find me an O’Reilly mare and he came up with Miss Rhythmic and I liked that she went back to Olga’s Pal.”

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch added on the latest acquisition, “Belclare is a welcome addition to what will be a remarkable catalogue.”

Belclare

2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale

Per Incanto

Bhima Thoroughbreds

David Woodhouse

Daily News Wrap

Maher hunts first Doncaster with six runners

Much has been written about Another Wil (Street Boss {USA}) leapfrogging his way into the G1 Doncaster H. with an impressive win on Saturday. He is one of six chances for trainer Ciaron Maher to nab his first Doncaster with the trainer confirming that G1 Australian Guineas winner Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon) will run with just 49kg.

“(Jamie Kah) trialled Southport (Tycoon) during the week and said he felt super, and they don’t trial much better than that,” Maher told Racing.com.

Ciaron Maher | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

His other runners are likely to be last year’s third placegetter Nugget (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Semana (Winning Rupert) and the in-form lightweight Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}).

Third Stawell Cup for Meech

Jockey Linda Meech won her third Stawell Cup on Sunday aboard 6-year-old gelding Toogoodfortoorak (Toorak Toff). “It’s my third, but I’ve been ripped off twice, because one was at Donald and the other was in Covid… it’s really lovely,” Meech told Racing.com.

“All credit to Matt, he’s got this horse really flying.” Trained by Matt Laurie, Toogoodfortoorak took his record to seven wins from 22 starts with earnings over $260,000.

Meech’s other Stawell Cup wins were in 2020 on Sentamentalist (Written Tycoon) and in 2014 (at Donald) on Compound (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

Top three chance for Litt’s Choice

Trainer Richard Litt thinks his 4-year-old gelding Romeo’s Choice (Choistar) is a top three chance in the James Squire Handicap over 1400 metres at Warwick Farm on Monday. He is stepping up in grade, but drops 2.5kg on his last start.

“There’s a few nice horses in this race and he’s stepping up in grade but he drops quite nicely in weight. He’s a sure top-three chance, that’s the sort of horse he is. You can go to the races and you’re not so nervous, he seems to always put in. Regan (Bayliss) really likes him and gets along with him well,” Litt told Racingnsw.com.au.

Richard Litt | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Romeo’s Choice has won three and placed 13 times in his 24 starts for earnings over $190,000. He is the best winner for his sire who is a Listed winning son of Choisir that has only had 38 runners.

Double for Louise Day at Nowra

Jockey Louise Day won two of the first three races at Nowra on Sunday.

She won Matthew Dale-trained Occhiata (Flying Artie) in race two, then followed it up with a win on Natalie Jarvis-trained Sartorini Sun (Choisir) in race three.

Mudgee trebles for Morgan and Nork

Jockey Ashley Morgan won the first three races at Mudgee on Sunday. She won race 1 on 3-year-old filly Lonhro’s Queen (Lonhro) for Goree Stud and trainer Cameron Crockett, race 2 on 3-year-old filly Up To Mischief (Written Tycoon) for trainer Ciaron Maher and owner Dynamic Syndications, and race 3 on 3-year-old filly O’So Demanding (Written Tycoon) for trainer Bjorn Baker.

Up To Mischief remains unbeaten with Sunday’s win taking her record to two from two.

Jockey Braith Nock then took over winning race 4 on 3-year-old gelding Water Lad (Headwater) and race 5 on Weave That Web (Pierro), before taking out the last on My Mate Kate (Your Song) to make it three.

Between the two jockeys, they rode six of the seven winners on the card.

Brisbane trainer baffled by stewards decision

Despite winning by over a length at Beaudesert on Saturday, trainer David Murphy’s 3-year-old filly Beachside Babe (Sidestep) was demoted to second. Stewarts deemed that Murphy’s horse had caused interference to Tony Gollan-trained Quade (Sidestep), who was second past the post, at the 300-metre and made the decision to reverse the placings.

“It was bizarre because there is only one camera there at Beaudesert, so you can't even see what is going on really, I don't know how they can come to the conclusion they did,” Murphy told Racenet.com.au.

“Even if Andrew (Spinks) did come in a little bit, which I'm not actually sure he did, the only reason Gollan's horse did what it did was because it was going no good, he couldn't go around them, he tried taking a short cut where there wasn't much room. My horse was eased up, she could have won by two-and-a-half (lengths).”

Beachside Babe now has a record of two wins and three placings from five starts with earnings over $76,000, but a win would’ve added a further $22,000. A $3250 weanling purchase from Newhaven Park’s Inglis Digital June Sale draft by Mallory Swindale, Beachside Babe is raced by Swindale with R Grimsey and F Grimsey.

Newnham named as dual-site trainer

In a boon for trainer Mark Newnham, the Hong Kong Jockey Club have granted him a dual-site licence. Trainers based solely at Sha Tin have a stable cap of 60 horses, whereas those with dual-site Sha Tin/Conghua operations have a maximum of 70, however they must win more races to be able to keep the licence.

“It’s a great facility and it gives a really good avenue for horses, especially mid-preparation and between runs,” Newnham told scmp.com. “Our first horses went there on Friday and I’ve been up there to visit. I think it’s a fantastic addition to my training. It will be a really good avenue for my horses. Plus, the way I’m going to look to use it will only improve results.”

Mark Newnham | Image courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Newnham currently has 51 horses on his books. Manfred Man and Cody Mo have also been granted dual-site licences. As at the end of March, there are 339 horses stabled at Conghua with 15 other trainers also holding dual-site licences.

Easy has Royal Ascot claims

3-year-old filly Easy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) won the Listed Cork S. over 1200 metres on Saturday for trainer Andrew Slattery and jockey Andy Slattery (son of Andrew). “If I have a Group 1 horse, this is it,” the winning trainer told Racingpost.com.

“We have nothing at home that can get her off the bridle. I think she will improve a lot for this. Hopefully, we are heading for a Group 1 at Royal Ascot. She will stay at five or six furlongs. She has so much pace and talent. I don't know which trip she's best at as I don't have a horse at home that can work her. She could go for the two Group 1 sprints at Ascot.”

Easy was a winner on debut at two, then ran mid-field in a Listed race. This was her first run this season.

Seven Godolphin runners arrive at Kentucky

Trainer Charlie Appleby has sent seven Godolphin-owned horses to Kentucky for the upcoming Derby meeting. “They all went for a hack around the training track,” head traveling lad Chris Connett told Bloodhorse.com on Saturday.

Stakes-placed Musical Act (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) will run on the opening-day G3 Transylvania S. on April 5, and 2022 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel) will open her 2024 season in the G2 Shakertown S. for turf sprinters on April 6.

Master of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Naval Power (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) will run in the G1 Maker's Mark Mile on April 12. Group 2 winner English Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who has three wins in four starts, is being aimed at the G1 Jenny Wiley S. on April 13. Both Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Bold Act (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) will run in the G2 Elkhorn S. on April 20.

Gun Runner colt wins Ghostzapper

The G3 Ghostzapper S. on Saturday was won by Il Miracolo (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}). The 4-year-old entire now has four wins from 19 starts, and had won a Group 3 as a 3-year-old last year.

Bred by Willow Oaks Stable, Il Miracolo was a US$70,000 (AU$107,000) purchase by Eduardo Soto of Alexandres at the Ocala Breeders' June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age in 2022. He is the third graded winner of 2024 for Gun Runner (USA), who stands for US$250,000 (AU$384,000) at Three Chimneys Farm.

Gun Runner has one yearling entered in the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Click here to view Lot 332 - Gun Runner (USA) x Sweet Marini (USA) (colt)

Justify officially disqualified from Santa Anita Derby

Triple Crown winner Justify (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) won the 2018 Santa Anita Derby, but later tested positive for scopolamine, and now the long-running court case might finally be at an end with the boom colt being officially disqualified by stewards and the prizemoney to be redistributed by the end of April.

According to DRF, a board of California stewards issued a ruling on Saturday ordering Justify's ownership to relinquish the US$585,000 (AU$898,000) first-place prizemoney. Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith must also return their portion of the purse. The money must be forfeited by April 29, with all trophies also returned.

Justify (USA) | Standing at Coolmore

Now a successful sire, Justify will also see his race record adjusted from six for six to five wins from six starts. During his racing career, Justify was owned by a partnership consisting China Horse Club International Ltd., Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and Winstar Farm.

Job Board

2 min read

On today's Job Board

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Cambridge Stud - Assistant Yearling Manager

Cambridge Stud is an iconic thoroughbred stud farm with world-class facilities located in the central North Island of New Zealand. Each year we prepare over 50 yearlings for the major sales in New Zealand and Australia. We have an opportunity for a young and aspiring person to join the leadership team as Assistant Yearling Manager.

We are looking for a team player who has a positive mindset and is driven to succeed.

The successful applicant will have the following attributes:

• Experience preparing yearlings for sale and caring for general bloodstock.

• Strong organisational skills and close attention to detail.

• Be a team player and able to work closely with senior management.

• Display leadership and initiative on a day-to-day basis to help assist the yearling manager.

Modern accommodation with amenities such as a staff gym are available onsite. Remuneration will be based on experience.

If you want to challenge yourself in a leadership role as an assistant yearling manager within a supportive team environment then we want to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to work with some of the best horses and people in the industry.

Please send your CV with references to cameron@cambridgestud.co.nz

All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Job Board

Looking Ahead - April 1

Warwick Farm, Race 1, 2.05pm AEDT, TAB Handicap, $65,000, 1300m

Canara, 3-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Karavali (NZ) {Nadeem})

Canara is a daughter of Australia’s current Champion sire in I Am Invincible and is out of Karavali (NZ) (Nadeem). She was a five-time winner in New Zealand and Australia and her wins included Group 3 success in the Aspiration H. Karavali is also a full sister to the Listed Wellesley S. winner in Sir Nate (Nadeem).

It looks like a strong form line for this Chris Waller-trained filly who at her first start ran on strongly in a Rosehill 1100-metre contest - finishing second behind the two-time winner and stakes performed Spywire (Trapeze Artist). To add to her form she then ran third at her her second start, also at Rosehill, behind Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) and Traffic Warden (Street Boss {USA}) with these two colts both subsequently becoming Group winners and then running third and fourth respectively in the G1 Golden Slipper.

Canara as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

Karavali, since producing Canara, has left a Dundeel (NZ) filly foal and was not served last spring.

Canara was a $410,000 purchase by Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) from the draft of Amarina Farm from the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Otaki, Race 1, 10.58pm AEDT (12.58pm local) Vets On Riverbank Maiden, $18,500 1600m

Dresse’ Par Joli (NZ), 4-year-old mare (Tavistock {NZ} x Cote D’Or {NZ} {Makfi {GB}})

The well-related Dresse’ Par Joli is set to have her second start for New Plymouth-based trainer Allan Sharrock on the back of a promising second placing on debut at Wanganui last year over a mile. It has been a long time off the track, so she is likely to improve but that run was very promising when charging home from back in the field.

Dresse’ Par Joli is a daughter of Cambridge Stud’s ill-fated sire Tavistock (NZ) and is the first foal from the Makfi (GB) mare Cote D’Or (NZ). She was a talented filly on the track and saluted the judge eight times from 1200 metres up to 2200 metres. Her wins included the Listed Matamata Cup H.

Dresse’ Par Joli comes from a very strong Pencarrow Stud female family and has two half-siblings that were Group winners - Dolmabache (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) who was victorious in the G2 Travis Stakes and Pure Elegance (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) who won the G3 Gold Trail S., and the stakes-placed Les Crayeres (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice).

The late Tavistock (NZ) | Image courtesy of Cambridge Stud

Further back in the family are the top class Group 1 winners Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}), Grand Echezeaux (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {USA}).

Cote D’Or since producing Dreese' Par Joli has left a 2-year-old unraced colt name Maison Louis (NZ) (Super Seth), a Hello Youmzain (Fr) yearling filly named Echannay that was purchased by Cambridge Stud for $300,000 from the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, an Almanzor (Fr) filly foal and was served by Proisir last spring.

Dresse’ Par Joli was a NZ$150,000 purchase by McKenzie Bloodstock and Mr SA Sharrock from the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale from the draft of Pencarrow Stud.

Looking Back

Unfortunately Amaretto Sour (The Autumn Sun), Heart And Spirit (Spirit Of Boom) and Fine Future (Jpn) all decided to stay at the stables and were scratched. They will keep for another day.

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

Debutants

1 min read

First-time starters lining up on Monday, April 1

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Sunday, March 31

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Monday, April 1

First Season Sire Results

First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Sunday, March 31

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Monday, April 1

Second Season Sire Results

Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results