In our weekly look at what is happening on Saturday, we concentrate on the big meeting at Doomben when the G1 Doomben Cup is the headliner.

G1 Doomben Cup - history for Huetor?

One of the first feature races held after the opening of Doomben in 1933, the G1 Doomben Cup - which is now a weight-for-age contest having been originally run as a handicap - boasts an interesting history.

As a handicap it saw an incredible feat by Bernborough who carried to victory a whopping 68.5kg! Whilst as a classier contest it has been won by the likes of Durbridge, Danewin and Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

And one of Queensland’s favourites, the wonderful galloper Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}) who made the race his own between 1991 and 1993.

Prior to that only one horse - Earlwood in 1959 and 1960 - had won the Doomben Cup on more than one occasion, a feat equalled by Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko {USA}) who has taken out the last two runnings.

And on Saturday he strives to equal Rough Habit’s achievement as he lines up in the race for a third year running.

Huetor was in consistently good form in the lead-up to his last two Doomben Cup wins (the first of which was at Eagle Farm) and such is the case again this year - the 7-year-old proving too classy for his rivals in the G3 JRA Plate two starts ago, doing a good job from a tricky outside gate in the G2 Hollindale S. two weeks ago. He has not drawn as well (Barrier 11) as he has in his last two wins but he has other things in his favour such as his excellent record at the distance and his ability to handle any sort of track condition.

Huetor is one of the six Group 1 winners contesting the Doomben Cup and what a variety of big race winners they are - Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park}) a G1 Queensland Derby winner, Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) a G1 Melbourne Cup winner, El Bodegon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) a G1 Criterium de Saint Cloud winner, Amokura (Kermadec {NZ}) a G1 Queensland Oaks winner and Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) a G1 Epsom Derby winner.

G3 BRC Sprint - Surf Dancer vying for two in a row

Surf Dancer (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) was big odds when he took out this race twelve months ago and he is so again as he attempts to join Tiny’s Finito (Blue’s Finito) and Pleasure Giver (Bite The Bullet {USA}) as two times G3 BRC Sprint winners.

He was last in the Archer prior to his win last year, successful at Doomben at just his second run for that campaign. This time around the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained 7-year-old is first up off three trials including a recent Randwick win over 1200 metres.

Shorter in the betting are Vilana (Hallowed Crown) and Yellow Brick (The Mission) who are fighting out favouritism. The former returned gelded in the G3 Hall Mark S. and was strong to the line and the latter is also second up having been caught wide (from Barrier 11, the same draw he has here) when a game second in the Listed ATC Cup at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.

Prince Of Boom (Spirit Of Boom) - whose trainer Robert Heathcote has already won this race twice; with Emerald Kingdom (Bryannbo’s Gift {NZ})) in 2021 and Woorim (Show A Heart) in 2011- has not had races run to suit of late and could be the improver.

The Inferno (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) have been racing in good form in Melbourne whilst Freedom Rally (Rubick) really caught the eye with a strong finish in the ATC Cup; though as second emergency he just needs a little luck in securing a run.

G2 The Roses - Queensland Oaks fillies

First run in 2000, upgraded from Listed to Group 3 status three years later, this G1 Queensland Oaks lead-up has seen three fillies take out the double with another three of its winners going on to other Group 1 glory.

Scarlett Lady (NZ (Savabeel), Youngstar (High Chaparral {Ire}) and the race's second winner Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}) continued on to claim Oaks success whilst Kenedna (Not A Single Doubt), Gaze (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Cinque Cento (Nothin' Leica Dane) were successful in other elite level features.

The race boasts a solid record in regards too broodmares as well - of its 18 winners with foals of racing age, five have produced stakes winners including Awesome Planet (Giant's Causeway) - dam of the G1 Emirates S. winning stallion Awesome Rock, Dear Demi (Dehere {USA}) - dam of the G2 Moonee Valley Classic winner Mokulua (Redoute's Choice) and The Jewel (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) - dam of the Listed winner The Precious One (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and the four times Group 3 winner The Diamond One (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) whose daughter The Radiant One (NZ) (Darci Brahma) won this year’s Listed Timaru S.

The Queensland Oaks favourites takes their place here, Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) and Scarlet Oak (Kermadec {NZ}) both well fancied for the Classic being run at Eagle Farm on Saturday, June 8.

They come through different races, the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winning Molly Bloom an unlucky first up second in the Listed Gold Bracelet at the Sunshine Coast whilst Scarlet Oak with her three starts (winning two of them at Matamata and Newcastle) is the most lightly raced filly in the race.

Also in the Oaks market is Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun) who races in the Resolute Racing colours after being purchased by high profile American owner John Stewart for $3.2 million at the recent Inglis Chairman’s Sale.

The Gold Bracelet winner Amazonian Lass (More Than Ready) just keeps racing well whilst Private Legacy (another by the in-form The Autumn Sun) finished off strongly to finish second in the G1 Australasian Oaks in which the subsequent G1 South Australian Derby winner Coco Sun (The Autumn Sun) was third.

Good Banter (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) defeated subsequent G1 ATC Oaks winner Autumn Angel (The Autumn Sun) in the G3 Adrian Knox S. and has been kept fresh since.

G3 Drinkwise Mile - possible swansongs for a couple of sales bound mares

The dual Group winning bold front running mare Deny Knowledge (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) and the Listed winner Rebel Rama (Dissident) may be having their final starts for their current connections here - both mares entries for next week’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Not getting out as she usually does when contesting last weekend’s G3 Chairman’s H., Deny Knowledge has drawn barrier 1 with connections hopeful that the rain stays away. She is Lot 444 at the sales whilst Rebel Rama, fresh off good trial form, is Lot 521.

Run as the Pam O and Neill Stakes for the last three years, renamed this year for a sponsor, this race has been dominated by the Chris Waller stable in recent years - three of the last four winners; Frumos (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) last year, Nudge (Fastnet Rock) in 2021 and Sure Knee (Snitzel) in 2020.

He saddles up four this time around with last year’s winning jockey James McDonald taking the ride on the last start Listed Silk Stocking winner Thalassophile (Not A Single Doubt). She is the most strongly fancied of the Waller horses though the other three all look chances - Konasana (Dundeel {NZ}) a Group 3 winner before pulling up lame at her latest, Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) in good for before striking heavy going last time out and Chico Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) strong to the line at her two Australian outings. Zoe’s Promise (Swear) joins Thalassophile and the Victorian Maracana (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) as the only last start winners in the race.

The 2YOs - the Listed Carter Stakes and the Magic Millions 2YO Classic

There are two juvenile features at Doomben on Saturday, the 1200 metes Listed Carter S. first run in 1986 and the Magic Millions 2YO Classic which is being run for the first time. Originally due to be contested at the Gold Coast, the $1 million 1050 metres dash was moved to Doomben when that track was deemed unfit for racing.

The fourth race on the card, the Carter sees the promising Clean Energy (Zoustar) favourite on the back of her dominant all the way debut victory at Warwick Farm three weeks ago. She is a filly who has always demanded attention - the full sister to the triple Group 1 winner Sunlight purchased by Yulong for $2.6 million at last year’s Magic Millions.

She is a member of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable who won this race last year with Zia, another daughter of Zoustar.

Other chances include Poster Girl (Alabama Express) who was second to Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) in the G3 BJ McLachlan S., Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) who ran on well behind Clean Energy at debut, Lincolnshire (Starspangledbanner) who was close up in the Showdown and the trial winning debutant Surprise Honey (Extreme Choice).

The Magic Millions race is the next on the programme and it sees a short priced favourite in the shape of Eneeza (Exceed And Excel) whose great form lines around Lady Of Camelot (Exceed And Excel) make her hard to beat.

The RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic placegetter Spywire (Trapeze Artist) is another with talent and the same can be said for the two times stakes placed maiden Embassy (I Am Invincible) and the Ballarat Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Arabian Summer (Too Darn Hot {GB}).

Listed Chief de Beers Stakes - named after one of Queensland’s favourites

Named in honour of one of Queensland’s favourite sons, the oh so tough and classy gelding Chief De Beers (Hula Chief {NZ}) whose love of Doomben was such that all twenty of his wins - twelve of those in stakes company including two Group 1 races - were recorded at the track.

First run in 2006, the 1110 metres event is yet to have been won by the same horse twice and that is the task facing Mishani Slipper (Your Song) whose win at double figure odds last year came off second in a Class 6 race at Eagle Farm.

He is again double figure odds this time around despite better form lines, the 5-year-old a dominant Doomben winner two starts back, finishing off well when third in The Archer at Rockhampton late last month.

It is an even race he contests with four horses in the early markets opening at single figure odds - Spacewalk (Exosphere) who did not have much luck when resuming in the Listed Hawkesbury Rush, the Rosemont Stud bound Doull (Snitzel) who has been trialling well in preparation for his return as has King Kapa (Capitalist) whilst Hardware Lane (Scissor Kick) is building a very nice record.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The next generation of winners for the prestigious 2024 Stud and Stable Staff Awards will be crowned on Wednesday, May 29, at The Star on the Gold Coast, adding to a week of excitement in the Sunshine State.

This year, the Stud and Stable Staff Awards features a major and exciting change to the Newcomer Award, which has undergone a revamp to focus on the continued education of the winner and runner-up.

Nominated for the 2024 Newcomer Award, sponsored by Marcus Oldham and Thoroughbred Industry Careers, are Vinery Stud’s Isabelle Toole and Jack Fonteyn of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing. The winner will walk away with a prize of $5000, while the runner-up will be awarded $3000.

Additionally, and most importantly, both the winner and runner-up will have the opportunity to participate in a program of career coaching and goal development.

Focus on development

The winner of the Newcomer Award will have the opportunity to set their career goals or identify areas of the industry in which they want to improve their skills, leading to an internship opportunity. This experience could include shadowing a particular industry identity, gaining behind-the-scenes experience on race day, participating in the breeding season, working at an auction house, or engaging with a regulatory body.

Understanding the importance of current industry leaders and participants in ensuring the next generation has the tools and education needed to stay employed in the industry, while also maintaining their interest in racing and breeding, Godolphin Australia’s Industrial Relations Manager, Peter McFarlane, said, “With over 65 percent of Newcomer winners staying in the industry, the SSSA committee is committed to further supporting new staff through enhanced resources and networks.”

In a world where the presence of racing and breeding is continually questioned by outsiders and those with a stance against the industries, under the assumption that participants engage in ‘cruelty’ to our thoroughbred friends, it is important for current and future employers to continue educating themselves and upgrading their skills. This ensures they can attract the next generation of employees armed with the tools to become industry leaders or integral and upstanding employees for those they work for.

It is also essential for the racing and breeding industry to continue attracting, and importantly, retaining staff with the passion and toolset needed to ensure our equine athletes receive the best care. Whether their future lies in a regulatory or auction house role, they must have the education and integrity to drive the thoroughbred industry forward.

McFarlane is confident that the revamped SSSA Newcomers Award will continue to improve the retention rate of staff in the industry, stating, “This enhanced program will guide, nurture, and develop our future talent.”

Overall nominees

In addition to the Newcomers Award, the SSSA function will also celebrate the winner of the Leadership Award, sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club. This award honours individuals nominated by their peers for their exceptional leadership and mentoring skills in supervisory or managerial roles. Fionnan McCarthy, foreperson at McEvoy Mitchell Racing, has been nominated alongside Paul Reid from Godolphin for this prestigious accolade.

Sponsored by Inglis, the Horsemanship Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills either in the saddle or working alongside thoroughbreds. These nominees have consistently prioritised the welfare of the animals they work with.

This year, freelance riders Arda Tascioglu from New South Wales and Hazel Fertier from South Australia have been nominated for this coveted award.

Acknowledging talent in thoroughbred breeding, Armidale Stud’s Diane Colebrook and Alwyn Park Stud’s Ngyrie Gonzalez have been nominated for the Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Magic Millions. This award celebrates individuals who have shown consistency, reliability, and horsemanship in the field of breeding.

Similar to the Dedication to Breeding Award, the Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the Australian Turf Club, recognises excellence in racing. This year's nominees include Fiona Fletcher from Greg Eurell Racing and Trudie Clarke from TRNT. Sponsoring the Administration and Ancillary Award is the MRC Foundation. This award celebrates stud or stable members who excel in administrative roles, demonstrating excellence, loyalty, and integrity.

Nominated for this year's award are Belinda Miller from Sledmere Stud and Emma Cully from Star Thoroughbreds. Rounding out the SSSA Awards is the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award, sponsored by Queensland-Off-The-Track. This award celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds, particularly those not actively racing. These individuals have raised awareness and promoted a greater sense of care for retired thoroughbreds in alternative careers.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Friday’s trial action took place at Rosehill with 10 heats held over a Soft 6 track. Showing ability and hinting at a promising future was the Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained import Ironton (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

The lightly raced 3-year-old has competed twice in Australia, winning his maiden at Randwick-Kensington in January before running fifth in BM72 company. Ridden by James McDonald, Ironton travelled comfortably in the 900-metre trial, finishing alongside his stablemate Gigalong (Zoustar), while Incarcerated (Press Statement) held third. Finishing strongly through the line was Untouchable Legend (I Am Invincible), with Flying Rani (Flying Artie) further back in seventh.

Ironton (Ire) was a 200,000gns (AU$403,600) purchase by Stephen Hillen from the 2022 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. He is out of the unraced Singspiel (Ire) mare Golden Song (GB) and is a half-brother to Italy’s Champion 3-Year-Old Miler Cima Emergency (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}), a winner of the G3 Premio Parioli. Additionally, Golden Song is a half-sister to Cocktail Queen (Ire) (Motivator {GB}), who won the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville and the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron.

Final foal of star stuns at Rosehill

Regimental Colours (All Too Hard), the final foal from the star filly Regimental Gal (General Nediym), impressed onlookers in Heat 6 over 900 metres. Trained by Warwick Farm-based horseman Bjorn Baker, Regimental Colours won by 3.45l with Rachel King in the saddle, beating She Conquers All (Unite And Conquer) and Glassout (Headwater).

Bred by Cressfield, Regimental Colours has been retained by the operation after failing to meet the $200,000 reserve at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Regimental Colours' dam, Regimental Gal, was crowned Australia’s Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, retiring with seven victories, including the G1 Lightning S., the G1 Australia S., the G2 Silver Shadow S., and the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

Additionally, the star daughter of General Nediym was placed in the G1 Newmarket H. and the G2 BTC Cup twice, a race that now carries Group 1 status. Regimental Colours is a half-sister to Lilliburlero (Redoute’s Choice), a winner of the G3 Triscay S. and a placegetter in the G2 Breeders Classic.

Regimental Gal was retired in September 2021 after producing 11 foals, nine of which raced and seven of which became winners.

Stardeel one to watch?

Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel (NZ) has enjoyed another sensational season with his runners on the track. The son of High Chaparral (Ire) looks to have another promising performer in Bjorn Baker's Stardeel, who combined with Rachel King to secure another trial victory in Heat 7.

In the 900-metre heat, Stardeel posted wide, crossed over to lead the field, and kicked strongly to post an impressive victory in her first trial. Despite the 5.41l margin, there were several promising performances behind her. The Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained Lady Savannah (Snitzel) caught the eye, streaming into second after settling towards the rear of the field, while the Chris Waller-trained Rugby (Dundeel {NZ}) also finished strongly.

Stardeel is the first live foal from the Star Witness mare Alta Stella, a winner of three races from 1000 to 1050 metres. Among her best performances was a placing in the Listed Manihi Classic. Stardeel hails from a family that includes nine-time winner The Big Gee (Strategic) and triple Listed victor Winning Partner (Dawn Approach {Ire}).

Alta Stella’s Farnan filly was sold for $100,000 to Gollan Racing Stables and John Foote Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Alta Stella was served by Newgate Farm’s exciting G1 Golden Rose winner, In The Congo.

Stardeel was a $160,000 purchase by Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) when offered by Newgate Farm at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Simply Just Shines in Heat 8

The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Simply Just (Headwater) was a comfortable winner of Heat 8 over 900 metres. Ridden by Zac Lloyd, Simply Just triumphed with a 2.94l victory over Sister Daae (Zoustar), who finished strongly, with Vanessi (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in third.

Also finding the line with promise was the Brad Widdup-trained Mlinzi (Impending), who secured fifth place. Simply Just was a bargain $35,000 purchase by Best Gate Racing from Vinery Stud's draft at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

The gelding is the fourth foal from the High Chaparral (Ire) mare Kachiko, who won over 1400 metres and is a half-sister to Rock Kingdom (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), a six-time winner including the G1 Epsom H.

Sister Daae, who finished second, was a $300,000 purchase by Hermitage Thoroughbreds and Chris Waller Racing from Baramul Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The daughter of Zoustar is the fifth and final foal from the Group 3-placed Next The Universe (Mossman).

Next The Universe hails from a family that includes Wee Nessy (Snitzel), a four-time winner, including the G2 Sapphire S. and the Listed William Crockett S., and her Group 2-placed full brother Snapback.

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

Since the catalogue for the 2024 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale has gone to print, a host of weanlings will go through the ring at the Gold Coast sales complex and have had their pedigrees enhanced, which is important information for vendors and buyers alike.

Lot 113: Bivouac x Harbour Fun (Harbour Watch {Ire}), filly - on account of Emirates Park

This daughter of Darley’s first-season sire Bivouac has received some notable updates to her pedigree since the catalogue for the 2024 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale went live.

Lot 113’s half-sister, Sassy Boom (Spirit Of Boom), added further black type with a placed effort in the Listed Adelaide Guineas, while her 2-year-old half-brother, Simply Fun (Pride Of Dubai), broke his maiden at his second start at Ipswich on May 22.

Lot 273 - So You Think (NZ) x Scarlett Moretta (Fastnet Rock), filly - on account of Fairhill Farm

Fairhill Farm will present a daughter of Coolmore’s So You Think (NZ) from the Fastnet Rock mare Scarlett Moretta. Lot 273’s half-sister Seeking Stardom (Tosen Stardom {Jpn}) was placed in the Listed Adelaide Guineas on May 4, giving the filly a valuable black type boost.

Lot 125 - Capitalist x Impetuous (Fastnet Rock), colt - on account of Newgate Consignment

Newgate Consignment will present Lot 125, a colt by Newgate Farm’s G1 Golden Slipper winner Capitalist. The colt is a full brother to the promising Pure Paradise, who won impressively at Morphettville on May 11.

Cover image courtesy of Waikato Stud

The Chittick family have been an integral part of the growth of the New Zealand breeding industry and with Garry at the helm Waikato has eight times been awarded with the Breeder Of The Year title with an exceptional average of 12 stakes winners a year.

In 2016 inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame, Garry Chittick is our first 'Words of Wisdom' interviewee.

What advice would you give to a 20-year-old just starting out in racing today?

“The logical bit of advice is to be patient.

“And to breed not for money, but for winners. When you get the winners, the money will follow.

“Get a nice young mare from a good family and upgrade her, you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get going.”

Are there any figures in the racing industry who you feel deserve more recognition for their contribution?

“I think that everyone does what they can and nobody gets into racing and breeding for recognition. There are lots of people I could name - such as the Baker family; it is always pleasing to see the hard work of such people rewarded.”

What has been the biggest obstacle you faced in your career?

“When I started standing stallions there as a definite stigma attached to colonial horses - there was a general acceptance that Europe had the quality.

“New Zealand studs had enjoyed a lot of success importing second class European racehorses with good pedigrees and there were good locally bred horses as well - but we were amongst the first to make the conscious decision to concentrate on the colonial stallion.

“And it was not easy.

“We decided on Centaine and it was hard to get support. There were only 42 foals in his first crop and 33 in his second.”

Centaine won the Dewar Award (Champion New Zealand based sire by total progeny earnings within New Zealand & Australia) for the 1992/93 season whilst the Champion New Zealand based sire by total progeny earnings worldwide is named in his honour - the Centaine Award. During his long and successful career he was represented by 61 stakes winners, 11 of whom were successful at Group 1 level. The G3 Autumn S. winning son of Century also proved his worth as a broodmare sire with a further 121 stakes winners including 27 Group 1 winners.

Can you share a story that had a lasting impact on you?

“That would be Centaine again, he changed our whole life.

“That small first crop of his had 13 two-year-old winners in it - a New Zealand record at the time - and nine stakes winners.”

Fast forward a few decades and Waikato is still enjoying great success with Australasian bred horses with the great Savabeel leading the way whilst the new boy Super Seth is showing plenty of early promise.

What person influenced your career the most?

“My wife Mary will tell you that I like to make my own mistakes!

“I have had a lot of support from lots of different people but I think that when it comes to advice you can get too much - you have to make your own decisions and live by them.”