Sweet Treats provides first winner for Castelvecchio
Goulburn trainer Danielle Seib provided Arrowfield Stud sire Castelvecchio with his first winner when 2-year-old filly Sweet Treats won at Goulburn on Monday. The filly was having her fifth start and was a $72,500 purchase by Champion Thoroughbreds from Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Castelvecchio has also sired stakes placed El Castello who ran second to Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in the Listed Fernhill S. at this second start.
New CEO for Victoria Racing Club
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has announced the appointment of highly respected business leader, Kylie Rogers, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Rogers joins the club after spending the past seven years at the Australian Football League (AFL), including in her most recent role as Executive General Manager – Customer and Commercial. Boasting a wealth of experience across sport, commercial, media and major events, Rogers becomes the VRC’s 14th CEO.
“Kylie (Rogers) is one of Australia’s most well-known and respected senior executives. Having more than 25 years’ experience working across the AFL, Mamamia and Network Ten, she brings a high level of commercial acumen, and impressive customer and media experience across major events, entertainment and sport,” said Chairperson Neil Wilson in the VRC press release.
Kylie Rogers and Neil Wilson | Image courtesy of the Victoria Racing Club
“As part of an impressive resume, Kylie has overseen the significant commercial growth of the AFL, been instrumental in the redevelopment of Marvel Stadium, the growth of AFL’s digital and marketing platforms, and has been pivotal in improving the customer experience and fan acquisition strategy.”
“I would like once again to thank outgoing CEO Steve Rosich for his significant contribution to the VRC. Steve joined the club midway through the pandemic and successfully led the business out of COVID achieving significant milestones, including record membership, growth in Cup Week crowds and the new media and wagering partnership with TAB and Nine Entertainment. Steve’s last day with the VRC will be 31 July, coinciding with the end of the racing season.”
Stewards want additional 10-year ban for Weir
In a Victorian Racing Tribunal penalty hearing in Melbourne on Monday, stewards have sought a further penalty of "no less than 10 years" for disgraced trainer Darren Weir for the use of jiggers on three racehorses he trained.
“It must be treated sternly … racing's social license must be protected,” stewards' legal representative, Albert Dinelli KC, said. Dinelli said the jigger use on Weir's three horses — Red Cardinal (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), Yogi (NZ) (Raise The Flag {GB}), and Tosen Basil (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) — was "cruel" which was done solely to improve the horses' racetrack performance.
Darren Weir | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Ian Hill KC for Weir argued that Weir had already served four years. “Taking everything into account, effectively, enough is enough,” Hill said. “(Weir) is contrite, and remorseful, and completely rehabilitated.” Hill also argued that Weir employs about 35 people on his property, which was pre-training dozens of horses, and if he was to be banned again, those people would lose their jobs.
Weight changes suggested for Stradbroke
Racing Queensland chief handicapper Nathan Bourke might have to raise the weights for the G1 Stradbroke H. after the three top weights I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel), Think About It (So You Think {NZ}) and Private Eye (Al Maher) would all head to the paddock with an eye to the spring. “We will have to make that decision by next week – it doesn't change the relativity of the race,” Bourke told racenet.com.au.
“We will have to look at precedents with what we have done in the past. Given the attrition rate and the horses that are going to the paddock, there could be a situation where we don't have an acceptor over 56kg. When it has been under 56kg in the past, we have raised them.
“Under the rules there is a minimum top weight of 57kg, but there is a discretionary clause where the PRA (Racing Queensland) can make their own call.”
Moonee Valley scouts for Cox Plate talent
MVRC Head of Racing Charlotte Mills and Director Su-Ann Khaw recently attended the Japanese Oaks meeting as well as the world-renowned Northern Farm, with eyes on a second Japanese galloper to join 2019 winner Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) on the club's honour roll. “We were very keen early on to understand their views to coming back to Australia,” Mills told racing.com.
“Northern Farm are obviously one of the biggest breeders and owners in Japan and they have a lot of say in which horses will or won't travel to Australia. We also went to Miho and Ritto training centres and spoke very directly to a lot of the trainers and obviously had a targeted list as to the horses we'd like to see in Australia.
“There are also a number of 3-year-olds potentially for next year and the prospect of shuttle stallion scenarios is very appealing to the Japanese as well.”
Obviously reigning Cox Plate champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) is a target after his G1 Yasuda Kinnen triumph in Tokyo on Sunday.
Launch of Horse Jobs Australia website
Horse Jobs Australia is the new online platform connecting job seekers with equine industry employers. Established by long-time industry participants Liesl Wickson and Kriston Feehan, Horse Jobs Australia is dedicated to serving the unique needs of the breeding, racing, equestrian and veterinary communities, providing a one-stop destination for both employers and job seekers in the equine industry.
"The sole goal of this site was to be a one-stop shop for the employer and the employee. Over the past twelve months, we have dedicated much time to creating a user-friendly experience," said Wickson.
The website also offers an exclusive education section that allows industry participants to search Australia-wide for course offerings at every level in every sector, including scholarship and internship opportunities.
Lennic hopes to make it two in succession at Doomben on Wednesday
Lennic (I Am Invincible) will be out to continue a family affair for trainer Scott Morrisey at Doomben on Wednesday when ridden by Boris Thornton. The 4-year-old mare is owned by Scott's parents John and Kay Morrisey.
“Dad just turned 75 and he still helps out around the stables every day,” Scott told Racingqueensland.com.au. “Roger (Davis) owned a few horses and we managed to pick her up when he decided to sell all his horses. We’ll see how she goes on Wednesday before deciding where to go next with her but there’s nothing mapped out yet.”
Last start winner, Lennic has won three of her last four starts.
Rose confident of being ready for Olympics
Shane Rose, the legendary Australian equestrian rider with strong ties to the racing industry, remains optimistic about a fourth Olympic Games appearance in Paris next month, despite sustaining serious injuries in a recent fall. “Basically, when I realised what year, it was and how long it was until the (Olympic) Games, I worked out that it was 18 weeks from the fall until when I hopefully get to represent Australia,” Rose told Racing.com.
“The first thing I remember after my surgery was the surgeon saying that a normal person with injuries like I had, it would be 10 to 12 weeks before they'd let them weight bear. I was thinking that I might need a new doctor because that's not going to fit with my schedule.
“I started riding three weeks ago which, first time in the saddle, I pretended didn't hurt. I felt really good on the horse, which is great. I feel like I'm a real chance of getting to Paris in great shape. My wife (Niki) has done an amazing job preparing him (Virgil) for me to hopefully take over.
I've had him (Virgil) for a very long time and he's been an amazing horse, so we have a very good connection. If they (eventing team selectors) want me, I feel like we can do a great job.”
Double for Townley at Moe
His first double as a trainer for Angus Townley at Moe on Monday was made extra special with the win of Themoonsaballoon (Akeed Mofeed {GB}), a $600 purchase who'd sustained a bowed tendon. “It's a massive effort to even just get him back to the races let alone to win a race,” Townley told Racing.com.
The young trainer gained his licence only a year ago and his other winner on Monday was 3-year-old gelding Taikyu (Rulership {Jpn}).
Kembla Grange double for Lloyd is a possibility
Jockey Zac Lloyd will only have two rides at Kembla Grange on Tuesday, but he looks set to leave the track on a good note with both having great chances. He rides James Cummings-trained and Godolphin-owned Tulle (Sepoy) who has run third in all of her four starts and is very well bred being a full sister to Group 1 winner Alizee (Sepoy) and a half-sister to Group 1 winner and sire Astern (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}).
Zac Lloyd | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Lloyd also rides the Anthony Cummings-prepared 3-year-old colt Glenbower (Churchill {Ire}) who was a winner last start. Lloyd has also picked up the ride on lightweight 3-year-old filly Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard) for the G1 Stradbroke H.
Beer expects big improvement from Persister
Trainer Mitch Beer is tipping a physically and mentally stronger 3-year-old filly Persister (Press Statement) will produce a much-improved effort on Tuesday at Kembla Grange. “She has come back a bit physically and mentally mature,” Beer told Racingnsw.com.au.
Mitch Beer | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“She hit a dry track on debut and probably pulled up a bit jarring when she was a bit immature.” Persister was a $15,000 purchase by Patriot Bloodstock from Baramul Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, and the first day of this year’s sale is also on Tuesday.
Half-brother to Group 1 winner Magic Time to debut
Group 1 winner Magic Time's (Hellbent) half-brother 2-year-old colt Henlein (Dundeel {NZ}) will make his raceday debut on Tuesday at Bendigo for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman.
He is the third foal for Group 3 winner Time Awaits (Nicconi) whose first foal is Magic Time and second foal is the winning 3-year-old Cosmonova (Zoustar). Henlein was sold by Milburn Creek at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $300,000 to Freedman Racing and Julian Blaxland Bloodstock (FBAA).
Group 1 winner Pier resumes with win
Group 1 winner Pier (NZ) (Proisir) resumed Te Aroha on Monday after a lengthy injury recovery with a storming win over 1300 metres for father-and-daughter training team Darryn and Briar Weatherley. “A big sigh of relief and very happy to see him do that,” Darryn told Loveracing.nz.
Pier (NZ) (navy and yellow checkered cap) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
“We did everything we were told and his x-rays since then have been very good. He handled his trial well, so we pressed on and now he has had this race I’m going to tip him out again and get ready for the spring.” Pier hadn’t raced since September 2023 when he sustained a cannon bone injury in the G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate. The 4-year-old gelding won the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas in 2022.
Trinder wins half the card in Tasmania
Trainer Adam Trinder won four of the eight races at Devonport on Sunday. His winners were Rubick’s Affair (Rubick), Miss Vivace (Nicconi), Seydoux (Xtravagant {NZ}), and Bao Bun (Speith {NZ}).
“Back to 1009 metres back end of her preparation isn’t the perfect formula, but she was just able to get a nice-calculated ride there from young Jackson (Radley), he didn’t panic, he kept everything nice and smooth, and he was triangular on her late,” Trinder told tasracing.com.au on Monday about Seydoux who went within a whisker of the 1009 metres track record scorching home in 58.38 seconds. The record stands at 58.17s.
Adam Trinder | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Her sire Xtravagant stands at Newhaven Park Stud for $16,500 (inc GST).
Veteran Kiwi jockey Bradley retires
Central Districts jockey Darryl Bradley has officially retired after four decades in the saddle. The 57-year-old horseman has recorded 1832 wins, and 103 of those at stakes level. “I knew my riding career was starting to dry up, so I was searching for another job, and I was lucky enough to get the course manager’s job at Foxton Racing Club five-and-a-half years ago. That was a great start,” Bradley told Loveracing.nz.
“I really started to enjoy course management and I was told Foxton would never be a raceday venue again and I wanted to grow and be a racecourse manager. Manawatu Harness (track manager job) came up a little while later and I got the job, and I am very grateful.”
“I did my cadetship as a harness driver and did the probationary part of that – I drove in trials. I went to apply for my raceday license and NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) wouldn’t allow me to be a dual code license holder, so naturally I kept my thoroughbred license, I was three years into my apprenticeship by then.” Bradley was NZ’s Champion Jockey in 1998/99.
