NZ TAB acquire Raceform
TAB New Zealand is set to acquire the Raceform brand and magazine publication (Raceform) from Raceform Publications Limited.
“This agreement secures another strategic media asset, which preserves magazine format racing coverage in New Zealand and provides a clear pathway to digitisation,” TAB NZ chief executive Nick Roberts told Loveracing.nz.
“Raceform is synonymous with racing lovers across New Zealand, and Dennis Ryan and Don Hancock can be proud of the lasting legacy they have built for the New Zealand racing industry. This weekly publication gives punters exceptional coverage and insights on the racing events of the week. We are pleased to carry on this legacy and add this publication to our stable of media assets that support the coverage of racing in New Zealand.”
Ascot unveils new polytrack
Racing WA unveiled a new Polytrack training surface at Ascot Racecourse on Thursday. The $4.5 million all-weather surface, which replaces the 10-year-old pro-ride training track, will provide trainers an alternative fast-work surface. “The installation of the Polytrack at Ascot Racecourse represents a significant investment in the future of racing in Western Australia,” Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter told racingwa.com.au.
“This surface is a terrific training tool for training, alleviating pressure from the inner turf track at Belmont Park, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all horses. Its unique properties, including its dust-free nature and ability to perform consistently across temperature extremes, make it an outstanding asset for trainers.”
Lady Camelot to emulate She Will Reign
Gai Waterhouse is confident Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) can emulate She Will Reign (Manhattan Reign) when she resumes in the G1 Moir S. at The Valley on Saturday.
“We feel Lady Of Camelot has done everything right, she travelled down to Melbourne well, settled in quickly and seems a very happy filly,” Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, told racenet.com.au.
Gai Waterhouse | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“This is a good, solid, hard race to win but she will give it a real shake.” She Will Reign won both the Slipper and then the G1 Moir S. at three in 2017. Nine of the last 30 Slipper winners have won another Group 1 as 3-year-olds or older.
Group 1 debut for exciting Caballus
Trainer Bjorn Baker believes the outside barrier will work in favour of promising sprinter Caballus (I Am Invincible) for his Group 1 debut in the G1 Moir S. at The Valley on Saturday. “I've got a funny feeling that nine might be the place to draw,” Baker told racenet.com.au.
Caballus | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“I just don't feel they will let Lady Of Camelot and Estriella do what they want in front. If something does go with them early, Caballus might be able to get into the running line and have the last crack at them.”
Crocetti ready for Group 1 challenge
Newly turned 4-year-olds have a proud record of making early spring statements in the G1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy in recent years, and one of New Zealand’s most exciting racehorses, Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}), is poised to follow suit at Hastings on Saturday. “Under the circumstances, I thought he did a great job at Ruakaka first-up,” trainer Danny Walker told Loveracing.nz.
Danny Walker with Crocetti (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images South
“It probably wasn’t the track that we were expecting when we sent him up there, although at least it was loose instead of really sticky and testing. He got through it well and it was good to come away with the win. At that stage we weren’t entirely sure what the Hastings weather and track would be like for the Tarzino, so he wasn’t a certain runner. But we’re pleased to see that the weather’s come right in Hawke’s Bay. It should be nice ground for him on Saturday and we’re looking forward to getting him down there for the race.
“The plan is probably to get him across to Australia after this, but we’ll focus on Saturday for now and see how he comes through it before committing to anything.”
Queensland Horse Of The Year finalists announced
The 2024 TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Awards finalists were announced on Thursday. A gala event will be held at the brand new The Star Brisbane on Sunday, September 22 with close to 30 awards will be presented – including Trainer, Jockey and Apprentice of the Year, as well as the TAB Queensland Horse of the Year.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen the emergence of genuine stars from the likes of Antino to Cejay Graham, and we look forward to another stellar evening celebrating an unforgettable season,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott told racingqueensland.com.au.
“For the first time, we are pleased to introduce a new award for Stable Person of the Year, acknowledging the dedication of those behind the scenes at the coalface of the sport. Similarly, we’re proud to again recognise the vital support the Queensland Off-The-Track Program provides our animals post-racing through the Queensland Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Award.”
Abounding | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Magic Millions 3YO Guineas champion Abounding (Rich Enuff) headlines the nominations for 3-Year-Old Horse of the Year, alongside Cifrado (Encryption) and Miss Joelene (Russian Revolution), while Beau Dazzler (NZ) (Ardrossan), El Morzillo (Star Witness) and Zouna (Zousain) will duke it out for 2-Year-Old Horse of the Year honours.
Eagle Farm gets go-ahead
Racing Queensland advises that meetings will resume at Eagle Farm from Saturday, September 14. In consultation with the Brisbane Racing Club, Queensland Jockeys’ Association, Australian Trainers’ Association and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, eight barrier trials were successfully conducted on the Eagle Farm course proper this morning following the introduction of mitigation strategies near the home turn.
“After discussions with the jockeys at the Eagle Farms trials, all felt the sighting of the building before the commencement of the trials gave their mounts a good appreciation of the building site and it was great to see the trials go without incident,” QJA General Manager Glen Prentice told racingqueensland.com.au.
“At the conclusion of the trials, the ATA, QJA, BRC, RQ and QRIC met to discuss the way forward and QRIC stewards advised they will be issuing directives to trainers and jockeys in regards to the return to Eagle Farm to ensure all risks are mitigated for the future.”
Arctic Glamour being aimed at The Invitation
Trainer Gerald Ryan has put a circle around the $2 million The Invitation as the ideal spring target for talented mare Arctic Glamour (Frosted {USA}), who runs in Saturday’s G2 Tramway S. at Randwick. “I think the right 1600 metres she’d run but 1400 metres is her go,” Ryan told racingnsw.com.au.
Gerald Ryan | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“We’ll be sticking to the mares races after this. You go from here to the Golden Pendant; she might race in another race in the middle and hopefully get a run in The Invitation.” Arctic Glamour ran second in the G2 Missile S. last start.
Zardozi strong favourite for Chelmsford S.
Victoria Oaks winner Zardozi (Kingman {GB}) has a stranglehold on betting as $2.10 favourite with TAB on Thursday on the back of her first-up sixth behind Via Sistina in the G1 Winx S. two weeks ago. “She’s really flying, we love the way she’s going, and this is almost too good a race for her second-up,” Cummings told racingnsw.com.au.
“I think the mare has got to get her preparation underway in a positive fashion. I like that she won second-up last preparation over 1500 metres at Rosehill (Phar Lap S.). She’s certainly in a position to reward us for her light campaign last time in having had only the four runs. I’d say this is the type of race that could keep setting her up well for the spring ahead which is a really open looking whiteboard of options at the moment.”
Waller looking for ninth Wyong Cup
Chris Waller’s stranglehold on Friday’s Listed Wyong Cup could continue tomorrow with the stable saddling up three good chances; Medatsu (NZ) (Staphanos {Jpn}), Manzoice (Almanzor {Fr}) and Etna Rosso (Ire) (Decorated Knight {GB}). Waller has taken home the prestigious trophy eight times since his first win with Hawk Island (Ire) (Hawk Wing {USA}) in 2010.
Tommy Berry | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“This is one of the few Cups I haven’t won, so hopefully I can get the job done with Medatsu,” jockey Tommy Berry told racingnsw.com.au. “He’s an impressive horse going forward. The stable has always had a high opinion of him, but he’s taken a while to mature. I think he has the ability to get him over the line, despite a wide barrier draw he has quality on his side.”
Around the Nation: 3-year-old winners on Thursday
Four 3-year-olds won at Cranbourne on Thursday; King West (Kingman {GB}), Miss Mahjong (Territories {Ire}), Statuario (D’Argento), who become the fifth winner for his sire, and Thames (Lonhro).
In New South Wales, Sammy Conquers All (Love Conquers All) won at Coffs Harbour, and at Wagga, Take The Rap (Star Turn) took his record to two wins from three starts with a win for trainer Norm Gardner.
Greylist (Wanted) and Lonhy’s Fabre (Dracarys) both won at Mackay, while at Northam, Real Deluxe (Sessions) won at her first start at three. She ran in the G3 WA Gimcrack S. at her only start at two.
Treble for Shinn at Cranbourne
Blake Shinn rode a treble at Cranbourne including the last two on the card, winning on Flanagan (Shamus Award), The Genius (So You Think {NZ}), and Subsix (Fastnet Rock).
Treble for Butler at Mackay
Jockey Ashley Butler rode a treble at Mackay on Thursday aboard 3-year-old gelding Lonhy’s Fabre (Dracarys) who was on debut, Blue Ray (Flying Artie) and Bringyaticket (Sebring Sun).
Treble for Chris Parnham at Northam
Jockey Chris Parnham enjoyed a treble at Northam’s Thursday meeting, winning on Razmas (Maschino), Miss Wall Street (Manhattan Rain), and Imarock God (Awesome Rock).
Lloyd gets city licence
Apprentice jockey Zoe Lloyd has been given permission to ride in the metropolitan area and will commence her city career this Saturday at Morphettville. “It was my first time (applying). I held off for a while trying to get my confidence up for races then Johnny (Hickmott) came along and said ‘you are ready you have to do it’,” Lloyd told racingsa.com.au.
“I was pretty excited to get the all-clear. I feel like it’s going to be my first race ride again – that’s the level of excitement. I’m getting so many more rides than I was in Victoria and the more rides the better. I just want to get on a really good roll now because I don’t have long left of my apprenticeship and being injured in-between didn’t help (December ‘22). I’m trying to make a name for myself, and it will definitely be a lot easier now on Saturday’s.”
Archaic Smile ready for Gold Trail
Group 1 performer Archaic Smile (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) finished runner-up in her 3-year-old debut last month and will bid to go one better in Saturday’s G3 Gold Trail S. “I was happy with her return at Taupo where the track was against her, she wants a firm surface and from gate one she was caught in the worst part of it,” trainer Tony Pike told Loveracing.nz.
Tony Pike | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“She raced a touch fresh but fought on well and had a good blow afterwards, she has definitely improved off the run and will need to. Obviously, Alabama Lass was very impressive that day and will be extremely hard to beat on Saturday.”
New 2025 Goffs Breeze Up Sale announced
The new Goffs Breeze-up Sale will be held on Irish Derby weekend 2025, it was announced on Wednesday. The breeze will take place at Naas Racecourse on Thursday, June 26 ahead of the sale at Goffs before evening racing at the Curragh on Friday, June 27.
“The move to Irish Derby weekend follows further consultation with both buyers and vendors of breeze-up horses,” said Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby. “In particular, I wish to acknowledge the Breeze-Up Consignors Association (BUCA) and their members whose feedback we have welcomed and carefully considered in our decision.
Henry Beeby | Image courtesy of Goffs
“As with all Goffs sales, we will work tirelessly alongside Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) to provide the best market for those vendors who support the sale. We are investing a huge amount of time and resource in delivering international buyers to Kildare Paddocks and that also applies to this new breeze-up sale. The added benefit of the Irish Derby Festival taking place on our doorstep in Kildare will only help this goal.”
Sale topper Cathedral wins on debut
Amo Racing's Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) was a talking horse making her debut at Lingfield on Wednesday and the Ralph Beckett trainee duly delivered with an impressive success in the six-furlong maiden. Sent off the 1-2 favourite under David Egan, the €800,000 joint-top-priced filly at the Arqana May Breeze-Up tracked the strong early pace before being launched from the top of the straight.
Entered in next weekend's G1 Moyglare Stud S., Cathedral is the fourth foal out of the unraced War And Peace (GB) (Frankel {GB}) whose third is the recent G3 Ballyogan Stakes runner-up Firebird (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). She is a granddaughter of the G1 Matron S. heroine Emulous (GB) (Dansili {GB}) from the immediate family of Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}).
Breeders’ Cup founder dies
James A. , Jr., one of the original founding directors of Breeders' Cup Limited, died on Monday. He was 77. Philpott served as the volunteer corporate secretary of the Breeders' Cup for 30 years.
In a statement, the organization said, “It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Jim Philpott. Mr. Philpott served the Breeders' Cup with great honour, distinction and with extraordinary business acumen for the first 25 years of the company's existence. He was one of 20 original 'members' who contributed initial funding to form the company. As such, he stayed active as a Member/Trustee his whole life. Mr. Philpott served as the corporate secretary from 1993 until 2009, maintaining the bylaws and minutes of the Board and Committee meetings. Prior to that, he served as the assistant corporate secretary to Charles Taylor. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Philpott's family and loved ones.”
USA Thoroughbred grants awarded
Grants totaling over US$1 million (AU$1.49 million) were awarded by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) this year, the organization announced in a release.
Eighty six organizations were approved for a grant, including 56 aftercare organizations, 21 backstretch and farm worker programs, five equine-assisted therapy organizations, three Thoroughbred incentive programs, and one research organization. Over the last 34 years, TCA has awarded more than US$27 million (AU$40 million) in grants.
