Elvstroem dies aged 24
Group 1 winner and sire Elvstroem has died aged 24 at Haras de Petit De Tellier in Normandy, France. “People might say I'm saying that because he was such a fabulous racehorse, but he also had the best temperament. You could watch a movie with him sitting on the couch beside you,” trainer Tony Vasil told racing.com.
“He was such a gorgeous horse. He was an extraordinarily smart horse.”
Winner of 10 of his 35 starts and over $5.2 million, Elvstroem won the 2003 G1 Victoria Derby, 2004 G1 Underwood S., 2004 G1 Caulfield Cup, 2005 G1 CF Orr S., and 2004 Dubai Duty Free S.
“He beat horses of the calibre of Makybe Diva and he put Nash (Rawiller) on the map (in the Caulfield Cup). Then he came back and won the Orr Stakes to underline his versatility. Then taking a horse overseas was a trainer's dream.
Elvstroem
“Winning in Dubai then off to Hong Kong and then off to Europe racing in France and England. It was an amazing time. Again, he made my dreams come true. I'm travelling the world and I'm riding him in work on the world's greatest tracks on a champion horse.”
Vasil also trained Elvstroem’s Group 1 winning half-brother Haradasun. “They were the best, but the most memorable one was Elvstroem. I spent the rest of my career trying to get another horse to take overseas but that never happened.”
He retired to Blue Gum Farm in Victoria in 2005, where he stood until he was sold to France in 2015. At stud, he sired 13 stakes winners led by Group 1 winner Hucklebuck.
Super Smink can win Railway despite outside barrier
Trainer Dan Morton is not worried that Super Smink (Super One) has drawn barrier 19 for Saturday’s G1 Railway S. “It’s not ideal, but you deal with what you get. It’s out of your hands, there is nothing you can do about it,” Morton told racingwa.com.au.
“Chris (Parnham) will have a plan and we’ll see what unfolds. She finishes super and she’s going to be in the second half, but if things pan out for you, she’ll finish strong. She’s had a trouble-free prep which is sort of rare and I feel like we are going to get her there in great shape.
“I’d still like to think she’s a realistic chance and she can gives us a good show. She’s a high-class mare.” Super Smink won the G3 Asian Beau S. last start.
Pressure to suit Lekvarte in The Gong
Jockey Josh Parr thinks the pressure of The Gong will suit Lekvarte (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB})’s turn of foot. “There’s a lot of money and a big field and that generates pressure and speed, and that’d be indicative of why most years are won by horses off speed and down the middle,” Parr told racingnsw.com.au.
“If that’s the set up again that’s how we get our chance, obviously a tactically run race wouldn’t suit us. She’s got that style of racing where she needs to be somewhat fresh, where she can display that good turn of foot she has. The fact she’s still only lightly raced this preparation gives her the opportunity to race at her best.” Lekvarte ran sixth in the G1 Empire Rose S. last start.
Steparty back to his best for The Gong
Steparty (Artie Schiller {USA}) won his first five in a row but hasn’t won since. Trainer Paul Preusker thinks he’s back to his best after running third last start in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. “We had a few different ways we could go, the Cranbourne Cup or into the west, but it’s not all that far to drive and I’m not putting him on a plane and it’s good money,” Preusker told racingnsw.com.au.
Paul Preusker | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“It’s not really in my style to back them up but he’s putting his hand up and he’s bouncing. When he’s ready to go you get behind him and give him a go. A little bit more ground is going to help him. This isn’t going to be an easy job by any stretch of the imagination but he’s on the way back I reckon.”
Gaudray outrides metro claim
Rising star apprentice Celine Gaudray outrode her metro claim on Wednesday when winning on 3-year-old filly Over The Stars (Overshare) to mark her 80th career city win. “A bit of a bittersweet moment,” Gaudray told racenet.com.au. It was her 197th career winner.
“I can't complain with the apprenticeship I had, obviously lots of injuries and falls and what not, but it's all a learning curve. I did think I would knock it off a bit earlier. I didn't ride a (city) winner for like a good six to eight weeks. It's good to pick up some momentum now.
Celine Gaudray | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“It's good all the spring jockeys are going to head off over the summer time and hopefully I can pick up (a few more rides). I do believe I can do it (transition to senior), do the hard work and build the connections.”
Around The Nation: Wednesday’s highlights
Wednesday saw no racing in Queensland with both Thursday’s meetings washed out with rain too. At Canterbury, Baker trained a treble with Pierata siring a double and coincidentally, both 3-year-olds were winning their third race in succession. Bjorn Baker trained filly Miss Kim Kar (Pierata) now has three wins from five starts while stablemate Midnight Dynamite (Pierata) has three wins from four starts. Baker made it a treble with 3-year-old gelding Raikkonen (Shalaa {Ire}) who won a maiden at his second start.
At Caulfield Heath, Lindsay Park’s 2-year-old filly Shining Smile (Spirit Of Boom) won the first. Balaklava’s meeting saw 3-year-old filly Charm Catcher (Blue Point {Ire}) win on debut for trainer Andrew Gluyas. Gluyas won the first three races on the card, with his other winners being 3-year-old filly Loca Bella (All Too Hard) and 3-year-old gelding Taking Omaha (Omaha Beach {USA}).
The Kiwi slot sells for charity
The Selangor Turf Club has purchased the last available slot for The Kiwi, which went to auction on the eve of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. They paid NZ $225,000 for the slot which gives them a runner in the NZ$4.5 million race. “We’ve been coming to NZB year after year, purchasing horses to race in Malaysia, and have had tremendous success. Now we’ll focus on finding the right horse for this slot. Win or lose, we’ll be there – hopefully with a winner!” Captain Tan Tiang Huat said.
Rodney Animal Rescue will receive an additional NZ$50,000 – 50% of the proceeds above reserve from the NZB Kiwi one-year Slot Auction. “We are ecstatic and very happy to have been the successful bidders. Supporting Rodney Animal Rescue through this initiative is particularly meaningful to us, as we believe in giving back to the community.”
The Oaks Stud for sale via Magic Millions
New Zealand’s The Oaks Stud is for sale with Magic Millions partnering with Donovan + Co. “In a landmark opportunity for the equine and investment communities, Magic Millions, in partnership with Donovan + Co, proudly present the sale of The Oaks Stud, one of Australasia’s most revered thoroughbred breeding facilities,” said Magic Millions in a press release.
“It’s an absolute privilege to offer the iconic ‘The Oaks Stud’ on behalf of long-term owner and fellow Queenslander, Dick Karreman,” Donovan + Co Principal Clint Donovan said.
“Dick has enjoyed immense satisfaction and delight at the success of one of the world’s great stud farms under his ownership, and now it’s time to pass the baton on. This is an incredibly unique scenario with options to purchase on a walk in walk out basis including stallions, mares and racing stock or any combination. The New Zealand breeding industry has an incredible history of producing some of the world’s absolute best racehorses, The Oaks Stud stands shoulder to shoulder alongside the top producers of Group 1 winners in the country.”
Racing NSW disqualify McCallum for 2.5 years
Racing NSW stewards released a report today into their investigation into registered owner and breeder Ms Katherine McCallum in relation to a welfare complaint regarding multiple Thoroughbred horses. She has been given a 2.5 year disqualification. Stewards inspected the property in August and discovered 74 horses, with many in poor condition
Janney to retire as Chair of The Jockey Club, Dobson chosen as successor
Stuart S. Janney, III, will step down from his position as chair of The Jockey Club, effective August 2025, the organization announced on Tuesday morning. On Janney's recommendation, the board of stewards has chosen Everett Dobson to be his successor. Janney, a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder for several decades, was elected vice chair of The Jockey Club in 2010 and became chair in 2015.
“I consider it a privilege to be associated with the accomplishments The Jockey Club has achieved over the past several years, including our many initiatives to sustain and grow the sport, and of course the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act,” Janney said. “These accomplishments, and so many more, are because everyone at The Jockey Club puts the horse first, and I'm proud to be a member and to have served as chair.”
A longtime Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Dobson is the owner of Candy Meadows Farm, a broodmare farm located in Lexington and he races under Cheyenne Stables. He is on his second term as a steward of The Jockey Club.
Goliath could be highest rated Hong Kong International runner in a decade
If trainer Francis-Henri Graffard brings Goliath (Ger) (Alderflug {Ger}) to the G1 Hong Kong Vase, it will make him the highest rated international runner in the race for a decade. Graffard has previously stated to scmp.com that Goliath’s presence will depend on how he goes in the G1 Japan Cup. He currently has a World Thoroughbred Rankings figure of 125.
International raiders have won the last five runnings of the G1 Hong Kong Vase, with Japan stealing it three times.
Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust added to Hong Kong
Breeders' Cup winner Starlust (GB) (Zoustar) and Grade I runner-up The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) have both been supplemented to the Longines Hong Kong International Races, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced on Tuesday.
The former won the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in the colours of Fitri Hay and trainer Ralph Beckett.
Sparkling Plenty added to Arqana Breeding Stock Sale
The G1 Prix de Diane winner Sparkling Plenty (Fr) has been added to the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale as a wildcard entry. The daughter of Kingman (GB) will sell on the Saturday of the auction as lot 200 through Haras de Bouquetot to dissolve the partnership between Al Shaqab Racing and Sparkling Plenty's breeder Jean-Pierre Dubois.
“We are delighted to present a Prix de Diane winner at the upcoming Arqana Vente d'Elevage,” said Benoit Jeffroy, manager of Haras de Bouquetot. “A Classic winner with such a pedigree represents a rare opportunity and an exceptional racing and breeding potential.”
BHA announce CFO
Alan Switzer has been named chief financial officer for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He joins the executive team after having been with the BHA for several years and having held the role of interim CFO since August 2024.
During that time he has overseen “a comprehensive review of the organisation's structure and operational functions, and more recently supporting the delivery of British racing's industry strategy”.
Aga Khan’s Rimaud retires
Georges Rimaud, the director of the Aga Khan Studs in France for a quarter-century, will retire at the end of 2024. He will be succeeded by Pierre Gasnier, who has assisted Rimaud for the past two years.
Trained at the Irish National Stud in 1980, Rimaud worked at Spendthrift Farm and later managed Hurricane Hall–both in Kentucky–and also managed Virginia's Audley Farm. Named manager of Haras d'Etreham in 1991, he joined the Aga Khan Studs in June of 2000. Since then, horses carrying His Highness The Aga Khan's distinctive silks have won 83 Group 1 races under a management team led by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and supported by Rimaud, Pat Downes and Nemone Routh.
Georges Rimaud | Image courtesy of The Aga Khan Studs
“The entire Aga Khan Studs team extends their warmest and most sincere sentiments to Georges as he approaches his retirement,” the Aga Khan Studs said in a statement. “His Highness the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan express their deepest gratitude to him for his expert management of the French studs over the past 25 years. His contribution will impact the Aga Khan Studs and thoroughbred families for generations to come.”
HISA announces funding for equine studies
Funding for a pair of research studies has been announced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)'s Exercise-Associated Sudden Death (EASD) Working Group. The group was formed in October of 2023 to advance research initiatives and collaborate with industry leaders on the critical issue of exercise-associated sudden death.
“The EASD Working Group is working diligently to address the incidence of sudden deaths, which continue to account for a significant portion of racing fatalities. This ongoing challenge requires increased attention, which is exactly why HISA exists. We are optimistic that this group's research will enhance our understanding and help inform policy changes that will reduce sudden fatalities and safeguard our horses,” said HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus.
The Group is sponsoring two groundbreaking studies, one of which seeks to identify biomarkers that could be used to identify horses at high risk of EASD, while the other focuses on a comprehensive monitoring program using wearable technology. Both are aimed at developing practical screening tools and reducing EASD occurrences.
Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, is working on a multi-omics approach to prediction of EASD in Thoroughbred racehorses by identifying biomarker differences between healthy Thoroughbred racehorses and those that succumb to EASD. The lab's long-term goal is to develop a non-invasive screening test to identify horses at increased risk of EASD.
Dr. Cris Navas of New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Durward-Akhurst of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, have begun an Exercise-Associated Sudden Death monitoring pilot program.
Collaborating trainers are asked to place the Arioneo Equimetre wearable devices on each horse during training weekly for four-to-six months. For each of the training sessions, ECG, heart rate, stride characteristics (rate, length, symmetry [for trot] and regularity), speed, distance, duration and the relationships and progression of these variables are measured.
Sioux Nation filly tops Goffs foal sale at €185,000
Paul McCartan, the master breeder and pinhooker who has nurtured the careers of Battash (Ire), Harry Angel (Ire) and Kodi Bear (Ire) to name but a few, who accounted for the most expensive foal through the ring on Tuesday, the Hunting Hill Stud-drafted Sioux Nation (USA) filly that went his way at €185,000 (AU$300,000).
But in order to secure that filly, McCartan had to think outside the box–just as he had done 24 hours previously when he took to bidding online to land a Cotai Glory (GB) colt for €88,000 (AU$143,000). This time, McCartan enlisted the help of top agent Matt Houldsworth–who auctioneer Michael Ryan amusingly pronounced 'Huddlesworth' when dropping his hammer–to see off the attention of Tally-Ho Stud as determined underbidders.
Sioux Nation (USA) | Standing at Coolmore Ireland
After an extremely strong start on Monday where all of the key figures were on the rise bar the clearance rate, the numbers took another jump on Tuesday, notably the 7 per cent rise in turnover to €8,200,500 (AU$13.3 million). The average was up 16 per cent to €42,271 (AU$69,000) while the median climbed 17 per cent to €35,000 (AU$57,000). The clearance rate was a healthy 80 per cent.
Pouret new chair of European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation
Henri Pouret has been named as the next chairman of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) and he will begin his duties on June 1, 2025. An election was held at the EMHF's executive council meeting in Morocco last week to determine Brian Kavanagh's successor. Kavanagh has served in the role since the inception of the EMHF in 2010.
“I am honoured and very thankful to the Executive Council for placing its trust and confidence in me to fulfil the role of EMHF chair to succeed Brian who did a tremendous job. I am a great enthusiast of European and Mediterranean racing in all its diversity. Europe is a leader in many aspects of horseracing, especially regarding the quality control of black-type races and integrity, based on cross border competition. I am really hopeful for the years to come in this region and will be fully dedicated to this new role in collaboration with the members' racing authorities and the invaluable experience of secretary-general Dr. Paull Khan,” said Pouret.
Doctor Dino colt tops Arqana day two
During the second session of the Arqana Autumn Sale, a yearling son of Doctor Dino (Fr) (lot 577) brought €130,000 (AU$211,000) to top the day's trade in a private sale to Joffret Huet of JH Bloodstock for Ecurie Papot. Tuesday's session featured 55 2-year-old stores, and 67 NH yearlings.
