New Foal Ownership process could prevent horses racing
A change in the foal ownership declaration process for the 2025 breeding season could see some of the foal crop ineligible to race in Australia. A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time will not be able to race those foals in Australia. They will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions rules of racing.
“We put something out last year on this and we said we would enforce this over a couple of years,” Racing Australia CEO Paul Eriksson told thestraight.com.au.
Paul Eriksson | Image courtesy of TAS Racing
“So, last year we commenced educating (breeders) and getting feedback and this year we're actually going to be enforcing the rules. And the rules say that you need to lodge a mare return and foal ownership declaration within 30 days or you are at Racing Australia's discretion … that you won't be able to race (that horse). It doesn't have anything to do with the Stud Book, breeding, the export (of horses) or anything like that. This is all around traceability.”
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia responded. “Obviously, we are very concerned about the registration of foals and how archaic the system is to register the foals. Three or four years ago, they gave us an undertaking that they were going to upgrade the IT and that hasn't happened,” TBA President Basil Nolan said.
Basil Nolan | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“It's very, very time-consuming to have to return a lot of foals. Obviously, there's a number of foals, and that varies from 2000 to 600, that are 120 days overdue to be returned to the Stud Book. Now, if that happens with the next foal crop, obviously, once it goes past 60 days, as I understand, then you've got to pay $500 to go to a tribunal to see why your foal should be accepted (to race).
“But I think it's going to be a welfare issue, really, because if somebody doesn't register a foal and they say, ‘well, I'm not going to pay the $500’, we're going to have a lot of foals in paddocks that can't race.”
Deep Focus set for Derby assignment
Trainer Paul Shailer says Deep Focus (NZ) (Deep Field) was always a Derby style horse, and now he’s running in Saturday’s G1 Queensland Derby. “I thought his run was really good, a perfect Derby trial,” Shailer told racingqueensland.com.au of Deep Focus’ last start.
“He got back and settled, he got into a beautiful rhythm through the race and was strong late. I think from a Derby perspective, that is the sort of run you want to see. He is a horse we identified very early at the sales in New Zealand when we inspected the horse. He is a horse that still has plenty of improvement to come over time as an older horse.
Paul Shailer | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“I identified him as a Derby horse early days and he has been trained to get to this race from day one.”
Ugly horse can run fast, says Hayes
Lindsay Park’s G1 Kingsford-Smith Stakes runner Rise At Dawn (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) isn’t a pretty picture, but he’s quick. “We decided to bide our time and I'm glad we did because we've come up with a very good barrier (one) in what looks to be a competitive race,” Will Hayes told racenet.com.au.
Rise At Dawn (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“It's a weight-for-age path as well so if we win, it doesn't change our weight in the Stradbroke (52.5kg). He's certainly not a picture by any means. It's a bit like there's no such thing as an ugly rich bloke and there's no such thing as an ugly fast horse.
“I think you can make a case for probably eight horses in the race. They'll more than likely be having to give us a decent start but we're meeting them all at set weights so it's going to be a very good barometer as we head towards the Stradbroke.”
Strong field and hard last start a concern for Grafterburners
Trainer Kelly Schweida is concerned that 2-year-old colt Grafterburners (Graff) had a hard run last start when third in the G2 Spirit Of Boom Classic as he heads into Saturday’s G2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes. “The run was super. The only trouble is that you don't know how much that takes out of them,” Schweida told racenet.com.au.
"It doesn't appear to have. He's worked good, his blood's good and he looks good. But he had a hard run the other day, four-deep. It's a strong Sires', as good as I've seen for a while.”
Littlefield’s The Muffin Man sneaks into Derby field
The Muffin Man (Too Darn Hot {GB}) has gained a start in the G1 Queensland Derby for trainer Charlotte Littlefield after Saint Emilion (Snitzel) was scratched. “The irony, Saint-Émilion is where my parents live in Bordeaux,” Littlefield told racenet.com.au.
The Muffin Man | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“He's fighting fit the horse, he's in super order, his gallop (on Tuesday) was sensational. Everything is spot on. His last start he was posted wide throughout and had a tough run and to his credit he still fought on. If you're a good form analyst and look at the race you go that horse has run out of his skin and should've won the race. He's primed and ready for the 2400 metres.”
Fred Best runner aimed at Stradbroke
Trainer Peter Snowden will set 3-year-old colt Media World (Written Tycoon) at the G1 Stradbroke if he runs well in Saturday’s G3 Fred Best Classic. “I’ve never won the Stradbroke, but I’ve had a couple of placings and went close with Beaded who was just beaten after drawing wide,” Snowden told racingqueensland.com.au.
Peter Snowden | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“His Hawkesbury Guineas win was very solid. He’s had two runs back this campaign and won both well. I couldn’t ask for anything more from him since Hawkesbury and he’s in fine order for the Fred Best.”
The Autumn Sun mare set for Cup
Trainer Robert Hickmott is pleased with last start Listed Centaurea Stakes winner 4-year-old mare Private Legacy (The Autumn Sun) ahead of the Listed Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill on Saturday. “There’s lots of maybes, it’d be nice if it could get to a (soft) 7,” Hickmott told racingnsw.com.au.
“My confidence levels are just a little bit negative about the sting out of the track but I’m happy that there’s horses in there having their first start back or off a let up over 2000 metres. I haven’t needed to give her a big wind up because she’s very fit, as you’ll see at the races.”
Hidden Achievement on the up
Jockey Adam Hyeronimus feels anything 2-year-old colt Hidden Achievement (I Am Invincible) does at two is a bonus. “I like the improvement he’s shown in terms of learning race manners, jumping a lot better and being in a better position through the run,” Hyeronimus told racingnsw.com.au.
Adam Hyeronimus | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“He got through the conditions on the day very well so now he goes back to his home track, a bigger track, and further in distance so I think it is only going to enhance his chances. It was a very good win and he’s only going to be a better horse a mile and 2000 metres eventually once he is older and strengthens up. So for him to be winning so well over these shorter distances is a positive thing.” He holds a nomination for the G1 JJ Atkins Plate.
Stradbroke last chance for Lim's Kosciuszko
Trainer Dan Meagher believes this year’s G1 Stradbroke Handicap is a last chance to get a Group 1 on his name for dual Singapore Horse Of The Year Lim's Kosciuszko (Kermadec {NZ}). “He deserves a Group 1 after he's done what he's done and he deserves one go at a Group 1 at least,” Meagher told racing.com.
Dan Meagher | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“There's probably only two Group 1s for him to go for at his age and stage of career and they are The Goodwood, which he missed, and the Stradbroke. They are the right races for him.”
He was third in the Listed Straight Six on his Australia debut. “It's hard to get a guide with these horses as to where he measures up, so to do what he did to carry that weight on a wet track, first-up for a long time and his first run down the straight and away from home, I thought it was a fantastic run and he was a bit stiff not to win.”
Around the nation: Friday’s highlights
Friday had six race meetings with 2-year-old gelding The Pool Boy (Too Darn Hot {GB}) winning at Casino on debut. Jungle Cat (Ire) sired a double at the meeting with 3-year-old filly Lucky Neko and Champonnet. At Goulburn, 2-year-old gelding Nothing But Net won on debut to become the seventh winner for first season sire King’s Legacy.
Cranbourne’s night meeting saw 2-year-old gelding Testing One Two (Microphone) win at his second start, while at Rockhampton 2-year-old filly Tinkerbella (Invader) won her second in succession and 2-year-old gelding Profits Prayer (Santos) won at his second start. Spirit Of Boom sired a double with Devil Devil and Boom Boom Bella.
At the Sunshine Coast, 2-year-old filly Champagne Lane (Capitalist) won on debut and 2-year-old colt Prestar (Zoustar) won on resuming after running ninth in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate in the spring on debut.
Fleming joins Toowoomba
The Toowoomba Turf announced the appointment of Josh Fleming as the new Racing & Operations Manager. “Josh’s depth of experience, his understanding of racing and the importance of country racing, makes him a perfect match for the role,” Club CEO Grant Sheather told racingqueensland.com.au.
“We are proud to operate Queensland’s largest regional training centre, and it’s critical we have strong leadership to keep our racing operations running at the highest standard. Josh will no doubt help us deliver exactly that.
“The Toowoomba Turf Club hosts regular race meetings, drawing participants and racing fans from all over the region. From behind the scenes to the front of house, the club’s team is committed to delivering a seamless and exciting experience for everyone involved.”
Well-related Bradman for Listed run
Trainer Roydon Bergerson says Bradman (NZ) (Pins) will enjoy the heavy track for Saturday’s Listed AGC Training Stakes at Wanganui. “It was a good, honest run from him in the Cup (fourth), it’s just a shame it didn’t rain more,” Bergerson told Loveracing.nz.
Bradman (NZ) | Image courtesy of Peter Rubery (Race Images)
“He would’ve been a bit harder to beat, but he tried hard and was only beaten three quarters of a length. I think he’s improved, he needed to but I’m just praying for a bit more rain.” Bradman is a full brother to Group 1 winner No Compromise (NZ), and a half-brother to Group 1 winner Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Listed winner Bernaud (Reliable Man {GB}).
Voyage Bubble form around Sunlight Power
Sunlight Power (Capitalist) ran third behind Voyage Bubble (Deep Field)’s second in the G1 Champions Mile last month and trainer Ricky Yiu thinks he will bring that form to Saturday’s G3 Lion Rock Trophy. “That was a storming run,” Yiu told scmp.com.
“It was very encouraging last start to finish third in a Group 1. He’s only lightly raced so of course he should still be improving. He’s not old but he’s getting more experienced these days. This horse has done well, he loves Conghua very much and he’s had a good break in between runs. This Group 3 looks ideal for him.”
Absence of Ka Ying Rising to advantage Helios Express
Jockey Hugh Bowman thinks Helios Express (Toronado {Ire}) can win Saturday’s G3 Sha Tin Vase, especially with star sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) out spelling. “Barrier 11 isn’t really what I was after. In saying that, he settles back and the more he settles and finds his feet, the better he runs anyway,” Bowman told scmp.com.
Hugh Bowman | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He’s been unreal this season. I thought his last run was his best and on his most recent trial, I think he’s in the best form he’s been in all season and he’s got a very attractive set up, despite the wide draw. I’m sure he’ll start a short-priced favourite and deservedly so. I hope he can get it done for us.”
Wootton Bassett son heads Group 1 field
Declarations for Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club were confirmed Thursday morning and G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains third Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will head a field of 18 for the 10 1/2-furlong Chantilly Classic. Last term's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero has been allocated stall one and is joined by Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemate Trinity College (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is drawn in stall three. O'Brien's lone victory in the race was provided by St Mark's Basilica (Fr), who departed from stall two en route to glory, in 2021.
“To win the Prix du Jockey Club, you need a miler who can stay 10 furlongs and Camille Pissarro ran a very strong race in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains,” O’Brien said. “It was a fast-run race, he finished very well and his performance convinced us he could be aimed at the Jockey Club. After his G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere win at ParisLongchamp, Christophe Soumillon told us he had the profile for the Jockey Club. You have to listen to jockeys, especially those with a lot of experience. He is a beautiful horse with a good mind, he recovered very well after the Poulains and his recent work at home has been very good.”
G3 Brigadier Gerard won by Almaqam
Having promised to make his presence felt in the better middle-distance contests for a while, Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) delivered on Thursday evening in Sandown's G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes. “I thought this would be an easy option, but I was worried about the Gosdens' horse,” trainer Ed Walker said.
“He was still on his winter holidays last time and today he looked much sharper. He's big and laid-back and we almost have to wake him up. We mustn't be lured into big races on fast ground–the ground is important for him and those autumn targets like the Champion Stakes are ideal for him. We put him in the Arc the other day, as Ryan Moore said he needed a mile and a half last year and today Oisin said the same, so there could be more to come over further.”
Opera Ballo back in Heron
One of the spring's most exciting prospects, Godolphin's Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) had suffered a bump in the road when sixth in the Craven but bounced back in style in Thursday's Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown. “The first-time hood has worked and William said once he got cover he settled much better than at Newmarket the last day, albeit he was still a bit keen early doors,” said Charlie Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam.
“He is in the St James's Palace, but we'll see. He will appreciate a bit of juice in the ground, I think, but we'll see how he comes out of this and let Charlie come up with a plan.” Opera Ballo is the second foal and second black-type performer out of Invincible Spirit (Ire)'s Dubai Opera (GB) whose first is the Listed-placed Dyptique (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}).
First black type for Supremacy
Yeomanstown Stud's first-season sire Supremacy (Ire) had two engaged in Thursday's Listed National Stakes and it was the outsider of the pair Anthelia (Ire) who stepped up to provide his first black-type win. “We paid £6,000 for her and she's probably worth a bit more now. The main thing today was to get some black-type and, as it's turned out, she's better than we thought she was,” said trainer Rod Millman.
“She will still be learning the game–when she won at Bath she came from the pack and then it was only a four-runner race last time, so this will be the first time she has been roughed up in a race. It's very exciting for the future really and we haven't had one finish at the top of our gallops like her for a long time.”
Outfielder set for Ascot
After a sizzling win in a May 23 maiden on the grass at Churchill Downs, Wesley Ward confirmed what he already knew. Outfielder (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) is among the best 2-year-olds he has ever trained. So it's no surprise that the colt will soon be on his way to Royal Ascot to compete in the G2 Norfolk Stakes on June 19.
Wesley Ward | Image courtesy of Keeneland
“I was nervous going into the race at Churchill, just because I was so excited and he's one of those colts who has so much ability, Ward said. “The race was five-eighths on the grass. But you just never know how it's going to turn out. If you ever get to see his workouts you can visually see that he breathes different air. He's a big colt but he's real agile and quick. He moves like a cat. Usually, big horses are kind of lumbery and they don't have the agility that this guy does.”
Another trainer takes on HISA
In a federal court case involving the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) that is being closely watched because it involves a trainer's allegations of a wrongful denial of Seventh Amendment rights to a jury trial, a judge in Florida on Thursday denied conditioner Phil Serpe's request for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit initiated last October against the HISA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The civil complaint involves “banned substance” sanctions stemming from the alleged detection of clenbuterol in an Aug. 10, 2024, Saratoga Race Course winner from the 66-year-old trainer's stable.
“The FTC does not become involved or take any action until after arbitration is completed,” the judge wrote. “Plaintiff's arbitration is scheduled for June 2025. So, until the FTC's administrative law judge is called upon to review the Authority's sanction decision, if any, Plaintiff's claim as to the FTC is not ripe,” the judge wrote.
In a civil complaint filed seven months ago, Serpe's legal team had asked the court to “declare HISA and the HISA Rules to be unconstitutional, preliminarily and permanently enjoin Defendants from enforcing HISA and the HISA Rules against Serpe, and dissolve and vacate the Authority's provisional suspension against Serpe.”
