Catriona Williams honoured on King’s Birthday list
Catriona Williams has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. Founder of CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust and co-owner of Little Avondale Stud, Williams became a C6/C7 tetraplegic following a riding accident 20 years ago.
“CatWalk was originally started by a group of friends who wanted to help me,” Williams told Loveracing.nz.
“When we had a big chat about it, we talked about the fact that ACC are here for the practical things like ramps into houses and making things like showers accessible. We decided that if we were going to make a difference, we needed to back research and no one was doing it at the time. That is how CatWalk came about, and it has just grown from an idea into a real movement in 20 years.
“What we are really proud of is that we are now a global entity. We work closely with our partnerships with Spinal Research UK, Christopher Reeve Foundation, Perry Cross in Australia, and we are so close to some really significant breakthroughs, it is really exciting. We are 20 years in, which is great, but the ultimate goal would be for CatWalk to be obsolete and not required anymore. That’s a goal, and the money can go elsewhere. I am really proud of our team who continue to work so hard and keep the flag flying.
“CatWalk could not have done it without the backing of the thoroughbred industry. They have been an enormous support.”
Cambridge Stud’s Brendan Lindsay joins Williams on honours list
Cambridge Stud co-principal Brendan Lindsay has been appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to business and philanthropy. “Sir Tristram (former Cambridge Stud stallion), Sir Patrick and now Sir Brendan,” Lindsay told Loveracing.nz.
Brendan Lindsay | Image courtesy of Lindsay Foundation
“It is a real honour, and you are joining a pretty exclusive club. It is a bit surreal, and we are over the moon obviously, it’s great. We are going to have a bit of fun and enjoy it with the family today, so that’s the main thing.”
The founder of Sistema Plastics, which he sold to an American company in 2016 with the proviso that manufacturing had to stay in New Zealand for 20 years, the Brendan and Jo Lindsay established the Lindsay Foundation to support New Zealand charities, focusing on family, education, disabilities and animal welfare.
We are in a privileged position, and we need to enjoy it and help other people on the way that aren’t quite as fortunate as us. We try to make a bit of a difference wherever we can, and that (philanthropy) gives you a great deal of pleasure.”
Racing SA announces drought package for retired racehorses
On Monday, Racing South Australia announced a drought relief package for retired horses. The package consists of $300 per horse, up to $6000 per person, and is available for Racing SA licensed participants, Racing SA acknowledged re-trainers, and Racing SA affiliated horse sanctuaries that directly care for retired South Australian registered thoroughbreds.
John Cornell | Image courtesy of Racing SA
“We know how tough the conditions are out there. Despite a small amount of rain recently, there still isn’t much feed on the ground and the price of everything has gone up across the board. Not only is hay expensive but it is difficult to source right now and in many instances our participants are getting it from across the border,” said Racing SA Industry Operations & Welfare Manager John Cornell.
“Racing SA is in a position thanks to a 1 per cent deduction of prizemoney to provide support to our licensed participants and retired South Australian thoroughbreds, and I encourage those experiencing hardship to apply for the drought relief support package.
“Applications go direct to our Thorough Care SA welfare team who can answer questions or any queries you may have. Our industry participants do such a good job looking after thoroughbreds in retirement, and this is an opportunity to return the support.”
Private Eye scratched from Kingsford-Smith
Trainer Joe Pride will preference the G1 Stradbroke Handicap over the rescheduled G1 Kingsford-Smith Stakes for Private Eye (Al Maher). “I'm not going to run Private Eye in the Kingsford Smith Cup and then back up a week later in the Stradbroke Handicap,” Pride told racenet.com.au.
Private Eye | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“I don't want to give him a compromised preparation and have a half-hearted go at two Group 1 races. I'm disappointed he has to miss the Kingsford Smith Cup, but this way we can give him his best chance in the Stradbroke.
“But I feel they could have run the Kingsford Smith Cup on Wednesday. They have added the Fred Best Classic to the Doomben meeting to give the 3-year-olds their best chance of getting to the Stradbroke. But that is only for one horse (Fred Best Classic winner) so what about all the Kingsford Smith Cup horses?”
Benedetta will chance the back up
By contrast, trainer Jason Warren will chance the seven-day back up with Benedetta (Hellbent). “It jeopardises the Stradbroke without any shadow of a doubt, but there's a good week of weather and we probably have to take it while we've got it,” Warren told racenet.com.au.
“I'd hate to wait a week and end up on a heavy track in the Stradbroke. We've got a horse ready to go and win a Group 1, and if we get a decent surface then I think we've got to take it. She's in great order, apart from having to spend four hours at the races last Saturday for no reason.”
Winx to visit Too Darn Hot
Champion race mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) will visit Too Darn Hot (GB) this spring. “We are thrilled to announce Too Darn Hot as the stallion of choice for Winx this season,” Peter Tighe said in a press release on behalf of Winx's owners.
Winx | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“His pedigree, performance and the early success of his progeny align with our long-term vision for Winx's breeding legacy. We believe this pairing has the potential to produce something very special.
“His progeny has demonstrated early precocity, exceptional athleticism and outstanding temperament – qualities that strongly complement Winx's remarkable racing attributes and pedigree.”
Wyndspelle fee announced for 2025
Wyndholm Park Stud have announced that Wyndspelle (NZ) will stand for $6600 including GST in 2025. "Wyndspelle is fast proving his worth with limited early opportunities. From just his first two crops, he has already sired Wyndsong, a Group 3-fourth placed 3-year-old filly, and Wyndstorm, a precocious 2-year-old – clear indicators of his potential to produce elite performers from only 12 starters," said Jen Campin.
Wyndspelle (NZ) | Standing at Wyndholm Park
The Group 1-winning son of Iffraaj (GB), the sire of Wootton Basset {GB}), has sired three winners from his first two small New Zealand born crops. Wyndstorm (NZ) has run fourth at Listed level in her two most recent starts and was a winner prior to that. His first Australian-bred crop are weanlings.
TAB to upgrade local venues
The TAB have announced a large renovation project to upgrade all their local venues, set to be implemented across more than 3700 locations. “We know we can be better,” CEO Gillon McLachlan told racenet.com.au.
“This will be the biggest upgrade to our retail network in the country's history because we want more people going to pubs and clubs. Going forward, there is no more important part of the strategy of TAB than the retail networks, some parts are of equal importance, but nothing is more important.
“We are focussed on turning the old, tired TAB/Pubs into an omnichannel entertainment experience.”
Collett’s good record could snag a winner
Trainer Philip Minter hopes to farewell jockey Sam Collett with a winner when she rides Huss On First (Husson {Arg}) for him on Tuesday at Dalby. “Sam has had four rides for three wins on Huss On First and I’d love to send her out a winner. It’s very disappointing to see her leave. We’ve had a lot of success with her,” Minter told racingqueensland.com.au. Collett heads back to New Zealand after Super Saturday.
“I’m hoping (Huss On First) will handle the extra distance. She had a lot of trouble over racing early in her career, but she seems to settle a lot better nowadays. It’s been hard to find suitable races for her lately as we want to try her over longer.
“Long-term I’d like to qualify her for the Country Cups Challenge Final and if she can handle the extra trip on Tuesday that’s the way we’ll head with her.”
Hello Youmzain filly thrashes rivals
Trainer Tony Pike’s 2-year-old filly Cream Tart (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) gave her rivals a 7.8l thrashing at Te Aroha on Monday. The half-sister to Group 1 winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) was having her second start, having run second at Matamata on debut a fortnight ago.
Sold by Windsor Park Stud to her trainer for NZ$220,000 at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, Cream Tart is the fourth foal of Cream Of The Crop (New Approach {Ire}) who was a winner in South Australia, and Mustang Valley – winner of the 2023 G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate – was her first foal.
Around the nation: Monday’s highlights
With Thangool in Queensland abandoned, there were four meetings across Australia on Monday. At Warren, jockey Clayton Gallagher rode a treble including on 3-year-old filly Miss Clamorosa (Written Tycoon). At Pakenham, Jamie Mott rode a treble on 3-year-olds Charcoals (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Three Point Turn (Star Turn) and Call Up King (Toronado {Ire}). Over at Northam, A Lot (USA) sired a double with Our Paladin Al and American Escape.
Pride Of Jenni’s retirement notice will go unnoticed
Owner Tony Ottobre has announced that he won’t be announcing Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai)’s retirement. “When she's ready, then we'll retire her. And there won't be any fanfare,” Ottobre told racenet.com.au.
Price Of Jenni | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
“One day she just won't turn up to the races and that'll be it. Because I mentioned that she was going to retire last year, ever since then everyone's been jumping on my case saying ‘you should retire her'.
“Then she won the Peter Young Stakes. She was just outside the course record that was 20 years old and had to carry 61kg. We did the right thing and people have got to give us some sort of credit for that because we don't retire her just because people say that we should. We have a judgment call to make and nine times out of 10 we make the right call.
“As far as I'm concerned, bringing her back and winning two out of the races she's raced in was vindication enough to say we were on the money.”
Injured jockey update: Currie
Jockey Luke Currie will miss six weeks following scheduled knee surgery. “I've done the meniscus in it at the jumpouts. It's been sore all the time and they said, at some point, you've got to get it done,” Currie told racenet.com.au.
Luke Currie | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I did the other one but worse when one flipped over in the gates years ago, but they said this one has got a tear in it and had other wear and tear from over the years. I just thought ... it was the right time to have it done so I'll be right for the spring.”
Pony Racing final this Saturday
The 2025 National Pony Racing Series Final will take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, June 7.
This year's series has travelled across six states – New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland – culminating in 12 qualifying races involving around 120 young riders, each proudly wearing racing silks sponsored by some of the biggest names in Australian racing.
Extra furlong to suit Colourful King at Happy Valley
Trainer David Eustace feels the extra 200 metres will suit 3-year-old gelding Colourful King (Blue Point {Ire}) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. “I think the distance will be fine – we probably wouldn’t have said that a couple of starts back, but I thought his last run showed he would appreciate it and his trial was similar,” Eustace told scmp.com.
David Eustace | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“He’s relaxing better all the time and has a good draw barrier four, but it’s a tough race. He’s trained on well so I’m hopeful.” He’s won two of his past three starts and was second last time out.
Claiborne secure Mindframe for stud
Mindframe (USA) (Constitution {USA}), most recently winner of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes, will take up stud duties at Claiborne Farm at the conclusion of his racing career, the farm announced Sunday evening.
He strode to a 13.75 length debut victory at Gulfstream Park last March, then the dark bay colt was second–beaten just a half-length by Dornoch (USA) (Good Magic {USA}) in the GI Belmont Stakes in just his third trip to the post. He was second again after recovering from a stumbling start in the GI Haskell Stakes the following month.
Mindframe is unbeaten in two starts to date this year, winning the GII Gulfstream Park Mile and the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes. “Mindframe is the kind of rare talent that has the ability to be a breed-shaping stallion. He has been brilliant in every start, he is versatile from seven to 10 furlongs, and is battle tested against the very best of his class. His pedigree, physical presence, and proven ability at the highest level make him an exceptional addition to our stallion roster. We are thrilled to welcome him to Claiborne,” Claiborne president Walker Hancock said.
The Aga Khan Studs' Midak supplemented for Epsom Derby
The unbeaten Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) will represent the Aga Khan Studs in the G1 Epsom Derby on Saturday, June 7, after connections announced he would be supplemented for the Epsom feature. This year's edition of the race will be run in memory of the late His Highness Aga Khan IV.
A homebred, he won a maiden on the all-weather at first asking in March and prevailed over turf a month later in a conditions affair both over 2200 metres. He ran out a 2.5 length winner of the G3 Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud on May 9.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan confirmed the colt's participation to Racing TV on Sunday and said, “He's unbeaten in three starts, we know he gets the trip, he's got the right kind of character to be able to handle Tattenham Corner and all the noise that comes with the Epsom Derby.”
Group 3 win for Night Of Thunder's Sunly
Juddmonte's Sunly (GB) had looked one to follow when going two-for-two in the Listed Prix de la Seine and stayed on the rise with a smooth win in the G3 Prix de Royaumont at Chantilly on Sunday. Always travelling easily for Christophe Soumillon, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained daughter of Night Of Thunder (Ire) took control a furlong from home en route to a 2.5 length success from Indalimos (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}).
“She has options and if she came out of it well she could go for the G2 Ribblesdale and if she needed a bit more time she could go for the G1 Irish Oaks. There's also a race in France a bit later on so she has plenty of options and let's see how she comes out of it, but she looks to have a big future,” said Juddmonte’s Barry Mahon.
Sunly is the fourth foal out of the talented Suffused (GB) (Champs Elysses {GB}), whose career tally included wins in the GIII Glens Falls Stakes, the GIII La Prevoyante Handicap and GIII The Very One Stakes and a runner-up finish in the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes.
