Vale Quentin Wallace
Quentin Wallace, founder of racehorse transportation company IRT, died on Thursday.
“A pioneer and a visionary, and a true gentleman — Quentin Wallace was more than the creator of one of the world’s most trusted names in equine transport — he was a man who built bridges across continents, always with horses at heart and excellence as his guide,” said a statement from IRT.
Quentin Wallace | Image courtesy of IRT
“To those who knew Quentin personally, he was a mentor and a friend. His passion for logistics, horses and the people who care for them was evident in every decision he made. Today, we honour a life lived with purpose, a vision pursued with courage, and a man whose work changed an industry forever. Quentin Wallace leaves behind not just a global company, but a global equine community — one that will carry his vision forward with pride.
“May he rest in peace, knowing that his journey — and the journeys he made possible for so many others — will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with the Wallace Family at this time.”
Caserta's favourite horse ready for Stradbroke
Far Too Easy (All Too Hard) was ridden by jockey Chris Caserta in his first two wins, but the jockey sadly died while swimming at Surfers Paradise in 2021. Far Too Easy runs in Saturday’s G1 Stradbroke Handicap. “I was in my car watching the race on my phone when Far Too Easy won The Kosciuszko, I was screaming at the top of my lungs to get him home and then I broke down in tears when he won,” Chris’ twin brother Matt Caserta told racenet.com.au.
Far Too Easy | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“It was Chris's favourite horse and from the first time he jumped on it, he told me it would be something very special. Every time the horse races, I watch it. I'll be watching on Saturday and hoping the horse can win again and win a Group 1 like Chris said he would one day.”
No replacement for Reilly at MRC
The Melbourne Racing Club chair John Kanga has announced that he won’t be replacing CEO Tom Reilly and will instead work as an executive chairman with Tanya Fullarton to fill the Chief Operating Officer role. “The club will not be recruiting for a CEO,” Kanga told racenet.com.au.
“Tanya is the chief operating officer and we're also going to bolster our racing operations. The team is working hard to deliver a fantastic Spring Carnival at Caulfield. Tanya and I and the MRC management team will work hard, on an ongoing basis, to deliver better services and results for members.”
VRC shut down merger discussion
The Victoria Racing Club has stated they have no plans to merge with other Melbourne clubs. The statement is in response to a media article released on Thursday with details of a ‘secret’ meeting between VRC chair Neil Wilson, vice-chair Michael Ramsden and Melbourne Racing Club chair John Kanga held in February at owner Jonathan Munz’s property.
“We are not pursuing or engaging on club merger activity and we have no reason, financial or otherwise to do this at this time. We remain committed to working alongside Racing Victoria and the broader industry for the betterment of Victorian racing,” the statement read.
“Our focus is squarely on strengthening the VRC – growing our club, backing our members and partners, and building on the success of the Melbourne Cup carnival.”
BRC needs infrastructure investment
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo spoke about the need for infrastructure investment by state government and racing authorities ahead of the closure of the John Power grandstand at Eagle Farm due to an engineer’s report stating that it should be condemned for safety reasons. “We're now just over 12 months away from the forced closure of the John Power Stand, which is our main spectator facility at Eagle Farm,” deKroo told racenet.com.au.
“Unfortunately, at this point we have no clear path forward. While we will be able to deliver the 2026 Stradbroke Season, it will be difficult for us to continue operating Eagle Farm for spectators and owners beyond that unless we begin work on some well-scoped contingency plans in the near future.
Karl deKroo | Image courtesy of Brisbane Racing Club
“We've been encouraged by positive discussions with Racing Minister Tim Mander and the Queensland Government. Unfortunately, this is a problem that has been inherited by the new Government, but they understand what's at stake. This isn't just about a grandstand in Brisbane, it's about investing in infrastructure befitting of the headquarters of racing in the state. It is also an investment in a racetrack that ultimately keeps the entire Queensland racing industry running.”
The club is looking at government to assist in funding a $150 million project to refurbish the existing Paddock Stand and Members Stand, and provide temporary infrastructure after the John Power Stand closure. A new stand is budgeted to be built by 2029/30. “Eagle Farm and Doomben are the economic engine room of Queensland racing.
“They are the primary drivers of an industry which a recent Racing Queensland report says delivers more than $2.5 billion in economic benefit to the state. If we lose momentum here, we put that at jeopardy and lose the capacity to fund prize money and support country and regional clubs.”
O’Rourke joins Magic Millions
Magic Millions announced on Thursday that Godolphin Flying Start graduate Annie O’Rourke will join their organisation in the role of Marketing/Bloodstock Sales Consultant. “We are thrilled to welcome Annie O'Rourke as a permanent member of our team,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
Annie O'Rourke | Image courtesy of Godolphin
“Annie made a great impression on us during an internship on the Gold Coast as part of her Godolphin Flying Start adventure and we look forward to adding another dimension to our wonderful team. A key focus of Annie's role will involve growing participation and investment from Europe and the Middle East regions at our sales, as well as being an integral part of the bloodstock sales team here domestically.”
Kepitis says no to Crown Lodge rumours
Debbie Kepitis will not be buying Crown Lodge from Godolphin, contrary to rumours that she would purchase the property built by her father Bob Ingham and his brother Jack in 1988. They sold the stables to Godolphin in 2007. “I've had a few phone calls about this but I can tell you it's not true. This is not something we are going to do,” Kepitis told News Corp.
Godolphin Australia CEO Andy Makiv said, “There has been plenty of interest in those (three training) properties. We will work out in time how to deal with them. They are great assets and there is interest from those parties looking to purchase or lease them. These are decisions we are still working through.”
Melbourne Cup goals after Brisbane Cup
If Kylie and Corey Geran-trained Nikau Spur (NZ) (Proisir) can win Saturday’s G2 Brisbane Cup, he’ll be aimed at this spring’s G1 Melbourne Cup. “I was very happy with his run (third last start), but it was a very heavy track and I'd prefer to see him on top of the ground,” co-trainer Corey Geran told racingqueensland.com.au.
Nikau Spur (NZ) | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“He didn’t have the easiest of runs last time and was caught three and four wide while the winner had a much better run that us. If he can win this or races well, he’ll either go for a break or maybe run in the Caloundra Cup before the spring.
“He needs to get his rating up higher to go to Melbourne and if he does his rating will be up in the 100’s. If he shows he can run two miles then we’d love to get into the Melbourne Cup or possibly the Geelong Cup.”
Nose roll improves Crocodile
James Cummings has applied the nose-roll to 2-year-old colt Crocodile (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) ahead of Saturday’s run at Rosehill. “Eight weeks ago he was really testing the patience at trackwork and he’s bit by bit got better and better,” Cummings told racingnsw.com.au.
“We discussed different ways to get the horse to use himself better than he was. We tried a few things, things he liked and things he didn’t like, but that nose roll sits on nicely. One day he might not need it but we’re comfortable to keep him in the routine of using it and we’re pretty pleased that he’s trained on nicely.”
McMurray has first stakes chance
Exciting apprentice jockey Jace McMurray has a live chance to win his first stakes race in Sydney on Saturday. He rides Shahzad (Fr) (Dariyan {Fr}) for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald in the Listed Winter Cup. “He wants to make a future for himself,” Jace’s grandfather and former apprentice jockey Mick McMurray told racingqueensland.com.au.
Jace McMurray | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“If you want to be the best, you need to ride against the best and that is what he is doing. He has got that determination; he wants to beat the best and I know that. Riding against the best riders, they will soon show him the way down there in Sydney as there is no making shortcuts down there.
“I am very proud of him and what he has achieved. Hopefully he can continue to have some luck and the sky is the limit for him. The harder you work, the luckier you will get.”
Fight MND colours salute at Sale
The Fight MND colours were carried to victory at Sale on Thursday on Peter Gelagotis-trained House Of Lords (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}). “I've lost an ex-soccer coach to this disease. I've seen intimately what it does and it's horrific,” Gelagotis said post-race.
“To be part of a cause that the Daniher family, and in particular Neil himself, have made recognised Australia-wide, what a big thrill to win in these colours today. I should reach out to Southside and Racing Victoria, for supporting us and allowing us to use the colours. The support of the club, it's a big thing, it's not just us, it's everyone involved.
“Getting behind Neale, and his family, and the hard work he does, you can't even put it into words.” Racing Victoria and Southside Racing will donate $2000 to the charity.
Ridden by Ben Allen, House Of Lords was part of a treble for the jockey who also won on Bossy Star (Street Boss {USA}) and 3-year-old filly Chaussette (Churchill {Ire}).
Imagine if I had a name like Jimmy Recard
Named after Australian hip hop artist Drapht’s song Jimmy Recard, the 2-year-old colt by I Am Invincible, trained by Ciaron Maher won at his second start at Gosford on Thursday. As the lyrics say, “Imagine if I had a name like Jimmy Recard.”
Jimmy Recard as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Mid-field on debut in the Listed Debutant Stakes back in October, Jimmy Recard was purchased by Bennett Racing and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $350,000 from Yarraman Park Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. He is the third foal and second winner for Aquamosa (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) who was Group 3-placed.
“It’s like everything he touches turns to gold … Jimmy Recard! Raise your glass for the king of the bar.”
The Volta wins at Sale
John Moloney-trained 2-year-old filly The Volta (Tassort) won on debut at Sale on Thursday. She was purchased by her trainer for $100,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Miranda Park. Her dam, Vienna Waltz (Snitzel) has five winners from as many runners and was a city winner herself.
Snitzel, who died on Wednesday, is the damsire of 719 winners and 46 stakes winners, with six of those winning Group 1 races.
So You Think’s day out in NSW
So You Think (NZ) sired a double-double at the two NSW meetings on Thursday.
At Ballina, his double was with 3-year-old filly Simply Amazing who has won her last two in succession, and 5-year-old gelding Monastery. At Gosford, his double was with 3-year-old gelding So You Ready and 3-year-old filly Covert Thinking. Covert Thinking took her record to two wins from four starts.
Dundeel (NZ) sired a double at Sale with Tishman and Seindeel (NZ), while jockey Ashley Butler rode a treble at Townsville.
Brown’s big move to the city
Trainer Josh Brown has been based in Esperance for a decade and is moving to Perth over the winter, with stables at Ascot. “It’s always been in the back of my mind to come to Perth with my partner, Chelsea Forder, and do something different,” Brown told racingwa.com.au.
“It’s been a long-winded plan for about two years, looking at properties, housing and what not. I’ve got 18 boxes and two stables at Ascot, a block of 12 and a block of six. It’s now or never sort of thing, if we don’t do it at this age, we’re not going to do it when we’re fifty. It’s another challenge to be honest and I feel as though I’ve gone as far as I can go at Esperance. The isolation as well, you can only go so far training and development in that regard.”
Josh Brown | Image courtesy of Racing WA
Brown has been investing in bloodstock ahead of the move too. “We’ve really concentrated on buying some babies. We have been committed in that regard. I bought six at the sales this year at the Magic Millions and bought one in Adelaide.
“We are sticking our neck out and obviously understand we need juvenile horses and they’re the only way we are going to get some good ones, rather than trying tried horses all our lives. I’ve never trained 2-year-olds or early 3-year-olds because of where we are.
“That’s a new challenge and I’m looking forward to that, getting a clean slate on horses. Generally, as soon as a horse walks into our stable it’s what’s wrong with them, why have they been sent to us. It’s a nice feeling to go to untouched babies to see what we can make of them.”
Time Test filly set for Listed run
Trainer Kurtis Pertab will set 2-year-old filly Luminance (NZ) (Time Test {GB}) for black type after she won against the older horses during the week. “She’ll go to the Ryder Stakes, the Castletown will come up a bit too soon for her,” Pertab told Loveracing.nz.
A homebred, Luminance has been a busy juvenile, running ten times for a win and two placings.
Twelve chances to close the gap for Hayes
Trainer David Hayes has 12 runners heading to Sha Tin on Sunday in an attempt to close the eight-win gap to Trainer’s Premiership leader John Size. “I need to be training more winners than John (Size) at the next few meetings to have a sneak of a chance,” said Hayes.
“It’s highly unlikely but I haven’t given up, for all that I’m a realist. If he equals me or worse on Saturday, I’ll hoist the white flag.” There are nine meetings to go in Hong Kong this season.
David Hayes | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Hong Lok Golf has Group 1 aims
Trainer Chris So will look at a Group 1 campaign for 4-year-old gelding Hong Lok Golf (Grunt {NZ}) next season after he won impressively at Happy Valley on Wednesday night to take his record to six wins from seven starts. “I was worried about coming to Happy Valley for the first time, but I thought the horse could be flexible – he can lead, sit off the pace or come from behind - so it was worth the try,” So told scmp.com.
“Every time he gives you a surprise - he’s such a tough horse and never gives up, he always hits the line strongly. I hope he can be a Group 1 horse in time. I don’t think we’ll go for the Group 3 (Premier Plate) next week, there is a Class One mile race on July 13 at Sha Tin that we can maybe look at, but we’ll see how he pulls up and what the owner thinks.”
Three additions to Goffs London Sale
The catalogue for the Goffs London Sale, held in association with Fitzwilliam Sports and Privat 3 Money on June 16, has grown to 27 lots after late additions, which include Ali Shuffle (GB) (A’Ali {Ire}), Bone Marra (Ire) (Starman {GB}) and Green Storm (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}).
Lily Agnes Stakes winner Ali Shuffle is one of 18 lots set to be sold with engagements at Royal Ascot which begins the day after the sale on Tuesday, June 17. Trained by Karl Burke and unbeaten in three starts, the daughter of A'Ali is set for the G2 Queen Mary Stakes.
Joining her are Wolverhampton debut winner Bone Marra. He is pointing to either the G2 Coventry Stakes or the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes. Charlie Johnston sends Green Storm to the sale off a seventh-place finish in last Saturday's G1 Derby. He was Group 1-placed as a juvenile.
Jockeys’ conference to be held in December in Hong Kong
The International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) will take place in Hong Kong on December 11 and 12.
The conference, which is being organised by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee (JHWC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and is proudly supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), will take place between the International Jockeys' Championship (IJC) and the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
“Jockey health, safety and welfare are all non-negotiable aspects of our sport,” said JHWC chair Darragh O'Loughlin. “This year's conference will take a deep dive into a wide range of topics that play a crucial role in improving the lives of jockeys, while also facilitating meaningful networking opportunities between attendees from around the world.”
The 2025 conference, themed Performance Medicine in Racing – Developing and Protecting the Jockey, will take an applied, evidence-based approach featuring impactful presentations followed by dynamic panel discussions with leading experts in the field.
