Cambridge Stud to sell all yearlings at Karaka
Cambridge Stud announced on Friday that they will only sell their next yearling crop through the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale of 2026. “With the 100 year milestone of the sales in New Zealand, it is fitting that Cambridge Stud give their full support to Karaka 2026,” Sir Brendan Lindsay said.
“We will be selling all of our yearlings at Karaka this season, which gives buyers clarity about where they need to be to source our stock. Sir Peter and the Vela family have done an incredible amount for the industry for many years, and it is important to acknowledge and support their ongoing investment in the industry here.”
Stratosphere fee set
Grenville Stud announced that their resident sire Stratosphere would stand in 2025 for a fee of $5500 including GST. “Stratosphere is a potent sire of precocious early runners and if you are looking for a proven sire that will get you a 2-year-old then look no further. With just 3 crops of racing age Stratosphere has had just 70 runners for 5 stakes performed horses,” said the press release.
“Stratosphere has produced Singapore 2-Year-Old of the Year Greatham Boy in his first crop and and the unbeaten stakes winning 2-year-old this year in Sanniya. Stratosphere stamps his progeny leaving outstanding types with great temperaments enabling them to get up and run early and is an easy choice if you want to find yourself in the winners circle.”
Stratosphere | Standing at Grenville Stud
Stratosphere is a son of Snitzel and his filly Sanniya is unbeaten in two starts this season, winning the Magic Millions Tasmania 2YO Classic and Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes.
Moroney’s belief in Coeur Volante
The late Mike Moroney believed Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir) was capable of winning a Group 1 and new trainers Lindsay Park will give the mare a strong chance in Saturday’s G1 Tattersall’s Tiara. “We are very happy with how she's progressed out of her first-up run,” Will Hayes told racingqueensland.com.au.
“We were seven weeks between runs, not by design, just with the floods and the weather up there, we couldn't get a run into her. But she has tightened up nicely and we expect her to run a forward race.”
Snowden’s Tashi due a change of luck
Trainer Peter Snowden’s Tashi (Sebring) has gone close in all her last three runs. “She's been unlucky all right. She's been racing really well but three times she's been beaten by a short half-head. It's been horrendous. She has been up for a really long time but I can't see any signs in her that she's had enough or she's tired,” Snowden told racenet.com.au.
Tashi | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“Her work has been great during the week and she looks in good order so hopefully there's one more peak performance in her. I'd love to see her win the Tatt's Tiara, that'd be fantastic.”
Gold Coast unveils Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct
The Gold Coast Turf Club, in partnership with Aquis Australia, has announced a $1 billion construction project to compliment their facilities. The Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct, which will cover two hectares beside the track, will introduce new residential, short-stay, wellness and entertainment infrastructure, helping to create a sustainable, year-round destination centred around racing.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Gold Coast,” said Steve Lines, CEO of the Gold Coast Turf Club.
“We’ve taken a careful, considered approach from day one, and the outcome reflects that. This has never been about moving fast. It’s about doing it properly, and with the community beside us. To have that support, and the backing of Gold Coast City Council and the State Government, gives us the confidence to now take the next step.”
The project was given council approval in August 2024 and will be run by John Fung, son of Aquis founder Mr Tony Fung. “We’re incredibly proud to be part of such a transformative vision,” said Mr Fung.
“Sunlight will be more than a precinct; it’s a chance to create a lasting destination that captures the spirit of the Gold Coast. Our team is energised and working closely with the Turf Club to take the project to market.”
Group 1 path for juvenile colt
Trainer Philip Stokes hopes his 2-year-old colt Matahga (NZ) (Tivaci) can follow in the footsteps of the last two Listed Oaklands Plate winners Femminile (Dundeel {NZ}) and Coco Sun (The Autumn Sun) who went on to win Group 1 races at three. The last start winner runs in Saturday’s Oaklands Plate. “To be honest, I think he's shown more than Femminile, obviously Femminile improved a heap, so he's going to have to do the same,” assistant trainer Tommy Stokes told racenet.com.au of Femminile’s stable mate.
“He'll look at a similar path, he's got stayer written all over him, he settles so well in his trackwork and his races, he's going to eat up a bigger trip for sure. He improved again second-up, we reckon 1400 metres is going to be perfect, the Parks track is probably not going to be to his liking, but the distance definitely will be.
Matahga (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“He's come through it (last start) really well, I think he's improved again, he'll run a real good race if he's not too far off them as they straighten up. He's one of our nicer 2-year-olds, and he's not just a 2-year-old, he's got scope, that's what is most exciting about him.”
General Salute ready for Group 3
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained General Salute (Russian Revolution) missed the G1 Stradbroke with a minor foot injury and is healed and ready for Saturday’s G3 WJ Healy Stakes. “He struck a front joint coming off the track the day before the Hall Mark, so we had to back-off with him,” co-trainer Ryan told racingqueensland.com.au.
“We were hoping to get him into the Stradbroke, but he didn’t have enough prizemoney, so he had to win the Hall Mark and probably one other to qualify. In the end we gave up the Stradbroke plan and aimed for the Healy Stakes.
“He’s always shown good ability, but he’s had a foot problem most of his life. He had surgery on it when he was a foal which is why he never went through a sale. We’ve always had a lot of trouble with his feet. He had a quarter crack as a younger horse, so we had it cut out and gave him a long time off to recover.”
Beriman to honour father on Saturday
Jockey Nikita Beriman hopes she can ride a winner at Eagle Farm on Saturday in honour of her father Dennis who died this week due to illness. “His ringtone for the past nine years has been Break Free, so I think that one will be a very special ride for me and (it will) definitely be amazing if she won,” Beriman told racing.com of Matthew Hoysted-trained 3-year-old filly Break Free (Capitalist).
“He's been sick for a while, but he's lived with me for the past four years, so it's definitely having an effect.” Nikita’s sister Jackie is a jockey in Victoria.
Nikita Beriman | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Dark Destroyer has another crack
Trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley will back up Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir) in the G3 Tattersall’s Cup on Saturday. “I thought his Ipswich run was a bit better than it might look on paper. He jumped okay, but then got squeezed back through the field and ended up a lot further back than we were anticipating,” Darryn Weatherley told Loveracing.nz.
“You can only follow the horse that you’re following, and unfortunately the horse in front of him stopped at the corner. It’s a tight track at Ipswich with quite a sharp turn into the straight. He was stopped in his tracks when that horse came back into his lap. He’s not a sit-sprint type of horse, he needs to be up and rolling. He actually ran through the line pretty well, but he’d lost his chance at the turn.
“We’re training him on the track there at Eagle Farm, and he’s pleased us with how he’s come through last weekend. This race presented itself, right on his doorstep and over 2400 metres. We thought it was well worth giving him a shot. The track’s a Soft 6 at the moment, which is probably okay for him. His first run over here, the ground was just too testing. He’s got that bit more race fitness under his belt now.”
First winner for Levendi
First season sire and G1 Australian Derby winner Levendi sired his first winner on Friday at South Australia’s Bordertown meeting with 2-year-old gelding Tempt The Gods who was having his third start for trainer Patrick Kearney. Sold by Broadmarsh Stud for $5000 at the Magic Millions Tasmania Yearling Sale to CJG Racing and Patrick Kearney, Tempt The Gods is the only foal of Hidden Charm (Reset) who won twice in her racing career.
Pierata’s Bang Stick makes it three
Consistent juvenile gelding Bang Stick (Pierata) won his third race on Friday at Mackay from six career starts which also includes two third placings and has earnings over $67,000. He is trained by Tom Button, and was a $10,000 purchase from Amarina Farm’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft.
He is the second foal of Cabin Fever (Sidereus) who is a half-sister to stakes-placed Euro Belle (Eurozone).
Pariah double at Tamworth
Juvenile filly Song For Rosie (Pariah) led a double for her sire at Tamworth on Friday. Trained by Tracey Bartley, Song For Rosie won by 1.76l. The daughter of Turbo Rose (Strategic) was having her third start, and she’s a half-sister to Listed winner In Good Time (Time Thief). Pariah’s other winner was 3-year-old gelding Spandex who was the third leg of a treble for jockey Aaron Bullock.
Rich Enuff double at Ballarat
At Ballarat, 2-year-old gelding Sideline (Rich Enuff) won on debut and secured a double for his sire along with Claymore Mine. Sideline is the first foal of Cheer Squad (Pride Of Dubai).
Rich Enuff is the sire of nine stakes winners, and he also sired a winner at Warracknabeal on Friday with 3-year-old gelding Fox Man who was the first leg of a treble for jockey Jack Hill. Rich Enuff also had a winner at Carnavon with Incandescent Lady where Playing God sired a double with 3-year-old filly Kunapipi and Who’s Your Mama.
Damian Lane headlines WA Racing Hall Of Fame inductees
Jockey Damian Lane, thoroughbred trainer Reg Treffone, champion stallion and 1971 Caulfield Guineas winner Beau Sovereign (NZ) and renowned Chairman of Stewards Jack Marks will be inducted into the WA Racing Hall Of Fame at a ceremony on August 23. “This year’s inductees have each achieved great success in their fields and reflect the qualities that make our racing industry special – talent, commitment and integrity,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards told racingwa.com.au.
“Their impact reaches far beyond the racetrack and they have continued to build on what is a rich history of horseracing in our State.”
Damian Lane | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
1000 wins for Billy Egan
Jockey Billy Egan celebrated 1000 wins in the saddle on Thursday aboard 2-year-old filly Teine Aulelei (Tagaloa) at Bendigo. “There would have been a period in my 20s where you wouldn't have even joked about me riding 1000 winners or riding a couple of Group 1 winners. I finally got my act together and stopped being a rascal and got going a bit,” Egan told racing.com on Friday.
“I've had a couple that obviously were satisfying like the Group 1s, they meant a lot. I don't think my riding has changed much over the past 15 years, I'm just making the most of what opportunities I get.” He rides Coco Sun (The Autumn Sun) in Saturday’s G1 Tatt’s Tiara.
Martin’s filly set for Rosehill
Syndicator Denise Martin recalls some advice given to her by legendary trainer TJ Smith. “TJ was a great mentor of mine and on day one or day two, he said to me there is only one thing you need to remember and that is: ‘Tell the people for a fraction of the cost you can have 100 per cent of the thrill',” Martin told racenet.com.au.
Star Thoroughbreds have Chris Waller-trained Vanessi (Too Darn Hot {GB}) running at Rosehill on Saturday. “Vanessi is a really nice filly and she ran well first-up. We hope she's in for a good campaign.”
Besanko to retire, daughter to take over
Trainer Ray Besanko is planning his retirement with daughter Kasey set to take over the stables. On Saturday, 3-year-old filly Illyivy (Flying Artie), bred by Kasey, will run at Caulfield.
“Anything (Illyivy) has done I give her (Kasey) all the credit. If she had her licence, which hopefully she'll get soon, Illyivy could be in her name,” Besanko told racenet.com.au.
“We're only small, we do 10 or 12 horses now, we don't do any more than that. It will be up to her if she wants to get bigger, I'm 72 now … I'm at the other end of it. I'm more or less finished, but she does a good job. She gets up and does most of the work.
Kasey and Ray Besanko | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“I didn't want either of my kids to do it, to tell you the truth, because it's too hard a caper. My son went the right way, he's a builder … Kasey always showed horses and ridden horses, she came to me one day and I said, ‘I want to do this'. I said ‘I don't really want you to' and she said ‘I'll go and work for somebody else'. Hopefully in the new season she'll have her licence and 90 per cent of these horses will be in her name. I'll still help her, but I want to take a bit of a backward step … I've been doing this for 52 years.”
Pike pair go head to head on Saturday
Trainer Tony Pike’s juvenile pair of Boombox (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) and Ashoka (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) will run against each other on Saturday. “Ashoka was good at Ellerslie, he just kept drifting out to the middle of the track. There’s obviously natural improvement off a debut run and he has drawn well again with the ace and a very similar trip, so he could easily turn the tables,” Pike told Loveracing.nz.
“Boombox has trained on very well and will plant himself up on speed again, so they are both going to be two very nice chances for us. I haven’t had to do a lot with them and was more than happy with the way they worked on Tuesday.”
Wundbar to extend Size’s lead
With a nine-race buffer in the Hong Kong trainer’s premiership, John Size hopes Wunderbar (Rich Enuff) can win on Sunday to extend his lead as he heads towards a record 13th title. Wunderbar is coming off a four-month break. “He seems fine, he’s in pretty good shape. He’s done well after the race. He looks in good order,” Size told scmp.com.
Wunderbar | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“I think coming back in distance for this particular race, it looks extremely competitive and there are quite a few horses there that are suited by the straight 1000 metres. He’ll run well but it’s a good competition. He can handle the straight 1000 metres all right. He ran second this season there. It was a good run. He runs in a straight line pretty well.”
Wootton Bassett colt added to Arqana
G3 German Derby Trial winner Juwelier (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) has been added as a wildcard for the Arqana Summer Sale. A graduate from last year's breeze-up sale at Arqana, the Alessandro and Giuseppe Botti-trained colt has confirmed himself a classy performer this season.
Oisin Murphy charged with drink driving
Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to cooperate with a roadside test, following his involvement in a serious road traffic collision which took place in Hermitage, West Berkshire back in April this year.
A statement released by Thames Valley Police on Thursday said, “Last Thursday (19/6) Oisin Murphy, aged 29 of Beales Farm Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, was charged by postal requisition with one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and one count of failing to cooperate with a preliminary test at the roadside.
“The charge is in connection with a single vehicle road traffic collision around 12.05am on Sunday 27 April this year when a grey Mercedes A Class left the road and crashed into a tree. Murphy is due to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on 3 July. It is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media as this is a live investigation.”
On Thursday, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the following statement, “The BHA is aware of an update issued by Thames Valley Police this afternoon regarding Mr Oisin Murphy. We are now seeking to gather as much information as possible in order to consider what, if any, implications there are as a result of this development.”
Hunt’s emotional interview
BBC racing commentator John Hunt has vowed to treat life as “a gift” in his first interview since his wife and two of his daughters were murdered in a crossbow and knife attack at their family home.
Kyle Clifford, 26, killed his ex-partner Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah Hunt, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61, on July 9 last year. Clifford was sentenced to a whole-life order at Cambridge Crown Court in March after pleading guilty to the murders, while he was later convicted of raping Louise in a “violent, sexual act of spite”. Hannah was able to message her boyfriend and call 999 in the moments before she died in the attack, telling them what had happened and who was responsible.
“Police officers of 30 years' experience had their breath taken away by how brave she was, how she was able to think so clearly in that moment, to know what she needed to do,” Hunt told BBC News.
Asked if his daughter's actions had saved his life, he said, “That's what I believe. I said it in court and I said many, many times, her doing that has given me life. And I've used that to re-ground myself on a daily basis. I get to live. Hannah gave me that and I've got to treat it as a gift from her.
“When it happened, I thought, 'How on earth am I ever going to be able to care about anything ever again?' It's fine to sit with that thought in the wreckage of what was our personal disaster. But you come to realise that, with a little bit of work, you can find some light again.”
Dubois private sale via Auctav
Leading owner-breeder Jean-Pierre Dubois will offer more than 100 horses through the ring at the Auctav on Wednesday, August 13. This sale will include foals, broodmares, yearlings and horses-in-training over both codes.
“This is a landmark event,” Arnaud Angéliaume, director of Auctav said. “We are honoured to host Jean-Pierre Dubois' private sale. His life is an extraordinary human and professional journey. He has shaped racing genetics in France and worldwide, across both thoroughbred and trotter breeding. His influence is truly unique.”
Arnaud Angéliaume | Image courtesy of Auctav
Dubois is without doubt one of the most influential figures in the history of racehorse breeding in France. Originally renowned for his work with trotters, he successfully applied his long-term vision and bold genetic instincts to the Thoroughbred, excelling in both Flat and National Hunt racing across continents.
Great British Bonus hits milestone
Great British Bonus (GBB) payouts to breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff across the country have surpassed £20 million (AU$42 million), from nearly 1,500 individual bonuses. The GBB scheme was launched in 2020, with majority funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), designed to create value and increase demand for British-bred fillies.
In 2022, the number of annual individual British-bred fillies running exceeded pre-Covid levels, while GBB-registered fillies sold for an average of £30,000 (AU$63,000) more than their non-registered counterparts in 2024.
Alan Delmonte, chief executive of the HBLB, added, “HBLB is proud to have provided the GBB scheme with funding since inception and has been impressed by the scheme's impact to date. This year, HBLB provided an extra £1.1 million to extend the scheme to give targeted support for middle-distance and staying Flat fillies and for steeplechasing mares. This demonstrates HBLB's commitment to support British Breeding and provide incentives for the racing of fillies and mares.”
