Racing Australia implement a foal declaration crackdown

5 min read
An enforcement policy from Racing Australia has lit a fuse under breeders across the country - foals whose ownership declarations aren’t lodged within 60 days of birth will be ruled ineligible to race. With one in six 2024-born foals already missing the 30-day deadline, the implications are serious: loss of racing rights, jeopardised yearling sale value, and a ripple effect on breeder livelihoods.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

A crackdown on the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process by Racing Australia could have significant consequences for breeders, with those who fail to lodge declarations on time risking their foal's eligibility, and consequently a portion of the foal crop could be ruled ineligible to race in Australia.

What the rules really mean

A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time, cannot race those foals in Australia under rules AR285, AR286 and AR287.

Under this proposed change, they will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions' racing rules.

Foals not registered with Racing Australia within 60 days of birth will be flagged as ineligible to race. While late declarations will still be processed, they now carry significant consequences.

The Racing Australia statement explains that, from August 1, 2024, Racing Australia introduced a process that required owners to provide a reason for lodging a late FOD via an online survey. Based on the results of this survey and feedback from the State Breeder Association, changes have been made.

The details

As outlined by Racing Australia, from 1 August 2025:

FODs that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140.

FODs that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted, but a late fee of $360 will be charged. This late fee replaces the current late fee of $125 if lodged after 30 days, and $200 if lodged in the following season.

FODs that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race.

Foal | Image courtesy of Sportpix

Further expanding, if a FOD has not been declared within the 60-day time frame, an email will be sent with an option to appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation.

A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which an independent third party will hear. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged.

Racing eligibility at risk

Of the 11,666 foals born in Australia in 2024, around one in six had not had their mandatory ownership and location declarations submitted to the Stud Book within the required 30-day timeframe.

Racing Australia recognises that ineligibility to register and race your horse in Australia is a serious consequence for owners failing to comply with their lodgement obligations. They have also clarified that anyone selling an unregistered foal must inform prospective buyers whether the required declarations have been submitted in accordance with the rules.

Foals playing | Image courtesy of Sportpix

Similarly, potential purchasers should do their due diligence and make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to be registered to race.

Eligibility to race in Australia could have a dramatic effect on yearling sale prices for a portion of the industry should breeders not be diligent in their paperwork processes.

TBA respond

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) quickly denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing.

TBA President Basil Nolan is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details.

Basil Nolan | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Nolan has stated through the TBA press release, “We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders.

“Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns.

“Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.

“We implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.” - Basil Nolan

“Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.”

If it's the system that is the issue and not the actual process, could resources be better spent attempting to improve the existing system, or reaching a compromise that will not penalise so many breeders?

Racing Australia
Foal Ownership Declaration
FOD
TBA
Basil Nolan
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia

Eales on Shockletz, Shocking, and the syndication story

9 min read
Shockletz delivered a special thrill for Eales Racing at Flemington on Saturday, winning the $200,000 Mahogany Challenge Final in the same colours as her Melbourne Cup-winning sire, Shocking. The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Eales to hear the story behind Shockletz, what it’s like to breed and race the progeny of a Cup hero, and how the Eales Racing Syndications operation is tracking today.

Cover image courtesy of Bruno Cannatelli

The Ciaron Maher-trained Shockletz (NZ) (Shocking) capped off a strong autumn campaign with a determined victory in the $200,000 Mahogany Challenge Final for 3-year-olds over 2500 metres at Flemington last Saturday.

Carrying the familiar Eales Racing colours, also worn by her Melbourne Cup-winning sire Shocking, the filly delivered a special win for Eales Racing and his fellow connections. She had to overcome a wide run and a slow tempo, but jockey Harry Coffey timed his challenge perfectly, and Shockletz surged late to score in impressive staying fashion.

Laurence Eales winning the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup | Image courtesy of Eales Racing

“I was a bit worried there for a while, but she got herself out of a tricky spot,” Eales said.

“She was well back, there was no temp, and she had to come wide, but she found a way. We are hoping that she’s a promising stayer of the future, and she has given us every hope that she may well be.”

“We are hoping that she’s (Shockletz {NZ}) a promising stayer of the future, and she has given us every hope that she may well be.” - Laurence Eales

The victory was the result of a patient approach after the filly took longer than expected to come to hand this prep.

“It was a great finals series, and we picked up a lot of prizemoney,” Eales said. “We did have some thoughts on going to one of the Oaks, but it took her a while to get to full fitness, it probably took an extra four weeks than what we thought, so that put us on the back foot in terms of an Oaks preparation, so we went the winter series path.

“She seems to love Flemington, as did her sire. She is also very tough. Harry Coffey said after her win that she had no right to win from where she was and the way the race was run. She should have given up, but she finds a way.”

Now headed for a short spell, Shockletz will return in the back end of the spring, with no major plans locked in.

“She’ll now have a break for three weeks. She does well in the paddock, and it takes a bit to get her back to full fitness, so she will be ready at the back of spring,” Eales said.

“We have no real plan of where, we will work that out as we go. We are wary that it can be tough for a 4-year-old stepping up in grade. We do think she has a lot of maturing to do, so we will see how it goes and give her more time if needed.”

“We do think she has a lot of maturing to do, so we will see how it goes and give her more time if needed.” - Laurence Eales

She's an exciting mare for the boutique operation.

“We are pretty small, I only buy between two and four yearlings a year,” Eales said.

“So we don’t need much buy-in. We have a good handful of loyal clients, and that keeps us relatively unexposed.

“I like the spot we are in at the moment. We’ve had good success, and Flemington has been a particularly good track to us. In recent times, aside from Shockletz, we’ve had Benedetta, Horrifying, and Midtown Boss.

“We are what I would say a boutique business, and have a small family-like group of owners. I do mainly buy them, but I do breed the odd one like Shockletz, so I guess it’s a bit of a mixture.

“We are what I would say a boutique business, and have a small family-like group of owners.” - Laurence Eales

“I do always look to keep a majority share, so I’m in with my clients from the start. I think that gives buyers a bit of confidence knowing that I’m always in and there for the whole ride whether it goes well or not.”

A family connection and proven cross

Eales bred Shockletz and races her with a loyal group of clients. He purchased her dam Zelt (Red Ransom {USA}) in 2018 with the specific intention of mating her with Shocking, who stands at Rich Hill Stud in New Zealand.

Eales became further invested into the family, when having purchased Zelt, he also purchased a Shocking colt out of Zelt as a yearling for NZ$70,000 from the Rich Hill draft at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. Later named Horrifying (NZ) (Shocking), he became a very handy galloper in his own right, as well as increasing the record and value of his dam, who Eales had purchased.

Horrifying went on to become a durable and successful galloper for the team, winning seven races from 1500 to 2800 metres, and placing in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes as a 3-year-old. He ended his career with over $715,000 in prizemoney.

Horrifying (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

“Horrifying retired as of last week. One of his owners has taken him on, so that’s great,” Eales said.

“A lot of the owners in Horrifying bought shares in the Shockletz syndicate, so it’s been great to carry on with them with the full sister.

“He wasn’t a foundation horse, far from it, but it feels like Horrifying has rejuvenated everything and kept the owners reinvesting. It’s been a great ride with him, and now it continues on to Shockletz.

“The old girl (Zelt) was a great producer. She did a great job for us.”

“He (Horrifying ) wasn’t a foundation horse, but it feels like Horrifying has rejuvenated everything and kept the owners reinvesting. It’s been a great ride with him, and now it continues on to Shockletz.” - Laurence Eales

A special relationship with Shocking

Eales has been fortunate to race some exceptional horses, including two sons of Street Cry (Ire) in Whobegotyou and Shocking.

Whobegotyou was a two-time Group 1 winner, and six-time Group 2 winner and collected $3.26 million in prizemoney, while Shocking added Group 1 wins in the Melbourne Cup and Australian Cup and earned just under $5 million.

The fact that Shocking went to stud and has been successful, has made it even more meaningful for Eales.

“Shocking can sire a great staying type. He has been very special to me, and it is special to race any of his progeny, so the success of Horrifying, Vegas Jewel, and Shockletz has been very exciting and rewarding for myself.

Shocking | Standing at Rich Hill Stud

“For the number of mares he gets, and the quality he sometimes serves, he does a great job, horses like I’m Thunderstruck, Fanatic, Hezashocka, Here To Shock, and El Vencedor in recent times.

“He can produce a nice horse. He is a Zabeel-type stallion in terms of his progeny enjoy a bit of time and distance.

“He can produce a nice horse. He is a Zabeel-type stallion in terms of his progeny enjoy a bit of time and distance.” - Laurence Eales

“Shocking had that bit of class. He was a Makybe Diva Stakes winner over a mile, a Melbourne Cup winner over 3200 metres, and he won a maiden race over 1300 metres. He was very versatile, and he has left that with his progeny.”

At a service fee of NZ$10,000, Shocking has produced 226 winners and 25 stakes winners, a healthy 6.2 per cent stakes winners-to-runners ratio. Like himself, many of his progeny are very versatile.

El Vencedor (NZ) has Group 1 wins at both 1600 and 2000 metres, while Fanatic (NZ) won the G1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) was a dual G1 winner at a mile, and Here To Shock (NZ) has been a Group 1 winner at weight-for-age level in New Zealand over 1400 metres. However, the hallmark of the Shocking breed remains toughness and staying power.

El Vencedor (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

An eye for Roberto

From a relatively small buying base, Eales has found repeated success with runners carrying the Red Ransom (USA) / Roberto (USA) sireline through their dams.

The granddam of Shocking, Macrina Pompea (Ire), is by Don Roberto (USA), a son of Roberto. The dam of Group 1 winning sprinter Benedetta, Whatalovelyday is by Domesday, a son of Red Ransom. Shockletz and her full brother Horrifying are out of Zelt (Red Ransom {USA}), continuing that successful link.

“I have had a lot of success buying progeny that have Red Ransom / Roberto line in the damline, Benedetta, Horrifying, Shockletz, and Shocking himself.

“I have had a lot of success buying progeny that have Red Ransom / Roberto line in the damline, Benedetta, Horrifying, Shockletz, and Shocking himself.” - Laurence Eales

“I think it helps breed that toughness into them. We have had success with it, so I’ve carried on buying horses bred that way through the dam.

“I like a bit of Mr Prospector on the sire side as well when it works, and that’s what Shocking brings to the plate. And we are prepared to wait for our horses to enable them to get to their best.”

When Eales was asked whether carrying on this link, is an example of going back to the well with what has worked for him, he replied “Absolutely, when it works, and you have had success with it, why not keep it going.”

Small but effective

Eales’ syndication journey began in 2007 when he went to the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and picked out Whobegotyou for just $19,000. The gelding went on to win nearly $3.2 million and placed in 21 Group races from 27 career starts, including the 2008 G1 Caulfield Guineas and 2009 G1 Yalumba Stakes.

Later that year, Eales attended the Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses In Training Sale and stretched his budget to secure a colt for $64,000. That colt would become Shocking, winner of the 2009 Melbourne Cup and the 2011 Australian Cup, amassing nearly $5 million in prizemoney.

Despite those early headline-making results, Eales Racing has deliberately remained boutique.

“We are a small company, and I like it that way. We are a boutique operation, and from what I hear around a lot of the other syndicators and buyers is that it is become increasingly difficult to sell shares in horses.

“I am happy with what size we are, and as long as we keep getting results and I can keep my select group of owners happy, then I’m happy.”

Shocking
Laurence Eales
Shockletz
Rich Hill Stud
Horrifying

Job Board

1 min read

On today's Job board:

Senior staff

Paca Paca Farm Japan - Senior Staff

We are recruiting

Paca Paca Farm is an Irish-owned, 700-acre breeding farm in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Our graduates have won Classics in both Japan and Europe.

About the role

Due to expansion, we are currently recruiting senior staff. Prospective candidates will hvae extensive experience with mares, foals, yearlings, and sale presentation. Additionally, they will be expected to liaise with our multi-national team. The ability to speak Japanese is not required.

To reflect the seniority of the roles, we offer an attractive remuneration package, including accommodation and annual flights.

To apply, please contact harry@pacapaca.com

Wednesday Trivia

2 min read

Play the TTR AusNZ trivia game then challenge your mates!

Play TTR Aus NZ Trivia!

Wednesday Trivia

Daily News Wrap

19 min read

Introducing The Inevitable Stakes

Racing Tasmania announced on Tuesday that the Listed Tasmania Stakes would be renamed The Inevitable Stakes to honour The Inevitable (Dundeel {NZ}). “The Inevitable, a $90,000 purchase at the 2017 Adelaide Magic Millions Sales, became a Tasmanian Cult hero from his 48-start career, amassing $2.17m in prize money and winning feature races in three states,” said a press release on tasracing.com.au.

“Trained by Scott Brunton, Tegan Keys and John Keys, “Veggie”, as he was known, was crowned dual Ladbrokes Tasmanian Horse of the Year in 2020 with Mystic Journey and outright in 2023 after arguably the most successful season of his career. The horse tragically passed away following an injury sustained during the running of the 2025 Hellova Street Stakes in Launceston.”

The Inevitable | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

The Inevitable won the Listed Tasmania Stakes twice, in 2023 and 2024. “We greatly appreciate the Tasmanian Stakes being named after Veggie,” managing part-Owner Adam Upton said.

“Looking back on his career, he gave us all so much joy, mainly as being such a small horse with a massive will to win. We took great pride in how everyone felt part of his journey and how racing fans around Australia loved him.” Winner of 18 of his 44 starts and over $2 million, The Inevitable was from Dundeel’s first crop.

“He was a great racehorse and it’s important to honour Tasmania’s best, so we’re really pleased to be a part of this change. The race always attracts some of Tasmania’s best horses, and we already have a great sponsor associated with it, so it’ll be known as the Kevin Sharkie The Inevitable Stakes,” said Tasmanian Racing Club Chairman Andrew Scanlon. The race is scheduled for December 28, 2025 at Hobart.

Racing Victoria sells RSN

Majority owner Racing Victoria have agreed to sell RSN to Sports Entertainment Group, owner of radio station SEN and its digital subsidiaries, for $3.25 million in an agreement that prioritises Victorian coverage on the station. The deal is set to be completed on September 1. RSN was owned 73.25 per cent by Racing Victoria, 18.75 per cent by Harness Racing Victoria and 8 per cent by Greyhound Racing Victoria.

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with SEN who see a strong future for the three codes of racing in Victoria and are investing to help us realise that,” RV CEO Aaron Morrison told racenet.com.au.

Aaron Morrison | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria

“SEN stood out for the VRI as an ongoing commercial partner and appropriate next owner of RSN because of their expertise, capabilities, distribution network and their desire to grow audiences for racing. This long-term agreement preserves the rich heritage of RSN and the audio broadcast of VRI races that RSN listeners value, while providing opportunities for new and innovative content on the station.

“It is essential that the three codes of Victorian racing remain easily accessible and are showcased to people across Victoria and beyond, which RSN will continue to do for years to come. The sale of RSN provides the three codes with an opportunity to redirect our annual operating costs back into our codes to help support core initiatives around prizemoney, infrastructure, integrity and welfare.”

Stuart Boman joins Hong Kong team

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has appointed Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock as the contracted agent in the Northern Hemisphere. He will take over from Michael Kinane, who held the role for six years.

A statement released on Tuesday read, “The HKJC extends its gratitude to Mr Michael Kinane for his six years of service as the contracted agent in the Northern Hemisphere for the HKIS. Mr Kinane's expertise saw the retired champion jockey identify, select and purchase Hong Kong global champion Romantic Warrior, winner of 10 Group 1s across four different jurisdictions and holder of the world record with prizemoney of HK$214.7 million. Romantic Warrior, who was sold at the 2021 HKIS, is the sale's most decorated graduate.”

It added, “The Hong Kong International Sale is an annual event which provides the opportunity for HKJC Permit Holders to purchase high quality horses sourced from the world's premier yearling sales. Apart from reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior, other notable top graduates include Pakistan Star, The Duke, Good Ba Ba, Scintillation and, more recently, Patch Of Theta who have cemented the sale as a trusted source of success.”

The Volta to be tested ahead of spring

Trainer John Moloney will send debutant winning 2-year-old filly The Volta (Tassort) to Caulfield to test her in city company ahead of the spring. “She had shown me promise but, obviously, I wasn't sure what she could deliver in her first race start. I thought she probably exceeded my expectations, the way she went about it. She was quite impressive and did a good job,” Moloney told racing.com.

The Volta | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

“Once I got through that race I just sat down and thought that I'd like to have a look at her again, try another race and see whether she's got something that might show her up in the spring. I'm not saying she has to go early spring, but late spring. We'll give her this run and assess her from there.”

Bryant on song for Wednesday

Trainer Ron Quinton thinks 2-year-old gelding Bryant (Brutal {NZ}) is ready to break through at Canterbury on Wednesday. “His run was very good the other day, he was beaten easily but he beat the others just as easily as the winner beat us,” Quinton told racingnsw.com.au.

Ron Quinton | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

“We thought he’d run well for sure and he did, we have a little bit of an opinion of him. He’s going to keep getting a bit better each time, he’s a nice enough horse. He’s drawn a reasonably good alley, and I wanted to see him draw well because you need to ride him a bit patiently and you don’t want to fire him up. That should work in his favour and he should be sharp enough for 1200 metres. He will get a bit further for sure.”

Brisbourne pair set for Caulfield

Trainer Ben Brisbourne took his season tally to a career best 75 with a double at Wagga on Monday, and he has 3-year-old filly Runlikenencryption (Encryption) and 3-year-old gelding Torn (Toronado {Ire}) likely to run at Caulfield on Saturday. “The whole team has done an amazing job, we've been able to place the horses we've got really well,” Brisbourne told racing.com.a

“To get to 75 for the season after a couple of seasons where we were knocking on the door for 50, I'm really pleased for everyone involved. (Runlikenencryption) seems to have trained on well. We've got her in over a little bit further this weekend, which shouldn't pose a problem and hopefully she gets a good barrier and it's all systems go.

Ben Brisbourne | Image courtesy of Racing Photos

“(Torn) has shown us that he's been finishing races off well enough around that mile mark and it might be worth testing him over a bit further while he's a 3-year-old. He's nominated for the 2000-metre race this Saturday, we're just weighing up whether we go there or whether we go to 1700m with him next week at Flemington.”

McMurray keen to extend Sydney stay

Apprentice jockey Jace McMurray rides at Canterbury on Wednesday, Gosford Thursday and Randwick on Saturday before starting a two week suspension and is keen to stay in Sydney after that. “The loan ends toward the end of the month and if everything stays the same with Michael (Freedman) I’ll have a little freshen up and get back into it,” McMurray told racingnsw.com.au.

Jace McMurray | Image courtesy of Racing Queensland

“I really like it here and I feel like I’ve fit in well with the stable so I’d love to stay. I had a talk with Michael before he went on holiday and hopefully things can pick up again when I come back from suspension. A freshen up going into the new season, as much as I’d love to get momentum over the next few weeks, wouldn’t hurt.”

Cassiel set for Canterbury

Last start winner Cassiel (Harry Angel {Ire}) will run at Canterbury on Wednesday for trainer Peter Snowden and the 4-year-old gelding is finally figuring out how to race. “He just wanted to go too hard and too quick in his races,” Snowden told racenet.com.au.

“He is racing a lot more tractably and it is showing in his performances on race day. He's probably one of the best trackworkers I've ever had but come race day he just wanted to overdo it and was beating himself. Now, he is starting to learn to relax a lot better. He's not perfect but because he's relaxing more, he's able to find more at the end of his races. He will win a lot more races yet if he keeps going the way he is going.”

Maher hoping for first winner

Trainer Declan Maher is hoping 4-year-old mare Perhaps Perhaps (Written Tycoon) can become his first winner as a trainer when she runs at Ipswich on Wednesday. Since gaining his trainer’s licence and moving to the Gold Coast six weeks ago, he’s had three runners. “I worked for (brother) Ciaron at Ballarat for seven years but all-up I worked for him for 15 years. We had 200 horses in work at Ballarat at any one time,” Maher told racingqueensland.com.au.

Declan Maher | Image courtesy of Ciaron Maher Racing

“I always knew it would be steady as she goes to start off with until I get to know the lay of the land. Perhaps Perhaps was also entered for the Maiden over 1350 metres but I thought she was more suited over the mile.”

New winner for Lucky Vega

At Goulburn on Tuesday, first season sire Lucky Vega (Ire) added his sixth Southern Hemisphere winner when Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 2-year-old colt Graphic Sight bolted in by 3.3l over 1100 metres. His first crop in the Northern Hemisphere are 2-year-olds and he has four winners to date there.

Graphic Sight, who ran third on debut back at Christmas time, is a homebred for Yulong, and is a half-brother to Group 2-winning 3-year-old gelding Pocketing (Grunt {NZ}). Their dam unraced Pickpocket (High Chaparral {Ire}) has a weanling colt by Grunt (NZ).

Too Darn Hot debutant wins at Ballarat

Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy unveiled an exciting juvenile on Tuesday at Ballarat when 2-year-old gelding Volkano (Too Darn Hot {GB}) won on debut by 4.5l. Purchased by MyRacehorse, McEvoy Mitchell Racing, and Belmont Bloodstock for $425,000 from Bell River Thoroughbreds Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, Volkano is the first foal of Volks Lightning (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) who has a Snitzel yearling filly and an Extreme Choice weanling filly.

Volks Lightning won eight races including the G3 Arawa Stakes, and was placed in the G1 (New Zealand) Railway Stakes. She is a half-sister to stakes placed New Millennium (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}).

Emotional win for Zocketman at Muswellbrook

Richard and Will Freedman-trained 2-year-old colt Zocketman (Zousain) won on debut at Muswellbrook on Tuesday by 1.8l for jockey Braith Nock. Sold by Widden Stud at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $80,000, he was purchased by Sam Kavanagh Racing and Still Point Equine.

Kavanagh died of throat cancer in December 2024, and the colt was transferred to the Freedman stable having not yet trialled. Zocketman is the fourth winner for Group 3 winner Thurlow (Sebring) who is a full sister to Listed winner Three Kings.

Two in a row for Destiny’s Summit

Juvenile gelding Destiny’s Summit (Gold Standard) made it two in succession with a win at Beaudesert on Tuesday. He took his record to two wins from seven starts for trainer Brian Gentle. Raced by his trainer and partners, he didn’t go through a sale, and he is the first foal of Destiny’s Revolt (Reward For Effort).

So You Think (NZ) sired a double at the meeting with Monastery and Pungo (NZ).

Belardo Boy hoping for a wet spring

Lisa Latta-trained Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) carried top weight to win for the 11th time at Otaki on Tuesday, but he’s unlikely to defend his 2023 G3 Winter Cup crown. “We’d left him in work because it’s just too wet to put him out in the paddock, so we ticked him over quietly and he’s had a good blow today. We’ll put a nom in for the Opunake Cup, then just see how many points they give him and the weight he’ll get there before deciding whether we go or not,” Latta said.

Belardo Boy (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images

“He’s definitely not going south (to the Winter Cup). We’ll be looking at the weight-for-age races, hopefully we’ll get a wet spring and it should be a help that they’re not in Hastings. We might strike a wet track somewhere.”

Belardo (Ire) sired a double at the meeting with Peppery (NZ), while Time Test (GB) also sired a double with Jaeger (NZ) and Testing (NZ).

Bowman on edge of breaking own Hong Kong record

Jockey Hugh Bowman is one win short of equalling his best season in Hong Kong, currently on 68 wins with three meetings to go. “I’m delighted – it’s been a pretty consistent year for me. It’s been a good, consistent flow of winners with the exception of being a little bit quiet through the November-December period and a little bit quiet through June,” Bowman told scmp.com.

Hugh Bowman | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

“It’s been an improvement on last year, but bearing in mind that last year I was injured for a period of time and I did struggle with careless riding suspensions. I’ve had a few this year but it hasn’t been quite to the same extent as last year.

“That’s an area I’d like to improve on again next season. I set a goal to ride 100 winners. I think that might have been a little bit ambitious, actually – I won’t do that again – but I do think I can do better than I’ve done this year.”

Chadwick hopes to close gap on Wednesday

Jockey Matthew Chadwick sits on 34 wins for the season, two behind Tony Cruz Award leader Matthew Poon, and one ahead of Derek Leung. His pick of his Wednesday Happy Valley rides is Bravehearts (Arg) (Cityscape {GB}). “Matthew Poon is not on Bravehearts because he was meant to pick up another ride I think, but that didn’t happen so it’s frustrating for him,” Chadwick told scmp.com.

Matthew Chadwick | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

“But it’s a nice ride to pick up, he’s not drawn very well, like many of my rides so I’ll have to work it out from there. The pace looks to be even so I’ll hope to get a smooth run into it and see what he can do late.

“He’s been racing consistently so the switch in tracks should be fine. I haven’t ridden him before so I’m just going to go in with hopes high and give him the best ride that I can.”

Sackville appointed Juddmonte Head of Sales

Bloodstock agent Ed Sackville has been appointed by Juddmonte in the new position of head of European sales. Sackville, a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start programme and Highclere Stud, will be responsible for commercial aspects of the European business, including overall responsibility for the sale of European stallion nominations, working closely and directly with Juddmonte's nominations manager Shane Horan and the nominations team.

In a press release issued by Juddmonte, it was also confirmed that Sackville will continue to work with clients of SackvilleDonald as an independent breeding adviser. “Juddmonte has a long history of racing top class horses which go on to become world class stallions. Frankel and Kingman are the epitome of this success, which has been carefully nurtured and developed over 40 years. With Frankel's Classic-winning son Chaldean already in the stallion roster and Kingman's Classic-winning son Field Of Gold to follow, Juddmonte's history of standing successful sires looks set to continue,” Sackville said.

“I am hugely excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to working with Shane, his team at Juddmonte, and with breeders throughout Europe.”

Goffs launches GoffsGo

GoffsGo, a new online sales platform that allows vendors to sell when they're ready, has been introduced by Goffs, with the first horses expected to be on the market and selling in the coming week.

In a press release issued by Goffs on Monday, GoffsGo is described as “an easy to use, always on sales facility, that takes the waiting out of selling horses online.” Horses will be available for bidding as soon as they are published on the website, with bidding remaining open for around three to five days before closing.

“Designed to offer a point of difference in the online sale market, GoffsGo allows people to sell when they are ready, so when people ask us, 'When is your next sale?', we can say, 'Now', as we always have a sale in action,” said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby.

Henry Beeby | Image courtesy of Goffs

“We have built this service with flexibility in mind and part of that point of difference that GoffsGo offers is the option of discretion. So for those who wish to utilise all the benefits of selling with Goffs, and all our renowned service and integrity, but want to do so in a controlled, confidential manner, GoffsGo can provide that.

“The other feature we are introducing with GoffsGo is our new preferences tool. So if you login and submit your preferences, the platform will send you an email when a horse that matches your preferences comes to market, so you never miss a horse but equally are not inundated with information irrelevant to you.”

Notable Speech supplemented for G1 July Cup

Last year's 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) heads a list of 16 contenders for Saturday's G1 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup at Newmarket, after being supplemented on Monday at a cost of £36,000 (AU$75,000).

Trained by Charlie Appleby, Notable Speech has raced exclusively over a mile in his 10 career starts to date, with last year's G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood featuring among his other significant victories. Last seen finishing fourth in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, he faces a two-furlong drop in distance, having impressed his connections in a recent piece of work.

Charlie Appleby | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Racing Welfare walk raises funds

Trainers Andrew Balding, Eve Johnson Houghton and Warren Greatrex were among those to take part in Racing Welfare's Castle to Abbey Challenge on Sunday, raising over £100,000 (AU$208,000) in the process.

A total of 80 participants from across the racing industry completed the North Yorkshire coastline walk, from the historic Scarborough Castle to the iconic Whitby Abbey. Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said, “I wanted to say such a heartfelt thank you from Racing Welfare to every single person who has taken part, from the first past the post to the last, for all of the miles they've covered and the fundraising and the promotion they've done.

Racing Welfare's Castle to Abbey Challenge | Image courtesy of Racing Welfare

“It has been probably our biggest challenge event to date, and probably the most money raised from any challenge event we've ever done from individual sponsors, so I can't thank everybody enough. The support has been truly humbling.

“The funds raised will make a real difference to those in our industry facing difficult times, whether that's through mental health support, housing advice or financial assistance.”

Vancouver gelding makes history in USA

There are many reasons that Kelso (USA) is considered one of the best horses of the 20th century, but the ones that stand out are his class, consistency and durability. Back when the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup was still considered one of the most important races on the calendar, Kelso won it five years in a row, from 1960 through 1964. It's considered one of the greatest feats in racing history.

It would seem that accomplishment–winning the same stakes race five years in a row–would be beyond the reach of the modern thoroughbred. How many horses today even last five years? Not many. It's not what horses do anymore.

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey have reported that New Jersey-bred He'spuregold (USA) (Vancouver), a 7-year-old gelding, who is owned and was bred by John Bowers's Roseland Farm Stable, celebrated the holiday weekend in style by winning his fifth straight Irish War Cry Handicap, a grass race restricted to New Jersey breds.

“John stopped by the barn this morning and said you seemed really excited about the race yesterday,” trainer Kelly Breen said. “I said, 'Do you realise what your horse just did? He won the same race five years in a row.' It's unheard of. It's incredible.”

The 2025 Irish War Cry win upped his career earnings to US$687,170 (AU$1.05 million). He's won 10 races, five of them being the Irish War Cry. “We don't plan on running him next year,” Bowers said. “I don't want to see him running in claiming races. By the end of this year, he will have done everything we had hoped for and more. I appreciate it when people recognise him and his accomplishments.”

Road to King’s Cup announced by Bahrain Turf Club

The King's Cup, which was run as a Group 3 for the first time this year, will be worth US$400,000 (AU$612,000) in 2026, after the Bahrain Turf Club announced a doubling of the prize fund for the most prestigious contest in the Kingdom's racing calendar.

In conjunction with the boost in value to The King's Cup, the international race programme has also been strengthened, creating a clearly signposted 'Road to the King's Cup' for highly-rated horses over both a mile and middle-distances.

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club, said, “As the quality of international horse attracted to compete in Bahrain improves, we want to ensure there are attractive and valuable options available to owners and trainers outside of the now established Bahrain Turf Series races. This has led to a strengthening of the international programme and the developing of a 'Road to the King's Cup', which takes in the Crown Prince's Cup and other premier races.

“The King's Cup, run in honour of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is the most prestigious prize in the Kingdom's racing calendar. The introduction of floodlights last year enabled us to create The King's Cup Festival, with consecutive nights of high-class racing and international competition.”

Daily News Wrap

Looking Ahead - July 09

4 min read

Looking Ahead highlights runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are an exceptionally well-bred or high-priced runner early in their career chasing maiden success, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse that has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Three exciting horses are hitting the track at Canterbury on Wednesday. Well-bred runners by Alabama Express, Snitzel, and Too Darn Hot (GB) all look hard to beat in their respective races.

Canterbury, Race 1, 12.50pm AEDT, Ranvet Maiden Handicap, $100,000, 1100m

From The Peak, 3-year-old filly (Alabama Express x Andes {Street Cry {Ire}})

The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained, and Yulong Investments bred and owned Alabama Express filly, From The Peak will be making her second start at Canterbury on Wednesday. She ran a very good race for second on debut at Newcastle back in March and after a short break and a couple of trials, she looks well-placed to run well resuming.

From The Peak as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

From The Peak is out of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Andes, she only raced once, but has started her broodmare career well. Her first foal Mountain Range (Teofil {Ire}) has been a winner and her third foal, Pharari (American Pharoah {USA}) has been a four-time winner and Listed placed.

There are a range of international Group-winners throughout the pedigree including Aramayo (Poet’s Voice {GB}), In The Wings (GB), High Hawk (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}), Hunting Hawk (Ire) and Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}).

Since Producing From The Peak, Andes has produced a 2-year-old filly by Written Tycoon, and was served by Tagaloa last spring

From The Peak was offered at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but was passed in short of her $120,000 reserve.

Canterbury, Race 2, 1.25pm AEDT, TAB 2YO Handicap, $60,000, 1200m

Sigma, 2-year-old colt (Snitzel x Princess Coup {Encosta De Lago})

Canterbury’s Wednesday meeting will serve as the venue for the debut of Sigma, a very well-bred son of Snitzel that is trained by Gai Waterhouise and Adrian Bott. He has had plenty of educational trials, and looked talented winning his last one over 1050 metres at Randwick late last month.

Sigma as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Sigma is the twelfth foal out of the outstanding mare Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago), she was a 12-time winner including at Group 1 level four times in New Zealand.

She has done a fantastic job at stud leaving nine individual winners including the Group-winners Argentia (Frankel {GB}), and Thewizardofoz (Redoute’s Choice).

Other stakes performers that feature close-up in the pedigree include Moesha (I Am Invincible), Rich Dottie (Written Tycoon), Oz Empress (Exceed And Excel), Key (Exceed And Excel), Stonecoat (Pierro), and Epimeles (Dundeel {NZ}).

Princess Coup, since producing Sigma, has left an Exceed And Excel yearling filly, and is due to foal to Home Affairs late next month.

Sigma failed to meet his $450,000 reserve at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Canterbury, Race 3, 2pm AEDT, Asahi Super Dry Handicap, $60,000, 1200m

Signor Tortoni, 3-year-old gelding (Too Darn Hot (GB) x Tortoni {Strategic})

The Ron Quinton-trained Signor Tortoni (Too Darn Hot {GB}) will be chasing back-to-back success at Canerbury on Wednesday. He was far too good for his opposition at maiden level at Gosford last month, winning by nearly four lengths.

Too Darn Hot (GB) | Standing at Darley

Signor Tortoni is the sixth-live foal from the Strategic mare Tortoni, who was a winner at 1000 metres. She has proven to be a very handy broodmare leaving five winners including the Group winners Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Wings Of Song (Mendelssohn {USA}), and the Group-placed Jenny Jerome (Churchill {Ire}).

Tortoni is very well-related being a half-sister to the 13-time Group 1 winning superstar in Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}), and a daughter of Whisked (Whiskey Road {USA}) who was also a Group 1 winner.

Tortoni since producing Signor Tortoni, has left a yearling filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr), and a weanling colt by Churchill (Ire).

Looking Back

Galactic Force (Cosmic Force) and Sungazer (Zoustar) were both scratched, they will keep for another day.

Looking Ahead
Looking Back
Horses
New Zealand Bloodstock
Magic Millions
Race Horse
Racing
Horses
Inglis

Debutants

1 min read
First-time starters lining up on Wednesday, July 9
Horses
Horse Racing
Debutants

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

Sire
Winner
Horses
Horse
Racing
Horse Racing

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Tuesday, July 8

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Wednesday, July 9
First Season Sire Results
First Season Sire Runners
Season Sires
Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Tuesday, July 8

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Wednesday, July 9
Second Season Sire Results
Second Season Sire Runners
Season Runners
Sire Runners
Sire Results

NSW Race Results

Goulburn (Country)

Muswellbrook (Country

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Race Results
Young
Glen Innes
Kembla Grange
Gosford

VIC Race Results

Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Race Results

QLD Race Results

Aquis Beaudesert (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

NZ Race Results

Otaki

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000) run before 6pm AEDT

Australian Sires' Premiership

Australian 3-Year-Old Sires' Premiership

Horses
Premiership
Horse
Australia Horses
Australia Horse

New Zealand Sires' Premiership

New Zealand 3-Year-Old Sires' Premiership

Horses
NZ Horses
New Zealand Horses
Premiership
New Zealand Broodmare

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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