Breeders’ Cup for Cinderella’s Dream
Almost a bigger name in the States than she is in her native Britain, Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal {USA}) gained her first Group 1 on home soil on Friday as she mastered Newmarket's G1 Falmouth Stakes. Runner-up in the G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes last month, the 5-2 second favourite put that behind her by upstaging Ballydoyle's 6-4 market-leader January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) by half a length in the mile feature.
“We're very much going to work back from the Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf,” Charlie Appleby said of Godolphin's breakthrough first Falmouth winner, who had been edged out by Moira in November. “It annoyed me when that got away from us last year, so we'll go back for a crack at that–how we get there we'll work that out.”
Cinderella’s Dream has won eight of her 12 starts including the G1 Belmont Oaks last year and was second in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf behind Canadian champion Moira (Can) (Ghostzapper {USA}) who is now owned by Yulong and is in the Chris Waller stable.
Bloodstock Auction’s annual stallion charity event open
The 2025 Bloodstock Auction stallion cover charity auction opened on Friday night and closes on Tuesday July 15. The event supports Ronald McDonald House.
Each stallion listed auctions off a cover to the stallion for the 2025 season, and stallions such as Dalasan, Generation, Glenfiddich, Gold Trip (Fr), Graff, Headwater, Jonker, Oxley Road, Prince Of Caviar, Reliable Man (GB), Stronger, Supido, Wyndspelle (NZ), and Yes Yes Yes are included.
The 2024 event raised over $100,000 for Ronald McDonald House.
Save Rosehill thank ATC members for their support
In an email sent to supporters, the Save Rosehill group thanked “everyone who voted against the sale of Rosehill Gardens and signed the petition that reinforced the need for improved leadership of the ATC including Board and Management.”
Now that Peter McGuaran has resigned as Chair of the ATC, Save Rosehill would like to see a strong candidate put in place who has racing’s best interests at heart. “It is now critical that the future Board and Management focus on reinstating the culture, ethics and standards of the ATC that represent an independent members’ Club, dedicated to thoroughbred racing.
“The forthcoming announced review of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act will enable a positively refocused Board and Management to very firmly argue and achieve the reinstatement of the Club's independence and status as Australia’s leading race club.
Peter McGuaran | Image courtesy of NSW Parliament
“Many of the issues identified during this process - including governance, transparency and funding - will form part of the essential changes, and members welcome the opportunity to assist with this process. A critical issue is addressing and changing both the long-term funding challenge facing our industry and the power imbalance that persists between the regulator and the clubs.
“Mr McGauran was a NSW Government appointment to the Board and the Government is empowered to fill the Board vacancy. In doing so, we trust the Government will consider the need for the ATC Board to play a leadership role in uniting the state’s thoroughbred racing clubs and also ensure that an exceptionally well-qualified, independent person is appointed to lead the promised review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act in the near future.”
Jimmy The Bear makes it three in VOBIS Gold Heath
Exciting winter galloper 6-year-old gelding Jimmy The Bear (Jimmy Creed {USA}) won Saturday’s VOBIS Gold Heath at Caulfield to make it three in a row. Trained by siblings Michelle and Patrick Payne, the win was a nice 50th birthday present for Patrick.
“It’s something that Patrick really basis his training around, is keeping the horse’s longevity and really wanting them to find the line and to continue to have that spirit to race,” Michelle said.
“Jimmy’s a prime example of it.” Jimmy The Bear won the Listed Winter Championship Final last start and has a career record of 12 wins and 10 placings from 39 starts with earnings over $1.3 million. The stable enjoyed a double with 3-year-old gelding Stop The Rock (NZ) (El Roca).
Tuff Tu Mus makes it six
Trainer David Vandyke’s 4-year-old gelding Tuff Tu Mus (All Too Hard) won his sixth race in succession at Doomben on Saturday. He was second in his first two starts. “There was concern halfway through the race because the tempo was strong and I thought he got softened up a little bit early,” Vandyke said.
“I kept thinking ‘a mile, will he have enough there?' but Tiffani (Brooker) gave him a nice cuddle behind the pace. He was stepping up to the mile and I was a bit concerned about going to that trip with a break because he was carrying a little bit of condition. I'm glad Tiffani pushed out when she did because we spoke pre-race about trying to take luck out of the equation. When the sprint was on, he was ready for it. The margin was only a neck but I thought he did a great job.”
His name means “bloody tough” in Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu. His owner John Fordham operates a kava factory in Vanuata’s Luganville, and the name suits the horse who has a reputation for being a challenge. “It's just one step at a time for him because mentally he's a bit of a challenge. I'd say if 10 is his best and zero his worst, he was about a five today.
“He's not there yet. I took him to the races at Ipswich last Wednesday and took him to the trials here last Tuesday so he's been doing a little bit of travelling around. I think that's very important with his preparation and trying to get his mental state even.”
Logan’s good day out
Donna Logan returned to Ruakaka on Saturday, where she had been based prior to her stint in Singapore, and won the first with 2-year-old gelding Yokozuna (Fierce Impact {Jpn}). “It’s so good to be back up here at Ruakaka, and a win like that makes it even better,” Logan said about the win which was number 103 at the track for her.
Logan’s daughter Samantha-trained the winner of race three, Ascension (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}), and former Logan staff member Michelle Bradley-trained a double with Iridescent (NZ) (Wyndspelle {NZ}) and Bosch (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).
Lawson-Carroll honours friend Hailey with Cup win
Apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll honoured his late friend Ngakau Hailey with victory in Saturday’s Waipu Cup at Ruakaka on Saturday on 5-year-old gelding Reward Smile (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}).
“It’s quite special and I’m glad I could get that win for Ngakau. I built up a nice friendship with him and really bonded with him over the last few years riding with him. He had better talent than I will ever have,” Lawson-Carroll told Loveracing.nz.
A winner in England, Reward Smile won twice in Hong Kong before heading to New Zealand where this was his first win from four starts locally.
Trio of juveniles win at Newcastle
Newcastle’s Saturday meeting saw three juveniles win led by nicely bred filly Southern Heiress (Snitzel) who was on debut for Michael Freedman and was purchased by James Bester Bloodstock for $280,000 from Westbury Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. She is the ninth foal and fifth winner for Savannah River (Encosta De Lago) who is a winning half-sister to Champion Sire and Group 1 winner Savabeel.
Freedman also debuted gelding San Giovanni (Zoustar) who won over 1200 metres and was a $550,000 purchase by his trainer and Michael Wallace Bloodstock from Segenhoe Stud’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft. San Giovanni is a half-brother to Listed winner High Octane (Deep Field) who now races in Hong Kong as Celestial Hero. Their dam is Listed winner Granny Red Shoes (Not A Single Doubt).
Rounding out the trio was filly Pewter Pearl (Headwater), trained by Mitchell Beer, who was having her second start and was a $60,000 purchase by her trainer and Heywood Bloodstock at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Twin Hills Stud. She is a half-sister to Listed winner Infamous Fox (Foxwedge).
First season sire Graff adds another winner
Tony Ball-trained 2-year-old gelding Andrea (Graff) won at Port Macquarie to become the sixth winner for his first season sire. Graff’s other winners including stakes placed Grafterburners, while stakes placed Royal Chic is yet to win.
Andrea was purchased by his trainer at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Alma Vale and Kitchwin Hills partnership for $5000. He is the second winner, from four foals to race, for Silent Rage (Nicconi) who is a full sister to Group 3 winner Hear The Chant.
Pair of juvenile winners at Gold Coast
Second season sire Brutal (NZ) gained a new juvenile winner when 2-year-old gelding Wannabe Brutal won the second at the Gold Coast by 3l for trainer Kelly Schweida. Wannabe Brutal was a $36,000 purchase by his trainer from Kenmore Lodge’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. He is the third foal and third winner for Wannabe Loved (Sebring) who is a half-sister to stakes placed Zetto Kirk (GB) (Selkirk {USA}).
Wannabe Brutal as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Trainer Nat McCall’s 2-year-old gelding Benefitsofmine (Shamoline Warrior) won by 1.5l at the Gold Coast at his second start. The homebred is the third winner for Friendswithbenefits (Street Boss {USA}) who won twice.
Saturday sire doubles
Flying Artie sired a double at Caulfield with G3 Sir John Monash Stakes winner In Flight and Illyivy. I Am Invincible sired a double at Doomben with 2-year-old colt Lockyer and Sicilian, and he had another double at Bluff with Warhol and Invictus Lad.
At Murray Bridge, Pierro sired a double with Starts Now and Lake’s Folly. At Warracknabeal, Puissance De Lune (Ire) sired a double with Vision Thing and Budjik Boy. Bunbury saw doubles from Sessions and Rommel. Sessions sired Listed Belmont Oaks winner Fancy Red and 3-year-old Supernatural, while Rommel sired 2-year-old Twisted Steel and 3-year-old Desert Whisper.
Twisted Steel stays unbeaten with second win
Rommel’s 2-year-old gelding Twisted Steel made it two from two at Bunbury on Saturday for trainer Simon Miller. A $100,000 purchase by his trainer from Ruby Racing & Breeding’s draft at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Twisted Steel is the second foal and second winner for Real Beauty (I Am Invincible) who is a full sister to Listed winner Real Danger.
Astern filly wins on debut at Murray Bridge
Trainer Phillip Stokes' good season continued with juvenile filly Ferivia (Astern) winning on debut at Murray Bridge. Raced by Saddlers Knife, the homebred filly is the third foal and third winner for Streetcar Express (Not A Single Doubt).
AGM for EFTBA held at Newmarket
The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) held its AGM this week in Newmarket where a number of key challenges and potential threats facing the industry were discussed. Major topics of discussion included the European Union's proposed animal transport regulations, mandatory vaccinations and much more.
Commenting on the AGM, EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon said, “The federation will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe's thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine wellness is at the centre of all our actions and decisions.
Joe Hernon | Image courtesy of EFTBA
“Despite such challenges, we can rightly take pride in our industry, which for us all is a wonderful and rewarding way of life. It is in this vein we will continue to be the guardians of the thoroughbred and strive to make it current and respected in an ever-changing world.”
British Racing School’s redevelopment unveiled
The British Racing School has completed a significant redevelopment of its main yard, made possible through the support of The Childwick Trust and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. The transformative project is understood to have substantially enhanced the School's facilities.
The redevelopment was toured this week by a number of existing supporters of the British Racing School as part of its annual Showcase Event, during which improvements to the School's Foundation Course were outlined. From August 1, the programme, which supports young people aged 16-24 into stable staff roles in the industry, will be extended to 18 weeks (from 6 or 12 weeks), ensuring that all students receive a thorough grounding in racehorse care and management and allowing for greater flexibility in individual student's development plans.
Group 1 targets for exciting juvenile
Royal Ascot heroine Venetian Sun (Ire) (Starman {GB}) had history on her side entering Friday's G2 bet365 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes, with four of the last 10 winners backing up a G3 Albany Stakes triumph, and she added her name to that roll of honour with a narrow victory in the six-furlong dash at Newmarket.
“The race panned out perfectly and she lengthened correctly on the rising ground,” said winning rider Clifford Lee. “But she hit the front too soon, she thought he race was finished and started to cruise,” he added. Trainer Karl Burke listed the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes as possible targets.
Coronation Cup to Italian Soiree
Nothing like claiming your second lifetime win in a graded stakes at Saratoga, especially so when your last time on the board was a year ago at the venue. A pricey US$600,000 (AU$912,500) OBS March juvenile purchase in 2024, Italian Soiree (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}) came with big expectations and her connections refused to throw in the towel despite their filly not hitting the board in the last five starts at the black-type level. She won Friday’s G3 Coronation Cup over 1100 metres.
“We had worked her on the turf, and she went to Canada and ran really well and even at Keeneland against some of the top turf fillies in the country, but the distance was always the question with her,” said Tonja Terranova, assistant to trainer John Terranova. “The owners had (Kentucky) Oaks vibes, as everyone does, and we tried to stretch her at Tampa (in the Suncoast) and had a little bit of a tough trip. But this is obviously what she wants to do.”
America’s oldest racehorse dies
New Years Eve (USA) (Night Conqueror {USA}), believed to be the second-oldest American Thoroughbred on record, has passed away in Pennsylvania. He was 39 and reported to be the oldest living Thoroughbred at the time of his death. History's oldest-known American Thoroughbred, a gelding named Dead Solid Perfect (USA), died in 2022 at 39 years and 188 days. New Years Eve was 39 years and 57 days when he passed.
“On May 13, 2025, the uncommonly long life of New Years Eve, more commonly referred to as Axl, came to a peaceful end. He had started to lose strength in his hind end and getting up was becoming increasingly difficult. True to his breed, he still tried with everything he had to keep going. But it wasn't fair to keep asking. One day, he paused in an effort to rise and looked me in the eye with an expression I'd never seen on his face before. He simply had nothing left to give. I had always promised him that I would not compromise his comfort for more time. And although he was ready, I was not. But I never would be,” said owner Julie Izzo, who had owned him for 32 years.
Julie Izzo with New Years Eve (USA) | Image courtesy of Sarah Andrew
“I will forever be grateful for our many years together. There will always be a piece of me missing. He wasn't an extraordinary racehorse. But he was extraordinary to me.
“I want to thank everyone who had a part in his journey. There were many farriers and vets along the way, but Dr. Melinda Freckleton and Dr. Kate Baldwin were instrumental in giving my boy so many good years. And a special thank you to Barbara Livingston, Sarah Andrew, Bill Finley, and Jill Williams for immortalizing him in print and photos. Axl brought so many amazing people into my life. Thank you to everyone who took an interest in his life and story.”
