Group 1-placed Lavalier tops Inglis Digital at $380,000
Godolphin’s Group 1-placed 3-year-old gelding Lavalier (Microphone) has topped the Inglis Digital July (Early) Sale at $380,000, headlining the 26-strong draft from Godolphin. A winner at his second start as a late-2-year-old last season, Lavalier hasn’t won at three, but has placed in the G1 South Australian Derby two starts ago, and was fourth in the G1 Queensland Derby last start. He will be trained by Perth’s Neville Parnham after being purchased by West Australian Santo Guagliardo.
“The best is yet to come for him, he’s just maturing and coming into his own and his past two-to-three runs especially have been super,” Parnham said.
Lavalier | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“Originally we were looking at buying one of the older sprinters to bring across for a race over here but we just thought they might have found their mark already whereas this particular horse appears to have quite a future ahead of him as a four, five, even 6-year-old or whatever so we focused on him and were thankfully able to get him.
“These staying types are harder to find every year and he fitted the bill for us over here. We’re excited about the purchase and we think he’s a really live Perth Cup hope here and we’re hoping to then bring him back over east and see what is around.”
Neville Parnham | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
The sale grossed $7 million, making it the fourth highest grossing Inglis digital sale in history, with 453 lots sold at a 76 per cent clearance rate, and an average of $15,670. Fifteen lots made more than $100,000, taking the total for the year across Inglis Digital to 78 $100,000 plus sales.
“It’s another very pleasing and seamless experience with Inglis Digital,” Godolphin’s Jason Walsh said.
“It’s great again to have our horses appeal at all ends of the market to a wide range of buyers. Obviously there were some very strong results with Lavalier and Pisces especially but there’s lots of horses there finding new homes to loyal clients at many different price points and we’ll be watching them with great interest.”
The second top lot made $350,000, being an unraced 2-year-old by Wootton Bassett (GB), while Group 3 winner Pisces (Frosted {USA}) from the Godolphin draft was third selling to Calvin Tao for $330,000 and will head to Hong Kong. “I noticed Pisces had recently placed and even won at G3 level before so I think he will be very competitive in Hong Kong,’’ Tao said.
“I haven’t decided on a trainer yet but I hope to win a Class 3 bonus with him and qualify him for the Four-Year-Old Race Series in Hong Kong.”
Griffiths resigns as Australian Trainers’ Association president
Trainer Robbie Griffiths has announced his resignation as president of the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA). “The catalyst was when I became a single trainer again and the need to focus in on that business but also racing is in a very strong position at the moment despite the impact on the wagering turnover,” Griffiths told racing.com.
Robbie Griffiths | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“There are no real big-ticket items hanging over, so it will be on with the job for our members.” He has held the role for nearly 10 years, and will likely be replaced by current vice-president Troy Corstens.
Volkano sent to SA for Sires’ Produce
Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy will send their exciting debut winner 2-year-old gelding Volkano (Too Darn Hot {GB}) to Adelaide for this Saturday’s G3 Sires’ Produce Stakes. “He galloped well this morning, so I think we will bring him over,” Calvin McEvoy told racingsa.com.au.
Tony and Calvin McEvoy | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“It’s an aggressive placement to go straight from a maiden, but he was pretty impressive the other day. Harry Coffey got off him after that win and said that he thought he was a pretty nice horse. There doesn’t look to be a better option for him over here, and there aren’t many nominations for the race, so, for that reason, I think we’ll give him a chance. It’ll be a good test for him, and I’m excited to see how he goes.”
MRC explains Caulfield Cup prizemoney as unchanged
The Melbourne Racing Club was given the option to increase the prizemoney for the $5 million G1 Caulfield Cup by Racing Victoria but have elected to spend the money on other races. “We are very comfortable that the $5m prizemoney for the Caulfield Cup is the right setting,” acting MRC chief executive Tanya Fullarton told racenet.com.au.
“Adding $1m to Caulfield Cup prizemoney would not improve the field at all and that would be a less sensible application of money we have used to enhance our broader stakes races. We will review prizemoney for our marquee races each year to make sure they maintain their competitiveness and prestige.
“Racing Victoria has done a good job and listened to clubs, owners, trainers and breeders in fixing spring programming … and respect the racing pattern.” The G1 Sir Rupert Clarke and G1 Thousand Guineas move back to their traditional slots in September and October for 2025, while the G1 CF Orr Stakes moves from the autumn to November.
Robusto’s big weight for Winter Challenge
Bjorn Baker-trained Robusto (Churchill {Ire}) will need to break the weight carrying record when he carries 60kg in Saturday’s Listed Winter Challenge, but his trainer has a longer term plan for him. “He’s going really well, he’s up to full fitness now and he’s got a good gate. I think he should be very competitive, it looks a good race for him,” Baker told racingnsw.com.au.
Robusto | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“We know he can keep going through a long preparation. If he does go well we could look at a race like the Winx Stakes with fitness on his side.” Robusto won The Ingham last spring and has seven wins from 38 starts with earnings over $2 million.
Too Much Too Soon adds to Sires’ Produce picture
Juvenile filly Too Much Too Soon (Too Darn Hot {GB}) will be one of three runners for her sire in Saturday’s G3 SA Sires’ Produce Stakes. “She's a very durable filly and she doesn't do much wrong. She bounces up on the speed and holds a good gallop. She got beaten by a smart one at Sandown last start, but she certainly looks a million dollars and I'm really happy with her,” trainer Shane Nichols told racing.com.
“I think we just present up in Adelaide this week, it certainly gives her a chance in a black-type race. It's often not a vintage sort of race, that Sires' in Adelaide, but being by Too Darn Hot with a little bit of pedigree, a little bit of black type would certainly be good value going forward to the owners.”
Williams looking ahead to Kosciuszko
Country trainer Danny Williams will set Bandi’s Boy (The Brother’s War {USA}) and promising 3-year-old gelding Highway Strip (Nicconi) for this year’s The Kosciuszko. Highway Strip runs at Rosehill on Saturday. “We’d like to get both horses in it. Touch wood we’ll have a better prep this time in and they can both show they are well and truly up to that level,” Williams told racingnsw.com.au
“The two starts that Highway Strip had he was battling a bit of a foot issue. We were training him on a set of shoes they call three quarter shoes, we were floating the heels to take pressure away from the sensitive part of his foot.
Danny Williams | Image courtesy of Danny Williams Racing
“Rather than push that preparation on to the Country Championships we needed to make sure the horse came first and we stopped. We were only going to risk him if we kept pushing him. He’s had that time in the paddock, we’ve done a fair bit with his feet since he’s returned and so far his feet look the best they’ve looked for a long time.”
Eagle Farm passes trial test
The trials at Eagle Farm on Tuesday, held to test the situation with the sight boards removed, went without a problem. “There were seven trials featuring 48 runners, of which 24 of those were (trained) from outside Eagle Farm,” Glen Prentice, the general manager of the Queensland Jockeys' Association, told racenet.com.au.
“There were no reactions from horses. Pre-race sightings will remain until all hoarding is removed. The blue mesh should come down entirely by about September 30 and there will be a set of trials run again when that happens.”
Shinn treble extends lead in Melbourne Jockeys’ title
Blake Shinn is battling a virus, but he still rode a treble at Sandown on Wednesday to extend his lead over Craig Williams to seven in the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership. “I don't feel that well inside but I'm putting on a good face. I'm fit but I'm battling a virus so I don't feel the best. I came back from a hot climate in Singapore and Phuket and coming back to the cold winter, I've picked up a bit of a bug,” Shinn said.
Blake Shinn | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I don't feel the best at the moment but hopefully I can shrug that off in about a week or so. I'd like to be feeling a bit better but that's part and parcel of and you've got to keep turning up.” He won on 3-year-old gelding Ad Vitam (NZ) (Proisir), 2-year-old filly Exit (Bivouac), and Kira (Lonhro).
Exceedance juvenile wins at Grafton
Trainer Matthew Dunn opened proceedings on Ramornie day with the victory of 2-year-old filly Vivika (Exceedance) by 2.45l over 1000 metres. She was resuming after having debuted with a second placing back in February. A homebred, Vivika is the second foal of La Scopa (Show A Heart) who was stakes placed and her first foal is city winning 3-year-old gelding Moon Sweeper (Puissance De Lune {Ire}).
Pair of 2-year-olds win at Northam
Northam’s Wednesday meeting saw two 2-year-olds celebrate victories with Ridgeport-owned filly Zouzou Run (Zoustar) winning over 1100 metres for trainer Neville Parnham. She was having her second start, having run second on debut, and was purchased by Ridgeport and Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) for $220,000 from Vinery Stud’s Magic Millions National Weanling Sale draft. She is the second foal and second winner for Run All Night (Charge Forward).
Daniel Morton-trained 2-year-old filly Riva Aquarama (Star Turn) won on debut. Withdrawn as a yearling, she is raced by breeders Lynward Park Stud and partners. She is the second foal and second winner for Outboard Motors (Sebring), who is a winning half-sister to stakes placed Muttahem (Redoute’s Choice).
Inaugural Southern Highlands breeders conference announced
Thoroughbred Breeders NSW and Silverdale Farm announced on Wednesday that the inaugural Southern Highlands Breeders Seminar would be held on Thursday 24 July. It will showcase presentations from Australia’s leading equine veterinarians, farriers, breeders, and educators, who will share the latest breakthroughs in research, best practice, and industry innovation.
“Targeted at both established professionals and emerging talent, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to shaping the future of our industry. Held in the heart of one of Australia’s most prestigious breeding regions, the conference will also honour the Southern Highlands’ growing role in equine and agricultural excellence,” said the press release.
Rich Hill to sponsor New Zealand’s first Group 1 of the season
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing announced on Wednesday that the first Group 1 of the New Zealand 2025/26 season would be the G1 Proisir Plate on September 6. Previously known as the Tarzino Trophy and run at Hawkes Bay, the race moves to Ellerslie for 2025/26.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rich Hill Stud and their Proisir Syndicate to Ellerslie as naming rights partners for this Group One feature and its associated raceday,” ATR CEO Paul Wilcox said.
Paul Wilcox | Image courtresy of Trish Dunell
“This is a race with a long and decorated history – from champions like Sunline, Rough Habit, Seachange and Xcellent, to modern-day greats like Melody Belle and Mufhasa. To be entrusted with hosting it this season is a privilege.
“Kicking off our season with such a prestigious event – and doing so in partnership with a stallion as exciting as Proisir and a farm as respected as Rich Hill Stud – makes for a huge moment in the return of our new season of racing.”
New Zealand Breeding Awards night announced
The NZTBA will hold their annual breeding awards at Cambridge on July 26 at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre. “The National Breeding Awards remain the premier occasion to celebrate the exceptional achievements of New Zealand breeders and horses,” NZTBA CEO Nick Johnson said.
“This year’s finalists continue to show why the Kiwi-bred is so highly regarded on the world stage. It’s not just about trophies — it’s about coming together as an industry to acknowledge talent, dedication, and success, both human and equine. We’re proud to host a night that shines a light on those stories and the people behind them.
Nick Johnson | Image courtesy of New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association
“Season after season, the New Zealand-bred proves its worth at the highest levels internationally. The 2024/25 season has been no exception, with breeders, horses, and owners making their mark across Australasia and beyond.
“These awards are a testament to what can be achieved when passion and perseverance meet. It’s inspiring to see the depth of skill and commitment that underpins the success of our breeders and their horses.”
Nine fillies left in the G1 Irish Oaks headed by Frankel’s Minnie Hauk
A rematch between Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in Saturday's G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh is unlikely, according to trainer Aidan O'Brien, who was responsible for six of the nine fillies left in the Classic on Tuesday.
Just a neck separated the two stablemates when they met in the Oaks at Epsom, with Minnie Hauk edging ahead in the final strides to get the better of the gutsy Whirl, who has since gained a first Group 1 success of her own when seeing off her elders to win the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
“They probably won't both run, I'd imagine,” O'Brien said of Minnie Hauk and Whirl. “We were thinking that Whirl and Bedtime Story might go for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood over 10 furlongs. Whirl came back to a mile and a quarter last time in the Pretty Polly and she was happy over that distance.”
Goffs Premier Yearling catalogue released
The newly-published catalogue for the Goffs Premier Yearling Sale features entries from many of Europe's leading sires, as well as first-season sensation Starman (GB), who is responsible for 17 of the 409 “athletic, precocious Doncaster yearlings” set to go under the hammer on Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28.
Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said, “Premier continues to deliver the results all around the world, and it seems fitting that it produced the winner of one of the season's most prestigious sprint races, the July Cup with No Half Measures, on the eve of the release of the 2025 catalogue.
Tim Kent | Image courtesy of Goffs
“The sale's 2-year-old record speaks for itself – season after season this sale outperforms all others and we are seeing that again in 2025 with Premier having a comfortable lead over its competition in terms of 2-year-old winners.”
Financials up at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is set to return record prizemoney of £17.75 million (AU$36.4 million) to the sport in 2025, having announced its financial results for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024. Turnover for that period rose by 2 per cent to £113.1 million (AU$232 million), with a pre-tax profit of £8.4 million (AU$17.2 million) – up from £5.9 million (AU$12.1 million) in 2023.
Felicity Barnard, chief executive officer at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We were delighted to see continued revenue growth in 2024, reaching record levels of more than £113.1m. This reflects the popularity of our events, especially the enduring appeal of Royal Ascot which saw increased attendances year-on-year in 2024 (266,145 to 273,526) and was supported this year by a further 4.8 per cent rise (286,541).
“Generating increased revenues will allow us to reinvest back into the business, demonstrated by prize-money uplifts in 2025, most notably for the King George, which will become the richest race ever run at Ascot. Ongoing investment in our venue and brand is vital to ensuring we consistently deliver a world-class experience for everyone who visits or engages with Ascot, across every touchpoint.”
Dam of Journalism dies from colic
Graded winner Mopotism (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}), the dam of GI Preakness Stakes winner and this weekend's GI Haskell Stakes favourite Journalism (USA), has died from complications of colic, Don Alberto Corp confirmed Tuesday.
Don Alberto mourned the loss of their mare with the following message: “We are heartbroken to report the loss of our mare Mopotism, due to complications related to colic. She was a gift to all those that got to know her beautiful eye, strong mind, and gentle way. We are grateful to everyone that has taken care of her over the years and poured so much love into her each day. We are humbled to watch the brilliance of her son, Journalism, and to know that her legacy will continue through him and her other foals. On to greener pastures, Mopo. You will be dearly missed.”
Journalism was her first foal after she failed to take to Tapit (USA) on her maiden cover. Her 2-year-old Tapit colt, now named Nitro Tap (USA), sold for $1.5m (AU$2.3 million) to the Flying Dutchman. She also has an Into Mischief (USA) yearling filly and her young filly by Flightline (USA).
TDN senior editor Bossinakis wins Bill Handleman Award
The TDN's Christina Bossinakis, senior editor for the Thoroughbred Daily News and a prominent TV racing personality, has been named the winner of the 2025 Bill Handleman Award for outstanding coverage of last year's NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, Monmouth Park announced Tuesday.
First presented in 2012, the Handleman Award honours distinguished media coverage of the GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, Monmouth Park's showcase race. It is presented annually prior to the Haskell.
The award honors the late Bill Handleman, one of New Jersey's top sportswriters for nearly three decades for the Asbury Park Press. Handleman, a fixture at Monmouth Park and a passionate chronicler of the sport, died in June of 2010 at the age of 62.
