Flemington to host 2026 G1 Cox Plate
In a joint release on Wednesday morning, Racing Victoria and the Moonee Valley Racing Club announced Flemington would be the location for the 2026 G1 WS Cox Plate, while Moonee Valley undergoes a renovation. “We believe that Flemington is the best location to maximise attendance, wagering and engagement with the meeting and we have confidence in the VRC's ability to present a high-quality track for Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day and the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival that follows,” said RV CEO Aaron Morrison.
Aaron Morrison | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
“We thank the MVRC for their work in exploring various options for the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate in light of The Valley's redevelopment and for tabling an informative recommendation for our board to consider and ultimately endorse. We thank all clubs and commercial partners that were involved in submitting bids to the MVRC and congratulate the VRC and their partners on a successful bid.” Moonee Valley plans to re-open mid-2027 in time to host the 2027 Cox Plate.
First Group 1 of season in soggy conditions
With Sydney’s Observatory Hill already recording three times the average rainfall for August this month, and a further 100 mm due this week, the G1 Winx Stakes looks set to be a wet one. Despite this, the race day has attracted strong nominations. “The G1 $1 million Winx Stakes has established itself as a pivotal starting point for many of Australia’s best horses heading into Spring,” Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani told racingnsw.com.au.
Nevesh Ramdhani | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Saturday’s field includes nine individual Group 1 winners who between them have won a total of 24 Group 1 races and combined prizemoney of just on $50 million. The Group 2 $300,000 Sintoro Silver Shadow Stakes is the first of four legs of the Princess Series and is also a crucial Spring campaign beginning for the 3-year-old fillies.
“Three other Group 3 races makes Saturday a tantalising start to three months of world-class racing as Sydney heads toward pinnacle events in the Group 1 $20 million TAB Everest and $10 million Golden Eagle.”
Reminder to do your foal returns on time
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia sent an email to members on Wednesday to remind everyone that the rules around late mare returns have changed this season, and it is imperative to do your mare return and Foal Ownership Declaration on time. “Under the updated Racing Australia penalties, all foals must have their details confirmed within 30 days of birth to avoid an increased fee. Any foal not registered within 60 days of birth will be subject to a racing embargo, unless the owners successfully appeal,” said the release.
“While TBA continues to work with Racing Australia to minimise the impact of these changes, it is vital that breeders act promptly to avoid penalties by lodging all mare returns/Foal Ownership Declarations (FODs) within 30 days of a foal’s birth.” It is important to note that the new embargo is a rule of racing, not a Stud Book rule, and any foal who faces an embargo will still be eligible for the Stud Book meaning they can go to stud in Australia, and they can still be eligible to race overseas.
D’Arcy and Grieve join AgriFutures
AgriFutures announced on Wednesday that Michael Grieve has been appointed Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel, and Jonathan D’Arcy joins the Panel as a new member. Previously the Deputy Chair, Grieve is a former owner of Grandview Stud in Queensland and has been a long term part of the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) team.
“I came into the industry as an outsider 26 years ago, and I’ve never forgotten the welcome I received. Now, it’s my turn to give back,” Grieve said. “This is an opportunity to bring together my background in education, my experience, and my passion for Thoroughbreds to help shape the future of our industry. I’ve seen firsthand the value of targeted research and innovation in helping us make better decisions on horse health, welfare, safety and workforce development.
Michael Grieve | Image courtesy of AgriFutures Australia
“From exploring the association between yearling laryngeal function and future racetrack performance, testing new technologies to boost breeding outcomes and mapping workforce needs, AgriFutures Australia’s investment in RD&E delivers benefits for everyone, from breeders to stud hands to veterinarians.”
D’Arcy recently retired after nearly 40 years with Inglis. “I’ve dedicated my working life to this industry and now want to contribute in a different way, by helping support high-impact research that ensures our practices continue evolving and improving,” D’Arcy said.
“In semi-retirement, I see this as an opportunity to help the next generation get a strong start - backed by evidence, innovation and a deep respect for the future of the industry.”
Fitness key to Ceolwulf in Winx
Trainer Joe Pride has Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) stripped nice and fit ahead of Saturday’s G1 Winx Stakes. “He’s a little bit trimmer than when he went to the races first-up last time,” Pride told racingnsw.com.au.
“I was battling his weight last preparation which is unusual for a horse like him because he’s a lean, racey, sort of horse. He was always a bit heavier than I wanted him in the early runs but he’s not this time. I like to see my horses look pretty, as in carrying really nice condition, but it’s not for every horse.
Ceolwulf (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“He definitely handles heavy ground. Fangirl is none from five on heavy and Via Sistina, they are the measuring sticks, her only average run in Australia was on heavy. I’m happy enough to do it and we’ll see what it all means once we get there on Saturday. I thought he trialled probably just as good as Private Eye, it’s hard to line up trials but he certainly trialled without any effort. I just hope they go ahead, we need to kick these horses off and get them started in their preparation.”
Widdup out to upset Waller’s Rowley dominance
Trainer Chris Waller has eight of the 14 runners in Thursday’s Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury, but local trainer Brad Widdup thinks his pair of Hasty Honey (Epaulette) and Ruby Flyer (Flying Artie) can upset them. “The race last Saturday came up quite strong and I thought it was a good race with Amusing there, that has won three on the bounce now so we elected to have a crack at this instead,” Widdup told racenet.com.au.
Brad Widdup | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“A lot of these horses are resuming and things like that and obviously there are a few that have a few Benchmark points more than (Hasty Honey). She is going well so we decided to roll the dice with her and try to get some black type on her home track.
“I was happy with Ruby Flyer first-up and then disappointed with him second-up. He pulled up fair so we trialled him and I thought he trialled really good. He looks to be good order and does love a wet track. In the past he has raced well in this race, before I had him, so it's a bit of a throw at the stumps but if he runs to his best he can definitely perform in it.”
Sky Racing appoint Frank Smith
Former Network 10 executive Frank Smith has been appointed as Sky Racing’s Executive Producer. “Frank’s appointment is a real coup for Sky, he is one of the country’s most respected sports producers,” Jarrod Villani, Tabcorp’s chief commercial and media officer, told mediaweek.com.au.
“He played a key role in Ten’s Melbourne Cup coverage and was previously an executive producer at TVN. I’m really looking forward to Frank evolving the on-air look and feel of Sky.”
Dekadance to relish wet in city outing
Trainer Danielle Seib thinks fitness is the key to Dekadance (Exceedance) making it a hat trick of wins at Randwick on Saturday. “We’re third-up, we’re very fit, and she’s not an overly big filly which I think sometimes is to their advantage on heavy surfaces,” Seib told racingnsw.com.au.
“She’s going to carry no weight and she’s just very genuine, I think that’s her biggest attribute. I think she will get through it as good as most. It’s the logical next step for her. She needed a little bit of time, had a couple of little issues, and the owners have been very patient. She had a couple of rehab preps and it’s nice to see her return so forward and a bit more mature and very polished.”
Russian Revolution filly wins at Pinjarra
Michael Lane-trained 3-year-old filly Desert Life (Russian Revolution) opened the card at Pinjarra on Wednesday with a tight 0.1l victory over Simon Miller-trained 3-year-old filly Fine Star (Fierce Impact {Jpn}).
Desert Life was having her third start and was a bargain $10,000 purchase by her trainer and Tom Johnson Bloodstock from Ambergate Farm’s Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale draft in 2024. She is the third winner from as many to race for One Mississippi (Starspangledbanner).
Double for Zoustar at Warwick Farm
Reigning Champion Sire Zoustar enjoyed a double at Warwick Farm on Wednesday with 3-year-old filly Beside The Ocean, who is in TTR’s Wednesday Racing feature, and John Thompson-trained 5-year-old gelding Zouripper who took his record to three wins from 11 starts.
Hall and Currie enjoy win with Dubai Watch
Mornington trainer Vincent Hall enjoyed his second city winner when 4-year-old gelding Dubai Watch (Pride Of Dubai) won the second at Sandown on Wednesday, ridden by his good friend Luke Currie. “He's a touch older than me and he took me under his wing. I was only 16 or 17 and we've been great mates since then. We have 25 years of friendship and it's great to support him. He's a great jockey. He deserves everything he gets,” Hall said.
“It's a perfect result. Me and Briar (Stobie) work in well together and she does a great job with this horse. He can be quite fierce, or he was when he came to us, and she's got him grounded and working beautifully. We're getting good results buying tried horses and we have some young ones there that take time. We're just getting started.” Dubai Watch has won four of his last five starts and he’s had six starts for Hall.
Shalaa adds 3-year-old debut winner at Strathalbyn
Woodside Park’s proven sire Shalaa (Ire) added a 3-year-old winner at Strathalbyn on Wednesday when Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained gelding Beachbarbeckons who was on debut. He was purchased by Merrick Staunton for NZ$65,000 from Brighthill Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale.
Beachbarbeckons is the third winner from as many to race for stakes placed Arrow In The Sand (NZ) (Fast ‘n’ Famous).
Tassie galloper heads to mainland
Trainer Yassy Nishitani will bring Streetfighter Vega (Impending) to Moonee Valley on Saturday to test the 3-year-old gelding’s class. “We nominated double Saturday/Sunday, and we have decided to take him over to see how he goes,” Nishitani told tasracing.com.au.
“We have a high opinion, he has lots of ability, I thought his maiden win was good, and he started improving after that run. I will give him a short spell after Melbourne; he needs more racing experience.” Streetfighter Vega ran fourth in the Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes on debut, then won at his second start in July.
Massingham aims for trio of feature wins
Cairns trainer Stephen Massingham won the Cairns Lightning last Saturday with Lady Damus (Nostradamus) and now heads into the rest of the carnival with Speed Legend (Star Witness) in the Newmarket on Friday and has three in the Cairns Cup on Saturday, Smart Legend (So You Think {NZ}), Armour Force (Fastnet Rock) and Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel). “(Speed Legend) went super in the Cleveland Bay and he hasn’t gone backwards,” Massingham told racingqueensland.com.au.
“We won the Lightning on Saturday with Lady Damus and it would be great if we can win the three main races, but you never count your chickens first. Smart Legend is the pick of the three (for the Cup) but only just. Armour Force is a chance if he puts his best foot forward while Mr Maestro should improve and the 2100 metres on his home track suits.”
Tasracing announce King Island transport subsidy
Tasracing announced on Wednesday that trainers will be eligible for a $500 per start subsidy for all horses who compete in the four-day King Island carnival in January. The carnival dates are January 3,17, 24, and 31. “This initiative is jointly funded by Tasracing and the King Island Racing Club. The subsidy will be administered by Tasracing and paid directly to trainers after each race meeting,” said tasracing.com.au.
Trainers who are interested in the carnival need to register their interest with the King Island Racing Club by August 27 to assist the club with planning.
Hutchings returning for Quintessa Group 1 ride
Kiwi jockey Rory Hutchings will travel from his Sydney base to New Zealand to ride Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Group 1 winner Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) in the G1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 6. “I am coming in for the day and I am looking forward to it,” Hutchings told Loveracing.nz.
“I am locked in for Quintessa. She is going to be a good chance in what I think will be an open race. She trialled well the other week and it’s always good to put the Te Akau colours on.
Quintessa (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images
“At the moment, I will be purely in Australia, but I am open to opportunities if they come about. If the right opportunities present themselves, I am open to that idea (spending an extended period of time in New Zealand). I had such good fun while I was back there for that stint during the summer.”
Harris Farm reduction topped by Nu Pi Lambda
The Major Reduction of Harris Farms on Fasig-Tipton Digital closed Tuesday afternoon with 75 horses sold for US$1,045,000 (AU$1.54 million). The sale offered horses of racing age and broodmares, including those with foals at foot.
Nu Pi Lambda (USA), in foal to Liam's Map, sold for US$200,000 (AU$310,000) to Hinkle Farms to top the session. The winning City Zip mare is a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner and course-record setter Deterministic (Liam's Map). She was offered carrying her first foal on that proven cross.
“It's bittersweet to offer a dispersal of a farm that's a household name,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton's Director of Digital Sales. “But California really stepped up with almost 600 bidder registrations and very lively bidding. I think many involved wanted to own a piece of the legacy that is Harris Farms. We appreciate the opportunity to conduct this major reduction.”
John C. Harris, who recently passed away at the age of 81, led one of California's largest and most prominent breeding, racing, and stallion operations for more than four decades.
Yorkshire Oaks set for Thursday
Thursday's Yorkshire Oaks looks more of a true match, with Cheveley Park's own White Rose Estrange (Night Of Thunder) putting it up to Ballydoyle's Oaks and Irish Oaks winner Minnie Hauk (Frankel). In a way, both share the same profile in that they have yet to be seriously tested by lesser opposition, so here's hoping that they bring out the best in each other. The Lancashire Oaks winner had what appeared to be a tussle at Haydock but, like the 3-year-old at the Curragh, she was probably only doing enough to get the job done.
Friday’s G1 Nunthorpe Stakes could unearth new sprint star
On Friday, the Nunthorpe sees the O'Callaghans' Lady Iman (Starman) and Emma Banks's Spicy Marg (Starspangledbanner) become the latest juveniles to take on this unique challenge against the older sprinters in a division that badly needs a shake-up. Hong Kong jockey Harry Bentley will ride Spicy Marg. “It was a very pleasant surprise, it was a bit of divine intervention to get the ride,” Bentley told scmp.com.
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, seeing Michael Bell in the owner’s room, and a couple of days later he rang me and asked if I was able to do the weight, would it be of interest to ride Spicy Marg.
“Obviously I was very happy to take the ride. I wouldn’t say it’s comfortable [riding at 8st 2lb] but I can certainly do it. I’m doing light weights very often in Hong Kong, so getting down to this sort of weight is fairly routine for me.”
Mural of Sunday Silence for Kentucky
A new mural celebrating 13-time Japanese Champion Sire and six-time Group 1 winner Sunday Silence will soon adorn downtown Paris, Kentucky, joining the town's growing collection of large-scale public equine art. The mural is a project of the Legends of Bourbon County non-profit organization, in conjunction with Stone Farm, which raised and campaigned the 1989 Horse of the Year.
Sunday Silence
The artwork will depict Sunday Silence's iconic victory in the 1989 Kentucky Derby. It is being painted on the side of Hotel Thoroughbred, a new boutique hotel on Main Street that opens in Spring 2026. Renowned artist Jaime Corum, known for her lifelike equine portraits, will create the mural.
“When we were approached about having Sunday Silence celebrated and memorialized in this way, we were extremely honoured,” said Staci Hancock of Stone Farm. “The mural has really captured the horse's essence, and it will pay tribute to him and Thoroughbred racing for generations to come.”
