Birdman wins G3 Kingston Town Stakes by a nose
There was only a nose in it, but Chris Waller-trained import Birdman (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}) finally broke his Australian duck in Saturday’s G3 Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick. “Birdman's win is overdue from a punter's perspective,” Waller said. In second was Kris Lees-trained Adelaide River (Ire) (Australia {GB}) with the winner’s stablemate and $51 outside Etna Rosso (Ire) (Decorated Knight {GB}) in third.
“From our perspective, he's just steadily been working towards something but he needed to, he needed to start winning. His fresh up runs were good, he got to a more suitable distance today and had a lovely draw, a nice run in transit, and yeah, a good confident ride.”
Birdman has shortened to favourite for the G1 Metropolitan Handicap, and has had nine starts in Australia since arriving for the 2024 G3 Geelong Cup where he ran tenth. He won his first two starts in Ireland including the Listed Yeats Stakes over 2600 metres. A privately purchased import, he took his record to three wins from 13 starts with earnings over $400,000.
G3 Naturalism goes to Half Yours
Consistent Half Yours (St Jean {Ire}), trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, has booked himself a spot in the G1 Caulfield Cup with victory in Saturday’s G3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. Ridden by Jamie Melham, he won by 3.5 lengths from Ciaron Maher-trained Berkshire Breeze (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) with Jason Warren-trained Grand Pierro (Pierro) in third.
The McEvoy stable purchased him from Inglis Digital’s Colin McKenna dispersal sale for $305,000. “He was put on that Inglis digital sale, Rayan Moore, our racing manager, found him, we loved the profile, he had a good rating and we really wanted to get him,” Calvin McEvoy said.
“We didn't think we'd have to spend the money we did but thank God we did. Ever since we've had him, he's been straightforward, been a lovely horse to train and we haven't got to his ceiling yet.” He has now won six of his 12 starts and over $400,000 and won the Listed Caloundra Cup two starts ago.
G3 Bill Ritchie won by With Your Blessing
John Thompson-trained 7-year-old gelding With Your Blessing (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) will likely head to The Hunter next after winning Saturday’s G3 Bill Ritchie Stakes at Randwick. Picking up additional black type in second only 0.37 lengths from the winner was Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained 4-year-old entire Bosustow (Blue Point {Ire}) whose stablemate 4-year-old gelding Depth Of Character (Deep Field) ran third.
With Your Blessing was third last start in the G2 Tramway Stakes behind Pericles (Street Boss {USA}) and Private Eye (Al Maher). “He's just in the zone, he's going super,” Thompson said.
“It took a couple of Group 1 horses to beat him the other day, and he was gallant in defeat. Today, he just got a nice soft lead, Alysha (Collett) rides him very well, and he's just going super. I'm thinking maybe a freshen up for the Hunter.”
With Your Blessing graduated from Wentwood Grange’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft of 2020, purchased by J Gorman for $70,000 and he took his earnings over $780,000 with seven wins from 37 starts. The win was his first at black type level and he becomes the ninth stakes winner for Vadamos (Fr).
Gaudray uninjured in fall
Jockey Celine Gaudray was uninjured when Ciaron Maher-trained Chorlton Lane (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) sustained a fatal injury in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. “It is with sadness that Racing Victoria confirms that Chorlton Lane was humanely euthanised by the on-course veterinarian as a result of an injury sustained in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes,” said Racing Victoria’s stewards on their social media.
“His rider, Celine Gaudray, who walked back to scale, has been stood down by the doctor for her remaining riding commitment for the day.” TTR sends our thoughts to the connections of Chorlton Lane.
Driscoll sustains head injury at Wagga
Jockey Amy O’Driscoll was taken to Wagga hospital after an incident in the gates before race five at Wagga on Saturday where she sustained a head knock. Her mount, Santolini (Manhattan Rain) was uninjured but late scratched due to a lack of rider.
Santolini’s trainer Michael Travers wrote on social media, “Amy was taken to Wagga hospital, and despite a head knock, is fine and in good spirits.”
Geegees Mistruth is Tasmania Horse Of The Year
At a ceremony held on Friday night, Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith) was awarded the 2024/25 Tasmanian Horse Of The Year award. “Geegees Mistruth has been a shining light for Tasmanian racing this season,” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins told tasracing.com.au.
“Her G3 Mystic Journey Stakes victory, Vamos Stakes win and consistent placings at Group level in Victoria demonstrate the quality of racing talent we are producing in this state. These awards are about recognising and celebrating the horses, trainers, jockeys, breeders and owners who make our industry so strong, and Geegees Mistruth is a perfect example of that excellence.”
She also won 3-year-old of the year, and the 2-year-old of the year award went to Sanniya (Stratosphere). Geegees Mistruth’s sire Wordsmith was one of three new Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame inductees, with the other two being Still A Star (Toronado {Ire}) and the jockey Garry Glover who has more than 1000 wins across Australia, Mauritius and Malaysia.
Bivouac adds another winner
At Echuca on Saturday, Danny O’Brien-trained 3-year-old filly Davida (Bivouac) won at her fourth start to become winner number 12 for her second season sire. Bivouac sired three stakes winning juveniles last season.
Davida as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Davida was purchased by RMA Bloodstock and Satomi Oka Bloodstock (FBAA) for $440,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale from Widden Stud’s draft. She is the fourth winner from four to race for Arianne (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) who missed to Farnan. Arianne is a Group 3-placed half-sister to Listed winner Move Faster (NZ) (Keeper).
Debut city winner for So You Think
Branded by several respondents in our TTR Ten series as Australia’s best value sire, So You Think (NZ) added a debutant city winner when Kelly Schweida-trained 3-year-old gelding Metal Man won on debut at Eagle Farm for owners Ron and Judy Wanless. Purchased by Curran Bloodstock from Mill Park Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft for $150,000, Metal Man is third foal of Group 3-placed It’s A Myth (Sebring). She has recently foaled a colt by Pinatubo (Ire).
Playing God filly returns in form
Adam Durrant-trained 3-year-old filly Playin’it Sweet (Playing God) won her final two starts at two, and made it three in succession when returning this season at Belmont on Saturday. Winner of over $230,000, she is the third foal and third winner for Sweet Ora (Oratorio). Winner of seven races, Sweet Ora is a half-sister to Strategic-sired Listed winners La Famelia and Sixth Legion.
Playing God had a treble at the meeting with Playing Ora, out of Oratorio mare Ortessa, and Decision Maker.
Dirty Work has exciting filly with Voodoo Lass
Trainer Danny Bougoure’s 3-year-old filly Voodoo Lass (Dirty Work) made it two in a row with a win at the Gold Coast on Saturday. She has been consistent this season with three placings, then two wins from five starts. She had two starts at two. “This filly has got a long way to go, but she has kept improving all the time,” Bougoure said.
“She is probably six months off (fully developing) and she will get a mile in time. She is a lovely filly with a great temperament.” Dirty Work has five winners led by Listed winner Do I Feel Lucky. Purchased by her trainer for $46,000 from Alexis Fraser Bloodstock’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, Voodoo Lass took her earnings over $85,000.
Extreme Choice enjoyed a double at the Gold Coast with Make A Call and Surprise Honey.
Proven sires dominate 3-year-old winners at Newcastle
Four 3-year-olds added wins at Newcastle on Saturday and all were by proven sires with a double for Michael Freedman, whose colt Ruination (Wootton Bassett {GB}) stayed unbeaten with his second victory. Sold by Widden Stud for $500,000 to his trainer and Michael Wallace Bloodstock, Ruination is out of Group 1 winner Daysee Doom (Doomsday).
Michael Freedman-trained colt Extractor (Spirit Of Boom) won at his sixth start. He had been an excellent juvenile last season, placing in the Golden Gift on debut, then the Listed Lonhro Plate at his second start. Purchased by Gandharvi and his trainer for $300,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Eureka Stud, he took his earnings over $150,000.
Ron Quinton-trained Luskintyre (Capitalist) won at her fourth start. She was sold by Yarraman Park Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $125,000 to Stiletto Sprinters and Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA). Chris Waller-trained gelding Cloisters (Frosted {USA}) resumed with a win, having also won at two, and he was purchased for $125,000 by F Ferrari from a Godolphin reduction sale via Inglis Digital.
Country 3-year-old winners
At Wagga, Danny Beasley-trained 3-year-old gelding Screen Spirit (Brazen Beau) won at his second start. He was a $50,000 purchase by Colin Equine and Goldfinder Equine at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, when offered by Flinders Park Stud.
Adam Campton-trained 3-year-old gelding Manpower (Trapeze Artist) won at Dalby at his second start. He was a $3000 purchase by his trainer from KBL Thoroughbreds’ Magic Millions National Yearling Sale draft.
Tajana adds G3 Sunline Vase in tight finish
Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained 3-year-old filly Tajana (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) won the G3 Sunline Vase at Ellerslie by 0.1 lengths from race favourite Lollapalooza (NZ) (El Roca). “She is not a filly we expected to be firing over 1400 metres, so it really does look good going ahead with her,” Ritchie told Loveracing.nz.
“Isn’t it great to have a couple of top-class fillies going head to head like that? It is good for racing so lets bring it on some more. She will now take her place in the Soliloquy Stakes back here and I really think Riccarton will suit her, but it is a hard race to win that 1000 Guineas.”
Bred and owned by The Oaks Stud, Tajana has won three of her six starts with earnings over NZ$231,000. She is the third foal and second winner for winning mare Sleek Secret (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret {GB}).
G3 Metric Mile won by Ears Back
Trained in Rangiora by her part-owner John Blackadder, 8-year-old mare Ears Back (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) won her second stakes race in her last three starts when adding Saturday’s G3 Metric Mile to her tally of nine wins. “This is probably the biggest thrill of my life, apart from family,” Blackadder told Loveracing.nz. Ears Back took her earnings over NZ$343,000.
“I’m just absolutely ecstatic to be here and to win this race. She’s just marvellous, and I think she’s continuing to get better with age. I’d like to thank all the staff and all the owners. I’m just so proud of the horse and this win today really means a lot.”
Her dam, Makesmewonder (Grass Wonder {USA}), who won once in 13 starts, has produced two winners from five foals of racing age, and has a yearling filly by Sweynesse.
OTI owned Churmatt wins at Ellerslie
OTI have purchased a half-share in 3-year-old gelding Churmatt (Churchill {Ire}) who won at Ellerslie on Saturday and holds a nomination for the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas. “Both horses are nominated for the Two Thousand Guineas, they are progressive,” trainer Stephen Marsh told Loveracing.nz who also trains the second placed Swiss Prince (NZ) (El Roca).
“OTI have bought half of the winner and it’s great to have them on board.” Churmatt has won two of his three starts and placed in the Listed Wanganui Guineas. Churmatt was sold by Barador Stud at the Inglis Sydney Weanling Sale for $70,000 to Kaha Nui Farm, who on-sold him to Raptor Thoroughbreds for NZ$80,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Stephen Marsh had a treble with 3-year-old filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) winning on debut and 4-year-old entire Tardelli (I Am Invincible) adding his third win and making claims for group company soon. “I thought we’d aim him at the Thorndon Mile at Group 1 level, but that’s been downgraded to Group 2 now. That was the race I identified as his target about six months ago. But I’m sure there’ll be a Group 1 for him somewhere,” said Marsh.
Keeneland momentum continues into day 11
Keeneland September may be winding down time-wise with only one session remaining, but the momentum from the record-breaking sale continued in kind Friday in the 11th session with an 88.57% increase in through-the-ring sales.
The session's top price belonged to a colt by Vekoma (USA) as bloodstock agent Mahmud Mouni's buying spree continued. Bred by Seven Springs Farm and consigned by Almar Farm, the colt sold for US$220,000 (AU$334,000) as one of the last hips through the ring on Friday.
With one session remaining in the September Sale to be held Saturday, Keeneland has sold 2,674 horses through the ring for US$506,944,700 (AU$768 million), for an average of US$189,583 (AU$286,000) and a median of US$95,000 (AU$144,000). The gross is 23.92% higher than the same period last year when 2,532 horses sold for US$409,087,500 (AU$620 million).
The average is 17.34% above US$161,567 (AU$244,000) in 2024, while the median is 18.75% higher than US$80,000 (AU$121,000). Six horses topped the six-figure mark on Friday, a mark that easily eclipses the zero figure from the same session last year.
Good Friday date for racing in Ireland
Racing will take place in Ireland on Good Friday for the first time in 2026, with the Curragh set to stage a fixture on April 3.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) published the new fixture list on Friday with the number of meetings staying the same for the third consecutive year. The Flat season will also see an enhanced programme of Sunday fixtures beginning in May, while there will be seven blank Sundays in total – one more than in 2025.
Racing on Good Friday will come from the current allocation of fixtures at the Curragh, which will mean the Guineas meeting will revert to two days for 2026. The Good Friday meeting is on an initial two-year trial basis.
Mental health forum held by HISA
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Jockeys' Guild, in partnership with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, co-hosted a mental health roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together jockeys and professional athletes from women's soccer and football to share their personal experiences and highlight both the common and unique mental health challenges they face.
“We are committed to keeping the dialogue going on mental health challenges for professional jockeys,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The more we talk about it, the more jockeys feel they can reach out for help. We want them to know that mental health is as important as physical health—and that support is available.”
