Munz appointed MRC vice-chair
Owner Jonathan Munz has been appointed the Melbourne Racing Club vice-chairman. “The new MRC board, led by John Kanga and now by Cameron Fisher, has done an excellent job, saving racing at Sandown, returning the Caulfield mounting yard to its rightful place, abandoning plans for an unnecessarily costly new Caulfield grandstand and moving quickly to reduce debt,” Munz said.
Jonathan Munz | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“They have also done a great job for members, racegoers and participants and I'm pleased to support Cameron, Tanya and the Committee in continuing that work. The club has a strong platform for growth, and I'm looking forward to helping ensure its continued success and contribution to the wider industry.”
Punters love Autumn Glow
Unbeaten Group 1 winner Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) has shorted to $1.90 for Saturday’s Golden Eagle. “Punters love Autumn Glow, they think she is the new Winx and she's the only horse they want to be on for the Golden Eagle,” TAB’s Tim Ryan told racenet.com.au.
“It's one-way traffic for Autumn Glow, she is the best backed horse in Australia on Saturday. We have a short-priced favourite in the Victoria Derby with Observer but we are holding more than twice as much on Autumn Glow.
Autumn Glow | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Autumn Glow is unbeaten and is a very popular mare. I thought she would be ‘black' odds and I bet $2.30 on Tuesday but we have been smashed since. James McDonald chose to ride her in the Golden Eagle rather than on Derby Day at Flemington and the punters are following his lead and want to be with Autumn Glow.
“The liability for TAB has got to the point where she has to be odds-on as she is also heavily involved in a range multis.”
Legacy Bound to continue Griffiths association with Black Caviar family
Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk is out of a full sister to unbeaten Champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and on Saturday in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, trainer Robbie Griffiths hopes to continue his good association with the family via Ole Kirk’s son Legacy Bound. “You know how much luck I have had with Magnus, and with Ole Kirk being out of the same family, I couldn't wait to have a crack at him (as a stallion),” Griffiths told racenet.com.au.
“They (Ole Kirk's progeny) are going super. To have a horse like Legacy Bound race in a Coolmore is what all trainers strive for. You have to turn over a lot of stones to find a diamond and we're lucky we have got a diamond.
Robbie Griffiths | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“His form shows he is right in the mix. The horse from Sydney (Beiwacht) looks outstanding, but we have been down the straight before, and that is a big plus. It's crazy, as soon as Mark Zahra got off him (Legacy Bound to ride Tentyris), that changed a bit. But there wasn't much between him (Legacy Bound) and Tentyris at Flemington.”
Vets clear 29 Cup runners
The Racing Victoria veterinary panel have cleared 29 runners for Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup. Three horses, Absurde (Fr) (Fastnet Rock), Goodie Two Shoes (Ire) (Fastnet Rock), and Flatten The Curve (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), will require a second inspection on Sunday.
The few days before the Cup will have the nation talking, and not always in a positive way about racing. The team at Kick Up have provided racing fans with information to counter the anti-racing narrative.
Share in Oaks-bound filly on Inglis Digital
A share in 3-year-old filly Morisu jo (Maurice {Jpn}) will be offered at the current Inglis Digital Sale. She is headed to the G1 Victoria Oaks. “We’ve offered shares in a Melbourne Cup runner in the lead-up to the race that stops a nation before but never shares in an Oaks horse in this manner so this is new ground for Inglis Digital and very exciting,’’ Inglis Digital Business Manager Nick Melmeth said.
“I know Ciaron Maher has a strong opinion of Morisu Ojo so to have the opportunity to buy into this filly literally 24 hours before she is set to contest the VRC Oaks, it’s an incredible scenario.’’
In total the November (Early) Sale consists of 302 lots, including 173 racehorses (76 race fillies), 61 racehorse shares, 31 broodmares, 27 yearlings, 5 2-year-olds and five unraced stock.
Queensland to begin early on Saturday
A massive storm set to hit Queensland on Saturday has resulted in racing authorities deciding to start the key race meetings early. Eagle Farm will commence at 11am and the Gold Coast shortly after that. “We're all set for a huge Brisbane Broncos Derby Day at Eagle Farm,” Brisbane Racing Club boss Karl deKroo told racenet.com.au.
Karl deKroo | Image courtesy of Brisbane Racing Club
“With storms possible later in the day, we've made the proactive call to start racing from 11am to keep everyone safe and give fans the best chance to enjoy the full program. We have also brought forward fan activities with Broncos premiership winners Adam Reynolds and Cory Paix to early in the afternoon, and we'll stay in close contact with QRIC (Queensland Racing Integrity Commission) and Racing Queensland as the day unfolds.
“Obviously the safety of participants and patrons is always our top priority. Hopefully the storms miss us and we get to celebrate a fantastic day on and off the track.”
Lindsay Park believes in Evaporate for Golden Eagle
It’s all about luck for Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) in the Golden Eagle according to the Lindsay Park stable. “As long as he gets into a nice rhythm, Nash (Rawiller) is a strong rider, he’s in it up to his ears,” co-trainer Ben Hayes told racingnsw.com.au.
“If we get the right run he’s definitely good enough and he’s already shown that. He’s a horse with a big stride so it’s all about momentum with him. When he trounced them in the Carbine Club he got into a lovely rhythm and they couldn’t catch him. Once he gets into that rhythm he’ll give a good kick.”
Walker’s pair for Derby
Trainer Mark Walker has two runners in Saturday’s G1 Victoria Derby, led by last start Listed winer Azazel (NZ) (Shocking) and McWoody (Alabama Express). “(Azazel) has pulled up really well. He's a very fit horse, and everything's gone really well with his prep,” Walker told SEN.
“We just had a hiccup with the wind, and the races were delayed a day at Geelong, otherwise, it's been a really good preparation. I don't think the 2500m will pose any problems, if any horse could get it on pedigree, it’s him, and just the way he races, I've got no doubts he'll get it. Obviously, that Godolphin horse (Observer) will be awfully hard to beat. He was very impressive the other day, that's for sure.”
Yulong purchases Guineas favourite
Yulong have purchased a 50% share in G1 NZ 1000 Guineas favourite Well Written (Written Tycoon) and will keep her with trainer Stephen Marsh. “All the original owners have stayed in, it’s been an easy transition and if she is as good as what we think, she will campaign in Australia as a 4-year-old,” Marsh told Loveracing.nz.
“It’s great not only for our stable, but for New Zealand racing and to see Yulong substantially investing in our industry which has come a long way in recent times. The 1000 Guineas and The NZB Kiwi have massive appeal to Yulong, it’s very exciting to have them in the stable.” The last start Group 2 winner is unbeaten in two starts.
New winner for Ole Kirk
Second season sire, and last season’s Champion First Season Sire, Ole Kirk added winner number 23 when Nick Olive-trained 3-year-old filly Hip Hip Ole won at Wagga on Friday. She was having her second career start, and was a $42,500 purchase by her trainer from Clarke & Croft Bloodstock’s Magic Millions National Yearling Sale draft.
Shamus Award sired a double at the meeting with Sonic Scene and Pussyfoot who now have two wins and three wins respectively.
Piggott and Dwyer team up for 150,000gns Tattersalls purchase
The beauty of modern technology allowed agent Jamie Piggott to get in on the action on the penultimate day of the Autumn Horses-In-Training at Tattersalls, with the jet-setting bloodstock agent going to 150,000gns (AU$317,000) to secure recent Redcar winner Skiathos (Wootton Bassett) whilst on board a flight to America for the Breeders' Cup.
Trainer Henry Dwyer formed a key part of the purchasing team.
Piggott said, “Skiathos is an exciting, progressive colt who has a heap of options next year, including the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. He could be anything – his sister [Attagirl (Wootton Bassett)] had talent but she was physically a different type – a speedy two-year-old. He's a good-moving sort with the scope for a mile. The colt stood out today with his updates. I was impressed when we watched him win from the Green Room at Tattersalls on Monday.”
He was the only horse to make six figures on Thursday yet the turnover climbed by 25% to 2,424,000gns (AU$5 million). The clearance rate was also up by 5% to 90% while the average climbed 2% to 11,767gns (AU$24,900). However, the median dropped by 13% to 7,000gns (AU$14,800).
Double for Newnham in Hong Kong
Leading trainer Mark Newnham extended his lead on the Trainers’ Premiership with a double on Thursday night, winning with Notthesillyone (Super One) and New Forest (Justify). “My goal is to run in the top three, but history will tell you that the percentage of wins we’re having at the moment – you can’t maintain that,” Newnham told scmp.com.
“Generally the person who wins the premiership will be on about 12 per cent and I will have a lull at some stage. Hopefully there’s not, but there will be. As long as we can keep an even flow of winners, we’ll give ourselves every chance.
“(Notthesillyon) has been a really solid horse – at the end of last season he won by an inch in a Class Five from gate one with a perfect ride. Yet his three runs this season showed that he’s at least got some options with running on the dirt and each of his runs have been really good.”
Dettori named Amo Racing's Global Brand Ambassador
Frankie Dettori has joined Amo Racing as a global brand ambassador to usher in the next phase of his career, following the news that the legendary jockey will retire from American racing after the Breeders' Cup meeting.
“I'm thrilled to be joining Amo Racing as their global brand ambassador,” said Dettori. “Kia and his team have huge passion and ambition for the sport and it's exciting to be part of their journey."
Joorabchian added, “Frankie is a true icon of our sport. His presence, his personality and his passion for racing are unmatched. We've shared some incredible moments together and his enthusiasm perfectly represents what Amo stands for. Having Frankie represent us around the world is something we're extremely proud of.”
International raiders sign up for Hong Kong December meeting
A total of 33 UK and Irish raiders–including 2024 G1 Hong Kong Vase hero Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman), and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe second Minnie Hauk (Frankel)–are among the entries for the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 14. Offering record prize-money of HK$130 million (AU$25.5 million), the race day has drawn 185 horses–70 of them top-level winners for the four Group 1 races.
Australia's golden girl Via Sistina is one of two top-flight winners entered in the Hong Kong Cup alongside Buckaroo, who are both trained by Chris Waller. Although she holds an entry in the Cup, four-time Group 1 winner Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) holds first preference in the HK$36-million (AU$7 million) Longines Hong Kong Mile for Matt Laurie.
Andrew Harding | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Andrew Harding, executive director, racing, HKJC, said, “We are delighted with the entries and support from our international friends for the 2025 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. Hong Kong's very best horses will once again face off with world racing's elite, setting the scene for another incredible day of sporting action at Sha Tin on 14 December.
“Our global champions Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising will both aim to enhance their standing among the very best of world racing, while rising star My Wish continues to impress on his mission towards the Longines Hong Kong International Races with Group 2 and Group 3 wins. We are confident that this year's entry will deliver yet another memorable Longines Hong Kong International Races – which sees a record purse of HK$130 million up for grabs across the four Group 1 contests.”
Vale Tommy Jakes
UK apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has died at the age of 19, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) have announced. A joint-statement from the IJF and PJA read, “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of licensed apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes, 19, who tragically died at home this morning near Newmarket.
“Tommie was a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Boughey's racing team. His parents Jeremy and Tonie ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”
Resolute's Excellent Truth supplemented to Fasig-Tipton
Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), winner of the GI Diana Stakes in July, has been supplemented to Monday's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The 5-year-old mare will offered as a broodmare prospect as hip 225 through the Elite consignment.
“Excellent Truth is an exciting supplement to our November Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “She has excelled at the highest levels in the United States and Europe, and her deep pedigree makes her an attractive broodmare prospect for breeding operations the world over.”
A Group winner in France in 2023 and runner-up in the 2024 G1 Prix Rothschild, Excellent Truth was purchased by John Stewart's Resolute Racing for €1.6 million at the 2024 Arqana December sale.
