Via Sistina to visit Dubawi
Yulong Stud have announced that recently retired 12-time Group 1 winner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) will head to Europe to be covered by Champion Sire Dubawi. “The closing of one chapter leads to the opening of another, and while there is a tinge of sadness that we will not see her on the racetrack again, we are excited to follow Via Sistina's journey into motherhood,” said Yulong in a press release.
Via Sistina | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“In the coming weeks, she will return to the UK and will be prepared for a date with Darley's preeminent global sire sensation, Dubawi. The last two years have brought everyone at Yulong excitement, joy and incredible pride.”
Dubawi over Fastnet Rock mares has already produced Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Imperial Emperor (Ire) and Dubawi has also crossed well with other Danehill (USA) lines mares resulting in Group 1 winners Akeed Mofeed (GB), Arabian Queen (Ire), Master Of The Seas (Ire), Creative Force (Ire), In Italian (GB), and Journey (GB). Via Sistina is out of Galileo (Ire) mare Nigh (Ire), and the Dubawi/Galileo cross is well known with the likes of Ghaiyyath (Ire), Henry Longfellow (Ire), and Night Of Thunder (Ire) etc.
Record economic impact for spring carnival
Racing Victoria released their economic research, in conjunction with IER, on Monday highlighting the benefits to the state of the spring carnival. The gross economic benefit of $533 million was an all-time record, and up 6% on the previous year. “These figures confirm the Melbourne Cup Carnival's position as one of Victoria's most valuable major events. A $533 million economic impact – our highest on record – demonstrates the Carnival's vital contribution to the state's economy,” VRC CEO Kylie Rogers said in a press release.
Kylie Rogers | Image courtesy of Victoria Racing Club
“The record 71,690 visitors who travelled to Victoria specifically for the Carnival generated significant activity across accommodation, hospitality, retail and transport sectors and Melbourne Cup Day's reach of 7.4 million Australians and $848 million in national economic uplift shows this event transcends racing – it's a cultural moment that brings the nation together while delivering significant economic returns.
“We're particularly encouraged by the growth in younger audiences and the six-year high in NSW visitors. Combined with our strongest New Zealand visitation in 15 years and visitors from 37 countries, these numbers prove the Melbourne Cup Carnival continues to grow its appeal both domestically and internationally.
“We thank Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government for their ongoing support, which has been critical in enabling the Carnival to achieve these outstanding results and continue delivering significant value to the state's economy.”
Slipper dreams for Toorak Jewel
Trainer Paul Shailer will spend the next few weeks seeking advice from experienced trainers about how to plan a G1 Golden Slipper campaign for impressive The Debut winner Toorak Jewel (Tassort). “I don't want to get carried away but you've got to look at it,” Shailer told racenet.com.au.
Toorak Jewel | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“But there's a lot of water to go under the bridge yet. We've got to work out what sort of figures she's run and get some more expert intel on that. I'll talk to James more at length and whether he thinks she's good enough and if she is, then we have to have that conversation with Crooksy, who must be willing to pay up the late nom because she's not nominated.
“The easier and logical option will be to go to the Jewel Prelude, then the Jewel and tip her out before bringing her back for the National 2YO Classic. The other path is that she travels south to take on the best of the best but it's not every year you get a Golden Slipper horse and if she is one then we don't want to miss that opportunity.
“I'll also talk to Chris Waller and see what his thoughts are. But ultimately I see the horse every day and she's in my care so it's probably difficult for other people to sum up. It'll be interesting to see what Gai (Waterhouse) does with her horse (Lady Moscato) that ran second, where it's heading and what her plans are with that horse.”
Vale Colin Webster
Group 1 winning trainer Colin Webster has died aged 85. He began his training career in Western Australia in 1961, winning the G1 Railway Stakes in 2022 with Trix Of The Trade (Trade Fair {GB}) as the highlight of a career which included winning most of Perth’s major stakes races. He trained G1 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh (Old Spice) before he was sent east to Bart Cummings where he won the Cup. “Colin Webster was one of those rare horsemen who left a lasting mark, not just through results, but through the way he treated people and horses alike,” former apprentice Troy Turner told racing.com.
“Riding for Colin was always a privilege. He had an incredible feel for a horse, an old-school work ethic, and a quiet confidence that gave you belief every time you went to the barriers in his colours.
“I began my career as an apprentice jockey under the guidance of Colin, who I call ‘Boss’, more than 36 years ago. I was just 15 years old when Boss and Mrs Web took me under their wing, treating me as one of their own. I would not be where I am today without their unwavering support, guidance, and love. He was a father to me.
“Over the years, we were fortunate to enjoy success together with many horses, including a few truly special ones such as Beau Heed, Rogan Josh and more recently, Trix of the Trade. Trix of the Trade was one of the most memorable moments of my career. Winning the prestigious Group 1 Railway Stakes for Boss was special.
“Colin trusted his jockeys, and that trust meant everything. He never over-complicated things; he knew his horses inside out and always gave clear, honest instructions. You knew that if Boss thought a horse was ready, it was ready. His calm nature and steady presence made even the biggest days feel manageable.
“Beyond the racetrack, Colin was a true gentleman. He was generous with his time, loyal to his owners and staff, and deeply respected by everyone in the racing community. He cared about doing things the right way, and that integrity is something I will always admire.”
In 2003, he was awarded the Centenary Medal from the Queen and is a life member of both the Australian and Western Australian Trainers’ Associations. A year later, he was recognised with the WA Spirit of Racing Award.
Antino to trial on Tuesday
Trainer Tony Gollan will trial Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) on Tuesday at Deagon ahead of a Sydney autumn campaign. He hasn’t raced since finishing last in the G1 Cox Plate. “I did bone scans and had all sorts of tests done, x-rayed all his joints everywhere and there was nothing that we didn't know,” Gollan told racingqueensland.com.au.
Antino (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“He's got a bit of wear and tear but there are no significant injuries. He seems as good or better than where he was last year. It will be a soft trial. He'll be at the back and probably won't trouble the scorer just following them around. Then he'll have another one a couple of weeks later and then hopefully head to Sydney for his first-up run.
“Taking out the Cox Plate run, his elite level form was up there in the spring. If I want to drop the bar or space him out, I can look at saving him for the Doomben Cup.”
Williams key rides for Karaka
Craig Williams will ride Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) in Saturday’s G1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, and has now joined forces with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable to ride Knobelas (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) in the Aotearoa Classic. “She is very progressive. She’s still looking for an out from last weekend – that was a tragedy,” Kent Jnr told racing.com.
Craig WIlliams | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“She’s drawn barrier one in her last two starts, which is less than ideal. She just wants a bit of room. Hopefully, we draw well. She has arrived, I can confirm her bloods are great and she’s lovely and sound, bright and eating.”
Birchley hunts third Karaka Million 2YO
Queensland trainer Liam Birchley won the R.Listed Karaka Million 2YO with Sister Havana (NZ) (General Nediym) in 2010 and Hardline (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) in 2015. In 2026, he has two runners, Dream Roca (NZ) (El Roca) and Vanzadee (NZ) (Vanbrugh). “I don’t make a point of targeting this race for horses I buy from the Karaka Yearling Sale, preferring to train them the same and hope they put their hands up to take the opportunity and both of these fillies have done just that,” Birchley told racing.com.
Liam Birchley | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“With what they have shown me I am delighted I can bring them both to New Zealand and I think they will be pretty competitive.
“We’ve ticked them along at home over Christmas with time on the water walker and the like and then gave them a hit out at the Sunshine Coast recently. They went over 1200 metres and blew the cobwebs out which is exactly what I wanted. They were both pretty keen and kept up a good gallop, so I’m delighted with them.
“Funnily enough if you look at their pedigree on paper neither filly stands out as a sprinting type with Dream Roca out of a Redwood mare which suggests she will enjoy getting out past 1200 metres and Vanzadee is a Vanbrugh filly who should also be looking for more ground.
“As it turns out they both have very good early speed, which is crucial for a 2-year-old, and can maintain a strong gallop which will suit this race which tends to be won by horses that are strong in the closing stages.”
Racing SA's new apprentice award
On Monday, Racing SA announced the Sydney “Paper Mac” and Nancy McDonald Award for a first or second year apprentice who has shown commitment to grassroots racing. The award will be presented at the Apprentice Academy Awards on January 29. “Racing has been very good to the McDonald family, and they regarded the racing fraternity as their extended family,” Syd Junior told racingsa.com.au.
“Dad was known as ‘Paper Mac’ on the racecourse, selling papers under the young Rupert Murdoch; he wasn’t just known, he was followed. It was quite comical - people saw his hearing aid and thought he had a direct line to the jockey’s room! I just want to keep his spirit alive, and I’m sure if Dad were here, he’d be quietly heartfelt.”
The McDonald family will donate a $2000 prize to the winning apprentice each season. "From the 1960s, Dad advised young jockeys, reviewing their rides and discussing ways to improve their performance. He always emphasised the importance of hard work and learning from mistakes. You want young apprentices to realise that you can start at the bottom and, through determination, common sense, hard work, and a good work ethic—all attributes my father always exhibited—you can achieve a sense of accomplishment."
Fast Network set for G1 Al Quoz Sprint
Hong Kong trainer Dennis Yip is keen to head to Dubai with Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}) for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in March, provided he shows plenty against Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) in the upcoming G1 Centenary Sprint Cup. “He’s in really good form. He trialled at Conghua and went really well,” Yip told scmp.com.
Fast Network (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“After this race we’ll see how he’s going – if he runs well, then we’ll go [to Dubai]. I think the straight is better for him. Right now it’s hard to beat Ka Ying Rising, so I think if we go to that race, it gives him a good chance.”
Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) is also entered for the race but with his trainer Manfred Man testing him over a mile next Sunday, a trip away may be unlikely. Man also has Self Improvement (Deep Field) entered for the G1 Golden Shaheen, and Chris So-trained Sing Dragon (Written Tycoon) is headed to the same race. Mark Newnham has entered Talents Ambition (Into Mischief {USA}) in the G2 Godolphin Mile.
Treble for Darci Brahma
Monday’s meeting at Wanganui was dominated by retired stallion Darci Brahma (NZ) who sired a treble with Damiano (NZ) and Erbie’s Darci (NZ) both winning their maidens. Gavin Sharrock-trained 3-year-old gelding Country Salon (NZ) dropped back in company to collect his second career victory.
A winner at two, Country Salon placed in the Listed Castledown Stakes at two. At three, he had two starts in black type company at the beginning of the spring for two fifth placings. This was his first start since then. Darci Brahma’s final crop are currently 2-year-olds.
Disco Time favoured for G1 Pegasus World Cup
During Sunday's post position draw at Gulfstream Park, Juddmonte Farm's Disco Time (Not This Time) gained the nod as the 8-5 morning-line favourite while drawing Post 1 for Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Disco Time is undefeated in five prior starts, including last season's GII Lecomte Stakes, St Louis Derby and Withers Stakes. The 4-year-old is trained by Brad Cox, who also trains WinStar Farm, CHC Inc., Cold Press Racing and Qatar Racing's Tappan Street (Into Mischief), winner of last season's GI Curlin Florida Derby. Cox previously won the race with Horse of the Year Knicks Go (Paynter) in 2021.
Returning to defend his title, C2 Racing Stable LLC, Gary Barber and La Milagrosa Stable LLC's White Abarrio (Race Day) was installed the second morning-line choice at 4-1 for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Last seen finishing off-the-board in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup last summer, the 7-year-old will break from Post 11 with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons.
The 10th anniversary of the nine-furlong test for older horses, Pegasus World Cup Day will also feature the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational and the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Derby prospects quinella Lecomte Stakes
Although Cherie DeVaux sent out the first and second choices in the wagering, the trainer knew that her horses had something to prove in Saturday's G3 Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Both Golden Tempo (Curlin) and Mesquite (Union Rags) had done nothing more than win maiden races and both seemed to be horses that still needed time to mature and develop.
That may still be the case. But after Golden Tempo and Mesquite ran one-two, with Golden Tempo winning by three-quarters of a length, DeVaux knows she has two horses that are stakes quality colts who are likely to get better.
“I don't feel either one of them is even close to their top yet,” said DeVaux. “We have time. Going into a race like the Derby, you want them peaking at that time. Also, in these races, you always want to win, but if they run a big number then they are probably going to regress the next time they run. Showing improvement each time and getting there and winning is the best case scenario.”
DeVaux said she will wait a few days before deciding on the next races for the pair, but definitely plans to keep them apart between now and a possible start in the GI Kentucky Derby.
“That was the plan, to run them both back here right out of their stalls at the Fair Grounds,” she said. “We will definitely try to separate them. We will probably keep Golden Tempo here where he's only run. Mesquite has now run at three different tracks and has handled everything fine. There are plenty of races all over the country for him.”
