Jonker’s first winner does it again
Georgina Bourke-trained 2-year-old filly Gone Country (Jonker) became the first winner for her first season sire on January 16, and on Tuesday at Townsville, she repeated the dose to take her record to two from two.
She is the fifth runner and first winner for Good Music (Primus), who has a yearling filly by Stronger. Good Music’s dam Naturalist (Palace Music {USA}) is a three-quarter-sister to triple Group 1 winner and sire Naturalism (NZ).
Alibaba heads to Inglis Millennium
Co-trainer Ken Keys will run exciting 2-year-old colt Alibaba (Alabama Express) in Saturday’s R.Listed Inglis Millennium but he won’t head to the G1 Blue Diamond or the G1 Golden Slipper. “People say ‘why isn’t he in the Diamond, or the Slipper?’ – well, we made a decision (when) we paid up for the Inglis race with the theory being if he could go well enough in that, then you could pay for anything else you want,” Keys told racing.com.
“When you’ve got to make decision back in June on Diamonds and Slippers… there is a point where you haven’t sold a horse, at this stage, and you’ve got to be mindful of whether you’re spending it.”
On the trip north to Sydney and the Millennium? “He has got a great brain. He takes everything in his stride. I think he’ll adapt to it all pretty well. He seems to do what you ask.”
Brown’s Blue Diamond Prelude pair
Jockey Ethan Brown will ride in both versions of the Blue Diamond Prelude on Saturday. He’s on Ciaron Maher-trained colt Invicto (I Am Invincible) in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (c&g) and Lindsay Park’s debutant filly Portinari (Home Affairs) in the G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (f).
Invicto was third on debut in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (c&g). “It was a good run. He’s still very raw and green, I expect him to take a lot of benefit out of that. His gallop (Monday) was good, I expect him to be a more mature horse so to speak heading into Saturday and if he does take that step up, he’ll be competitive,” Brown told racing.com.
Ethan Brown and Ciaron Maher | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“They (the Hayes brothers) have a few in the race and they asked me to ride Portinari. They’re great two-year-old trainers, so I took the opportunity. She looks to have trialled up well; I’ve never sat on her but I’m backing in the stable. She’s a well-bred horse for good owners, so she ticks a lot of boxes.”
Guineas placed Top Reward set to resume
Placed in the G2 Sandown Guineas at his second start, Clayton Douglas-trained 3-year-old colt Top Reward (Shamus Award) will resume in Saturday’s G2 Autumn Stakes. “He's a lovely colt. He's got a good brain about him and he's got nice ability,” Douglas told racenet.com.au.
Clayton Douglas | Image courtesy of Clayton Douglas Racing
“It was good to get a couple of runs into him in the spring and he's come back a more furnished colt. We'll take every run as it comes but there's plenty of options for a horse like him, especially kicking off over 1400. There's a lot of options over the next eight to 12 weeks that are going to be perfect for him so as long as he steps up to mark, we'll keep putting it to him.”
Jockey refused bail over armed robbery case
Queensland jockey Luke Tarrant was refused bail after being charged with three counts of robbery while armed under sections 411(1) and 411(2) of the Queensland Criminal Code. His next court appearance will be on March 19.
Racing Queensland suspended Tarrant for 12 months in October 2025 after he refused to give evidence at an inquiry. Tarrant has 502 career wins, with his best being the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Le Chef (Exceed And Excel).
Stable Connect launch course for syndicators
On Tuesday, Stable Connect announced a partnership with Kaplan Professional, Australia’s leading financial services educator, to launch a new education course aimed at lifting regulatory understanding, ethical practice, and professionalism across the horse racing industry, particularly for syndicators.
“This is not about reacting to possible regulatory change – it is about demonstrating leadership and encouraging best practice across the industry. Horse racing syndicates sit at the intersection of sport and financial participation, and participants deserve clarity, education and ethical conduct that sets a standard for the wider industry,” Stable Connect Director Adam Tims said in a press release.
Adam Tims | Image courtesy of Stable Financial
“If people are involved in promoting or selling interests in horses, it is important they clearly understand the rules, the risks and their responsibilities. This course is about giving owners the confidence that comes from understanding how syndicates work, what the risks are and what is expected of them. “Partnering with Kaplan Professional means participants are learning from Australia’s leading financial services educator, with education that is practical, clear and directly relevant to the industry.”
Scone’s 80th anniversary celebration
Scone Racing Club will celebrate 80 years at a two-day event on Friday and Saturday May 15 and 16. “The Scone Racing Carnival truly captures what country racing is all about - elite horses, outstanding racing including the Darley Scone Cup and Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic at a world-class venue, with the amazing community spirit that makes Scone such a special place,” Jason Hill, CEO of Scone Race Club, said in a press release.
“Each year, it provides an opportunity to showcase our region’s equine heritage, hospitality and the partnerships that help bring the Carnival to life. Membership is one of the best ways to experience the Carnival, with members enjoying priority access to premium areas, exclusive benefits throughout the year, and a front-row seat to the biggest event in country racing.”
Injured jockey updates: Cummins and Smith
Racing NSW reported that jockey Stephen Cummins sustained an injury to his left wrist at Grafton on Tuesday. He went to hospital for further assessment.
The Victorian Jockey’s Association reported that Jade Smith had a fall at trackwork at Stawell and was transported to Royal Melbourne with a laceration to her liver.
Quartet of wins for Payne siblings at Seymour
On Tuesday, trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne won four races at Seymour with 3-year-old colt Clevor Trever (Omaha Beach {USA}), Customer Service (NZ) (Shocking), Phoebe Buffay (NZ) (Sweynesse), and Damas (Pride Of Dubai).
At the same meeting, second season sires Cool Aza Beel (NZ) and Russian Camelot (Ire) enjoyed new winners with the filly Azzacool and gelding The Flying Popov, respectively. Azzacool is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Lavish Girl (Xtravagant {NZ}) and their yearling half-brother by Justify (USA) will be presented by Newhaven Park at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 291.
Racing Mates to gather at Orange
The next Racing Mates event will be held at Towac Park Racecourse in Orange on Saturday February 14. “First of all, we encourage people to talk to each other. The whole concept of the Racing Mates program is to encourage people to stop and talk to each other – especially mates to mates, and, friends to friends,” Racing Mates ambassador Pat Webster told racingnsw.com.au.
“There is nothing better than talking to someone who understands where you're coming from.” The gathering is aimed at fostering mental health awareness and camaraderie among industry participants.
Dettori wins a Group 1 on final day of riding
Frankie Dettori brought the curtain down on his career in the saddle by claiming Grade 1 glory in Brazil on Sunday. His final appearance in the saddle at Gavea racecourse could not have begun any better when Dettori came from the rear to score aboard Speak Alpha on the undercard, a success that prompted his trademark flying dismount celebration.
The fairytale finish was completed when Dettori partnered Bet You Can to victory in the Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian 2000 Guineas, securing the first leg of Brazil's Triple Crown.
“Racing has been my life. I began riding in Italy as a 15-year-old boy nearly 40 years ago, and this sport has given me everything. It may not have been perfect at times, but I have loved every single moment. I've travelled the world, met incredible people, made memories I will carry forever and have been lucky enough to ride some truly extraordinary horses,” said Dettori.
“To my family, thank you for your love, patience, and unwavering support. You shared the journey and sacrifices and you are the reason for everything. To every trainer, owner, stable staff member, and jockey I've shared this journey with, thank you. We've had some laughs along the way.
“And to the fans, you were always there. Your love and support carried me around the world and lifted me more than you'll ever know. Thank you for letting a young boy live his dream.”
Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on Saturday
Andrew Balding has issued a positive bulletin on Jonquil (Lope De Vega) as the Juddmonte homebred prepares to line up in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup. Scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Racecourse on Saturday, the 1600-metre contest has attracted entries from Europe, Japan and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).
“We've been very happy with him,” Balding said of Jonquil, who was last seen finishing ninth in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar. “He obviously had quite a busy season last year, culminating in a trip to California for the Breeders' Cup. He's had a short break after that, and we started preparations at Christmas time looking to get him ready for this race. We feel that his fitness levels are good, we're very happy with the way he seems at home, and I hope he travels well and can take his best form to Abu Dhabi.”
Listed winner Believer added to Arqana
The recent Listed winner Believer (Make Believe) (lot 345) is one of two wildcards added to the catalogue for the two-day Arqana February Sale, which gets underway on Tuesday, February 17.
Trained by Gianluca Bietolini, Believer previously changed hands at the 2024 Arqana Arc Sale when bought by owner Omar Esmil Sh Ghrghar for €150,000 (AU$252,000). Last seen winning the Listed GP Riviera Cote d'Azur at Cagnes-sur-Mer on January 24, the 5-year-old will be offered as the winner of five of his 16 career starts.
Inglis USA Digital opens February sale
The catalogue for the 2026 Inglis Digital USA February Sale is now online, featuring 45 entries and numerous opportunities to make last-minute additions to broodmare bands before the start of the breeding season. Bidding is currently open for the February sale, and it will run through Friday, February 6.
Kyle Wilson | Image courtesy of Inglis Digital USA
“We're thrilled to begin our second full year in operation,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “I encourage all of our customers to take a look at this catalogue, as there are some exciting opportunities on offer.”
Jeanie's Faith (Algorithms) is a half-sister to the unbeaten 3-year-old So Happy (Runhappy), who turned heads in the G2 San Vicente Stakes on Jan. 10 at Santa Anita Park, and is being pointed toward the Southern California leg of the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Also consigned by Last Laugh Stables is broodmare prospect Six O Three (Runhappy), a half-sister to Five G (Vekoma), winner of last year's GII Gulfstream Park Oaks and Cash Run Stakes.
