Williams allowed to resume training
WA trainers Grant and Alana Williams have succeeded in having their standdown order ended and will return to training after being granted a stay of proceedings until the hearing of their Ritalin case on March 10.
Alana and Grant Williams | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“The Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal today determined the stay application by thoroughbred trainers Grant and Alana Williams against RWWA Stewards’ order to suspend their training licenses pursuant to Local Rule 22 of the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing,” Racing WA officials confirmed in a statement.
The case involves their Kalgoorlie Cup runner Starry Heights (Star Turn) who was found to have a positive test to Ritalinic Acid, which is used to treat ADHD in humans, after an autopsy.
Big Sky and Childs to reunite
Jockey Jordan Childs will reunite with 2-year-old colt Big Sky (Bivouac) for Saturday’s G1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
“I obviously had the experience on him at Flemington so that held me in good stead,” Childs told racenet.com.au.
Big Sky | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“Big Sky's a horse in form and going extremely well, from his first to second start he improved a lot naturally, so hopefully he can improve again. They're all in the same boat, all 2-year-olds and most of them probably stepping up to 1200 metres for the first time. It's going to be a new experience for most of them but he's a horse in form.”
Listed Challenge Stakes won by Playin’It Sweet
Sunday’s Listed Challenge Stakes at Ascot was won by last start Listed Bunbury Breeders’ Classic winner Playin’It Sweet (Playing God). The Adam Durrant-trained 3-year-old filly now has seven wins from 12 starts with three victories at Listed level.
She is the current final foal of Sweet Ora (Oratorio) who has missed for four seasons in succession since Playin’It Sweet’s birth. Sweet Ora’s first two foals are winners, and she is a city winning half-sister to Strategic-sired stakes winners La Famelia and Sixth Legion. La Famelia is the dam of Group 2 winner French Fern (Lope De Vega {Ire}).
Per Incanto pair set for Group 1 glory
Lindsay Park will run a pair of Per Incanto (USA)-sired gallopers on Saturday with Evaporate (NZ) taking on the G1 Futurity Stakes and Oak Hill (NZ) taking on the G1 Oakleigh Plate.
“(Evaporate) has trialled up excellent and will be hopefully announcing himself this autumn,” co-trainer Ben Hayes told racing.com.
Ben Hayes | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“What has let him down is his racing manners. He’s always been a headstrong horse and doing things wrong but still ran well. When Jamie (Melham) rode him in his last jump-out (win at Werribee on February 6) he actually relaxed and he finished off and we have been really working on it in his trackwork. Jamie was really happy with him, and I think she’s keen to ride him (in the Futurity).”
“Again, (Oak Hill) is a horse that was doing a lot wrong. He was an aggressive horse, and we saw last start he relaxed and he ran well so if he does that in an Oakleigh Plate, he’ll run very well.”
Ceolwulf sent for more tests
Racing NSW stewards issued the following statement on four-time Group 1 winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) on Monday.
“Racing NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Carly Garling has advised Racing NSW Stewards that following consultation with trainer Joe Pride’s stable veterinarian and a specialist equine surgeon, it has been determined that further diagnostic tests will be performed on Ceolwulf at a specialist equine hospital.”
Ceolwulf (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
He returned to scale after the G2 Apollo Stakes with blood in both nostrils, but an initial endoscope found no evidence of EIPH, which would lead to a compulsory two-month spell and at least three months before he could race again.
Queensland Winter Carnival announced
On Monday, Racing Queensland unveiled the dates for the Queensland Winter Carnival. It will run from May 2 to July 4, with more than $28 million in prizemoney across 11 race meetings, featuring nine million-dollar races and 55 black-type races.
“The most recent Queensland Racing Carnival saw more than $21 million contributed directly to the state economy, and close to 29,000 visitor nights created as a result of the 10-week programme,” Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander told racingqueensland.com.au.
“Not only is it renowned as one of Australia’s great racing carnivals, but we also continue to see our local champions – including Cool Archie and Antino in 2025 – confirm their standings amongst the best in the nation. The eyes of the world are on our great state in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland Racing Carnival is a key opportunity to showcase Queensland to a global audience.”
Kennedy awarded dux of Victorian Jockey class
Jaylah Kennedy has been awarded the top prize of her graduating class from the Racing Victoria's Apprentice Jockey Training Program, taking home the RV Elite Apprentice Jockey award.
“The nine graduates are to be warmly congratulated for completing our Apprentice Jockey Training Program. They have all worked extremely hard and we look forward to following their journeys as they pursue rewarding careers in our industry,” said RV Chair Tim Eddy.
“We also celebrate the excellence of our award winners who have been duly recognised for demonstrating their qualities on and off the racetrack.”
The Mikaela Claridge Sportsmanship Award is the only peer-voted prize and went to Tom Prebble, while Emily Pozman received the Victorian Jockeys Association’s Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in Training award.
Bassett Babe stays unbeaten
Trainer Andrew Gluyas will look at stakes racing options for 3-year-old filly Bassett Babe (Wootton Bassett {GB}) after she made it two from two on Saturday.
“I think she’s taken that next step. We’ll let the dust settle. It would be nice to get her into a filly’s race,” Gluyas told racingsa.com.au.
“That won’t be here, we’ll look at what’s happening over the border but that comes with a caution, it is her first prep.” She was sold by Mill Park Stud for $200,000 to Macdonald Gluyas Racing at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and is a half-sister to G2 Avondale Guineas winner Thedoctoroflove (So You Think {NZ}).
New role announced for country Victoria
Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria have announced a new role, Country Tracks and Facilities Coordinator, aimed at providing additional hands-on support to country clubs in the preparation of their racetracks.
“Victorian track managers do an exceptional job, with many racetracks across the state considered among the best in Australia, but as always we are continually striving to improve our product,” Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison told racing.com.
Aaron Morrison | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
“No one wants to see race meetings impacted due to track issues and while last season saw fewer meetings either partially or fully abandoned in Victoria than the preceding two seasons, these investments are about providing additional support for track managers while helping them identify and remedy potential problems.
“This newly created role, funded by our partners at CRV, and our increased investment in RV’s Regional Track Manager program should serve to ensure that Victoria continues to set the standard for racetrack preparation.
“Consistent track preparation is of paramount importance, primarily to preserve the safety of horses and their riders but also to maintain punter confidence, so I am sure this joint investment will be welcomed by all industry participants.”
Double for Proisir
New Zealand-based sire Proisir added a double on Monday at Newcastle with Pro Velocity (NZ) and 3-year-old filly Vidia (NZ). Vidia was having her third start, and her first for this campaign. She is trained by Michael Freedman for a Yarraman Park Stud-led syndicate.
Gandharvi purchased her for NZ$600,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from Kilgravin Lodge. Vidia is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Ulanova (NZ) (Santos) and Listed winner Steal My Kisses (I Am Invincible).
New winner for Sensei
Second-season sire Sensei added his fourth winner at Cairns on Monday when 3-year-old gelding Mr Oreo won for trainer Fred Wieland. He’s been busy with 12 starts and four placings before his break-through victory. Sold by The Grove Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale for $17,000 to his trainer, he becomes the fifth winner for Latina (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}).
Invader had a double at the Cairns meeting with Injada and 3-year-old gelding Satisfied Mugs who took his record to seven wins from 14 starts.
Final call for ATIEA nominations
The Australian thoroughbred industry has a final opportunity to recognise its staff, with nominations for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (formerly the Stud and Stable Staff Awards) now closing at midnight this Wednesday.
After strong interest and requests for more time from participants across breeding and racing, the nomination deadline has been extended to ensure no deserving person misses the chance to be acknowledged by their industry.
“These awards only happen because someone decides to put another person forward. Often the best people in our industry don't get the recognition they deserve, so this is about making sure their contribution is seen and celebrated,” said TBA CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy.
AgriFutures grants open for workplace training
On Monday, AgriFutures Australia announced that applications for our new People and Capability Program have opened. Up to $200,000 is available to help address critical workforce shortages and build the skills needed for long-term productivity across our Levied and Emerging Industries.
“The two grants that are available are the Industry Workforce Program Grants – up to $25,000 to support the delivery or adaptation of workforce initiatives, and the Capacity Building Grants – up to $10,000 to strengthen leadership, skill development and organisational capability,” said the press release.
“This program is about investing in people, building confidence and capability, and creating stronger pathways into agriculture. By focusing on outcomes and measuring impact, we can support immediate workforce needs while also building skilled and capable people for the future.” Applications close March 13.
Entries open for New Zealand’s online breeding sale
New Zealand Bloodstock announced on Monday that the National Online Breeding Stock Sale will take place on Gavelhouse Plus in July. Vendors can upload their entries directly to Gavelhouse Plus from May 19 to June 16. The catalogue will go live on Friday June 26 and bidding closes from 6pm (NZT) on Wednesday, July 8.
“This Sale is the perfect opportunity for breeders to assess their portfolio and use a proven platform to buy and sell quality mares. Further to that, stallion shares and nominations will be on offer, at an ideal time ahead of the breeding season,” said NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones in a press release.
Top Dragon set for Thursday’s Cup
Trainer Chris So believes Top Dragon (Pierata) has a lightweight advantage in Thursday’s Year Of The Horse Cup at Sha Tin.
“He’s going good and the last time he ran, he got traffic in the Classic Mile. If not for the traffic, I think he would have run much closer,” So told scmp.com.au.
“Every race, the horse has run perfect, he just needs more luck – especially after last time. He’s always competitive but he just needs some good fortune. Maybe this time, with the light weight, he can get that.”
