Daily News Wrap

G3 Newcastle Stakes won by Tuileries

Friday’s G3 Newcastle Stakes over 1400 metres was won by Peter Snowden-trained 4-year-old mare Tuileries (So You Think {NZ}) from Nathan Doyle-trained Churchill’s Choice (Churchill {Ire}) and Scott Singleton-trained Melody Again (Your Song).

Previously stakes placed, Tuileries becomes the 69th stakes winner for So You Think (NZ). With four wins from 12 starts and earnings over $400,000, she was a $360,000 purchase by Snowden Racing and Will Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) from Bhima Thoroughbreds’ Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft.

She is the second foal of winning Bernardini (USA) mare Hediard who is a half-sister to Listed winners Exocet (Smart Missile) and sire Ready For Victory.

Big day for So You Think

So You Think (NZ) enjoyed a stakes winner at Newcastle on Friday with Tuileries and two winners as a damsire with Cosmic Avenger (Cosmic Force) and Southend (Palace Pier {GB}). Southend became the second Southern Hemisphere winner for his first season sire when he won on debut for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou.

His trainers purchased him from Mill Park Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft for $425,000. He becomes the second winner for Listed Adelaide Guineas winner So We Are (So You Think {NZ}). His half-brother by Russian Revolution will be offered by Mill Park Stud at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale as Lot 51.

Second season sires Ole Kirk and Ghaiyyath (Ire) also added new winners at the meeting with 3-year-olds Mister Martini and Barrengarry respectively.

Decorum to attempt Guineas for outstanding dam

Decorum (Snitzel), the full brother to G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner and young sire Switzerland, runs in the G1 Randwick Guineas. He is the second foal of Ms Bad Behavior (Can) (Blame {USA}). “She was mare that we picked out at the Fasig-Tipton Sale back in 2019,” Arrowfield Stud's Bloodstock Manager Jon Freyer told racenet.com.au.

“Physically, she is just a beautiful mare. We were very keen on her. We gave $US600,000 for her which is about $A900,000 at the time. It was a bit of stretch but Matt (Cloros, the mare's part-owner with Arrowfield) was keen to get to her. Our bid was our last bid.”

Switzerland was her first foal, and he sold at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $1.5 million to Coolmore’s Tom Magnier. Decorum, her second foal, sold to TFI for $550,000 and heads into the Guineas having won his past three in succession.

Her current juvenile colt, St Gothard (Snitzel), made $2.2 million at Easter last year. “The 2-year-old that Coolmore have with Chris Waller (St Gotthard) looks horse that has got ability and you know what Chris (Waller) is like, he is very patient with them so I am sure we will see him later on this year.” Her fourth foal, also a Snitzel colt, is Lot 451 at this year’s Easter sale.

Paradoxium back from pneumonia

Bjorn Baker-trained Paradoxium (Extreme Choice) runs in Saturday’s G2 Todman Stakes, recovered from a bout of pneumonia that kept him out of the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic. “He’s done a marvellous job to come back and be in this race,” Baker told racingnsw.com.au.

“It shows he’s got a good constitution, a great attitude, and that’s definitely helped him recover and move on to be in this position. I can’t fault what we’ve seen at home, he had a good gallop on Tuesday, and everything suggests he’s well.”

Paradoxium's half-sister by Zoustar will be offered by Silverdale Farm as Lot 9 at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Stablemate Warwoven (Sword Of State) comes into the race off a last start fourth in the G2 Skyline Stakes. “You always want to win but we did know going in he was going to improve. It’s clear he has improvement, the question mark is how much.”

Bidding open at Inglis Digital

The Inglis Digital March (Early) Sale is now open for bidding and includes a share in exciting first season sire Wild Ruler, sire of Stretan Ruler. The racing and breeding prospect Supercilious (Written Tycoon) is a Group placed three-quarter-sister to stakes winning full brothers Marine One and Cannonball (Capitalist). Marine One stands at stud in WA.

In addition, Arrowfield Stud have a draft of six mares, including several with foals at foot. The catalogue consists of 288 entries – 145 racehorses (62 race fillies), 73 broodmares, 42 racehorse shares, 22 yearlings, three 2-year-olds, two unraced stock and one stallion share.

Bates keen to ride Jenni in All-Star Mile

Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) resumes in Saturday’s G1 All-Star Mile, a race she won in 2024, and jockey Declan Bates is keen to be there. “It's been a hell of a ride, for sure, hopefully it can continue on Saturday,” Bates said.

“I'm definitely looking forward to it, she's feeling really well. You don't know for certain until you get to the races but all the signs are that she's in really good order, basically as good as ever, very excited about the weekend.”

Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) was scratched on Friday from the race by trainer Matt Laurie.

Kingswood v Legarto in G1 New Zealand Stakes

Head to head Kingswood (GB) (Roaring Lion {USA}) and Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) are one each this summer, with Kingswood winning the G1 Zabeel Classic and Legarto winning the G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, with each placing once behind each other. They have another crack in Saturday’s G1 New Zealand Stakes. “I have got full respect for her and she beat us fair and square last start,” Kingswood’s trainer Gavin Bedggood told Loveracing.nz.

“We are racing back right-handed, which I know is my horse’s advantage, and hopefully back on a track with a little bit more of a forgiving surface can help us. It’s been a well worthwhile trip, and we have been very well looked after.”

Bunbury is back in a big way

Bunbury Turf Club returned with their feature meeting last year after a two-year rehabilitation and they expect this year to be even bigger when the Listed Bunbury Cup runs on Saturday. “All roads lead to Bunbury on Saturday in regards to the Swan Draught Bunbury Cup,” BTC Chief Executive Officer Alex Doble told racingwa.com.au.

“The noise around town is really strong and in terms of the race card, the right horses are heading our way. So, we’re looking forward to a great day. I think having that two-year hiatus has created a new focus on us and people are really keen to come back and support us. Those who have come back already have obviously enjoyed it and like anything, you don’t really know what you’re missing until you miss it.

“We’re showing people a good time and you probably get a bit spoilt coming to a Bunbury Cup in regards to the atmosphere on course. It’s an event that is always held in really good spirits and it’s one of those days where you will bump into people you may not have seen for 12 months. It’s a real melting pot of people getting together and having a great day out.”

Gippsland illness outbreak

Agriculture Victoria has reminded horse owners to pay attention to illness. “We have investigated reports from properties in Gippsland, of horses displaying fever, respiratory signs, and mouth ulcers,” Agriculture Victoria wrote in a press release.

“Initial testing has ruled out exotic diseases and shown that the common equine herpesvirus (EHV-4) is active in the region. EHV-4 is widespread and causes respiratory disease in horses. Clinical disease is usually mild, and most horses recover with rest and supportive care.

“This is a timely reminder for horse owners to review their biosecurity plans and contact their vet if they have sick horses. Also, please check your horses are healthy and fit for travel before going to events with other horses.”

ASIC tightening rules around syndication

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has reminded participants of their obligations around syndication as Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) review the procedures around racehorse syndication. It is currently a breach of ownership regulations to offer shares in racehorses in a public forum, ie on a website or social media, without an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).

New winners for Farnan and North Pacific

At Dubbo on Friday, second season sire Farnan added a new winner with 3-year-old gelding Claudio who won at his second start for trainer James Ponsonby. His trainer picked him up for $1500 via Inglis Digital in January this year. He is the second winner for Assioma (All Too Hard) who is a half-sister to Group 1 winner and sire Xtravagant (NZ), and Group 3 winner He’s Remarkable (NZ) (Pentire {GB}).

At Kilmore, North Pacific enjoyed a new winner with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained 3-year-old gelding Man Of The Sea who won at his third start. His trainers bought him for $60,000 from Glenlogan Park’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft. Man Of The Sea’s dam, Dylan’s Deeva (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) won six times and she’s a half-sister to G3 Ottawa Stakes winner Setsuna (Choisir) and Listed winner Miss Solis (Oratorio).

His half-sister by Brave Smash (Jpn) will be offered by Glenlogan Park at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale as Lot 138.

Vale Louis Romanet

Louis Romanet, former president of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, has died. He was also a past director of France Galop, and was 78.

Romanet's family has a long association with French racing, leading the French racing institution from 1907-2007. First the Société d'Encouragement, responsible for Flat racing, where his great-uncle Maurice, his grandfather René and his father Jean succeeded one another. In 1995, Louis helmed France Galop, which integrated Flat and jumps racing under a single umbrella until he retired from his post in 2007.

He joined the Société d'Encouragement in 1968 to bring in computer technology, and rose through the ranks to become its managing director in 1986 following the retirement of his father, Jean. Romanet served as president of the IFHA from its creation in 1994 until 2021.

One of the foremost authorities in international racing, Romanet contributed to the work of numerous racing organisations and promoted the French model on the global stage. Those who knew him remember him as a consummate expert in all areas of the industry, with a deep knowledge of its sporting, economic, social and political dimensions.

Guillaume de Saint-Seine, president de France Galop, said, “With the passing of Louis Romanet, the French racing industry loses one of its great figures. Through his commitment, his unparalleled knowledge of our industry and his family's century-long dedication to the governance of racing, he has left a lasting imprint on the history of France Galop. His vision extended to the international stage through his work with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), which played a key role in showcasing French excellence beyond our borders. Personally, and on behalf of the entire institution and everyone at France Galop, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chair of the IFHA, said, “Louis Romanet devoted his life to the advancement of horse racing and to bringing the international racing community closer together. Through his vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication, he helped guide our sport into a new era of global cooperation and development.

“Louis was a friend and mentor to me for more than 40 years, and he was the most respected and globally recognized figure in international racing for decades. He was a friend to all, a passionate and caring leader, and a mentor to many across our industry. He will be missed dearly, and his legacy will endure throughout the worldwide racing community he worked so tirelessly to unite.”

The IFHA run the International Stud Book and the global Pattern Committees, publishing the all-important Blue Book which lists all globally recognised Black Type Races for each season.

Dunshea appointed BHA CEO

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as chief executive officer. Dunshea has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024 following the departure of Julie Harrington.

He has held several senior positions at British racing's governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as chief regulatory officer prior to being appointed acting CEO.

The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as interim chair. This follows the resignation of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday 3 March. Jones assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year.

He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as senior independent director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade.

Dunshea commented, “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA. It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing.

“The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.”

Vale Michael “Daffer” Kelly

Michael “Daffer” Kelly, a longtime stallion man at the Irish National Stud, passed away peacefully on March 5. Kelly was synonymous with many of the Irish National Stud's stallions over the years and was particularly associated with the outstanding sire Invincible Spirit, whom he handled throughout the horse's distinguished stud career.

A respected and familiar figure to breeders and visitors alike, Kelly was widely admired for his horsemanship and dedication. Having joined the Irish National Stud in 1988, Kelly devoted his career to the Kildare operation.

“Daffer was one of a kind, a horseman through and through. He looked after so many of our stallions over the years, but we will always picture him hand in hand with Invincible Spirit, who he adored. He will be greatly missed by all of us at INS. May he rest in peace,” said Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale.

European vendors watch USA tariff case

A group of 24 American states sued American President Donald Trump on Thursday over his imposition of new tariffs on imports around the world, according to the New York Times, which said that his administration would now be forced back into court to try to maintain those tariffs.

With prominent 2-year-old sales approaching in the UK, Ireland, and France, European sales companies and consignors, whose business is undoubtedly impacted by the tariffs, will no doubt be watching the outcome of the court case carefully.

The states who have sued the administration over that action, say that the move will “upend the constitutional order and bring chaos to the global economy,” the Times reported. A ruling is expected within weeks.

Dettori’s bankruptcy period extended

Former jockey Frankie Dettori has had his bankruptcy extended until March 16, 2027, after a judge at a specialist insolvency court ruled his bankruptcy should not be automatically discharged. The Italian formally retired from the saddle last month.

At a hearing in London on Thursday, lawyers for the two trustees of Dettori's bankruptcy asked for the order to remain in place for a further year. Stefan Ramel, representing the trustees, told the court that the former jockey “has not complied and is still not complying” with requests for information about his assets, including whether he owns properties abroad. Dettori and his representatives were not present at the hearing.

Chief insolvency and companies court judge Nicholas Briggs ruled that the bankruptcy order could continue until March 16 2027, which he said was “not an unrealistic period” given the “blatant failure” by Dettori to provide information when asked.

Dettori brought the curtain down on his USA riding stint after the Breeders' Cup last autumn, but continued riding in South America before riding his final races last month. In late October, Dettori was named Amo Racing's global brand ambassador.

USA wagering down in February

Despite several cold and snowy weather-related cancellations, more race days and higher available and paid purses were amongst the positive economic trends year over year for the month of February. 230 race days (+5.02%) led to over US$79,562,309 (AU$114 million) (+8.57%) of paid out purses last month spread over 2,001 races (+4.76%).

Field size remained largely the same, dropping just slightly from 7.98 in 2025 to 7.78 this year while wagering was also down a bit to $756,813,375 (AU$1 billion) (-1.86%). Average wagering per race day was the most noticeable decrease, with the amount wagered per day falling to US$3,290,493 (AU$4.5 million) (-6.55%).

Year to date, wagering on USA races was down 4% with the only positive increase shown appearing in average available purses per day race which rose just 0.94%.