Thoroughbred Breeders announce Employee Awards
Thoroughbreds Breeders’ Australian announced the shortlist for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA) on Wednesday. The awards recognise the outstanding people who work across Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors.
Formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the winners will be announced at the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony on Monday 25 May at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
“The nominations we received from across the country highlight the remarkable people working throughout Australia’s breeding farms, racing stables and industry organisations,” Chair of the ATIEA Shortlisting Committee Mary Capuano said in a press release.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of these Awards is seeing colleagues, managers and organisations take the time to recognise someone whose work they truly value. It’s a wonderful reflection of an industry that supports and celebrates its people. These Awards are about lifting each other up and acknowledging the dedication, horsemanship and care that so many individuals bring to their roles every day.”
Verona Rose maturing perfectly for Coolmore Classic
Jockey Craig Williams likes the way Verona Rose (Castelvecchio) has matured ahead of her G1 Coolmore Classic target on Saturday. “When I first spoke to Gary (Portelli), I never thought she’d be a Group 1 type of horse,” Williams told racingnsw.com.au.
“As a 3-year-old she was a chance but as a 3-year-old it’s a lot easier. The way she’s coming up and the way she’s matured, the way Gary has her going, she will line up and be one of the main chances you would think in a Group 1 race.
Verona Rose | Image courtesy of Wyong Race Club
“She’s showing a bit more versatility and we saw that in Melbourne and last start. You could see this preparation she’d come back in great order. Her jump out was excellent and her first run was great and then she put the waiting on the wall (at Randwick). I was impressed with her performance, she will gain the confidence from that and will take a lot of beating the way she’s going.”
Purton to ride at The Championships
Hong Kong’s Champion Jockey Zac Purton will ride in Sydney on day one of The Championships next month. He rides Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes and Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) in the G1 Doncaster Handicap.
Zac Purton | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Four internationals arrive in Sydney
After travel through the Middle East has been disrupted by war, four international gallopers have finally touched down in Sydney. William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) and Caviar Heights (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) were on the same flight as Yulong-owned Barnavara (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) who heads to Chris Waller along with Seo Linn (Ire) (Order Of St George {Ire}). “The freight has arrived,” Australian Turf Club Head of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani told racenet.com.au.
“The people that travelled with the horses have all reported they are in good condition and coped well with the travel. We've got four happy and healthy horses and hopefully we'll get to see some of them for the first time on March 28.”
Nevesh Ramdhani | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Waller has had to adjust his plans a little with his pair. “We had mapped out for Barnavara to run in the Ranvet Stakes like we did with Via Sistina when she arrived but as the flight was delayed, we now plan to kick her off in the Neville Sellwood Stakes a week later,” Waller said.
“She's still in the mix for the Queen Elizabeth. Barnavara has an impressive record and the difference between her and Via Sistina is their age. Barnavara arrives here as a 3-year-old to northern hemisphere time while Via was a 6-year-old when she made her Australian debut.”
Luana Miss selected for The Quokka
Trevor Andrews-trained 3-year-old filly Luana Miss (Bivouac) will run in The Quokka after she was selected by TABTouch for their slot. Eastern raiders Rey Magnerio (Magnus) and Caballus (I Am Invincible) are both confirmed for The Quokka, while Dan and Ben Pearce-trained 3-year-old filly Talkanco (I’m All The Talk) has also earned a slot.
“Winning the Karrakatta with a homebred was a very exciting moment,” Talkanco’s managing owner Ian Riley told racingwa.com.au. “To win the Quokka would be amazing and a fantastic reward for Ell considering how consistent she’s been for us.”
Luana Miss | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
Only three 3-year-old fillies have run in the race to date. Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) ran in the inaugural The Quokka as a 3-year-old, finishing second. In 2024, both Petula (Nicconi) and Super Smink (Super One) took part, finishing seventh and last respectively.
Pride pair to clash in Maurice McCarten
Trainer Joe Pride will have two runners in Saturday’s G3 Maurice McCarten Stakes with King’s Secret (Shalaa {Ire}) and Kerguelen (Lonhro). “There’s not much between these two horses I wouldn’t think at this point over this kind of trip so the barrier puts things in his favour. They’re both promising horses and they’ll be hard to beat,” Pride told racingnsw.com.au.
“There’s nowhere to hide but I don’t think (King’s Secret) needs anywhere to hide. He’s taking (the class rises) really well. Because he’s so lightly raced and I know that family they just keep getting better with age. I would think he’s got a bit left to go yet.
“I like Kerguelen, I’m still getting to know him, this is his second prep for me. He’s got an amazing finish on him, he’s a pretty good horse.”
Globe hunting Sydney’s potential for rain
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have sent Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) north to Sydney to hunt for wet tracks. He runs in Saturday’s G2 Ajax Stakes. “I haven’t got a specific race for him but he’s in Sydney to capitalise if you do get a wet track, somewhere between a mile and 2000 metres,” Price told racingnsw.com.au.
Globe (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I don’t reckon the Doncaster will suit him, unless it was a wet track. He’s going to be nominated for just about everything and we’ll think on the run depending on the weather. He’s going super, he’ll give plenty of cheek but his chances improve on a wet track.”
Another good juvenile for Hansen
Sunshine Coast trainer Darryl Hansen, who won the R.Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Le Chef (Exceed And Excel), has a runner in Saturday’s QTIS 2YO Jewel in It'sall About Mary (Portland Sky). “I took her away to Rockhampton last month to educate her,” Hansen told racingqueensland.com.au.
“She was still very green, but she hit the line strongly. I hoped she could win that race, but it was still a pretty good run. I trialled her at Deagon one day on a really wet track behind Tony Gollan’s good one, Pembrey. She seemed to get through the wet quite well so I don’t think a wet track will bother her. It’s a hard race but she’s a nice chance.”
Double for Snitzel at Warwick Farm
Snitzel celebrated a double at Warwick Farm with the expensive 2-year-old colt The Next Episode already covered earlier in this issue. In the last on the card, Mark Minervini-trained 5-year-old gelding Hanau took his record to four victories from 19 starts with earnings over $260,000. He has won three in Sydney and one at Newcastle.
His half-sister by Snitzel son Best Of Bordeaux will be offered by Bowness Stud at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale as Lot 49. This is the family of Pierro and Observer (Ghaiyyath {Ire}).
Sokolski’s new colours deregistered
Owner Brae Sokolski registered new colours in Queensland recently to support Israel, but these have been registered as they contravene various state rules of racing prohibiting political statements. “We were informed by NSW stewards today of a set of colours which were approved by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission,” Queensland chief steward Josh Adams told racenet.com.au.
“The colours which were manufactured were not consistent with the description which was approved and, as such, stewards informed Mr Sokolski that the colours will be deregistered through Racing Australia.” They were scheduled to be worn on Wednesday aboard the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained Freight Train (Shamus Award), but were replaced by the club colours by Racing NSW stewards.
“The colours in question were officially registered in Queensland and entered into the national database before being switched onto some of Mr Sokolski's horses that are currently stabled in Victoria” an RV spokesman said.
“Having become aware of the design of the colours in comparison to their registered description, RV stewards contacted Mr Sokolski inviting him to make submission as to why the colours should be permitted for ongoing use in Victoria. Mr Sokolski was notified that the RV directors will consider his submission in accordance with Local Rule 66A and make a determination on their ongoing use at a date to be fixed.
“As part of their formal communication with Mr Sokolski, stewards permitted the colours to be worn at yesterday's Ballarat meeting, given that final fields had been declared at the time of writing. Mr Sokolski was advised that the colours would not be permitted for use in Victoria from then until such time as the RV directors consider the matter and make a determination.”
Golden Eagle target for Well Written
Unbeaten 3-year-old filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) has gone out for a spell and will be set for the Golden Eagle. “She pulled up well and had a couple of quiet days in the stable just to chill out, so she’s gone out for a very well-deserved spell,” trainer Stephen Marsh told loveracing.nz.
Well Written | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
“She’ll come back in before the weather gets too bad and to begin with we’ll just potter around with her. We haven’t talked seriously about any plans for next season and the only race in the back of our minds is the Golden Eagle in Sydney, but for now we’ll just let the dust settle.”
Hong Kong’s new apprentice
Hong Kong will unveil a new apprentice jockey on April 1. Nichola Yuen will be only the second female jockey to ride locally in Hong Kong since 2017, joining Britney Wong who began in 2025. On occasion, international female riders such as Hollie Doyle have been given short term contracts in Hong Kong. Yuen joined the apprentice program in 2016, then rode in Australia from 2021 where she had 61 winners. Further stints in New Zealand and South Africa have increased her experience.
“I’m really glad and very lucky to be part of the stable in the future. I’ve wanted to ride in Hong Kong for a very long time, so I’m very lucky and very glad that I can finally have the license to ride in Hong Kong, so it’s pretty exciting,” Yuen told scmp.com.
“Because it’s my first time riding in Hong Kong, and on the biggest stage, maybe there’s a little bit of pressure, but it should be fun after I get used to it.”
She will be indentured to Ricky Yiu who had to win a bidding war for her. “I applied to have her when the Club announced that she can ride in Hong Kong. I was among six of the trainers – I’m the lucky one to have her,” said Yiu.
“She’s a very nice person, polite and willing to learn – and loves horses. She’s got some talent, she really wants to learn as much as she can, and she’s aggressive too – and this is what we want from a beginner.”
Brown on a discovery mission
Jockey Ethan Brown is in Hong Kong while he’s suspended in Australia on a discovery mission ahead of his stint beginning on April 26. “I’m only here for a week because I’m suspended in Melbourne, so it was a good opportunity to have a look around; it worked out well timing-wise,” Brown told scmp.com.
Ethan Brown | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I’ll be able to finish up the Sydney Autumn Carnival and then come over here. I’d like to leave with a heap more knowledge and experience, I think just learning the new style of racing. I’d love to leave here with at least a few winners, that’s what we all come here for, but I understand it’s not a walk in the park and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Tickets for Breeders' Cup on sale
A variety of seating and hospitality options for the 2026 Breeders' Cup are available as the World Championships are set to return to Keeneland Race Course Oct. 30-31, the Breeders' Cup said via a Tuesday release.
While tickets for the general public go on sale on Tuesday, April 21 at Noon ET, fans may browse ticket options and specific pricing for general admission, box seating, reserved seating, dining options and corporate & group sales.
A $100+ million capital construction project, the largest in the track's 89-year history, will be on full display as Keeneland hosts the World Championships for a fourth time. In addition, the Breeders' Cup and Keeneland are investing $3 million to add three luxury chalets and loge box seats to provide additional premium hospitality options.
As part of a continuing multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the Breeders' Cup will leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance ticketing for attendees.
