O’Shea banned for four months
Group 1 winning trainer John O’Shea, a vocal critic of the sale of Rosehill Gardens, will immediately appeal a four-month ban handed out by Racing NSW stewards after a heated discussion with veterinary officials at Rosehill Gardens on February 21, following the scratching of Bev’s Nine (Shalaa {Ire}). Bev’s Nine won six days later at Canterbury and is unbeaten in five starts.
In a statement to his owners, O’Shea said, “We will be lodging an immediate appeal and requesting a stay of proceedings in the short term. There will be no change to the operation of the stable, and there is a possibility that the horses will run solely in Tom (Charleton)’s name this coming weekend.
“Please be assured that the care and maintenance of your horses will remain at the highest level with no changes to their routine.”
Waterhouse keen viewer of Slipper
The Daily Telegraph has called out legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse, who has won the G1 Golden Slipper on eight occasions, as she will not be attending Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper meeting at Rosehill. The trainer, who was vocal in her appeal to keep Rosehill Gardens, is 71-years-old.
“On the couch … eyes glued (to the TV),” she told The Daily Telegraph in a text. The Waterhouse/Bott team has Shiki (Too Darn Hot {GB}) running with Agrarian Girl (Tassort) as the first emergency.
“ATC members and the wider racing industry fought very hard to keep Rosehill … and there is no better opportunity … to justify that decision (than) by voting with their feet,” ATC Interim CEO Steve McMahon said.
NZTR confirms ineligible to race rules
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) confirmed on Tuesday that New Zealand will recognise and support the enforcement of key traceability provisions within the Australian Rules of Racing relating to broodmare returns and foal ownership declarations.
Under the Australian Rules Of Racing, any foal whose return and Foal Ownership Declaration are not completed within 60 days of foaling will be ineligible to race, pending an appeal. This rule only applies to racing and is not a rule of Stud Book. Foals can be DNA-typed and once of age, they can be bred from. But they can’t race in Australia or New Zealand.
“The NZTR Racing and Integrity Committee recently considered whether New Zealand should recognise the Australian embargo when such horses are imported. The Committee determined that New Zealand should not provide a pathway that would allow participants to avoid the consequences of non-compliance with the Australian Rules of Racing,” said the NZTR press release.
“As a result, while a horse prohibited from racing in Australia under AR 287(1) may still be imported into New Zealand and recorded in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Stud Book, it will not be eligible to be registered for racing in New Zealand.”
Open Golden Slipper after the barrier draw, Chayan the favourite
Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained Chayan (I Am Invincible) has been installed the $5 favourite after drawing 12 in the G1 Golden Slipper barrier draw on Tuesday.
“I was looking for one of the good chances to draw well but they didn't so then I had roughies so I just had to firm those up even further,” TAB's senior trader Tim Ryan told racenet.com.au.
“There were great draws there for Hidrix (1), Campione D'italia (4), Spicy Miss (5), I think they are the free big winners jumping from the inside gates, big firmers for me. It's tricky for a lot of those favourites, where are they going to end up on the map and we will have to spend some more time to see where they end up.
“There should be good pace though, Paradoxium (18) will come across, as will Closer To Free (17) so there is some speedy gallopers drawn out wide so that's one thing we can guarantee, it's going to be a cracking pace. It's going to be a great race, the most open I can remember.”
Vets clear all runners for Slipper
Racing NSW announced on Tuesday that all inspected runners for the G1 Golden Slipper have passed their inspections and are cleared to run. “Racing NSW Veterinarians and Stewards have today conducted inspections of horses accepted to race in the $5m TAB Golden Slipper to be run at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday 21 March 2026,” said the press release.
“Streisand and Medicinal will be inspected upon their arrival in Sydney during the week. All horses have currently been assessed as being suitable to race with every accepted horse for the Golden Slipper to be re-examined on Friday 20 March 2026.”
Baker resigned to wide draws for his Slipper pair
Bjorn Baker-trained G1 Golden Slipper runners Paradoxium (Extreme Choice) drew 18 and Warwoven (Sword Of State) drew 14. “You can't change barrier draws so I'm not going to sulk about it,” Baker told racenet.com.au.
Bjorn Baker | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“At a glance, most of the speed seems to be drawn out. You've got Danny O'Brien's (Closer To Free) in 17 and Pembrey out in 19. They will be going forward you'd think so it could work out OK.
“If the rain comes, who's to say the inside is going to be the place to be. It might just work out that the wide draws are the better draws. When Kiamichi won her Golden Slipper on the heavy, she jumped from a wide barrier (14) so let's wait and see what happens on Saturday.”
Vale Peter Butler
The Patrick and Michelle Payne stable expressed their condolences to the family and friends of truck driver Peter Butler who was killed in a truck accident on Monday. “Peter brought character and laughter to our jumpout mornings and he will be sorely missed as a regular at our stable,” Payne Racing said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the team at South West Horse Transport, Peter's work colleagues Troy, Bruce and Brooke. We would like to thank the emergency services and responders who attended the scene including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority and SES volunteers and for the countless locals and members of the public who assisted at the scene.
“A special mention and thank you to the veterinarians and the entire team at Golden Plains Equine, we thank you for taking care of the six injured horses who survived.” Sadly three unraced horses died in the accident which happened on the way to the trials.
“We have now lost a total of three unraced horses, our heart goes out to the owners of those lost and to the owners of those whom were injured and still receiving care. We can assure all horses received the best of care and were attended to ASAP and we are truly grateful to everyone who assisted in making this possible.
“The accident has deeply impacted the entire team as well as the wider racing community and we thank you for your support.”
Guest House team happy with draw
Trainers Mike Price and Michael Kent Jnr are happy with the draw of 10 for G1 Blue Diamond Stakes-third placed Guest House (Home Affairs) in the G1 Golden Slipper. “I think the alley is perfect for him where he has got a bit of room to move,” assistant trainer Ben Elam told racing.com.
Guest House | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“He’s 565kgs – he’s not a small 2-year-old – he’s a big-bodied colt who is quite athletic. He’s not a heavy colt, he’s athletic and obviously he’s very fast so if he’s got a bit more room to move in the early part of what is going to be a high pressure Group 1 - we can’t have him any fitter or better - so goes there with every chance.”
Schofield happy with Stretan Ruler for Slipper
Jockey Chad Schofield insists he’s picked the right horse for the G1 Golden Slipper with Stretan Ruler (Wild Ruler). “I’m in the game, I honestly wouldn’t swap him for any other horse,” Schofield told racingnsw.com.au.
Stretan Ruler | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photograpahy
“It’s wide open, whatever wins the Slipper might be the one that gets the right run. In terms of ability of the horse I think I’m on the right one. That Silver Slipper run was enormous, he got a good tempo and showed a devastating turn of foot and demoralised his opposition.
“His next run in the Todman was a very different race, it was a trot and canter and a sprint home for 300 metres. I thought Paradoxium was entitled to win that the way he did but I love my horse’s strength the last 50 metres and through the line. A high pressure 1200 metres is what he wants and that’s what he looks like he’ll get in the Slipper.”
Music Time is one for the battlers
Trainer Gratz Vella understands the task ahead of G3 Black Opal Stakes winner Music Time (All Too Hard) in Saturday’s G1 Golden Slipper. “Something like that doesn’t happen very often, especially in the country and to a bush trainer like me,” Vella told racingnsw.com.au.
“It means a lot to me and my family, it means a lot to my owners. I’m so proud of him, every time I’ve asked him to go to the next level he has. He hasn’t backed down. It is going to help so much, the barrier (8), especially against million dollar horses. It’s going to give us every possible chance to run an enormous race. I think he has the body, the determination and he’s got the power. You wouldn’t think he was a 2-year-old, he looks more like a seasoned 3-year-old.
“All yearlings look basically alike, I just liked the way he walked. He had a good style about his walk. There was no shape about him. One thing I was taught by the old cockies, you’ve got to watch how they walk. If they have a special style, like they are over reaching, that’s a good sign because when they grow into their body they know how to do that extra bit of stride.”
Arcora to avoid Guineas for Derby target
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained last start winner Arcora (Justify {USA}) will skip this weekend’s G1 Rosehill Guineas to run in the G2 Tulloch Stakes the week later ahead of the G1 Australian Derby target. “He raced in the Geelong Derby Trial in the spring and he should have won it. He was unlucky,” Busuttin told racenet.com.au.
Arcora | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Then he went off a shorter break into a Derby and he raced well. The Tulloch is a winnable race for him and hopefully he handles the back-up.” The decision also allows the stable to avoid boom 3-year-olds Observer (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) and Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun).
“They're better horses than him and it seems, in recent years, those gun 3-year-olds – they use it as a free kick, as much as you can say that about a Group 1. They get a million-dollar Group 1, then they come back to a Doncaster (Mile) or a Queen Elizabeth (Stakes).”
Strictly Business set to resume on Saturday
G1 Victoria Oaks winner Strictly Business (Grunt {NZ}) is dual nominated for Saturday’s G2 Sunline Stakes and G2 Alister Clark Stakes. “She might be looking more for the 2000m, to be honest, but with the future in mind, we’ll start at a mile,” trainer Thomas Carberry told racing.com.
Strictly Business | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“That way we can step to 2000 metres in a couple of weeks, and she’ll have taken a few steps towards the Oaks in Adelaide. Even then, I think the 2000 metres there will be pushing on her lower limit, but she’s a VRC Oaks winner, so she’ll go there. But the 2500 metres of the Derby might suit her better, and fillies have a great record in that race – they’ve won the last two.”
Local win for Campbell
Terang trainer Stewart Campbell moved to the area recently after 30 years training at Murwillumbah and celebrated his first winner from his new stables on Tuesday with Buzitup (Danerich). “Any win is good. We sort of punched above our weight up there too but down here we bought a place and built the yards and stables so we’re getting there,” Campbell told racing.com.
The 5-year-old gelding was purchased via Inglis Digital for $1750 in June 2025 and has earned $45,000 since then. He is the fourth winner from four to race for unraced Proper Lines (Ne Coupez Pas {USA}), a full sister to Listed Hobart Guineas-placed French Tang.
New winners for Farnan and Tagaloa
Farnan added his 44th winner when 3-year-old gelding Breukelen won at Moree on Tuesday over 1200 metres for trainer Melanie O'Gorman. Breukelen, who passed in as a yearling, was having his second start.
A half-brother to Group 2 winner Tuscan Queen (Fastnet Rock), Breukelen is out of Tavarnelle (Zabeel {NZ}) who won the G3 Frances Tressady Stakes. Tavarnelle is a half-sister to Listed winner Flower Of Wanaka (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}).
At Terang, Tagaloa added his 28th winner with 3-year-old filly Butterfly Babe who won at her third start. Trained by Matt Laurie, Butterfly Babe was sold by Yulong for $50,000 to Laurie and Wilannah Park Bloodstock at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Butterfly Babe is the first foal of Dundeel Star (Dundeel {NZ}) who is from the family of Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Alinghi (Encosta De Lago).
Magic Millions Digital closes on Wednesday
With approximately half the lots in the latest Magic Millions digital sale being offered unreserved, there are some great opportunities for buyers before the sale closes on Wednesday. The 41 lots on offer are led by Lot 30 Sassari (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}), who is in foal to Toronado (Ire) and has a Pride Of Dubai colt at foot.
Also on offer is the broodmare Riapinka (Bel Esprit), a half-sister to recent Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Torque to Be Sure (Shamus Award). She is offered in foal to Mo’unga (NZ).
Arrowfield Training Centre present a trio of well-bred prospects that have been broken in or trialled. They include two unreserved fillies, being Symbolise (Castelvecchio), a granddaughter of Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice) and Wedding Vow (Dundeel {NZ}), a daughter of Group 3 winner I Am Serious (Choisir).
Fastest ton for Nottle
Apprentice jockey Holly Nottle became the fastest jockey in West Australian history to reach 100 wins when winning aboard Angela Johnston-prepared 7-year-old gelding Rommel’s Jeuney (Rommel) on Sunday. “I was super excited and amazed that I’d made it, it was a great feeling,” Nottle told racingwa.com.au on Tuesday.
Holly Nottle | Image courtesy of Racing WA
“I wasn’t really thinking about it being my 100th winner, I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself and overthink it, but I knew there was a chance.” She achieved the century feat in just 291 days to eclipse the previous record held by Lucy Fiore (335 days), while Chris Parnham took 353 days.
“Lucy is certainly someone I look up to, she’s a great rider and she’s always positive. I didn’t really know there was a record to be broken, but now it definitely feels like I’ve accomplished something great. I’ve amazed myself on how far I’ve come in the short amount of time.
“I was just trying to find my feet as an apprentice jockey at first and work out what racing was all about. I definitely didn’t think my riding career would start the way it has, it’s all happened quite fast, but it’s been a great journey.”
Aidan O’Brien delighted with Albert Einstein
Aidan O'Brien heaped praise on Albert Einstein (Ire) at a Ballydoyle press morning on Monday and described the unbeaten Wootton Bassett colt as his number one hope heading into the new season.
Albert Einstein is a general 7-1 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. He also holds a Derby entry, for which he is a best-priced 20-1 shot. However, O'Brien acknowledged that Albert Einstein, who has recorded both of his wins over six furlongs, is not certain to stay a mile.
Aidan O'Brien | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“The number one at the moment is Albert – he's done very well physically. He's big and powerful and very rapid. We won't know if he's going to get the mile until we do it. The stride people, the heart people, the pedigree people, everyone says that he will get a mile, but he's a very quick thinker,” O’Brien said.
“The other horse is Puerto Rico and the other horse after that is Gstaad, and we all know what he's done. At the moment, the three of them are being trained for the Guineas. I'd imagine one of them will go to France and then hopefully come back to the Curragh.
“With the way the ground is at the moment, I'd imagine they'd all go straight there. Listening to the lads, I think two will go to Newmarket and one will go to France and then the Curragh – I think that's what they're thinking.”
Farrell joins Godolphin Flying Start
Christopher Farrell has been appointed as Operations and Digital Communications Executive at Godolphin Flying Start, the two-year international management and leadership programme for the Thoroughbred industry.
Christopher Farrell | Image courtesy of Godolphin
Farrell joins the team in a role that will support both the day-to-day operations of the programme and its digital communications. He will work across a range of areas, supporting trainees, promoting the programme's activities and contributing to its ongoing development.
“I'm delighted to join Godolphin Flying Start as Operations and Digital Communications Executive,” said Farrell. “I was fortunate enough to complete this programme in 2018 and then work for some of the leading auction houses in the world. It's a full circle moment now to return in a new position, building on the foundation that shaped the early stages of my career. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with graduates and contributing to a programme that invests in future talent.”
UK Jockey Club's £100 million partnership
The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British horseracing, has agreed an exclusive new 20-year deal with Levy, the sports and entertainment division of Compass Group UK & Ireland. The partnership will enable The Jockey Club to make a capital investment of £100 million (AU$188 million) to revolutionise the spectator experience across its UK racecourses, funded by a payment from Compass as part of the new deal.
The Jockey Club's investment plans include a significant revamp of the main entrance to Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the Betfred Derby Festival. A full refurbishment of Epsom's Queen Elizabeth II Stand is also in the works, along with upgrades to the facilities in the Duchess Stand.
“I joined The Jockey Club because I want it to succeed and with that at the forefront of my mind, I have made it my mission to find money for us to invest in growth,” Jim Mullen, Group Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said.
“This is an important moment for racing and The Jockey Club. We have agreed a long-term opportunity with a proven worldwide operator to help us improve our customer experience and grow our ability to invest in the sport.
“We want customers at our venues to enjoy the sport, enjoy the hospitality and the overall customer experience so that they come back more often. Levy and Compass have the experience of operating world class sporting venues which, allied to our expertise and experience in racing, means they can play a significant role in helping racing and us grow.”
Explaining where most of the investment will be aimed at, Mullen added, “We will be upgrading to a digital-based ticketing system that will make us more efficient but also enhance our ability to grow our customer database and to market to it more effectively. This will cost several million pounds and is a significant piece of work, but it's a key priority.
“We will also invest further into our core festival courses, Cheltenham, Aintree and Epsom Downs. These venues host our biggest events and by investing in them, we can improve the experience of the customer and drive returns that can be invested in other parts of the business. We have earmarked a significant proportion of our investment for projects put forward by these courses.”
Amoss announces retirement as trainer in America
Tom Amoss, a fixture of the American racing circuit for more than four decades, has announced that he will step down from his career as a trainer. After a storied 39-year career that saw him rise from the local ranks in Louisiana to the pinnacle of the sport with Grade I wins at Churchill Downs, Saratoga and Oaklawn Park, Amoss will officially hand over the management of his stable to head assistant Kinnon LaRose effective April 1.
LaRose, who joined the operation in 2020, has served as Amoss's head assistant for the past five years. Amoss noted that the timing of his departure was chosen to provide a seamless transition for his clientele and to allow for an adjustment period under his continued mentorship.
“I'm still going to be around the barn and working with Kinnon just as I have for the past six years, so I don't look at it as a retirement,” said Amoss. “I look at it as a lateral move of still being able to be a part of the stable, but the horses will run in Kinnon's name. I have a very talented horseman in Kinnon and the ability to give him the opportunity to train horses. I'm fortunate in that most of my clients have been with me a long time and in explaining my decision to them for that reason, they've all stood behind me. They're willing to give Kinnon that opportunity too.”
