TBA respond to NZTR decision to uphold ineligibility
On Tuesday, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Racing and Integrity Committee decided to uphold the Australian Rule Of Racing with regards to ineligible foals, thus closing a loophole which might allow such horses to race over there. All foals who are ineligible to race remain eligible to the Australian Stud Book and can be bred from.
“Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) understands and respects New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s position in seeking to uphold the integrity of international traceability frameworks,” TBA President Basil Nolan told TTR when asked about the decision.
basil Nolan | Image courtesy of Racing Queensland
“However, this development highlights that the full implications of Racing Australia’s current approach, including the automatic application of embargoes to horses with late Foal Ownership Declarations, are only now becoming clear.
“The practical effect is extending beyond Australia in a way that is having significant and disproportionate consequences for breeders and owners. These horses are fully recognised Thoroughbreds, yet they are now unable to race not only in Australia but also in New Zealand.
“It also raises the question of how other jurisdictions may respond. If similar positions are adopted elsewhere, the impact could extend well beyond what was originally envisaged.
“In real-world terms, this means the burden of what is often an administrative issue is falling on the horse itself, creating outcomes that are not aligned with the welfare objectives these rules are intended to support.”
Nolan emphasised that while integrity, traceability and welfare remain shared priorities across the industry, there is scope to refine the approach. The question is core to the breeding of horses. If there is a risk that the horse is not going to do its primary purpose by being a racehorse, and therefore effectively disappears from the racing ecosystem, how does that improve the welfare of the individual animal?
“As an industry, we all share the same objective around integrity, traceability and welfare. There is an opportunity to work together on a more balanced approach, including considering alternatives such as financial penalties, which would maintain compliance without unintended consequences.
“We look forward to continuing to engage constructively with Racing Australia and our international counterparts to ensure the settings strike the right balance.” When further questioned on a resolution, TBA reiterated that it would continue to abide by the Australian Rules of Racing.
Have you been affected by this rule change? Has the appeal process been simple and easy to understand? Have you been successful, or not, in your appeal? Email TTR at editorial@ttrausnz.com.au and tell us about your experiences.
Good Show tops Magic Millions Digital Sale
Western Australian trainer Dylan Bairstow purchased 3-year-old gelding Good Show (Trapeze Artist) for $37,500 to top Wednesday’s Magic Millions Digital Sale. “We had a reserve of $5000 on him hoping he would make $10,000 to $15,000,” vendor Liam Peters said. Good Show was placed on debut and has had two career starts.
Liam Peters | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
“The price he achieved far exceeded our expectations. It's great to see the tried horse market so strong with these online sales.”
Several of the top lots passed in with 18 lots selling from the 41 strong catalogue, although six lots were also withdrawn. The broodmare Sassari (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}), in foal to Toronado (Ire), passed in at $90,000.
“Overall, the horses that sold achieved particularly strong results,” Head of Digital Bryce Bevan said. “Buyers bid up on the horses they identified, but priced others to a level they were comfortable with. Our next sale, which closes for entries next Wednesday (March 25) will be the last opportunity to sell online until mid-April due to Easter.”
Sporting history looms at Rosehill
With jockey James McDonald needing two Group 1 wins to break the all-time Australian record, and five Group 1 races on the card at Rosehill, there’s the potential for history to be broken. “Whether it be history awaiting J Mac, the excitement of Autumn Glow’s fabulous winning streak, or the 70th TAB Golden Slipper with wall-to-wall Group 1 racing and entertainment, Rosehill Gardens will host a momentous raceday,” Australian Turf Club Interim CEO Steve McMahon said in a press release.
James McDonald | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“The ATC is marking this magical 70th anniversary with a special 70-cents offer for Members, along with all of the atmosphere and on-course attractions that Carnival days are renowned. Five Group 1 races on the one day only happens once a year and Saturday promises to create history that will be talked about and remembered for decades to come. Saturday offers all of Sydney a rare chance to be a part of that racing and sporting history.”
Clark to ride Pembrey
With Zac Purton unable to get a flight to Sydney from Hong Kong, trainer Tony Gollan has announced that jockey Tim Clark will ride filly Pembrey (Prague) in Saturday's G1 Golden Slipper. This could change again if there are scratchings, as Clark is also booked for first emergency Agrarian Girl (Tassort).
Pembrey | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“Tim Clark will ride Pembrey if the first emergency doesn't get a run. We have got permission from stewards. Tim Clark rides a lot for Pembrey's owners Kia Ora and he is obviously a terrific rider,” Gollan told racenet.com.au.
“If there is a scratching, we will cross that bridge then in terms of a jockey. But at this point in time the situation is Tim Clark is the jockey of our horse, because our horse is in the race. Kia Ora will reassess their options if there is a scratching. All these sort of things are out of my hands, my job is to just try to get the horse ready and have her in good shape.”
Charm Stone chasing third Group 1
Seven figure yearling and now dual Group 1 winner Charm Stone (I Am Invincible) will chase her third Group 1 in Saturday’s G1 William Reid Stakes at Caulfield. “She's had a brilliant prep, she goes good fresh and she's reasonably fit and if the race sets up well for her, she should be around the money as she will take a forward position and take luck out of the equation,” co-trainer Mike Price told racingandsports.com.au.
Charm Stone | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“In the Manikato, she was up there. She's been springing the gates really well and I would expect her to again bounce and put herself there. She's had a good prep. She's a very happy mare.”
Match race in Ranvet
Punters are spruiking the G1 Ranvet Stakes as a match race between Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) and Sir Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Sir Delius was third to Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) and Aeliana last start in the G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes. “Three weeks, it has been that real sweet spot to get him to where we need him to be stepping out to 2000,” co-trainer Adrian Bott told racingandsports.com.au.
Adrian Bott | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“He is out to his right trip now, and he has shown the necessary improvement. I'm ready to see him bounce back. We're going to need to recapture that spring form to be getting to that point of beating her, but I do feel he's on his way there.”
Perth Racing appoints Ristovic
Perth Racing announced the appointment of experienced sports and racing executive Nick Ristovic as its new General Manager of Marketing & Communications. “Nick brings a deep understanding of sporting audiences and how to build strong connections between racing community, members and major events,” Perth Racing CEO James Oldring said in a press release.
“His experience across some of Australia’s leading sporting organisations, combined with his passion for racing, will be invaluable as we continue to grow Perth Racing’s brand, achieve commercial impact and engage new audiences.” He has experience working for the likes of Fremantle Football Club, Perth Wildcats, the Australian Football League and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), and was most recently Racing WA’s Customer Loyalty Manager.
Summer Schemer out for Sires’ run
Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained debut winning 2-year-old filly Summer Schemer (Dirty Work) will run on Friday ahead of a potential G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes run. “If she runs well, she’ll go on to the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.1, 1400m), but she would obviously need to win or be unlucky not to win and come through the race well to justify her spot,” Ritchie told Loveracing.nz.
Summer Schemer | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
"The form behind her is outstanding, the second horse (State Of Valour) ran third in the Sistema and the third horse (Seize The Day) has come out and won a maiden well. We presented her in very big order for her first start and she has tightened right up. She looks like a real racehorse now.”
Charlton granted solo licence
Following the four-month suspension of trainer John O’Shea, Racing NSW announced on Wednesday that co-trainer Tom Charlton would be able to train the stable’s runners in his name. “Racing NSW has approved the granting of an interim trainer’s licence to Mr Tom Charlton following the four (4) month disqualification of co-trainer Mr John O’Shea,” said the statement.
Tom Charlton | Image courtesy of Australian Turf Club
“Accordingly, acceptances from the stable for Saturday's (21 March) meeting at Rosehill Gardens will be published in the name of Tom Charlton.”
Riordan to ride in Malaysia
Jockey Liam Riordan will ride for Malaysia-based trainer HY Cheng at Selangor on March 28 and 29. “I got introduced to HY through a good friend. He (Cheng) was very prominent at this year’s sales,” Riordan told racing.com.
“I’ve made it clear to a lot of friends of mine that I’m keen to grab any opportunity to ride overseas that comes my way. I did that in New Zealand with success a couple of years ago; I went over there for Te Akau and that was good. This opportunity came up, just to go for the weekend and ride, and I took it with both hands.
“My goal is to eventually ride in Hong Kong. I know I’ve obviously got a long way to go. I ride in the country most Saturdays; I know I would have to be riding in town consistently, and be featuring in the big races every week. Everyone’s got a dream and that’s my dream.”
Regeneration shows his class on resuming
The promising Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained 3-year-old Regeneration (King’s Legacy) underlined his quality with an impressive first-up victory against older horses in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1000 metres on the Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
Settling well back in the field in the hands of Damian Lane, the King’s Legacy gelding produced a powerful finish, charging home to score in eye-catching fashion and suggest he has returned in excellent order this preparation.
Regeneration now boasts a record of two wins and three placings from just five starts, with his previous campaign highlighted by a strong third placing in the G3 Blue Sapphire Stakes behind Motorsports (Street Boss {USA}) in late November.
Purchased by Anthony Freedman Racing and B Rogers for $220,000 from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, the manner of this resuming performance indicates there is plenty more to come from the progressive gelding.
So You Think double at Wyong
So You Think (NZ) sired a double at Wyong with Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old gelding Think Itz You, while Matt Smith-trained Subarctic took his record to five wins from 35 starts.
Think Itz You was sold by Widden Stud at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $150,000 to Waller Racing and Tim Roberts Bloodstock. He is out of Itz Lily (Snitzel) who is a city winning daughter of Group 1-placed Empress Lily (Zabeel {NZ}).
Racing SA to support eventing
For the first time since 2009, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival will also be hosting the Oceania Eventing Championships. Racing SA announced on Wednesday that they will be sponsoring the CCI3*-L class for the fourth consecutive year.
“As the ‘Festival State’, South Australia continues to dial up the action year on year with access to the very best music, culture, food and sporting events. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to provide an all-in, family-friendly event that not only showcases the finest Equestrian athletes but also blends hospitality, entertainment and education within the pristine surrounds of the Adelaide Park Lands,” Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival told racingsa.com.au.
“You just don’t get this type of event anywhere in the world – and I can say that, because it’s true. Horses and Riders performing Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping in the heart of the Adelaide CBD… it is truly one of a kind.”
Doctor Askar to join Waller
Owner and trainer Joanne Moss will send her stable star Doctor Askar (Derryn) to Chris Waller. Together with partner Isaac Lupton, they run a diary farm and have just the one horse in work. “Isaac broke his leg recently and that kind of triggered a few things,” Moss told Loveracing.nz.
Doctor Askar | Image courtesy of Racing Images
“We were getting busier on the farm and there weren't really many races left for him here in New Zealand this season. He's going over to Chris Waller and we will just see how he goes. If he doesn't measure up, he'll just have to come home and if he goes well, then he might get to stay a little bit longer.” Winner of seven of his 21 starts, he won the G2 Thorndon Mile two starts ago.
Champions Day nominations include 23 Group 1 winners
The Hong Kong Jockey Club are thrilled that 23 individual Group 1 winners headline the nominations for Champions Day next month. The meeting has benefited from the war in the Middle East with several horses changing plans to head to Hong Kong instead including Calandagan (Gleneagles), and Japanese runners Masquerade Ball (Duramente) and Museum Mile (Leontes).
Homegrown Champion Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) heads the nominations for the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize with only 23 entries being received for the race, including four from Australia and eight from Japan.
Andrew Harding | Image courtesy of The Hoing Kong Jockey Club
“We are thrilled with the outstanding quality of entries from around the world for FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin – including 23 individual Group 1 winners coming up against our champions Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior,” Andrew Harding, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s executive director of racing, told scmp.com.
“Ka Ying Rising is a phenomenal world-class talent. He is the globe’s leading sprinter, and seemingly every time he steps out, he delivers incredible performances. If he manages to win the Sprint Cup on April 6, then he will chase even more history on FWD Champions Day by aiming to become the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win 20 consecutive races.
“Our global champion Romantic Warrior continues to excel on the world stage – he is now our only 13-time Group One winner, and he will seek a record-extending fourth win in the FWD QE II Cup, but he will do so potentially against high-class opposition – including Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Museum Mile and Royal Champion, while Calandagan also has the option to race.
“Overall, we are immensely excited ahead of another wonderful staging of our spring flagship meeting, and we look forward to an outstanding day of elite international racing.”
Hong Kong sign tourism deal
The Hong Kong Jockey Club formalised a partnership with the Guangzhou government on Tuesday to position Conghua racecourse as a “world-class integrated destination for horse-themed culture, sports and tourism.”
With a theme of “Two Cities, Three Racecourses” the deal will pull together Conghua, Sha Tin, and Happy Valley as destinations, as well as an academic hub. The Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to launch international-standard racing at Conghua Racecourse in October 2026.
Several Japanese horses return home
Group winner Luxor Café (American Pharoah) and two compatriots landed at Japan's Kansai International Airport on St Patrick's Day, Tospo Keiba reported on Tuesday. Originally slated to run in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 28, the full-brother to dual G1 February Stakes hero Café Pharoah will instead look to targets closer to home, as the Iranian conflict continues.
One of three horses to return to the Land of the Rising Sun on Tuesday morning, he was joined by Shin Forever (Complexity) and G2 UAE Derby hope Keiai Agito (Espoir City) on the Japan-bound flight. The multiple group-placed Shin Forever had been due to contest the G2 Godolphin Mile. The trio have entered re-entry quarantine just after midday at Miki Horseland Park.
Forever Young (Real Steel) remains in Dubai, and will be joined by three others being G1 Dubai Turf entrant Gaia Force (Kitasan Black), Listed winner Pyromancer (Pyro), and Nettaiya Rai (Contrail) with the latter two aiming at the UAE Derby. The trio are planning to leave Japan on Wednesday.
Stormy Atlantic dies aged 32
Stormy Atlantic (Storm Cat–Hail Atlantis, by Seattle Slew) has passed away from the infirmities of old age at 32.
Retired from the track with 15 starts, six wins and earnings of over US$148,000 (AU$208,000), Stormy Atlantic initially stood stud in Florida at Bridlewood Farm in 1999 where he would become Florida's champion freshman sire. His success in Florida ultimately gave him a chance in Kentucky and Stormy Atlantic joined the roster at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale in 2003 where he stood until pensioned at the age of 27 in 2021.
“Stormy Atlantic was hugely important to our fledgling stallion operation,” Sikura said. “I loved his pedigree and he rewarded everyone associated with his stallion career. A moderate stakes winner, he sired more than 100 stakes winners, was champion 2-year-old sire and twice top-10 on the general sire list. He sired multiple champions and his progeny were equally adept in dirt and turf. He is an important broodmare sire and has influenced the breed in a great way. We are indebted to what he did for Hill 'n' Dale.”
All told, he sired 112 stakes winners and 48 individual graded stakes winners led by the likes of Grade 1 winner Get Stormy and 2018 Eclipse Champion Turf Male Stormy Liberal, one of seven champions Stormy Atlantic sired across the globe.
Hugo Palmer appointed NTF president
Hugo Palmer has been appointed as the new president of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), succeeding Nick Alexander, whose two-year term concluded at the Federation's Annual General Meeting in London on Monday.
Hugo Palmer | Image courtesy of Avenue Bloodstock
“I am honoured and delighted to take on this important role at a time when our industry continues to face a period of significant change and am encouraged by the discussions today on a positive way forward for the sport,” said Palmer.
It was also confirmed that Rebecca Menzies and Harry Eustace will serve as the NTF's next two presidents, with the latter joining the presidential triumvirate which leads its governing body.
Paul Johnson, chief executive of the NTF, said, “On behalf of the NTF team and the Federation's members, I would like to congratulate Hugo on his appointment and thank Nick for his leadership, hard work and commitment over the past two years.”
Orlaith Nangle appointed as Tattersalls Marketing Executive
Orlaith Nangle joined Tattersalls as a marketing executive last month. She started her new role on February 16 after holding a bloodstock assistant role at McEvoy Mitchell Racing in Australia. Previously, Nangle completed breeding seasons at Coolmore America and Ballyphilip Stud, the National Stud Diploma and also Godolphin Flying Start.
Tattersalls marketing director Jason Singh said, “We are delighted to welcome Orlaith to the Tattersalls marketing team. She brings fresh perspective and creativity, as well as a clear enthusiasm for both marketing and the bloodstock sector.”
