Daily News Wrap

Prague moves to Oaklands Stud

G3 Magic Night Stakes winner Pembrey’s sire Prague will stand at Oaklands Stud in Queensland for 2026 at a fee of $8800 including GST. “We are very excited to have Prague in Queensland from this spring,” Oaklands Stud’s Neville Stewart said.

“During his career he raced against the best with great distinction. His sectionals in a number of big races were often the best in the race. He had a great turn of foot and that was a great appeal for us.

“His second crop, who are just two, are really performing with distinction around the country. He has three black type performers already and a number of other city horses ready to take the next step.

“We think the future for Prague is bright with the likes of Pembrey, Czech Out and Bohemian Rhapsody to fly his flag over the coming seasons.”

Fellow Oaklands Stud stallions I Am Unstoppable and Pariah will stand for $8800 and $6600 (inc GST) respectively.

Extra day of selling for Inglis Digital next week

A catalogue of 478 lots makes up the Inglis Digital April (Late) Online Sale, featuring the inaugural Australian Broodmare Sale Session. The main sale closes as usual next Wednesday, with the 278 lots in the Broodmare Session ending on Thursday April 30.

A share in reigning Champion Sire Zoustar and a breeding right in Anamoe head up the Wednesday session, while Group 2 winner Snitty Kitty (Snitzel), in foal to Maurice (Jpn), is one of the top lots in the Thursday session.

Deadline extended for workforce survey

The Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) Workforce Survey deadline has been extended to April 30. The survey will assist TBA collect data that will help with advocating for better workforce policy and funding, strengthening training and career pathways, as well as addressing the real-world workforce issues that are affecting you and your farm.

Morphettville to Hong Kong for McDonald

Jockey James McDonald will fly from Adelaide to Hong Kong on Saturday night after riding Generosity (Divine Prophet) in the G1 Robert Sangster and Panova (Trapeze Artist) in the G1 Australasian Oaks for Chris Waller, so he can arrive in time to ride Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) on Champions Day. “I’ve been doing it a while, so basically the structure is kept the same,” McDonald told racing.com.

“I get on at about 10 o’clock, hope to fall asleep around quarter to 11 and try and sleep most of the way. We land about 5am Hong Kong time, get to the hotel at 6am, try and sleep until 8am. Then I get up, do some exercise and have a bit of a sweat before the races. I’ve been doing that for the last five or six years and it’s been pretty much the same structure all the way through. I don’t eat or drink on the plane.

“I’m looking forward to (Adelaide). I’ve obviously got a couple of good chances coming for the Group 1 races from team Waller. I’ve got another really good ride for the Hayes camp, as well, in the 3-year-old sprint race, who should be strong. I’ve been there once and didn’t really get a lot of luck, but hopefully we can rectify it this time.” He rides Tycoon Star (Written Tycoon) in the G2 Tobin Bronze Stakes.

Busuttin Young pair for Listed ANZAC Day Stakes

Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have a pair of juveniles in the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes at Flemington, being Blind Raise (NZ) (Ace High) and Cignetti (NZ) (Super Seth). “They both go in trouble free, no niggles or issues. It's half the battle with 2-year-olds,” Busuttin told racenet.com.au.

“(Blind Raise) is a nice horse … he still is very babyish but he can gallop. He's very professional, he only had two jump outs and we took him straight to town. He won pretty convincingly and this looks like a nice race for him.

“Cignetti ran well first up, he ended up planted in front … he floated in front and the others got to him and he kicked again. He'll enjoy 1400m and run well again.”

Historic St Leger to run for 170th time

At Flemington, the Listed St Leger will run for the 170th time, making it one of the oldest races in Australia. “The VRC St Leger is the key plank of Anzac Day racing and it’s been won by some smart horses,” VRC’s Executive General Manager – Racing, Leigh Jordon told racing.com.

With a field of 17, the race demonstrates that there are plenty of quality 3-year-old stayers in work locally.

Imported Wootton Bassett to run in ANZAC Day Cup

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import Thrice (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will have his first local run in Saturday’s ANZAC Day Cup at Randwick. “He’s a nice style of horse, was well performed in Europe,” Bott told racingnsw.com.au.

“They came down at the back end of the season last year and have taken every bit of that time to acclimatise and adapt. He seems to have adapted well in these initial stages, he’s trialled up well on a couple of occasions.

“Sometimes it takes a few runs in a preparation before we start to see them at their best but we are in a grade where he can hopefully have a nice introduction to the way of racing here and run a nice confident race.”

Sutton to split good fillies

Trainer Dom Sutton confirmed that After Summer (The Autumn Sun) will head to the G1 South Australian Derby on May 2, while fellow 3-year-old filly Classic Gem (Maurice {Jpn}) will run in the G3 South Australian Fillies Classic a week later on May 9. “The SA Derby doesn’t look like there’s going to be a huge amount of depth to it,” Sutton told racing.com.

“I was thrilled with both runs (in the Oaks). It’s a bit frustrating that we are getting so close but they both ran super. After Summer was beaten in a photo finish for second. The mid-race tempo really suited the winner. Ohope Wins was good but as J-Mac said she had had enough on the line. If it was 2500m rather than 2400m it could have been a different story.”

Flying Concello to continue good Tassie form

Since moving to Tasmania, 5-year-old mare Flying Concello (Trapeze Artist) has won two of her last three starts and runs again on Sunday at Hobart. “She did much better than any of us anticipated, if she can keep doing that and she can keep her form, there might be a nice little sprint race we can pick up at some point,” trainer Jessie Bazan told tasracing.com.au.

“Looking at next seasons summer carnival, you would hope based off what she did last start, there might be a nice race there for her. I know Mick (Stringer, owner) would like to breed with her at some stage and when he decides that’s totally up to him, but while she’s still consistent we will see if we can place her well and win a few more races and get her value up.”

Nicely bred Ladhar wins at Pakenham

At Pakenham’s Thursday night meeting, nicely bred 2-year-old filly Ladhar (Exceed And Excel) won for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman. She was having her third start, having run mid-field in two Listed races before this effort.

Owned by Godolphin, Ladhar is the second foal of G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lyre (Lonhro), whose first foal, 3-year-old gelding Wiser (Exceed And Excel) ran third two starts ago. She has a yearling colt by Bivouac.

McLeod injured in fall at Pakenham

Jockey Rhys McLeod faces a long recovery after fracturing his pelvis in a fall after the line at Pakenham on Thursday night. He fell from Lim’s Smythe (NZ) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) after finishing seventh in the last on the card.

New winner for Barbaric

First season sire Barbaric added his second winner on Friday when 2-year-old gelding The Barber won on debut at Rockhampton for trainer Alisha Taylor. Sold by Eureka Stud for $90,000 at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale, he was bought by One Syndications, Walsh Racing, and Salvadore Bloodstock.

The Barber becomes the eighth winner, from as many to race, for Plumage (Red Dazzler) who won five races, three in Brisbane.

Under The Louvre sired a double at the meeting with Wayno and Bold Blaze.

Press Statement juvenile wins at Tamworth

At Tamworth on Friday, 2-year-old filly What A Scandal (Press Statement) won by 1.5 lengths for trainer Jan Bowen. She was having her third start. Not sold at auction, she is the third winner for winning mare Left In My Wake (Elvstroem).

Atmospheric wins Listed ANZAC Mile

In New Zealand on Friday, 4-year-old gelding Atmospheric (NZ) (El Roca) won his first black type race in the Listed ANZAC Mile at Otaki-Maori Race Club’s meeting. “He was away a bit slow, but it was a good ride, he was a lot handier than he tends to race,” trainer Kurtis Pertab said.

“He is a horse that has always had a lot of ability and he rightfully gets his black-type success.” Now the winner of four of his 15 starts, Atmospheric becomes stakes winner number 14 for El Roca. Westbury Stud sold Atmospheric at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale for NZ$45,000 to CW Cole Racing.

Vale John Fleming

Racehorse owner John Fleming has died in a tragic accident at Dublin Airport, the Irish Times reported. Fleming died at the scene after being struck by a bus while on foot at Dublin Airport shortly after midnight on Thursday.

In his 60s, Fleming owned an Irish accountancy firm which specialised in services within the racing industry. He also published the Irish Racing Yearbook.

Horse Racing Ireland's CEO Suzanne Eade said, “Like everyone connected to Irish racing, I am very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of John Fleming.

“He was a very talented and hugely respected man with a genuine passion for the sport. John had over 30 years' experience as an accountant and advisor to many in the bloodstock industry. He published the Irish Racing Yearbook for over two decades out of his sheer enthusiasm for racing. He was also a very proud racehorse owner and was on hand to greet his mare Navassa Island after she won the Listed Irish EBF Cork Stakes on Easter Sunday.

“On behalf of HRI, I wish to offer our sincere sympathies to John's family and his many friends and associates. May he rest in peace.”

Littlefield to ride in 2026 Magnolia Cup

The lineup of female amateur riders for the Markel Magnolia Cup has been revealed. This year's event will raise money for the Education Above All Foundation.

Michael Owen's daughter, professional dressage rider and presenter Gemma Owen, will be among those competing in the annual charity race on the Sussex Downs and she will be joined by 11 others from a wide range of backgrounds.

The race has raised more than £3.5 million (AU$6.6 million) since its launch in 2011 and the Duke of Richmond, chairman of the Goodwood estate, said, “We are very much looking forward to supporting Education Above All Foundation as the charity partner of this year's Markel Magnolia Cup.

“Over the past 15 years, the Markel Magnolia Cup has become a powerful force for real and lasting change, championing women and raising more than £3.5 million for vital causes.

“I am confident that the generosity of our partners, sponsors and racegoers, as well as the dedication and commitment of our riders, will allow us to deliver meaningful support to (the) Education Above All Foundation.

“We wish this year's riders all the best in their training and look forward to seeing them race down Goodwood's home straight in July.”

Other riders signed on for the race include: Real Housewives of Cheshire star and breast cancer survivor Nermina Pieters-Mekic, while Riding A Dream Academy graduate Ruth Inman will attempt to follow in the footsteps of former Magnolia Cup winner Khadijah Mellah who took home the trophy in 2019. Australian racehorse trainer and broadcaster Charlotte Littlefield is part of the race, as is American Zoey Schorsch, the first from the States to grace the Goodwood turf.

Over 900 students attend Coolmore open day

Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, the Coolmore Careers Fair returned to Fethard Town Park on Thursday, April 23.

Hosted in association with Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School, the event highlights the diverse range of career opportunities available within the Coolmore Group, spanning bloodstock, farming, sustainability, trades, tourism and hospitality, as well as business paths such as accounting, marketing, operations and technology.

This year's event attracted over 900 students from 15 post-primary schools across Tipperary. With major operations in the USA and Australia, the event highlighted how skills learned in Tipperary – from bloodstock and farm management roles to finance and marketing – can lead to international placements and global travel opportunities within the group.

Coolmore manager Tom Lynch added, “Last year's inaugural Careers Fair earned a huge amount of positive feedback from people within the bloodstock industry and beyond. Seeing over 900 students here today proves there is a massive hunger for high-quality careers in rural areas where cost of living and home ownership remain somewhat more affordable.

“While our prime business is obviously the bloodstock industry, which carries a national economic impact of €2.46 billion and supports over 30,000 jobs, the group provides employment in a host of other areas. We are looking for the next generation of horsemen and women who are the lifeblood of our farms, just as much as we are seeking agricultural scientists, tradespeople, accountants and tech specialists.”

Strategic meeting about future of Newmarket

Members of the racing community gathered with politicians at the National Horseracing Museum on Thursday for the launch of the Newmarket Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry Forum's (NTRBIF) strategy aimed at maximising “the potential of Newmarket's global status as the home of horseracing”.

A document entitled 'The Case for Newmarket' includes a five-point plan focusing on issues relevant to the country town which has been a horseracing hub for more than 400 years and these days is home to more than 2,500 racehorses, 80 trainers, as well as a number of prestigious stud farms. Incorporated in the strategy are matters ranging from town planning which ensures the welfare and safety of horses and their riders, to opportunities for innovation linked to equine science and veterinary research, investing in the racing workforce through the provision of housing and career development, and utilising Newmarket's historical roots for an enhanced visitor experience.

Amy Starkey, the former manager of Newmarket Racecourses who has also served as a town councillor, is heading the NTRBIF on behalf of the Jockey Club. She said, “We are at a crucial point in the development of Newmarket and the history of horseracing, and this blueprint for the future is both a plan of action and a call to policymakers to recognise the value of the sport and support it.

“By working with partners in local, regional and national government, we hope not only to protect and enhance Newmarket, but to see it flourish and thrive for the benefit of future generations.”

In launching the report its authors acknowledged that it is being “published against a backdrop of declining visitor numbers to Newmarket, a reduction in the number of thoroughbred foals being born, a lack of affordable homes specifically for stable staff, and the wider pressure of strategic planning which prioritises local authority housing targets.” They insist, however, that it is “a blueprint for what can be built.”

Giving the closing address, six-time champion trainer John Gosden referred to the significant investment in the area's stud farms and racing yards by international owners and breeders, leading to the high quality of breeding stock housed locally, which includes the world's two most expensive stallions, Dubawi and Frankel.

He added, “We want to be able to work together, not compete with one another. Obviously there are housing issues, but we've got to be intelligent about how we do it. And we're very much in the hands of the councillors here today to try and steer everything in the right direction.

“I don't want you to underestimate our business cluster's importance to UK PLC, or to the region. I think with intelligent planning and the backing of local and national government, we can continue to lead, progress, and innovate, and make our region proud of both its past and its future.”

White Abarrio stud deal underway

White Abarrio (Race Day) has won four Grade I races. But that hasn't been enough for his owners to reach a deal with a stud farm, or at least one they found acceptable. But that may be about to change. Mark Cornett, who is a co-owner of the 7-year-old veteran, told the TDN that negotiations are underway with three farms in Kentucky and it is expected that an announcement will be made shortly regarding where he will begin his career as a stallion. White Abarrio will be retired at the end of this year.

“After this year, he will be retired to stud somewhere,” Cornett said. “In fact, we're in negotiations with three different farms in Kentucky as of today. Hopefully, we'll have something done in the next two to three weeks.”

If White Abarrio were by a more fashionable stallion, with all the success he has had on the racetrack, which includes a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in 2023, he no doubt would have been retired years ago. But the top farms in Kentucky apparently have had reservations about his pedigree and, therefore, his marketability. Race Day (Tapit) won the GII Oaklawn Handicap, the GII Fayette Stakes and the GII Razorback Handicap. He began his stud career in 2016 at Spendthrift Farm before being dispatched to South Korea in 2020.

“We are on the racing side of this business,” he said. “We're not on the commercial sales side. So we think there's a great opportunity. This horse has proven over and over his durability. He's run in 16 Grade I races. I don't even know the last horse that ran in 16 Grade Is. Not only has he stayed racing sound, he's maintained his high peak and has continued to perform in high-quality races.”

US$10.5 million Flightline colt named Zedan

The record-breaking US$10.5 million (AU$14.7 million) Flightline 2-year-old colt purchased last week at the OBS April Sale has officially been named Zedan

The name was announced on social media via the Zedan Racing Stables page in a note that read, “The Flightline colt out of Lucrezia that we purchased at @OBSSales has been named #ZEDAN. Mr. Bob Baffert selected the name after meeting Amr's father, H.E. Dr. Fareed M. Zedan, during his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two hit it off wonderfully and Bob selected the name ZEDAN as a kind gesture to honour our family.”

Clement and Shirreffs enter into American Hall of Fame

Eleven new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, headed by late trainers Christophe Clement and John A. Shirreffs, plus racehorse Kona Gold.

Additionally, Kentucky-bred Gulch, Virginia-bred Mongo and the late trainer David A. Whiteley were chosen in the Historic Review Category; and the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth W. Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey, Jr. and the late Joseph E. Widener were elected by the Pillars of the Turf Committee.