Racing NSW CEO says his ‘whole and total focus’ has been on NRL broadcast deal
Peter V’landys’ future at Racing NSW remains unresolved, with the 22-year chief executive saying he has “not made up my mind” on whether he will return after taking long-service leave to serve as interim executive chair of the NRL.
Peter V’landys | Image courtesy of Racing NSW
His comments came as the NRL announced a $5.3 billion broadcast deal with Nine, Foxtel and Kayo, which V’landys said had been his “whole and total focus” in recent months.
It has also been a turbulent period for the racing regulator. Racing NSW has been in Supreme Court proceedings with the Australian Turf Club as it seeks to place the Sydney race club into administration, the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act is under review, and major challenges continue to face the wagering market. V’landys is also personally suing this publication for defamation.
V’landys said he expects to decide within two months whether he will return to Racing NSW or pursue rugby league full-time, with Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton to act as CEO during his four-month absence.
New winner for Extreme Warrior
First season sire Extreme Warrior added winner number three when Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained Half Pipe won at Muswellbrook on Tuesday. Extreme Warrior has also sired Listed winner Eternal Warrior.
Half Pipe, a 2-year-old colt, was sold by Widden Stud to Troy Redden for $25,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He becomes the fifth winner for Group 3 winner Thurlow (Sebring) who is a full sister to Listed winner Three Kings.
Papalia resigns, no Racing Minister announced yet
Western Australia’s Racing Minister Paul Papalia has resigned. “This isn't what I planned. The condition that my family member has been diagnosed with is a significant and debilitating one (and) over time, it progresses,” Papalia told abc.net.au.
“I can't continue to give this role everything it demands while also giving my family what they need from me. For most of my married life, my family has sacrificed their interest in favour of my services.”
WA's longest-serving lower house MP, he was first elected in 2007. His portfolio also includes corrective services, defence industries, emergency services, and veterans. There will be a bi-election in his seat of Secret Harbour.
“The departure of Paul will mean we'll need allocation of portfolios, and we'll make sure that we can communicate that in the days following the caucus meeting,” Premier Roger Cook said.
Headwall resumes on Saturday
Group 1-placed sprinter Headwall (Dream Ahead {USA}) is likely to resume in Saturday’s G3 Monash Stakes. “I will have a chat with the horse's owners and work out what we want to do,” trainer Matt Smith told racingandsports.com.au.
Headwall | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“We also have the July Sprint at Rosehill next week to consider but I can tell you the horse is going great.”
Seven metro meetings for Waller to break another record
Chris Waller set the record for most Sydney metro wins of 189 in 2018/19, and sits on 175 with seven metro meetings to go in the season. Among his runners at Canterbury on Wednesday are four runners in the 2-year-old race being Horologist (Written Tycoon), Sanctum (Stay Inside), Solid Heart (Snitzel), and Snitzel A’La Rouge (Snitzel).
Chris Waller | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
He has 17 runners nominated for the Saturday meeting at Randwick.
Angelillo joins Vinery
Vinery Stud announced on Tuesday that Sebastian Angelillo has joined their Sales and Nominations Team. He was previously at Darley. Harry Roach has been promoted to Bloodstock Manager. “To have someone with Sebastian’s extensive international knowledge and experience across so many different facets of the industry is incredibly exciting for our team,” Vinery General Manager Adam White said.
Sebastian Angelillo | Image courtesy of Vinery Stud
“His hands-on understanding of the breeding industry, from stallion management through to sales, gives him a unique perspective that will be a tremendous asset to both the farm and our clients.”
Murphy in intensive care
Goulburn trainer Pat Murphy is in intensive care with liver failure. “I had liver failure and it snowballed into a few other different areas of the body. I then developed a pretty nasty leg infection which we've been trying to get to settle firstly and also put antibiotics in to get it flowing,” Murphy told racenet.com.au.
Pat Murphy | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“As we were working on the liver in the infection, my kidneys have gone now so it's another spin in the works there. Since then, I have currently had work done on both of those areas and I'm in the intensive care unit at Canberra hospital. I'm in really good hands and I'm improving day by back and as they continue to do tests on me.”
Crossways needs to harness speed
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained 3-year-old gelding Crossways (Capitalist) needs to learn a bit of race craft and has a good chance at Canterbury on Wednesday. “We’re trying to make that horse, create a racehorse out of him,” Sydney assistant trainer Ben Elam told racingnsw.com.au.
“In his trials he likes to go fast. He chased a speed that was frantic at his debut so if we can get a softer run race, even if something does cross him, it will help educate him to be a racehorse and be tractable. There’s no doubting the horse’s ability, what we see at home and in trials we know he has above average ability. We just need to see it on race day.”
Maurice adds juvenile winner
Archie Alexander-trained 2-year-old filly Notified (Maurice {Jpn}) won at Ballarat on Tuesday at her second start. Originally sold by Element Hill at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $50,000, Notified went through Longwood Thoroughbreds’ Inglis Premier Yearling Sale where her trainer paid $125,000 for her.
She is the second foal and second winner for Bonanova’s Dream (Redoute’s Choice), whose 3-year-old gelding Boncapo (Street Boss {USA}) won his maiden a month ago and ran fourth at Muswellbrook on Tuesday. Winner of three races, including one in Brisbane, Bonanova’s Dream is a half-sister to Listed winner Prima Nova (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and Bonaichi (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}).
I Am Immortal adds juvenile winner
At Ballarat on Tuesday, Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained Eternal Joy (I Am Immortal) won at her third start. Owned by CA Gordon, the 2-year-old filly is the third winner for Joyano (Equiano {Fr}).
Juvenile winner for Lean Mean Machine
At Beaudesert on Tuesday, Kelly Schweida-trained 2-year-old filly Panemorfos (Lean Mean Machine) won on debut. Owned by Mr and Mrs Bain, she is the second foal and first winner for Pythia (Not A Single Doubt) who is a winning half-sister to Group 3-placed Newlands (High Chaparral {Ire}).
Farrier looking for first city win
Part-time trainer, part-time farrier Jesse Townsend has 12 horses in work and is hoping Brechen (Capitalist) can be his first metropolitan winner at Ipswich on Wednesday. “I’m desperate to win my first metro race as I’ve been placed quite a few times in town,” Townsend told racingqueensland.com.au.
“I train the horses of a morning and then I go and do my farrier work at places like Washpool Lodge, where I spend two days a week shoeing horses. I also go to a few other spelling properties as well as shoeing for a few local Ipswich trainers.”
Brechen has won twice for Townsend, and was fourth last start on his return from a tendon injury. “He did a tendon after his last win at the Gold Coast, so he’ll probably need the run. But, he’s coming along really well so far, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he wins. I’ll be happy if he goes around safe and sound and I’ll be delighted if he just places.”
Birthday present ends in Oaks win
Elizabeth Haren was given a 5% share in Ladies Pro (D’Argento) by her husband for her 50th birthday and celebrated in style on Saturday when she won the Listed Belmont Oaks. “He keeps saying, ‘You’re welcome’, but that’s getting a bit old now,” Haren told racingwa.com.au.
“She was like eight-wide and then she just put the burners on and flew home. We were all just so excited and then afterwards, it was all hugs and kisses and Oh My Gods and all that. We’ve had a bit of fun with Ladies Pro so far. It was just fabulous.”
Sussex Stakes gets prizemoney boost
Goodwood Racecourse has announced that the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes will be run for a record £1.5 million (AU$2.9 million) in 2026, further establishing the Group 1 contest as the most valuable mile race in Europe.
The Duke of Richmond, CBE DL, chairman of Goodwood Racecourse, said, “We are very proud to announce, alongside Visit Qatar, record prize-money for the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes to £1.5 million. The uplift demonstrates a shared ambition to continue strengthening the Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar's global profile and to maintain its position among the world's leading racing events.”
The 32 entries for the 2026 edition include no fewer than 16 individual Group 1 winners, including the unbeaten 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder), Irish 2,000 Guineas scorer Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) and Godolphin's talented older horses Notable Speech (Dubawi) and Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath).
Women In Racing partner with The National Stud
Women in Racing (WiR), in partnership with the National Stud, will host its first panel event at the historic stud on Friday, July 17.
Featuring a panel led by the National Stud CEO Anna Kerr, the event will bring together people from across the industry for networking, discussion and shared learning within the stud's idyllic surroundings.
Highlights include a panel discussion examining the different forms leadership can take; the importance of lifting others; and the role each individual can play in shaping a more inclusive and supportive industry. The programme also includes opportunities to connect with fellow attendees over lunch, as well as an exclusive tour of the stud.
WiR chair Cheryl Caves said, “Leadership is about far more than a job title. It's about influence, confidence, advocacy and creating opportunities for others. Join us at the National Stud in Newmarket for a day dedicated to exploring what leadership means in horse racing today, and how we can encourage, support and champion more women to step forward and lead in their own way.
“Whether you hold a senior position, manage a team, or are simply looking to make a difference, this event will challenge traditional ideas of leadership and celebrate the impact women have across every level of racing.”
Wagering falls in USA
Wagering on USA races for the second quarter of 2026 declined 2.54% from 2025 figures, according to statistics released by Equibase Monday. Through two quarters of the current year, US$3,197,641,353 (AU$4.6 billion) has been wagered on U.S. races, compared to US$3,280,921,802 (AU$4.7 billion) for that same period in 2025.
Available purses increased 3.51%, from US$329,119,590 (AU$474 million) through two quarters in 2025 to US$340,661,621 (AU$491 million) this year. Race days during that period fell from 997 to 978, while total races fell from 8,004 to 7,897.
Mallett wins top award
The National Stud celebrated the class of 2026 at the historic Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket on Friday. MC Rod Street led the proceedings and awarding of certificates to the 42 graduates alongside legendary trainer Sir Mark Prescott.
Charlotte Mallett was awarded the Tim Dunlop Memorial Award for Best Student. “The National Stud's annual graduation ceremony is always the most uplifting evening. Celebrating the hard work and dedication each graduate has put in over the course of their time with us is hugely rewarding for everyone involved,” said Anna Kerr, CEO of The National Stud.
“I would like to particularly thank our funders, without whom we would not be able to deliver this programme. Their support and input are invaluable.”
Szumski joins Tattersalls Ireland
Tattersalls Ireland has appointed Tomasz Szumski as its official representative in Poland. The announcement follows a notable result over the weekend when Time For The Star won the Polish Derby, having previously been purchased by Szumski and trainer Adam Wyrzyk for €22,000 (AU$36,200) at the September Yearling Sale.
“I am delighted to officially join Tattersalls Ireland as its representative in Poland,” said Szumski, who previously held both jockey and trainer licences in Poland.
“Seeing Time For The Star win the Polish Derby was a very proud moment for me. I was delighted to help source him at the September Yearling Sale and his success is another example of the quality and value available at Tattersalls Ireland.”
Vale Mary Rampellini
Mary Rampellini, a long-time correspondent for the Daily Racing Form, passed away on Saturday, July 4, reported the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters on Monday. She was 53.
According to DRF, the reporter and handicapper succumbed to complications from sepsis in a hospital in Grapevine, Texas. Rampellini, the daughter of horseman Ralph Rampellini, who managed the racing stables of Nelson Bunker Hunt and John Franks, was also the author of the Ollie the Oaklawn Owl series, children's books aimed at educating a younger audience about the sport.
