Harron playing waiting game with Everest slot
James Harron isn’t rushing to fill his slot for the G1 The Everest. “It's going to be an interesting year. Hopefully, there is enough horses to choose from. We normally wait and bide our time anyway but I don't think there is anything glaringly obvious right now,” Harron told racingandsports.com.au. Whoever he chooses will have to take on last year’s victor Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}).
James Harron | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“It is extraordinary what Ka Ying Rising is doing. I really wanted to see him do it outside of his own backyard and he came here for The Everest last year and won it well. But it blew my mind that he went back to Hong Kong and almost seemed to go to a new level. It's the sign of a true champion, nothing is slowing him down. He turns up and does the business every race.
“It's a credit to David (Hayes, trainer) and Zac (Purton, jockey) how they have managed and looked after him. His cruising speed is just extraordinary, but then when he quickens, it looks so effortless.”
Gringotts headlines good trials at Gosford
Wednesday’s trials at Gosford included a strong second from Group 1 winner Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}). Nathan Doyle-trained Better Late (Maurice {Jpn}) won the trial. “(Gringotts) is a pretty genuine horse and I liked the way he bridled up under Louise (Day),” trainer Ciaron Maher said.
The 2-year-old trials on the program were won by Legaselli (King’s Legacy), Street Lyric (Street Boss {USA}), Intense Dream (Bivouac), Cosmic Jive (Cosmic Force), Alaska Raptor (Palace Pier {GB}) and Seventy Kay (Portland Sky).
Victorian Size and Scope report released
The Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report, released by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines in Bendigo on Wednesday, found that the industry generated more than $4 billion in economic value for the state of Victoria and supported almost 25,000 full-time-equivalent jobs during the 2024/25 season.
“The report findings reinforce that racing is much more than a sport – it is a major contributor to Victoria's economy, a significant employer and an important part of communities right across the state,” Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said.
Aaron Morrison | Image courtesy of Racing-Victoria
“With an economic impact of more than $5.5 billion, the Victorian Racing Industry is continuing to grow and deliver meaningful outcomes for the state, particularly in regional communities where racing remains an important source of employment, investment and activity.
“These results reflect the collective efforts of participants, clubs, volunteers, staff and the many businesses that support racing, and demonstrate why a strong and sustainable racing industry remains so important to Victoria.”
Queensland Size and Scope report released
A report into the Size and Scope of the racing industry in Queensland was released on Wednesday with close to $2.5 billion in value added contribution to the Queensland economy. Importantly, 51% directly benefits regional economies. This was spread over the three codes with Thoroughbreds responsible for 77%, or $1.89 billion.
The Thoroughbred code in Queensland supports 11,143 Full Time Equivalent jobs, and all three codes add to around 14,000 FTE positions. More than 750,000 people attended Queensland race meetings during 2024/25 and around 75% were outside Brisbane.
“Supporting 14,000 full-time jobs whilst contributing more than $2.5 billion in annual contribution to the state’s economy underpins the vital importance of the racing industry statewide,” Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander said.
Owners Day at Randwick
The Australian Turf Club will present their seasonal owner’s awards at Randwick on Saturday. “Owners play a vital role and pay for the upkeep and training of horses 52 weeks a year in their support of Sydney racing at our four racecourses,” Australian Turf Club's CEO Steve McMahon told racingnsw.com.au.
Steve McMahon | Image courtesy of Australian Turf Club
“We are delighted to join with owners and industry to particularly recognise notable achievements across the board in one of the world’s strongest racing jurisdictions. The raceday is also an opportunity for the entire industry as well as punters and our Members to be thanked and recognised for the valuable role each sector plays. The ATC and Racing NSW are also pleased to recognise the courage of Jai Arrow and his family as they continue to inspire research and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.”
Diatribe dies aged 29
G1 Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe has died aged 29. The son of Brief Truce (USA) won the 2000 G1 Rosehill Guineas at three, training on to add the G1 Caulfield Cup the following spring. He also ran second in the G1 Cox Plate behind Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}). All up, he won five of his 23 starts with earnings over $2.3 million.
In a short stint at stud, he had 149 runners for 69 individual winners, headlined by G3 Epona Stakes winner Fibrillation who was his only stakes winner. As a damsire he has 29 winners.
Barber to enjoy improving ground
Trainer Richard Litt thinks his Group 3 winner Barber (Exceed And Excel) will enjoy the drier ground at Randwick on Saturday. “He has been very frustrating. He's had no luck this 'prep'. I'm ripping my hair out with that horse,” Litt told racingandsports.com.au.
“Wherever he goes on good ground, he will be very hard to beat. It's just getting that good ground.”
Barber | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Unbeaten Maples set to go again
Co-trainer Paul Messara doesn’t like to give a horse more than three starts in their first campaign, but he’s sending unbeaten Maples (The Autumn Sun) around for a fourth run at Randwick on Saturday. “In their first preparation I normally only give them three runs, it’s a bit of an unspoken rule, but given the race was there I thought we’d go one more,” Messara told racingnsw.com.au.
“She’s not a big horse, she was a narrow backward type and we had to take our time with her. She’s just gone about her business and done the work but her effort in her races is what separates her. I don’t think any of the races she’s run in have rated very well but I just like the way she’s done it and 1800m is probably going to help her. You can’t do much more, I thought her last win was really tough.”
Tasmania Horse Of The Year
The 2025/26 Tasmanian Horse of the Year and Hall of Fame Inductions will be held in Hobart at Wrest Point Casino on Friday September 18. Aristopolos (St Mark’s Basilica {Fr}) is the favourite for Champion 2-Year-Old, joined in the voting by Buzzoffski (Hanseatic), Momentslikethese (Tiger Of Malay), Sovereign Dash (Hanseatic) and Valley Star (Widden Valley).
Seven 3-year-olds are in line for the Champion 3-Year-Old award with G3 Mystic Journey Stakes winner Sanniya (Stratosphere) favoured over Crack The Shutters (Alpine Eagle). For the Horse Of The Year award, ten horses have been nominated led by last year’s victrix Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith) who added the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes this season.
Williams extends lead on Metro table
A treble at Sandown for jockey Craig Williams has extended his lead on the Victorian Metro Championship. He won on Ciaron Maher-trained Hi Val (Frosted {USA}), Nikki Burke-trained Perfect Ten (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), and Charlotte Littlefield-trained Happy Tiers (Ringerdingding).
Pair of WA juvenile winners
Safeguard and Maschino both celebrated 2-year-old winners at Pinjarra on Wednesday. Lou Luciani-trained gelding Countersunk (Maschino) came off a last start third placing to win his maiden. He is a half-brother to Listed winner Prim And Proper (Alfred Noble {Ire}) and the final foal of Prima Vista (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who is a winning half-sister to Desert Angel (Lacryma Cristi {Ire}).
Michael Grantham-trained gelding Optimus Prime (Safeguard) made it two wins in succession from his six start career. He was bought by his trainer and Byerley Bloodstock for $40,000 from Mogumber Park’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale draft.
Vale Michael Knightly
The following tribute was provided to TDN by Coolmore and Primus.
The team at Primus and Coolmore is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our dear friend and long-standing colleague, Michael Knightly.
For 26 years, Michael was a cornerstone of Primus and played an instrumental role in shaping the marketing, branding, and communications landscape of Coolmore. A true genius in his field, his sharp mind, creativity, and steady guidance were central to so much of our work and he has left an indelible mark on our team.
Paying tribute, John Magnier said, “Michael brought an unmatched commitment and standard to everything he touched. We were very fortunate to have had him as part of our team. His contribution to Coolmore was exceptional and his impact on our business will not be forgotten.”
Michael Knightly | Image courtesy of Coolmore Stud
Beyond his immense professional talents, Michael was a true gentleman. A brilliant colleague, a trusted mentor, and a steadfast friend to all who had the privilege of working alongside him; his influence extended far beyond the office into his local and sporting communities where he gave generously of his time and spirit.
Above all else, Michael was a devoted family man. His wife, Áine, and his two sons, Alec and Sammy, were his absolute world.
His presence, wisdom, and warm spirit will be profoundly missed by everyone across the Primus and Coolmore families, as well as the wider bloodstock community. We extend our deepest condolences to Áine, Alec, Sammy, his extended family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Michael.
Singletary set for Ryder Stakes
Trainer Andrew Campbell is happy with recently gelded Singletary (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) ahead of Saturday’s Listed Ryder Stakes. “Providing he goes as well as hope, we’ll do what we did with Waldorf and go to the Wanganui Guineas,” Campbell told Loveracing.nz
“We could possibly look to go down south later for the big one (G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas), but he obviously has to front up first. It’s a good starting point on Saturday for his 3-year-old career, it looks a good, even field.”
Singletary (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Diamond Necklace to continue hot run
Aidan O'Brien has warned any potential rivals to Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica) in the G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes that his unbeaten filly may yet have more to offer, with the Ballydoyle trainer also preparing to bring over Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) and Scandinavia (Justify) as part of a formidable squad for the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
“We stepped her up to a mile and a quarter last time and we felt we would stay there for the minute,” O'Brien explained in an interview with Goodwood Racecourse. “We were very happy with her. She's doing very well, physically. She obviously has a great pedigree, and she's by St Mark's Basilica, so she's exciting.
“She looks very good at the moment. Everything she's been asked to do, she's done very easily and very comfortably. She is obviously in that 'could be anything' category. She looks really special at the moment and we're very excited to have her.”
Williams appointed chair of Horseracing Bettors Forum
David Williams has been appointed the new chair of the Horseracing Bettors Forum (HBF) effective immediately, the organisation announced on Tuesday. He replaces Sean Trivass, who has chaired the HBF for more than four years.
Williams, an education director and lifelong horse racing fan and punter, said, “On behalf of all on the Forum, my thanks go to Sean for all the tireless work he has put in as both a member and latterly as chair of the HBF.
“He has been an excellent advocate for all things related to punters, is not frightened of asking awkward questions and leaves excellent foundations for us to get punters' voices heard on the key issues in these challenging but exciting times for racing.
“We are pleased that we will not be losing his expertise and racing contacts as he will remain on board in an advisory capacity.
“With our recent annual survey results, the HBF has a clear mandate to represent the betting public on the issues that concern them most, drive change and hold authorities and bookmakers to account while further lifting the profile of our Forum as the independent representatives of bettors.
“As a recreational punter myself, my chairmanship will be about using my professional experience, leveraging the best from our knowledgeable and committed committee members and restoring common sense and fairness for the millions of recreational backers who enjoy their hobby and are so vital for this sport.”
Freirich to match Breeders’ Cup charity donations
Ken Freirich has pledged to match donations up to US$100,000 (AU$143,000) to help launch Breeders' Cup Charities' second Annual Day of Giving Wednesday.
Freirich is a racehorse owner, retired CEO/entrepreneur, international philanthropist, songwriter/executive producer, and founder of the music group/record label Random Acts of Kindness/Better World Records. He is a board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and a 2025 recipient of the Thoroughbred Charities of America 2025 Allaire du Pont Leadership Award.
Breeders' Cup Charities donates 100% of funds raised to industry non-profits, with five core areas supported: Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, and equine research.
