NSW and Victoria dream of match race
The Australian Turf Club and the Victoria Racing Club are dreaming of a match race between Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) and Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) after Autumn Glow's co-owner John Messara hinted at the possibility on Tuesday.
“While much of the discussion has centred around Ka Ying Rising and Autumn Glow, let’s not forget Sheza Alibi. She was outstanding in the Winx Stakes and deserves her place in the conversation. If we’re going to create something truly historic, why not bring together three of the most exciting horses in world racing and let the public enjoy a genuine championship contest?” ATC CEO Steve McMahon said in a press release on Wednesday.
Steve McMahon | Image courtesy of Australian Turf Club
“Imagine this: Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi lining up over 1500 metres at Rosehill Gardens on Golden Slipper Day in front of a packed house. That’s the type of sporting spectacle people would talk about for decades. The world’s best sprinter from Hong Kong, Australia’s Horse of the Year and one of our elite mares all competing on one stage. Racing simply doesn’t get much bigger than that.” He touted the G1 George Ryder Stakes or a special match race on Golden Slipper day as possibilities.
“You wouldn’t just have Australian racing fans watching. You’d have the eyes of the racing world on Sydney. Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and North America would all be tuning in to see two great racing jurisdictions come together.
“The Sydney Autumn Carnival continues to grow in stature and an event like this would elevate it to another level. It would be talked about around the world and further cement Sydney’s position as a global racing destination.”
The ATC aren’t the only ones excited by this idea, with the Victoria Racing Club also throwing their hat in the ring for a run in March.
“The VRC would love to host the world’s biggest match race, here at Flemington,” VRC’s Leigh Jordon told racing.com
“It would bring the sport back into the headlines around the world for the right reasons. We are very, very keen. We want to make it happen.”
Racing Australia announce changes to whip rules
Racing Australia has made amendments to the Australian Rules of Racing to remove the whip protest rule. “This decision was based on consideration of the following: Determining a protest for an alleged breach was largely subjective with any objective component not readily achievable, and the removal of the whip protest rule will not diminish any whip use deterrent effect having regard to the severe penalties that stewards can impose for flagrant and significant breaches of the whip rules,” said the press release.
This decision brings Australia into line with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) position through its International Rule Harmonisation Committee.
Laxon and Symons evicted from Macedon Lodge
On Wednesday, trainers John Symons and Sheila Laxon were notified that they had been evicted from Macedon Lodge effective immediately. “They slam-dunked us between the eyes at 8am this morning. We've got 27 horses that have got to go with us, somewhere, it's quite a considerable amount of horses. It's a little bit of a quandary I must say,” Laxon told racenet.com.au.
“It's very disappointing, we're on a campaign for the Melbourne Cup et cetera (with Knights Choice) and we did the nomination and then we get served this, this morning, it's extremely disappointing.
“We've had so much success here and given Macedon Lodge a lifeline, with coming back on board and getting all the horses back here, and to be slam-dunked by this, is pretty shocking, really.”
Macedon Lodge is owned by Bruce and Michael Dixon. Macedon Racing sent the following email to owners of all horses affected, effectively disputing the claim that the horses have nowhere to do. “We write to inform you on behalf of Macedon Racing/Macedon Lodge, that the training contract of John Symons and Sheila Laxon has been terminated, effective immediately from 2 September, 2026,” Macedon Racing wrote.
“All horses currently located at Macedon Lodge will continue to be fed and exercised but will not be worked under saddle until such time a new trainer is appointed for each horse, this decision to be arrived at by each managing partner in conjunction with each ownership group.
“In the case of horses managed by Macedon Racing as managing owner, we will be moving a vote for each shareholder group to appoint Sara Ryan as new trainer.”
Racing Victoria liaised with Macedon Racing to discuss the ongoing welfare of all horses.
First Group 1 runner for Southey
Trainer Kelvin Southey will have his first Group 1 runner when Bazaball Rewarded (Reward For Effort) runs in Saturday’s G1 AJ Moir Stakes. “I’ve been training for 24 years. I thought it was never going to happen, but then she came along,” Southey told racing.com.
“This time last year, she was a seven-start maiden, so she’s come a long way in a year. She won her maiden on September 5, so it will be a year to the day. It’s exciting, very exciting.” She has won seven of her 20 starts and was second to Cavalry Girl (Bivouac) in the G3 Carlyon Stakes last start.
“Greg (Peters), the managing owner, his partner’s daughter, Amber, was an owner of the horse. It was the first horse she had ever been in. She had terminal cancer and passed away after she won her second race (at Mornington last September).
“She’s very special for all of the owners, and for most of them, this is their best horse. Whether you’re a trainer or an owner, you always hope to get a good one and she is it.”
Tempted excites Schofield
Jockey Chad Schofield warned G2 Concorde Stakes runners that Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) has improved from last season. “I learned late how good she was, riding her last three starts for three wins, but I love the way she’s come back,” Schofield told racingnsw.com.au.
“I feel like she’s grown up, I don’t think she’s changed a great deal physically. I don’t think she needed to, she’s been blessed with an abundance of ability as we know but for me it’s been her mental state.
Tempted | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“As a younger horse she was a nervous type but I love the maturity she’s shown me in her two trials this prep. I feel like she’s in for a tremendous campaign and it’s very exciting for sure.”
Eliyass has to break weight record in Wyong Cup
Ciaron Maher-trained Eliyass (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) will carry 62kg in Friday’s Listed Wyong Gold Cup, with the weight carrying record standing at 59kg, held conjointly by 2024 winner Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) and 2017 winner Destiny’s Kiss (Power Of Destiny).
“Last start we were able to claim, which I think made a big difference, the weight is the only concern but this race will work well for the rest of the prep. In his next few starts he gets back to set weights and penalties where he’ll be better placed,” stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord told racingnsw.com.au.
“He’s been faultless all preparation, if anything he looks better all the time. He’s in a really good spot. He’s been very sound since we’ve had him. He started the prep at the beach at Bobs Farm which helped. He just loves life, that makes everything a lot easier for us. He gets all bouncy before he works, he gets strong in his work and just loves it.”
Caboche wins in dual role
Dual-license holder Dylan Caboche won race 1 at Murray Bridge on Wednesday as a trainer with 3-year-old gelding Sidebar (Sandbar), then rode Shae Norton-trained Mandarin (Santos) to win race 3 on the card.
"She’s been knocking on the door for so long. She tries so hard, but we haven't been able to get the right run or the right track,” Norton said.
“But we finally got it sorted today… she’s just awesome. She’s so positive with everything she does. She gets very antsy when she doesn’t get her own way, but she got everything right today.”
Morgan joins Ciaron Maher Racing
Ciaron Maher Racing announced on Wednesday that Rylie Morgan had been appointed as Victorian Racing Manager. “Rylie has worked on Racing WA TV and Racing.com as a host & presenter since 2024 where he provided in-depth form analysis. In addition to his broadcast work, Rylie has managed several jockeys in Western Australia, bringing a strong understanding of jockey bookings and rider engagements to the role,” the press release said.
Ciaron Maher | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Rylie brings a wealth of experience, expertise and passion for the industry to Ciaron Maher Racing. In his role as Racing Manager, he will work closely with our trainers and wider team to maximize the potential of every horse through strategic race programming and jockey bookings.
“We are excited to have Rylie join the team and look forward to continuing to deliver great results on and off the track.”
Romantic Warrior retired
The world’s richest racehorse Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) has been retired. “Hong Kong Jockey Club wishes to provide an update on global champion Romantic Warrior for his many fans around the world,” a statement from the HKJC said.
“Romantic Warrior’s connections, in consultation with the Club’s veterinarians, have decided to retire Romantic Warrior from racing following further detailed diagnostic imaging and assessment of his front leg at the Club’s state-of-the-art veterinary hospital.
“Romantic Warrior will spend the next three months at Conghua Racecourse under the continued monitoring of the Club’s veterinarians before being transitioned to his retirement home with the assistance of the Club’s RESTART Racehorse Aftercare Programme, which involves a holistic approach to horse aftercare following the completion of racing careers.
“The Club will arrange a farewell ceremony for Romantic Warrior at a Sha Tin Raceday later this season. Details of the farewell ceremony will be shared as soon as they are available.”
A HK$4.8 million (AU$856,000) graduate of the Hong Kong International Sale, Romantic Warrior won 24 of his 31 starts, including 15 at Group 1 level in four countries including the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup on four occasions and the G1 HKJC Queen Elizabeth II Cup four times. In Australia, he was victorious in the 2023 G1 Cox Plate. His earnings across his career are $3 million, HK$226,917,400 (AU$40.5 million), 13,125,000SAR (AU$4.9 million), ¥183,780,000 (AU$1.6 million), and 2,110,000Dhs (AU$804,000) which works out to AU$50.8 million.
Chau looking to repeat last year’s Korea win
Jockey Jerry Chau won the G3 Korea Sprint last year on Self Improvement (Deep Field) and this year, he rides Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Waves (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) on Sunday. Manfred Man-trained Self Improvement will go for back-to-back wins with Dylan Mo aboard, while Hong Kong’s trio in the race also includes Danny Shum-trained Gorgeous Win (Press Statement) who will be partnered by Richard Kingscote.
“He has been on the dirt before and he’s shown he has ability on it, so hopefully he can handle the new track in Korea,” Chau told scmp.com.
“He only had one trial but he ran well – he started a bit late this season. I think that trial will help him a lot and hopefully that can bring him towards his peak form.”
Profiteer gelding adds another win
Second season sire Profiteer’s 3-year-old gelding Fraudster made it two wins in succession at Wednesday’s Ruakaka meeting in New Zealand. Trained by Kenny Rae, Fraudster was purchased by his trainer for NZ$19,000 from Wentwood Grange’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft.
He is the first foal of Dangar Strykes (NZ) (Stryker) who won the Listed Castletown Stakes at two.
Optimism at British Thoroughbred Breeders’ meeting
The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) held its 109th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, September 1, with chairman Philip Newton acknowledging the significant challenges still facing British breeding and racing but expressing greater optimism that the importance of a strong and sustainable domestic breeding industry is now being recognised across the sport.
“The challenges facing British breeding are very real, but I believe the conversation has changed. There is now much greater recognition across racing that a strong breeding industry is fundamental to the future of the sport, and that practical action is required to support it,” Newton said.
“Our role at the TBA is to ensure that action is informed by evidence. We need to understand the issues properly, develop credible solutions and make the case for interventions that will rebuild confidence and encourage investment in British breeding.
“Putting a floor under the foal crop must be one of our central objectives. We have already seen through the Great British Bonus what can be achieved when the industry gets behind a targeted and well-supported initiative, and we need to build on that approach.”
The meeting's official matters of business included the appointment of two newly-voted trustees.
Jess Westwood of Molland Ridge Stud has been re-appointed having served one term on the TBA board, along with Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud who will join the board having been voted in by the membership.
Leaving the board of trustees as of immediately is Simon Cox following his recent appointment as chairman of the BHA, which will commence from October 1, 2026.
Little Miss Vivi tops Fasig-Tipton Digital at U$280,000
Little Miss Vivi (hip 42), in foal to Gunite, sold to Sobhy Sonbol for US$280,000 (AU$392,000) to top Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton August Digital Sale. The online event grossed US$5,790,000 (AU$8.1 million) for 198 horses sold and the clearance rate was 86%, according to a press release from the company.
By Uncle Mo, Little Miss Vivi is a daughter of Canadian champion Embur's Song (Unbridled's Song) and a half-sister to the dam of Lovcen (Jpn) (World Premiere {Jpn}), winner of the first two legs of this year's Japanese Triple Crown.
“There was a really diverse marketplace for this mare,” said Tommy Eastham of Legacy Bloodstock. “The reach of the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform is incredible. It was a genuinely diverse marketplace, with a wide range of buyers showing interest in this mare… I had interest from three different countries–Canada, Japan, and the United States. I believe she has been bought to stay in the U.S., although Sobhy Sonbol, who purchased her, is based in Egypt. I also had a Japanese representative come out to the farm to evaluate her.”
