Sheza Alibi up for Makybe Diva challenge
Co-trainer Katherine Coleman says star 4-year-old mare Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) is up for the challenge in Saturday’s G1 Makybe Diva Stakes. “It's come up a really strong race. We've got so much respect for horses like ‘Mr B' and Sir Delius, it's exciting to have a horse of the same calibre as them and racing in this sort of a race,” Coleman told racenet.com.au.
“She's still got to step up … and coming up against these seasoned old warhorses, it's exciting but it's another challenge for her to face.”
Sheza Alibi | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Ka Ying Rising rated higher than Black Caviar
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) continues to break records and secured his record-extended 21-consecutive win in the G3 HKSAR Chief Executive Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.
He carved off almost a whole second of his own track record in the process and is now rated 135, up from 131, to take the lead on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR). That mark is the highest ever awarded to a sprinter in the history of the Longines WBRR, besting Black Caviar's 132, which the great mare achieved in 2011.
NZTR release 2027/29 Statement of Intent and Business Plan
On Friday, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) released the 2027/29 Statement of Intent and Business Plan. “Our industry is built on the knowledge, commitment and contribution of its people, developed over generations,” NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty said.
“We value their experience and perspectives and are committed to listening, engaging openly and drawing on the lessons of the past as we work alongside them to build a sustainable future for New Zealand racing.”
They want to increase wagering over that time from NZ$475 million to NZ$500 million, while looking for an increase in owner numbers.
“The broader racing environment continues to evolve. Across the industry there is a shared opportunity to improve collaboration, make better use of industry assets and ensure investment is directed where it will have the greatest longterm impact,” the statement said.
“We believe the best outcomes will be achieved by building on the significant work already undertaken, working constructively across the industry and focusing on practical solutions that strengthen racing for future generations.”
Genesis Runner on Group 1 pathway
Saturday’s G3 Ming Dynasty will show trainer Michael Freedman if Genesis Runner (Gun Runner {USA}) is capable of footing it against the Group 1 3-year-olds this spring. “It’s always a bit of an anxious moment when they step up to stakes grade,” Freedman told racingnsw.com.au.
“3-year-old middle distance, staying, types it’s probably not as drastic a step up but you still want to see them compete at that level. I was thrilled he was able to come again late being first-up at 1300m. The most pleasing part of his race was the last 200m.”
Genesis Runner | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
MM digital opens for bidding
Listed Maribyrnong Trial winner Eurocanto (Per Incanto {USA}) headlines the latest Magic Millions Digital sale, which is open for bidding and closes next Wednesday. He is one of three racehorses offered by Lindsay Park Racing As Agent.
The majority of the catalogue are racehorses with a further 12 racehorse shares are on offer as well as four broodmares including Duchess Pedrille (Hinchinbrook). A city winner of two races, she has produced two winners and is offered with a Cosmic Force filly foal at foot. She’s a half-sister to Group 2 winner and sire O’Lonhro.
Prizemoney increases for juveniles in Queensland
Racing Queensland announced a range of prizemoney increases for juveniles over the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival to give horses a greater chance of qualifying for the R.Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic. “The Queensland Summer Racing Carnival continues to go from strength to strength, and these enhanced 2-year-old opportunities underline our commitment to building a clear, rewarding pathway to the TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic,” Racing Queensland Chair Matt McGrath told racingqueensland.com.au.
“With $1.3 million in prizemoney on offer across seven juvenile features, owners, trainers and breeders have every reason to set their sights on Queensland this summer. These races provide genuine incentive for connections to campaign their emerging 2-year-olds in Queensland, while giving racing fans more chances to see the next generation of stars on the road to the Magic Millions.”
Cormier ready for Rose
Group 1-placed Cormier (Maurice {Jpn}) is ready for Saturday’s G2 Run To The Roses. “The horse is in good shape he’s had a couple of trials to get ready for it,” co-trainer Paul Messara told racingnsw.com.au.
“He appears to be more a 1400m to miler the way he gets along. (Scissor Kick) was a similar style, a similar cut of horse to this fellow. I haven’t had many colts since but this is a good colt, I think he is a high class animal.
“It’s probably going to be a bit short for him on Saturday but he’s on top of the ground which is nice. I think he is going to be much better on top of the ground.”
I’m Ya Huckleberry lifted to stakes class
Last start Wyong winning 3-year-old colt I’m Ya Huckleberry (Home Affairs) steps up sharply to the G3 Ming Dynasty Handicap on Saturday. He was Group 3-placed at two. “He's a big striding horse, so the bigger track will be more suitable for him, and getting out to 1400 metres,” co-trainer Adrian Bott told racingandsports.com.au.
“The thought process is he's got that natural speed and being able to sustain that over 1400 metres, 1600 metres as opposed to 1200 is going to be what hopefully separates him when he can get to a good level.”
I'm Ya Huckleberry | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Racing Mates nominated for leadership award
Racing NSW announced on Friday that their dedicated participant support initiative, Racing Mates is a finalist for the prestigious Leadership in Workplace Psychosocial Safety Award at the 2026 WayAhead Mental Health Matters Awards. “This nomination is a true testament to our incredible community - our ambassadors, race clubs, trainers, jockeys, and stable staff who check in on each other every single day,” Racing Mates Ambassador Pat Webster told racingnsw.com.au.
“The racing industry demands immense dedication, which makes proactive and accessible mental health support absolutely vital. We are incredibly proud to see the industry's collective empathy and care recognised on this state-wide stage.”
Racing SA launch horse handling workshops
Racing Careers SA’s next two Horse Handling Workshops will be run at Strathalbyn on September 30 and Ward Belt on October 7. They are designed for high school students to get a basic understanding of working with horses and to see what careers are available in racing.
“It can be really overwhelming starting out as a stable hand when you first walk into a racing stable — particularly if you don't understand the terminology, routines or expectations,” Racing SA Careers Industry Training and Education Manager Clare Lindop told racingsa.com.au.
“We want people coming into the industry to have the essential skills and knowledge to be safe, to contribute, and to keep learning. They don't need to know everything on day one. But if they understand the basics, are willing to listen and can adapt, a trainer has something to build on.”
New programming launched for Sky Thoroughbred Central
Racing NSW announced on Friday that they are refocusing Sky Thoroughbred Central with new programming to tell more of racing’s stories. “Sky Thoroughbred Central provides the industry with an opportunity to consistently inform and educate punters and engage them more with our participants,” Racing NSW Acting Chief Executive Graeme Hinton told racingnsw.com.au.
“Racing has so many stories to tell and this channel forms part of a broader strategy to tell them more often and to more people.”
Centimetre wins on debut
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton took 3-year-old colt Centimetre (Extreme Choice) to Goulburn for his first start and he saluted by half a length. He was sold by Newgate Farm at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $175,000 to PR Thoroughbreds. He was the third-cheapest Extreme Choice yearling to sell in 2025.
Centimetre is the first foal of Warmth (Hinchinbrook) who is a city winning half-sister to Group 3 winner Sprightly Lass (Snitzel), Listed winner Le Cordon Bleu (Snitzel), and stakes placed pair Stratosphere and Imperial Force (Snitzel).
Pricey colt Spain wins at Goulburn
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott took $750,000 yearling, now 3-year-old colt Spain (Snitzel) to Goulburn for his first run this season, and he bolted home by seven lengths. He placed in the G3 SAJC Sires’ Produce Stakes at two.
He is the first foal of Lagertha (Chi) (Scat Daddy {USA}) who was a Listed winner in Chile.
Acrobat winner is impressive pinhook
Second season sire Acrobat added winner number five when Matthew Dale-trained 3-year-old gelding The Local won on debut at Goulburn on Friday. Originally sold by Morning Rise Stud for $10,000 at the Inglis Great Southern Sale, he was pinhooked by Willow Park Stud through the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where Kurrinda Bloodstock and MJD Racing paid $130,000 for him.
The Local is the third foal and third winner for Musicmaker (All Too Hard) who is a city winning half-sister to Listed winner Just As Sharp (NZ) (Swiss Ace).
Debutant 3-year-old winners for Capitalist and Zousain
Capitalist 3-year-old filly Heart Of Jenni won on debut on Friday at Tuncurry for trainer Joseph Burges. Vinery Stud sold her at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale to racing owners I & C Higgins for $20,000. Her unraced dam Vena Cava (Stratum) is a half-sister to Group 3 winner and sire Swear.
At Geelong on Friday, Clinton McDonald-trained 3-year-old gelding Turbo Saint (Zousain) won on debut. YLP Racing paid $80,000 for him from RobynWise’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft. His year older half-brother is Listed winner Shining Smile (Spirit Of Boom).
Transatlantic out for the spring
Group 1 winner Transatlantic (Snitzel) will miss the spring after falling at trackwork on Friday at Randwick. “He's bruised and battered and has ripped himself up a bit,” trainer Tony Gollan told racenet.com.au.
“He spotted something and whipped around and lost his footing on the bitumen, before he went onto track. It's a track work mishap and his spring is in doubt, he is certainly out of upcoming races. I think he will be fine, but I won't know much more for four or five days.
“He slipped over and taken the skin off his back legs and he has abrasions, we need to let wounds heal a bit and wait and see from there.”
Wigley is the omen bet for Canterbury Belle
Nick Wigley and Kayla Milnes-trained Luminosity (NZ) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) is bidding to become the second winner of the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes for Milnes, while Wigley bred the champion who the race is named after. “Nick had the Canterbury Belle on the bucket list for a wee while because he had Canterbury Belle himself, so to win that was extremely satisfying and rewarding for the whole team,” Milnes told Loveracing.nz. She won the race in 2020 with Matchmaker (NZ) (Makfi {GB}).
“We got stuck into her pretty early because we were wanting to have a crack at the Karaka Millions, and she was the perfect horse to do it, but unfortunately she kept going shin sore on us. That’s why she had that first-up run and was ready to go but then she went shin sore and had to go back to the paddock.
“Hopefully she is all good to go as a 3-year-old. She is a really typical Too Darn Hot, she is just full of muscle and loves her work. She is a nice horse to train.”
Caldwell announces retirement from Keeneland rostrum
When Keeneland's September Yearling Sale begins Monday, September 14, the auctioneer stand will be missing a familiar face. Auctioneer Scott Caldwell has retired after 52 years, closing a chapter of a family association with the sales company that began in the 1950s with his late father, Tom, and included his late brother, Cris.
Scott, who lives in San Clemente, California with his wife, Leslie, looks forward to spending more time with his family and his hobbies such as bowhunting and sword fishing.
“I have done auctions all over the world and been very fortunate to do many things with many different auctioneers and varieties of auctions,” Caldwell said. “I have seen a few auctioneers in my day stay a little too long, and I didn't want to be that guy. I want people to be happy with my performance and wish I was still there versus 'Thank God he's gone.'”
The Caldwell family's connection to Keeneland started in 1957 when Tom Caldwell joined the sales company as assistant to legendary auctioneer George Swinebroad. In 1974, when Scott began working at Keeneland, he was auctioning cattle, sheep, pigs and more at his family's California stockyards. Following Swinebroad's death in 1975, Tom became Keeneland's Director of Auctions and would serve here until his death in 2001. Cris, who joined Keeneland after Scott, auctioneered for the sales company until he died in 2020.
“One of the things I realized as an auctioneer is that it's just as important — if not more important — for the seller to get say $2,500 more for his horse because he might have 10 in the sale, and that'll make 25 grand for him,” Scott continued. “That could be the difference in whether he survives or not for the next year. Dad was a big pusher to make sure that we treated the consignor with the less expensive horses the same as we do the top-of-the line consignors. Push, push hard to make sure you get every dollar on every horse.”
Raybiya added to Sceptre Sessions
Raybiya, an Almanzor half-sister to G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Rayif (Sea The Moon), will be offered during the Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale.
Bred by the Aga Khan Studs and a winner in France over 10 furlongs, the 5-year-old mare is in foal for the first time to last season's champion freshman sire Starman and will be sold by the Castlebridge Consignment.
“It would be hard to find a better-bred mare in Europe than Raybiya. She hails from one of the many illustrious families nurtured by the Aga Khan and is carrying to the exciting young sire Starman. She represents a great opportunity for any breeding operation to buy into one of the best families in the stud book,” said the Castlebridge Consignment's Bill Dwan.
“The Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale is a very fitting stage for such a special offering and the Castlebridge Consignment looks forward to showcasing her to the global bloodstock industry.”
Road To The Derby starts on Saturday
The official Road to the Kentucky Derby will begin Saturday as Churchill Downs stages the 45th running of the GIII Iroquois S. for 2-year-olds at one mile on opening weekend of its 14-day September Meet.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby, which debuted in 2013, annually awards a sliding scale of points to the top five finishing positions in select qualifying races. At the conclusion of the series, the leaderboard will determine the preference list for entries into the 20-horse Kentucky Derby. The 153rd running of the G1 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027.
LetsRun Park Yeongcheon opens on Sunday
LetsRun Park Yeongcheon in South Korea opens on Sunday September 13 and will be the fourth track in the nation after Seoul, Busan and Jeju. “During the initial planning stage, constructing the outer track as a turf track was actively reviewed. However, due to the local climate and soil conditions being unsuitable for year-round turf growth and continuous maintenance, it was ultimately designed as a single sand track system,” a spokesperson from the Korea Racing Authority (KRA) told staitstimes.com.
“Through this, we aim to maximise synergy with the existing Busan racecourse, while driving the diversification and efficiency of domestic horse racing operations.” A community-oriented horse-culture festival will also run from Sept 12 through 20 under the slogan “Horses Run! Yeongcheon Gallops!”, bringing together local small-business owners and residents to mark the park’s opening.
“LetsRun Park Yeongcheon will go beyond a simple racing facility to become a new growth engine that injects vitality into Yeongcheon and the broader regional economy,” said Woo Hee-jong, chairman of the KRA.
“We will reproduce the proven economic ripple effects and our win-win expertise in Yeongcheon and work for regional development, including job creation.”
Musical Times romps home in G2 May Hill Stakes
Musical Times (Lope De Vega) entered Thursday's G2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster with an unbeaten record and a tall reputation and lived up to all the expectation with a spectacular performance.
Comfortable when taking seven-furlong novices at Newmarket and Yarmouth earlier in the summer, Godolphin's daughter of the 2020 May Hill runner-up Dubai Fountain (Teofilo) was in deep here and received a bump leaving the stalls but continued unhindered under William Buick tracking the pace up the centre.
Let loose inside the two, the 7-4 favourite surged away for a 7.5 length success from Scommessa Sicura (Cracksman) who she had beaten on debut, with Ballydoyle's Speckles (No Nay Never) another length away in third.
“I can't say I was expecting that, but she has shown us natural pace at home and I knew she would travel into it,” Charlie Appleby, whose 1,000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower won this two years ago, said. “On pedigree I knew she should get the mile, but I was hoping she could see it out on this ground and in this headwind.”
“She's a neat, compact filly, as opposed to Desert Flower who was big and rangy and so Newmarket shouldn't be a problem to her and we'll go to the Fillies' Mile,” he added. “As we always know, if you go and put that to bed for the winter you go into the spring with a lot of confidence that the Guineas could be within your sight.”
Waardah returns to winner's circle
Last term's G2 Lillie Langtry victrix Waardah (Postponed) had shaped with promise when placed in both prior starts this year and delivered a power-packed performance to collect a third stakes score in Doncaster's G2 Betfred Park Hill Fillies' Stakes on the opening day of the St Leger Festival.
“I'm pleased the hood was on because she jumped a little bit too well,” reflected Owen Burrows. “She wears it at home because she's not easy and the team at home do a good job keeping a lid on her. She got into a nice rhythm and two furlongs out I was happy.
“She's in the race in France [Oct. 3 G1 Prix de Royallieu] and, if that went well and Ascot turned up soft and she was well, I wouldn't be afraid to back her up [in the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares]. She's had a quiet year because the ground hasn't been in her favour at all and I can imagine she'll be heading to the breeding shed after [this season].”
Big catalogue for Saratoga Mixed Sale
Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 308 entries for next month's Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale, to be held on Monday, October 12, in Saratoga Springs, New York. The sale will be conducted in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion beginning at 10 AM.
“Saratoga Fall Mixed is New York's breeding stock sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “There are 260 weanlings catalogued, by leading sires both nationally and within New York. The remainder of the catalogue features a quality group of broodmares in foal on desirable covers.”
Daredevil dies in Turkey
Daredevil (More Than Ready–Chasethewildwind, by Forty Niner), sire of GI Preakness Stakes winner Swiss Skydiver and GI Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil, has passed away in Turkey according to a report from The Jockey Club of Turkey. No cause of death was released.
In a translated statement, The Jockey Club of Turkey says: “We lost our stallion Daredevil on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He began breeding services in our country in 2020, was sent to the world-famous Lane's End stud farm in the USA to breed on behalf of our Club during the 2021 breeding season, and was brought back to our country for the 2025 breeding season.”
On the track, Daredevil won the GI Champagne Stakes in just his second start and retired with a record of 5-2-1-0 and earnings of US$424,600 (AU$630,000) to stud in 2016. After standing for several years at WinStar Farm in Kentucky, he was sold to The Jockey Club of Turkey ahead of the 2020 breeding season.
Brought back to Kentucky to Lane's End of the success of his aforementioned top daughters, Daredevil spent four more years there before returning to Turkey in 2025 where he has stood since.
Mike De Kock to return to Dubai carnival
Trainer Mike De Kock and his son Mathew are set for a return to the Dubai Racing Carnival, which begins on November 6.
The event's most successful international trainer, De Kock has 186 UAE wins, including a G1 Sheema Classic, a G1 Dubai Turf, a G1 Al Quoz Sprint and six G2 UAE Derbies. He has not participated in the Carnival since 2022 after the regulations on exporting horses from South Africa became too complicated due to African Horse Sickness.
“It's always been the plan to come back, it's just a matter of physically getting there, getting the horses,” said the elder De Kock. “Movement out of South Africa these days is fairly straightforward; the only hiccup is numbers – you've got to have a full flight – so we've got to hitch on with showjumpers, endurance horses etc.
“That's why we're sourcing in Argentina and hopefully we'll get a few training in England just to kick off with.”
De Kock's plans are focused on two-time Argentinean Group 1 winner Colorado Del Monte (Strategos), who was purchased by Vermaak Equine with an eye to Dubai.
