Ka Ying Rising steps out at Canterbury
Defending The Everest champion Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) had his first look around Canterbury on Tuesday morning. “His temperature is normal, he ate up. On the trip he lost 5kg but he was 7kg heavier than he ever was when he left,” trainer David Hayes told racingnsw.com.au.
“My team is really excited with how he’s handled it. My vet thinks he handled it better than last year, and last year was fine, but we’re all better for the run. I think he’s settled in better than the same time last year.
“I say conservatively he is 10 per cent better. It's always hard to judge but I would say 10% or more. I watched his Everest win, which I thought was his least impressive win for the 12 months. But when I watched all the other Everest wins, I think his was the second easiest Everest win that I observed so it wasn't that bad but this year I think he is much better.”
Headwall confirmed for Whitby’s The Everest slot
Prominent owners Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann have selected Headwall (Dream Ahead {USA}) for their G1 The Everest slot. “We were keen to get Headwall because we feel he's going to be very competitive in The Everest,” Whitby told racingandsports.com.au.
“Obviously, Ka Ying Rising is going to be hard to beat but we are happy to be involved. Headwall's two runs so far this spring have been very good, he's going as well as ever, and it's been a pleasure working with Reg Young and his team to lock in this deal. I'd love to get one of my own sprinters into The Everest one day but that wasn't going to happen this year so it's a relief to get Headwall.”
Field is backing Beadman in Manikato
Henry Field’s Newgate Farm leads a syndicate of owners in 4-year-old entire Beadman (Snitzel) who runs in Sunday’s G1 Manikato Stakes. “He's always shown glimpses of real talent. He has that class and ran enormously well in the Concorde (Stakes, third), Tim Clark (jockey) sticks with him, Peter (Snowden, trainer) is very happy with the horse and has had him working the reverse way on the Kensington track in the mornings,” Field told racingandsports.com.au.
“This is going to be a very strong edition of the Manikato, there is a question of the track with the rail out a long way (13m) but if he runs up to his Concorde rating, he ran a very strong rating the other day, he would certainly be a key player in the Manikato.
“If he won the Manikato or ran a really big race he would be our Everest horse.”
Beadman | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Arnold thrilled with Beiwacht’s work
Jockey Steven Arnold rode Chris Waller-trained Beiwacht (Bivouac) in trackwork on Tuesday at Caulfield. He runs in Sunday’s G1 Manikato Stakes. “Really happy with his work this morning,” Arnold told racing.com.
“Obviously, we weren’t out to test his ability – it was just a training exercise and to get him out of the box for the day and stimulate him a bit as obviously he’s a colt. He felt amazing in the straight. Fitness is obviously perfect coming back to the six furlongs (1200m) so very happy with his work and he’s ready to go.
“He hasn’t done a lot between runs and he’s a natural athlete, so I think the six furlongs (1200m) holds no fears for him.”
St Gotthard is Waller’s pick of his five
With five runners in the G1 Golden Rose, trainer Chris Waller has selected St Gotthard (Snitzel) as his best chance after the barrier draw was released. “It’s become such an important stallion making race and a stepping stone as well. Obviously they can’t all win,” Waller told racingnsw.com.au.
St Gotthard | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“While I see negatives with inexperience I see a lot of positive things with St Gotthard still improving. His first-up run was good, James (McDonald) was very pleased, the 1400m should be no problem, he relaxes well and does those little things right. He’s still learning though. It might mean he still has upside as well, a lot of the horses he’ll be racing may have plateaued while he’s on the way up.”
Jockey’s Association refute MRC excuses
The discussion over the track issue at Caulfield on Saturday has heated up with the Melbourne Racing Club issuing a statement. “The turf plugs were correctly installed, the track as presented was safe for racing and the rail did not need to be moved … the jockeys clearly did not understand how turf plugs work. The jockeys' claim that being able to pull the tops off the plugs somehow showed that the track was unsafe is nonsense,” MRC chief executive Tanya Fullarton said.
The Victorian Jockeys' Association has refuted the claims. “I've read the statement from the MRC and find some of the commentary extraordinary,” VJA CEO Matt Hyland told racenet.com.au.
“I'll back my members' judgement on track surfaces all day, every day, and if they raise concerns around the safety and inconsistency of the tracks, it's their workplace and they're entitled to their views. I think the vision we saw on Saturday speaks for itself.”
Racing Victoria concurred with the steward’s decision. “Based on all the evidence available to us, we stand firmly by the stewards' decision to order the movement of the rail on race morning at Caulfield,” RV integrity manager Jamie Stier said.
“The stewards must prioritise horse and rider safety at all times. They were not prepared to compromise that position in the circumstances presented to them on Saturday. The stewards acknowledge that the track staff at all venues endeavour to present an optimum racing surface for all race meetings. On this occasion, stewards identified areas of concern with sections of the track in the home straight. Several riders subsequently raised similar concerns with the stewards.
“The stewards ultimately formed the opinion that sections of the track were unsafe for racing on that day. This was a view shared by multiple senior riders. The stewards will continue to act in the best interests of the industry and all stakeholders with safety and welfare at the forefront of their minds.”
G1 Victoria Derby prizemoney lifted
The G1 Victoria Derby will be worth $3 million in 2026, with prizemoney raised to match the G1 Caulfield Guineas. “The Howden Victoria Derby is integral to the success of Victorian racing, in terms of its rich heritage and its role in headlining one of the biggest race days in world racing,” Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said.
“We believe the retention of Group 1 status for the Victoria Derby is vital given the day's importance to our industry and the fabric of Australian racing more broadly. We must be proactive to ensure that is preserved.” Last year’s winner Observer went on to add the G1 Australian Guineas in the autumn, and now stands at stud, although is having some time off currently to recover from colic surgery.
The 2023 winner Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}) won the G1 Australian Derby in the autumn following, while the 2021 winner Hitotsu also won the G1 Australian Guineas and G1 Australian Derby and his first crop have just turned two.
Caulfield key nominations released
The first acceptance stage for the G1 Caulfield Cup closed on Tuesday with 57 horses paying up for the October 17 race. Ciaron Maher leads the trainers with 14 entrants while Chris Waller paid up for 12.
The G1 Caulfield Guineas first acceptances number 29 with Chris Waller paying up for eight 3-year-olds, while Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young along with Ciaron Maher both have four contenders. For the fillies, the G1 Thousand Guineas has 42 3-year-olds still remaining in contention.
Jimmysstar to wear blinkers for Sunday’s Manikato
Ciaron Maher hopes blinkers will turn around the form of Group 1 sprinter Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {NZ}) for Sunday’s G1 Manikato Stakes. “I’ve thought about it (blinkers) for a while. His work is not really much to go off as he likes to track up in a trial,” Maher told racing.com.
“His race (Memsie Stakes) was sort of a hard one to make of that whether it was Angel (Capital) sort of leaning on him or what it was. I was certainly happy leading into the race and I am very happy leading into this race.”
Jimmysstar (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Pin Up Sheila puts unbeaten record on line
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained 3-year-old filly Pin Up Sheila (Pinatubo {Ire}) resumes at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. She won both her starts at two. “We felt the Princess Series was a bit of a tight turnaround for her, she’s still growing and developing,” Charlton told racingnsw.com.au.
“She was fantastic in her first preparation and had a nice few weeks off. She showed her versatility, she will definitely appreciate getting further than 1100m which was the only distance she‘s run over. Hopefully she can stretch out to the 1400m later in the spring.”
Jacquinot juvenile wins trial in New Zealand
Lance Noble-trained 2-year-old filly Queen Jacqui (Jacquinot) won the first two juvenile heats at the Avondale trials in New Zealand on Tuesday. She was sold by Beaufort Downs at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale to Cambridge Stud for NZ$150,000. She is the first foal of winning mare Seduction Queen (Kermadec {NZ}) who is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Snippetsland (Snippetson).
The other 2-year-old trial was won by Chancellor Beel (NZ) (Savabeel).
Fourth winner for Noverre
Second season sire Noverre (NZ) added his fourth winner when Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin-trained Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) won her maiden at Swan Hill on Tuesday. The 3-year-old filly was having her second start and was bought by Malua Racing and Ash Dowley Bloodstock for NZ$60,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. Oceans Fouroseven is a half-sister to stakes placed Super Chilled (Churchill {Ire}).
At the same meeting Lindsay Park-trained 3-year-old gelding Strong Tempo (Fierce Impact {Jpn}) won on debut, as did Patrick Payne-trained 3-year-old gelding McPhillips (Peltzer).
Keeneland metrics keep rising for Book 4
Keeneland's September sale continued to post increases over its 2025 figures, led by US$33 million (AU$46 million) in through-the-ring sales. During the Book 4 opening session, a colt by Yaupon led the way with a US$825,000 (AU$1.16 million) final bid from Donato Lanni, agent for FRC/Starlight/Madaket. It was the lone purchase on Monday for the group, who once again concluded the day as the leading buyer.
On the seventh day of selling, Keeneland sold 285 yearlings (through the ring) for US$32,941,500 (AU$46 million), an increase of 9.41% from the seventh session last year when 279 horses brought US$30,107,000 (AU$42.3 million). The average of US$115,584 (AU$162,000) rose 7.11% from US$107,910 (AU$151,000) in 2025, while the median jumped 20% from US$75,000 (AU$105,000) to US$90,000 (AU$126,000). RNA's for the session fell from 91 last year to 72 this term.
The number of yearlings sold this year for seven figures is 70 compared to 56 in 2025.
Falling Petals headlines Goffs Chicquita Session
Falling Petals (Raven's Pass), the dam of dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach (New Bay), will be offered in foal to Night Of Thunder during the inaugural Chicquita Session at the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale.
Owned by China Horse Club and consigned by Ballylinch Stud, the 14-year-old Falling Petals is the dam of five winners from six runners to date, most notably the aforementioned Saffron Beach, the winner of the Sun Chariot Stakes and Prix Rothschild when trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam.
Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby said, “Falling Petals is exactly the type of top-class, Group 1-producing mare for which we created the Chicquita Session and we are grateful to our friend Teo Ah Khing of the China Horse Club for entrusting his precious mare to Goffs.
“We look forward to showcasing her to the world as Goffs November always attracts a global audience when we catalogue mares of this calibre.
“We are excited by the selection of quality mares and fillies being committed to the Chicquita Session and look forward to it making a strong debut after our market-leading Foal Sale.”
Fasig-Tipton Eastern Fall Yearlings catalogue released
Set to begin Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland, 239 yearlings were catalogued for the Fasig-Tipton Eastern Fall Yearling Sale, and may now be viewed online, the auction house announced Monday.
Restructured into its new format for this season with the sale also returning to the former name, the catalogue is organized to provide each of the region's state-bred programs with its own dedicated section. It begins with yearlings bred in non-Eastern states (Kentucky, Florida, Canada, etc.) before moving through individual sections of yearlings bred in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
“We're pleased with the catalogue, which has grown slightly in numbers over last year and offers strong sire power,” said Paget Bennett, Fasig-Tipton Midlantic director of sales. “This sale is also being held three weeks later than its traditional date, on the Tuesday following Maryland Million Day at nearby Laurel Park, tying the auction to one of the region's most popular racing days. It also gives yearling buyers an opportunity to shop later into the season than usual.”
Lazy Griff dies after race day accident
Middleham Park Racing flagbearer Lazy Griff (Protectionist), who was placed in both the Derby and Irish Derby in 2025, has died after suffering a setback in his recovery from the injury he sustained at Chester last month.
Trained by Charlie Johnston, Lazy Griff won three of his 12 career starts, including the G3 Prix de Conde at Chantilly as a 2-year-old, before he returned the following year with a runner-up finish behind Lambourn (Australia) in the G3 Chester Vase. He went on to hit the frame behind the same horse at both Epsom and the Curragh, with his Derby effort seeing him finish second, less than four lengths behind the winner, at odds of 50-1.
Having missed the rest of his 3-year-old campaign after finishing third in the Irish Derby, Lazy Griff proved that he retained most of his ability when winning July's Listed Coral Marathon at Sandown, but he sadly could not be saved after being pulled up during his most recent start on the Roodee.
“It is with great sadness that we can announce that Lazy Griff was put to sleep this morning,” read a statement issued by Middleham Park Racing on social media.
“He was a special horse who brought enormous pride and joy to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing, caring for and cheering him on. Our thoughts are with all of his owners and with everyone at Johnston Racing, who cared for him so diligently throughout his life. Rest in peace, Lazy Griff.”
UK TBA adds advice service
The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) is introducing a new free telephone consultation service to support racehorse filly and mare owners, those looking to purchase a broodmare, or any interested parties who are considering taking their first steps into thoroughbred breeding at any level.
As part of the TBA's work to develop a pipeline of new breeders, eligible owners and interested newcomers will be able to book a free 30-minute telephone consultation with expert bloodstock professional, Joe Grimwade.
“These consultations are designed to give people a straightforward opportunity to ask the practical questions that arise when considering breeding for the first time,” said Grimwade.
“That might include whether a filly or mare is suitable for breeding, understanding the likely costs involved, how to approach stallion selection or simply knowing what the next step should be. The aim is to provide impartial, practical advice and point people towards the right information and expertise to help them move forward with confidence.
“There is a huge amount of help available to breeders – from the TBA and other sources – and we want to ensure people know where to find and how to use it.”
