Daily News Wrap

Winx foals a Too Darn Hot filly

Champion mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) has safely delivered her third foal at Coolmore Stud, a filly by Too Darn Hot (GB). “Winx has been overdue with her foals before but we just let nature takes its course. But both Winx and her foal are doing really well, it’s very exciting,” part-owner Debbie Kepitis told betsy.com.au.

“It’s been a long wait for Winx to have her foal but everything went smoothly last night,” Coolmore boss Tom Magnier said. “Winx is a wonderful Mum and she has produced a very good foal so we are delighted. Winx was born and raised at Coolmore and it is an honour to have her back at the farm as a broodmare.”

Her first foal, Quinceanera (Pierro) is an unraced 4-year-old, while her second foal is an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Snitzel who is in light work at Coolmore.

Racing NSW ends Latham case after parliamentary privilege scrutiny

Racing NSW has withdrawn charges against independent NSW MP Mark Latham over an April 2025 confrontation with then-ATC executive Steve McMahon at Rosehill.

Racing NSW had appointed former senior federal law-enforcement official Michael Phelan to investigate before charging Latham and appointing former Federal Court judge Steven Rares KC to hear the matter.

The NSW Parliament’s Privileges Committee later found, on an interim basis, that Racing NSW would not have pursued the investigation and charges “but for” Latham’s parliamentary work, including his opposition to the proposed Rosehill sale. The committee has not made a final finding of contempt, but chair Stephen Lawrence told Parliament that a retaliatory investigation could amount to contempt if it substantially interfered with an MP carrying out their duties.

The SMH quoted Racing NSW acting chief executive Graeme Hinton as saying the regulator dropped the case after Latham’s ATC ban.

“We determined to withdraw these charges, considering that Mr Latham had already been punished by the ATC for the same incident,” Hinton said.

However, the documented timeline sits uneasily with Hinton’s explanation.

Racing NSW knew by June 2025 that the ATC had already dealt with Latham, but charged him two months later, prosecuted him a month after that, and kept the matter alive for more than a year.

The Privileges Committee is now expected to consider the withdrawal of the charges before delivering its final report into whether Racing NSW’s actions breached parliamentary privilege.

Warwoven on song for Golden Rose

Trainer Bjorn Baker thinks Warwoven (Sword Of State) can win Saturday’s G1 Golden Rose despite the presence of hot favourite Guest House (Home Affairs). “It’s a very important race, it would be one of my career highlights and to win it with a colt probably adds an extra element and it would cement him getting a good home at stud,” Baker told racingnsw.com.au.

“It’s an iconic spring race and he’s going in with a big chance. I’m very happy with him and I wouldn’t swap him for anything. His work on Tuesday was outstanding and I have no doubt he will be better at 1400m.”

Merger for RQ and QRIC

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) will be brought back under the Racing Queensland umbrella. The two were separated in 2016 after integrity concerns. “The racing industry is vital for Queensland, contributing more than $2.5bn per year into our economy and responsible for around 14,000 jobs across the state and that's why we're delivering a plan for the future of the industry,” Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander told racenet.com.au.

“It's imperative that we have a progressive and efficient governance model in place to continue to grow the industry for communities throughout Queensland, while ensuring animal welfare is at the heart of all decision-making.

“By amalgamating Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and establishing a chief integrity officer, we can maintain clear lines of accountability while reducing operational duplication.

“This will not only help to make the industry more efficient and effective. It will greatly increase sustainability, public confidence and confidence within the industry.”

Pericles to take on Manikato in surprise move

Trainer Bjorn Baker thinks Pericles (Street Boss {USA}) is faster than his record shows and hopes he can demonstrate that in Sunday’s G1 Manikato Stakes. “It’s interesting that he hasn’t run over 1200 metres. He’s definitely got the speed to win over shorter trips, there’s no doubt about it,” Baker told racing.com.

“It will be fascinating to have him there (at 1200 metres) and I do think he will run very well. He’s a high-class horse and a very fast horse, there’s no doubt about it. He’s got really good speed and very good tactical speed.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough race, but he is a Group 1 winner at Caulfield. It’s a very, very hard race – there’s no easy races at this time of year, let alone a Group 1.”

More tickets released for sell-out Everest day

The Australian Turf Club have released 2000 more tickets for Everest Day. “The TAB Everest has become one of Sydney’s must-attend major events and, 10 years on, demand has never been stronger,” Australian Turf Club's CEO Steve McMahon told racingnsw.com.au.

“We sold out our original hospitality inventory, responded by creating another 1000 places in the TAB Clubhouse and have now released an additional 1000 General Admission tickets. Importantly, that momentum is flowing across the Carnival, with Golden Eagle Day delivering our strongest year-on-year growth across the remaining racedays.

“Royal Randwick is heading for a sell-out for the 10th running. If you want to be part of it, now is the time to secure your place. For the 10th running, you have to be here for it.”

Skyhook to skip Epsom

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou will run 4-year-old entire Skyhook (Written Tycoon) in Saturday’s G2 Shannon Stakes which will mean missing backing up into the G1 Epsom next weekend. "The plan is to run Skyhook in the Shannon then most likely go to the Silver Eagle (October 17),” Ryan told racingandsports.com.au.

"We might even throw him in a nomination and see what the King Charles (III Stakes, October 17) looks like. After the Shannon, there's three weeks to the Silver Eagle or the King Charles, which is worth a lot of money. I don't think he would win it (King Charles) but if he is going to the Golden Eagle (October 31) he needs a run beforehand.”

Moody heads to Kalgoorlie Cup day

Trainer Peter Moody will be on course for Kalgoorlie Cup on October 3. “I’ve been asked a few times to come over, but I’ve never been to Kal, so I’m very much looking forward to it,” Moody told racingwa.com.au.

“Country racing in places like Kalgoorlie is just a great part of Australiana. These unique country meetings bring folk together from near and far and from all walks of life and whether it’s Birdville or Kalgoorlie, they are just uniquely Australian.

“I’d always hoped to bring a horse to Kalgoorlie one day and I still haven’t given up on that hope, but to be involved in the Golden Saddle this year is the next best thing. I know it’s Turnbull Stakes Day, but I thought if I didn’t get around to doing it soon, the opportunity might pass me by.

“Kalgoorlie doesn’t look too dissimilar to country in far western Queensland. It looks like a real frontier town and I’m just as keen to get around and have a good look at it. You’re not walking into skyscrapers and modern architecture, you’re going to see a bit of old Australia.

“For the Government to show some appreciation back to racing is fantastic,” he said about the WA government’s support of the Golden Saddle race.

“Quite often, people seem terrified to support racing, but when they realise the benefits and the spin-offs, they see it’s not only the race clubs – it’s the community, it’s the pubs, it’s the restaurants, the clothes shops and everyone gets their clip of the ticket.

“The industry seems to get a lot of free kicks against us, but racing crowds Australia-wide have been up the past couple of years. People are starting to realise it isn’t a bad caper, people really care for and love their animals and it creates a lot for communities, full-stop.

“The tax dollar from racing builds schools, highways and hospitals and I think Australians are sick of people telling them what they should and shouldn’t do.”

True Rebel wins at Geelong

Danny O’Brien-trained 3-year-old gelding True Rebel (Rebel Dane) came off a third placing behind stakes placed Zambales (Pinatubo {Ire}) on debut to win at Geelong on Wednesday.

The maiden won by Zambales has been a good form race with the six horses behind him all winning or placing at their next start. Second-placed Meness (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) again second behind True Rebel here. Fourth-placed Written Empire (Written Tycoon) won his next start a few days ago, while fifth placed Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) won her next start on Tuesday. Sixth behind Zambales was Fringilla (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) who ran second at Geelong to Stipulation (Frankel {GB}) on Wednesday. Seventh placed Murshidi (Maurice {Jpn}) ran third behind Written Empire at his next start.

True Rebel was bought by O’Brien for $80,000 from Silverdale Farm’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. He is the third foal and second winner for Spirit Medium (Helmet), a winning half-sister to Group 2 winners Renaissance (Lonhro) and her full brother and sire Sessions, as well as Listed winner Haunted (Lonhro). Their dam Seances (Canny Lad) is a Listed winning half-sister to Group 1 winner Unworldly (Quest For Fame {USA}) and Group 2 winner Gordo (Brief Truce {USA}).

Laming wins retirement race

Trainer Bevan Laming celebrated retirement earlier this month when 3-year-old galloper Pac Fair (Dubious) won the race named in his honour at the Gold Coast. “Honestly, the club told me a month beforehand they were going to name the race after Dad as he was retired,” son Richard told racingqueensland.com.au on Wednesday. Richard now trains the Laming team.

“So, I didn't know I had a runner in it until Thursday, until the fields come out. Then once I did notice that, I thought straight away that he'd be hard to beat. He's a horse that's always shown me a fair bit of ability and he's a progressive type. Once I went through the field, I was pretty confident and it worked out well. He was very strong through the line and won convincingly.

“He had a stroke a few months back and it really put him behind the eight ball a little bit. So, obviously I was doing most of the work anyway and doing the worksheets and helping him with that. But, the time had come and then his hand was forced.

“Not a lot has changed behind the scenes. Everything has stayed the same. The only difference is the name of the race book. But, he’s been a trainer for a long time and he trained for as long as he could and now, he owns a lot of them. So, he's still getting enjoyment from that side of it.”

Keeneland’s boom continues to conclude Book 4

With four sessions still to go, the 2026 Keeneland September Yearling Sale continued to boom with across-the-board increases Tuesday as Book 4 concluded.

A total of 297 horses sold on the day grossing US$30,215,000 (AU$42.5 million), a whopping 23.3% increase over the same session one year ago with bumps in both the average (jumping 14.6% to US$101,734 (AU$143,000)) and the median (increasing 7.1% to US$75,000 (AU$106,000)). Also over the same session from last year, RNA's dropped 10.9% to 81.

Across the first eight days of action, gross sales have topped US$493,195,500 (AU$695 million), a 4.4% increase from the same mark last September. Cumulatively, the average and median are also showing bumps (US$284,755 (AU$401,000) and US$185,000 (AU$260,000), respectively) while the RNA rate held steady.

A yearling by leading second-crop sire Yaupon showed the way on Tuesday. Consigned by John Gunther's Glennwood Farm as Agent, the colt was the third Yaupon colt purchased by bloodstock agent Donato Lanni and, despite falling on the back-half of Book 4, was the most expensive of the trio at US$850,000 (AU$1.2 million).

Chaldean colt tops Tattersalls Ireland at €210,000

Hugo Palmer backed first-season Chaldean being a success at stud to the tune of €210,000 (AU$338,000) on day one of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale when, bidding alongside bloodstock agent Ed Sackville and owner Michael Owen, the powerful trio went untouched in the sales ring at Fairyhouse and ended the session as the leading buyers on top of accounting for the Tuesday top lot.

Consigned by Rathbarry Stud, the flashy Chaldean colt was the most expensive horse sold during an opening session that brought a small dip in all of the key figures. However, it must be noted that what played out at Fairyhouse 12 months ago was borderline unprecedented, with turnover rising by more than 50% – and over €20 million (AU$32.2 million) traded throughout the week – meaning Tattersalls Ireland faced a mammoth task in matching such figures.

Nevertheless, the average fell by 4% to €41,705 (AU$67,000) while the median was down by 11% to €34,000 (AU$54,700). The clearance rate was down by 10% to 85% and, despite the bigger catalogue [10 more offered], turnover slid by over €1 million (AU$1.6 million) to €8,841,500 (AU$14.2 million).

Speaking about the top lot, Palmer said, “What excites me about Chaldean is that Frankel's previous sons to go to stud have all been successful. And this is the only one that, like Frankel, was a champion 2-year-old and a 2000 Guineas winner. Without Parole didn't run at two and Cracksman was a great big, slow, soft-ground horse whereas Chaldean is like Frankel. I'm really excited about Chaldean.”

Vale John Lowe

Newmarket trainer Roger Varian has paid tribute to former jockey and work rider John Lowe, who died aged 75 in Australia on Monday.

Lowe, who rode over 2000 winners on the level before hanging up his saddle in 2000, continued to work in racing, including as a work rider for Sir Henry Cecil. He later enjoyed a spell with Varian at Carlburg Stables, before eventually calling it a day aged 73 when he moved to Perth, Western Australia to be closer to his family.

Varian said he was deeply saddened to hear the news that Lowe had died, four days after suffering a stroke while gardening.

“It is really sad and he has left us far too young,” said the trainer. “I haven't been in contact with John's family yet, but I will be. He spent his last however many years in a riding position with us and I feel very privileged that he did spend that time here.

“John was a great character in the yard every morning. He was a very good judge, as you would have expected him to have been. And he was one of racing's great characters in my opinion.

“He got involved in a bit of banter but could be deadly serious as well. He was a serious judge of a horse and a genuinely good person, which is why I was really shocked to have heard the news from Australia.”

Group 3 winner added to Arqana Arc Sale

The G3 Prix de la Porte Maillot winner Khovikhov (Al Wukair) has been added to the catalogue for the Arqana Arc Sale, which takes place on Saturday, October 3.

Consigned by trainer Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, Khovikhov was last seen finishing third in the G3 Prix du Pin at ParisLongchamp, one place behind fellow Arc Sale entry How Are You (Mehmas) (lot 51). The 3-year-old possesses a rating of 105 and will go under the hammer at Saint-Cloud Racecourse as lot 44.

Nilsson resigns as chair of Svensk Galopp

Bjorn Nilsson has resigned as chairman of Svensk Galopp with immediate effect. Nilsson has also stepped down from the board. He began his chairman role in June after spending a couple of years as CEO of the organisation.

Nilsson stated that he decision resulted from the upcoming general meeting and “tone of debate” surround a proposed new racecourse in southern Sweden, with Jagersro due to close soon.

The constituent societies under the Svensk Galopp umbrella: Stockholms Galoppsällskap, Skånska Fältrittklubben and Göteborgs Galoppsällskap, had often held “differing views” on how racing should develop according to Nilsson. He said he left because the recent discussion between these entities had escalated to an intolerable level. He also confirmed to Svensk Galopp that he'd addressed the matter directly with them prior to resigning his post.

Record holder Hurricane Fly dies aged 22

Hurricane Fly, a dual Champion Hurdle hero for Willie Mullins, has died at the age of 22 at the Irish National Stud.

By Montjeu, he won Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle in 2011 and 2013, as well as the Irish Champion Hurdle from 2011-2015. At then end of his career, he had earned a record-breaking 22 Grade 1 wins and was retired in 2015 to live out his days at the Irish National Stud.

“He won a record-breaking 22 Grade 1 races, which was remarkable,” Mullins told www.sportinglife.com. “He's one of the greatest horses to ever come through our stable. He was a horse who loved a battle and was so brave.”