Under Focus could give Lees a milestone
Kris Lees has trained the winners of 19 Group 1 races and on Saturday he has Under Focus (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in the G1 Golden Rose. “He’s a bit like the Knights, slightly an underdog. He’s going into the race in good form, he hasn’t won this time in but I’ve been pleased with his two runs back,” Lees told racingnsw.com.au.
“And Dylan (Gibbons) is going really well, he moved to Sydney to take advantage. He’s getting a lot of opportunity, in some ways he’s probably second string for a few stables so it’d be great to get one with him.”
Under Focus | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Magic Millions Digital open for bidding
Two unreserved lots from Lindsay Park headline the latest Magic Millions Digital sale which is open for bidding. Nasty (Brutal {NZ}) is a 3-year-old gelding with only three starts who debuted in the R.Listed Inglis 2YO in Melbourne last season. Seven-time winner Tuff Tu Mus (All Too Hard) is their other offering.
Among the broodmares is unraced Zapped (Shooting To Win) who is in-foal to exciting young sire Henry Longfellow (Ire). Angel Sky (Hurricane Sky) is a multiple city winner and the dam of stakes-placed 2-year-old Angel's Impact (I’m All The Talk) is offered with a Maschino colt at foot.
Racing Queensland announce annual profit
Racing Queensland have published their 2025/26 annual report with a profit of $8.2 million for the year. “It speaks to the unbelievable work from those at the coalface of the sport, and their passion and commitment that directly contributes to the growth of racing across each of the three codes,” RQ Chair Matt McGrath told racingqueensland.com.au.
“Whilst challenges will always emerge, the opportunities are immense across all three codes with racing continuing to maintain a vital importance to the state of Queensland. The last five years has seen RQ’s revenue increase from $354.1 million to $433.6 million, whilst increasing payments to participants primarily through prizemoney and annual club payments from $229.3 million to $364.7 million over the same period.
“Importantly, we continue to maintain a strong focus on investment in club infrastructure across country, provincial and metropolitan regions across the state through infrastructure funding while maintaining a sustainable financial position.
“The past 5 years has seen almost $260 million spent on racetracks, spectator facilities, and stabling and kennelling complexes, with a pipeline of exciting projects on the horizon as outlined in The Next Lap.”
One of those projects was also announced today with a new synthetic track at Toowoomba to begin construction after the weekend’s Listed Weetwood meeting. “This project is about investing in the future of racing on the Darling Downs,” Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Grant Sheather said.
“Clifford Park supports more than 600 horses in work each month and the existing synthetic surface has reached the end of its serviceable life. Replacing it with a modern Gallop Track surface will provide trainers with a safer, more consistent training environment while ensuring the club continues to deliver first-class facilities for participants.
“We've undertaken an extensive procurement and evaluation process to ensure we selected the surface that best suits Clifford Park's operating environment. We're pleased to be partnering with Gallop Track to deliver this important project.”
Modella set for The Invitation
Co-trainer Cherie Curtis will run Modella (Castelvecchio) in Saturday’s G2 Golden Pendant on the way to the Invitation. “She’s stronger now, she’s always been quite focused but I think it’s her time now,” Curtis told racingnsw.com.au.
“There’s definitely improvement but we thought she was working well enough to win first-up. We’d like to run her in an Invitation, the Tibbie was probably the softer option but we thought the extra week would be more suitable for her.”
Modella | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Treasurethe Moment needs to bounce back in Feehan
Yulong’s four-time Group 1 winning mare Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) runs in Sunday’s G2 Feehan Stakes off a disappointing run in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes last start. “The race (Makybe) went against her pattern a little bit,” Yulong’s Racing Manager Danny Rolston told racenet.com.au.
“As a reluctant leader, but I don't think it … explained the distance she was beaten. Matt and Kate Laurie did everything to go over here and everything seems right. We didn't want to step her up to the 2000m after (Makybe Diva) run, and it's just going to be from here race by race.
“If she runs poorly (again) we know something's up, but in every other way, health and training has been great. We'll either be back on track to the grand finals (Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate) or we'll be reassessing after Sunday's race.”
Vale Alan Trevena
Jockey Alan Trevena has died aged 87. “On behalf of the Victorian Jockeys Association I extend our heartfelt condolences to Alan’s wife Gail, his children Angelique, Michelle and Mathew, and his friends on the news of his passing,” Victorian Jockeys Association CEO Matt Hyland told racing.com.
“Alan rode a host of great horses back in the 1970s, none more so than the champion filly Surround for Caulfield trainer Geoff Murphy for whom he was stable jockey across a number of years.
“This spring marks the 50th anniversary of Alan’s wins aboard Surround in the Caulfield Guineas, VRC Oaks and the Ascot Vale Stakes which is now known as the Coolmore. It was an incredible spring for both horse and jockey. Alan was involved in the jockey's association back in his day, was well respected by his peers and was also a great mentor.”
Trevena rode Surround (NZ) (Sovereign Edition {Ire}) in 16 of her 17 victories, having to give way to lightweight Peter Cook in the 1976 Cox Plate where the 3-year-old filly carried 47.5kgs to victory. All seven of her foals to race were winners led by Listed winner Bowral (NZ) (Danzatore {Can}).
Private Eye can win the Shannon
Joe Pride thinks Private Eye (Al Maher) can win Saturday’s G2 Shannon Stakes. “He was a different horse in the early part of his life. Now he's a bit of a flat track bully and likes to get on-speed with no horses in front of him. I think he'll get the right scenario there on Saturday,” Pride told racingandsports.com.au.
“I was giggling to myself thinking if the real Private Eye turns up, some of these horses won't see which way he goes. I could point to three or four runs from his last ten, maybe more, that would win this race. I think it's just a matter of him jumping, putting himself in a good spot, and he'll take care of the rest.”
Private Eye | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Maher employee fined for falsifying documents
Ciaron Maher Racing employee Josh Kadlec-Cavanagh has been fined $10,000 by Racing Victoria for providing falsified nominations data. The head of Data and Performance pleaded guilty to one charge under Australian Rule of Racing 229(1)(h), which covers false or misleading statements or declarations connected with the administration or control of racing.
Fiorente 11-year-old wins Coleraine Cup
The Coleraine Cup on Friday was won by Mangione (Fiorente {Ire}) who was having his 116th start. He has 15 wins, 15 seconds and 18 thirds and prizemoney over $550,000. “All the credit to this horse. I was pretty confident about the 1800, he loves that distance, but it’s pretty incredible to get this win with an 11yo. The owners have been in him since the start, and he was the first horse I had,” trainer Nell Carter.
There was a fall in race two on the card but both jockeys and horses were okay. Luke Williams came off Sundaytoofaraway (Widden Valley) and Will Gordon departed ways from Lady Colonist (Churchill {Ire}).
Double for Pierata at Lismore
On Friday at Lismore, Pierata sired a double. Matt Dunn-trained mare Bellarata won for the second time in her career.
Chris and Corey Munce-trained Carravilla won the Lismore Cup to take her record to six wins and earnings over $240,000. Munce Racing paid $130,000 for her from Goodwood Farm’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft. She is the second foal of Tinto Fino (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) who has produced one other winner.
Double for Astern at Scone
Friday’s Scone meeting saw Astern sire a double. Melissa Dennett-trained Peregrina Pearl made it two wins in succession, having been unplaced on debut. Justin Drake-trained mare Panta Rhei took her record to two wins from 13 starts, and her maiden win had been back at her debut.
NZB employees face off in Gold Trail Stakes
Saturday’s G3 Gold Trail Stakes will see some office rivalry happening at New Zealand Bloodstock. International Bloodstock Manager John Cameron co-bred and is in the ownership of the Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained Hawea (Hellbent), while Insurance Advisor Jim Bruford’s colours will be carried by the Ben and Ryan Foote-trained Actionbelle (Bivouac).
“We have been working together for a long time,” Bruford told Loveracing.nz. “I have been here 33 years and John has been here for over 50. There is a bit of respected rivalry. We have been at the office a couple of days this week and have had a chinwag over this and that, and the other staff all chuckle about what is going to happen. We will both be there on course.”
Stacked field for Sunday’s G3 Celebration Cup
Hong Kong’s G3 Celebration Cup has a strong field with trainer Frankie Lor unleashing Stormy Grove (Toronado {Ire}) and Lucky With You (Artie Schiller {USA}). “The last time Stormy Grove raced, he bled, so we gave him a long break,” Lor told scmp.com.
“I’ve only trialled him once so of course, he’s not 100 per cent fit – maybe he is 80 per cent fit for this run. I think 1400m might be a bit short for him, but I just want to give him a race and then we can plan again – the next step will be 1600m. It’s hard to know [if a bleed will happen again], but we scoped him after the trial and it was clean, so I hope we can keep him healthy.
“Long-term plans are hard to say, but at the moment we are looking at the Hong Kong Mile in December.”
Gains continue at Keeneland
With 10 days of selling down and just two days to go, Keeneland September wrapped up Book 5A Thursday showing no signs of slowing down as the momentum continued from a strong opening week.
“There were a bunch of the same people still shopping (Thursday) in Book 5A that you saw at the beginning of sale,” said Headley VanMeter, consignor of the day's topper. “It's great breeders and it's great for sellers. It might be (difficult) for sellers to still be around here this long, but we love to see it.”
Marking its fourth consecutive day with across-the-board gains, Keeneland sent 311 horses through the ring for gross sales of US$14,219,000 (AU$20.2 million), a 13.16% boost from the same session one year when 298 yearlings brought in US$12,565,000 (AU$17.8 million). The average jumped 8.43% to US$45,720 (AU$65,000) while the median also rose 6.67% to US$32,000 (AU$45,600).
With just two sessions remaining in Book 5B, 2,338 horses have sold for an average of US$224,936 (AU$320,000) and a median of US$125,000 (AU$178,000) while grossing US$525,899,500 (AU$748 million), a 5.14% boost over the same time last year.
Tattersalls Ireland Book 2 breaks gross record
Bloodstock agent Valfredo Valiani labelled the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale as one of his favourites after signing for the €52,000 (AU$84,200) Part 2 top lot Lope De Vega colt from Castlebridge, which brought the popular Italian native's haul this week to 10.
“I bought 10 this week and, actually, I was able to buy pretty much everything I wanted to buy. I thought there was good value for money, and I think it was a good sale. Everything that I bought is going to Italy and the Lope De Vega will go to Stefano Botti, who is one of the best trainers in Italy. I definitely think my money went a little further this year compared to other years. And, you know, it's not a very long time that I've been doing this job. It's only my eighth year, so I feel that each year I'm learning a bit more. This year, I think I've got better horses, to be sincere,” Valiani said.
The Part 2 aggregate of €2,039,100 (AU$3.3 million) is an increase of 9% on 2025 and is the second time in the sale's history that it has topped €2 million (AU$3.24 million). The clearance rate ended at a satisfactory 85%.
Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins commented, “The excellent trade witnessed across the last two days continued into Part 2, which saw consistent demand from the opening lot through to the finish, with turnover surpassing €2 million. Given the strength of the market on Tuesday and Wednesday, quite a few purchasers still had orders to fill, and a clearance rate of 85% highlights the strong demand that was existent throughout the day.
“A particular mention must go to our international clients who were present across all levels of the market today and played a big part in the success of the sale. We saw buyers from Poland, Czech Republic and Italy featuring prominently on the leading buyers table having had outstanding success with their previous purchases at this sale it was pleasing to see so many return to buy.”
Osbourne nabs Hong Kong contract
Saffie Osborne is among four international jockeys to have been granted a short-term licence to ride in Hong Kong this winter, along with Maxime Guyon, Dylan Browne McMonagle and Rossa Ryan.
Osborne will be the first to arrive in November, followed by Guyon and Ryan in December, while Browne McMonagle joins the roster in January.
Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “Hong Kong's jockey ranks are among the strongest in world racing and the arrival of Saffie, Maxime, Dylan and Rossa this winter underlines how highly regarded our racing is internationally. Between them, they bring a British Classic, a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and multiple championship titles, and each has earned this opportunity through outstanding achievement at the highest level.”
Shares in Vauban’s sire added to AKTEM
Two half-shares in French stallion Galiway will be offered at Friday's AKTEM Online Stallion Sale beginning at 5 p.m. local time.
The sire of Group 1-winning full-brothers Sealiway and Sunway, the son of Galileo is also responsible for group winners Waybreaker, Engaliwe, Rubis Vendome, Showay, Kenway, Esope and Jolly Way. He is also the sire of dual Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban.
Fuel The Jet wins Group 3
Oliver Humphrey's 2-year-old colt Fuel The Jet (Space Blues) had won two of four prior starts heading into Thursday's G3 Tattersalls Stakes, also known as the Somerville Tattersall Stakes, and continued his rise through the ranks with a career best in the seven-furlong Newmarket feature.
“We were checking the entries 15 minutes before closing and there were only four in it,” explained Tom Clover, who was celebrating his 41st birthday. “He had come out of Doncaster so well and we were very happy with him. We thought, on ratings, there was nothing to lose by giving him a go and it's worked out, which is nice. He's always shaped up lovely at home and he's a gorgeous horse well bought by Kerri Radcliffe.
“The owner has given me a free rein with him throughout, but it didn't work out when we ran him in the Acomb. We put a line through it and he's bounced back nicely with some good wins. He's probably better on goodish ground and whether we think about going abroad or just put him away and dream about next year, I'm not sure yet. He's had five runs this year and I almost thought we were done already before this. We'll see what happens, but it's always nice to dream during the winter.”
Fuel The Jet is the fifth of seven foals and one of three scorers from as many runners produced by an unraced half-sister to G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis hero Tornado Alert (Too Darn Hot) and G1 Metropolitan victor Just Fine (Sea The Stars).
He is a half-brother to Listed King Charles II Stakes runner-up Bold Style (Shamardal), a yearling filly by Lope De Vega and a weanling colt by Starman. The yearling filly is an entry in next month's Tattersalls October Book 1 sale.
Jones dispersal set for Keeneland November
As part of the Complete Dispersal of Aaron and Marie Jones, nine horses will be offered during Book 1 of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 3, the auction house said. The consignment will be offered by Taylor Made Sales Agency.
“The Joneses' broodmare band, though small, has had an immense effect on the Thoroughbred industry,” Taylor Made Vice President of Operations Katie Taylor said. “From a band of less than 10 mares, Marie Jones produced the dams of GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Life Is Good (Into Mischief), Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting (Gun Runner) and most recently champion Ted Noffey (Into Mischief). The Joneses knew how to buy mares that suited the top stallions in the game, and their results have changed history.”
Marie Jones passed away Aug. 5 and she and her late husband were perennially among North America's leading breeders and owners. The operation is responsible for the likes of champion Ashado (Saint Ballado), leading sire Speightstown and GI Belmont Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor). As owners, the Joneses campaigned champion Riboletta (Brz) and successful sire and broodmare sire Forestry.
Jockey Relief Alliance formed in America
Jockey Relief Alliance, Inc. (JRA), a new and completely independent organization, will provide timely assistance starting around Thanksgiving to active jockeys facing short-term injury or unexpected hardship, according to a press release from the non-profit on Thursday.
JRA's mission is to stand beside active jockeys during times of short-term injury or unexpected hardship by providing timely financial relief, compassionate support and a helping hand when it is needed most.
“Sometimes the need is not complicated,” said JRA President Kenny Katz. “A jockey gets hurt, can't ride for a period of time and suddenly the family still needs groceries, diapers or help keeping up with everyday bills. We want Jockey Relief Alliance to be an organization that can respond when an active jockey is going through that kind of unexpected hardship.”
