Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

For more than a century, the Cox Plate has been defined by the unique demands of Moonee Valley, where tight turns, a short straight and the urgency of the start have helped shape one of Australian racing’s most celebrated contests.

On Saturday, 24 October, the G1 Cox Plate will take on a different character when Flemington hosts Australasia’s weight-for-age championship for the first time, presenting a fresh set of tactical challenges for the 12-horse field.

The temporary relocation comes as Moonee Valley undergoes a $3 billion redevelopment, following demolition works that began almost immediately after Via Sistina’s (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) victory in the 2025 edition. The Moonee Valley Racing Club is confident the race will return to its traditional home for the 2027-28 season, but this year’s renewal offers a rare opportunity to examine how much the venue itself has influenced the Cox Plate over the decades.

A different track, a different challenge

Moonee Valley and Flemington are close neighbours, but their racing characteristics could hardly be more contrasting. The Valley is a compact amphitheatre, its tight circuit placing a premium on tactical positioning and acceleration at the right moment. Flemington, by comparison, offers expansive straights, sweeping turns and more room for horses to build momentum.

The Cox Plate has traditionally been staged over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley, with the starting point positioned near the top of the home straight. At Flemington, the barriers will open from a new starting position at the same distance, just beyond the course’s established 2000-metre start on the Maribyrnong River side, used for major races including the G1 Australian Cup and the G1 Champions Stakes.

The change means the field will have a substantially longer run before negotiating the first turn, rather than the short, sharp dash that has been such a defining feature of the Valley version.

Form specialist Nic Ashman believes the difference in configuration will be central to understanding Saturday’s race.

“It really is a different beast. At Flemington there is a big long run from the 2000 metre start to the first turn and it really is one big sweeping turn that takes up the whole back straight.

“At the Valley it's only about 200 or 250 metres or so before the first turn so there is a sense of urgency early, the turns are sharp throughout and less forgiving although they are better cambered than Flemington.”

That early urgency at Moonee Valley can force jockeys to make immediate decisions about whether to press forward, hold a position or ease back and concede ground. Flemington should provide more time to assess the speed inside and choose a position before the field settles into its rhythm.

Dan O’Sullivan also sees the longer run to the first turn as an important distinction, particularly for horses drawn wide or those whose jockeys would prefer to wait before committing to a position.

“I don’t have a definitive view on how the change will affect the race, but there are a few differences worth highlighting.

“Flemington’s long run down the back straight from the start gives jockeys more time to find their position, particularly from wide barriers. At Moonee Valley, there’s only about 200 metres before the first turn, which creates more urgency and can force an early decision. Jockeys have more time at Flemington to see how the early stages are playing out.”

"That additional time may prove significant for runners such as Aeliana and Cosmic Crusader. Their jockeys should have more opportunity to assess the developing speed and determine whether a position is available, rather than being forced into an early decision to press forward or drift back.

"They may still settle towards the rear, particularly Aeliana, but the Flemington layout offers greater flexibility in how they get there."

Barriers and the battle for position

Barrier draws have long been part of the tactical puzzle at Moonee Valley, where the short run to the first turn and the track’s camber can influence how horses find their positions. Rob Waterhouse, believes the change of venue removes one of the more distinctive aspects of the traditional Cox Plate.

“There is a total difference between the race being at Flemington and at Moonee Valley, at Moonee Valley it was often the horse with the best turn of foot that won with it being such a short straight and it was amazing to see the amount of times over the years that the best horse in the race did win.

“One other major difference was that it was quite an advantage to be drawn out wide as a speed horse from the 2040 metre start at Moonee Valley with the strong camber and the ability to come down towards the rail naturally from a wide barrier.”

“Although with More Joyous, Gai and John Singleton had differing opinions on this, as in the Cox Plate you can choose your own barriers and Singo wasn’t too happy when Gai chose barrier 10.”

“This is very much not the case at Flemington where an outside barrier from the 2000 metre mark is not an advantage.”

At Flemington, the longer approach to the turn should give jockeys more time to negotiate the early stages, but it does not automatically make wide barriers desirable. Waterhouse's point is that the mechanics of the track change the equation: a wide-drawn speed horse could use Moonee Valley’s configuration to move towards the rail, whereas the same draw at Flemington does not offer the same advantage.

O’Sullivan believes the effect of the move extends beyond a simple distinction between leaders and backmarkers. While Moonee Valley can make it difficult for horses to recover from an awkward position, Flemington offers more opportunity to adapt as the race develops.

“Our instinct is to say Moonee Valley favours horses on the pace and Flemington gives those further back more opportunity. There’s some truth to that, depending on the conditions and rail position, but the Cox Plate hasn’t necessarily favoured on-pace runners.”

He points to recent winners who have settled off the speed before making their runs.

“Even putting Winx aside, winners such as Lys Gracieux, Sir Dragonet, State Of Rest and Via Sistina in her first Cox Plate settled well off the leaders before working into the race from around the 600m. Strong speed played a role there.”

The lesson is that neither circuit should be reduced to a straightforward on-pace versus backmarker comparison. The tempo, barrier, position and ability to secure clear running all contribute to the result, but Flemington should give jockeys more time to manage those variables.

The turn of foot versus sustained momentum

One of Moonee Valley’s defining features is the premium it places on acceleration. With a short home straight and tight turns, horses often need to produce their turn of foot at precisely the right moment. A runner caught behind tiring horses can lose valuable ground, while one positioned correctly can make a decisive move before the field has time to spread.

Waterhouse believes that element of sharpness could be less prominent at Flemington, where the longer straight changes the way horses can build and sustain their runs.

“So it very much will be a different type of race which is a real pity, at Flemington and at the new Moonee Valley it will again have more of an orthodox feel, where it was quite unique and unusual, which is very much the case in England where all tracks are quite different and have their own character.'

“A bit of the real sharpness may be missing at Flemington, at Moonee Valley horses could have that sharp sprint, but at Flemington you can’t get away with the more normal 200 metre sprint, it may be a more grinding affair .”

The distinction is not simply about the length of the straight. Moonee Valley’s turns and gradual rise from around the 800-metre mark make momentum especially important, with horses often building their runs while negotiating the bend. Runners on the inside can be dependent on those ahead carrying them forward, and if the horses in front begin to tire, an inside runner may have little time to find clear air.

Flemington’s sweeping bend and long straight should provide more opportunity for horses to balance up, build speed and sustain their efforts. Traffic problems can still occur, but the longer straight and greater room to spread should give jockeys more time to find a passage.

O’Sullivan believes that could be particularly relevant to runners drawn inside who are expected to settle off the speed, including Birdman from barrier one and Ceolwulf from barrier three.

“Horses in clear running can work into the race when they want, while those back on the inside depend more on the runners ahead taking them forward.”

“If those horses start coming back, an inside runner can be held up at a crucial stage. By the time a gap appears, there may be little of the race left, particularly if they’re trying to accelerate around the tight turn.”

“Flemington’s sweeping bend and long straight offer more opportunity to overcome that. Horses can still be held up, but once they straighten and the field spreads, jockeys have more time to find a gap and their horses have more room to balance up and build speed.”

Those conditions may broaden the range of runners capable of making their presence felt late, although the outcome will still depend on the speed of the race and how effectively each horse uses the available space.

Race times, distance and the ideal Cox Plate horse

The move also raises questions about how the 2040 metres at Moonee Valley compares with the same distance at Flemington. Although the advertised trip is unchanged, the nature of the circuits means the physical and tactical demands are not identical.

Ashman notes that Flemington generally produces faster times, with top horses regularly covering 2000 metres in around 2:01 or 2:02, compared with the more typical 2:04 or 2:05 at Moonee Valley. Via Sistina’s 2:01 Cox Plate at the Valley stands out as an exceptional performance.

“In terms of par times Flemington plays a lot quicker in terms of time, top horses can run 2.01 or 2.02 regularly where it would often be more a 2.04 or 2.05 time at Moonee Valley, apart from when Via Sistina ran 2.01 which was simply electric.

“I feel that the 2040 metres at Moonee Valley is slightly tougher than a 2000 metres at Flemington which may surprise a few, so maybe if a horse is a little suspect at 2000 metres, the race at Flemington may suit them better.”

The comparison suggests that the Flemington version could be more accommodating for horses whose stamina is less established at the trip, although raw times alone cannot determine which runners will be suited. The way the race is run, the pressure applied through the middle stages and the ability to sustain an effort in the straight will remain critical.

Ashman also sees the potential for the familiar pattern of Cox Plate winners settling within striking distance to continue.

“One interesting thing is that Flemington does tend to suit mid-runners, it can be hard to lead and hard to swoop and in recent patterns of the Cox Plate the winners of eight of the last 10 Cox Plates have set between third and seventh, I think we could see that pattern on Saturday.”

That view reinforces the idea that Flemington may not necessarily hand the advantage to either extreme of the field. Horses settling around midfield could be well placed to track the speed, conserve energy and make their runs without needing to overcome the same sharp turns and limited straight at Moonee Valley.

A historic Cox Plate, with a different atmosphere

For all the attention on barriers, track dimensions and race tactics, the relocation is also a significant moment for one of Australian racing’s most recognisable events.

Since its first running in 1922, Moonee Valley has hosted 105 editions of the race and provided the setting for some of the greatest thoroughbreds to race in Australasia and beyond. For one day each year, the compact circuit becomes a sporting amphitheatre, where the crowd, the tight turns and the intensity of the contest contribute to the Cox Plate’s distinctive identity.

Flemington will offer a different visual spectacle and a different test for the horses, but the race retains its status as the country's premier weight-for-age championship. Whether the change produces a different winner or simply a different path to victory, the 2026 edition will provide a rare comparison between two of Victoria’s leading racecourses.

Waterhouse acknowledges that something of the original race’s character will inevitably be absent.

“It’s a very interesting race and always is the Cox Plate. It will have a different feel and potentially could race a lot differently at Flemington, although I haven’t had a real good look at the makeup of this year’s race yet.”

Ashman shares the view that the setting will be missed, even as the Flemington edition creates its own place in the race’s history.

“It will be a very unique Cox Plate, we will very much miss the amphitheatre that Moonee Valley is, but this will always be the unique Cox Plate.”

O’Sullivan believes the broader track could give more horses a fair opportunity to show their best, reducing the risk of a runner losing its chance because of a lack of room or an inability to build momentum at a critical stage.

"All else being equal, I think you can argue that Flemington gives a broader group of horses a fairer opportunity to show their best on the day across a wider range of scenarios.

"That’s about reducing both obvious bad luck and the subtler disadvantage of being unable to build momentum when needed. A horse doesn’t have to be visibly blocked to lose its opportunity at a crucial stage.

"Whether that changes the result is another question. One thing I’m much more certain about is that it won’t have the same atmosphere as a Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

For one year, at least, the Cox Plate will be measured against a different backdrop. Flemington’s sweeping turns and long straight will replace Moonee Valley’s compact, high-pressure circuit, providing a fresh tactical challenge while preserving the significance of the race itself. The venue may change, but the contest for a place in Cox Plate history remains the same.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

A partnership with Irish billionaire Maurice Regan in a nice Maurice (Jpn) colt has the Ciaron Maher stable dreaming of a third G1 VRC Derby. Wednesday’s G3 Geelong Classic was won by Murshidi, who was having his fifth start, and had only placed prior to this 2200 metre victory.

The story began when Ciaron Maher Bloodstock paid $260,000 for maiden winner Daleelaty (Lonhro) at the 2022 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale as an empty mare and sent her to Maurice (Jpn) to produce Murshidi. He failed to sell as a yearling and the stable sold a share to Regan.

“Ciaron’s bred a few horses, this being one of them. We have a really good relationship with a man based in New York called Maurice Regan, who bred and raced Duke De Sessa,” Ciaron Maher’s Bloodstock Manager Will Bourne said.

Duke De Sessa (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) won the 2024 G1 Caulfield Cup for the Maher stable. Prior to arriving in Australia, he won four times including three black type events, and added the Cup and the G3 JRA Plate while trained by Maher.

“I gave him a call one day and told him that this horse was progressing the right way and he ended up getting involved. It gives you good satisfaction (to get the stakes win) and he's a really nice man, so I'm happy to have him on board.

“He loves the animal and likes his racing. He's got a big breeding operation in both America and Ireland and he's just starting to dip his toe in the water in Australia.”

The Maher stable also have the unnamed 2-year-old full brother in work and there is a yearling colt by Toronado (Ire) from Daleelaty to come as well.

Set for another big run in the Victoria Derby

The Ciaron Maher stable know a thing or two about winning the G1 VRC Derby, having won it last spring with Observer who went on to win the G1 Australian Guineas in the autumn and now stands at stud. Murshidi is headed the same way.

“He's very strong, a very heavy type. He doesn't look like a typical stayer. He does look like an Australian sprinter, so the fact that he can stay and he's got that strength really holds you in good stead as a 3-year-old this early on,” Bourne said.

“He has the condition and the muscle to go with it. It's going to be a big help come the following Saturday.”

In 2021, in conjunction with David Eustace, the team won with Maurice’s son Hitotsu who also won the G1 Australian Guineas and G1 Australian Derby. His oldest foals are 2-year-olds.

“He can produce anything, that stallion. We had Hitotsu who was a multiple Derby winner. If you do get a big scopy colt, you know they can stay,” Bourne said.

An X-ray issue as a yearling

Murshidi went through Arrowfield Stud’s draft at the 2025 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and was passed in short of his $250,000 reserve.

“He had a small blemish on his x-rays, and that probably frightened the buying bench, but obviously it was nothing that has impacted on his racing career as often is the case,” Arrowfield Stud’s Jon Freyer said.

“He looks a really promising stayer. He's lightly raced and he's struck form at the right time of the year. It would appear as though he’s a live chance in the VRC Derby.

“It was a really good staying performance.”

His grandam Reemah (Redoute’s Choice) was a winner over 1200 metres and was placed in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes, and his great grandam Vormista (Testa Rossa) was a Group 2 winner and multiple times Group 1-placed.

Racing at two is a precursor to Derby success

Precocity helps when being set for the Derby and often it’s class that carries a horse across the line in the Derby test early in the spring. The record of the two Maher trained winners demonstrates how a Derby winner with class will go on with it, while ill-fated Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}) won the G1 Australian Derby in the autumn before dying of colic. We'll never know what he might have been.

For Bourne, finding a Derby winner starts much earlier.

“Statistically, you need to have run as a 2-year-old to win the Oaks or the Derby in the spring. I think Set Square was the last horse to win off her first prep as a 3-year-old,” Bourne said.

Set Square (Reset) won the G1 VRC Oaks at her fourth start, having debut in early September as a 3-year-old. Over the past five years, Bourne’s observation has held true for the Derby.

Observer had three starts at two, winning at Caulfield. Hitotsu had three starts at two, all in stakes company including the G1 Blue Diamond, albeit without winning at that age. Goldrush Guru (American Pharoah {USA}) who won the year before Observer raced twice at two including a start in the G3 SAJC Breeders’ Stakes. Riff Rocket was a winner on debut as an April juvenile, and 2022 Derby winner Manzoice (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) debuted as a July 2-year-old with a second placing.

“The fact that Murshidi had that one run at Geelong at two seasoned him enough and educated him enough to progress now as he heads into a Derby. We also have Vallice who is another Maurice, so we'll have the two by Maurice.”

Murshidi ran sixth on debut at Geelong as a January 2-year-old and wasn’t seen again until September. Vallice ran second last start in the G3 Caulfield Classic and was a winner at two at Caulfield.

Maurice continues to thrive at the top of the spring

Maurice’s current crop of 3-year-olds already has 11 winners and three stakes winners with Murshidi joined by G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude victrix Icelady and Listed Hill Smith Stakes winner Kosaji.

“Maurice is an amazingly versatile horse. He gets sprinters like Mazu, and then he gets horses like Cosmic Crusader, and 3-year-olds like Icelady who won the Thousand Guineas Prelude and ran second in the Thousand Guineas. Your Colour ran second in the Ethereal, and this horse is a stakes winner. Maurice also had Cormier who was second in the JJ Atkins, so they're running in all the best races over a wide variety of distances,” Freyer said.

“That's what makes him such an attractive stallion. You can't pigeonhole them into one thing or another, because they've got talent over a wide variety of distances.”

Cosmic Crusader (NZ) won the G1 Turnbull Stakes two starts ago, and was fourth in the G1 Caulfield Cup last start. He heads to Saturday’s G1 Cox Plate.

“Cosmic Crusader’s dam is getting covered tomorrow by Maurice, which is nice.”

Maurice had three seasons in Australia before the COVID pandemic meant he stayed in Japan for the 2020 season. That missing crop would be five now, and since then he has 4-year-olds, and so on having not missed another season since then. Mazu, from his first crop, is still competitive winning the G2 Shorts when resuming for this campaign. He’s won 11 of his 48 starts and over $11 million.

“Maurice is a horse that looked as though he was going right to the very top, and then he missed a year with COVID, and he virtually had to start again. All that work that was put in a few years back (by the team) is coming to fruition now.

“He had a great crop of yearlings a couple of years ago, and that's the crop of 3-year-olds that we're seeing so many stakes winners from.

“It's great for the team. Everyone's delighted and we are really looking forward to the next few weeks in particular, and to the rest of the season with him.”

The Japanese investment into tough sound horses over a long time has borne out with horses like Maurice who won from two till five and picked up six Group 1 races in Hong Kong and Japan. He’s transmitting that toughness and longevity to his stock, as demonstrated by Mazu. With plenty of youngsters coming through, his name should be up in lights for some time to come.

The third-annual Keeneland Championship Sale will be held on October 28, on the Wednesday night prior to the Breeders’ Cup weekend. This year’s sale includes a 25% in Matthew Sandblom’s group winning juvenile filly Primetime Emmy (Extreme Choice) and Castleton Lyon, one of Kentucky’s oldest horse studs.

The inaugural sale in 2024 saw a 2.5% share in Flightline sell for US$2.5 million (AU$3.6 million), while the second sale saw a 2% share in Not This Time sell for US$3 million (AU$4.3 million).

“Every year, we ask ourselves how we can push the Championship Sale forward, giving our guests an unforgettable event and buyers something they can't find anywhere else,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said.

This year’s catalogue of 11 lots is without a shareholding in a proven stallion, but there’s still plenty to get the taste buds watering for those seeking a Breeders’ Cup runner.

Extreme Choice filly with Breeders’ Cup nomination

Francis-Henri Graffard-trained 2-year-old filly Primetime Emmy (Extreme Choice) is expected to run in Friday’s G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. A 25% share in her will be offered as Lot 3.

“I have had so much faith in Extreme Choice from the very beginning, and to be able to race his progeny on the biggest stage globally brings my vision to fruition,” Sandblom said.

“I am so excited to have Primetime Emmy competing at Keeneland in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and look forward to sharing the journey well into the future with her successful buyer at the Championship Sale.”

Bred in Australia by Matthew Sandblom at Kingstar Farm, Primetime Emmy was bred on Northern Hemisphere time with the intention to campaign her as a 2-year-old in France.

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the filly won her July 12 debut at Deauville by 2.5 lengths, becoming the first European winner for her sire, Extreme Choice.

After a fifth-place finish in the G3 Prix de Cabourg, she returned to the winner's circle on September 19 at Chantilly, where she captured the G3 Prix Eclipse Tattersalls by a head, becoming the first Northern Hemisphere group winner for the stallion.

“This was a long-term project, and plans like this very rarely work. I think this may even be the first time an Australian-bred horse has come to Europe and won a Group race as a 2-year-old. It simply doesn’t happen,” Sandblom told TTR after the win.

“For it to have succeeded makes this one of the greatest moments of my racing career. I have won many Group 1 races, but this victory ranks among my finest memories.”

Primetime Emmy is out of stakes winner Princess Emmy (NZ) (King's Chapel), and is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Thurlow (Sebring) and stakes winner Three Kings (Sebring).

Another Group 1-winning filly added to catalogue

Primetime Emmy won't be the only filly attracting international attention, with G1 Prix de l’Abbaye winner Miss Yechance (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) supplemented as Lot 10, just three days before her intended start in Saturday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Trained by Karl Burke, the 3-year-old has won her last three starts, progressing from a valuable York handicap in August to the G3 World Trophy at Newbury and G1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on October 4.

“She has been an absolute revelation since coming to me early this summer,” Burke said. “She’s just kept on progressing.”

“She’s uncomplicated, so tough and a battler, and seems versatile on most surfaces,” Burke continued. “She’s run well on dirt in Dubai, and you’d think she’s only going to get better. She could hold her own in sprint races around the world next year.”

“I’d love to keep training her but, if I don’t, I’d be delighted to train her progeny one day,” he said. “If she transmits her hardiness and will to win to her foals, then she is going to make an outstanding broodmare when the time comes.”

Offered on behalf of Al Leith Racing Club, Miss Yechance also holds appeal as a future broodmare for Australia, being by a son of Exceed And Excel out of a Wootton Bassett mare.

Castleton, a chance to own a historic farm

Historic Castleton Farm will be the final lot through the ring at Keeneland’s 2026 Championships Sale. Founded in 1793 by John Breckinridge, Castleton is one of the Bluegrass' oldest and most storied horse farms, its roots reaching back to the beginning of the nation. The farm rose to prominence in the late 19th century, producing 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush among other champions.

“This year's auction promises to be exceptional, set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Bluegrass, and closing the evening with the offering of Castleton. These historic moments are what make the Championship Sale so special,” Arvin said.

Today, under the stewardship of the Ryan family of Ryanair who purchased the property in 2001, the farm continues that legacy.

“We have been blessed to be part of Castleton's history, and I would welcome whoever takes over those reins to wrap their arms around this place and truly enjoy it,” said current Castleton owner Shane Ryan.

“If possible, live here–live here full-time. Make it your home and enjoy every moment of it. It's only when you spend even a little time here that you begin to understand what makes the farm so extraordinary. Enjoy the grande dame that is Castleton.”

Located minutes from Lexington, Castleton consists of 951 acres and the main house is a Greek Revival mansion dating to 1840. The property includes 16 barns ranging from intimate 4-stall setups to a substantial 30-stall facility, totalling 268 stalls, and has ten houses offering different staff facilities.

The property is valued around US$57 million (AU$81 million).

Stallion prospects on offer

Among the nine remaining equine lots, after the 33% share in Crazy Hot Mess (USA) (Pinehurst {USA}) was withdrawn, are several stallion prospects.

A 2.5% interest in multiple Grade I-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Englishman (Maxfield) is Lot 9. Lane's End will consign the share in Englishman, who is expected to be the favourite for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint on Breeders' Cup Saturday, October 31.

The 2.5% share in the GI Woody Stephens Stakes and GI H. Allen Jerkens Stakes winner represents breeding rights only and does not include racing rights for the Breeders' Cup. If the colt should remain in training in 2027, the shareholder will retain a 2.5% interest in the colt's racing income and expenses for the season.

Lot 5 is 100% of 2-year-old colt Hell Of A Spin (Ire) (Naval Crown {GB}) who runs in Friday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. A winner this season, he was third in the G1 Middle Park Stakes behind Orthodox (GB) (Havana Gray {GB}) and Force Noir (Ire) (Persian Force {Ire}).

A 25% share in 3-year-old colt Liam Smith (USA) (Midshipman {USA}) is Lot 6. He runs in Saturday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Lot 7 is 2-year-old filly Ballinea Star (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}) who is nominated for Friday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. She won the G3 Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh.

Past sale statistics

With the addition of Castleton, the sale gross will easily exceed the past two years if the farm sells for anything near its current valuation. Even without that, the various equine offerings look like they should hold up with the first two editions of the Keeneland Championship Sale.

In 2024, a total of five head brought US$4.325 million (AU$6.1 million), good for an average of US$865,000 (AU$1.23 million) and a median of US$475,000 (AU$677,000).

The second edition in 2025 saw some growth with seven lots sold for US$7.675 million (AU$10.9 million), at an average of US$1.09 million (AU$1.55 million) and a median of US$1 million (AU$1.43 million).

One thing is for certain, next Wednesday evening (Thursday morning AEST), all Australian eyes will be watching to see how the American market reacts to the shareholding in Primetime Emmy.

Cover image courtesy of Inglis

The Inglis Internship has helped launch the careers of several successful industry participants, including James Price, Will Gardner, Peter Twomey and James Mitchell. For Perth-born and bred Tom Johnston, he is hoping his appointment can be the springbaoard to a life within the industry.

With a passion for racing that began long before he had any formal involvement in the industry, Johnston arrives with a clear idea of where his interests lie, but an appreciation that there is still plenty to learn. From working alongside Perth trainer Michael Lane to spotting bids at sales in Western Australia and on the Gold Coast, he has already gained an introduction to several sides of the industry.

Now, with the backing of mentors and the opportunity to work across the Inglis organisation, he is taking the next step towards a long-term career in racing.

An opportunity to learn from the best

The Inglis Internship is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the racing and breeding industries, with the successful candidate spending time across the major divisions of the business.

Predominantly focused on bloodstock, the 12-month programme also offers exposure to marketing, Inglis Digital and Inglis Rural Property, with opportunities to work across the Sydney and Melbourne offices.

It is a broad introduction to an industry where relationships, commercial understanding and an eye for a horse can all play an important role in shaping a career.

For Johnston, he is keen to build on his practical knowledge while understanding how the different parts of the business connect, from the early stages of preparing a catalogue through to delivering a successful sale.

A passion that started early

Johnston's interest in racing began early, despite having no family connection to the industry. Growing up in Perth, he was hooked after watching the Melbourne Cup as a young boy, and by his early teens, he knew he wanted to turn that interest into something more.

“I’ve had a strong passion for thoroughbred racing for as long as I can remember and over time it has grown into a real desire to build a career in the industry. I couldn’t tell you exactly where it came from. My family has no connection to racing at all but something about watching the Melbourne Cup on TV as a 6-year-old had me hooked.

“From my early teens I knew I wanted to be involved in the industry in some way. Through a friend, I was introduced to trainer Michael Lane in Perth, where I grew up, and over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside him, helping with yearling selection and with managing the programs of a few horses in the stable.

“At the same time, I worked as a bid spotter at sales in Perth and on the Gold Coast. I loved it, because it gave me a small look behind the curtain of the sales world.”

His time with Lane provided a practical introduction to the industry, allowing him to assist with yearling selection and gain experience helping manage horses within the stable. Working as a bid spotter added another dimension, giving him a close-up view of the auction process and the activity that takes place around the sales ring.

Those experiences have helped build a foundation, but they have also reinforced how much there is to learn. For Johnston, the appeal lies partly in that ongoing challenge: every horse presents a different set of considerations, and experience is built through observation, discussion and making decisions over time.

Taking the next step from Perth

Securing the internship was an exciting moment for Johnston, particularly given Inglis' reputation and the opportunity to work alongside people who have spent years developing their knowledge of the industry.

It also meant making the move from Perth to the east coast, a significant step that he was more than happy to take in pursuit of his ambitions. Mentor and friend Grant Burns encouraged him to apply, helping give him the confidence to put himself forward for the role.

“I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I’d been successful for the Inglis Intern role. It’s an opportunity I’ve been really excited about, particularly given the reputation of Inglis and the opportunities the internship provides.

“One of the biggest reasons I applied was the chance to gain experience across different areas of the business and develop a broader understanding of the bloodstock industry. I’ve been lucky enough to call Grant Burns a mentor and friend, and he really encouraged me to give it a crack and throw my hat in the ring. Obviously being from Perth, it was a big move over to the east coast but one I’m so glad I’ve taken.

“I’ve been fortunate to gain some valuable experience through my involvement with Michael Lane, but I also recognise there’s still an enormous amount to learn. The opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, build relationships and continue developing my knowledge was something that really appealed to me.

“Ultimately, I see the internship as a fantastic opportunity to establish a strong foundation for a long-term career in the industry.”

Getting a feel for the Inglis operation

Johnston has already had an initial taste of life at Inglis, spending time with the team during the Ready2Race sale. Having previously experienced sales from a bloodstock and bid-spotting perspective, it was an opportunity to see the operation from the auction company's side.

“My first experience with Inglis during the Ready2Race sale was extremely positive. It was great to see the level of organisation and professionalism that goes into running a major bloodstock sale, particularly the amount of work that happens behind the scenes.

"To be able to be a very minor part of that for the first time was really exciting and something I’m looking forward to heading into the yearling sales next year.

“Having previously been involved in sales from a bloodstock and bid-spotting perspective, it was interesting to experience things from the sales company’s side and gain a better appreciation of everything involved in delivering a successful sale.”

The experience offered a glimpse of the work that takes place well before buyers and horses come together in the ring. From coordinating the sale to managing the many moving parts behind the scenes, Johnston gained a better appreciation of what is required to bring the different elements together.

He is particularly keen to build on that experience during the yearling sales, where he can become more involved in inspections, catalogue preparation and the process of bringing horses to market.

The opportunity to visit farms and inspect yearlings alongside Sebastian Hutch, Chris Russell, James Price and Harry Bailey has already given him a taste of the learning available through the programme.

For someone at the beginning of his career, spending time with experienced bloodstock professionals provides an opportunity to understand not only what they look for in a horse, but how they interpret what they see and arrive at their assessments.

Developing an eye for bloodstock

Bloodstock remains a particular interest for Johnston, who enjoys the analytical side of the industry, from studying pedigrees and assessing conformation to identifying potential value in the sales ring.

“I’ve always enjoyed the analytical side of bloodstock, whether that’s studying pedigrees, assessing conformation or trying to identify value in the sales ring. Being able to develop those skills further while gaining experience across the broader business is something I’m really looking forward to.

"I see this as an opportunity to challenge myself, learn as much as possible and hopefully follow in the footsteps of some of the successful people who have come through the program.”

The chance to learn from experienced professionals is particularly valuable in a field where there is rarely one definitive answer. Pedigree, physical attributes and movement all contribute to an assessment, but each horse must ultimately be considered on its own merits.

Understanding how experienced people weigh up those details, what they prioritise and how they reach their conclusions is an important part of developing both knowledge and judgement. It is also an opportunity to learn different approaches and refine his own eye over time.

For Johnston, the combination of practical exposure and guidance from established industry figures is a major attraction. He wants to develop his bloodstock skills while remaining open to new ideas and learning more about the wider business.

The success of former interns also provides an encouraging example of the opportunities that can follow. Will Gardner and James Price are close at hand within the Inglis team, offering a reminder of how the programme can provide a foundation for a career in bloodstock.

A competitive industry built on relationships

For all the technical knowledge involved, Johnston sees the competitive nature of racing and the relationships built along the way as central to its appeal.

“I love the competitive nature of the industry. There’s always something new to learn, and no matter how much experience you gain, you’re constantly being challenged to improve your knowledge and judgement. There’s no shortage of opinions on what a horse should look like or how it should move, but there’s rarely one right answer, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting.

“The relationships you build are another big part of what makes the industry special. It’s an industry filled with passionate people and I’ve been fortunate to meet and learn from some fantastic individuals throughout my involvement. For me, racing is much more than just a job. It’s something I’m genuinely passionate about and I can’t imagine a more exciting industry to build a long-term career in.”

Johnston's early experiences have already introduced him to some of those connections, from his time with Lane and Burns to the people he has met through sales and his first days at Inglis. The internship will provide further opportunities to build those relationships while exploring the different career paths available.

For now, his focus is on making the most of the opportunity, absorbing as much knowledge as possible and developing a clearer understanding of where his interests and strengths might take him.

His fascination with racing began while watching the Melbourne Cup as a 6-year-old. Now, with practical experience behind him and a new opportunity ahead, Johnston is taking the next step towards turning that childhood passion into a career with the help of Inglis.