Waller quinellas Kirkham Plate
Trainer Chris Waller celebrated the quinella of Randwick’s Kirkham Plate on Saturday when 2-year-old filly Exo Velocity (Zoustar) headed $1.35 million colt Tour De Force (I Am Invincible) by three quarters of a length. Richard and Will Freedman-trained Jenni In Rome (NZ) (Sword Of State) was third.
“The stable at Warwick Farm have really rapt up this filly (Exo Velocity) right from get-go and Chloe (Lindsay) and the team have done a tremendous job with her to get her here,” Waller's stable representative Darren Beadman said.
“She has a bit of sass about her but it was a lovely ride by Kerrin (McEvoy), he is great on these 2-year-olds and is nice and kind to them. She is a Magic Millions yearling and she really savaged the line good. I thought the colt (Tour De Force), if he gets out at the right time, he certainly runs a bit close if not winning. You couldn't have asked for a better debut from both runners.”
Exo Velocity was bought by Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $650,000 from Milburn Creek’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft. She is the first foal of Exo Lady (Exosphere) whose four wins, all at two, include the Listed Dalrello Stakes and Listed Calaway Gal Stakes.
G2 Moonee Valley Vase won by True Rebel
True Rebel (Rebel Dane) cemented himself as the G1 VRC Derby favourite after winning Saturday’s G2 Moonee Valley Vase at Flemington. “Physically he looks like a stayer but on pedigree he doesn't,” trainer Danny O'Brien said.
“He's a very relaxed customer and all of his races say he wants further and he got out to the 2000 today and stayed well. It is another step to go further but all of the horses next Saturday are in the same boat.” It was half a length to second placed Skua (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) with Salann (Shamus Award) in third.
True Rebel becomes the fourth stakes winner for Rebel Dane. His trainer paid $80,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Silverdale Farm’s draft. He is the third foal and second winner for Spirit Medium (Helmet) who is a winning half-sister to Group 2 winner and sire Sessions, Group 2 winner Renaissance (Lonhro) and Listed winner Haunted (Lonhro).
Smooth Chino wins G2 Ian McEwen Stakes
Indianna Weinert-trained Smooth Chino (Maschino) won Saturday’s G2 Ian McEwen Stakes giving some redemption to jockey Austin Galati who rode the same horse into second last start in the G2 Gilgai Stakes. “Oh, what a thrill, a Group 2 winner at Flemington; it’s crazy,” Galati said.
“I can’t really put into words how good it feels to win a race here, let alone a Group 2 and with this horse. It’s a massive relief to win this today. I was so gutted last time, but it was a good learning experience.
“What an opportunity, I’m so lucky to be on a horse like him. Indianna and the owners, I can’t thank them enough for putting me on him and sticking by me.” His trainer paid $40,000 for him from Mogumber Park’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale draft in 2023. Smooth Chino took his record to eight wins from 13 starts and nearly $1 million. He is the only winner for unraced Amorei (Gingerbread Man) who is a daughter of Group 3 winner Moreish (More Than Ready {USA}).
Two in a row for Surfin’ Bird
Saturday’s G2 Crystal Mile become the second group win in succession for Surfin’ Bird (The Autumn Sun) who won the G3 Ladies Vase last start. She took her record to seven wins from 12 starts with earnings over $900,000.
V’Landys order to pay costs
The Straight reported that on Friday the NSW Supreme Court dismissed a bid by Peter V’landys to overturn a costs order made in favour of The Thoroughbred Report and its co-defendants in ongoing defamation proceedings.
The defendant, this publication, on September 23 2026 sought at amend their defence and was successful with costs awarded. V’Landys appealed, but Justice Campbell decided the amendments were a genuine issue. The defamation proceedings are ongoing.
G3 Tesio Stakes won by Soverato
Chris Waller-trained Soverato (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) won the G3 Tesio Stakes at Flemington on Cox Plate day with all nine races going to nine different trainers. The 4-year-old mare had been placed at group level several times and took her record to three wins from 12 starts and earnings over $360,000. Rich Hill Stud sold her at the New Zealand Bloodstock Online Yearling Sale for NZ$10,000 to Kasa and she now races in a partnership run by OTI Racing.
A half-sister to Listed winner Formidable (NZ) (Shocking), the pair of stakes winners are out of Princess Biscotte (Casino Prince) who is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Barkada (Spectrum {Ire}).
Emotional Listed William Crockett victory in honour of Strang
Trainer Liam Howley’s general manager Adin Strang lost his wife Nicole Strang to cancer in July 2025, and 3-year-old filly Carrington (Captivant) races in her honour. There were emotional scenes when Carrington won the Listed William Crockett Stakes at Flemington on Cox Plate day. “There’s been no more important wins than this one,” Howley said.
“It’s all about the team and Adin’s our most important team member; he runs the show. I was lucky enough to sit with him through the last few years of Nicole’s journey. To be able to give them something to smile about like this, it means the world.”
Carrington becomes the second stakes winner for second season sire Captivant. She took her record to two wins from three starts. “The filly has done a super job. If every you wanted one to be talented… I looked at her every day of the week hoping that she’d turn out to be this good.”
Passed in as a yearling, Carrington is the third winner from as many to race for War Heroine (USA) (Lonhro) who won four of her six starts in America including the G2 San Clemente Stakes.
Two Spring Classics for Sir Albert
Terri Rae-trained Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel) went back-to-back in Saturday’s Listed Spring Classic at Riccarton, having won the same race in 2025. He took his record to nine wins with earnings over NZ$500,000. Passed in as a weanling, he is bred on the same Savabeel / O’Reilly (NZ) cross as ten Group 1 winners.
Double for Snitzel at Randwick
The victory of Lazzura (Snitzel) in the G2 The Invitation and Declichy Boulevard (Snitzel) in the Five Diamonds Prelude gave the much missed Champion Sire Snitzel a double at Randwick on Saturday. Chris Waller-trained Declichy Boulevard now has four wins from 16 starts and she placed in the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes in 2025.
From ‘s*t’ to scenes at Eagle Farm
Paul Shailer-trained 2-year-old gelding Iconic Scenes (NZ) (Better Than Ready) won on debut at Eagle Farm on Saturday. “The stable had been going like dog shit, but we have all been working hard to turn it around,” Shailer said.
“We've now trained five winners in pretty quick succession, so I'm confident we have turned the corner. He could easily have run second, but he wanted to win. I enjoy training winners in these (Cambridge Stud) colours, Cambridge Stud stayed in the ownership of the horse. This horse has been quite precocious since he was broken in and we are really chuffed.”
He will be set for the R.Listed Karaka Million 2YO in January. Shailer Racing and Hughes Bloodstock paid NZ$130,000 for him from Cambridge Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft. He is the first foal of winning mare True Icon (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}).
At the same meeting, apprentice jockey Bella Youngberry rode a four-timer on Ready For Aimee (Better Than Ready), Strada Varenna (Street Boss {USA}), Thelwell (Bel Esprit) and Gossip Girl (Epaulette).
Juvenile winner for Splintex
Second season sire Splintex’s second crop began with a victory as his 2-year-old filly Swift Divide won on debut at Ascot on Saturday. Splintex also has nine winners from his first crop including stakes placed They’reallsisters and Yamanex.
Trained by Trevor Andrews, Swift Divide was bought by Ryan Fuller for $120,000 from Darling View Thoroughbreds’ Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale draft. She is the second foal and first winner for Hazira (Capitalist) who is an unraced daughter of Group 2-placed Always Discreet (Exceed And Excel) who is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Maybe Discreet (Shamardal {USA}).
Capitalist double at Cranbourne
At Cranbourne on Friday night, Capitalist sired a double with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Cash Out who took his record to four wins from seven starts, and Tennessee Spirit who made it three wins in succession for trainer Toby Lake.
New winner for Extreme Warrior
Second season sire Extreme Warrior added winner number five when 3-year-old filly She’s So Pretty won at her second start at Saturday’s Gold Coast meeting. Trained by Matthew Hoysted, She’s So Pretty was a $30,000 purchase from Canning Downs Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft.
Power (GB) had a double at the Gold Coast meeting with King Of Minto and Minto’s Prince.
Debutant 3-year-old winners around the nation
At Kembla Grange, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained 3-year-old gelding Satiri (I Am Invincible) won on debut. Raced by Cressfield and partners, he is the fourth foal and fourth winner for Group 1 winner Spright (Hinchinbrook). At the same meeting second season sire Sword Of State’s 3-year-old colt Iminastate (NZ) won his maiden to become his sire’s 10th winner.
Ciaron Maher-trained 3-year-old filly Confidential Girl (Bivouac) won on debut at Yarra Valley. She was a $170,000 purchase from Highgrove Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft and is a half-sister to Listed winner Aardvark (Capitalist).
At Albury, 3-year-old filly Tungamah Tess (Cosmic Force) won on debut for trainer Craig Weeding. She was a $20,000 purchase from Mane Lodge’s Inglis HTBA Sale.
Sword Of Stars wins G3 War Decree Stakes
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained 3-year-old filly Sword Of Stars (NZ) (Sword Of State) has put herself in contention for the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas after winning Saturday’s G3 War Decree Stakes at Riccarton. “The query today was going to 1400m and whether she would settle a little better, so we took the side winkers off, and she relaxed and got into a nice rhythm after not jumping that flash,” Bergerson said.
“It was a patient ride, and I loved the way she attacked the line, so we are looking forward to going 1600m with her now. When he (Wiremu Pinn) really asked her, she picked up and got to the line nicely.” Windsor Park Stud sold her at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$350,000 to David Ellis.
A half-sister to Listed winner Angelic Miss (NZ) (Savabeel), the pair are out of stakes placed Angelica Hall (NZ) (Guillotine {NZ}).
Capitalist quinella in Ellerslie 2-year-old race
At Ellerslie on Saturday, Capitalist sired the quinella of the juvenile race over 1100 metres with Peter and Shaun McKay-trained the filly Aquila Veloce winning by half a length from Stephen Marsh-trained Princess Grazi. In third, a length back, was Lance Noble-trained Queen Jacqui (Jacquinot).
Aquila Veloce, who ran second on debut, was originally sold by Armidale Stud at the Inglis Great Southern Sale for $55,000 to Riversley Park who sold her to her trainers for NZ$95,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. She is a half-sister to stakes placed Crack The Shutters (Alpine Eagle).
Staphanos quinellas Riccarton juvenile race
The Pearl Series juvenile event at Riccarton over 800 metres was quinellaed by sire Staphanos (Jpn) and both were trained by John and Karen Parsons. The filly Reina De Fuego (NZ) who was on debut beat last start winner Coronado (NZ) by nearly a length.
One of seven winners out of five-time winner Firelight (NZ) (Fantastic Light {USA}), Reina De Fuego is a half-sister to Listed winner Miss Starlight (NZ) (Sweynesse).
Breeding right in Nyquist added to Championship Sale
A lifetime breeding right to leading sire Nyquist has been supplemented to the Championship Sale set for Wednesday, October 28 at Castleton in Lexington, the organization announced Friday.
Catalogued as Hip 14 and consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services Inc., agent, the lifetime breeding right entitles the purchaser to breed one mare annually to Nyquist for the duration of his stud career. The sire of 13 career Grade I winners will stand at Darley's Jonabell Farm in Lexington in 2027 for US$225,000 (AU$320,000), the highest advertised fee on the farm's stallion roster.
France’s busiest freshman Whistlejacket unchanged for 2027
Group 1 winner Whistlejacket will stand for a unchanged fee of €14,000 (AU$22,300) at Haras de Grandcamp next year. The news was reported by Jour de Galop.
A winner of the G1 Prix Morny and second in both the G1 Phoenix Stakes and G1 Middle Park Stakes, the son of No Nay Never covered 130 mares this year. The full-brother to Little Big Bear was the busiest first-season sire in France this term.
Big Rock, a winner of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, will stand his third season for €10,000 (AU$16,000). Priced at €12,000 (AU$19,000) last year, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar will have his first yearlings in 2027.
Arqana October Yearlings ends with key metrics up
The fourth and final session of the Arqana October Yearling Sale closed on Friday. The day's top lot was the already-named City Light colt American Light, who made €77,000 (AU$122,600) to Ruben Seror and Sébastien Desmontils of Chauvigny Global Equine.
Of the 629 horses offered throughout the week, 510 were sold at a clearance rate of 81%, which was up by 3% on last year. The slimmed-down catalogue [135 less horses offered] saw only a small [€1.36 million (AU$2.17 million)] reduction in the aggregate, which settled at €24 million (AU$38 million). The average and median were healthy at €47,059 (AU$75,000) (+11%) and €30,000 (AU$47,800) (+30%), respectively.
Olivier Delloye, president of Arqana and Freddy Powell, managing director of the sales company said in a statement, “We're very pleased with the 2026 edition of the October Sale, which delivered particularly strong results, with improvements across several key indicators. The records achieved for the median price, both for Part 1 and for the sale as a whole, are particularly encouraging. The four-day format proved successful, and feedback on the Cour Morny, which was introduced for this edition, has been excellent.
“More broadly, the 2026 yearling sales season has delivered remarkable results, with total sales up 6% and the average price rising by 16%, both reaching unprecedented levels. Despite a smaller offering, particularly in October, the market responded extremely well, validating the decisions made this year. We would also like to commend the work of the breeders, who are the driving force behind these results and who present us with high-quality horses year after year. In a climate where production costs continue to rise, it is essential that the prices achieved for their horses keep pace with this trend. These results place us in a very strong position within the European market and are therefore a source of great satisfaction.”
Entrust debuts in style
Doncaster was abuzz on Friday as Juddmonte's Entrust (Dubawi) made his eagerly-anticipated debut and Enable's first runner delivered in style to become his sire's 50th TDN Rising Star. “John and Thady (Gosden) liked him at home and he feels like a nice horse–he has the first box ticked,” jockey Colin Keane said.
“He was a little bit on it for the first furlong or two and then switched off and quickened well. He's a very good-moving horse, so you'd imagine better ground will suit him. He feels like a horse with a lot of raw ability–he was having a good look and you can only imagine there's any amount of improvement there.”
Enable's prior progeny Encompass, a colt by Kingman, and Envisage, a full-sister to Entrust, have yet to race. The outstanding Oaks, Arc and triple King George heroine needs no introduction as a dominant force of the last decade.
Tattersalls release December Mare Sale catalogue
Irish Oaks heroine Johanna Walsh (Sea The Stars) will spearhead a Tattersalls December Mares Sale catalogue of usual strength, with the 2026 renewal bringing together four Group 1-winning fillies among 896 lots at Park Paddocks from November 30 to December 2.
Joseph O'Brien's Classic heroine is joined by Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Balantina (Ten Sovereigns), dual Group 1-winning sprinter Venetian Sun (Starman) and the globetrotting star Tiffany (Soldier Hollow).
All told, there are 44 Group and Listed winners catalogued. Standout lots also include Syndicate (Dansili) – dam of Ombudsman and in foal to Night Of Thunder – and Garden Of Eden (Saxon Warrior), the sole mare in foal to Frankel.
Tattersalls Managing Director Matthew Prior said, “The Tattersalls December Mares Sale has been a key staging post for the international bloodstock industry for more than a century, and the introduction of the Sceptre Sessions in 2022 has further enhanced its standing as Europe's leading breeding stock sale. The Sceptre Sessions have quickly established themselves as a highlight of the sales calendar, and with the exceptional quality of entries once again in evidence, the 2026 renewal promises to be an occasion not to be missed.”
Regally bred Americathegreat wins Grade 3
Trying the turf for only the third time in her career, the bred-in-the-purple 3-year-old filly Americathegreat (Curlin) was a forward factor every step of the way in Friday's GIII Sands Point Stakes at Belmont Park and saved her best for last, striding out to best Bless Her (Twirling Candy) by a half-length.
The US$1.2 million (AU$1.7 million) Keeneland September graduate is a full-sister to graded winner and 'TDN Rising Star' First Captain and one of three seven-figure sellers out of Grade 3 winner America (AP Indy), who was bought back on a bid of US$3.1 million (AU$4.4 million) in foal to Uncle Mo at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale and the mare's foal of 2021, Americathegreat and First Captain's full-sister Sedona, was sold for US$2 million (AU$2.8 million) at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. A minor winner at the races, Sedona was re-acquired by Flay for US$1.45 million (AU$2.06 million) at last fall's Keeneland September sale and produced an Into Mischief filly this term.
America was back in the 'Night of the Stars' in 2023 and was once again led out unsold, this time on a bid of US$1.2 million (AU$1.7 million), and the decision paid dividends when the in-utero colt by Gun Runner fetched US$2.7 million (AU$3.8 million) from Winchell Thoroughbreds at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga.
Malibu Smart added to Fasig-Tipton November Sale
Four additional fillies and mares have been added to the upcoming Fasig-Tipton November sale, led by recent GIII Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes victress Malibu Smart (English Channel), the auction house announced Friday.
Joining her is Canadian champion juvenile filly Cairo Consort (Cairo Prince), who is pregnant with her first foal by Nyquist.
