Daily News Wrap

Waller thinks Beiwacht can upset Golden Eagle

Chris Waller believes Beiwacht (Bivouac) has the perfect draw in the G1 Golden Eagle to repeat his G1 Golden Rose victory. “He’ll keep them all honest, they’ll have to get past him. If he repeats his Golden Rose run where he set a track record he’s the one they have to beat,” Waller told racingnsw.com.au.

“From barrier 10, as everybody knows he likes to roll forward. He doesn’t have to jump and burn, he can gradually work his way across. He can have a look to his inside or even to his outside and see what other pressure there is and work out where he wants to be. If you draw an inside barrier you have work hard to hold that position so I think that’s perfect.

“He set a track record over 1400m and ran a world class rating. This is only an extra 100m so if anything it may be better. He’s not as effective over shorter distance, still very good and as won Group races over 1100m but 1400m so far is his best, there’s no reason to say 1500m could be better.”

Purton believes in Autumn Boy

Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun) went head to head with Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) several times as a 3-year-old and the pair clash in Saturday’s G1 Golden Eagle. “She’s obviously an outstanding horse and has a very good record head to head with Autumn Boy,” jockey Zac Purton told racingnsw.com.au.

“It’s not going to be easy, I will mostly be guided by how Chris (Waller) would like me to ride the horse but I’ll certainly have a few things in mind and up my sleeve. He probably needs a little bit of luck go his way and a little bit of bad luck to go her way. He just needs the right tempo to get into the right rhythm.”

Saint George out of Melbourne Cup

Ciaron Maher-trained G1 Caulfield Cup-second placed Saint George (GB) (Roaring Lion {USA}), who was fifth last start in the G1 Cox Plate, will miss the G1 Melbourne Cup after failing the mandatory vet scans. “He won't be going, he failed the mandatory scans,” co-owner Ozzie Kheir told racenet.com.au.

“He passed the trot-up, the confusion is he passed the trot-ups but since the trot-ups the CT has come back. The scans came back about an hour after the trot-ups. He's failed, he won't be running and will be out for the rest of the spring.”

Racing Victoria’s statement is as follows: “The nominated panel members reported to RV Veterinary Services that the CT scan results for Saint George indicated that the horse is currently at heightened risk of injury.

“The same three panel members reviewed a CT scan of the horse prior to the 2024 Melbourne Cup and advised that the horse was not at heightened risk of injury at that time. The horse (Saint George) started in that edition of the race and finished 22nd.

“Given the imaging panel's advice … the Maher stable was afforded the opportunity for Saint George to undergo a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan which can help determine the status of an area of concern.”

Wine Dark Sea among five under vet cloud

Queensland-based owner Sonny Grebe and Australian Bloodstock-owned Wine Dark Sea (GB) (Ulysses {Ire})’s trainer Harry Charlton is excited about Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup. However, he is one of five horses who will need to be re-examined by Racing Victoria veterinarians on Saturday after failing Thursday’s inspections.

Wine Dark Sea is joined by Defiantly (Fr) (Kameko {USA}), Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Enfjaar (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and Litzdeel (Dundeel {NZ}) who were deemed to be not suitable to accept following Thursday’s first round of mandatory pre-race veterinary inspections but are able to be reexamined on Saturday.

Saint George (GB) (Roaring Lion {USA}) won’t be reexamined and will spell, while Stinger Glass (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) remains the only horse awaiting an inspection. He will be inspected on Friday. Jennivamoose (NZ) (Vadamos {Fr}) passed her inspection but was later withdrawn by connections, while The Euphrates (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Kings Valley (Ire) (Territories {Ire}) were both withdrawn prior to vet checks.

“Wine Dark Sea ran in the Caulfield Cup and it was a strange race. He was drawn wide and Damien Lane did very well to get him across to a good position. But they went very slowly in the mid part of the race and it just meant other horses rushed up round them before they got to the straight and he had to make a move a little bit earlier than he would have wanted,” trainer Harry Charlton told Great British Racing International prior to the examinations.

“Caulfield is quite a tight track and I think Flemington will suit him better. He is doing well out there and hopefully he gets a low draw. I think there'll be a proper pace with the Irish contingent, and I think that just will suit Wine Dark Sea better. And then it's just a question of him staying the trip, especially if there's a little bit of rain over the weekend into Monday. But I'm excited to get down there and see him.”

Brown heads to Sydney for Jimmysstar

Jockey Ethan Brown will ride in Sydney on Saturday to partner with Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {NZ}) in the G2 Russell Balding Stakes. “Melbourne is where you want to be but I also want to be on Jimmysstar's back too,” Brown told racenet.com.au.

“I had to give up a few here in Melbourne but Jimmy is Jimmy. He's been very good to me so I'm very happy to go up and ride him. He'll be a great chance in a race like the Russell Balding.”

Yeun dominates Sha Tin meeting

Apprentice jockey Nichola Yuen rode a treble on Wednesday night to cement her position in second on the Jockey’s Premiership with 16 wins, 10 behind leader Zac Purton. She won on Macanese Master (Universal Ruler), Yoda’s Choice (Good Journey {USA}) and Giant Leap (Capitalist).

“I’m very happy with all the opportunities I’m getting. I’m getting good rides and good support from a lot of trainers and also my master Mr Ricky Yiu. He teaches me a lot and hopefully we can have more wins. Hopefully I can keep doing my best,” Yuen told scmp.com.

New winner for Home Affairs

Last season’s Champion First Season Sire Home Affairs added a new winner on Thursday when Stephen and Jordan Lee-trained 3-year-old gelding Prestige Special won on debut at Casino. Home Affairs took his record to 30 winners, six of those at black type level.

T Yeung paid $145,000 for Prestige Special from Coolmore Stud’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft. He’s the fourth winner from four to race for stakes placed Special Memories (Fastnet Rock) who is a full sister to Group 1 winner Unforgotten.

Wild Ruler adds new winner

At Wyong on Thursday, 3-year-old filly Wild Courage became the 28th winner for second season sire Wild Ruler. Trained by Ciaron Maher, she was bought by Triple Crown Syndications for $20,000 from Newgate Farm’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft. She is the second winner for Listed winner Unbridled Courage (USA) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}).

Lucky Vega debutant at Warrnambool

Tom Dabernig-trained 3-year-old gelding Fammi (Lucky Vega {Ire}) won on debut at Warrnambool on Thursday. Owned by RL Stapleton, he is the last foal and one of four winners for Listed winner Portside (USA) (Congrats {USA}).

New winner for Splintex

Second season sire Splintex added his 11th winner when 3-year-old filly Luminous Lil won her maiden at start number three. Trained by David Harrison for owners Darling View Thoroughbreds, Luminous Lil is the second foal and second winner for Cabochon Lil (Sebring).

Cabachon Lil won five races, all at the Sunshine Coast, and is a half-sister to Group 1-placed Teewaters (Dundeel {NZ}). Both are out of unraced My Girl Lil (Not A Single Doubt) who is a half-sister to Listed winners, both by Snitzel, My Sister Lil and Ygritte.

Gun Runner moved to private fee for 2027

Three Chimneys Farm's Gun Runner, currently third on the 2026 leading sires list and the darling of the yearling sales with a record 25 seven-figure yearlings sold at public auction this year, will again lead the Three Chimneys Farm roster for 2027. He will stand for a private fee after standing for US$250,000 (AU$355,000) the past two years.

The Horse of the Year added four new Grade I winners to his tally this year, including Kentucky Oaks winner Always a Runner, Travers hero Leading Change, Toyota Blue Grass Stakes champ Further Ado, and Alabama Stakes winner My Gun's Loaded.

“We are excited to see Gun Runner's continued success on the track and in the sales ring,” said Three Chimneys Director of Stallion Nominations Rebecca Nicholson. “We look forward to showcasing Newgate's and Gun Pilot's first-crop weanlings this November. We are also pleased to have Gun Runner's Grade I half-brother Ottinho join our roster.”

Gstaad retired to Coolmore for 2027

Cartier Champion juvenile and Irish Classic hero Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore Stud in Ireland next year.

A multiple Group 1 winner, Gstaad won the G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners, before narrowly finishing second in a trio of Group 1s: the Prix Morny, the National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes. Sent to Del Mar for last year's Breeders' Cup, he scored a brilliant victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

Second to the undefeated Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder) in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket at three, Gstaad claimed the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas, breaking a 28-year-old record. He was then second to Bow Echo in both the G1 St James's Palace Stakes and the G1 Sussex Stakes. Sent back to France, he was third in the G1 Prix du Moulin. The Maywood Stud-bred's record stands at 12-4-6-1 and US$2.2 million (AU$3.1 million) in earnings.

“Gstaad was a remarkably tough and genuine racehorse who danced every dance at the highest level for two solid seasons,” said Coolmore's Mark Byrne. “To win a Coventry and a Breeders' Cup at two, and then come back to win the Irish 2000 Guineas in record time shows incredible constitution and class.

"He is a smashing physical – a great-looking, athletic horse with a very good walk who was the most expensive colt at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in 2023. Starspangledbanner is a top-class, proven sire who has enjoyed another fantastic year and his stock have precocity, speed, and the scope to train on into Classic winners. We are absolutely delighted to welcome his most accomplished son to the roster.”

The bay is a son of Mosa Mine (Exceed And Excel) and thus a half-brother to champion juvenile Vandeek (Havana Grey), winner of both the G1 Middle Park Stand and the Prix Morny who shuttles to Arrowfield Stud. High class sprinter Anabaa is also part of this clan. Gstaad was acquired by Coolmore for 450,000gns (AU$907,000) as a Tattersalls December foal in 2023.

Gaming duty increase could cost British racing

John Healey, Chancellor of the Exchequer for the British government, has announced an increase in gambling taxes to pay for a high street support package during his 2026 Budget, with machine gaming duty climbing to 25 per cent.

In response to the measures, British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea has warned that the five per cent rise will have “devastating impact” on the future of sport. He claimed racing should brace itself for a £57 million (AU$108 million) hit to its finances, with reductions in prize-money, the loss of thousands of jobs and questions over the viability of racecourses moving forward.

“While the government has rejected a worst-case scenario to increase Machine Games Duty to 40 per cent, in raising the rate to 25 per cent it will nevertheless cause significant damage to racing's finances,” Branshea said in a statement.

“There is now a clear risk that this decision will lead to the closure of hundreds, if not thousands, of betting shops across the country. British racing – which derives nearly a third of its £350 million annual income from betting via high street shops – is now set to potentially lose £57m a year, based on the independent modelling that was shared with the Treasury ahead of today's Budget.

“While the MGD rate increase is not as severe as some called for, this change could still prove devastating for the future of our sport – impacting prizemoney, the viability of racecourses, thousands of jobs; and vital horse welfare projects and research.

“Betting shop closures will also significantly impact a large part of the sport's fanbase for whom a visit to their local bookie is the primary way they engage with horseracing.

“As the only sport in receipt of a statutory levy from the betting industry, we will seek to urgently engage with the Government to establish how we can work together to reduce the impacts of this tax policy.”

Godolphin’s Notable Speech to sign off in Breeders’ Cup

Twelve winners from 32 runners is how the Godolphin trainer's remarkable Breeders' Cup record stacks up heading into the weekend, a tally accumulated with ruthless efficiency, with Charlie Appleby having started as he meant to go on when sending out his very first runner at the meeting, Outstrip, to win the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2013.

“That's what we try to do,” he said of his uncanny ability to target this meeting only with horses holding a legitimate chance, as highlighted by a scarcely believable 38% strike-rate. “It doesn't always come off, as we know, but it's not our first rodeo and I feel that we know now how best to campaign them to get them here.”

Appleby is also having to brace himself for an emotional goodbye on Saturday when defending champion Notable Speech (Dubawi) signs off with his 20th career start in the Mile.

“It's the end of an era,” Appleby summed up.

Grimwade launches agency

Kate Grimwade will leave her post at Roger Varian's stable to launch her own independent racing and bloodstock consultancy from November 1.

A graduate of the Irish National Stud and Godolphin Flying Start, Grimwade held senior roles with Gai Waterhouse in Australia and Godolphin in Britain and Australia before joining Varian as general manager in July of 2021. During her time with the stable, she contributed to the Group 1 successes of Charyn, King Of Steel, Eldar Eldarov and Elmalka (Kingman).

“I've had a hugely rewarding five years at Varian Stable, working with horses and people of the highest calibre, but now is the right time to build something of my own,” said Grimwade in a statement.

“Racing and bloodstock have always been at the centre of my life, and I'm excited to use my experience to help people and businesses across the industry. I look forward to continuing to work with many familiar faces in the sport.

“I'm very grateful to Roger and Hanako for the opportunities I've been given and the experiences I've gained during my time at the stable, as well as to my many colleagues who work so hard to do the best by every horse entrusted to us.”

Listed winner added to Arqana

Listed winner Estepona (Mehmas) (lot 186) is one of 12 new wildcards for the Arqana Autumn Sale from November 16-19. There are 11 horses-in-training under both codes and one filly for the breeding stock section in the dozen wildcards.

Besides winning the Listed Prix Hampton, Estepona was placed at group level in 2025 in the G3 Prix Sigy. The relative of G1 Prix Marcel Boussac second Marieta (Siyouni) is joined by the listed-placed Agiota (Birchwood) (lot 166).

Saudi Arabia launch racing academy

The Jockey Club Of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) Racing Academy was launched by the organisation on Wednesday. The target is to develop equestrianism in the country via programs aimed at education, training and the retraining of racehorses after retirement.

The JCSA Academy will additionally seek to develop professional skills and enhance community participation, utilising 60 dedicated stables and an international indoor arena equipped for training and events throughout the year, as well as a specialised riding school.

The JCSA Academy will work to provide an opportunity for racehorses following the end of their competitive career by retraining them in other disciplines, including show jumping and dressage, to promote their continued participation in equestrian activities after retirement.

Vale Greg Goodman

Greg Goodman, whose many roles in Thoroughbred racing include his ownership of Mt. Brilliant Farm in Lexington, Ky., passed away Sunday in Houston, Texas after a battle with cancer. He was 72.

Goodman's father Harold was an original partner in A.P. Indy. After Harold Goodman passed away in 1996, his son inherited five stallion shares in A.P. Indy, which served as a major foundation for the Mt. Brilliant breeding program.

Harold Goodman was also the founder of Goodman Manufacturing (later Goodman Global). The company produced flexible air ducts and registers, and the business expanded into central air conditioning and heating systems. Goodman Manufacturing grew into one of the largest privately held residential and light-commercial HVAC manufacturers in the United States, known for high-volume, low-cost production.

Goodman bred, raised, and raced numerous high-calibre stakes horses both domestically and internationally. Mt. Brilliant was the breeder of 2016 GI Belmont Stakes winner Creator (Tapit). Mt. Brilliant also bred Gaming (Game Winner), the winner of the GI Del Mar Futurity, and three-time graded stakes winner Private Mission (Into Mischief). Another Mt. Brilliant success story was Nehro (Mineshaft), who finished second in the 2011 GI Kentucky Derby.

The family's horses train across three continents, with Michael Stidham in the U.S., Sir Mark Prescott in Europe, and Gai Waterhouse in Australia. At this year's Keeneland September sale, Mt. Brilliant sold three seven-figure yearlings in a single session.

“We are very saddened by the passing of H. Greg Goodman, whose extraordinary generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment left an enduring mark on the Thoroughbred racing industry,” said the Breeders’ Cup in a statement.

“Greg served with distinction as a Breeders' Cup Member from 2014-2025, including impactful work on both our Racing and Nominations Committee and our Investment Committee. He brought wisdom, integrity, and a genuine passion for the Thoroughbred to everything he did. His contributions extended far beyond the boardroom, reflecting a profound dedication to the people, horses, and institutions that make our sport so extraordinary.

“Greg was not only a respected leader and passionate advocate for racing, but also a cherished friend to so many. His extraordinary generosity and philanthropy strengthened our community and improved the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Goodman family and all who had the good fortune to know him.”