In response to Racing NSW’s decision to install an administrator for the Australian Turf Club (ATC) – see below – the revered Racing Club has firmly asserted its legal standing and declared its Board remains in place as the legitimate governing authority. The move follows a show cause process that culminated in Racing NSW announcing the appointment of an administrator to take control of ATC affairs. The ATC has rejected the legal validity of Racing NSW’s action, stating emphatically that the regulator does not have the authority to remove or override its duly appointed directors. Citing the ATC Constitution, the Corporations Act 2001, and the Australian Jockey and Sydney Turf Clubs Merger Act 2010, the Board insists it continues to operate lawfully and will not vacate its role in the governance of the Club. Throughout the drawn-out process, the Club contends it has acted in good faith, engaging constructively and submitting detailed documentation to address concerns. These included financial reports, strategic plans, and independent expert assessments. The Board has dismissed any suggestion it failed to deliver a coherent vision for future sustainability or failed to respond appropriately to the matters raised by Racing NSW. With legal avenues now being explored, the ATC will seek urgent relief from the Supreme Court of New South Wales. It plans to challenge Racing NSW’s power to appoint an administrator and will also ask the Court to examine how the decision was reached, raising concerns over issues such as potential predetermination and procedural independence. While the legal proceedings unfold, the ATC Board has confirmed it will continue to operate in what it believes to be the Club’s best interests. It reassured stakeholders that all scheduled race meetings and events will proceed as planned, with a continued focus on delivering safe, competitive racing and exceptional experiences for members and racegoers alike. With the matter soon to come before the Court, the Club has advised it will refrain from making any further public comment. However, it remains steadfast in its position, defending both its independence and its capacity to lead one of Australia’s most prominent racing institutions through what it sees as an unprecedented governance dispute.
Australian Turf Club Has Administrator Appointed
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Monday’s news that Racing NSW has appointed an administrator to take over the affairs of the Australian Turf Club has sent shockwaves through the thoroughbred industry – despite warnings that such an outcome was increasingly likely. According to a brief press release published by Racing NSW on nits website, the move follows an exhaustive Show Cause process, including multiple formal meetings between Racing NSW and the ATC Boards. That extended engagement period, Racing NSW says, was designed to give the ATC every reasonable chance to address issues raised in relation to governance, solvency, and financial performance. Despite repeated invitations to provide submissions and set out a strategy for addressing its serious concerns, the ATC Board was ultimately found to have failed to demonstrate an ability to reverse its commercial fortunes or implement credible governance reform. The ongoing uncertainty, Racing NSW concluded, could no longer be ignored. To that end, a professional administrator has been appointed, and a committee will be formed to oversee their work. That committee may include current ATC Board members, general members selected on a skills-based matrix, and other suitable individuals with relevant financial or governance expertise. The administrator and new committee will now assume the responsibilities previously held by the Board. However, Racing NSW has stressed that day-to-day operations will remain in the hands of the existing ATC executive and that there will be no disruption to racing or events held at ATC venues. This transition period is being positioned as an opportunity – not a punishment – for the club to implement a robust new structure, stabilise its financial footing, and deliver long-term strategic clarity. Racing NSW says the objective is to ensure the ATC can be restored to a position of strength and public confidence, guided by independent oversight and supported by individuals with the necessary expertise to “see the job through.”
Snitzel Closing in on 50 $1 million-Plus Earners
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
There’s a toughness about the name that fits the horse – Yorkshire runs with the same blunt-force drive as the county he’s named for, and on Saturday at Randwick, that grit earned him a second Sydney feature. Taking command inside the final 200m, the 5YO Snitzel gelding raced away with the $2 million The Ingham over 1600m, notching his eighth win (along with 2 placings) from just 11 starts and pushing his prizemoney beyond $1.66 million. He now ranks inside the top 20 on Snitzel’s global list of 45 individual million-dollar earners, a prodigious roll led by champions such as Redzel, Trapeze Artist, Cap Ferrat, Shinzo and Away Game. Tom Charlton, who co-trains the gelding in partnership with fellow Englishman William Johnston, noted the horse still has more to give. “His record sums him up as a horse. Up the running there, he was having a look around. I think he’s not the finished article yet, which is exciting.” The victory automatically secured Yorkshire a golden ticket to the 2026 Doncaster Mile, with a ballot exemption into the $4 million Randwick mile on April 4, run over the same course and distance. Few would bet against his return. Bred by S F Bloodstock from the stakes-performed mare Chanteline, Yorkshire was a $575,000 Inglis Easter purchase for PR Funds from Newgate Farm. His ownership group includes PR Thoroughbreds’ Rob Roulston and Mark Player, alongside well-known names such as Gerry Ryan, Neil Werrett, Colin Madden, Musk Creek Farm and Rifa Mustang. At face value, the cohort of owners has plenty to look forward to in the autumn. Yorkshire’s dam Chanteline has since produced a yearling colt by I Am Invincible and a 2025 filly by Extreme Choice. Meanwhile, Snitzel will be represented by 21 fillies and 16 colts from his penultimate crop at the upcoming Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. If the past is any guide, there are likely to be a number of his yearlings with the potential to continue the seemingly inexorable run of success enjoyed by the now deceased sire-son of Redoute’s Choice. Snitzel is the current leader of the 2025 Australian Black Type Stallion Premiership.
Burke Presses Button on Tassie Boom Mare
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
As Tasmania’s summer racing carnival draws ever closer, of its brightest prospects returned to winning form in Sunday’s $50,000 Winzenberg Handicap (1100m) at Hobart. Press For Boom, a mare with a blossoming sprint record, proved too sharp late, making amends for her runner-up effort in the same race last year. That victory was the sixth from just eight career starts for the John Blacker-trained five-year-old, who has now firmly set her sights on fillies and mares' targets throughout January and February. Press for Boom is by former Vinery stud dual Group 1-winning sire Press Statement. “She’s probably one of the best sprinting mares in the state, I’d say,” Blacker told tasracing.com.au, not hiding his admiration. “We tipped her out after one run last prep to concentrate on this, then the Lady Lynette and the two Group 3s down the track.” With high-flying jockey Erica Byrne Burke aboard, the well-supported favourite ($2.90) settled in behind leader Tsunami Sam ($4.40) before navigating a neat run along the rail. It was a clinical ride, matching Blacker’s long-range planning with precision in execution. Press For Boom held her advantage at the post, while 2024 Newmarket winner Geegees Gemstone ($10) surged late from the back to grab second, just over a length behind. The next key test will be the $50,000 Lady Lynette (1100m) on 18 January at the same track, where connections hope to stretch her form into black-type company. “We’ll just stick to the fillies and mares races now, and all the credit goes to the team at Longford,” Blacker revealed. He didn’t leave the course with just one winner either. Promising Alpine Eagle galloper Georgaroni ($2.50) added a third win from five starts in the Class 4 (1600m), just nosing out Fiorente De Legend ($2.60) in the closest finish of the day. So tight was the margin that both jockey and trainer thought they’d finished runner-up.
Ka Ying Rising Wins Gr1 Hong Kong Sprint
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Track: Sha Tin
Race: Gr1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m)
Winner: Ka Ying Rising
Placings: Raging Blizzard and Fast Network
Stallion: Shamexpress (O’Reilly-Volkrose, by Volksraad)
Stud Farm: Windsor Park Stud
Race Record: 16 Wins and 2 Placings from 18 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Silent Witness Record Now Under Genuine Threat
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Ka Ying Rising moved to within one win of champion Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record with a showstopping blitz in Sunday’s Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Twelve months after claiming his first elite-level success in the same race but only narrowly, the world’s best sprinter delivered the performance everyone expected when coasting to his 16th straight victory, reports scmp.com. “That’s what everyone wanted. Obviously after last year they were a bit flat, but this year we showed everyone what he can do,” said jockey Zac Purton. Jumping from barrier one for the first time, Ka Ying Rising held out Japan’s Win Carnelian for the lead with Purton eager to stay off the fence. Purton asked the David Hayes-trained superstar for an effort at the top of the straight and he responded, exploding clear to even give the jockey time to check how far in front he was on the big screen on the inside of the track. He scored by three and three-quarter lengths eased down by Purton late, clocking 1:07.70 on a surface that wasn’t producing quick times. “We didn’t really have a fixed plan other than to be positive and I was surprised I led, but I was always going to be happy to lead anyway,” Purton said. “The fence is obviously no good so I had to get off it but gee, when I looked at the big screen, I was a long way in front. “He drew the right gate and when the barrier came out, they said ‘what do you think?’ and I said ‘he’ll win by further’. Purton added, “He’s just in a league of his own now and not having to do that extra work into the first corner from a wide gate to try and get forward really helped him.” Raging Blizzard ran on strongly from the second half of the field to snatch second from Fast Network, who kept on after tracking Ka Ying Rising in running. The 2023 Hong Kong Sprint winner Lucky Sweynesse made late ground for fourth ahead of Helios Express. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore paid Ka Ying Rising the ultimate compliment after finishing ninth on Japan’s Satono Reve. “The winner’s just exceptional – the best I’ve seen at that trip,” Moore said. Ka Ying Rising joins Falvelon (2000-01), Silent Witness (2003-04), Lord Kanaloa (2012-13) and Mr Stunning (2017-18) as back-to-back winners of the city’s biggest sprint.
Voyage Bubble Wins Gr1 Hong Kong Mile
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Track: Sha Tin
Race: Gr1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m)
Winner: Voyage Bubble (Deep Field-Raheights, by Rahy)
Placings: Soul Irish and Red Lion
Stallion: Deep Field (Northern Meteor-Listen Here, by Elusive Quality)
Stud Farm: Newgate Farm
Race Record: 12 Wins and 11 Placings from 29 Starts
Sales Details: $380,000 yearling consigned by Torryburn Stud at the Inglis Classic Sale
Voyage Bursts Opposition Bubble in HKIR Mile
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Another heroic chapter was added to a glittering resume as Hong Kong’s reigning Triple Crown winner summoned all his courage to claim back-to-back victories in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin. Voyage Bubble, already etched into local folklore following his clean sweep of last season’s Triple Crown series, delivered a powerful late surge to overhaul Soul Rush in a stirring finish to Sunday’s international feature. It marked his sixth Group 1 win and lifted his career earnings past HK$128.7 million. The 7YO gelding was purchased by trainer Ricky Yiu for $380,000 from the Torryburn Stud draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and has since become one of the most accomplished gallopers in Hong Kong’s modern racing history. Sunday’s triumph, coming from barrier 12 of 14 and off the back of a runner-up effort in the Jockey Club Cup, once again showcased his versatility and tenacity. “He’s a freak,” said Brett Cornish of Torryburn Stud. “It was pretty amazing, jumping from that gate, coming back in trip, and delivering again – he’s just a weapon.” Jockey Zac Purton, who has partnered the Deep Field gelding throughout his career, was full of admiration after the race. “I think he just showed what type of horse he is,” Purton said. “When Soul Rush couldn’t put me away, I could feel him start to gain in confidence and with 75 metres to go, I thought, ‘hang on, we’re back in this’. He’s got such a big heart – always up for the fight – and he came back off the canvas to win.” Purton added: “When you reflect on the great horses that have raced here, he deserves to be remembered that way. His CV is outstanding – winning the Triple Crown, which hadn’t been done in more than 30 years – and now doing this again in the Hong Kong Mile.” Trainer Ricky Yiu echoed those sentiments. “The horse has a great heart. Even though he’s seven, he’s still full of beans, and the owners are a fantastic group – they’re always cheering him on trackside.” A Hong Kong Derby winner at three, Voyage Bubble’s 2025 campaign has also included Group 1 wins in the Stewards’ Cup, Hong Kong Gold Cup and Champions & Chater Cup, making him one of the sport’s defining figures of the season. Torryburn Stud will present a draft of eight yearlings at the 2026 Inglis Classic Sale at Riverside Stables, February 8–10.
Sosie Wins Gr1 Hong Kong Vase
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Track: Sha Tin
Race: Gr1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m)
Winner: Sosie (Sea The Stars-Sosia, by Shamardal)
Placings: Giavelletto and Goliath
Stallion: Sea The Stars (Cape Cross-Urban Sea, by Miswaki)
Stud Farm: N/A
Race Record: 7 Wins and 4 Placings from 13 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Fabre Celebrates 80th Birthday With 4th Vase
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
A landmark birthday brought with it a landmark achievement, as France’s most decorated trainer tightened his grip on the Hong Kong Vase record with a fourth career win in the prestigious staying feature, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. Sosie, the colt at the centre of it, delivered in style under Maxime Guyon to hand André Fabre another crowning moment at Sha Tin. The win marked a measure of redemption for the son of Sea The Stars, who had finished behind Giavellotto in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but turned the tables here with a resolute front-on performance that repelled his old rival by three-quarters of a length. Goliath stayed on strongly for third, with the placings once again shaped by tactics and tempo. Elisabeth Fabre was quick to place the result in seasonal context. “Everything went perfectly,” she said. “The race unfolded perfectly, he had a great trip and Maxime knows his horse very well, while Sosie had trust in him when he asked him for his effort. He is a very good horse with a wonderful mind and a lot of natural energy. He is magnificent to look at and he will stay in training next year.” From gate eight, Guyon had Sosie positioned just off the pace and in clear air, tracking the early lead set by Eydon before the tempo lifted mid-race thanks to a move from Urban Chic. Christophe Lemaire’s bid to stretch the field proved short-lived, however, and as the pack turned for home, Guyon swept wide while Christophe Soumillon darted up the rail on Goliath. Giavellotto, sticking to his task, fought hard but could not draw level. “Everything went very smoothly,” said Guyon, now a three-time winner of the race. “I followed Los Angeles for three-quarters of the race, but halfway round the home turn, Ryan’s horse began to falter. This horse can really sustain his run, and he is such a hard horse to pass. The horse has such a great temperament and he is so easy to put anywhere in a race.” The entire’s fourth Group 1 this season – having already won the Ganay, Ispahan and now the Vase – reflected his adaptability across both distances and borders. “This was the first time he’d travelled across continents, and yet he’s been relaxed every morning this week, and he’s looked amazing,” Guyon added. For Fabre, Sosie now joins Borgia, Flintshire and Junko as Vase winners, placing the Chantilly icon one clear of Aidan O’Brien.
Sosie gave Fabre a Record fourth Vase success (pic: hkjc.com)
Romantic Warrior Wins Gr1 Hong Kong Cuo
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
Track: Sha Tin
Race: Gr1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m)
Winner: Romantic Warrior (Acclamation-Folk Melody, by Street Cry)
Placings: Bellagio Opera and Quisisana
Stallion: Acclamation (Royal Applause-Princess Athena, by Ahonoora)
Stud Farm: N/A
Race Record: 20 Wins and 5 Placings from 26 Starts
Sales Details: N/A
Romantic HKIR Cup Quartet Quest Realised
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
What unfolded at Sha Tin on Sunday had all the hallmarks of greatness, as a reigning hero etched his name even deeper into racing’s folklore with an extraordinary fourth straight win in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup. According to racing.com, the light blue silks surged again down the famous 2000m stretch, carried by a gelding now celebrated not just for his longevity but for a career of astonishing breadth and brilliance. Romantic Warrior, closing in on his eighth birthday, proved imperious in holding Bellagio Opera at bay by a length and three-quarters, with Quisisana arriving late for third. It took his Group 1 tally to 11 across four jurisdictions – a staggering haul in any era. Rider James McDonald was ice-cool early, positioning the gelding just behind a steady tempo set by Galen, while Dylan Browne McMonagle ensured his mount was the first to swing for home. But the moment the favourite was let down, the Sha Tin crowd sensed what was coming. From the 400m peg, Romantic Warrior slipped into another gear, taking command without alarm, and resisting the challenge of Bellagio Opera with a champion’s ease. Trainer Danny Shum barely had time to jot down the result before being mobbed by well-wishers. “I’m very proud of Romantic Warrior and our stable team, they work really hard,” he said. “It’s a big relief. He always gives me a lot of happiness, not only me but my stable, owners, my family and in Hong Kong, even racing fans or non-racing fans, they all love Romantic Warrior.” There had been concerns mid-year after surgery was required on a leg injury, but his response was vintage. “To be honest, there was a lot of pressure,” Shum admitted. “He had his surgery when a screw was inserted at the end of May, but he is such a good, calm, lovely horse. He’s part of my family. My son says I love Romantic Warrior more than him!” McDonald’s reaction was heartfelt. “He’s so special, he’s so special,” he repeated, overcome in the moment. “He’s just a freak. I don’t know what to say … I just love him. I love him.” Though his feats have been chronicled in HD across screens worldwide, Romantic Warrior evokes a spirit of the bold campaigners from racing’s golden age. From wins in Australia, Japan and Dubai, to near misses in Saudi Arabia’s dirt showdown and the Dubai Turf, he has defied convention. Now, he may again face Japan’s Forever Young, should Peter Lau – the ever-calculating owner – give Shum the nod.
Fresh is Best for Stakes Bound Snitzel Gelding
Tuesday, 16th December 2025
With a potent fresh record already under his belt, the return of To Bravery Born at Te Rapa on Saturday suggested there may be bigger targets ahead this summer. The three-year-old gelding came from the tail of the field to win his 1100m assignment with authority, prompting trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson to pencil in a tilt at next month’s Gr3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1400m) on Karaka Millions night. This was no isolated performance. As a juvenile, the son of Snitzel won on debut, then returned from a break to repeat the dose at Ellerslie. That pattern has held: he resumed as a three-year-old to win again over the same distance at Taupo in August, and once more looked the consummate fresh horse when storming home from last in Saturday’s outing. A sluggish getaway left him several lengths off the leaders early, but with Opie Bosson back in the saddle after a concussion layoff, the gelding was allowed to find his rhythm. Bosson didn’t panic. Instead, he angled To Bravery Born to the outside turning in, then let the gelding uncork his familiar sprint, running down To Cap It All with half a length to spare. Places To Be filled third, a further length and a half away. “Coming to the turn he started coming up underneath me,” Bosson said. “I knew he’s got a good sprint and he goes well fresh, and they went pretty quick up front, so I knew they’d be coming back to me halfway up the straight. He’s definitely got ability and he certainly goes better fresh, so it’s about keeping him on the fresh side, but I think he’s a good racehorse.” Walker, while pleased, admitted the horse’s tardy start had been unexpected. “I don’t know what happened at the start, he was a bit slow away. He’s got a great record fresh and he’s probably got a bit better win in him yet.” Bosson’s own return to racing this week was capped by a win at Tauranga on Friday aboard Tagalomu, another Te Akau runner, and he was candid about his recovery. “The bang on the head took a lot out of me, and I was a bit down and out for a couple weeks, but the marbles are starting to stop rattling up there now.” To Bravery Born has now won four of his eight starts and placed in the Gr3 Matamata Slipper. Stakes success is the missing piece – one his team hopes to complete at Ellerslie.
