A spectacular result on Day Two of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale saw a colt by Newgate Farm's red-hot sire Extreme Choice fetch $2 million, equalling the top mark set on the opening day. The striking youngster, bred and presented by Kingstar Farm, will now race in the iconic bottle green and white silks of Yulong Investments, who were determined to secure him from the outset. A half-brother to Group 3 winner Wollombi, the colt's sale set a new record both for Kingstar Farm and for his sire, and now sits alongside yesterday's $2 million Frankel colt as the sale's joint headline act. The fierce bidding was just one highlight on a day that delivered five yearlings fetching $1.2 million or more, as both the sale average and clearance rate ticked higher. "He's a very special colt," said Yulong's General Manager Jun Zhang, who made it clear the team had eyes only for this lot. "He was our only target that we definitely needed to buy. We see stallion potential with him, and we also own the sister, who is in-foal to Diatonic, so we try and create our own families. That's another reason why we had to get him." Extreme Choice's profile continues to soar, with Zhang confirming Yulong's strong commitment to the stallion. "Extreme Choice is a very successful stallion and could be a history-making sire in the future, so Mr Zhang is trying to get every Extreme Choice he can." Kingstar Farm's team was understandably elated, with Stud Manager Adam Cook reflecting on the colt's quality from birth. "From the time the horse was born he was special. We bred Devil Night, we bred Stay Inside – both sons of Extreme Choice – and I'm sure this bloke is going to be just as good as them. It's great that people believe in the product we breed – I'm over the moon. I'm just so happy for Matthew [Sandblom, Kingstar Farm's owner]." For Kingstar, the sale eclipsed their previous record for an Extreme Choice yearling, which also went to Yulong for $1.4 million. "They've come back for another one, who is probably a better type than the one they've bought before. It's a great result for us, and for Yulong; it's great because we've given them results," Sandblom summed up.
Kingstar's Extreme Choice-Hazelbrook colt sold for $2m (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
$1.5 Million MM Colts Fall to Key Connections
Thursday, 15th January 2026
Day Two of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale delivered further fireworks, with two colts each commanding $1.5 million and another high-profile filly also turning heads in the afternoon session. The first of the seven-figure sales came courtesy of the Snitzel colt out of Embrace Me, offered by Milburn Creek and knocked down to the combined buying power of China Horse Club, Newgate and Clarke Bloodstock. Henry Field of Newgate made no secret of their delight, describing the colt as "a beautiful horse from a fast mare, from a great farm." He noted the group's ongoing success with Snitzel progeny, referencing stars like Invader, Russian Revolution, and In The Congo, and highlighting five Group 1 winners sired by Snitzel that have passed through their hands. Field said, "Sometimes you just have to buy what you love and hope he's a good horse for us." He also reflected on the decade-long partnership that has produced 15 individual stallions, calling it "a great formula," and expressing hope that the latest acquisition continues their tradition of selling and racing high-class horses. Not long after, the brother to Beadman – an Arrowfield Stud product – matched that $1.5 million mark, with Coolmore's Tom Magnier signing the ticket. The colt will join Chris Waller's stable, and Magnier joked that Darren Beadman, now part of Waller's team, would need to ensure the new recruit measures up. Magnier was full of praise for Arrowfield and the Messara family's reputation for producing quality Snitzels, noting previous success with Shinzo and Switzerland. "He's a lovely, mature colt, and everyone on the team was taken by him," Magnier added. Attention then shifted to the fillies, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott teaming up with the Rising Sun Syndicate to secure the I Am Invincible filly from Key – a half-sister to leading Golden Slipper prospect Im Ya Huckleberry – for their Japanese client, Knine Inc. Bott spoke of the family's rich black type and current form, and said the filly's presentation made her a must-have. Kosi Kawakami, representing the syndicate, was equally enthusiastic: "We fell in love with her. She's the best, and knowing her brother is with Gai and Adrian, we were confident to go for her. It's an honour to buy a million-dollar filly here." Later in the session, a Snitzel colt out of Krone offered by Rosemont Stud fetched $1.2 million from James Harron's Colt Partnership and Tony Fung Colts. Harron praised the colt's athleticism, noting his soundness, lightness on his feet, and "elastic" movement, describing him as a standout from the start and predicting he'll be an early type. By close of trade, the sale grossed just under $94 million for 326 lots at an average of $288,266, trending ahead of the same point last year. Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch reflected on a "deep, genuine, and fun" day's trade, highlighting the busy atmosphere and improved 83 percent clearance rate. With the day's average nearly hitting $300,000 for 240 lots, Bowditch was optimistic that momentum would continue into the next session on Thursday.
Sir Delius Bides His Time Ahead of Autumn
Thursday, 15th January 2026
A patient build-up is underway for one of Australia's most talked-about imports as preparations intensify ahead of Thursday's trials at Randwick, reports racing.com. Sir Delius, who was forced to miss the major targets of last spring, will take his first public steps back with a low-key outing and a careful program in place for the months ahead. Co-trainer Adrian Bott, speaking from the Magic Millions sale complex, emphasised that this week's trial is only a gentle reintroduction for the high-profile galloper. Bott described the 850m hit-out as "merely a starting point" for a horse whose 2023 campaign was interrupted by mandatory welfare scans that revealed an elevated risk of injury. Those findings led to the late withdrawal of Sir Delius from both the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, races for which he had been the early favourite. "(He) won't be asked for much – just going out and stretching his legs," Bott explained. "But he seems to be back in good order. He's building up nicely towards the autumn. It's still very early days for him. It's an 850m trial and he'll likely have a few trials before we do see him get back to the races." Connections are aiming for a conservative autumn, with the focus firmly set on getting the horse right for another spring tilt. "Mostly likely, a lightish autumn again as we want to try and focus around the spring once more. At this stage everything is planned for him to be running in Sydney (this autumn). As I said, a relatively light campaign, but a race like the Queen Elizabeth (Stakes) is a race that could be where we want to see him in his grand final." A southern campaign remains on the radar if all goes to plan, but any return to Melbourne will depend on Sir Delius's progress. "We'd like to see him down in Melbourne again at some point, but it will be step-be-step with him. We'll be monitoring his progress, but he looks in terrific order." Bott believes Sir Delius has the potential to emerge as Australia's best weight-for-age performer. "It was phenomenal the progression we saw and I feel what we saw in the spring was no fluke. He does keep improving each time we see him step out… if he can maintain his form, it will be very exciting."
Sir Deliuis will have a light autumn ahead of the spring (pic: Mark Gatt)
More Maher Magic Possible in 2YO Millions
Thursday, 15th January 2026
Aiming to add another chapter to his already impressive Gold Coast record, Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher is confident that Tornado Valley will deliver a sharper performance in Saturday’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). The Too Darn Hot colt, who got back further than intended first-up when finishing second to well fancied Zip Lock in the Gr3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes, will wear blinkers for the $3 million feature – a gear change Maher believes will make a telling difference. “We’ve put the shades on Tornado Valley, and I think you’ll see him run a much-improved race because of it,” Maher said. “The blinkers will help, and he improved a hell of a lot in the spring, and I think he can do the same on Saturday. He’s a quality colt and he’s worked well leading into Saturday so I’m really happy with how he’s going.” Maher also saddles Unit Five (Supido) in Saturday’s main event, with the unbeaten colt looking to build on an impressive debut win at Caulfield. Both horses fared well at the barrier draw, with Tornado Valley landing in gate five and Unit Five set to jump from barrier nine. Maher is quietly optimistic about Unit Five’s prospects and expects to see further improvement. “I thought he trialled really well and he’s drawn well enough. I’d imagine he’ll land just behind the speed and be hard to beat. Both horses have a good chance and I wouldn’t think there is much between them.” Tornado Valley firmed as a $9 chance after the draw, with Unit Five at $13. Maher knows what it takes to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, having twice tasted success with Away Game in 2020 and Coolangatta in 2022 while training alongside David Eustace. Of note is that Tornado Valley is currently the highest ranked juvenile in the 2025-26 Black Type 2YO Premiership, having eanred 13 points – almost double that of his closest three rivals. One of those is Shiki who, like Tornado Valley, is by Darley’s sensational young stallion Too Darn Hot.
Warrior and Bubble Prepare for Huge Showdown
Thursday, 15th January 2026
A blockbuster on Sunday-week awaits at Sha Tin, with the HK$13 million G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) poised to deliver a world-class clash between Romantic Warrior and last year's Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, a Torryburn Inglis Classic graduate. The meeting is further elevated by the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup, where Ka Ying Rising will look to underline his sprinting credentials. Each contest signals not just individual glory, but broader storylines in a season defined by exceptional consistency and global achievement. Romantic Warrior remains unbeaten against Voyage Bubble, yet the Stewards' Cup is staged at Voyage Bubble's pet distance. It marks the opening leg of Hong Kong's Triple Crown, a series that continues with the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March and culminates in the stamina-sapping G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 24 May. Few have managed the sweep – only River Verdon and Voyage Bubble himself stand as Triple Crown legends. Preparations for the feature have been methodical. Romantic Warrior breezed through a barrier trial on Tuesday morning under Hugh Bowman, clocking 1m 10.12s for 1200m and pulling up full of running. "He feels great. He's in really good order. He trialled superbly this morning, and I'm sure he'll go to the mile race at the end of the month in top order," Bowman said. With Group 1 victories across four jurisdictions and more than HK$240 million in prize money, Romantic Warrior's place in the world order is assured. His recent record-extending fourth LONGINES Hong Kong Cup under James McDonald was the latest exclamation mark on an extraordinary resume. The Stewards' Cup and Triple Crown series offer not only prestige but a HK$10 million bonus for a clean sweep. While Romantic Warrior headlines the billing, Bowman is set to partner Red Lion, describing the gelding as "very reliable" and likely to arrive in peak condition.
Voyage Bubble will be racing at his pet distance (pic: hkjc.com)
O'Sullivan Plotting Fresh Assault on Adelaide Cup
Thursday, 15th January 2026
Plans for another Adelaide Cup assault are taking shape for Dan O'Sullivan, whose stable star Berkeley Square is set to resume in a 2000m handicap at Flemington on Saturday. The Ballarat gelding, last seen landing the Ballarat Cup in December, has continued working steadily since that victory, leaving his trainer quietly confident about the next phase of his campaign, according to racing.com. O'Sullivan reports that his charge has thrived in the break between runs. "He's in good order, he hasn't gone backwards, he's had a nice solid gallop on Saturday morning with a mate and ran up well," the trainer said. Extended gaps between starts hold little concern – Berkeley Square handled five weeks off before the Ballarat Cup with no fuss, and O'Sullivan is hopeful the horse's consistency will again come to the fore. "He seems good, we were five weeks between runs before the Ballarat Cup, so he's done it before, he's got history where he can go a month between runs, it doesn't seem to worry him." Looking ahead, the 3200m Adelaide Cup at Morphettville on March 9 looms as the major target. O'Sullivan's roadmap includes a run in the VOBIS Gold Heath at Caulfield on February 7 following Saturday's Flemington appearance. That sequence should bring the six-year-old to peak fitness, though the trainer is weighing up whether a start in the Lord Reims is also needed. "To get to a 3200m, we probably have to go to the Lord Reims beforehand, and I don't really want to do two trips to Adelaide if I don't have to but there's no lead up for him that's suitable other than that to get to the Adelaide Cup." Berkeley Square's versatility could be tested over the two-mile journey, and the use of blinkers remains under consideration. "I think he'll run the two miles, probably whether he wants the blinkers on to run the two miles might be something we'll have to work out closer, but we'll soon take them off him if we need to." Luke Nolen, who retains the ride at Flemington with 62kg for the Benchmark 100, will be hoping to help O'Sullivan secure a second Adelaide Cup win, following their previous success with Lacey Underall in 2008.
Special Eclipse Awards Recognition for Denman
Thursday, 15th January 2026
For more than thirty years, the cadence and colour of Southern California’s racetracks have been shaped by a single voice, and later this month, that signature sound will be celebrated on the sport’s grandest stage, reports horseracingnation.com. At the 55th annual Eclipse Awards, Trevor Denman will receive the special Eclipse Award for career excellence, honouring a trailblazing journey that began on another continent and redefined the art of race calling in North America. Denman’s contribution is set to be recognised on January 22, and for the man himself, the moment brings a sense of reflection and gratitude. “What a wonderful way to end a 53 year career,” Denman reflected. “I am so honoured to receive this award and will treasure it forever. I wish to thank Alan Balch of Santa Anita and Joe Harper of Del Mar for giving an unknown kid a chance to call at such prestigious tracks back in 1983. I also thank all the fans for their tremendous support over the years. Thank you all!” The journey began in Germiston, South Africa, where Denman initially aspired to be an exercise rider but soon found his true calling behind the microphone. By eighteen, he was calling races locally, refining a style that would one day travel across oceans. A chance encounter with Californian Bill Kolberg – who was in South Africa and impressed by Denman’s race calls – proved pivotal. When Santa Anita Park sought a new announcer, Kolberg’s recommendation led to Denman’s audition and his American debut at age thirty-one. Denman’s approach quickly set him apart from the established order. Rather than simply narrating the running order, he injected analysis, vivid descriptions, and the occasional quip, lending each race a sense of unfolding drama. His signature “And away they go” became a catchcry, and phrases like “moving like an express train!” or “they’ll have to sprout wings to catch him” etched themselves into the collective memory of race fans. “He created a signature stamp at the gate break for each race,” noted one industry colleague, “and always found a way to let the crowd know who was surging and who was fading.” Industry leaders have likened Denman’s impact to that of an artist, painting the race’s drama for listeners. Craig Fravel, a longtime executive, said: “What Claude Monet did for water lilies with a brush and canvas Trevor Denman did for the Thoroughbred with his voice and a microphone… His iconic calls in the 1989 Preakness and 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic will live on as perfect complements to the greatness of the equine athletes on the track. This is an award richly deserved.” Over the course of his fifty-year career, Denman called races at Santa Anita, Del Mar, Hollywood Park, Fairplex, and more, including national broadcasts for the Breeders’ Cup. His 2009 call of Zenyatta’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (see below) remains a touchstone for racing fans. After officially retiring from Del Mar in 2025, Denman settled in rural Minnesota with his wife, Robin, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through grandstands and living rooms for generations to come.
Apprentice Lai Takes a Well Travelled Path
Thursday, 15th January 2026
A new chapter is underway in the Central Districts, with Hong Kong apprentice Alan Lai embarking on a six-month riding stint in New Zealand that builds on a diverse international journey already filled with achievements, according to racingnews.co.nz. Having spent the last two years honing his craft in South Australia, Lai’s recent arrival in Palmerston North is the latest step in a career defined by adaptability and determination. Lai’s formative experiences in Australia came under the watchful eyes of Morphettville trainers Leon MacDonald and Andrew Gluyas, as well as Jon O’Connor, another respected South Australian horseman. In his time there, Lai tallied 53 wins, with the highlight being a sweep of three consecutive Outback Cups Series features—claiming the City of Port Augusta Cup, Roxby Downs Cup, and Quorn Cup aboard New Zealand-bred Grinzinger Star for trainers Kylie Mckerlie and Waylon Hornhardt. “I was in Australia for two years. It was good, all the jockeys were helpful and I got a lot of opportunities,” he reflected. “I won seven different Cups races, three of those on Grinzinger Star.” The 25-year-old’s apprenticeship began in his native Hong Kong, where he joined the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s prestigious training program in 2018. “I am very lucky and I joined the Hong Kong Apprentice Academy when I was 18,” Lai explained. His education also included stints at major training hubs in Huang Chun and Conghua, China. The COVID-19 pandemic briefly delayed his international ambitions, but after riding trials in Hong Kong, he made the decision to seek new opportunities abroad at the end of 2022. Lai is not the first from Hong Kong to pursue a similar pathway; riders like Britney Wong and Nichola Yuen also began their professional careers in South Australia before heading to New Zealand, with Wong eventually returning home to ride for leading trainer David Hall. Encouraged by Wong’s success and after consulting with her about the transition, Lai has approached his New Zealand move with optimism – despite being warned about the unpredictable local weather. Now based with Daniel Nakhle’s New Zealand Equine Academy, powered by Entain, Lai is under the mentorship of former champion jockey Leith Innes, who oversees the Apprentice Jockey Academy. He has quickly found his footing, riding trackwork for Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson in the mornings and guiding Bergerson-trained Bradman to victory in his very first heat at the Foxton trials. Lai remains eager to make the most of this New Zealand opportunity, open to travel and new experiences, and ready to showcase his talents to local trainers, with Leith Innes acting as his agent during this six-month chapter.
Tajana Connections Decide to Pivot to Plan B
Thursday, 15th January 2026
Forecasted rain in the lower North Island has prompted a strategic rethink for the connections of Tajana, whose return to racing this weekend was meant to signal the beginning of a classic campaign, according to NZ Racing Desk. Trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray had long earmarked the Gr3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham as the ideal launchpad for the filly's path toward next month's Gr1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks, but wet weather has forced contingency planning. With uncertainty lingering over the Trentham surface, the Oaks Stud-bred filly will also be entered for a three-year-old mile at set weights and penalties at Pukekohe on Sunday. Although the race carries a purse far below the $200,000 on offer in the Desert Gold, Ritchie is pragmatic about the switch. "It's a pity to have to change plans, but fortunately there's an option at Pukekohe and even though the stake is only $25,000 versus $200,000, it's a three-year-old mile at set weights and penalties, so it still works well as a starting point," he explained. "A heavy track undid her in the 1000 Guineas and we don't want to put her through that again, plus we wouldn't want to overtax her in what will be her first start since then." Tajana arrives at this juncture without the benefit of a lead-up trial, though her trainers were buoyed by her recent gallop between races at Tauranga. "She's in good order to kick off her campaign," Ritchie confirmed. George Rooke, who has guided Tajana to black-type success and multiple placings, remains in line for the ride, depending on which assignment the team ultimately pursues. Plans stretch well beyond this week, with the Gr2 David & Karyn Ellis Classic at Te Rapa already pencilled in for February 7, followed by the New Zealand Oaks, which this year takes place at Ellerslie on Avondale Guineas and Cup day. The longer-term vision could include a Sydney autumn campaign if all goes well, with Ritchie noting, "That's the race we're setting her for and even though she's also nominated for the Derby two weeks later, if she runs up to our expectations I'd prefer to save her for a Sydney autumn campaign." The stable's focus also extends to the Karaka Millions meeting, where Tuxedo will contest the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic. His recent form includes a runner-up finish behind First Five at Te Rapa and a fifth in the Rich Hill Mile, prompting a minor gear change for his next run. "We've decided to try him in blinkers when he goes to Ellerslie for the gallops session on Thursday and Opie Bosson is booked to ride him there and in the Aotearoa Classic."
Wet weather will see Tajana skip Trentham on Saturday (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
SA's Jess Tzaferis Claims Major MM Award
Thursday, 15th January 2026
Recognition at the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards on the Gold Coast has underscored the remarkable journey of South Australian jockey-turned-trainer Jess Tzaferis (nee Eaton), who emerged as a category winner at Friday’s ceremony, reports racingsa.com.au. Tzaferis’s career has spanned sixteen years, distinguished by her versatility and drive. From early mornings as a stablehand and trackwork rider to a decorated period as a champion apprentice, dual-licence jockey-trainer, and mentor, her contribution to the industry covers almost every hands-on role. Behind-the-scenes beginnings gave way to a coveted spot in Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program under the guidance of Mick Price. A pivotal move to South Australia followed, and Tzaferis quickly rose to prominence—being crowned Champion Apprentice and claiming the John Letts Medal in her first full season in 2021. Adding a trainer’s licence in 2024, she notched her first winner in March 2025 and has since expanded her Murray Bridge operation to a team of 12 to 14 horses, supported by a tight-knit staff. Tzaferis’s approach is holistic, embracing every stage of a horse’s life from breaking-in to post-racing re-education, always with a focus on animal welfare. Her story is one of resilience as much as achievement, having overcome two broken backs and multiple broken legs sustained in a career punctuated by both race and trackwork falls. That toughness has become a hallmark of her approach, reflected in her growing influence as a mentor. In 2025, she began guiding apprentice jockey Polly Brewster, whose maiden victory for the stable stands as one of Tzaferis’s proudest moments. The Magic Millions Racing Women Awards, backed by TAB and presented during the Carnival, honour women making a difference across breeding and racing. Past honourees include luminaries such as Gai Waterhouse, Denise Martin, and Clare Lindop. Jess Tzaferis’s latest accolade is a fitting tribute to her leadership and perseverance—qualities that continue to inspire across the South Australian racing community.
