Hopes for a tilt at the $20 million Everest have been dashed for Concorde Stakes winner Headwall, who has been ruled out of the spring after suffering a hind leg injury, reports punters.com.au. The 6YO sprinter, by five-time Group 1-winning European sprinter Dream Ahead, pulled up lame after Saturday morning trackwork, with further veterinary assessment confirming connections’ worst fears. Matthew Smith, who trains the gelding, had hoped the setback would prove minor, but by Monday morning the prognosis had worsened. “Headwall has an injury to his hind leg and he will go for further scans today,” he explained. “He was a lame after his work on Saturday morning and I was hoping it wasn’t anything too serious. But we’ve had the vets down to look at him and the horse won’t be racing again this spring. He was flying, he had never been going better so this is tough to take.” The blow is all the more bitter given how sharply Headwall had progressed over the past 12 months. Last autumn, he delivered placings in both the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap and Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes – behind fellow Everest hopefuls Joliestar and Briasa respectively – and returned this campaign with an explosive win in the Concorde, defeating Lady Shenandoah in dominant fashion. Bookmakers quickly slashed his Everest price to $26, and Everest slot-holders had shown interest, but the dream is now both derailed and deferred. Bred and part-owned by Reg Young, Headwall will be mothballed until at least until the autumn. His career to date has produced an admirable record of seven wins and nine placings from 18 starts, with earnings over $2.1 million. Smith, who still had to notify Racing NSW stewards and a potential Everest slot-holder, was frank about the emotional toll. “Unfortunately, he won’t be going to The Everest now,” he said. “I’ve also got to ring the (Everest) slot-holder who was interested in Headwall – I’ve had better mornings.”
NEWSoft Surface Sinks Asfoora at The Curragh
Weekend, 15th September 2025
Conditions at The Curragh proved unsuitable for Asfoora (Flying Artie), whose bid to make Australian history in the Group 1 Flying Five came undone on rain-affected ground. According to racing.com, the mare finished seventh in her Irish debut, unable to reproduce the turn of foot that carried her to Nunthorpe Stakes glory at York. Sent out a $4.50 favourite and partnered for the first time by Dylan Browne McMonagle, she was beaten less than three lengths by Arizona Blaze but never found her rhythm. “I thought I was going to come with a nice run but when I let her down she just didn’t quicken up on the ground,” McMonagle revealed. “The winner and a couple that finished in front of me really relished the ground whereas mine had a really low action and couldn’t find the gear that I needed to go on to win.” Having jumped cleanly and tracked the winner early, he remained hopeful until the last 50 yards. “She was a little bit weak but I was looking after her. She’ll be okay when she gets back on top of the ground. Despite the result, connections remain upbeat, with trainer Henry Dwyer reporting that the mare pulled up well. “She was only beaten a couple of lengths. It wasn’t a bad run. She just struggled in that sticky ground over here.” He added that she had a nice trail in the early stages, sheltered from the wind, but conditions late in the day didn’t suit. “Similar to Goodwood, where there was a couple of days of rain before and then it dried out and became a bit gluey, and Dylan was of the opinion that she didn’t feel overly at home in that ground having not sat on her before obviously.” Asfoora's European campaign may not be over yet. Should the weather hold ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting, a final assignment in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp in early October remains on the table. Dwyer and her team will wait to see how she recovers and whether conditions improve before confirming a start.
NEWMelbourne Cup Fancy Adds Irish St Leger
Weekend, 15th September 2025
Sunday’s Gr1 Irish St Leger may have featured just one Group 1 winner on paper, but by the time Al Riffa crossed the line, he’d underscored his standing with a dominant four-length demolition job at The Curragh. Always poised behind a genuine tempo, the five-year-old sat chilly for Dylan Browne McMonagle until the 400-metre mark, then coasted past Amiloc with a surge that stamped him among the favourites for next year’s Melbourne Cup. “I was able to take my time and every time I asked him he was there,” McMonagle said. “The speed was on and I knew my fella was going to have a good kick when I needed it. I got there half-speeding and he quickened up well in this ground. He's so straightforward and he has a great attitude, so you can put him where you want. You could probably look at the Cup races for him next season, he definitely feels like he can go another two furlongs.” Having won the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at this meeting in 2022 and pushed City Of Troy in last year’s Eclipse, the son of Wootton Bassett continues to shape as one of Joseph O’Brien’s most versatile campaigners. This latest chapter followed a convincing win in the Gr2 Curragh Cup, where connections took a calculated gamble stretching the stallion to 2800m. The Grosser Preis von Berlin was another highlight along the way, showcasing a reinvention in racing style that few elite horses manage with such aplomb. On Sunday, McMonagle read it perfectly, allowing the Beckett runner to forge ahead before executing a textbook takedown in the final furlong. Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett didn’t need much convincing after Al Riffa’s last start over 2800m. “That convinced us he might be the horse to try and win the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “He’ll need to carry weight because they won’t miss him, but I feel sure he’s the right horse to do that.” O’Brien, speaking to Racing TV, was already thinking ahead. “It was a gruelling race, but we’ll freshen him up and hopefully get him to the Melbourne Cup. He’s two-for-two now since he’s gone up in trip. He settles well, he has a turn of foot and he stays. Hopefully we have a smooth preparation.”
NEWMan Could Crush Golden Saddle Rivals
Weekend, 15th September 2025
One of Western Australia’s most seasoned sprinters will return to the scene of his early triumphs next month, with Kalgoorlie-bred Man Crush confirmed for the inaugural $1 million Develop Golden Saddle (1200m) at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club. Representing the Bowden/Tohpan/Leahy slot, the Manhattan Rain gelding brings with him a resume that includes over $800,000 in earnings and feature victories in the Miss Andretti Stakes and Nicopolis Stakes. Luke Fernie, who trains out of Kalgoorlie, was buoyed by the announcement. With stablemates Bravo Centurion and Storm Chaser also likely contenders, Fernie is relishing the chance to showcase his team in front of a hometown crowd. “Every provincial country town thrives on race meetings like the race round,” he said. “It’s exciting to be part of it – we need to keep pumping it up and make it a good turn out each year.” Confident in his runner’s credentials, Fernie added: “Man Crush is well credentialed, he’s got a lot of potential and he’s beaten a lot of the horses he’ll be competing against. He will go a lot better once he gets on top of the dry track, Kalgoorlie will suit him well.” Owned and managed by Peter Fernie, the 6YO continues to defy age and is a familiar name among WA’s sprinting ranks. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club CEO Craig Smith expects Man Crush’s inclusion to elevate an already electric event. “The excitement is really building for the inaugural Develop Golden Saddle to sit alongside the Ron Sayers Sprint and Kalgoorlie Cup,” he said. “The field is already looking strong, especially with the addition of Man Crush – a horse the locals know well. Kalgoorlie racing is a celebration of the community, the region and the spirit of the Goldfields. The Golden Saddle is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what Kalgoorlie-Boulder can deliver.” Early markets have Magnificent Andy marked as the $3 TABtouch favourite, with Bravo Centurion ($5), Shmoov Moova ($6) and Twain’s Angel ($6) featuring prominently. With the Goldfields-Esperance region contributing $54.5 million annually to the WA economy, the new slot race is tipped to deliver a major boost to local industry.
NEWTreasurethe Moment to Resume in Feehan
Weekend, 15th September 2025
Plans for Treasurethe Moment’s spring relaunch are now centred on the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on September 26, with trainer Matt Laurie confirming the $500,000 event as the logical return point following a colic scare that temporarily halted preparations. The mare, who stormed to Group 1 glory in last month's Memsie Stakes, appears to have bounced back swiftly, according to racing.com, pleasing connections after resuming light work on Friday. “She had a trot and canter yesterday and today she seems really bright,” Laurie reported at Flemington. “I think the Feehan is a really nice race regardless and it will give us a bit of an insight as to how she handles that track.” Although the setback was unsettling, Laurie remains optimistic. “It’s really the only option. I think she can get there. It’s two weeks away and she really didn’t lose too much work and she’s so clean-winded.” The issue was a mild colic episode caused by gas build-up, which was resolved promptly. “There are varying types of colic and it was on the lower scale, but it was enough to knock her around. You don’t want it to happen to any horse let alone Treasurethe Moment.” The rising star has compiled an imposing 10 wins from 12 starts, including four at the elite level, and looks poised for another significant spring campaign. Meanwhile, fellow Yulong-owned stablemate Vinrock is also building toward a major spring target. The colt impressed in Saturday’s Exford Plate and remains on track for the $3 million Caulfield Guineas on October 11, though Laurie is contemplating a Sydney detour beforehand. That detour could see Vinrock tested in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27. “He’s a big, strong colt and it might actually help him come on a little bit more,” Laurie explained. “The Golden Rose, it’s a high-class field and he should be part of it. He’s pretty tough and doesn’t miss an oat, so I think he could handle it (a trip away) if we want to do it.” With both stable stars heading towards feature races, Laurie is looking to spring with renewed confidence.
Sensational 4YO mare Treasurethe Moment had a setback (pic: Mark Gatt)
NEWFirst Aysar Yearlings Set to Turn Heads
Weekend, 15th September 2025
First-crop yearlings by Geisel Park sire Aysar will headline a powerful consignment bound for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions, following the close of entries last Friday. The Deep Field stallion, who was runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas, has made an immediate impression through his foals’ quality and presence. Geisel Park’s Eddie Rigg will present 22 yearlings in February, many by Aysar, with the draft to be prepared by stud manager Conor Dunlop. Early indicators suggest the stallion’s progeny are poised to leave a lasting mark in the west. “We’re delighted with our first Aysar foals and the feedback from our clients has been overwhelming,” Dunlop said. “One of WA’s most respected studmasters told us Aysar can become the cornerstone of our industry if the foals he’s bred are any guide.” Among the highlights is a colt from Don’t Call Me, an early August foal described as a powerful, forward Magic Millions type. The dam is a full-sister to Rebelson, a stakes winner for Darren McAuliffe. Also catalogued is a filly out of Rosebank, purchased from the National Sale, whose unraced colt No No No No No recently won a jump-out for Lindsey Smith. Another standout is the Aysar colt from French Quarter, a three-quarter sister to last season’s WA Guineas and Champion Fillies heroine Storyville. Rounding out the Aysar group is a colt from Flaming Magic, a half-sister to stakes winners Heart Starter and Suspicion and Perth Cup winner Real Love. Aysar is stamping his foals with the power and profile that first attracted John Chalmers, who rated him “the best-credentialled sire prospect to cross my desk in the last 10 years or more.” Aysar himself was a precocious juvenile who trained on to run second in the Caulfield Guineas before winning the LR Chautauqua Stakes at Moonee Valley. “He’s a very good physical specimen with a terrific motor,” co-trainer JD Hayes remarked. A half-brother to Coolmore sire Home Affairs, he shares the same Torryburn Stud origins. “I loved Aysar,” recalled Melissa Copelin. “He was always a cracking looker… the good judges were on him at the Magic Millions.” Now standing for $8,800 at Geisel Park, Aysar is covering his third book with strong home support. “He’s one of the best stallions to enter WA in recent years,” said Magic Millions’ David Chester. “And he’s by Deep Field, a champion sire in Hong Kong – they love the line up there.”
NEWRedoute's Stamps Early Season Influence
Weekend, 15th September 2025
The Autumn Sun’s sensational daughter Autumn Glow headlined an exhibition of Redoute’s Choice’s rich legacy on a wonderful day of superlative Spring racing at Rosehill & Flemington. The 4YO mare added a fourth Group victory to her record with a scorching 32.76 last 600 metres in the $300,000 ATC Theo Marks S. 1300m G2 (see below), defeating General Salute (by Snitzel’s son Russian Revolution) & Group 1 winner Pier by 2.2 lengths. Charlie Duckworth, Assistant Trainer for the Chris Waller stable, said, “I think she might have almost given Kerrin [McEvoy] a fright how quickly she quickened up rounding the home turn. She is just electric. Obviously, she is very versatile in terms of how to be ridden. She has got bags of speed. Her optimum distance range, who knows. She is just very, very good.” Now the very short-priced favourite for the $1.5 million Epsom H. G1 on 4 October, Autumn Glow (ex Champion South African Sprinter Via Africa) was bred by Newhaven Park and purchased as a weanling by Shrone Bloodstock & Silverdale Farm which re-sold her for $1.8 million at Inglis Easter 2023 to Arrowfield & Hermitage Thoroughbreds. The Waller stable enjoyed further stakes success, this time for B2B Thoroughbreds, with Arrowfield Magic Millions graduate Lazzura (Snitzel-Laguna Azzurra), resolute winner of the $300,000 VRC Let’s Elope S. 1400m G2; plus a quinella by 3YO colts Sixties (Flying Artie-Gracies Lass by Redoute’s Choice) & Autumn Boy (by The Autumn Sun) in the ATC Ming Dynasty Quality 1400m G3. Chris Waller, on-course at Flemington, said after Lazzura’s third Group win, “She’s tough. She puts herself in the race, James [McDonald] gave her a lovely ride. She gave a good kick at the 300 metre mark. It got close, but she’s tough. She was good over the concluding stages. She’s building a good resumé. ”The Ron Finemore & John Leaver home-bred Cafe Millenium (Not A Single Doubt-Veloce Forte) landed his second consecutive stakes victory when he shaded Transatlantic (by Snitzel) in a tight battle for the $175,000 VRC Tontonan S. 1400m LR. That was part of a triumphant day for Ben, Will & JD Hayes, who celebrated a magnificent 10th Group 1 win by the formidable Mr Brightside in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and a Group 2 victory by Arkansaw Kid. The Redoute’s Choice factor was also evident in I Am Invincible’s Flemington stakes double: the Cap d’Antibes S. LR won by My Gladiola (ex Not A Single Doubt’s Group 2-winning daughter Villa Verde) from Akaysha & Inkaruna (both out of Redoute’s Choice mares), and the Exford Plate LR won by Vinrock (ex G2 winner Girl Gone Rockin’ by Redoute’s Choice). Only six weeks into the new season, the influence of Redoute’s Choice is all over Australia’s stallion premierships. Four-time Champion Sire Snitzel leads the General Sires’ table, with Alabama Express, also by Redoute’s Choice, in 8th spot, and Russian Revolution & The Autumn Sun inside the top 20. Redoute’s Choice himself is already 2nd on the Broodmare Sires’ list, with the 6th & 7th spots filled by Snitzel and Not A Single Doubt, whose Golden Slipper-winning son Farnan has taken an early lead on the 2nd Season Sires’ table.
NEWJedibeel Forced to Confront Hot Field
Weekend, 15th September 2025
Jedibeel will launch his spring campaign in Saturday’s $1 million Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick, aiming to prove himself worthy of the Mulberry Racing slot in The Everest, reports racenet.com.au. Trainer Brad Widdup had originally planned to kick off the lightly-raced gelding in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes earlier this month, but a minor setback saw those plans shelved. A Rosehill exhibition gallop last Saturday helped bridge the gap, and now the task ahead is clear – and considerable. “This race is going to be 10 times harder,” Widdup said. “We are under no illusions there but we have to kick him off somewhere and I'd rather stay at home in Sydney, get him going and then we can work it out from there.” The plan remains Everest-focused, but there are no free passes. “That was the plan,” he said. “They don't want to take a horse to The Everest and make a gimmick of it either. He has to be in form to get his way there. They are open to what is around. He's not locked in by all means. He has to win his way or be competing well to earn a slot.” The Shorts has become a race of Everest consequences. Jedibeel will line up against confirmed slot-holders Briasa, Private Harry and Joliestar – the latter scratched from the Sheraco Stakes last weekend due to an awkward draw at Rosehill. “She had an awkward draw with the rail out so we just wondered where we would end up,” explained Chris Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth. “We will go next week and it maps a little bit better into The Everest. It's going to be a very, very hot race and that's why they put up $1 million for it—because it's been a big draw card for all the major players to end up there for a $1 million rather than $300,000 (in the Sheraco).” Widdup acknowledges missing the Concorde was frustrating. “Not saying he would have won that race, but he drew well, looked a good race for him.” Saturday now becomes a crucial marker—not just to get him up and going, but to see how he stacks up against horses already in the Everest frame. Jedibeel has talent in spades; the question is whether he can bring it when the pressure’s on.
Race record: 6 wins from 6 starts for $840,000 in earnings
Sales info: $600,000 weanling consigned by Newhaven Park at the 2022 Magic Millions National Sale and then a $1.8 million yearling consigned by Silverdale Farm at the 2023 Inglis Easter Sale
