A farewell tour of sorts will unfold through the Adelaide Carnival, with two accomplished mares set to bow out of the Richard Jolly stable, headlined by Aviatress as she prepares for a final crack at Group 1 level in Saturday's Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. The five-year-old, a three-time stakes winner and consistent performer at a high level, faces a deep field that includes the likes of Point Barrow, Generosity, Skybird and Charm Stone. Despite being rated a $26 chance, she carries quiet support within the camp after an encouraging lead-in trial at Balaklava, where she defeated stablemate Losesomewinmore by three lengths. Jolly, who trains in partnership with his daughter Chantelle, is realistic about the scale of the challenge but satisfied with her condition heading into the race. "We go into it first-up, she's pretty effective first-up and usually runs really well," he said. "This race, she probably has to go to that next level, to be able to win this. Looking at the quality, you just hope you get a good barrier and get every chance." Her previous attempt at the race remains something of an anomaly. After entering last year's edition in strong form, she finished well down the field in a performance that left connections searching for answers. Jolly now believes there were underlying issues at play. "We were happy with her last year, but for whatever reason it was one of her worst runs. After the race she wasn't completely 100 per cent for awhile, it's like she had an underlying virus – we put that behind us," he said. "It was a poor run that day, but she's bounced back since and been very consistent." Saturday's assignment may not be her final appearance, with options remaining open for another Group 1 tilt in The Goodwood or a run in the Proud Miss Stakes later in the carnival. Either race would mark her last outing before heading to the Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale at the end of May, where her record of seven wins and more than $560,000 in earnings is expected to attract strong interest. "She's done well. She's always had a good level of ability. She won a Group 3 and a heap of (stakes) placings as well. She's raced the last couple of years at that level, she's got a good record for a prospective broodmare," Jolly said. Elsewhere, the stable will be represented across the meeting with several chances. Virtual Illusion is set to line up in the Tobin Bronze Stakes after an eye-catching fourth in the Redelva Stakes, while Losesomewinmore and Karavas will contest the John Hawkes Stakes, with the latter also a possible runner in the Proud Miss before joining Aviatress at the broodmare sale.
Money Doesn't Always Buy Happiness or Success
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A curious silence cut through the usual bustle of Newmarket's winner's enclosure last week, just as Kevin Philippart de Foy stepped forward to speak after Sovereign Spell's success on the opening day of the Craven meeting. Instead of outlining plans for the three-year-old, the Amo Racing trainer paused to ask a question of his own: was anyone present from the Racing Post? The moment, brief but telling, hinted at a relationship currently on ice between Kia Joorabchian's ambitious operation and Britain's racing trade paper, adding another subplot to a story that rarely lacks intrigue. Few modern racing ventures have unfolded with quite the same blend of ambition and theatre. Joorabchian's entry into the sport has been marked by aggressive investment and a determination to fast-track his way into the upper echelon, a strategy that reached full expression at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale in October 2024. On that stage, Amo Racing went toe-to-toe with established powerhouses, committing 22.9 million guineas to a haul of yearlings intended to form the backbone of a future Classic assault. The spending did not end there. As the year drew to a close, another 13.7 million guineas was deployed at Book 1, followed by a further £4 million at Book 2, ensuring that Philippart de Foy and the wider team were armed with depth as well as headline acts for the 2026 season. Beyond the sales ring, the operation expanded rapidly. The historic Freemason Lodge yard in Newmarket was secured following Sir Michael Stoute's retirement, Frankie Dettori was enlisted as a global ambassador, and a landmark £40 million funding arrangement was struck with Apollo Global Management, secured against a broad suite of assets including bloodstock, facilities and intellectual property. For all the scale of that investment, the early returns from the much-vaunted 2024 intake have yet to match expectation. Those yearlings are now three-year-olds, theoretically poised to make their mark on the Classic stage, yet the betting markets paint a subdued picture. Power Blue, a Group 1 winner at two, sits at long odds for the 2,000 Guineas, while high-priced fillies such as Partying remain unraced. Others, including the expensively acquired Poker, have shown only modest promise so far, leaving the impression that the first wave may not deliver the immediate impact once envisaged. There remains time for that narrative to shift. Late-maturing types could yet emerge as the season unfolds, and attention is already turning toward the next intake of juveniles, with Royal Ascot looming as an obvious target. Activity in the two-year-old market continues, highlighted by a significant purchase at a recent American breeze-up sale, while further investment is expected closer to home in the coming weeks. Ultimately, the objective is a familiar one, even if the route taken has been anything but conventional. Like many well-funded entrants before him, Joorabchian is searching for the colt who can anchor a stallion career and begin to offset the considerable outlay. The template established by operations such as Coolmore was built over decades, underpinned by patience as much as capital. With external investment now part of the equation, the timeline for Amo Racing may be rather less forgiving, leaving the months ahead to carry more than their share of significance.
Sweynesse Making His Own Luck As a Miler
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
At one point, Hong Kong's leading sprinter, Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) took a giant step forward in his newfound calling as a sprinter-turned-miler last start, and this Sunday on FWD Champions Day, the four-time Group One winner is aiming to cement his status as one of Sha Tin's top performers over 1600m. Lucky Sweynesse is trained by Manfred Man and will be ridden by Derek Leung in the HK$24 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m). He is one of Hong Kong's most beloved horses, boasting 17 wins from 33 starts, including eight during a stellar 2022/23 campaign, when he was acclaimed as Hong Kong Champion Sprinter. Having raced exclusively over 1200m and 1400m prior to this season, a new-look Lucky Sweynesse has since flourished over the mile twice at Sha Tin. Firstly, when he was second to Romantic Warrior in January's HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) and then victoriously in the Gr2 Chairman's Trophy (1600m) over My Wish on 6 April. Man, 68, has nurtured Lucky Sweynesse back to fitness after setbacks forced a 12-month absence upon the seven-year-old gelding. Leung, who has partnered the son of Sweynesse in each of his last eight starts, said: "It was good to win on Lucky Sweynesse, who had been waiting for a long time. "Every time he tries hard. He's been beaten by Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior (in his last two starts). He's very honest, and last time it was his turn to get a win. Lucky Sweynesse is one of five Group One winners selected for the FWD Champions Mile along with Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, last year's winner Red Lion, Jantar Mantar and Docklands. Leung, who has 20 wins this season, was aboard Lucky Sweynesse for his turf gallop at Sha Tin on Monday alongside five-time winning stablemate Patch Of Stars, clocking 54.4s (31.0, 23.4). "I'm very happy – I worked him yesterday and he's working well. The stable looks after him very well, and his form is very consistent," Leung said. "Manfred Man and his team have done a very good job to make him healthy again, and his form is back." The 37-year-old has four rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday at the season's 65th of 88 scheduled fixtures: Happy Boys, Star Elegance, Little Monster and E Ho Ho.
Godolphin has announced the retirement of Tentyris and Observer to the Darley stallion roster for the 2026 breeding season. Both played leading roles in a season that has so far delivered 30 Stakes wins, including 11 at Group 1 level. Tentyris (Street Boss) retires as the leading sprinting colt of his generation. Victorious in the Gr2 Todman Stakes at two and runner-up in the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, he returned at three for dual successes at the highest level. He recorded the fastest time in the history of the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes before adding the Gr1 Lightning Stakes at weight-for-age. In doing so, he became only the fourth three-year-old colt to win the Lightning Stakes in the past 25 years. By Street Boss, out of an Exceed And Excel mare from the family of Divine Madonna, Tentyris is bred on a similar cross to Anamoe. He will stand at Kelvinside in New South Wales at a fee of $88,000 inc GST. Observer (Ghaiyyath) retires as a dual Group 1 winner of the Australian Guineas and Victoria Derby. A metropolitan winner as a two-year-old, he was also victorious in the Gr2 Moonee Valley Vase and Gr2 Autumn Stakes. A four-time Stakes winner from 1400m to 2500m, he retires with earnings of $2.7 million. He is the best-performed son of Ghaiyyath to retire to stud to date. Out of a full-sister to Champion racehorse and successful sire Pierro, Observer offers a strong outcross pedigree. He will stand at Northwood Park in Victoria at a fee of $33,000 inc GST. Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the results reflected the people behind the horses. "Tentyris and Observer are two of the best from our amazing three-year-old crop," Makiv said. "This season is a credit to everyone involved, from those on the farms to our people in the office, right through to the trainers and their staff. "To be so competitive on the racetrack this season and win races like the Coolmore, Lightning, Guineas and Derby is something everyone at Godolphin should be very proud of."
Tentyris will stand his first season for $88,000 (pic: Mark Gatt)
Ka Ying Rising Capable in the Wet Infers Hayes
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Unsettled weather in the lead-up has done little to dent confidence around one of the world’s premier sprinters, with Ka Ying Rising set to chase a record-extending twentieth consecutive victory in Sunday’s Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. According to scmp.com, rain is forecast across the week, but trainer David Hayes is comfortable that conditions will not hinder his star galloper. The Hong Kong Observatory has predicted showers and thunderstorms through Thursday and Friday, with further rain expected on Saturday before clearing on race day. Even if the track retains some give, Hayes believes his horse has already shown the versatility required to cope. Ka Ying Rising’s only start on a good-to-yielding surface resulted in a dominant win in the Chief Executive’s Cup in 2024, and he again handled rain-affected conditions earlier this season when prevailing on a wet opening day. “I’ve run him a couple times here in the wet and one time he nearly ran a track record,” Hayes said, pointing to prior evidence of adaptability. He recalled the conditions on that occasion, noting, “It was pouring on opening day [this season]. It came up as good, but the ground was wet.” His broader view of Sha Tin surfaces remains reassuring. “You know the tracks here – if it doesn’t rain on the day, the track runs fast.” While questions have occasionally been raised about how the champion might handle genuinely heavy ground in Australia, Hayes sees little comparison between jurisdictions. Champion jockey Zac Purton has previously voiced reservations about a wet Randwick surface, particularly in the context of races like The Everest, but Hayes is unconcerned within Hong Kong. “Zac’s got a theory on the Australian wet versus Hong Kong wet. That would concern me, but not in Hong Kong,” he said. The challenge on Sunday will come from a compact but international field of seven rivals, including Japan’s Satono Reve, Ireland’s Comanche Brave and local contenders Helios Express, Fast Network, Raging Blizzard, Beauty Waves and stablemate Tomodachi Kokoroe. Despite the quality opposition, Ka Ying Rising’s current standing at the top of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 underscores the level he brings into the race. Preparation has followed a familiar path, highlighted by a sharp piece of work on the Sha Tin turf last week. Final touches will be minimal as the race approaches. Meanwhile, Hayes will also have a presence in the Gr1 QEII Cup (2000m), where Rubylot is set to line up under Hugh Bowman. While expectations are more measured, the outing is viewed as a stepping stone. “Hopefully he can pick up some prize money and it will get him on song for the Queen Mother Memorial Cup,” Hayes said. “He needed a hard hit-out before that race.”
Home Where the Heart is for Antino
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A return to familiar surroundings could prove the catalyst for a high-class gelding looking to rediscover his best form, with Antino set to resume in Saturday’s Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm. The Queensland star, a dual Group 1 winner, has not visited the winner’s stall since his dominant Doomben Cup triumph last year, but confidence within the camp remains strong. Ben Thompson, who takes the ride this weekend, has been encouraged by what he has felt in recent weeks. Having partnered the seven-year-old in two official trials at Deagon, the Brisbane premiership leader believes the signs are all there for a competitive return. “I think visually he looks a treat,” Thompson said. “He feels great, both extending and just his demeanour. Without riding him until recent times, I can't fault him to be honest.” Saturday’s assignment is intended as a stepping stone toward more ambitious targets. Antino is scheduled to progress to the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast before attempting to defend his Doomben Cup crown over 2000m later in the carnival. Those races defined his 2024 campaign, and connections are hopeful that a similar trajectory can be mapped out this time around. Recent form figures may not immediately inspire, but they require context. Antino’s performances have come against elite opposition in both Sydney and Melbourne, including runs in the Apollo Stakes and the All-Star Mile earlier this year, as well as a spring campaign that featured a tilt at the Cox Plate. Thompson is quick to dismiss any concerns surrounding the absence of a recent win. “He's just a horse with a stack of talent,” he said. “He's very intelligent and at least we're back in his own backyard (for the winter carnival).” He also pointed to the level of competition faced since that last victory. “When you think he hasn't won since the Doomben Cup, you look at the opposition he's been up against and it doesn't get any tougher,” Thompson said. The opportunity represents a significant moment for Thompson, who has enjoyed a strong run of form and currently sits narrowly ahead in the Brisbane jockeys’ premiership. His recent five-win haul at Doomben underlined that momentum and secured him the chance to partner one of the state’s leading middle-distance performers. “It was an amazing day and a lot of fun,” he said. “Fortunately I had a nice book of rides, but I never could have expected to have the day that I did. Just everything came together and my horses were able to land in the right spots. I hope it's the start of a nice winter carnival.”
Antino is a serious force at his best (pic: Grant Peters)
Globally Significant Wagering Take Over in Play
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Pressure from tightening regulation continues to ripple through the United Kingdom's betting landscape, and the latest development signals a potentially significant shift among major operators. Evoke, the parent company of William Hill, has confirmed it is engaged in discussions with Greek-based Bally's Intralot regarding a possible £225 million takeover. The proposal, outlined on Monday, values the business at 50 pence per share and is expected to be structured as an all-share deal with a partial cash alternative. The move follows weekend speculation and arrives at a time when the industry is grappling with the impact of affordability checks and increased taxation. From Bally's Intralot's perspective, the appeal lies in the scope for expansion and operational alignment. The company said a combination "would have the potential to deliver substantial strategic and operational synergies, including enhanced scale, an expanded geographic footprint and opportunities for cost efficiencies." Chief executive Robeson Reeves expanded on that vision, highlighting what he sees as complementary strengths between the two groups. "We have built a business with a margin profile that stands out in this industry. Evoke has the scale. We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business, and the potential to transform its financial performance through massive synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with conviction." Under current rules, Bally's Intralot has until 5pm on May 18 to declare a firm intention to proceed with an offer or walk away. In the meantime, the discussions come against a backdrop of strategic reassessment within Evoke itself. The company, which also encompasses the 888 and Mr Green brands, has been reviewing its operations following last year's UK budget, which effectively doubled remote gaming duty to 40 per cent. While retail betting shops were not directly affected by the tax increase, the broader financial strain has prompted Evoke to announce plans to close around 200 outlets from May. The decision reflects the wider challenges facing operators as they adjust to a more demanding regulatory and economic environment. Market observers have viewed the potential deal as a logical response to those pressures. David Brohan, gaming and leisure analyst at Goodbody, suggested the development had been widely anticipated. He described the announcement as "no surprise" given recent speculation, and noted Bally's Intralot's strong position within the UK iGaming sector. Brohan added that the move could represent a calculated step to strengthen market presence in a climate shaped by higher taxes and evolving compliance requirements. For the racing industry, which remains closely tied to betting turnover, the outcome of these talks may carry broader implications, particularly as operators continue to navigate a shifting commercial landscape.
Sosie Up for the Romantic Fight at Sha Tin
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A carefully mapped international campaign will take another step forward at Sha Tin, where Sosie is set to begin his season in the HK$30 million Gr1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m). The race has long been on the radar for Andre Fabre, who holds the Hong Kong circuit in high regard and sees the contest as an ideal launching point for a horse whose versatility has become a defining trait. Success at the venue is already part of the five-year-old’s record. His victory in the Gr1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) last December, where he outstayed Giavellotto and Goliath, delivered Fabre a fourth success in the race and provided a fitting highlight in the trainer’s milestone 80th year. That performance capped a campaign that included three Group 1 wins and a placing in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, reinforcing Sosie’s standing among Europe’s leading middle-distance performers. The assignment this weekend, however, presents a different test. Dropping back to 2000m, he will meet a field headed by the formidable Romantic Warrior, alongside Masquerade Ball and Royal Champion. Fabre is under no illusions about the challenge but remains quietly confident in his runner’s preparation. “Romantic Warrior is a super horse. But Sosie is training well and he should run well. It’s his first run of the year and the race is pretty tough. In terms of ratings, we have the fourth (highest) chance, but Sosie adapted well to the course (in the Hong Kong Vase) last time,” he said. The decision to begin the campaign in Hong Kong reflects both tactical thinking and the philosophy of owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, who have long embraced international competition. “Maxime Guyon (his jockey) was keen to ride him despite there being a good meeting at Longchamp the same day. We’re happy to compete. The Wertheimer brothers, they like a challenge.” While Sosie’s ideal distance may lie over 2400m, his record at shorter trips provides confidence heading into the QEII Cup. Victories in the Prix Ganay and Prix d’Ispahan last season highlighted his adaptability, even if Fabre remains mindful of how best to utilise his strengths. “We ran him in the (G1) Eclipse (Stakes, 2000m) at Sandown in July, but the strategy didn’t work out. He was left in front and he didn’t like it (finishing last of six runners). I’d rather him in behind. He likes a good, strong pace because basically he’s a mile and a half horse.” Looking beyond this weekend, the plan is already taking shape. “We’re starting him in the QEII because we’re sure to get a good pace. After this, we’ll give him a break and probably go for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1, 2400m) at Ascot in July.” A return to the Arc remains a possibility later in the year, though for now the focus is firmly on Sha Tin, where another chapter in a carefully managed career is about to unfold.
Major NSW ANZAC Raceday Celebrations Primed
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A packed stretch of country racing is set to unfold across New South Wales, with Tamworth Cup Day launching four days that will feature 13 meetings and draw communities together in a celebration of the sport. Friday’s feature at Tamworth headlines the schedule, with strong interest building ahead of a meeting that blends racing with the social fabric of the region. At the centre of attention is the $200,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m), a race that carries Big Dance eligibility and offers a pathway to the $3 million final at Royal Randwick later in the year. Tamworth Jockey Club general manager Jack Penfold emphasised the significance of the day within the local calendar. “One of the most anticipated events on our city’s social calendar is Tamworth Cup Day,” he said, noting that adjustments to the broader racing program have strengthened the meeting. “And the date change of the Armidale Cup to mid-March has given local trainers a few more lead-in runs for other races on the day.” Crowds are expected to be strong, assisted by the ANZAC Day long weekend falling immediately after the meeting. “We’re expecting a large crowd on Cup Day due to the ANZAC Day being on the Saturday with a public holiday on Monday,” Penfold said. “It’s an iconic raceday that blends country racing excitement with fashion, friends and celebrating with an electric atmosphere.” Accessible ticketing, with pre-purchases available for $10, aims to encourage wide attendance. Saturday’s ANZAC Day program expands the focus across the state, with nine meetings scheduled, including Royal Randwick, Gosford and a host of regional venues such as Bathurst, Kempsey, Deniliquin, Armidale, Cootamundra, Murwillumbah and Nyngan. Bathurst will host the sole TAB meeting, headlined by the $36,000 Bathurst RSL Soldier’s Saddle and bolstered by a $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus attached to a maiden handicap. For Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing, the occasion represents a cornerstone of the season. “This annual event is the premier meeting on our racing calendar,” said Marianne Donnelly, who highlighted a day designed to cater to a broad audience. Trackside experiences range from the Racing Lounge to a VIP Trackside Marquee, supported by food offerings, live music and traditional ANZAC commemorations, including the Ode and Last Post. Courtesy buses and family-friendly activities further reinforce the inclusive nature of the event. Regional clubs are also embracing the significance of the day. Kempsey Race Club will stage a five-race card with themed races such as the Diggers Cup and Gallipoli Maiden, while offering free entry to returned and current service personnel. Secretary Daryl Smith noted the club’s efforts to honour the occasion through both racing and community engagement. At Deniliquin, another five-race meeting will feature the $16,000 Diggers Cup, supported by commemorative services and post-race traditions including two-up. Treasurer Col McMahon pointed to the combination of racing and social connection that defines the event, with patrons expected to continue celebrations at the local RSL Club after the final race.
