News of Fastnet Rock’s death has left a deep void at Coolmore Stud, where the revered stallion was born, raised, raced, and returned to stand for the past two decades. The champion sire, widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s most influential breeding forces, passed away over the weekend following a sudden injury. He was 23. Coolmore Australia staff gathered quietly to farewell the son of Danehill, who had been paraded one final time at the recent open day. “This is such a sad day for everyone who’s worked at Coolmore and played a part in his life,” said Coolmore’s Tom Magnier. “He was born here, raced in our colours, and spent his entire stallion career with us. He was the kindest and smartest horse you could hope to meet. We did not want him to suffer once things deteriorated. Coolmore Australia would not be what it is today without him.” Fastnet Rock’s impact on the breed is staggering. He sired 197 individual stakes winners, 44 of them at Group 1 level, including Atlantic Jewel, Merchant Navy, and global headline act Via Sistina, who continues to perform at the highest level in Australia following her purchase from Europe by Yulong. His latest top-tier winner came in 2024, when imported Irish galloper Buckaroo claimed the Gr1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield. Twice crowned Champion Broodmare Sire in Australia, his daughters have already produced 150 stakes winners worldwide. Among his sire sons, Acrobat and Foxwedge carry forward the line, while his international influence includes Group 1 winners in New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, and the USA. With his legacy imprinted in both hemispheres and across multiple generations, Fastnet Rock’s standing as a breed-shaper is secure. His loss will be deeply felt – not only by those who cared for him daily, but by the global industry he helped shape.
Breed-shaper Fastnet Rock leaves an enduring legacy (pic: Coolmore Stud)
Strong Expectations of Keeneland September
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
Off the back of a record-breaking 2024 edition that grossed over $428 million including private sales, expectations are running high for the 82nd Keeneland September Yearling Sale, which kicks off September 8 and runs through September 20 in Lexington. A total of 4,692 yearlings have been catalogued across the 12 sessions – a notable increase from last year's 4,407 – reflecting both market confidence and vendor appetite following a stellar yearling season that's already seen significant momentum at Fasig-Tipton and other key auctions. Last year's Keeneland September sale set new benchmarks for gross, average, and median, and there's optimism that those figures could be tested again despite a larger book. Several headline graduates from the 2022 catalogue have come to the fore this season, including Saratoga Gr1 winners Ted Noffey (Hopeful Stakes), Kilwin (Test Stakes), and Antiquarian (Jockey Club Gold Cup). Each of those stakes winners has a half sibling catalogued for this year's renewal, adding weight to Book 1. Hip 150, a Munnings half-sister to Ted Noffey, is being offered by Taylor Made on behalf of Aaron and Marie Jones, while Hip 518, a Flightline filly out of Kilwin's dam, is consigned by Pope McLean's Crestwood Farm. Antiquarian's Happy Saver half-brother appears as Hip 802 under the Airdrie Stud banner. Other high-profile catalogue updates include Hip 5, a full sister by Uncle Mo to Clement Hirsch Stakes winner Seismic Beauty, consigned by Scott Mallory for Determined Stud. Hip 34, an Uncle Mo half-brother to recent Gr1 Ballerina Stakes winner Hope Road, will be the first Keeneland September entry for Headley VanMeter's new VanMeter Sales agency. This year's sale maintains the five-book format, with a dark day on September 12 dividing Books 1–2 from the remainder. Book 5 has been split into 5A and 5B across the final four days to accommodate the catalogue's expanded depth and scope. Keeneland's 2024 sale topper was a $5 million Curlin colt – now named Courtin – who sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm. Out of multiple Gr1 winner Cavorting, and a full brother to Clairiere, the colt was consigned by Indian Creek. The broader market posted a record average of $147,926 and a record median of $70,000, with 36 yearlings making seven figures, the most since 2006. The RNA rate held at a healthy 18.2%. This year's catalogue leans into that momentum, with global buyers already arriving on the grounds and strong early foot traffic reported across all barns. Keeneland's emphasis on international engagement, including its overseas outreach and recruitment, is expected to bolster bidding depth again this year.
Ominous Hong Kong Return for Ka Ying Rising
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
A commanding return at Sha Tin has reaffirmed Ka Ying Rising’s status as the horse to beat in this year’s $20 million Everest, with the unbeaten Hong Kong sprinter clocking his 13th straight win in Sunday’s HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m). Drawn outside, Zac Purton allowed the son of Shamexpress to settle just off the leader before easing into top gear turning for home, reports punters.com.au. The $1.05 favourite then powered away to score by 2.25-lengths from Lucky Sweynesse, with Divano a distant third. The result extended his flawless record and saw his Everest odds tighten from $1.80 into $1.70 with TAB for the October 18 feature at Randwick. Trainer David Hayes confirmed the gelding will now travel to Sydney on September 22 and quarantine at Canterbury Park ahead of a final hit-out on October 7 over 1000m at Randwick, where Purton will again take the reins. The Australian Turf Club had struck a deal with the Hong Kong Jockey Club earlier in the year to lease its Everest slot for two years, clearing the path for Ka Ying Rising’s inclusion back in June. The Chief Executive’s Cup, which he also won last year, will be his sole lead-up run. “This was the race we targeted and he’s delivered again,” said Hayes. “He’s bigger, stronger and even more relaxed now—he just puts them away without fuss.” His presence sets up a blockbuster Everest edition with several other contenders now stepping out. Jimmysstar, also locked into a TAB slot, resumed with a fifth placing in the Gr3 Concorde Stakes at Randwick, while the lightly raced Briasa will trial again at Rosehill on Tuesday. The unbeaten Private Harry, another promising name in the mix, is set to resume in the Gr2 Shorts (1100m) on September 20. No Everest runner has ever arrived with a record as pristine as Ka Ying Rising’s, nor with the aura of inevitability that continues to build with each effortless win.
Ka Ying Rising had plenty in reserve (pic: hkjc.com)
Sha Tin Fans Shrug Off Weather Warnings
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
Blustery skies and a T3 Weather Signal couldn't dampen the buzz at Sha Tin on Sunday as the Hong Kong Jockey Club ushered in the 2025/26 season with a display of world-class racing, elite horsemanship, and resilient track preparation. Drawing a crowd of 43,259 despite the wind and rain, the day opened with a sparkling win by Ka Ying Rising in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup Handicap (1200m) – an emphatic performance that drew admiration from officials, fans, and dignitaries alike. Among them was the Honourable John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who joined Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges in praising both the atmosphere and the professionalism on display. "Today was a celebration of an outstanding talent – it is amazing what Ka Ying Rising does. Having this as the first race meeting, I thought it was the perfect start of the season," Engelbrecht-Bresges said. "When you see how much rain our tracks could cope with, I'm proud of the tracks team because despite all the rain, the races were run in perfect condition," he added. Turnover for the meeting, including two simulcast races, reached HK$1.399 billion, and the season launch was buoyed by an opening performance from singer MC Cheung and a suite of new on-course attractions. Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasised the significance of delivering high-quality sport despite a challenging start. "Sometimes we need a bit of luck but we were prepared for all the contingencies when the T3 Signal went up and when considering how the races went, it was a really good start." The action wasn't confined to Sha Tin. In Seoul, Self Improvement stormed home in the Gr3 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) under Jerry Chau, while Chancheng Glory narrowly missed in the G3 Korea Cup (1800m, sand)—both performances met with delight by the Club. "The performances of the Hong Kong horses were outstanding, and it was terrific how Jerry Chau rode," Engelbrecht-Bresges said. "One really has to admire Zac Purton for his riding skills and performance today with five wins at Sha Tin but we have really developed local talent and how Jerry rode today in a different environment is full credit to him and to the trainers."
Single Spice Production Line Like Clockwork
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
There was cause for celebration at Gidgegannup last week as Yarradale Stud welcomed another victory for one of its most consistent producers, Single Spice, whose influence is still growing, with a yearling colt and a foal by Playing God already on the ground. According to tbwa.net.au, the excitement extended to Northam, where her eighth individual winner, Spicy Thang, delivered an emphatic debut in the TABtouch Maiden (1000m). Bred and sold by Yarradale, the flashy Toronado filly was never in danger, jumping straight to the lead and dashing clear in the straight to win by a widening margin under apprentice Chanel Cooper. Clocking 58.00s for the trip and covering her final 600m in 33.86s, she handled the Soft 5 surface with authority in a performance that lit up last Thursday’s Avon Valley meeting. Cooper was impressed with how straightforward the filly was to ride. “She just bowled along and skipped away on the turn before finding again late. It was a really nice filly and that was a pleasing effort,” she said. Spicy Thang was secured for $120,000 by First Light Racing at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions and immediately caught the eye with her presence and professionalism. First Light’s Tyla Becker said the win was richly deserved. “We’re thrilled for all the great WA owners who’ve backed our venture. She’s been a standout since day one – not just because of her rock star looks, but because she’s been such a professional filly.” The win adds to a growing resume for Single Spice, a daughter of Not A Single Doubt who was a stakes winner herself for Simon Miller, Peter Bell and Ray Meadowcroft, claiming the LR Supremacy Stakes at Ascot before placing in the G2 Karrakatta Plate behind Night War. Her impact as a broodmare has been just as impressive, already responsible for 2020 G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Ima Single Man (by Gingerbread Man). Her second dam, Zafair – by Zafonic – was a full sister to Trade Fair (GB), whose legacy includes the G1 Railway Stakes winner Trix Of The Trade. That kind of depth ensures Spicy Thang is unlikely to be her last star. Yarradale has nominated her Playing God colt for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions, and stud manager Davy Hanratty reports the current Playing God filly at foot is "an absolute beauty."
Two Stars Ruled Out of Gr1 Makybe Diva
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
Concerns over fitness and an unexpected health scare have seen two headline contenders scratched from Saturday’s Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes, reshaping the Flemington feature, reports racing.com. Another Wil, who ran sixth in the Memsie Stakes, will bypass the race in favour of the Gr1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) a week later at Caulfield. Trainer Ciaron Maher explained the gelding’s first-up effort at Caulfield had left some minor doubts and the team felt the 1400-metre handicap was a better target than stepping back into weight-for-age against the likes of Memsie winner Treasurethe Moment. “We'll give him that extra week – that's probably the main thing – to bring him on a little more and another run at the 1400 will only be to his benefit,” Maher said. “He’s slightly bigger and I expected him to need the run but was surprised where he finished. Hopefully it’s just fitness, but he did have his head on his side a bit.” The Memsie favourite at $3.40, Another Wil drifted to around $10 for the Makybe Diva after his flat return. Maher remains optimistic about a sharper showing second-up at Caulfield. “Just that run under the belt and he's had a few good pieces of work,” he said. “Two weeks is tough to do anyway, so that extra week will help.” Connections are also weighing up a potential tilt at the Gr1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) or a return to weight-for-age later in the spring. “He’s relaxed a little bit more – he was always quite busy,” Maher said. “Hopefully it (Memsie) was just a run.” Ironically, Treasurethe Moment, meanwhile, was herself withdrawn after a mild colic episode on Monday. She was transported to a veterinary facility for observation and was reported to be in stable condition. Trainer Matt Laurie confirmed the setback via social media: “This was identified very quickly and out of precaution she was taken to hospital for observation. She looks bright and her prognosis is very good.” The Mornington-based mare had been unbeaten this prep and was installed a short-priced favourite for the Makybe Diva following her win in the Memsie. Laurie said other spring targets remain on the radar but will be guided by how she recovers in coming days.
Godolphin Crowned Leading US Breeder & Owner
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
In major United States news, recognition of sustained excellence came once again for Godolphin at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association National Awards in Lexington, where the global powerhouse secured both National Breeder of the Year and National Owner of the Year titles for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season. With eight Grade 1 victories in 2024, the operation showcased the depth and quality that have become hallmarks of its US-based program, reports bloodhorse.com. A standout year was spearheaded by Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Immersive and Breeders’ Cup Turf champion Rebel’s Romance. Both runners landed inside the year’s top 10 earners and claimed Eclipse Awards – Immersive as champion 2YO filly (see below) and Rebel’s Romance as champion turf male. Accepting the National Owner of the Year honour, Emma Lovatt acknowledged the threefold foundation of Godolphin’s success. “First and foremost our founder His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who has given us the tools to succeed always. Our second pillar is our team. The people on the farm, trainers, jockeys, and their staff. We’re all so grateful to be surrounded by a great group of people. Our third thing, of course, is the horse. We have a great team of horses who bring us so much pride and joy and happiness, literally every day.” Other finalists for breeder honours included Judy Hicks and Town & Country Farms, while fellow global owner-breeder juggernaut Juddmonte, and Klaravich Stables, were also shortlisted for top owner. The small breeder accolade went to Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby III and 4G Racing, who were responsible for breeding this year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan. Meanwhile, in Australia, Godolphin celebrated Saturday’s Gr2 Tramway Stakes victory by Street Boss’s son Pericles at Randwick – his first triumph for Bjorn Baker, who is one of several major new trainers selected by Godolphin following the closure of their private stable – overseen by James Cummings – at the end of the 2024-25 racing season. In further good news for Street Boss, Godolphin’s homebred 2YO Quiet Street claimed the $1 million Untappable Stakes at Kentucky Downs on Sunday to remain undefeated.
Group 1 Bridesmaid Sets New Zealand Record
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
A doggedly honest mare added a bittersweet page to New Zealand’s racing records at Ellerslie on Saturday, as La Crique claimed a seventh Group One runner-up finish with another near-miss in elite company. Locked in a battle for the lead for much of the straight, she was swamped late by Quintessa’s storming finish in the Proisir Plate (1400m), sealing her place in local turf history as the most prolific G1 bridesmaid in modern times. The seven-year-old has now run second in five consecutive Group 1s and holds the national record outright, previously tied with Integrate at six. “She ran another fantastic race on Saturday and fought so hard,” said trainer Katrina Alexander, who prepares the Vadamos mare in partnership with her husband Simon. “I think she and the others who were fighting it out never even saw Quintessa coming down the outside. Full credit to her, it was a huge performance to win the race like that, but our mare did us proud again.” From 27 starts, La Crique boasts nine wins, ten seconds and four thirds, and has banked just shy of $2 million for breeders and owners John and Jan Cassin. A dual Group 1 winner over the mile, she was previously victorious in the Arrowfield Stud Plate and Otaki-Maori WFA Classic, while her runner-up performances have ranged from 1400m to 2400m – including a second placing in the 2022 New Zealand Derby. Saturday’s effort added to an extraordinary record of consistency that has endeared her to fans across the country. “I think what we’re most proud of with her, and our management of her, is how consistent she’s been throughout every preparation and every race,” Alexander said. “She goes out and gives the very best that she can every single time, which is quite a big thing, and especially to be still doing that as a seven-year-old.” Although her appearance is yet to be ratified, he TAB now lists her at $6 for the upcoming Howden Insurance Mile (Gr1, 1600m) at Te Rapa on September 27, equal second favourite alongside Quintessa and behind Legarto at $4. The stable will now give her a light week before deciding.
Snitzel Celebrates His 24th Group 1 Winner
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
Named for a fallen angel, Baraqiel has risen from multiple setbacks to become Snitzel’s 24th Group 1 winner with an explosive finish in the $750,000 MVRC A. J. Moir S. 1000m G1, the 8th victory in a spectacular 12-start career that began only 16 months ago. The result sparked joyous celebrations in the mounting yard by Baraqiel’s co-trainers Troy & Leon Corstens & Will Larkin and the large group of owners managed by syndicators Bennett Racing. The excitement was shared by Arrowfield as Baraqiel’s co-breeder, with Japan’s Northern Farm, and Gerald Ryan, who marked the rare achievement of training both his Champion sire Snitzel, and his multiple stakes-winning dam Angel Of Mercy (by Hussonet). Co-trainer Troy Corstens’s belief in Baraqiel has never wavered, and for good reason, as he explained to racing.com. “You don’t often get horses as good as him and we pictured that early on. When you get a horse that’s got freakish ability, yeah, it’s just amazing.” Baraqiel’s next target is the $2 million Manikato S. G1 on 26 September and Troy is confident he’s worthy of an Everest slot and good enough to take on Ka Ying Rising & company. “My word he is, he’s tough, he’s strong and he’s tenacious.” Baraqiel was a $150,000 purchase by Bennett Racing, Anthony Freedman Racing & Blue Sky Bloodstock from Arrowfield’s 2020 Magic Millions draft. Triple Group 1 Classic winner Hitotsu & Spring Champion S. G1 winner Profondo, both now at stud, came from the same consignment. Angel Of Mercy, also the dam of Australian Oaks G1 winner Autumn Angel (by The Autumn Sun), has a 2YO colt by Maurice, purchased by Japanese interests from Inglis Easter for $500,000, and a yearling colt by Hitotsu. She returns to The Autumn Sun this Spring. Arrowfield & Northern Farm have retained Autumn Angel’s full sisters, 4YO Stolen Summer (visiting Hitotsu this season), and 3YO Kindred Spirit, in training with Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich. They are also breeding from Mother’s Mercy (Redoute’s Choice-Angel Of Mercy), dam of a yearling filly by Castelvecchio and foaling to Dundeel. Arrowfield farm & sale graduates won 31 Group & Listed Races last season and are already on track to match or exceed that tally in 2025/26, thanks to Baraqiel, Lazzura, Skyhook & Japan-based sprinter Invincible Papa.
Baraqiel (centre) surged through to claim thje Gr1 Moir Stakes (pic: Mark Gatt)
Weekend to Remember for Ashburton Farm
Tuesday, 9th September 2025
A trans-Tasman ownership double prompted long and enthusiastic celebrations for Ashburton’s Barneswood Farm. Husband-and-wife Chris and Sarah Green and business partner Ger Beemsterboer’s colours were carried to victory at The Valley by Desert Lightning and at Ellerslie by progressive mare Arabian Songbird. “It was brilliant and we were so excited, I was at Moonee Valley and cheering him on,” Sarah Green said. Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Desert Lightning capped off a grand run of form when he won the So You Think Stakes (1500m) after finishing fourth in the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and second in the Gr2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m). “He was great at Caulfield to fight like he did and was unlucky in the Stradbroke,” Green said. “Our trainers had confidence, but you never know, and he had a wide barrier to overcome so we were really proud of him. It was a long weekend, we came home on Sunday morning and had to get up at 3.30am to be at the airport so I was still celebrating with a glass of champagne and a sausage for breakfast.” Out of the High Chaparral mare Isstoora, Desert Lightning was purchased out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft at Karaka for $150,000 on behalf of Barneswood by now retired trainers Peter and Dawn Williams. He won five races for them, including the Gr1 TAB Classic (1600m) and placed in the Gr1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) and Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) before relocating to his Pakenham base. “We just love him to pieces, Peter and Dawn trained him so well and Peter and Katherine have kept him in top form as a six-year-old and they have all done excellent jobs,” Green said. “They’re talking maybe the Underwood Stakes (Gr1, 1800m), but it’s not confirmed, and they’ll see how he does at the beach during the week first.” Arabian Songbird is trained for the partnership by Roger James and Robert Wellwood and powered to victory over 1300m at Ellerslie for the fourth win of her nine-start career. “We watched that with Robert in the bar at Moonee Valley and silenced them with our screaming, she was so far back and the Masa (Hashizume) gave her a great ride,” Green said. “She may come down to Cup Week for what was the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (now Gr3 Join TAB Racing Club Mile, 1600m), that’s maybe the path she’ll take.” Pierro mare Arabian Songbird was bred by Jamieson Park and was a $260,000 Karaka buy for Barneswood who also have her half-sister Saint Alice, an earlier $220,000 purchase. Now based at Sledmere Stud in the Hunter Valley, Arabian Songbird’s dam Rare Delight has recently foaled a colt by Wootton Bassett. The daughter of So You Think was a consistent performer in the Williams stable, winning seven races including the Listed Kaimai Stakes and placing at black type level before transitioning to broodmare duties.
