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INDUSTRY NEWS — APRIL 2003

$725,000 Dandify Tops Inglis Sydney Broodmare Sale Day 1
Nemeris Lodge paid $725,000 for multiple stakes winning racemare Dandify (a daughter of Danehill who amassed $752,020 prize-money during her racing career, but is not in foal) to top Day 1 of the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale in Sydney yesterday. In all 170 lots sold for gross receipts of $9,957,500 & an average $58,574. The unreserved dispersal of Newhaven Park Stud broodmares added depth to the catalogue, with 45 of its mares sold for $3,080,500 (average $68,455). Other top lots were:
  • $360,000 paid by Jon Freyer Bloodstock for Pontal Lass (not in foal), consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
  • $330,000 paid by Belmont Bloodstock for Beam (served by Fasliyev), consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
  • $325,000 paid by Arrowfield Stud for Lilande (not in foal), consigned by Invermien Pty Ltd.
  • $310,000 paid by DGR Thoroughbreds for Dewamar (served by Carnegie), consigned by Dalmore.
  • $290,000 paid by P.Ward for Confer (served by Quest For Fame), consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
(April 30)

Hoeburg Passed-In At $1 Million
The Inglis auction ring was certainly buzzing after former South African Gr1 winning mare Hoeberg (Maroof-Petrava, by Imposing) was passed-in at $1 million. Hoeberg has raced successfully in South Africa, Dubai, Singapore & Australia (trained in Sydney by David Payne); from 22 starts she has recorded 10 wins (including the Gr1 Kenilworth Guineas, Gr1 Greyville South African Guineas & Gr1 Kenilworth Cape Of Good Hope Paddock Stakes) & 5 placings. Owner Laurie Jaffee had set the reserve at $1.2 million. “It is understood that negotiations were continuing for the sale of the mare to off-shore owners,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Among the other action:
  • NZ’s Pukekohe-based Chatham Lodge sold 4 mares as part of a dispersal for $420,000, including 9YO unraced Incommunicado (Sadler’s Wells-Aptostar, by Fappiano) in foal to Giant’s Causeway for $250,000.
  • Newhaven Park Stud also sold Haywire (Marauding-Voltage, by Whiskey Road) in foal to Danzero for $250,000.
  • NZ-bred bred Fleur De Chine (Centaine-Sellou, by Sound Reason) was passed-in at $470,000.
  • Zabeel mare Sybeel (ex Lacework, by Star Way) sold for $150,000 in foal to Carnegie.
(April 30)

Coolmore Announces Lower 2003 Stallion Fees
Coolmore Australia has announced its stallion fees for 2003 & “recognising the difficulties breeders are facing under current market conditions” has dropped the fees of every stallion that stood at its Hunter Valley base in 2002. Coolmore noted: “In an on-going attempt to offer breeders value for their dollar, Coolmore Australia has also introduced 4 new sires at highly competitive rates. These include world champions Rock Of Gibraltar & Johannesburg, & proven young sires Danehill Dancer & Tale Of The Cat.” Coolmore’s 2003 fees are:
  • Danehill Dancer (Danehill-Mira Adonde) $27,500
  • Fasliyev (Nureyev-Mr P's Princess) $22,000
  • Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr Prospector-Angel Fever) $93,500
  • Galileo (Sadler's Wells-Urban Sea) $49,500
  • Giant’s Causeway (Storm Cat-Mariah's Storm) $93,500
  • High Yield (Storm Cat-Scoop The Gold) $16,500
  • Johannesburg (Hennessy-Myth) $27,500
  • King of Kings (Sadler's Wells-Zummerudd) $11,000
  • Mull Of Kintyre (Danzig-Retrospective) $6,600
  • Orpen (Lure-Bonita Francita) $7,700
  • Peintre Celebre (Nureyev-Peintre Bleue) $24,750
  • Rock Of Gibraltar (Danehill-Offshore Boom) $132,000
  • Royal Academy (Nijinsky-Crimson Saint) $27,500
  • Spinning World (Nureyev-Imperfect Circle) $16,500
  • Tale Of The Cat (Storm Cat-Yarn) $22,000
  • Thunder Gulch (Gulch-Line Of Thunder) $22,000
(April 30)

Arrowfield Confirms 2003 Roster & Fees
Arrowfield Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley has also confirmed its 2003 stallion roster & fees:
  • Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) $26,400
  • Dehere (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat) $60,500
  • Flying Spur (Danehill- Rolls, by Mr Prospector) $44,000
  • French Deputy (Deputy Minister-Mitterand, by Hold Your Peace) $44,000
  • Fuji Kiseki (Sunday Silence-Millracer, by Le Fabuleux) $19,250
  • Hurricane Sky (Star Watch-Dancing Show, by Nijinsky) $11,000
  • Hussonet (Mr Prospector-Sacahuista, by Raja Baba) $24,750
  • Kurofune (French Deputy-Blue Avenue, by Classic Go Go) $16,500
  • Orientate (Mt Livermore-Dream Team, by Cox's Ridge) $33,000
  • Redoute’s Choice (Danehill- Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) $33,000
(April 30)

Mountmellick Stud Snares Son Of Sunday Silence
Following the extraordinary week for Sunday Silence in Australia – the 2 top yearlings at the Inglis Easter Sale ($1.7 million & $1.3 million) plus Sunday Joy's Gr1 AJC Oaks win at Randwick & 2YO Keep The Faith's brilliant debut victory at Cheltenham – Mountmellick Stud in Victoria has announced the acquisition of Any Given Sunday for stud duties. Bred by Arrowfield Stud (who also consigned the 2 Inglis sale toppers), Any Given Sunday suffered a paddock accident as a yearling which left him unable to race. The strapping 16.1hh stallion is impeccably bred, being out of Nureyev mare Tamari, a half sister to the champion US sprinter of 1996 Lit De Justice & stakes winners Commander Collins & Colonel Collins. (April 30)

Strawberry Road’s Stakes-Winning Son Seeks Aust Home
Attention stud-masters. Mud Route, a 16hh 2-time Graded Stakes winner by Australian champion Strawberry Road from the juvenile winning Sunny's Halo mare Our Suzette, is looking for an Australian home. Currently serving a large book in California, Mud Route (who won $1.1 million in stakes) beat 2 World Champions - Silver Charm & Deputy Commander - when he won his Gr2 & Gr3 races, running very fast time on both occasions. What makes him even more appealing to Australians is that his grandam is Au Printemps, the dam of this year's Golden Slipper producing sire Success Express. Mud Route's 1st crop will race this year, but last weekend US$500,000 was paid by the owners of Gr1 Dubai Mile winner Ipi Tombe for his unraced 2YO filly Bronze Route after she breezed magnificently. (Parties interested in standing Mud Route should contact Breeding&Racing Magazine editor Ric Chapman.) (April 30)

Plaintree To Stand Zabeel’s Half-Brother Count Albrecht
The John Messara-owned half-brother to champion stallion Zabeel has found a home & will commence stud duties this year in Queensland. Count Albrecht will be the debut sire for Darling Downs-based Plaintree Farms. Heather Brown, part-owner of Plaintree with partner Dr David Pascoe (the reproductive specialist of Oakey Vet Clinic), explained: "I have known John Messara for many years & we got to talking the other week & now the Count is coming here. He has let down into such a magnificent stallion. Actually he looks as if he has been serving for years." Count Albrecht (Geiger Counter-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) was restricted in his racing career due to a hoof injury suffered as a yearling (but still recorded very fast time to win over 1400m at Hawkesbury). He will debut at $3,850 a serve. Plaintree will also stand fellow Arrowfield-owned stallion Sunday Knight (an unraced son of Sunday Silence) who is from an outstanding Australian family: his dam Wrap Around (by Bletchingly) is a Gr1 winning half-sister to Gr1 winner Rose Of Danehill. (April 30)

Bold Expectation To Stand At Kooringal Stud
Leading bloodstock expert Stuart Lamont of Kooringal Stud in NSW will stand the wonderfully bred (but unraced) Bold Expectation this year. The Vinery Stud bred & owned Danehill-Miss Bold Appeal entire is now with Kooringal, following negotiations for sale with Vinery of the half-brother to former champion filly Jersey Girl. Lamont advised he'll stand Bold Expectation for just $3,300 on debut. (April 30)

Beautiful Crown Makes Mark On Sire Lists
What a week for 2nd crop stallion Beautiful Crown. He celebrated his debut stakes winner when 2YO Bella Corona took the Listed Keith McKay Quality at Randwick. This followed city wins at successive meetings by Beautiful Crown youngsters Bella Coureuse & Live In Fear (the latter recording his 3rd straight win). Beautiful Crown (Chief's Crown-Beautiful Glass) is currently sitting in the Top 10 Second Crop Sires List – a mighty performance considering he had just 57 live foals on debut. This year he has sired 7 individual 2YO winners & is now in the Top 10 on the Juvenile List too. He will stand at Alanbridge Stud in NSW this year for $9,900. (April 30)

Aust Sires Table: Serheed Stays Ahead Of Danehill & Dehere
With 75% of the season gone, Serheed still leads Danehill & Dehere on the overall Australian Sires table. After the latest weekend’s racing, the Top 10 were:
1: Serheed $6,262,980
2: Danehill $5,600,014
3: Dehere $5,215,600
4: Snippets $3,630,845
5: Octagonal $3,583,186
6: Success Express $3,477,524
7: Zabeel $3,429,341
8: Encosta de Lago $3,336,165
9: Rubiton $3,156,353
10: Grand Lodge $3,130,953
 (April 30)

Grand Delight Triumph Highlights Hurricane Sky Value
Grand Delight’s clean sweep of HK's Champion Sprint series (with victory in last weekend’s 3rd & final leg, the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint over 1200m at Sha Tin) is a great boost for Arrowfield Stud’s stallion Hurricane Sky (by Star Watch) as the 2003 breeding season approaches. Winning his 6th race of the season, the Hurricane Sky 5YO gelding had already won the 2 previous Sprint Series legs: the Gr1 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy in February & Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup in March (both over 1000m). Grand Delight (Hurricane Sky-Egyptian Ibis, by Straight Strike) also previously won the Gr1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) in Australia when he raced as Desert Eagle. And by winning all 3 legs of the 2003 HK Champion Sprint Series, Grand Delight provided owner Law Kin Sangan with a HK$2 million (A$420,000) bonus. “Hurricane Sky has been enjoying a great season &, in addition to Grand Delight’s haul of 3 Gr1s, his 3YO daughter River Dove won the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate earlier in the Autumn,” noted Arrowfield boss John Messara. “With results likes these, Hurricane Sky is extremely good value at his 2003 service fee of only $11,000 including GST.” (April 30)

2 Govt Inquiries Assess Betting Exchanges
Prominent turf columnist Ken Callander notes in his column in this morning’s Daily Telegraph: “There are 2 government inquiries in process at the moment related to betting exchanges & the Interactive Gambling Act. But the major question that needs to be asked is: Who is going to pay to sustain a healthy Australian racing industry if betting exchanges are allowed to prosper unchecked & eat into the profits of the TAB? The TAB pays racing’s bills. If there is no money for prize-money, owners won’t race horses & trainers won’t have horses to train nor jockeys horses to ride. It is as simple as that.” Peter Baldwin in the NSW Dept Of Gaming & Racing is heading a task-force made up of representatives of all state & territory Racing Ministers inquiring specifically into the effects of betting exchanges. And Senator Richard Alston’s federal Dept of Communications, Information Technology & Arts is conducting a review of the Interactive Gambling Act. Callander sums up: “It seems to me it is federal legislation that will have the clout to stop the internet invaders from shearing the racing sheep.” (April 30)

AJC May Consider St Leger Resurrection
Australian Jockey Club chief executive Tony King “confirmed he would like to see the AJC St Leger resurrected in the club’s autumn carnival program, “ reported The Sydney Morning Herald. The AJC dropped the St Leger, a key lead-up race to the Sydney Cup, from its program last year. (April 30)

MM National Winter Yearling Sale: Sire Summary
The Magic Millions National Winter Yearling Sale is offering 280 lots on Queensland’s Gold Coast this Sunday (May 4). The following sires all have yearlings on offer (1 entry if no number provided): Admiralty, Afleetaffair, American Odyssey (4), Baryshnikov (2), Beautiful Crown (2), Bigstone (2), Bite the Bullet (11), Bletchley Park, Blu Tusmani (5), Brocco (2), Buck’s Pride, Canadian Silver (5), Canny Lad (2), Carnegie, Catbird (3), Celestial Dancer (2) Charnwood Forest (3), Clang (5), Commands, Coronation Day, County, Covetous, Danasinga, Danasuria, Danehill (2), Danehill Dancer, Danewin, Dangerous, Dantibes (3), Danzero, Darbonne, Dare and Go (2), Daybreak Lover, Desert King (4), Desert Sun (3), Dexter (1), Dodge (13), Dolphin Street, Dr Fong, Dr Johnson, Duntroon Digger (2), End Sweep, Eternity Range (2), Fasliyev, Festival Hall (2), Filante, First Norman (2), Flying Spur (4), Foxhound (3), Fuji Kiseki, General Nediym (3), Gilded Time, Gold Ace, Grand Lodge, Great Dane (2), Greenlander (10), Hennessy, Honour and Glory (9), Hula Chief (3), Hurricane Sky (2), Inflate, Intergaze (2), Irgun, Jade Robbery, Johan Cruyff, Kenfair (4), King of Kings, King’s Theatre, Kinjite (2), Knowledge, Langfuhr, Last Tycoon, Latarmiss (8), Lion Hunter (8), Lochrae, Marauding, Marquetry, Masterclass (2), Mind Games (2), Mister Kwila, Mossman, Nediym, Northern Drake, Nothin’ Leica Dane (8), Nuclear Freeze (4), Octagonal (2), Orpen (1), Our Maizcay, Palace Music (2), Perugino, Piccolo (3), Pins, Quest for Fame (2), Real Quiet, Redoute’s Choice, Rigoletto, River of Light, Rocket to Mars, Sanction (4), Sandpit, Sea Road, Secret Savings, Semipalatinsk (2), Sequalo (11), Shinko Forest, Shovhog, Sir Laurence (2), Skilful Star (4), Snappy Landing, Song of Tara (3), Soviet Lad, Special Dane (3), Specialize, Spectrum (3), Speeding Fine, Strategic, Success Express (4), Sure Win Kenny, Switch in Time, Telesto (2), Torrential, Umatilla, Vettori (5), Victory Note (7), Way of Light, Woodman (2), Xaar, Zabeel & Zeditave. (April 30)

MM National Winter Yearling Sale: Key Lots
One colt sure to attract plenty of interest at Sunday’s Magic Millions National Winter Yearling Sale is the Octagonal half-brother to last weekend’s stakes winning Brisbane juvenile Sir Success. From top producing Diesis mare Tenakee, the colt is from the family of international Gr1 winners Formidable, Flying Partner, Ajdal, Joyeux Danseur, Arazi & Noverre; this is also the family of last week’s $1.7 million Sydney sale record-breaking Sunday Silence colt. Other highlights include:
  • Half-brother to G1 winner Scenic Peak by Warning’s son Piccolo.
  • Half-brother to Singapore Gold Cup & QEII Cup winner Danzadancer by Latarmiss.
  • Half-sister to international stakes winner & Gr1-placed Royal Vale by Danehill’s Derby-winning son Johan Cruyff.
  • Half-brother to One Thousand Guineas-placed High Polish by champion sire Danehill.
  • Octagonal filly from an unraced Dehere daughter of top galloper & producer Stage Hit.
  • Danehill colt from an unraced Sadler’s Wells half-sister to the dam of Kalanisi.
  • Half-brother to 10-time winner (stakes winner & group placed) Look Of Success by Dodge.
  • Song of Tara half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner Bomber Bill & Group-placed Camargue.
  • Zabeel colt, the 1st foal of Gr2 winner & Gr1-placed Chief’s Crown mare Let’s Rock Again.
  • Half-brother to stakes winner of 11 Ventilago by top shuttler Quest For Fame.
  • Flying Spur colt from a half-sister to Wrap Around & Rose Of Danehill.
  • Half-sister to Sydney stakes winner Trail Of Gold by top Gr1 sire Secret Savings.
  • Half-brother to Gr1 Oaks winner Natasha & Group-placed Agent by Danehill’s son Shovhog.
  • Colt by Redoute’s Choice from prolific stakes winner On The Beach (14 wins).
  • Half-sister to Kiwi Gr1 winner Senator by Green Desert’s Gr2 winning son Greenlander.
  • Three-quarter brother to brilliant Cassis by Flying Spur.
  • Half-sister to Gr1 winner Royal Purler by Honour And Glory.
  • Half-sister to Adelaide Magic Millions winner Dress Code by Danehill’s brother Nuclear Freeze.
  • Half-sister to Group performed siblings Arrest & Confer by Woodman.
  • Three-quarter brother to Gr1 winner Savannah Success by Polar Success’ sire Success Express.
  • Half-brother to Sir Success & SP Sophistocat by Octagonal.
  • Half-sister to Torbellino (6 wins & Gr2 placed) by Catbird.
  • Full-sister to Group performed winner of 7 races Treviscay.
  • Flying Spur half-brother to 3-time Melbourne stakes performed sire Galaxy Dancer.
  • Half-brother to Gr1 winner La Volta & stakes winner Terevega by Desert King.
(April 30)

Aust Gr1 Early Betting Markets
Early betting markets from leading bookmaker Colin Tidy on several up-coming Australian Gr1 races (based on $1 units):
  • Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Saturday May 3: $1.90 Lonhro; $5.50 Platinum Scissors, Republic Lass; $9 Dress Circle; $11 Freemason; $13 Clangalang, Shogun Lodge; $15 Pentastic; $26 Royal Code.
  • Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Saturday May 3: $3.75 National Treasure; $5 Grey Song, Honour Babe; $6.50 County Tyrone; $13 Laguna Lake; $15 Bedouin, Corporate Queen, Phenomenal View; $21 Henderson Bay, Spirit Of Westbury; $26 Beau, Grand City; $41 Ears' Ronny; $51 Spillway; $67 Bello Signor; $81 Cuchulainne's Leap; $101 Icy Pride.
  • Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane on Saturday June 7: $4 Defier; $7 Yell; $11 Falvelon, Grand Armee; $13 Gordo, Private Steer; $17 Cognac Trader, Excellerator, Lord Essex, Make Mine Magic, North Boy; $21 Arlington Road, Bel Esprit, Scenic Peak; $26 And Shintaro, Crawl, Sedecrem, This Manshood, Tit For Taat.
  • Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane on Monday June 9: $4 Platinum Scissors; $7 National Treasure; $9 County Tyrone; $11 Grey Song; $13 Homewrecker, Laguna Lake; $17 Majestic Avenue, Restless, We're Dancing; $21 Bedouin, Karadan, Laurinel Argie, Piachy; $26 Benarrivo, Corporate Queen, Dance Director, Dress Circle, Hey Pronto.
  • Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on Saturday May 17: $7 Bel Esprit; $9 Into The Night; $11 Cosmic Rays, Squillani, Super Groove; $13 And Shintaro, Dantana, Debrief, Royal Code, Toast Of The Coast; $17 Acee Deecee, Barkada, North Boy, Super Impressive, True Glow; $21 Chattanooga, Generalissimo, Mr. Lofty, Zip Zip Aray; $26 Alqsar, Deprave, Fatoon, Princesa, Step Ahead.
  • Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on Monday May 19: $5.50 National Treasure; $7 Grey Song; $9 Mummify, We're Dancing; $11 County Tyrone, Karadan; $13 Corporate Queen, Gallic, Laguna Lake, Tully Thunder; $17 Bold Bard, Le Destina, Majestic Avenue, The A Train; $21 Backstreet Boy, C'est Le Reve, Pillage 'n' Plunder, Spillway; $26 Apache King, Badger's Wood, Lilly O'reilly, Philidor, Sir Pentire, Yakama.
  • Schweppes Oaks (2025m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on Saturday May 3: $5 Sound Action; $5.50 Lashed; $7 Jameela; $9 Alicat (1st em), Ribe; $11 Nancy Eleanor, Volksini; $13 La Sirenuse, Milanova, Yvonne; $17 Great Anna; $21 Jumble, Making The Road, Tarcoola Diamond; $41 Theatregoer; $51 Jayjaye, Pipkin, Raven Protector (3rd em); $67 Subella (2nd em); $101 Fairessa (4th em).
  • SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville in Adelaide on Saturday May 10: $5 Converge; $7 Galante, Mummify; $9 Woburn, Zero Issues; $11 Gallic, So Assertive, Who Did It; $13 Al Megdam, C'est Le Reve, Hydrometer; $17 Beaver, Carnegie Pops, Jameela; $21 Boyd, Glefti, Lashed, Mahtoum, Sir Pentire, Zero Engagement; $26 Conspiritor, Davidof, Gold Attire, Lawson's Storm.
(April 30)

Flemington Stayers Awards Update
Update on the Victoria Racing Club’s new ‘Flemington Staying Race Awards’ (introduced this year at the home of the Melbourne Cup) with points awarded for 1st-5th in all flat races of 2500m or further run between January 1 & Turnbull Stakes Day in October:
  • Leading Trainer Award: Bradley Marzato 30, Bryce Stanaway 28, Lee Freedman 19, Richard Freyer 17, Roger James 17, Peter Morgan 13, Mick Price 13, Robbie Laing 12, Brian Mayfield-Smith 10, Robert Smerdon 10.
  • Leading Jockey Award: Damien Oliver 34, Craig Newitt 31, Reece Wheeler 21, Nash Rawiller 17, Vincent Hall 13, John Didham 12, Danny Nikolic 11, Michelle Payne 11, Greg Childs 10, Matt Pumpa 10.
(April 30)

NZ Filly Targets US Gr1 Gamely Handicap
Bad luck has brought an end to the American winning run of former NZ filly Final Destination in her latest race at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Chasing her 6th consecutive victory, Final Destination finished 3rd in the Gr3 Wilshire Handicap; that ended a sequence that began with her win in the 2002 NZ Two Thousand Guineas. Jockey Victor Espinoza, who also rode Final Destination in her 2 previous Californian wins, declared he was lucky not to fall when badly checked rounding the turn; despite the severe check, Final Destination still “picked herself up & charged home” for 3rd behind high class performers Dublino & Southern Oasis, who established a record time of 1min 33.6sec for the 1-mile turf event. Final Destination is now “expected to return to Hollywood Park for the Gr1 Gamely Handicap. This is one of the prestigious female races won by another classy former Kiwi filly Happyanunoit.” (April 30)

First Winner For California Sire Iron Cat
Californian sire Iron Cat recorded his first winner when 3YO gelding Irony won at Turf Paradise, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A son of Storm Cat (out of the Iron Constitution mare Miss Iron Smoke), Iron Cat is the sire of 22 foals in 2 crops of racing age, including 13 juveniles. Iron Cat won 3 of 11 starts on the track & now stands at Creston Farms in California. (April 30)

Son Of Lode Tops Argentina's Haras Santa Maria De Araras Sale
Frigato, a son of Lode out of the Ogygian mare Fricote, was the highest-priced 2YO sold in the Haras Santa Maria de Araras annual sale at Hipodromo Palermo’s Tattersalls ring in Argentina reported thoroughbredtimnes.com. Trainer Marcelo Sarachi paid US$13,793 for the colt, whose dam Fricote is a daughter of Braziliana champion & Gr1 winner Quip Mask. Frigato’s 3rd dam is multiple group stakes winner Gas Mask (by Decorum), dam of 4 stakes winners. (April 30)

British Review Proposes ‘3-Tier’ UK Racing System
A major expansion of the UK fixture list “to include a 3-tier racing system” is among 76 recommendations announced in Part 1 of the British Horseracing Board's Racing Review Committee proposals, reported racingpost.co.uk. BHB chairman Peter Savill revealed the recommendations cover “8 elements of the racing product” (including fixtures, race planning, handicaps, prize-money, appearance money, race entry & declarations) & noted: "I firmly believe the structure we have recommended is the blue-print for the future health of British racing in the 21st Century. By putting in place a true meritocracy, the consumer's faith in the integrity of our sport can be re-established.” The introduction of the 3 tiers - Premier, National & Regional racing - could be introduced in season 2005 “if the proposals set to go before the board of the BHB at next month's meeting receive the go-ahead.” (April 30)

UK’s Free-To-Air TV Racing Tied To Interactive Betting
Meanwhile Britain’s Attheraces TV channel will remain a free-to-air channel in the UK Sky Sports television package “as long as customers use the interactive betting service in sufficient numbers to meet the company’s business plan,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The channel has a £307 million (A$800 million) 10-year deal with 49 of Britain’s 59 racecourses in exchange for various media rights & “is banking on the return from betting to deliver its commitment.” Attheraces chairman Roger Withers summed up: “We definitely have no plans to turn it into a subscription channel, & I’m pointing out the obvious when I talk about needing to turn viewers into punters, but it’s still worth saying.” In a key announcement, Attheraces chief operations officer Ian Hogg revealed the interactive betting site will “shortly introduce an odds comparison table, featuring the Tote, Ladbrokes, Bet Direct & Skybet, from which punters will be able to access their accounts directly.” With prime-time evening racing starting in Britain on Monday night, Attheraces coverage of live action from the US will now begin immediately after the last UK race. (April 30)

Stewards Swoop For Dawn Drug Testing At Warwick Farm
Racing NSW stewards yesterday conducted another major dawn drug-testing operation, this time at Sydney’s Warwick Farm track. A fortnight ago stewards surprised trainers at Randwick, taking samples from horses in 30 stables, all of which were subsequently found to be negative. Out-of-competition testing was introduced to Australian racing last October, to ensure performance-enhancing drugs such as EPO & peptide hormones were not being used. Chief steward Ray Murrihy told The Daily Telegraph: “We went to about 30 stables this morning & tested up to 50 horses. This is an on-going exercise which the racing industry will become used to as part of our drug testing regime.” (April 29)

$230,000 Quest For Fame Colt Tops Inglis Select Weanling Sale
Strong buyer demand drove a 31% increase over last year’s average price (up to $24,333) & 27% increase in gross receipts (to $4,599,000) at yesterday’s Inglis Australian Select Weanling Sale in Sydney. A total of 189 weanlings were traded, including the unreserved dispersal of 19 Newhaven Park Stud weanlings (average price $61,632 & gross sales $1,171,000). Top price was $230,000 paid by Belmont Bloodstock for a Quest For Fame-Beam (an unraced Scenic mare) colt from the Newhaven draft; the colt is closely related to recent Gr1 STC Coolmore Classic winning filly Bollinger. Managing director Reg Inglis summed up: “It was a very strong market for quality weanlings.” Other top prices were:
  • $200,000 paid by Luskin Park Stud for a Fasliyev-Gabbing Gloria colt (a half-brother to multiple Group winner Diatribe), consigned by Broadwater Farm.
  • $165,000 paid by William Inglis as agent for a Fusaichi Pegasus-Our Yangtze River filly, consigned by Brooklyn Lodge.
  • $145,000 paid by Best Western Group for a Danzero-Volte filly, consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
  • $120,000 paid by William Inglis as agent for a King’s Best-Twilight Serenade filly, consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
  • $115,000 paid by Tarcoola Park for a Redoute’s Choice-La Papaya colt, consigned by Newhaven Park Stud.
(April 29)

Share In Hasna’s Half-Sister Sold To Waterhouse & O’Neill
Breeders Emma Boling & Graeme Little of the Pines Stud have sold a share in star Sydney juvenile Hasna’s rising 2YO half-sister (by Gilded Time), who was passed in at January’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale, to Hasna’s high-profile trainer Gai Waterhouse, as well as former Olympic swimming champion Susie O’Neill. (April 29)

Oliver Begins Japanese Riding Stint With 3 Places
Champion Melbourne jockey Damien Oliver rode 3 placings & a 4th at the feature Fuchu meeting in Tokyo, on the first day of his 3-month Japanese riding stint. Oliver told aapracingandsports.com.au he was “a little tired” after 10 rides on the 12-race program (split into 2 six-race halves either side of a 1-hour lunch break): "I hadn't ridden for a while & started off with 3 rides on the dirt track, which takes it out of you, & there is only 25 minutes between races. But it was nice to get going over here. My manager & interpreter said all the connections were more than pleased." (April 29)

Danehill Sires 50th Gr1 Winner
International sire Danehill passed another milestone on the weekend, reported racenet.com.au: the win of Arlington Road in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick saw the Coolmore champion notch his 50th Gr1 winner. They are:
  • Northern Hemisphere: Aquarelliste; Banks Hill; Danish; Danehill Dancer; Desert King; Dress To Thrill; Fine Motion; Indian Danehill; Johann Cruyff; Kissing Cousin; Landseer; Mozart; Regal Rose; Tiger Hill; Rock Of Gibraltar; Spartacus; Wannabe Grand.
  • Southern Hemisphere: Arena; Arlington Road; Asia; Blackfriars; Camarena; Catbird; Danelagh; Danewin; Danske; Danzero; Danarani; Danasinga; Danendri; Daney Boy; Dane Ripper; Dashing Eagle; Emerald Dream; Flying Spur; Joie Denise; Keeper; Ha Ha; Laisserfaire; Magic Of Sydney; Magical Miss; Merlene; Miss Danehill; Moon Dragon; Mr Murphy; Nothin’ Leica Dane; Platinum Scissors; Redoute’s Choice; Special Dane; Viking Ruler.
(April 29)

$1.2 Million Colt Wins On Debut In Adelaide
The Tony McEvoy-trained 2YO colt Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence-Duelling Girl), a $1.2 million purchase by Darley Australia at last year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, breezed home by 4 lengths at his first race start over 1000m at Cheltenham in Adelaide. McEvoy is now considering a trip to Brisbane for the Gr1 QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes. Meanwhile Japanese owner-breeder Shigeyuki Okada (who paid top price of $1.7 million at last week’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for a Sunday Silence-Phantom Creek colt) must have smiled at Keep The Faith’s debut: he secured a three-quarter sister to Keep The Faith (a filly by Sunday Silence’s son Fuji Kiseki from Keep The Faith’s dam Duelling Girl) for $170,000 at the same sale. (April 29)

Twin Adelaide-Brisbane 2YO Stakes Trifectas For Magic Millions
Magic Millions graduates completed a rare 2YO Stakes Race double on the weekend:
  • At Cheltenham in Adelaide they landed the trifecta in the Listed KPMG Cinderella Stakes (1000m), when bargain buy 2YO On Focus (Keltrice-Candid Camera, by Victory Prince) scored her 3rd stakes win from Rinky Dink (by Distorted Humor) & Al Samoud. Chestnut filly On Focus cost just $8,000 at the 2002 Adelaide MM Yearling Sale; Rinky Dink was also a 2002 Adelaide graduate, while Al Samoud is a MM Gold Coast purchase.
  • And at Doomben in Brisbane, 2YO Sir Success (Success Express-Tenakee, by Diesis), a $52,500 purchase from the 2002 Adelaide MM Yearling Sale, won the Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Golden 2YO Stakes (1200m) from $35,000 MM Premier Yearling Sale filly Windy Kate (Air Express-Kate Be Good, by Semipalatinsk) & $23,000 MM Gold Coast Horses-In-Training 2YO Sale graduate Best Northern (Distinctly North-Best Of Babylon, by Best Western).
(April 29)

First Aust Winner For US Sire Polish Navy
The consistent 2YO filly Polka Queen (ex Jazzy Lady by Southern Appeal) won her 1st race over 1300m at the Gold Coast on the weekend, to record the 1st winner in Australia sired by former top-class racehorse Polish Navy, reported racenet.com.au. A son of Danzig (out of a half-sister to champion Buckpasser), Polish Navy stood only the 1999 season at Roselands Stud in Victoria. On the track Polish Navy started 12 times for 7 wins, 1 2nd & 3 3rds for earnings of US$1,118,076. His wins included the Gr1 Champagne Stakes, Gr1 Cowdin Stakes, Gr1 Woodward Stakes & Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes. Retired to stud in Kentucky, Polish Navy sired the champion 3YO Sea Hero (ex Glowing Tribute, by Graustark) whose earnings of US$2,929,869 included wins in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby, Gr1 Travers Stakes & Gr1 Champagne Stakes; he also sired Ghazi (ex Port Damascus, by Damascus), winner of the Gr1 Secretariat Stakes & 2nd in the Gr1 Rothmans International Stakes. Polish Navy now resides at Warfare Farm in Kentucky where he stands for US$7,500. (April 29)

WA Syndicator Expands Onto Aust East Coast
Leading Western Australian syndicator Peter Morley, who heads the Belhus Racing Stables operation in Perth, is planning to expand his operations to the East coast. Having marketed 10 & 20-member racing syndicates for the last 8 years, Morley now intends to specialise in selling smaller, more exclusive partnerships in higher priced bloodstock for prominent breeders & trainers. The first horse Morley will sell as a partnership is for ex-WA & now Flemington-based trainer Len Morton. Morley is been in attendance at the Sydney Inglis Sale series this week. (April 29)

NZ Racemare Elevenses Retired
NZ’s fine 5YO racemare Elevenses (Star Way-Celtic Joy, by Sir Tristram) ran her last race when a gallant 3rd in the Gr2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa on the weekend. Elevenses (raced on lease from her breeders Fayette Park Stud) won the NZ One Thousand Guineas & goes to stud with 5 wins & 11 placings. “She is expected to be mated with the Coolmore Stud shuttle stallion & champion European galloper Rock Of Gibraltar,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (April 29)

59th Stakes Winner for Star Way
Star Affair became the 59th individual stakes winner for sire Star Way by winning the Gr2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa. Star Way commenced stud duties at NZ’s Windsor Park Stud in 1981. The tally includes 18 individual Gr1 winners, 8 Gr2 winners, 11 Gr3 winners & 22 Listed race winners. (April 29)

Kiwi Bargain 1: NZ$9,000 Buy Wins Gr3 & 3rd Race
The prize may not have been as big as that won by Polar Success for her novice owners in the recent Gr1 Golden Slipper, but members of the Not Enough Taro Syndicate (who all dress in Polynesian shirts) certainly cheered loudly as their first racing venture & bargain buy Silky Red Boxer (by Casual Lies) raced to victory in the Gr3 Westbury Stud Sunline Stakes at NZ’s Te Rapa track on the weekend. Silky Red Boxer (who won his first start) has now notched 3 wins & 3 placings from 8 starts, to more than justify his paltry NZ$9,000 price tag. Trainer Heather Weller told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "All but one of the syndicate are first time owners & they thought it was easy when he won first-up last season. They quickly learnt that it’s easier to get beaten, but they’re on a real high now that he’s won his last 2 races." (April 29)

Kiwi Bargain 2: NZ$2,000 Buy Wins 3rd Stakes Race
Pay My Bail (by Justice Prevails) scored her 2nd stakes win in less than a week (& 3rd overall) at Avondale to take her prize-money total over NZ$100,000 – not bad for a return for owners Trevor McKee (co-trainer) & Thayne Green who paid just NZ$2,000 for her at the Festival Select session of the last year’s NZ National Yearling Sales. The grey had led all the way to win the Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Easter Saturday & overcame an early buffeting to register another listed win in the NZ Bloodstock Stakes at Avondale. Pay My Bail was bred by noted Hawke’s Bay breeder Graham De Gruchy, best known for his Japan Cup winner Horlicks (by Three Legs) & her Melbourne Cup-winning son Brew (by Sir Tristram). Former Haunui Farm stallion Justice Prevails, rising 13-years-old, now stands at Phuttocks End in Southland. (April 29)

Another Macau Gr1 Victory For Analyst
Analyst, a son of well-performed stallion Deputy Governor who stands at Chequers Stud in Cambridge in NZ, added the HK$650,000 (A$140,000) Gr1 Chairman’s Challenge Cup (1500m) to his fine record at the weekend. Last month Analyst won the Gr1 Macau Derby & has now notched 7 wins, 6 2nds & 1 3rd from just 15 starts for HK$2.6 million (A$550,000) in stakes. “Plans are for Analyst to contest international races & the invitation races in HK later in the year,” noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (April 29)

Elegant Fashion Now Highest Aust-Bred Stake Earning Mare
Meanwhile In HK, Inglis sale graduates continue to produce major returns on investment.
  • On the weekend the David Hayes-trained mare Elegant Fashion (a $95,000 purchase at the Inglis 2000 Easter Sale) finished a gallant 2nd to Japanese star Eishin Preston in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup to become the highest Australian-bred stake earning mare in history. Her 2nd place prize-money boosted her overall earnings in excess of $3.5 million (pushing her clear of Belle Du Jour & Dane Ripper on $3.1 million). Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick) was bred & offered for sale by Emirates Park Stud.
  • David Hayes also had to settle for 2nd in the Gr1 HK Champions Mile when Meridian Star (a $50,000 buy at the Inglis 1998 Premier Sale) charged home late to beat all but the John Size-trained Electronic Unicorn. Meridian Star (a 6YO gelding by Dolphin Street who has raced at the top level in HK for much of his career) has won 7 races & finished 2nd 10 times to take his prize-money to $2.3 million.
  • And consistent galloper Medic Corps (an $8,000 bargain at the Inglis 2000 Scone Sale) notched his 5th win for the Tony Cruz stable. The son of Mukaddamah has now tallied prize-money in excess of $800,000.
(April 29)

Golden Nepi Romps Home In Italy’s Gr1 Premio Regina Elena
Golden Nepi, owned by Scuderia Golden Horse, raced away to a 4-length victory in Italy’s Gr1 Premio Regina Elena (1 mile) in Rome, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Golden Nepi defeated Vale Mantovani & Kiralik. Bred in Ireland by John Kent, Golden Nepi is the only winner from 3 starters for the placed Kendor mare Shajara. Her second dam Shapaara (by Rheingold) is a half sister to dual champion Gr1 winner & sire Shergar. (April 29)

Auction Prices Paid For Kentucky Derby Contenders
With America’s most famous race, the Gr1 Kentucky Derby looming this weekend, bloodhorse.com has looked at the prices paid for the major contenders.
  • Favorite Empire Maker is a home-bred who races for Prince Khaled Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms & was never offered at public auction.
  • The most expensive horse was Atswhatimtalknbout, purchased by B. Wayne Hughes for US$900,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February Sale of 2YOs-In-Training.
  • Indian Express, in sharp contrast, “cost about as much as an old used car”, bringing only US$4,500 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale.
  • Peace Rules is a US$35,000 graduate of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March auction of 2YOs-In-Training; he was bought back for US$11,500 as a weanling at the OBS October mixed sale.
  • Funny Cide was a bargain at only US$22,000 when offered at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred Yearling Sale.
  • Scrimshaw has been through the auction ring 3 times: he sold for US$125,000 as a yearling at Keeneland's January Horses-Of-All-Ages Sale; he was bought back for US$145,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale; & he sold for US$550,000 to Robert & Beverly Lewis at the Keeneland April sale of 2YOs-In-Training.
  • Brancusi sold for US$100,000 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale as a weanling; & then US$375,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale as a yearling.
  • Kafwain sold for US$170,000 at the Keeneland September Sale as a yearling; & then for US$720,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Florida Calder Select S as a 2YO.
  • Lone Star Sky sold for US$50,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Sale as a yearling; & then for US$190,000 at the OBS Calder Sale as a 2YO.
  • Offlee Wild sold for US$325,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
  • Outta Here sold for US$37,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
  • Sir Cherokee was bought back for US$27,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
  • Ten Cents A Shine was a US$19,000 buy-back at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale as a weanling; & then bought-back again for US$47,000 at the Keeneland October Yearling Sale.
  • Ten Most Wanted sold for US$70,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale as a yearling; & then for US$145,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Florida Calder Sale as a 2YO.
  • Buddy Gil, Domestic Dispute & Supah Blitz have never been offered at public auction.
(April 29)

First Foal For America’s All-Time Leading Female Earner Spain
North America’s all time leading female earner & multiple Gr1 winner Spain (Thunder Gulch-Drina, by Regal And Royal) produced her first foal on the weekend, a colt by Storm Cat, at Robert Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. Three Chimneys president Dan Rosenberg told thoroughbredtimes.com: "He’s an elegant, classy colt. He’s a great 1st foal & has all the potential in the world." Spain, now a 6YO, won 9 of her 35 starts (including the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff & Gr1 La Brea Stakes in 2000) & earned US$3,540,542 for The Thoroughbred Corporation. Rosenberg said Spain would be bred back to Storm Cat this season. (April 29)

Champion Riboletta In Foal To Storm Cat
Meanwhile Riboletta, champion older mare of 2000, has been confirmed in foal to Storm Cat reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Riboletta, who started her career in 1998 in Brazil, won 13 of 28 starts (including the Gr1 Beldame Stakes & Gr1 Ruffian Handicap at Belmont Park, Gr1 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park & Gr1 Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park) for US$1,555,103 earnings. Riboletta is a daughter of Roi Normand & gave birth to her 1st foal (a Forestry filly) in January. Out of stakes-winning Ghadeer mare Joy Valley, Riboletta is a full sister to 2002 Brazilian Horse-Of-The-Year Super Power & stakes winner Tamara Princess. Storm Cat, the 20-year-old son of Storm Bird out of Terlingua (by Secretariat) stands for US$500,000 at Overbrook Farm in Kentucky. (April 29)

First Southern Hemisphere Wins For Sires Acceptable & Poliglote
Sires Acceptable & Poliglote, who have both sired winners in the Northern Hemisphere, have recorded their first Southern Hemisphere winners reported thoroughbredtimes.com.
  • Cissy, a 2YO filly by Acceptable out of Candy Stripes mare Candy-Candy, won a 7-furlong event at Argentina’s Hipodromo La Plata. Acceptable, a 9YO son of Capote out of Woodman mare Ms Teak Wood, stands at Wafare Farm in Kentucky; in 2 crops of racing age (which includes 99 2YOs) Acceptable has sired 24 starters & 8 winners. A winner of 6 of his 17 starts, Acceptable stands at Haras Abolengo in Argentina during the Southern Hemisphere breeding season.
  • Timer Wells, a 2YO son of Gr1 winner Poliglote out of Careafolie mare Time Folie, won over 5.5 furlongs at Hipodromo La Plata. Poliglote, an 11-year-old son of Sadler’s Wells, won 5 of his 19 starts, including the 1994 Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud & 3 other stakes races in France. Poliglote has sired 53 starters, 30 winners & 3 stakes winners from 3 crops of racing age; he shuttled the past 3 seasons to Argentina & stood at Haras Firmamento. Poliglote currently stands at Haras d'Etreham in France.
(April 29)

First Winner For Kentucky Freshman Sire Exploit
In only his 2nd race 2YO Exploit Lad, the 1st racetrack starter for Kentucky-based freshman sire Exploit, won over 5 furlongs at Churchill Downs reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Exploit, a multiple Gr2 winner ( including the 1998 Gr2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes & 1999 Gr2 San Vicente Stakes), is sire of 84 juveniles & 74 yearlings. The 7YO son of Storm Cat (out of the unraced My Dad George mare My Turbulent Miss) stands for US$25,000 at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky. Exploit is a half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner Prized & 4 other stakes winners. Exploit was bred in Kentucky by John Gaines Thoroughbreds & John Sikura. (April 29)

First Stakes Winner For Ohio Sire Camp Izard
The 3YO Ask Linda won the Tougaloo Stakes by 4 lengths at Thistledown to record the 1st stakes win for Ohio-based sire Camp Izard, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Camp Izard, a 12-year-old son of World Appeal (out of the Plunk mare Joey Blue), has sired 2 winners from 3 starters. (April 29)

First Winner for North Carolina Freshman Sire Chelsey Cat
The 2YO filly Chelsey’s Bid, the 1st starter for freshman sire Chelsey Cat, won on debut at Tampa Bay Downs reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Chelsey Cat, an unraced 5YO son of Storm Cat (out of Affirmed mare Chelsey Dancer), stands at Rock House Farm in North Carolina. Bred in Kentucky, Chelsey Cat has sired 13 2YOs & 13 yearlings. He is a half-brother to Gr1 winner Chelsey Flower & stakes winner Key Guy. (April 29)

Leading US Owner Michael Gill To Quit Racing
Update on the on-going saga of controversial US owner Mike Gill (America's leading owner this season) who’s hogged the headlines in recent weeks after what thoroughbredtimes.com describes as “unprecedented success at Gulfstream Park”: Gill has triggered further controversy by suddenly announcing “plans to disperse his stable of more than 270 horses over the next 2 years & leave the sport entirely.” Gill & his trainer Mark Shuman dominated the 2003 Gulfstream meeting (which concluded last Thursday) with aggressive claiming tactics that raised the ire of fellow horsemen; Gill finished with 88 wins & Shuman saddled 87 winners to shatter previous owner & trainer records. But Gill declared the controversy at Gulfstream surrounding his stable's success, & the subsequent reaction from other racetracks, were the leading factors in his decision. He told the Palm Beach Post: "I would say it has been miserable. If I can't enjoy what we've accomplished down there, then it's pretty obvious I shouldn't be in the business." And The Miami Herald reported Gill did not attend Gulfstream to accept his award as the meet's leading owner from track president Scott Savin; Gill recently filed a lawsuit against Savin & Gulfstream for providing misleading information to Sports Illustrated magazine for an article about an investigation into the fatal breakdown of Gill's horse Casual Conflict. Gill & Shuman were cleared of any wrongdoing in the Casual Conflict case, but Gill said it resulted in several tracks suddenly denying him stalls for up-coming meets. Delaware Park (which opened last wekend & is a private facility) went as far as to deny horses owned by Gill from being entered in races at the track, after Gill purchased a nearby training track to stable his horses. Gill countered with a lawsuit against Delaware Park, track president William Rickman, racing secretary Sam Abbey & trainers Scott Lake & Allen Iwinski for colluding to drive him out of the sport; a judge last week denied Gill's request for an injunction against the ban. (April 29)

Planchet Joins Eliza Park Roster
Eliza Park Stud announced last night that Planchet will be joining its 2 new stallions Grass Wonder & Delago Brom, as well as its 5 current sires Black Hawk, Desert Sun, Jetball, Johan Cruyff & Val Royal, for the 2003 season. Eliza Park principal Lee Fleming declared Planchet (Canny Lad – Penny) is “the best male line descendent of Star Kingdom.” Raced by Woodlands Stud, Gr1-placed 2YO Planchet was a narrowly beaten 4th in the Gr1 Golden Slipper & retires with 4 Group race victories & 7 overall from just 14 starts; he will stand for $8,250 (incl GST). Champion 2YO Grass Wonder (Silver Hawk–Ameriflora) was a 5-time Gr1 winner in Japan & his Gr1-laden pedigree is from champion racemare & producer Glorious Song; he will stand for $13,750 (incl GST). Delago Brom (Encosta De Lago–Brompton Cross) is the brilliant recent winner of the Gr1 VRC Australian Guineas; he will stand for $8,800 (incl GST). In addition to their Live Foal Guarantee, Eliza Park also announced delayed payment terms to 31 March 31 2004 – a first for Victoria. (April 28)

Dash For Cash Retired To Stud At Collingrove
Dash For Cash, the dual-Gr1 winning 4YO who finished 2nd in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, has been retired to Robert Sangster & David Hayes' Collingrove Stud at Nagambie in Victoria for the 2003 breeding season. Dash For Cash (Secret Savings-Gulistan, by Rubiton) had 30 starts for 5 wins (from 1000-1600m), 10 2nds & 3 3rds, for $1,994,000 prize-money. His wins included the Gr1 VRC Cadbury Australian Guineas, Gr1 MRC Futurity Stakes, Gr3 Australia Day Vase & Gr3 The Debonair. In addition, over the last month he finished 2nd in 4 successive Gr1 events in his final 4 starts (behind Arlington Road in the AJC All-Aged Stakes, behind Grand Armee in the AJC Doncaster, behind Lonhro in the STC George Ryder Stakes & behind Yell in the MV Australia Stakes). Dash For Cash is a son of hot young stallion & Gr1 Doncaster Handicap winner Secret Savings; he is also the 3rd foal & 3rd winner from his dam Gulistan, a sister to Gr2 VRC Edward Manifold Stakes winner Rubidium & half-sister to stakes-winning Salivate. Collingrove’s Adam Sangster commented: "We have been endeavouring to secure a local horse with Gr1 credentials & to have purchased Dash For Cash ensures stallion security not only for Collingrove but for our clients & the Victorian breeding industry.” Dash For Cash will stand alongside Rory's Jester, Perugino, Bianconi & Court Of Jewels. (April 28)

Choisir & Perry Keen On English Campaign
Despite having crossed Singapore off his itinerary following the SARS outbreak, “Newcastle trainer Paul Perry is eager to send his Gr1-winning sprinter Choisir to England to compete at Royal Ascot,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Perry declared: “It’s a chance of a lifetime. We are just waiting on the final details, but the horse is going really well.” Choisir has been invited to contest “2 feature sprint races at Royal Ascot in June & July.” (April 28)

Ferguson Pushes Major Studs To Back NSW BOBS
Amid the current brouhaha over the NSW Breeder-Owner Bonus Scheme, Racing NSW general manager of corporate affairs Stephen Ferguson has written to The Sydney Morning Herald arguing “it’s time the major studs backed BOBS.” Ferguson notes: “For more than a decade, breeders & owners have demanded a bonus scheme to rival interstate ones. Last year, the board of Racing NSW put in place BOBS . . . . Now, with the initial BOBS finishing this August, BOBS has been significantly revamped following further consultation . . . . In the coming season, BOBS is geared to pay bonuses totalling $8 million, available on 4,000 NSW city, provincial & country races . . . . For a horse to be eligible, its sire must have stood in NSW & have had its sire contribution paid to the scheme . . . . Unfortunately, at this stage some of the major studs have indicated they are unwilling to support the scheme. This is disappointing given that BOBS is an opportunity for the major studs to support the people who support them . . . . In the meantime, it’s encouraging that smaller studs, owners, breeders & trainers support the scheme . . . . BOBS is designed to encourage NSW owners to race NSW-bred horses in preference to those bred interstate. How is that a bad thing for the owners of stallions based in NSW? All BOBS needs now is support from the major stallion owners – one of the groups BOBS was designed to help. There are 8 million reasons to breed & race BOBS horses. Broodmare owners & buyers racing in NSW can’t afford not to be in BOBS. Why would anyone race for less?” Aushorse (which counts several of the biggest studs among its 55 members) is due to advise Racing NSW of its concerns this week. Stay tuned! (April 28)

Betfair Declares Australian Plans
Controversial UK betting exchange Betfair has “declared its resolve to continue to trade with Australian customers, despite allegations that it faced fines of $1 million a day for doing so,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Betfair's spokesman Mark Davies declared: "Our turnover on racing in Australia is now about $5 million a week & we do not have any legal concerns. What we are seeing is scare-mongering on behalf of people who are defending their commercial positions, much as we have seen in the UK.” Commenting on the legal position, Davies noted: "We are allowed to accept bets, except on sporting events that have started. There was a feeling that we weren't doing enough to stop Australians placing bets 'in play', so we have introduced a technical solution. If anyone in Australia attempts to bet in play, a message comes up explaining that the bet cannot be accepted. We now have a 24-hour operation & we want to get licensed in Australia & set-up an office there. We will pay for the right to use data & are in negotiations." (April 28)

Mark Read Amalgamates With Wagering Manuel Brothers
Meanwhile The Sydney Morning Herald declared: “The amalgamation of turf speculator Mark Read & the Manuel brothers of Adelaide has the capacity of unleashing Kerry Packer-like wagers on the betting market.” Read’s IASbet Limited has announced it has “entered into a Heads Of Agreement to acquire Ferncourt Pty Ltd . . . .one of Australia’s oldest & most successful wagering investment companies” which “has built a successful & profitable track record in Australia & internationally through the use of high-level technology & extensive databases.” Ferncourt’s principal shareholders are John, Greg & Rick Manuel, among Australia’s biggest TAB bettors, as well as having “a thriving operation in Hong Kong.” Read summed up: “With the software now available, the other world markets like HK can be targeted . . . . The wagering investment division will become the country’s largest investor on Australian & international racing.” (April 28)

Inglis Sires Produce Yearling Sale
Yesterday’s Inglis Sires Produce Yearling Sale in Sydney saw 102 horses sold for $2,194,500 (average $21,515). Queenslander G.Alati paid top price of $65,000 for a chestnut Rory’s Jester colt from Angellen (a stakes-winning Twig Moss mare) consigned by Tyreel Stud as agent. The other top lots were:
  • $64,000 paid by Vandisar Investments for a Pentire-Chorus Star colt, consigned by NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm.
  • $60,000 paid by Vinery Stud for a Way Of Light-Festive Fire colt, consigned by Jacaranda Park Stud.
  • $50,000 paid by Victorian trainer Bill Mitchell for a Zeditave-Melody Allegro filly, consigned by Widden Stud as agent.
  • $50,000 paid by South Australian trainer Mark Kavanagh for a Danewin-Cumnock Lass colt, consigned by Ballymore Thoroughbreds as agent.
  • $50,000 paid by William Inglis as agent for a Desert King-Hong Kong Lady colt, consigned by Collingrove Stud as agent.
(April 28)

Inglis Easter Day 3: $1.3 Million For Sunday Silence-Sensation Filly
Meanwhile British bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon (acting on behalf of an undisclosed Northern Hemisphere client) paid $1.3 million for the Sunday Silence-Sensation filly (consigned by Arrowfield Stud) to top the 3rd & final day at Sydney’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last week. Pritchard-Gordon, who confirmed the owner will race the filly in Australia, told racenet.com.au: "She is a sweet filly. She has the most international pedigree available. Yearlings in this family have sold up to US$5 million, so she is great value on residual value alone. Her older half-sister Systematic could be one of the best horses in Europe this season, while her 2nd dam Outstandingly was a champion US 2YO.” The filly was bred by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Gainsborough Stud, in partnership with Arrowfield, via their close relationship with Japan’s Shadai Farm; after foaling the Sunday Silence filly in August 2001, Sensation was sent back to Japan. Arrowfield's Byron Rogers noted: “She’s the last of the Sunday Silence fillies to go to auction in the Southern Hemisphere. And we only have 4 Sunday Silence colts left for next year’s sale, so it will be interesting to see how they go." (April 28)

Inglis Easter Day 3: $1 Million For Danehill-Savana City Colt
Kentucky agent Mike Shannon (bidding for Hong Kong trainer Ivan Allan) paid $1 million for a Danehill-Savana City colt (consigned by Jim Fleming’s Tyreel Stud), after a bidding-duel with NZ agent Rob McAnulty & Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. (Allan enjoyed success with the colt’s half-brother Mr Vitality, who initially raced in Australia before continuing his career in HK.) Savana City is a Gr1 AJC Oaks winner. Tyreel’s John Jeffs told racenet.com.au: “He will start his career in Australia & end up in HK. Ultimately we hope he might find his way back to Australia as a stallion, like another son of Danehill sold by Tryeel in this ring, King Of Danes.” (April 28)

Inglis Easter Day 3: $700,000 For Danehill-Tamarion Colt
Marie Yoshida (who buys under the banner of Asian Bloodstock Services) paid $700,000 for a Danehill-Tamarino (by Caerleon) colt. Consigned by Coolmore Stud, the colt’s immediate family features Champion European filly Salsabil & Australasian sire influences Marju, Second Empire & Song Of Tara. (April 28)

Inglis Easter Day 3: $650,000 For Danehill-Tudor Flight Colt
Marcus Corbin of Cambridge Stud (bidding for Hong Kong owner Dr Gene Tsoi) paid $650,000 for a Danehill colt out of Bletchingly mare Tudor Flight. Tsoi races a large team of horses in Australia, NZ & HK (including the David Hayes-trained star Elegant Fashion, previously trained in Australia by Tony McEvoy). The colt was bred by William Choy under his new Brooklyn Lodge banner; Choy races this season’s Gr1 winning filly Fine Society & “has accumulated a strong band of broodmares at his Aberdeen property, including the imported racemare Youhadyourwarning,” noted racenet.com.au. (April 28)

Inglis Easter Summary: Gross $55 Million & Average $145,000
Overall, the Australian Easter Yearling Sale concluded on a high note as buyer confidence soared throughout Session 3; a further 156 lots were sold at an average $164,631, bringing the 3-day total gross receipts to $55,118,000 & 3-day average to $145,139. (Filly average was $160,000 & colt average was $135,000.) Across the sale 380 lots were sold & 118 passed-in. Top lots at the sale were:
  • $1.7 million paid by Shigeyuki Okada of Japan’s Big Red Farm for a Sunday Silence-Phantom Creek colt, consigned by Arrowfiled Stud.
  • $1.3 million paid by British bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon for a Sunday Silence-Sensation filly, consigned by Arrowfield Stud.
  • $1 million paid by HK trainer Ivan Allan for a Danehill-Savana City colt, consigned by Tyreel Stud.
  • $700,000 paid by Marie Yoshida’s Asian Bloodstock Services for a Danehill-Tamarino colt, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $675,000 paid by NZ trainer Roger James for a Danehill-Foxwood filly, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $650,000 paid by HK owner Dr Gene Tsoi for a Danehill-Tudor Flight colt, consigned by Brooklyn Lodge.
  • $625,000 paid by bloodstock agent Tim Boland for a Danehill-Snippet’s Girl colt, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $625,000 paid by Melbourne trainer David Hall for a Danehill-Procrastinate colt, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $600,000 paid by William Inglis as agent for a Danehill-Bonanova filly, consigned by Tyreel Stud.
  • $575,000 paid by Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse for a Danehill-Show Dancing colt, consigned by Emirates Park.
  • $575,000 paid by NZ trainer Roger James for Grand Lodge-Tristalove colt, consigned by Cambridge Stud.
  • $525,000 paid by the HK Jockey Club for a Danehill-Champagne colt, consigned by Cambridge Stud.
  • $500,000 paid by James Bester Bloodstock for a Danehill-Prawn Cocktail filly, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
(April 28)

Inglis Easter Summary: Top 20 Buyers
The Top 20 buyers at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale were:
  • Gai Waterhouse: 12 lots for $2,685,000 (top $575,000)
  • Rogerson Bloodstock: 17 lots for $2,605,000 (top $240,000)
  • Tim Martin: 21 lots for $2,385,000 (top $290,000)
  • Shigeyuki Okada: 3 lots for $2,110,000 (top $1,700,000)
  • Roger James: 4 lots for $1,700,000 (top $675,000)
  • David Hall: 5 lots for $1,445,000 (top $625,000)
  • John Foote Bloodstock: 14 lots for $1,395,000 (top $225,000)
  • Tim Boland: 4 lots for $1,395,000 (top $625,000)
  • Grant Pritchard-Gordon: 1 lot for $1,300,000 (top $1,300,000)
  • Ivan Allan: 3 lots for $1,230,000 (top $1,000,000)
  • Hong Kong Jockey Club: 3 lots for $1,075,000 (top $525,000)
  • Asian Bloodstock: 3 lots for $1,020,000 (top $700,000)
  • Michael Otto Bloodstock: 5 lots for $1,015,000 (top $370,000)
  • James Bester Bloodstock: 4 lots for $900,000 (top $500,000)
  • B.Elkington: 8 lots for $890,000 (top $260,000)
  • Rob McAnulty: 3 lots for $820,000 (top $400,000)
  • Torryburn Stud: 4 lots for $790,000 (top $260,000)
  • Broadhurst Agency: 4 lots for $765,000 (top $430,000)
  • Tony Noonan: 7 lots for $737,500 (top $170,000)
  • Vin Cox Bloodstock: 3 lots for $725,000 (top $400,000)
(April 28)

Inglis Easter Summary: Sunday Silence & Danehill Dominate Sire Averages
The sire averages (3 or more lots sold) at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale were:
  • Sunday Silence: 3 lots; aggregate $3,350,000; average $1,116,667 (top $1,700,000)
  • Danehill: 38 lots; aggregate $13,015,000; average $342,500 (top $1,000,000)
  • Green Desert: 3 lots; aggregate $525,000; average $175,000 (top $275,000)
  • Zabeel: 29 lots; aggregate $4,810,000; average $165,862 (top $280,000)
  • Red Ransom: 23 lots; aggregate $3,490,000; average $151,739 (top $400,000)
  • Desert Prince: 4 lots; aggregate $605,000; average $151,250 (top $280,000)
  • Flying Spur: 29 lots; aggregate $4,375,000; average $150,862 (top $430,000)
  • Real Quiet: 3 lots; aggregate $445,000; average $148,333 (top $200,000)
  • Stravinsky: 7 lots; aggregate $975,000; average $139,286 (top $250,000)
  • Redoute’s Choice: 20 lots; aggregate $2,680,000; average $134,000 (top $290,000)
  • Grand Lodge: 8 lots; aggregate $1,070,000; average $133,750 (top $575,000)
  • Snippets: 14 lots; aggregate $1,825,000; average $130,357 (top $300,000)
  • Rory’s Jester: 4 lots; aggregate $520,000; average $130,000 (top $190,000)
  • Xaar: 7 lots; aggregate $905,000; average $129,286 (top $300,000)
  • Peintre Celebre: 25 lots; aggregate $3,062,500; average $122,500 (top $300,000)
  • Belong To Me: 5 lots; aggregate $585,000; average $117,000 (top $240,000)
  • Last Tycoon: 3 lots; aggregate $326,000; average $108,667 (top $210,000)
  • Catbird: 4 lots; aggregate $430,000; average $107,500 (top $220,000)
  • Carnegie: 5 lots; aggregate $475,000; average $95,000 (top $160,000)
  • Danzero: 17 lots; aggregate $1,530,000; average $90,000 (top $370,000)
  • Octagonal: 7 lots; aggregate $592,500; average $84,643 (top $130,000)
  • Quest For Fame: 6 lots; aggregate $480,000; average $80,000 (top $160,000)
  • End Sweep: 15 lots; aggregate $1,195,000; average $79,667 (top $200,000)
  • Canny Lad: 5 lots; aggregate $395,000; average $79,000 (top $130,000)
  • Fasliyev: 10 lots; aggregate $790,000; average $79,000 (top $140,000)
  • Jade Robbery: 7 lots; aggregate $547,000; average $78,143 (top $120,000)
  • Pins: 4 lots; aggregate $287,500; average $71,875 (top $110,000)
  • Zeditave: 4 lots; aggregate $262,500; average $65,625 (top $77,500)
  • Fuji Kiseki: 8 lots; aggregate $520,000; average $65,000 (top $170,000)
  • Gilded Time: 4 lots; aggregate $250,000; average $62,500 (top $90,000)
  • Favorite Trick: 6 lots; aggregate $335,000; average $53,833 (top $80,000)
  • Thunder Gulch: 4 lots; aggregate $215,000; average $53,750 (top $95,000)
  • Woodman: 5 lots; aggregate $200,000; average $40,000 (top $85,000)
(April 28)

Ocala 2YOs Day 2: US$175,000 For Larrupin’ Filly
Meanwhile on the American sale scene, Belmont Park-based trainer Lisa Lewis paid US$175,000 (on behalf of Peter Karches) for a Larrupin’ filly to top Day 2 at the Ocala Breeders’ Spring Sale of 2YOs-In-Training. (Karches co-owns Kissin Saint, who finished 3rd for Lewis in the Gr1 Wood Memorial Stakes on April 12.) Lewis told thoroughbredtimes.com: "If she was a person, she’d be a ‘10.’ I don’t think you could find a better body. My instructions were to come here & find the best horse." A daughter of stakes-placed Mr Prospector son Larrupin’, the compact bay filly is out of stakes-placed winner Irish And Foxy (by Irish Open). Second-highest price on Day 2 was the US$125,000 paid by Our Sugar Bear Stable for a Montbrook colt who is a full brother to Shake You Down. (April 28)

Ocala 2YOs Day 3: US$160,000 For Foxtrail Colt
At Ocala’s Session 3, Halcyon Hammock Farm sold the highest-priced lot for the 2nd consecutive day when Winding Oaks Farm owner & pharmaceutical executive Eugene Melnyk paid US$160,000 for a flashy Canadian-bred chestnut colt by Foxtrail out of the 6YO unraced Personal Flag mare Prospector’s Bliss. Winding Oaks manager Phil Hronec told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Trainer Mark Casse was instrumental in picking this colt out off his breeze-up. We race in Canada & this colt could be a bright star up there." Second-highest price was US$105,000 for a Grand Slam filly out of Gr1-winning Santona (1997 champion grass mare in Chile). (April 28)

Ocala 2YOs Day 4: US$380,000 For Double Honor Filly
At Ocala’s Session 4, Willian Condren paid US$380,000 for a bay Double Honor filly (christened Wonderful Honor) from her sire’s 1st crop & consigned by Farnsworth Farms. She is out of winning 8YO Fortunate Prospect mare T.G. For Wanda (a half-sister to US Gr2 winner What A Diplomat). Farnsworth Farms owner Mike Sherman told thoroughbredtimes.com: "We thought this filly was on par with Beautiful Pleasure, which we sold for US$480,000 & Bold World, who sold for US$475,000. Mr Condren was the underbidder on Beautiful Pleasure & he is always asking me if I have anything special. I spoke with him after the filly worked & he came up to the sale." (Condren ended up the sale’s leading buyer, purchasing 4 horses for a total US$630,000.) Second highest price of the session US$110,000 paid by agent Tim Kegel for the colt Like It That Way, by Bianconi out of stakes-winning Tripp Trial. (April 28)

Ocala 2YOs Summary: Average & Median Fall
Despite the final day up-swing, overall numbers for the sale were down from 2002: the average dropped 7% (to US$21,197); & the median price fell 13.3% (to US$13,000). Buybacks were at 27.7% (a fraction better last year’s 27.9%). Gross receipts were US$14,923,000 this year (down 2.7%) from a total 704 horses sold (673 last year). OBS general manager Tom Ventura told bloodhorse.com: "With the current state of the world & the economy we've had for the last couple of years, I'm not disappointed at all. We held our own." (April 28)

European Breeze-Up Sales Summary
On the other side of the globe, the European breeze-up season (comprising Doncaster, Goffs France & Tattersalls auctions) culminated last week at Tattersalls “with good news for some & a warning to all,” summed up racingpost.co.uk. “The good news, epitomised by the 2 highest-priced lots to sell at Doncaster & Tattersalls respectively, is that there is serious money out there for serious horses. Excellent individuals plus excellent pedigrees equal big prices from elite buyers, as a 140,000 guineas Danzig colt sold at Doncaster & a 260,000 guineas son of Danehill sold at Tattersalls attest.” And the warning? “Several vendors & buyers alike complained of the increasingly selective nature of the market, of the difficulty of getting an average horse sold, of the creeping upwards of the RNA (reserve not attained) rate. One prominent international agent said: ‘It’s the same story here as everywhere. The top buyers are only looking at the top 10% of horses in the sale’.” (April 28)

Aust Sales Continue At Inglis & Magic Millions
Meanwhile back in Australia, major sales continue at both Inglis in Sydney & Magic Millions on the Queensland Gold Coast over the next fortnight:
  • Inglis: Australian Select Weanling Sale today (April 28) in Sydney with 300 weanlings on offer;
  • Inglis: Australian Broodmare Sale (April 29-30 & May 1) in Sydney with 776 mares on offer;
  • Magic Millions: National Winter Yearling Sale (May 4) on the Gold Coast;
  • Magic Millions: National Weanling Sale (May 5) on the Gold Coast;
  • Magic Millions: National Broodmare Sale (May 6-7) on the Gold Coast.
(April 28)

MM National Winter Yearling Sale Offers 280 Yearlings
Is there another Polar Success in the catalogue for the Magic Millions National Winter Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast on May 4? Buyers will be inspecting the 280 yearlings in the hope of picking up another baragin like Polar Success, who sold for $32,000 at the 2002 sale & recently won the $3 million Golden Slipper Stakes. Leading sires represented include Danehill, Zabeel, Flying Spur, Octagonal, Redoute’s Choice, Xaar, Fasliyev, Carnegie, Catbird, Canny Lad, Commands, General Nediym, Lion Hunter, Danehill Dancer, Perugino, Secret Savings, Success Express & Quest For Fame. (April 28)

MM National Weanling Sale Offers Star Sires
The Magic Millions National Weanling Sale (May 5) at the Gold Coast includes weanlings by Danehill, Anabaa, Catbird, Canny Lad, Commands, Danzero, Desert King, End Sweep, Fusaichi Pegasus, Fasliyev, Flying Spur, Fuji Kiseki, General Nediym, Gilded Time, Grand Lodge, Hennessy, High Yield, Irgun, Jade Robbery, Kings Best, Knowledge, Langfuhr, Lion Hunter, Loup Sauvage, Lujain, More Than Ready, Orpen, Peintre Celebre, Real Quiet, Redoute’s Choice, Saratoga Springs, Shinko Forest, Singspiel, Snippets, Way Of Light, Woodman & Xaar. (April 28)

MM National Broodmare Sale Offers 13 Mares Covered By Clang
“Buyers looking for their own Australian Derby winner need look no further than next week’s Magic Millions National Sale on the Gold Coast” boast the organisers. Little Recruit, dam of recent Gr1 Australian Derby hero Clangalang, was sold carrying a service to Clang for just $2,250 at the MM Winter Broodmare Sale in 1999 to Skyward Park Stud; the resultant colt joined the stables of leading trainer Gerald Ryan & was named Clangalang. This year13 mares in the National Broodmare Sale (May 6-7) catalogue have been covered by the former brilliant galloper Clang (5-time winner & Group winner in both Melbourne & Adelaide). Aside from Derby winner Clangalang, he is the sire of Gr1 Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal plus Classic Marco, Princess Clang, Clanger, Prince Clang, Hell Raiser, Hot Cymbal & Gonzo. (Elsewhere in the National Sale, the catalogue also includes 2 weanlings & 5 yearlings by Clang.) (April 28)

Procrastinate For Sale: In Foal To Galileo
Top producing Jade Hunter mare Procrastinate is one of the star mares in next week’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. At last week’s Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney, Procrastinate’s latest yearling, a colt by Danehill, sold for $625,000. Procrastinate (being offered for leading Muswellbrook nursery Edinglassie Stud) has also previously produced South African champion Laisserfaire & is again in foal to a champion: this time international stallion prospect Galileo. Procrastinate (a proven black-type performer & producer) also has a sizzling female family: she is a half-sister to Group winning & recent Gr1 Coolmore Classic place-getter Galapagos Girl & stakes winning Kiwi performer Kampaign; she is also a half-sister to this season’s classy juvenile Bushland. Procrastinate is out of the unraced Century mare Reigntaine (a full sister to Group winning champion Waikato Stud-based sire Centaine). (April 28)

Sunday Joy Wins Gr1 AJC Australian Oaks
Trainer Gai Waterhouse took the quinella when her 3YO fillies Sunday Joy & Shower Of Roses fought out the finish of the $660,000 Gr1 AJC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick. Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence-Joie Denise, by Danehill) edged out Shower Of Roses (Zabeel-Marquise, by Gold And Ivory) with Gr1 NZ Oaks winner Bramble Rose (Shinko King-Images, by Gleam Machine) 3rd. Sunday Joy's dam won the 1995 Gr1 Queensland Oaks & her grand-dam Denise’s Joy (trained by Gai Waterhouse’s legendary father Tommy Smith) won the Gr1 Victorian Oaks & Gr1 Queensland Oaks plus the Gr1 WA Derby. Sunday Joy (owned & raced by John & Julie Singleton under the banner of their Strawberry Hill Stud syndicate) was a $1 million yearling at the 2001 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, while stablemate Shower Of Roses was a NZ$1.45 million yearling at the NZ Karaka sale. Sunday Joy, by deceased Japanese champion sire Sunday Silence, was bred by John Singleton & Arrowfield Stud after Arrowfield’s John Messara arranged to send a group of mares to Sunday Silence while standing at Japan’s acclaimed Shadai Farm. The winner’s dam Joie Denise foaled a filly by Fusaichi Pegasus in 2002 & is due to Carnegie. (April 28)

Arlington Road Lands Gr1 All Aged Stakes
Trainer Gai Waterhouse also grabbed the weight-for-age $380,000 Gr1 All Aged Stakes (1600m) at Randwick with her 4YO gelding Arlington Road (Dahehill-Joie de Vivre, by Vain) who won from Dash For Cash (Secret Savings-Gulistan, by Rubiton) & Lord Essex (Scenic-Darling Bess, by Biscay). The race proved a triumph for Magic Millions, who privided the trifecta: Arlington Road was bought for $300,000 at the 2000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale; Dash For Cash was a $75,000 purchase at the same 2000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale; & Lord Essex was bought for $50,000 at the 1998 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. (April 28)

Randwick Treble To Former Star Mare Denise’s Joy
The remarkable day’s racing at Randwick saw former star race mare Denise's Joy (by Seventh Hussar) record: her grand-daughter Sunday Joy take the Gr1 AJC Australian Oaks; her grandson Arlington Road win the Gr1 All-Aged Stakes; & her great grandson Pentastic (by Pentire) win the Listed Japan Racing Association Plate. Denise’s Joy was bred & raced by former champion trainer Tommy Smith. In a remarkable track career, she won the Gr1 VRC Oaks, Gr1 WATC Australian Derby, Gr1 QTC Oaks, Gr2 MVRC Moonee Valley Stakes, Gr2 VRC Turnbull Stakes, Gr2 VATC Underwood Stakes, Gr3 VRC Bloodhorse Breeders' Plate, Listed Listed AJC Widden Stakes, Listed AJC Craven Plate & Listed Gosford Cup; she finished 2nd (to stablemate Toy Show) in the 1975 Gr1 STC Golden Slipper Stakes, Gr1 AJC Champagne Stakes, Gr1 QTC Derby, Gr2 VATC Sandown Guineas & Gr3 WATC Caris Diamond Quality Stakes; & she finished 3rd in the Gr1 AJC Oaks, Gr1 Australasian Champion Stakes, Gr1 VATC 1000 Guineas, Gr1 BATC Doomben Cup, Gr2 VATC Underwood Stakes, Listed STC Queen Of The Turf Stakes & Listed Grafton Cup. (April 28)

Weekend Stakes Double For Pentire
It was a big Anzac Day holiday long weekend for NZ’s Rich Hill Stud, with its Gr1-winning stallion Pentire (Be My Guest) recording a stakes double: first Sir Pentire (Pentire-Privilege, by Sir Tristram) won the Gr3 VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington in Melbourne (trainer Robbie Laing finished 2nd in the race last year with another Pentire son Pantani, who went on to win the Gr1 South Australia Derby); then Pentastic (Pentire-Miss Minden, by Bellotto) won the Listed Japan Racing Association Plate (2000m) at Randwick in Sydney. (April 28)

Bubble Gum Fellow Records First Aust Stakes Winner
And former Champion Japanese 2YO Bubble Gum Fellow recorded his 1st Australian stakes winner when Confectioner won the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, noted racenet.com.au. This was the 3rd race start for Confectioner (ex Princess Blue, by Our Poetic Prince) who had also been his sire’s 1st Australian winner when successful at his 1st start at Balaklava last month. Imported to Australia by Arrowfield Stud, Bubble Gum Fellow (Sunday Silence– Bubble Company, by Lyphard) stood for 2 seasons at Chatswood Stud in Victoria while shuttling from Shadai Stallion Station. Last year Bubble Gun Fellow was runner-up to Fusaichi Concorde as leading 2nd crop sire in Japan. Bubble Gum Fellow's 1st Australian-conceived crop also includes NZ stakes winner Rockabubble. (April 28)

Randwick Stakes Winner Was $12,500 Bargain Buy
Bargain buy of the week goes to former Perth gelding Polygram (Poliuto-Noontome Belle, by Sumayr), who scored his 1st Sydney win & maiden stakes success in the $70,000 Listed Marriott Hotels Australia Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Trainer Carey Ward snapped up the 5YO gelding for just $12,500 at the 1999 Magic Millions Perth Select Yearling Sale. Polygram sent his earnings soaring to $228,410 with his 9th win (plus 8 placings) in 25 starts. (April 28)

Japan’s Eishin Preston Takes HK Gr1 QEII Cup For 2nd Year
Japan’s Eishin Preston completed a hat trick of international Gr1 triumphs in HK yesterday when he won the $HK14 million (A$2.9 million) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin for the 2nd year in succession. The 6YO horse previously won the 2001 Gr1 HK International Mile & 2002 Gr1 QE II Cup (beating Japan’s HK International Cup winner Agnes Digital). Eishin Preston (Green Dancer-Warranty Applied, by Monteverdi) won from HK Derby-winning mare Elegant Fashion (by Danewin) & 6YO German Horse-Of-The-Year Paolini (by Lando). (April 28)

Eishin Preston & Paolini Eye Aust’s Gr1 Cox Plate
Japanese superstar Eishin Preston “could have the W.S.Cox Plate as his spring target” following his QEII Cup victory, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The QE II Cup is the 1st leg of a delayed start to the 2003 World Racing Series, with the Cox Plate as the Australian leg of the series. His trainer Shuji Kitahashi (who has been training since 1977 after a riding career with close to 600 winners) “has suggested the Cox Plate in October would be a suitable target for Eishin Preston, before returning to HK in December for the International Cup as his final start before retiring to stud.” And the newswire added: “The Cox Plate may also be on the agenda again for Germany’s globe-trotting Paolini.” His trainer Andreas Wohler’ said: “I’m not sure where he’ll go next, as the plan was to go to Singapore for the Singapore Airlines Cup. But with the cancellation of that race, we’ll have to think again, probably Ascot in June for the Prince Of Wales Stakes. I might consider the Arlington Million again & there’s also Australia & the Cox Plate, although the quarantine process is a long one.” (April 28)

Drug Positive Knocks Eventuail Out Of QE II Cup
In a Cup-eve sensation, Gr1 winner Eventuail (4th in the Dubai Duty Free at Nad al Sheba last month) was withdrawn from the Queen Elizabeth II Cup “after testing positive for methylprednisolone, a steroid that is a banned substance on racing days in HK,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Stewards ruled out the 5YO Argentine-bred son of Candy Stripes “after Dr T.S.M.Wan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s senior racing chemist, said the substance would probably not be cleared from his system in time for the race.” Eventuail, owned by Mr & Mrs Laurie Jaffee & trained by Geoff Woodruff, won 2 Gr1 races in South Africa last year. (April 28)

Grand Delight Takes HK Gr1 Sprint For Size & Dye
Meanwhile expatriate Sydney trainer John Size & former jockey Shane Dye combined with 6YO gelding & former Australian sprinter Grand Delight (Hurricane Sky-Egyptian Ibis, by Straight Strike) to complete a clean sweep of HK's Champion Sprint series with victory in yesterday’s 3rd & final leg, the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin. Grand Delight (who, racing as Desert Eagle, previously won the 2001 Gr1 Emirates Classic over 1600m in Australia) beat Cape Of Good Hope (by Inchinor) & Firebolt (by Flying Spur). His Gr1-winning sire Hurricane Sky (by Star Watch) stands at Arrowfield Stud in Australia. (April 28)

Electronic Unicorn Wins HK Gr1 Champions Mile
And John Size completed a training double when reigning HK Horse-Of-The-Year Electronic Unicorn (Housebuster-Lilac Garden, by Roberto) won yesterday’s Gr1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin. The American-bred 7YO defeated Meridian Star (by Dolphin Street) & ex-Argentine Gr1 winner Red Sun (by Equalize). The winner’s sire Housebuster (by Mt Livermore) was twice Champion Sprinter in North America & stands at Blue Ridge Stud in Virginia. (April 28)

Tonic Takes NZ Bloodstock South Island Filly-Of-The-Year Series
The Warstep Stakes (2000m), final leg in the NZ Bloodstock South Island Filly-Of-The-Year series was run at Riccarton Park, with Tehama (Centaine-Eminent Walk) the winner. However that result meant the overall Series winner was Tonic (5th in the final event) from Royal Show (10th in the final event). (April 28)

Fair Mix Lands French Gr1 Prix Ganay
Fair Mix (Linamix-Fairlee Wild, by Wild Again) won his 1st Gr1 in yesterday's Prix Ganay (2100m) at Longchamp in France. The 5YO defeated Execute (Suave Dancer-She’s My Lovely) & last year's Japan Cup winner Falbrav (Fairy King-Gift Of The Night). Fair Mix’s sire & Classic winner Linamix (by Mendez) “is currently the Leading European-based active sire of stakes-winners in 2003,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (April 28)

Desert Prince Sires Ireland’s Tetrach Stakes Winner
Meanwhile it was good weekend news for Classic winner Desert Prince (by Green Desert), who shuttles between the Irish National Stud & Woodlands Stud in Australia. At The Curragh in Ireland, the Aidan O'Brien-trained 3YO colt France (Desert Prince-Hyperspectra, by Rainbow Quest) upset stablemate Dalcassian to land yesterday's Gr3 Rock Of Gibraltar Tetrarch Stakes (7 furlongs), reported thoroughbredinternet.com. France's grand-dam & Listed winner Hyabella is a half-sister to Champion Older Horse & Sire Stagecraft; this is the Meon Valley Stud family of Gr1 winners Colorspin, Opera House, Kayf Tara & Cezanne. (April 28)

Yard-Arm Takes Gr1 South African Derby
Lammerskraal Stud enjoyed classic success with their homebred Yard-Arm (Western Winter-Fashing, by Dancing Champ) “who romped home an easy 7-length winner of the Gr1 South African Derby at Turffontein,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Runner-up to Surveyor (also by Western Winter) in the first 2 legs of the Triple Crown, Yard-Arm “made the most of the absence of his nemesis by going to the front just before turning for home & simply galloping away from his rivals.” Big Bad John (by Fort Wood) finished 2nd, with NZ-bred Sekula Pata (by Pompeii Court) 3rd. Inbred 4x4 to Northern Dancer, Yard-Arm has now won 3 of his 6 races & is a half-brother to South African stakes-winners Donya & Mast Abeam. Winning stallion Western Winter (by Gone West) was Leading First Season Sire in South Africa in 2001. (April 28)

My Own Business Wins Venezuelan Gr1 La Rinconada
Venezuela’s 2002 Horse-Of-The-Year & champion older horse My Own Business romped to a 6-length victory & set a track record in taking his 2nd successive Gr1 Clasico Presidente de la Republica (12 furlongs) at Hipodromo La Rinconada in Caracas, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Angel Alciro & trained by Antonio Bellardi, My Own Business (a 6YO son of Danzig stallion Voyageur, who won 3 races in North America) improved his record to 34 victories in 45 starts (including Gr1 races as a 2YO, 3YO, 4YO, 5YO & 6YO). Owned by Rocco Sebastiani & Hugo Albarran’s Stud Fantasia, My Own Business had also been voted 2000 Horse-Of-The-Year. He was bred by Julio Pazo’s Haras Vista Hermosa, out of the winning Verbatim mare Word Medley, & is a half-brother to stakes winner Gran Corredor. Notable members of his immediate family include 1983 Gr1 Florida Derby winner Croeso & multiple Gr3 winner & sire Ide. (April 28)

Gene De Campeao Wins Brazilian Gr1 Grande Premio Oswaldo Aranha
Gene de Campeao scored a 3-length victory in Brazil’s Gr1 Grande Premio Oswaldo Aranha (12 furlongs) at Hipodromo Cidade Jardim in Sao Paulo, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 3YO son of Nijinsky II stallion Khatango has notched 4 wins, also including Brazil’s 2002 Gr1 Grande Premio Consagracao at the same course. He is trained by Amazilio Magalhaes Filho & was bred by his owner Toni Lara of Haras Bandeirantes. Gene de Campeao is out of Brazilian Gr1 winner Zarzamora (by Our Captain Willie). (April 28)

US$2.45 Million Purchase Holt To Stand In Argentina
Holt, a US$2.45 million purchase at the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, will begin standing in Argentina in August at Haras San Ignacio de Loyola, in partnership with Stonerside Farm, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Mr Prospector is out of the stakes-placed winning Lypheor mare Fineza (a daughter of stakes winner Jedina, a half-sister to Gr1 winner & leading sire Fappiano & Gr1 winner & sire Torrential). He is a half-brother to Gr1 Kentucky Oaks winner & millionaire Keeper Hill, & multiple graded stakes winner & Florida-based stallion Golden Gear. (April 28)

First Winner For US Freshman Sire & Gr1 Star Forestry
US freshman sire & Gr1 winner Forestry notched his 1st winner as a sire when 2YO Hasslefree won a 4.5 furlongs event at Keeneland Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The now 7YO son of Storm Cat raced only 1 season (1999 as a 3YO), but logged 7 wins & 3 placings in 11 starts. Included in Forestry’s victories were the Gr1 King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, Gr2 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park & San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita Park; he also finished 4th in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at his final career start. Forestry is 1 of 3 starters (all winners) out of the Gr1-winning Pleasant Colony mare Shared Interest. He is a half-brother to 1999 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Cash Run & is from the immediate family of Gr1-winning millionaire Sewickley. Forestry stands for US$50,000 at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky. (April 28)

Danehill’s French Stallion Garuda Scores 1st Winner
Garuda, a stakes winner by Danehill who stands in France, earned his 1st winner as a sire when 2YO filly Paraluna won over 5 furlongs at Lyon-Villeurbanne, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 9YO who won 2 of 13 career starts & ran placings in 4 Group stakes (including 2nd in Germany’s 1998 Gr1 Europa-Preis), Garuda stands at Haras du Camp Bernard. Bred by Grangemore Stud, Garuda is out of the unraced Law Society mare Ardmelody; he is a full brother to stakes winner Danish Rhapsody & half-brother to 1996 Gr2 Orchid Handicap & Gr3 Bewitch Stakes winner Memories. (April 28)

First Winner For Freshman Sire Riyadian
English group winner Riyadian, now standing in Peru, earned his 1st winner as a sire when 2YO Dr Katsicas won the 6.5 furlong Clasico Galeno by 10 lengths at Peru’s Hipodromo Monterrico reported thoroughbredtimes.com. An 11-year-old son of Polish Precedent, Riyadian was a 5-time winner & twice a group winner in England, including victories in the 1996 Gr2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket & 1995 Gr3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot, prior to runner-up in the Gr1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket; he also recorded a 3rd in the 1997 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France. Imported in 1999 by Peruvian-based Haras Rio Santa, Riyadian produced 23 foals in his 1st crop in 2000, followed by 11 in 2001 & 10 in 2002. Bred in Great Britain, Riyadian is out of Irish classic winner Knight’s Baroness (by Rainbow Quest). (April 28)

Andrew Parrish New Chairman Of UK National Stud
The UK Levy Board has appointed Andrew Parrish as the new chairman of Britain’s National Stud, succeeding Peter Player when he steps down in July. Parrish, 57, has wide experience of running a number of high-profile companies & has been a racehorse owner since the 1980s; his best known horse in recent years is Smooth Sailing. Parrish told racingpost.co.uk: "The National Stud has an important role to play in the future development of racing & breeding in the UK, & I greatly look forward to the exciting prospect of working with the Stud's team at this pivotal time." (April 28)

Bugatti Sponsors German World Series Leg
Luxury car manufacturer Bugatti is the new sponsor of the Gr1 Grosser Preis von Baden (12 furlongs), Germany’s most prestigious weight-for-age event, traditionally run on the 1st Sunday in September & German leg of the World Series. (Last year it also proved an excellent trial for France’s Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with both events won by Godolphin’s Marienbard.) The Grosser Bugatti Preis will boast prize-money of 900,000 Euros (A$1.6 million) reported racingpost.co.uk. (April 28)

Jockeys Warned About ‘Tactical’ Stay-Of-Proceedings
The Racing NSW Appeal Panel has placed licensed riders “on notice regarding the issue of a ‘tactical’ Stay-Of-Proceedings” following the sudden withdrawal of appeals by jockeys Steven King & Darryl McLellan. Appeal Panel chairman Tom Hughes warned: “It should not be assumed in the future that a Stay-Of-Proceedings will be given in due course.” Steven King, who flew from Melbourne to Sydney to attend his hearing, withdrew his appeal once Hughes warned “an increase in penalty could be a possibility.” King had been found guilty of careless riding at Rosehill on April 5, but then lodged an appeal & continued to ride under a Stay-Of-Proceedings, enabling him to compete at both Sydney’s lucrative Golden Slipper & Doncaster-Derby Day meetings. As a result, Racing NSW chairman of stewards Ray Murrihy approached the Appeal Panel to have King’s penalty increased, explaining: “We are pressing to have the 5-meeting suspension term increased to 8 meetings. Of great significance is that the Slipper & Doncaster meetings would initially have been included into Mr King’s suspension term.” Appeal Panel chairman Hughes summed-up: “With some misgivings after examining all the circumstances, the Panel has granted Mr King leave to withdraw. But the Panel wishes to emphasise that these ‘tactical’ appeals are not to be encouraged – everyone knows what I mean about ‘tactical’. In future, as I am the chairman, I may look at watching the video of the interference prior to granting a Stay-Of-Proceedings. On reading the transcripts, I had the impression Mr King would have had the job ahead in proving his innocence.” Jockey Darryl McLellan similarly withdrew his appeal through his solicitor. (April 28)

Inglis Easter Day 2: $1.7 Million Sunday Silence Colt Breaks Record
A spectacular brown colt by US Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence from Phantom Creek broke the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale record when sold for $1.7 million in Sydney last night. Shigeyuki Okada of Japan’s Big Red Farm won a 3-way bidding duel & confirmed he will be shipping the star colt back to Japan. The record breaker was bred & prepared for sale by Arrowfield Stud, which has enjoyed great success sending mares to Japan to be covered by Sunday Silence to Southern Hemisphere time. Arrowfield boss John Messara declared: “He’s a very special, magnificent colt. Honestly, he’d top any sale in the world. You just don’t get horses like him very often. He’s got absolutely everything: pedigree, conformation &, above all, class.” The colt is the 4th foal of his dam Phantom Creek, a winner in the UAE & a Mr Prospector half-sister to Champions Arazi & Noverre; the colt is also a half-brother to French winner Dubai Spirit. During the sale Okada has also bought colts by Fuji Kiseki & Zabeel. Big Red Farm on Hokkaido is home to 5 stallions (including St Leger winner Mutafaweq) & Okada has 130 horses in training, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (April 24)

Inglis Easter Day 2: $625,000 For Danehill-Procrastinate Colt
Overall, after 2 days of the 3-day sale, 216 lots have been sold (& 82 passed-in) for gross receipts of $29,023,000 & an average price of $134,366 (with fillies averaging $146,374 & colts $125,624). Among the other top lots on Day 2 were:
  • $625,000 paid by Melbourne trainer David Hall for a Danehill-Procrastinate colt, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $500,000 paid by James Bester Bloodstock for a Danehill-Prawn Cocktail filly, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $350,000 paid by BBA Ireland for a Danehill-Mattiocco filly, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $350,000 paid by Tim Martin for a Danehill-Romantic River filly, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
(April 24)

Tale Of The Cat Joins Coolmore Australia Roster
Hot young American sire Tale Of The Cat will join Rock Of Gibraltar, Johannesburg & Danehill Dancer as new additions to the powerful line-up of stallions at Coolmore Australia this season. Tale Of The Cat, the fastest son yet of world-leading sire Storm Cat, brings to Coolmore Australia credentials of the highest order. After breaking his maiden by nearly 12 lengths in new track record time, Tale Of The Cat won the Gr2 King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga by 6 lengths, clocking sensational fractions of 21.3sec, 43.2sec, 1min8.2sec & 1min 21.3sec for the 7-furlong trip. (He was also 2nd in the Gr1 Whitney Handicap over 9 furlongs at Saratoga to multiple Gr1 winner Awesome Again & twice 3rd in the Gr1 Vosburgh Stakes over 7 furlongs at Belmont.) Tale Of The Cat is out of the Mr Prospector mare Yarn; he is a half-brother to European Champion 2YO Minardi & to the dam of World Champion 2YO Johannesburg. His dam Yarn is herself a full sister to the dam of Pulpit, leading US 2nd-crop sire for 2002; this is also the family of Champion Sire Round Table. Already leading 2003 US 2nd-crop sire, Tale Of The Cat is sire in Australasia this season of top-class 2YOs Ubiquitous (Gr3 & Listed winner), Scaredee Cat (Listed winner of the VATC Debutant Stakes & 3rd in the Gr3 Blue Diamond Prelude), Al Jameel (3rd in the Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes), Purrfection (3rd in the Gr2 NZ Breeders’ Stakes) & Catscan (4th in the Gr1 NZ Sires’ Produce Stakes). Tale Of The Cat’s principal northern hemisphere performers include Inamorato, Catalissa & My Trusty Cat; overall he has already sired 14 1st-crop black-type horses. Coolmore Australia general manager Michael Kirwan commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to offer Tale Of The Cat’s services to Australian mare-owners this season. He is a superbly-bred horse with a top-class race record & is already a very exciting young proven sire, both in Australia & the US. Importantly, he also gets real ‘sales’ horses. His 1st crop of southern hemisphere yearlings proved a great hit at last year’s NZ sales & are performing accordingly on the racetrack.” Tale Of The Cat’s fee (together with those of all Coolmore Australia stallions for 2003) will be set at the conclusion of the Inglis Easter Yearling sale. (April 24)

Sheikh Mohammed To Race Horses In Japan
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum “has won rare — if not unique — permission from Japanese officials to begin racing a stable of his horses in Japan, which severely restricts participation by non-Japanese owners,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Japan’s National Association of Racing approved the application from Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Japan Racing Company as a corporate racehorse owner. Japanese national Chikara Takahashi will represent the company, making it a permissible ownership entity under the Association’s rules. Darley Japan Racing is located in Azuma-Cho on the island of Hokkaido. “The company already has transferred horses by Machiavellian, Seeking The Gold & Singspiel to Mombetsu Breeding Farm in Hokkaido & those of racing age are expected to compete this summer with trainers Yasushi Miyashita & Tadashi Kawashima.” The horses will be raced at Funabashi Racecourse in Chiba, which features 2 dirt tracks. (April 24)

UK Gr1 Champ Golan To Stand At NZ’s Windsor Park
English Gr1 2000 Guineas winner Golan (by Spectrum) will begin stud duties this spring at Nelson & Sue Schick’s Windsor Park Stud at Cambridge in NZ. Nelson Schick confirmed Golan would ‘shuttle’ to Windsor Park along with fellow stud mates Montjeu & Black Minnaloushe for the 2003 season. At only his 3rd start, Golan finished 2nd to champion Galileo in the 2nd fastest ever running of the Gr1 English Derby. He followed-up with another placing behind Galileo in the Gr1 Irish Derby. He then raced in France, where he won the Gr2 Prix Niel at Longchamp (beating French Derby winner Anabaa Blue) before finishing 4th in the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (behind Sakhee). In his final start to the globe-trotting season he ran 6th in the Gr1 Japan Cup. Schick noted: “It is the ultimate test of a horse’s ability, as well as its temperament & character, to be able to compete consistently well at the highest level as a 2YO & 3YO. Golan has a very special asset in his mental toughness. That he was able to win a spring classic race at just his 2nd start as a 3YO, then come back as a 4YO & win the hardest race on the British racing calendar speaks volumes for his ability & soundness.” Continuing his career as a 4YO, Golan produced the performance of his life to become the 1st horse ever to win the Gr1 King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Royal Ascot (beating Nayef, Grandera, Aquarelliste, Boreal & Storming Home) on his seasonal debut. Golan is currently serving a high class book of mares in his 1st season at Coolmore Stud in Ireland & will arrive at Windsor Park in August. (April 24)

Danehill Son Aucash To Stand At Oaklands Stud
Yet another high class son of Danehill has found a home for this year's Australian stud season. The progressive Oaklands Stud in Queensland will stand Aucash (Danehill-All Grace), the former HK-based half-brother to champion racehorse Saintly. Oaklands already stands: proven juvenile getter Lion Hunter (Danehill-Pure Of Heart); one of the country's most anticipated colonial stallions Iglesia (Last Tycoon-Yodells); & the highly regarded sprint son of boom sire-getter Green Desert, Greenlander (ex Pripet). Aucash won 7 races in HK & HK$6,219,670 (A$1.3 million) in stakes. Ivan Allan trained him to victories from 1000-1600m in the best of company, earning a HK rating of 114 – a top-line figure. (April 24)

Hussonet Notches 42nd Stakes Winner
Arrowfield Stud’s new stallion Hussonet (by Mr Prospector) posted his 42nd individual stakes winner when his 2YO son Mar Hondo convincingly won Chile’s Gr3 Cotejo de Potrillos Stakes (1300m on turf). Hussonet is dominating 2YO racing in Chile this season with 8 individual winners (including 3 stakes-winners & a further 2 stakes-placed). He also clearly heads the General Sires List. Hussonet boasts an amazing 24% stakes-winners-to-runners & will stand the coming season at Arrowfield at $24,750 (inc GST). (April 24)

Arkadian Hero To Stand At Paramount Lodge
Gr2 winner Arkadian Hero (a son of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Trempolino) is the latest sire to join the roster at Matamata’s Paramount Lodge in NZ, alongside Mellifont, Hunza Court & Colombia. Arkadian Hero won 7 races (including a Gr2, 2 Gr3 & 3 Listed events) & was placed in the Gr1 Atto Mile & 4 other stakes races. Paramount studmaster Norm Hawthorne noted: “After his first 2 starts, he only raced in the best of company – including Sunline, Giant’s Causeway, Jim And Tonic, Fairy King Prawn & King Of Kings.” Arkadian Hero’s 2nd dam is directly linked to 7 Gr1 winners (3 as 2YOs) of 11 Gr1 races. Hawthorne added: “I have a permanent agreement to shuttle him to NZ & I feel that is most important. I’m really excited about Arkadian Hero: he’s a good size (just over 16 hands), he was a top racehorse & he’s got a great Gr1 pedigree.” (April 24)

Dual-Oaks winner Domino Dies At Chequers Stud
Dual-Oaks winner Domino has died at Chequers Stud in NZ, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Domino (Grosvenor-Tupelo Honey, by Vice Regal) was 2nd top filly on the 1989-90 NZ Free Handicap, after wining both the Gr1 AJC Oaks & Gr1 NZ Oaks. Domino was the dam of NZ winners Hero (15 victories including the Gr1 NZ Two Thousand Guineas), Dominant & Evergreen; Meiner Empire in Japan; & American Dream in Singapore. (April 24)

Shuttler Cape Cross Lands 1st Northern Hemisphere Winner
Mac Love, the 1st northern hemisphere runner by shuttle sire Cape Cross, has won at Nottingham in England at his 2nd race start, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Cape Cross (a Gr1-winning son of Green Desert) stands at NZ’s Cambridge Stud. (April 24)

Endless Summer Staying Home This Season
The lightly raced Zafonic colt Endless Summer (2YO winner of the UK 2000 Gr2 Richmond Stakes & runner-up in both the Gr1 Prix Morny at Deauville & Gr1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket) “will not be joining the stallion roster at The Independent Stallion Station this spring as was planned,” reported racenet.com.au. “The young stallion is reported to be having problems in the breeding shed.” A son of the ill-fated Zafonic, Endless Summer would have attracted “further Australian interest through his female family. His dam Well Away (by Sadler’s Wells) is a winning full-sister to UK Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes winner & outstanding Australian stud success Scenic.” (April 24)

Racing Internet Awards Announced In Sydney
The winners of the annual Racing Internet Awards, hosted by Let It Ride.com & sponsored by Wilburtins McDonald Bloodstock Insurance Brokers, were announced at the 3rd annual Easter Margarita Party in Sydney. American thoroughbred industry internet pioneer & Let It Ride.com chief executive David Bernsen (who raced Breeders Cup Sprint winner Artax) flew to Sydney for the event from his home in San Diego & announced the winners:
  • Best Web Site (the event’s major award): Racing NSW (www.racingnsw.com.au)
  • Best Racing Organisation Site: Racing Victoria (www.racingvictoria.net.au)
  • Best Stud/Breeding Related Site: Arrowfield (www.arrowfield.com.au)
  • Best Sales Related Site: New Zealand Bloodstock (www.nzb.co.nz)
  • Best Punting Related Site: AAP Racing & Sports (www.aapracingandsports.com.au)
  • Best New Web Site: eJockey (www.ejockey.com.au)
(April 24)

Forest Wildcat Filly Tops US Ocala 2YO Sale
In America, a US$150,000 (A$250,000) Forest Wildcat filly topped the 1st session of the 4-day Ocala Breeders Spring 2YOs-In-Training Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Eric Hamelback, general manager of Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation, signed for the filly out of multiple stakes-winner Clever Kat. Agent Jimmy Davis paid 2nd top price of US$125,000 (A$208,000) for a Western Borders colt. Overall 186 horses were sold for US$4,528,000 (up 16.7% compared to the opening session in 2002) & the average price rose 4.2% to US$24,344. (April 24)

Former Cambridge Stallion Danzatore Dies In US
US stallion Danzatore, the 23-year-old Irish champion who sired champion Reraise, has been euthanised at Buena Suerte Equine in New Mexico reported bloodhorse.com. Bred in Canada, Danzatore offered an intriguing 3x3 in-breeding to Native Dancer, being by Northern Dancer & out of a Raise A Native mare (Shake A Leg). He was purchased for US$1 million at the 1981 Keeneland July yearling sale & raced in Ireland for a partnership that included Robert Sangster & Danny Schwartz. Trained by Vincent O'Brien, Danzatore was named Ireland's champion 2YO but was retired early with 4 wins from just 5 starts. Danzatore began his stallion career at Patrick Hogan's Cambridge Stud in NZ. He later stood in the US at Spendthrift Farm & Prestonwood Farms in Kentucky, then Summers Mill Farm in Texas & finally Buena Suerte Equine. His star performer Reraise (voted 1998 champion sprinter after winning the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint) won 8 of 9 starts & earned US$922,830. Danzatore sired a total of 187 winners, including 25 stakes winners & another 25 stakes-placed runners; his best Australian performers were Gr1-winner Wonder Dancer, Key Dancer, Almurtajaz & Honey Be Quick. (April 24)

US Champion Xtra Heat Sent To Breeding Shed
ClassicStar Farm’s champion US mare Xtra Heat has been sent to David Plummer's Kentucky farm to be bred. No plans have been confirmed on which stallion the 5YO daughter of Dixieland Heat will be bred to, but trainer John Salzman told thoroughbredtimes.com that ClassicStar is considering 3 or 4 stallions: "They told me when we came back from Dubai that they would make a decision soon on whether to breed her or not. They asked me how I felt about that & I said it was a good idea. She’s got nothing left to prove. She’s run a lot of races, she’s won a lot of races & maybe this is the time for her to go to the shed." However Salzman also confirmed that, should Xtra Heat not get into foal, she will be returned to him to resume training: "As soon as she gets in heat, they’re going to try & breed her. But if she doesn’t get in foal, she can come back & race. They were talking about maybe racing her even if she did get in foal. But I don’t think they’ll opt to do that. That foal will be too valuable." And ClassicStar racing manager John Freston told bloodhorse.com: "She's not officially retired. We are going to attempt to breed her & the success or failure of that could determine her future plans." Bred in Kentucky, Xtra Heat has 26 victories & 7 placings from 35 starts (including the 2001 Gr1 Prioress Stakes at Belmont Park on her way to earning the Eclipse Award for champion 3YO filly) & US$2,389,635 prize-money; she is also the all-time leader among fillies & mares in the US for stakes victories with 25. (April 24)

Toussaud Named Kentucky’s Broodmare-Of-The-Year
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders has named Juddmonte Farm's Toussaud (14-year-old daughter of El Gran Senor out of Gr2 winner Image Of Reality, by In Reality) as Broodmare-Of-The-Year. Herself a winner of the Gr1 Gamely Handicap, Toussaud has produced 4 individual Gr1 winners from her first 6 foals to race, with her latest star Empire Maker favourite for next month’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby. (Her other Gr1 winners are Chester House, Honest Lady & Chiselling, plus Gr2 winner Decarchy.) Toussaud currently has a yearling filly by Seeking The Gold, a weanling filly by Kingmambo & is booked to A.P.Indy, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (April 24)

French Freshman Sire Marathon Nets 1st Winner
French freshman sire Marathon gained his first winner when Kerloff scored at Maisons-Laffitte, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kerloff is one of 3 starters from 35 foals of racing age in the 1st crop of Marathon, who stands at Haras de Granges near Touget in France. Marathon is a Kentucky-bred 9YO son of Diesis & won 5 races from 13 career starts. Bred by Societe Aland, Marathon is out of the stakes-winning Nureyev mare Most Precious; he is a half-brother to French classic winner Matiara, Gr3-winner Pyrus & stakes winner Precious Ring, & represents the immediate family of Gr1 winner Lydian. (April 24)

Eastern Echo’s Stud Career Reborn With Buddy Gil
Eastern Echo “may not have made a lot noise during his 11-year stud career in Kentucky, but the exploits of the son he sired by covering the mare Really Rising in 1999 are booming loudly,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The resulting foal, Gr1 Santa Anita Derby winner & strong Gr1 Kentucky Derby candidate Buddy Gil, has renewed interest in Eastern Echo, the undefeated Gr1 winner by Damascus who previously stood at Lane’s End in Kentucky. Eastern Echo is now in his 2nd stud year at Shamrock Farms in Maryland & interest in the transplanted Kentucky stallion has been “off the charts”, according to syndicate manager Don Litz, since Buddy Gil began defeating some of the US West Coast’s top-rated 3YOs at Santa Anita. Litz revealed: "Because of Buddy Gil, Eastern Echo is completely booked up. We knew he was a solid horse who would get a good book in Maryland — that’s why we brought him here — but then Buddy Gil happened & that just pushed things to another level. We’ve booked the last 10 mares at a US$5,000 stud fee. Litz expects Eastern Echo (who began the 2003 season with a US$3,000 fee) to cover 90-100 mares this season. Eastern Echo was a precocious 2YO, winning all 3 of his starts by a combined 9.5 lengths; he also won the 1990 Gr1 Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park to close out a career cut short due to injury. Eastern Echo earlier sired Swiss Yodeler (winner of 5 stakes as a juvenile, including the 1996 Gr1 Hollywood Futurity) who ranked as California's leading freshman sire in 2002. Out of the recently deceased Gr2-winning Northern Dancer mare Wild Applause, Eastern Echo has sired 20 stakes winners & 23 stakes-placed runners in his first 9 crops. His progeny have earned US$16,225,139. (April 24)

Freshman Sire Deputy Commander Aims Double Shot At Kentucky Derby
Meanwhile, with 2 major contenders for this year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby (May 3), Deputy Commander “will attempt to emulate the same feat pulled off in 2001 when Maria’s Mon sired Derby winner Monarchos in his 1st crop,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Deputy Commander’s likely Kentucky starters are Ten Most Wanted (winner of the Gr2 Illinois Derby) & Brancusi (runner-up in the Gr1 Blue Grass Stakes). Brereton Jones, who stands the 9YO son of Deputy Minister (out of Anka Germania, by Malinowski) & multiple Gr1 winner at his Airdrie Stud in Kentucky, declared: "We knew Deputy Commander would sire classic horses. So many times, trainers will tear up these big horses trying to get them to do something they’re not bred to do. We’ve encouraged them to wait on the Deputy Commanders & they’re being rewarded for it." Jones added interest in Deputy Commander, whose fee was reduced from US$25,000 to US$15,000 prior to this season, has increased significantly thanks to the exploits of the 2 Derby-bound colts (plus Kentucky Oaks-bound Holiday Lady & a pair of stakes-placed winners); but he has not re-opened the sire’s book & the 5th-year stallion will cover a select group of less than 100 mares. "There’s a lot of good people calling & trying to get a season," Jones said. "We’re looking to do our best to provide for the people that have been supporting him. That way, if they bring a yearling to the sale, they’re not going to be one of 75 yearlings in the sale. We’re hoping for half that number." In 1997, Deputy Commander won the Gr1 Travers Stakes, Gr1 Super Derby & Gr3 Affirmed Handicap, as well as finishing 2nd in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic & Gr2 Swaps Stakes; he earned US$1,906,640 in his 13-race career. With 98 foals in his 1st crop, Deputy Commander has sired 23 individual winners from 60 starters for progeny earnings of US$1,634,992. (April 24)

First Winners For 2nd Crop Stallions Ago & Mighty Forum
US 2nd crop stallions Ago & Mighty Forum have both netted their 1st winners: Circle M Lighting scored at Indiana Downs for his sire Ago & Mighty Cannon won for his sire Mighty Forum, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ago stands at Cedar Brook Farm in Ohio. An 11-year-old by Danzig, Ago won 5 of 27 races. Circle M Lighting is 1 of 14 3YOs by Ago, who also has 10 juveniles & 5 yearlings. Mighty Forum (a 3-time Gr3 winner) stands at Albemarle Stud in Virginia. A 12-year-old by Presidium, Mighty Forum won 7 of 28 races, including a quartet of stakes. Mighty Cannon is just 1 of 2 horses from Mighty Forum’s 1st crop. Mighty Forum also has 3 juveniles & 3 yearlings. (April 24)

UK Polytrack Surface Triggers Interest Among US Tracks
Keeneland Race Course “is considering installing on its training track a polytrack artificial racing surface that received critical acclaim at Lingfield Park racecourse in England this past winter,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Keeneland officials toured Lingfield earlier this year & “were in high praise of the polytrack surface during a Keeneland Association board of directors meeting” last week. Keeneland board member John Greely III (who owns Wintergreen Farm in Kentucky) commented: "It’s very interesting; someone has to try it. The results in England are remarkable for safety of the horse. We’ve got to try it. . . . In the long run, it’s good for horses because it provides a more consistent surface for them. And it’s good for the track because up-keep will not cost as much." Lingfield completed its polytrack course last year & horsemen quickly heaped praise on the surface, calling it the best artificial racing surface in the world. (April 24)

Santa Anita Crowds Fall 26% To Record Low
Attendance during the 85-day Santa Anita Park meeting that concluded last weekend fell 26% from last year, to an average of just 8,842 fans per day — the first time in the 66-year history of the track average attendance dropped below 9,000, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Last year’s average daily attendance was 11,964 & the previous record low of 9,926 people per day was set during the track’s inaugural season in 1934-35. Santa Anita’s new general manager Chris McCarron told Associated Press: "The industry has given fans plenty of reason not to come to Santa Anita. We’ve been forced to provide more convenience in order for them to participate. In doing so, we’ve given them reasons to stay away.” McCarron was referring to the multitude of options available to fans who wish to watch and/or wager on racing in California; Magna Entertainment Corporation (which owns Santa Anita) recently launched Horse Racing TV, as well as XpressBet (an account wagering platform). But total wagering for the Santa Anita season was US$1.002 billion - the 4th time in the last 6 years the total for the season exceeded US$1 billion. (April 24)

Headlines Continue For Ban On Leading US Owner Michael Gill
The controversy surrounding Michael Gill (America’s leading owner by victories, who recently filed a lawsuit after Delaware Park management banned him from its track) continues to attract headlines across the US. Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association president Alan Foreman told thoroughbredtimes.com he was concerned over the fact Gill has been barred without any apparent evidence of wrong-doing: "It has generated a lot of discussion. The fact someone can just be barred, without apparently doing anything, bothers me. It’s obvious he’s a controversial figure, but the fact people don’t like his style is not grounds to deny him the privilege & opportunity to race. If Mike has done something that violates their rules, that’s one thing. But so far, the public record has not shown anything to support that." And National Horse Benevolent & Protective Association president John Roark added he was disturbed that any horseman or owner could be banned from a track based on reputation & said: "It’s really hard for me to have an opinion because I just don’t know all the facts. . . . What I will say is, in his case, if all this is happening to him because he’s claiming a lot of horses, then that’s wrong.” (April 24)

Inglis Easter Day 1: $675,000 Danehill-Foxwood Filly Top Price
A Danehill filly who is the 1st foal of former outstanding NZ dual-Gr1-winning racemare Foxwood (by Centaine) attracted top price of $675,000 on Day 1 of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale at Newmarket in Sydney. Kiwi trainer Roger James (who prepared Foxwood throughout her career) outbid bloodstock agent Tim Boland, acting for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum (who is attending the Australian Easter Yearling Sale for the first time). The bay filly was consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent. James operates stables at both Matamata in NZ & Flemington in Melbourne, with the filly initially bound for his NZ base. He told thoroughbrednews.co.nz he had put together 2 existing clients to make the purchase: Jim Hannan (who owns & raced Foxwood) & Coolmore Stud. James added he & Hannan had agreed in advance they were not going to allow sentiment to colour their decision in buying a top filly: “I came down to 3 in the catalogue. But this filly was by Danehill & she was a huge athletic filly. Plus she is the 1st foal of a mare who will be continue to be well mated. She has a Danehill colt & is in foal to Galileo.” (April 23)

Inglis Easter Day 1: HKJC Pays $525,000 For Danehill-Champagne Colt
Second top price on Day 1 was $525,000 paid by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for a Danehill-Champagne colt consigned by NZ’s Cambridge Stud. The colt was originally passed in at $550,000 but sold soon after for $525,000, with Cambridge boss Sir Patrick Hogan telling thoroughbrednews.co.nz that, considering the market & the colt’s early position in the sale (he was lot 14), the original bid was not far short of the reserve. (April 23)

Inglis Easter Day 1: Sheikh Pays $350,000 For Sunday Silence-Felicitation Filly
Agent Tim Boland paid $350,000 on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum for a Sunday Silence-Felicitation filly consigned by Arrowfield Stud as agent. Conceived in the Northern Hemisphere & foaled in Australia, the bay filly is by the champion Japanese sire from a grand-daughter of champion mare Emancipation. Boland told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “The boss was very keen to have a Sunday Silence in the team & she represents very good value. She is a nice athlete.” Boland added the filly would be trained in Sydney; however a trainer is yet to be confirmed, noted racenet.com.au, though John O’Shea (who trains this year’s Magic Millions 4th place-getter Merhoob for the Sheikh) & fellow Randwick trainer Gai Waterhouse prepare the bulk of his Australian racing team. (April 23)

Inglis Easter Day 1: $350,000 for Flying-Spur-Coronation Night Filly
Among other highlights on Day 1 at the Inglis Easter Sale were:
  • $350,000 paid by Melbourne trainer David Hall for a Flying Spur-Coronation Night filly, consigned by Vinery Stud as agent.
  • $300,000 paid by John Ferguson Bloodstock for a Xaar-Cornwall Queen colt, consigned by NZ’s Trelawney Stud.
  • $300,000 paid by Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse for a Danehill-Enlightment colt, consigned by Coolmore Australia as agent.
  • $300,000 paid by Victorian trainer Danny O’Brien for a Snippets-Gerber colt consigned by Queensland’s Almavale Bloodstock as agent.
  • $280,000 paid by Vin Cox Bloodstock for a Danehill-Cannsea filly, consigned by NZ’s Cambridge Stud.
  • $280,000 paid by Contract Racing for a Desert Prince-Lady Solvil filly, consgined by Brooklyn Lodge.
  • $275,000 paid by Vinery Stud for a Green Desert-Lace Wing colt, consigned by Arrowfield Stud as agent.
  • $275,000 paid by Sydney trainer Clarry Conners for a Danehill-Excellent Prospect filly, consigned by Emirates Park.
(April 23)

Inglis Easter Day 1: Average $131,772
Overall on Day 1 of the Inglis Sale, 138 lots sold (& 62 were passed-in) for gross receipts of $18,184,500 & an average price of $131,772. NZ’s Cambridge Stud sold 7 of its 8 yearlings offered in the 1st session for a total $1,565,000. Trainer Tim Martin spent $1.25 million for 12 yearlings for major client Nick Moraitis. And trainer Gai Waterhouse bought 7 horses for a total $1.43 million. Coolmore Ireland’s champion stallion Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty) dominated proceedings at the top end: he was responsible for 5 of the top 11 lots, including both top-priced colt & filly. (April 23)

Planchet Sold For Stud Duty
The Woodlands-owned 3YO sprinter Planchet has been sold to Lee Fleming for stud duties. "I purchased a half-share in him & he will stand at Eliza Park once his racing career is over," confirmed Eliza’s principal. Planchet (Canny Lad-Penny) won 7 races & $787,015 in stakes. He is a Gr2 winner & Gr1 place-getter. Woodlands & Eliza Park jointly will control his racing career & he will remain with John Hawkes. "The industry still needs Star Kingdom blood at stud & he's the best of them in work," added Fleming. Planchet was scratched from the Gr1 Galaxy at Randwick last weekend, but is expected to make a full recovery from an ankle injury. "If not, he will come here & stand this season. He's 16hh & simply a magnificent animal," Fleming noted. (April 23)

Last Tycoon Not To Shuttle In 2003
Last Tycoon, “one of the forerunners of Coolmore Stud’s expansion into Australia”, will not be returning in 2003 reported racenet.com.au. The veteran son of Try My Best was Australia’s champion sire in 1993-94. Winner of the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, Last Tycoon has sired over 600 winners around the world that have won $95 million. Standing at Victoria’s Blue Gum Farm in recent seasons, Last Tycoon is currently represented by unbeaten 3YO filly Yvonne (recent winner of the Gr3 Auraria Stakes) & Le Zagaletta is closing on $1 million in earnings. Among Last Tycoon’s Australian stars have been: Mahogany with $3,670,618 prize-money & 19 wins (including Gr1 AJC Derby, Gr1 VRC Derby, Gr1 Australian Guineas, Gr1 Lightning Stakes twice, Gr1 VATC Caulfield Guineas, Gr1 QTC Sires' Produce Stakes, & Gr1 Castlemaine Stakes); Tycoon Lil with $927,227 prize-money & 8 wins (including Gr1 WRC New Zealand Oaks, Gr1 STC Canterbury Guineas & Gr1 CJC NZ 1000 Guineas); Lady Jakeo with $612,000 prize-money & 5 wins (including Gr1 VATC Blue Diamond Stakes & Gr1 MVRC Australian Stakes); O’Reilly with 4 wins (including Gr1 Levin Bayer Classic & Gr1 WRC Telegraph Handicap); Knowledge (winner of the Gr1 VATC Blue Diamond Stakes); & Magic Of Money (winner of the Gr1 AJC The Galaxy). (April 23)

Matter Of Honour Starts New Career In US
Matter Of Honour, the Paul Perry-trained half-brother to former champion Might And Power, arrived in the US on the weekend & will continue his racing career in California, where his front running tactics will suit the Hollywood Park dirt. Matter Of Honour (Casual Lies-Benediction) won 7 races in Australia, including the Manifold Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, for $385,380 in prize-money before his 2nd bleeding attack ended his 30-start local career. (April 23)

Hayes May Return To Aust If SARS Escalates
Expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes may return home from Hong Kong if Asia’s Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome problem escalates. Hayes told Channel 10 TV: "If it continues to get worse, then yes it may signal the beginning of me coming home. When my commitment is completed in 3 months, at the end of this season, that's when a decision may be made. If I was single, then I would hold out as long as I could. But it's not much fun having your family here (in Australia) & me being over there." (April 23)

Aust Racing Museum Relocating To Melbourne’s Federation Square
The Victorian Government & Racing Victoria will make “a major funding announcement” today regarding relocation of the Australian Racing Museum to Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The relocation “will strengthen racing’s relationship with tourism & enable a critical connection with the wider community. This announcement will ensure racing will be positioned in the heart of Melbourne’s key sporting & cultural precinct & in a world-class complex.” (April 23)

Aust Jockey Damien Oliver Begins 3-Month Japan Stint
Champion Melbourne jockey Damien Oliver arrived in Japan yesterday & will start his 3-month riding stint (hosted by Japan's leading owner Katsumi Yoshida) in Sunday’s Gr2 Sanki Sports Sho Flora Stakes at Fuchu racecouse in Tokyo, reported ejockey.com.au. He will ride mainly for trainer Kazuhiro Seishi, though he is also available for ‘outside’ rides; local agent Yuki Kawakami will handle Oliver’s rides during his stay. This is the 7th riding visit to Japan for Oliver, having previously made flying visits for jockey invitation races, a Japan Cup & mounts on Australian star Testa Rossa in 2 races. Oliver summed up: "It is similar to my experience a few years back in England & Ireland, where the opportunities were limited but the experience I gained was invaluable. It is a world class racing centre, perhaps even more competitive than Hong Kong, & I am looking forward to the challenge." (April 23)

Neo Universe Wins Japanese Gr1 Satsuki Sho
Meanwhile Shadai Farm-bred 3YO colt Neo Universe (Sunday Silence-Pointed Path, by Kris) won Japan’s Gr1 Satsuki Sho (Japan's equivalent of the 2000 Guineas) over 2000m at Nakayama, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Neo Universe just pipped Sakura President (also by Sunday Silence) & Eishin Champ by (Mi Cielo). Neo Universe has now won 5 of his 6 starts & is a half-brother to Gr3 Prix du Calvados winner Fairy Path. Their third dam Boulevard is a half-sister to Gr1 Prix Robert Papin winner & dual-hemisphere stallion Sun Prince. (April 23)

Baramul Enters 14 Supplementary Yearlings For Magic Millions May Sale
Baramul Stud has supplied an additional 14 youngsters (by stallions including Danzero, Charnwood Forest, Brocco, Bite The Bullet, Vettori & Special Dane) for the yearling section of the Magic Millions May National Sale on the Gold Coast. (At this sale last year Gerry Harvey offered recent Golden Slipper heroine Polar Success, purchased by trainer Graeme Rogerson for $32,000.) Among Baramul’s supplementary highlights are:
  • half-sister to this season’s star stakes winning Brisbane 2YO Best Northern; the bay filly is by the former Gr2 winner Bite The Bullet, a proven sire of 15 stakes winners.
  • colt by Danehill’s Golden Slipper winning son Danzero, from the proven Gr1 family of HK champion Indigenous & Adelaide Cup champ Water Boatman.
  • filly by former champion American juvenile Brocco (sire of Miss Pennymoney, Jostle, Brorama Star, Shelbourne Lass & Mr Trickster), from winning Danzatore mare Saloon Dancer; the September foaling is from the family of proven Gr1 stars Grosvenor, National Gallery, Mahaya & Lonhro.
(April 23)

NZ$2,000 Filly Is Latest Star For De Gruchy
Hastings owner-breeder Graham de Gruchy grabbed international headlines in the 1980s with his champion racemare Horlicks (by Three Legs), who won the 1987 Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse. De Gruchy also bred 2000 Melbourne Cup winner Brew (by Sir Tristram) who was from Horlicks. “His latest success story as a breeder is the Trevor & Stephen McKee-trained 2YO filly Pay My Bail (by Justice Prevails),” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. De Gruchy sold Pay My Bail for just NZ$2,000 at the Karaka yearling sales to the shrewd Trevor McKee & Thayne Green, part-owners of champion racemare Sunline (by Desert Sun). Pay My Bail recorded her 2nd stakes win of the season in the Listed NZ$35,000 Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie last weekend. (April 23)

Multiple Gr1 Star Was Chance Mating
As prominent south Auckland veterinarian & breeder Charlie Roberts stood at Randwick last Saturday, just metres away, former star racehorse Super Impose (by Imposing) lead out the field for the $2.4 million San Miguel Doncaster Handicap. (Super Impose won the Doncaster in 1990 & 1991.) Roberts told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "It’s funny how certain things are meant to be. His dam Pheroz Fancy was born prematurely in late July, so turned a year old when in fact she was only a week old. That put her at a serious disadvantage, so her breeder Jack Grant didn’t bother racing her. In the early 1980s I was doing the vet work at Ra Ora Stud & at the same time I had all of the Grant mares at my place at Ardmore. The stud’s most popular stallion Imposing was chock-full, but when I spotted a space in his service list I slotted Pheroz Fancy in. (Ra Ora manager) Fred Archer jumped up & down when he saw what I had done, trying to fit an unraced maiden mare into Imposing’s book, but I still got my way. One covering & she was in foal, & that’s how Super Impose came to be. We prepared him for the sales as well. He was a lovely big colt & I suppose the only mistake I made was not buying him myself." History records Super Impose went on to win 2 Doncasters, plus the Epsom Handicap & Cox Plate, among 8 Gr1 victories & a further Gr2 & Gr3 events. (April 23)

Sedecrem Continues Faltaat’s Winning Run
Further to yesterday’s item re Sedecrem’s win in the NZ Gr1 Jaguar Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie: Sedecrem, who has now won his last 5 races in a row) was a NZ$22,000 yearling purchase at the Karaka sales by leading Brisbane bloodstock agent John Foote (who was instrumental in bringing Sedecrem’s sire Faltaat to Westbury Stud) on behalf of owners Peter Walker, Winston McDonald, Colin Giltrap & NZ Mercedes-Benz general manager Ernie Ward. So where did the name come from? Sedecrem is Mercedes spelt backwards! Sedecrem was born, raised & sold by Westbury Stud; a late foal (born November 22), Sedecrem was bred by Peter Newsom, Mac Whitehouse & Tony Wales, all from Australia. Sedecrem is the 2nd Gr1 winner by Faltaat; the other is the multiple Gr1 winner Tit For Taat. Faltaat now has 65 runners world-wide for 44 winners & 7 individual stakes winners; they include Gr1-placed Hey Pronto, Rosina Lad & Gwen’s Rules. (April 23)

Fast Milestone For NZ Jockey
And further to yesterday’s item re Matamata jockey Michael Coleman notching 1,000 NZ winners: Coleman, 33, is the 17th jockey to ride 1,000 winners in NZ racing history & 3rd fastest to reach the mark, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Coleman is in his 18th season of riding; only Lance O’Sullivan (11th season) & David Walsh (14th season) attained the mark in quicker time. The other Kiwi jockeys to ride 1,000 winners in NZ are: Bill Skelton, David Peake, Lance O’Sullivan, David Walsh, Bob Skelton, Noel Harris, Jim Collett, Bill Broughton, Grenville Hughes, Chris Johnson, Peter Johnson, Gary Phillips, Jim Ellis, Maurice Campbell, Gary Grylls & Paul Richards. (April 23)

Kiwi Connection To Randwick Gr1 Winners
Although neither is NZ-bred, there is a strong Kiwi connection to last weekend’s Randwick Gr1 winners, Doncaster Handicap victor Grand Armee (by Hennessy) & Australian Derby hero Clangalang (by Clang), reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Grand Armee is a member of the famous Belle family, established by the late Jim & Annie Sarten. His dam Tambour is by Sir Tristram’s Golden Slipper winner Marauding from Voltage, by Whiskey Road from Electric Belle, by Sovereign Edition from Dame Belle, by Hermes from Belle Time. And Australian Derby winner Clangalang is out of Little Recruit, who was bred by Les Donaldson by his Totara Park Stud stallion Staff Sergeant; Little Recruit won the Gr2 Avondale Championship Stakes, a 2000m 3YO event formerly staged at Avondale on Anzac Day. (April 23)

Personal Ensign Delivers Filly By Monarchos
Undefeated champion Personal Ensign “who has become the matriarch of one of North America’s most significant female families” has produced her 9th foal, a filly by 2001 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 19-year-old daughter of Private Account (1996 Broodmare-Of-The-Year), Personal Ensign is already the dam of Gr1 winners Miner’s Mark, My Flag & Traditionally. Last year she produced an Unbridled filly who has been named Salute; in 2000 she foaled the A.P.Indy filly Possibility (who is in training with Shug McGaughey but has not yet started). Personal Ensign won all 13 of her race starts, including the Gr1 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff over Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors; she earned US$1,679,880. Her 1st foal Miner’s Mark (a son of Mr Prospector born in 1990), won the 1993 Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes & Gr3 Colin Stakes. Mr Prospector also sired Personal Ensign’s 2nd foal Our Emblem, who placed in 8 stakes (including the 1995 Gr1 Carter Handicap) & sired 2002 Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem. My Flag (a big chestnut filly by Easy Goer foaled in 1993) won the 1995 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies & 1996 Gr1 Coaching Club American Oaks, Gr1 Ashland Stakes & Gr1 Gazelle Handicap, totalling US$1,557,057 prize-money. Last year My Flag’s 2nd foal, the Storm Cat filly Storm Flag Flying, won an Eclipse Award as champion 2YO filly after emulating her dam with a victory in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Personal Ensign produced Traditionally (another son of Mr Prospector) in 1997 & he went on to win the 2001 Gr1 Oaklawn Handicap. (April 23)

UK Ladbrokes Offers Website Betting On US Races
In the latest development in international ‘cross-border’ race-betting, Ladbrokes is offering access to American racetrack pools by non-US customers through the British bookmaking firm’s website. Bets are available to Ladbroke’s 600,000 registered bettors & the company’s domestic telephone call centers in London & Liverpool. British interest in American racing has grown since live broadcasts have been shown by Attheraces satellite TV station in evening prime-time between 5.45pm & 11.45pm. John O’Reilly, managing director of Ladbrokes e-gaming & telephone operations, told thoroughbredtimes.com the company was responding to "customer demand for access to US pools & the wide range of exotic bets available." (April 23)

First Winner For Irish-Based Freshman Sire Cape Cross
Gr1 winner Cape Cross, a son of Green Desert who stands at Kildangan Stud in Ireland, recorded his 1st winner when his 1st starter, 2YO colt Mac Love, won a 5-furlong race at Nottingham in England, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Ireland by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Cape Cross won 5 of 19 career starts, including the 1998 Gr1 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. Cape Cross is out of multiple European champion Park Appeal (by Ahonoora) & is a half-brother to stakes-placed Lord Of Appeal. He is also a half-brother to winning Sadler’s Wells mare Arvola, who produced multiple Gr1 winner Diktat. Cape Cross has 96 juveniles in his 1st crop & 82 yearlings. (April 23)

First Winner For Texas Freshman Sire Gold Regent
Gold Regent, a son of Mr Prospector who stands at Valor Farm in Texas, gained his 1st winner when his 1st starter (2YO filly Marquee) won a 4.5 furlong race at Manor Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gold Regent is out of stakes-placed Vice Regent mare Regent’s Walk & is a half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner Marquetry & multiple group stakes winner Spain Lane; he also is a half-brother to unraced Reggie V, who produced multiple graded stakes winner Five Star Day. A US$500,000 purchase at the 1997 Keeneland July yearling sale, Gold Regent raced 7 times for Bob Lewis & trainer D. Wayne Lukas for 1 win. Now a 7YO, Gold Regent has 40 juveniles in his 1st crop & 16 yearlings. (April 23)

Texas Stallion Linear Notches Winner With 1st Starter
Linear, a 7-time US stakes winner who set 4 track & course records during his 8-year racing career, also notched his 1st winner as a sire with his very first starter: 2YO gelding Print In Black, also over 4.5 furlongs at Manor Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Linear stood at Wilkinson Stables in Texas before he died in February aged 13. Linear was by Tri Jet out of the winning Explodent mare T.V.Spot; Linear’s half-sister D.C.’s Pleasure produced Brazilian Gr1 winner Gold Pleasure. Print In Black is one of 3 juveniles in the 1st crop sired by Linear, who also has 4 yearlings of 2003 & another 3 foals on the ground this year. Linear won 13 of 58 career starts, including stakes victories at 6 different tracks; his course records (from4.5-6 furlongs) were at Arlington Park, Sportsman’s, Calder & Emerald Downs. (April 23)

SARS Forces Cancellation Of Singapore International Cup
The S$3 million (A$2.8 million) Singapore International Cup & S$1 million (A$940,000) Krisflyer Sprint, scheduled to be run at Kranji on May 17, have been cancelled amid fears about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Singapore Turf Club president Yu Pang Fey announced yesterday: “The Club & Singapore Airlines (major sponsor) deeply regret the current situation arising from the SARS outbreak in the region has made this decision necessary. We seek the understanding of our business partners associated with the event, as well as the racing fraternity.” The Singapore International Cup (first run in 1999 & last year promoted to international Gr1 status) is a leg of the World Racing Series. Australian sprinters North Boy (who won the Krisflyer Sprint last year) & Century Kid had been invited to compete this year. (Last year’s Cup was won by Godolphin’s Grandera from German champ Paolini.) (April 22)

HK Proceeds With QE II Cup
Meanwhile the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which faced a similar dilemma, is proceeding with this weekend’s Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m), opening leg of the 2003 World Racing Series. The race has 3 international visitors: last year’s winner Eishin Preston from Japan, South Africa’s Eventuail & Germany’s Paolini. (April 22)

Spinning Hill Likely To Retire After Brisbane Campaign
Trainer Guy Walter is aiming valuable 6YO race mare Spinning Hill (whose 12 wins & 11 placings in 33 starts have netted $1,735,000) at a final Brisbane campaign before retirement to stud, reported appracingandsports.com.au. Walter said Spinning Hill will target the $350,000 weight-for-age Gr2 T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) on May 3 & then the $500,000 Doomben Ten Thousand (1350m) on May 17. Walter noted Spinning Hill’s owner Sandy Tait was “open-minded about when she should be retired to stud, but it seems likely this will be her last season” with a Brisbane winter campaign finale. (April 22)

Aushorse & Racing NSW Battle Over BOBS Scheme
The NSW BOBS scheme “has lost vital support within the breeding industry following a decision by Aushorse members not to register their stallions under the revised format,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Aushorse (which represents industry leaders Coolmore, Arrowfield, Widden & Yarraman Park among 55 influential studs) has declined to support the current BOBS scheme despite significant amendments to its format since it was launched last year. Aushorse opposed the revised scheme launched by Racing NSW in February, claiming it was a “perverse tax” on commercial thoroughbred breeders. Racing NSW chairman Tony Hartnell noted the revised scheme would “ensure there was some contribution to the Australian racing industry from the foreign-dominated operations at the top end of the breeding industry.” However Aushorse has cited the 2002 Coolmore Stud stallion roster as an example of why it opposes the new scheme: Based on stallion fees for 13 sires (including Danehill at $200,000) the Irish-owned stud would have paid $1,100,900 in nomination fees to BOBS, but would have received a bonus payment of only $2,500 if any eligible horse by one of those sires won at a Saturday metropolitan race meeting in NSW; to recoup its nomination fees, eligible horses by Coolmore sires would have to win about 480 Saturday metropolitan races in NSW. “BOBS in its current form is simply a non-goer for the major stallion farms, it is more like a tax,” said Aushorse chairman John Messara. “Why would a stallion syndicate, or any business, go into a venture budgeting to make a loss?” The NSW TRB has already listed 26 nominated sires for the revised 2003-2006 BOBS scheme, with many more expected before the May 1 deadline; the current list includes all the stallions controlled by Jack & Bob Ingham’s Woodlands Stud (including Octagonal, Grand Lodge, Desert Prince & Quest For Fame). (April 22)

Sadler’s Wells 2YO Sets European Breeze-Up Filly Record
Mikki Tsuge, acting on behalf of Japanese owner Fusao Sekaguchi (who owned Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus & Japanese Derby winner Fusaichi Concorde) paid a new European Breeze-Up filly record 150,000 guineas for a Sadler's Wells 2YO out of Mountain Holly during the 2nd & final session of the UK Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale. Overall figures for the 2 days saw 129 lots sold for a record 4,115,700 guineas (up 5% on last year), at an average 31,904 guineas & a record median of 25,000 guineas (up 25%). At the conclusion of the 15th Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale, chairman Edmond Mahony commented: "In 2002 our Breeze-Up produced truly extraordinary figures, with an average up 44% & turnover up an even more remarkable 52%. We suspected such a spectacular Sale would be a hard act to follow, especially bearing in mind the global uncertainties caused not only by the conflict in the Gulf, but also the virus outbreak in South East Asia. But trade over the past 2 days has yet again produced record-breaking figures . . . The Tattersalls Breeze-Up has transformed the European Breeze-Up market in recent times, with new buyers from the USA fighting off strong opposition from Japanese competition. We have seen the average at this Sale more than double in the last 5 years & this has encouraged vendors to send us some serious 2YOs with pedigrees to match.” (April 22)

Grand Armee Takes Gr1 Doncaster Handicap In Sydney
On a day when atrocious weather & a heavy track saw the scratching of 3 of the top 4 weighted horses (Defier, Shogun Lodge & Excellerator), jockey Danny Beasley & trainer Gai Waterhouse combined to win the $2.4 million Gr1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick with exciting 4YO Grand Armee (Hennessy-Tambour, by Marauding). He won by 3.5 lengths from Dash For Cash (Secret Savings-Gulistan, by Rubiton) & Boreale (Octagonal-Spring Thaw, by His Majesty). Favourite & 5-time Gr1 winner Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) finished 4th in the final field of 15. Grand Armee (who now has 6 wins, plus 1 2nd & 1 3rd from just 8 starts) was purchased for $150,000 by former trainer & leading veterinarian Alan Bell at the Inglis 2000 Australian Easter Yearling Sale & has already returned $1,726,330. Grand Armee is a 1st crop son of Coolmore’s Storm Cat stallion Hennessy (who shuttled between Ashford Stud in Kentucky & Coolmore Australia); he is the 1st foal of Marauding mare Tambour (a full sister to Oakleigh Plate winner Drum & half-sister to stakes-winner Port Watch). This was the 1st Australian Gr1 win for Hennessy, who spent 5 seasons on the shuttle to Coolmore's southern base from 1997. The Storm Cat son left 369 foals; of his 289 of racing age, 168 have been to the races for 85 winners (including 4 group winners). (April 22)

Clangalang Wins Gr1 AJC Australian Derby
Jockey Scott Seamer & trainer Gerald Ryan took the $1.9 million Gr1 AJC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick with 3YO colt Clangalang (Clang-Little Recruit, by Staff Sergeant). The placings were filled by the Bart Cummings gelding Strasbourg (Umatilla-Bella Ragazza, by Myocard) & another gelding Mummify (Jeune-Cleopatra’s Girl, by At Talaq). The winner’s sire Clang stands at Queensland’s Willowbend Stud; he is a Group-winning son of Bellotto & half-brother to another leading young sire Strategic. “Clangalang's dam won the 1983 Gr2 Avondale Championship (2000m) & this is the family of stakes-winning stayers Cilldara & Idle Lad,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (April 22)

Snowland Sprints To Victory In Gr1 Galaxy
Jockey Chris Munce & trainer Gai Waterhouse won the $1 million Gr1 San Miguel Galaxy (1100m) with 3YO colt Snowland (Snippets-Snowdrift, by Polish Precedent), owned & raced by Eduardo Cojuangco, the main sponsor of Royal Randwick’s ‘San Miguel Derby-Doncaster Day’ (the richest day in Australian racing). Cojuangco, who accepted the winner’s trophy from his wife, said Snowland would head to Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley, reported The Sun-Herald. (Andrew Baddock, manager of Cojuangco’s Gooree Pastoral Company, confirmed yesterday Snowland had been retired to stand at Widden at a fee of $17,500 incl GST & will support the young sire with 30 mares.) Cojuangco outlayed $90,000 for Snowland as a yearling at the 2001 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast; since then the colt has scored 9 wins & 3 placings from just 17 starts for stakes earnings of $1,138,200. Snowland is the 1st foal of his dam, a half-sister to stakes-placed Flurry, dam of this season's French Listed winner Fidelio's Miracle. Snowland's grand-dam Snowtop (by Thatching) is a stakes-winning half-sister to 4 stakes-winners including Gr1 winner Al Hareb. Queensland flyer Star Of Florida (Telesto-Try It On, by Snaadee) led until the last stride to finish a close 2nd, with Bradshaw (Last Tycoon-Shaybisc, by Biscay) 3rd. Trainer Pat Duff paid just $51,000 for Star of Florida at the same MM Gold Coast sale; his earnings have now soared over $460,000 from just 10 starts. (April 22)

Hasna Grabs Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes
Trainer Gai Waterhouse & jockey Len Beasley made it a big Easter weekend when they combined at Randwick again yesterday to take the $380,000 Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) with 2YO filly Hasna (Snippets-They Say, by Thirty Six Red). The placings went to Bushland (Quest For Fame-Terrain, by Scenic) & Al Jameel (Tale Of The Cat-Canny Asset, by Marscay). The win gives Hasna’s breeder, The Pines Stud on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular, 15 Gr1-producing mares on the property & excited proprietor Emma Boling told thoroughbrednews.co.nz after the race: “That was my baby out there!” Hasna (who cost Corumbene Stud proprietor George Altomonte $160,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale) has now raced 9 times for 5 wins & 3 placings to total $846,625 prize-money. “Hasna's 4th dam is Ciboulette, dam of Champion Fanfreluche (herself the dam of Champions L'Enjoleur & La Voyageuse) & Gr1 sire Night Shift & from whom descend the likes of Gr1 winners & Sires Flying Spur & Encosta de Lago,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (April 22)

Snippets Adds 2 More Gr1 Winners
Arrowfield Stud’s deceased stallion Snippets entered the Easter long weekend with 5 Australian Gr1 winners from his 12 crops of racing age. After the Randwick victories by Snowland & Hasna, “he exited the weekend with a further 2 Gr1 winners that added $865,000 to his progeny earnings of over $50 million,” noted racenet.com.au. And Inglis pedigree consultant Tara Madgwick said: “If you’re keen to jump on the Snippets band-waggon, his Gr1 winning son Pins has some lovely yearlings from his 1st crop on offer” at this week’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney. Pins is based in NZ at Waikato Stud & they’re offering: a half-brother to classy sprinter Century Kid; a bay filly from the Centaine mare Ever Clever; & a half-sister to smart juvenile Scaredee Cat from Last Lady (a grand-daughter of Wenona Girl). In addition, Rich Hill Thoroughbreds is offering a Pins half-brother to Kiwi Gr2 winner Fatal. And Ardsley Stud is offering a Pins half-brother to stakes-winning mare Ilze. (April 22)

Shirazamatazz Wins Gr1 WA Derby
The Fred Kersley trained Shirazamatazz led home a Magic Millions clean sweep in the $300,000 Gr1 WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot in Perth yesterday, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The Barathea youngster, offered at the 2001 MM Perth Premier Yearling Sale but passed in for $85,000 (with a reserve of $100,000), is from the Estaminet mare Gourmet; yesterday’s win takes his prize-money to $280,675 from 8 starts. Second home in the WA Derby was MM Winter Weanling Sale purchase Conspirator ($50,000), while Adelaide MM yearling purchase Golden Prospect ($35,000) held on for 3rd, ahead of the Gold Coast MM graduate King Canute ($50,000). (April 22)

Danish Magic Takes 2YO Inglis Heroic Championship
Also at Randwick on Saturday, Danish Magic (Danewin-Delle Desire, by Kenmare) relished the wet track to win the $950,000 Inglis Heroic Championship (1300m) for 2YOs, from Sir Dex (Dexter-Amwaj, by Marscay) & Aim For Gold (End Sweep-Young Vic, by Old Vic). Danish Magic cost $30,000 as a yearling (& won 1st prize of $620,000), Sir Dex cost just $12,000 as a yearling (& collected $130,000 for 2nd place) & Aim For Gold cost $50,000 as a yearling (& nabbed $70,000 for 3rd place). (April 22)

NZ$1 Million Offer Rejected For Kiwi Cup Hope
Connections of 4YO NZ mare Honor Babe (Honor Grades-Repremand, by Kreisler) made a big decision last month: they turned down an offer of NZ$1 million from the stable of leading Singapore trainer Malcolm Thwaites, who told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "Good luck to the owners for keeping her. I hope they do well through their decision." At Randwick on Saturday, Honor Babe duly ran a great 2nd for Matamata trainer Katrina Alexander in the $500,000 Gr2 San Miguel Chairman’s Handicap (2400m), not only nabbing an instant $100,000 2nd prize for connections, but also confirming her strong claims for the up-coming Gr1 Sydney Cup (3200m). (April 22)

$18,000 Bargain Returns 10 Times Price With 4th Win
Private Steer (Danehill Dancer-Lisheenowen, by Semipalatinsc) emphasised what a bargain she was when she won the $75,000 Listed P.J.Bell Handicap (1200m) for 3YO fillies at Randwick yesterday. It was the 2nd Listed win for the filly who was passed in at the Magic Millions Tamworth yearling sale for just $18,000 but has now won 4 races from 7 starts to take her earnings to $192,750. (April 22)

Sedecrem Wins NZ Gr1 Easter Handicap
Faltaat’s 4YO gelding Sedecrem justified his favouritism by winning the Auckland Racing Club’s NZ$150,000 Gr1 Jaguar Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The win provided veteran Kiwi trainer Colin Jillings (who co-trains with Richard Yuill) with his first Easter Handicap win in almost 60 years of trying. Sedecrem (Faltaat-Real Trier, by Turf Ruler) was ridden by globe-trotting jockey Grant Cooksley & won narrowly from Jetski (by Jetball) & Millennium (by Prized). It was Sedecrem’s 8th win (the last 5 in succession) in 16 starts. (April 22)

Passinetti Wins US Gr1 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap
Gary Tanaka's Passinetti (Slew O'Gold-Cloelia, by Lyphard), a 7YO gelding “who had been turned out for more than 3 years & was nearly given away to become a riding horse, became the resurrection story of this Easter season” by winning the US$400,000 Gr1 San Juan Capistrano Handicap (14 furlongs on turf) at Santa Anita, reported bloodhorse.com. (The San Juan Capistrano is the longest Graded race on the North American calendar.) Passinetti beat All The Boys (by Foreign Survivor) & favourite Champion Lodge (by Sri Pekan). "This horse literally was going to be given away 6 months ago," said winning trainer Ben Cecil. "He's been out in the paddock for 3 years & I said to Mr Tanaka: 'Let's bring him back in, have a go, see what happens.' And here we are, winning the San Juan Capistrano. I mean, it's unbelievable." The victory was the 3rd in 17 career starts for Passinetti, who began his career in France. (April 22)

Emergente Blitzes Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Raul Chevalier
Emergente (Salt Lake-Early Princess, by Kitwood) blitzed his rivals by 4 lengths to win the Gr1 Gran Premio Raul E. Chevalier (1400m) for 2YO males at San Isidro, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Emergente was having only his 2nd race start (having also won on debut by 7 lengths) & left previously unbeaten Mixto D'Oro (by Maximilian) & also unbeaten Inter Cleante (by Interprete) floundering in his wake. Emergente is the 1st foal of Early Princess, winner of the 1999 Gr1 Gran Premio de Potrancas & Gr1 Gran Premio Eliseo Ramirez. Leading Freshman Sire Salt Lake (by Deputy Minister) stands at Walmac International in Kentucky & shuttled to Argentina. (April 22)

Storm Racer Notches Another Victory For Aust Racing Institute
One of Singapore’s most popular horses Storm Racer notched another victory in winning a Class One S$100,000 (A$90,000) sprint, ridden by Malcolm Thwaites’ stable jockey Mark Du Plessis reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The win was Storm Racer’s 5th from 11 career starts & takes his earnings to over S$400,000 (A$360,000) for his connections at the Australian Racing Institute, who race a large number of horses with Thwaites in Singapore. (April 22)

UK Stakes Win For Darley’s Elusive Quality
Good weekend news from England for Darley Australia: Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's homebred filly Nasij (Elusive Quality-Hachiyah, by Generous) made a winning seasonal debut to win the Listed Masaka Stakes for 3YO fillies at Kempton, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. This was the 1st stakes win for Nasij, who placed twice in Gr3 contests last season as a 2YO. She is the 2nd foal of her dam, a winning half-sister to Listed winner Hiwaya. This is the immediate family of Champions Chris Evert, Winning Colors & Chief's Crown. Gr1 winner Elusive Quality (by Gone West) stands at Gainsborough Stud in Kentucky & will shuttle this season to Darley Australia in the NSW Hunter Valley. (April 22)

Danehill Continues Winning Run In France
Meanwhile Danehill also had a good European weekend: Clodovil (Danehill-Clodara, by Linamix) won France’s Gr3 Prix de Fontainebleu at Longchamp. Bred by the late Jean-Luc Lagardere, Clodovil is unbeaten in 4 starts. Clodovil's dam Clodara was also bred & raced by Lagardere; her wins included the Gr2 Prix de l'Opera. Clodovil's 4th dam is a half-sister to successful sire Averof. Clodovil is one of 13 stakes-winners in 6 countries sired in 2003 by Danehill. (April 22)

Auckland Racing Club Sets Date For Fiery Meeting
A special general meeting of members of the Auckland Racing Club has been set for May 8, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The meeting was called after the required number of members petitioned the club amid the recent ‘Prices Road training complex’ brouhaha. The ARC board voted 7-5 in favour of the complex, but heated debate has continued to rage over “whether it is the right venue for the region's number one training venue to replace the Takanini training centre upon its pending closure.” (April 22)

NZ Jockey Michael Coleman Lands 1,000th Winner
NZ jockey Michael Coleman, 33, landed has 1,000th winner at Ellerslie yesterday. Matamata-based Coleman noted 3 highlights for aapracingandsports.com: "The Wellington Cup on Second Coming, the Auckland Cup on Our Unicorn & the Railway at Ellerslie on Cannsea." He also noted finishing 3rd in Brew's Melbourne Cup on stablemate Second Coming: "The atmosphere (at Flemington) was incredible that day." (April 22)

Top Irish Apprentice To Ride In NZ
Leading Irish apprentice jockey Tom Queally will ride in NZ this summer. Queally, who is apprenticed to top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, will be based at the Tuhikaramea stables of Graeme Rogerson & Stephen Autridge. Queally has ridden 60 winners in Ireland, including the Gr3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown a week ago. Autridge told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing Queally will arrive in November & ride for 7 weeks: "It will be the off-season over there & he’s keen to come here & learn." (April 22)

Richard Johnson Lands 1,000th UK Jumps Winner
Richard Johnson became only the 8th jockey in UK jumps racing history to ride 1,000 winners (& in a time bettered only by Tony McCoy) when he landed a weekend winner at Stratford, reported racingpost.co.uk. Johnson rode his 1st winner at Hereford on 30 April 30 1994 & has finished runner-up to Tony McCoy 5 times in the UK jockeys' championship. The others in the 1,000 club are Stan Mellor, John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody, Tony McCoy, Adrian Maguire & Peter Niven. (April 22)

Kentucky University Issues MRLS Recommendations
The University of Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources Current has released management recommendations to minimise the risk of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Included among the recommendations are: minimising or totally eliminating a pregnant mare's exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars; keeping pregnant horses away from wild cherry trees; & reducing their exposure to endophyte tall fescue & perennial rye-grass. The weather, especially an early rise in temperatures in the spring followed by late frost “is one of the factors that is still suspect & undergoing study. Minimised, but still under study, are ergot alkaloids from tall fescue or perennial rye-grass, whose alkaloids have been known as a catalyst for reproductive problems in mares.” Eliminated after intensive research during 2002 as causes for MRLS include: white clover; fungal mycotoxins; mineral imbalance in pastures; & poison hemlock & feeding hay on pasture. (April 22)

Brian’s Time Dam Kelley’s Day Dead
Kelley’s Day, dam of multiple Gr1 winner & Japanese leading sire Brian’s Time, has died aged 26 at Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kelley’s Day produced 13 starters & 8 winners from 15 foals. Her most successful off-spring was classic-placed Brian’s Time (by Roberto) who won 5 races & placed in 8 others in 21 career starts, including victories in the 1988 Gr1 Florida Derby & Gr1 Pegasus Handicap at Meadowlands, plus the Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. He earned US$1,001,269 in prize-money. Brian’s Time was retired in 1989 & sent to Japan, where he has been among the leading sires 9 times & currently stands at C.B.Stud on the island of Hokkaido. Dam Kelley’s Day (by Graustark) is one of 12 winners from 13 starters out of the winning Hasty Road mare Golden Trail. Kelley’s Day won 5 of 18 career starts. (April 22)

Multiple Gr1 Winner Dr Carter Dead
Multiple Gr1 winner Dr Carter, sire of 1992 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year Benburb, has died at Haras Vale Verde in Brazil aged 22, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Dr Carter, a Florida-bred son of Caro, began his career at stud in 1986 at Tartan Farms in Florida, before transferring to Gainesway Stud in Lexington. In 1993, Dr Carter was purchased by Brazilian-based Haras Equilia & subsequently sired Gr2 winners Karatoga & Kurisko. From 404 foals in 15 crops of racing age, Dr Carter produced 6 graded stakes winners & 13 stakes winners among 170 winners. His progeny account for earnings of US$8,670,928. On the track himself, Dr Carter won at distances from 7-10 furlongs, including the 1983 Gr1 Remsen Stakes & 1985 Gr1 Gulfstream Park Handicap; overall, he won 6 races & placed 11 times in 19 career starts. (April 22)

Champion Fort De France Dies In Brazil
Fort de France, a dual champion in his native Argentina, has died at Haras Sao Quirno in Brazil aged 23, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of the French stallion Kasteel entered stud at Haras La Quebrada during the 1983-84 season, where he produced a dozen stakes winners, topped by champion filly La Francesa & Gr1 winner Tootsie. In 1991, he was exported to Brazil, where he continued his success. From 457 foals in 16 crops of racing age, Fort de France sired 11 group winners & 19 stakes winners. Out of the Again II mare Bastille, Fort de France was a half-brother to stakes winner French Hill & Gr1 winner Fortin Pampa, & to stakes-placed winner La Guillotina (dam of stakes winner Bastillano). Fort de France won 4 of his 7 starts at San Isidro & Palermo, including the 1982 Gr1 Gran Premio Jockey Club (2nd leg of the Argentine national Triple Crown), Gr1 Gran Premio Montevideo & Gr1 Gran Premio Raul E. Chevalier, plus runner-up efforts in the Gr1 Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (Argentine Two Thousand Guineas) & Gr1 Gran Premio Gran Criterium. (April 22)

Kentucky’s Gaillardia Farm For Sale
US Film producer E.K.Gaylord II has sold Kentucky’s Gaillardia Farm (which he founded in 2001) to his sister Mary Gaylord McClean. She, in turn, “has listed the 179-acre property for US$5.25 million,” reported bloodhorse.com. (Gaillardia was previously owned by Edgar Kitchen & called Stonewall Farm.) Gaylord will retain his significant interests in thoroughbreds (including about 30 horses boarded in Kentucky & 25 horses in training), but “does not plan to buy another farm.” (April 22)

Kentucky’s Elk Hill Farm Sold & Renamed
Meanwhile William Shively has purchased the 197-acre Elk Hill Farm in Kentucky from Lindsay & June Williams for US$3.3 million. (The Williams purchased & developed the property in 1997.) Shively (who already owns another 135-acre farm of the same name in Fayette County, the former Blue Ridge Farm) will “rename the property Tomoka Hills Farm,” reported bloodhorse.com. Terry Arnold will manage both properties & Shively's 35 Kentucky-based mares. (April 22)

Oklahoma’s Lazy E Ranch For Sale
And Lazy E Ranch, a training center & arena located on 300 acres in Oklahoma, is listed for sale for US$20 million, reported bloodhorse.com. The 19-year-old operation deals in both thoroughbreds & quarter-horses. (April 22)

First Overseas Trip for NZ Trainer
Easter Odd Spot 1: Waikato trainer Jim Mouat will be breaking fresh ground when he heads to Adelaide next month. Mouat, 74, has never stepped foot previously on an aeroplane & it will be the first time he has left NZ. Mouat is taking his sole racehorse, 6YO Danzapride (by Danzalion) to the Adelaide autumn carnival. Danzapride will start in 2 Adelaide races: the $100,000 Honda Stakes on May 3 & then the $300,000 Honda Goodwood Handicap 2 weeks later. Mouat turns 75 on the day of the 1st race & is hoping for the best birthday present he’s ever had. (April 22)

Full Sisters Finish 1-2 At Santa Anita
Easter Odd Spot 2: Roberta's Mango, a 4YO daughter of Bold Badgett, won the 1st race at Santa Anita Park on Saturday with her 5YO full sister Bold Roberta 2nd across the line. (April 22)

Horses With Same Name In Same Race At Santa Anita
Easter Odd Spot 3: A pair of horses with the same name, Stratus, finished 2nd & 7th among the 9 runners in Sunday's 7th race at Santa Anita Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. One was a French-bred 4YO gelding having his 5th start in the US; the other was a 5YO bred in Argentina & competing in the US for the 3rd time. In his call of the race, track announcer Trevor Denman used the jockey's name each time he mentioned either Stratus: Mark Johnston on the Stratus that ran 2nd & David Flores on the 7th-place Stratus. (April 22)

Good Journey To Stand At Ealing Park
US Gr1 winner Good Journey will stand at Ealing Park Stud at Euroa in Victoria this season under the studmastership of Tim Johnson. No fee has been announced. Good Journey (Nureyev-Chimes Of Freedom) finished 3rd in last November’s Breeders' Cup Mile. An elated Johnson (grandson of the man who bred, owned, raced & stood the great sprinter Vain) confirmed this morning: “The connections were referred to me by mutual friends in NZ & the deal was struck last night." Good Journey, a genuine world class miler, is from the same female family as Spinning World (sire of Thorn Park) & Armidale Stud's new speed horse Telesto. (April 17)

Danehill Colt Sets European Record At UK Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale
A new European record for a Breeze-Up was set when Irishman John Hassett outbid Japanese bloodstock agent Taki Murayama & paid 260,000 guineas for the only Danehill colt in the catalogue at Session 1 of the UK Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale overnight. (The purchase previous record of 180,000 guineas was set at this sale last year.) The colt is a half-brother to 2 winners & is out of Silver Bubble, a sister to 3 stakes-winners including Gr1 winner & sire Hawkster & Silver Lane, dam of Japanese Gr1 winner & sire Black Hawk. Next highest price was 115,000 guineas paid by agent John McCormack for a chestnut Singspiel colt (a half-brother to 3 winners already) whose dam Faribole is a stakes-placed daughter of French Listed winner Sandbank. The 3rd & 4th highest lots were both knocked down to bloodstock agent Borje Olsson on behalf of Lambourn-based Swedish owner-trainer Mikael Magnusson: a Boundary colt out of the Slew O’Gold mare Mzaniches Slew for 84,000 guineas; & a Fasliyev filly out of Atlantic Desire for 80,000 guineas. Overall 71 lots were sold for 2,362,500 guineas, at an average 33,274 guineas. (April 17)

Record Totals At Keeneland 2YOs-In-Training Sale
With war in Iraq winding down, “the mood swung upward in the thoroughbred marketplace at the Keeneland April Sale of 2YOs-In-Training, as total receipts rose & buy-back rate declined,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. With 198 horses on offer, 128 sold for a record US$21,440,000 (up 20.8%). The average US$167,500 was the 2nd highest in the sale’s history (down 3.7% to from last year’s record US$174,015) & the buy-back rate declined from 42.7% last year to 35.4%. Keeneland’s director of sales Geoffrey Russell summed up: "It’s a sale the consignors have told us they like, because of when it is. They don’t have to force horses to do what they’re not meant to do. They can give them more time. If we had been close to last year in average, I would have been ecstatic, so I’m very happy." (As noted yesterday, top price at the sale was US$950,000 for a colt from the 1st crop of Menifee, produced from the Carson City mare Pacific City.) (April 17)

HK Chasing Aust Betting Turnover
Hong Kong is “about to pose a new threat to Australian betting turnover with moves to open its massive racing pools to the international market,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. HK Jockey Club executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges revealed HK’s exotic bet types, particularly the Triple Trio, will soon be offered to overseas betting organisations & explained: "In the mid-1990s, the HK government introduced certain arrangements to give tax relief for exported products. It applies exclusively to exports, so bets coming into our own pools from overseas punters would attract lower taxation. We would then be able to use part of the money we would not be required to pay in local tax, to offer a kind of agent's commission in the country where the bet originates." Engelbrecht-Bresges (who stressed such arrangements would not run contrary to the Good Neighbour Policy recently championed by the HKJC at the Asian Racing Conference as a way of fighting off-shore poaching of turnover) said overseas demand for HK's racing product was very broad: "We have had many discussions in the last year with people asking for our product, for our racing picture & especially for access to our huge betting pools. One of our advantages - besides the integrity, quality of information & competitiveness of our racing - is our pool size." The HK Triple Trio regularly boasts pools in the HK$30-100 million (A$6-20 million) range, and once jackpotted to over HK$800 million (A$160 million). The Triple Trio also provided the biggest single tote dividend in history in 1998, when one lucky punter won HK$133,576,963 (A$27 million) for a HK$10 (A$2) ticket. (April 17)

NSW & NZ TABs Consider Merging Betting Pools
The HK news “comes at the same time a merger of NSW & NZ TAB pools has been mooted as a positive counter to the leakage of local turnover to off-shore operators,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. For NSW, the addition of NZ turnover would help maintain TAB Limited’s betting pools as the biggest in Australia & help “win back a lot of the money big betting professionals are channelling to interstate & off-shore operators.” The NZ TAB has already adopted several NSW TAB innovations such as flexi betting, while NSW took note of the NZ TAB's successful development of fixed odds betting before introducing it to the local market. TAB Limited has also led the way in educating Australian punters to bet on NZ races, sticking with the Saturday coverage at a time when other TAB companies weren’t interested. (April 17)

Kenny’s Best Pal Moves To Meringo Stud
Kenny’s Best Pal (Bletchingly-Eau d’Etoile, by Sir Tristram) will move from Victoria’s Yallambee Stud to Meringo Stud in NSW, where he will stand alongside Mr Henrysee & Naturalism reported racenet.com.au. Kenny’s Best Pal won the Gr1 Australian Guineas in 1993 & is a brother to stakes-placed Temple Fire (dam of Gr1 Australia Stakes winner Stella Cadente) & a three-quarter brother in blood to Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay & Gosford Guineas winner Eau D’Scay. To date he is the sire of 210 runners, 106 winners, 4 stakes winners & 4 stakes place-getters for earnings of over $4.7 million. His best performers have been: Astralita 3 wins & $135,500 (including Gr2 SAJC Breeders' Stakes); Mardi’s Magic 4 wins & $204,385 (including Gr2 STC Magic Night Stakes); Prizefighter 3 wins & $111,050 (including Gr3 MVRC C.S.Hayes Stakes); & Firenza 1 win & $32,300 (the Listed SAJC Walter Brown Stakes). (April 17)

Glenmorgan Farm Confirms 2003 Stallion Roster
NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm has confirmed its stallion roster for the 2003 season:
  • Generous (NZ$21,000): Glenmorgan-owned Generous who will stand his 5th NZ season at NZ$21,000. Generous sired 13 individual 2YO winners last season (& won 3 times himself as a 2YO, including Gr1 & Gr3 victories). Generous also continues to gain recognition as a broodmare sire, with Guineas winner Golan now at stud.
  • Chief Bearhart (NZ$18,000): Returning for his 3rd season in 2003 will be 6-time Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion of North America Chief Bearhart. He has made a blistering start at stud in Japan with 14 individual winners from his 1st reduced crop of 42 mares covered (including top filly Toho Asuka). Studmaster Brett Jenkins told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “The fact he is the highest money earning sire & best credentialed North American turf horse ever to come to NZ, & has started so well in Japan, certainly featured in our thinking. But it was the quality of his 1st crop weanlings in NZ that made bringing Chief Bearhart back again an absolute certainty. We just can’t get over what uniformly stunning foals he has left & we are enormously excited to be presenting 2 of his weanling colts to the market in Sydney at Easter (one out of a Sir Tristram half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Belle Du Jour & the other out of a half-sister to Procrastinate, Kampaign & Galapagos Girl).”
  • Minardi (NZ$15,000): Champion 2YO of Europe Minardi returns for a 2nd NZ season after serving a restricted full book last year. Minardi is a Danzig stallion out of Yarn, who has produced not only Minardi, but also sire sensation Tale Of The Cat, Spunoutacontrol & the mare Myth (who produced World Champion 2YO Johannesburg). Yarn (by Mr Prospector) is out of the Group winning mare Narrate, making her a full sister to Gr1 winner Preach, who has also produced a sire sensation in Pulpit. Brett Jenkins commented: “The primary reason we secured Minardi was we were keen to be able to offer clients true international speed & precocity, & being a 2YO multiple Gr1 winner Minardi certainly fitted the bill. But we were also taken by his pedigree & the belief the dam side was proving a breed shaper through the deeds of horses like Tale Of The Cat, Johannesburg & Pulpit.”
  • Rossini (NZ$6,000): Multiple Group winning sprinter Rossini finished his racing career early due to injury, still managed 3 victories & 3 placings (5 at Group level) from just 7 starts & was rated the top Irish sprinter as a 3YO & at 118 the 4th top European 2YO behind Distant Music (121), Fasilyev (120) & Giant’s Causeway (119). Top International jockey Michael Kinane recently commented: “He could well be the fastest horse I have ever ridden – he just had blistering speed!” Rossini’s pedigree received an enormous boost last season through the success of his three-quarter brother & world record miler Elusive Quality (whose 1st crop boasted 8 stakes-winners including Gr1 winner Elusive City).
(April 17)

Serheed Stays Ahead Of Danehill As Dehere & Success Express Move Up
Despite Northerly’s narrow defeat in the $2 million Gr1 BMW at Rosehill last weekend, his deceased sire Serheed increased his lead over Danehill in the sires premiership to over $1 million, noted racenet.com.au. Northerly’s $400,000 runner-up prize pushed Serheed to $6,164,632 in earnings this season. Coolmore Ireland’s Danehill is under pressure to hold down 2nd spot from Arrowfield Stud’s Dehere, whose 3YO colt Natural Blitz took out the Gr2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill. Danehill’s earnings of $5,116,279 place him less than $170,000 ahead of Dehere, who holds down 3rd spot ahead of the week’s big mover Success Express. Languishing in 17th spot a week ago, Noble Park Stud’s Success Express rocketed up the table following the $3 million Gr1 Golden Slipper victory by Polar Success. Success Express now has earnings of $3,628,939 to hold down 4th spot, ahead of Blue Gum Farm’s Encosta De Lago ($3,591,164) & fellow Blue Gum stallion Rubiton ($3,191,493), followed by the Woodlands Stud duo Octagonal ($3,147,346) & Grand Lodge ($3,045,933) & then Cambridge Stud’s Zabeel ($3,006,801) & the deceased Snippets ($2,615,185). (April 17)

STC Board To Discuss Filly Weight Advantage In Golden Slipper
The Sydney Turf Club’s board of directors will “meet later this month to discuss whether to alter the fillies 3kg weight advantage for next year’s Golden Slipper,” reported The Daily Telegraph. STC chief executive Michael Kenny confirmed: “The 3kg allowance for the fillies is on the Board’s agenda for the April 28 meeting.” The first 6 placings in last weekend’s Golden Slipper went to fillies, who have also run the trifecta in the last 2 Slippers & won the last 4. (April 17)

Desert Sun 2YO A Rising Star For Eliza Park
Sunline's sire Desert Sun (who stands at Eliza Park Stud northwest of Melbourne) may have another star on the horizon. Soak Up The Sun is a 2YO by Desert Sun who, after winning at Gosford, took on Gr2 company & was placed: in that race were winner Shamekha (who went on to run 4th in the Golden Slipper) & 5th-placed How Funny (who went on to run 2nd in the Golden Slipper). It looks a very strong form race & Soak Up The Sun is now headed to the Gr1 AJC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) next Monday at Randwick. Eliza Park stud-master Lee Fleming noted: "Desert Sun has only had 8 runners thus far, for a Gr2-placed runner already. He has traditionally thrown late 2YOs, who can blossom as 3YOs. I think he has been unfairly treated by breeders because of Sunline." Eliza Park isn't just counting on Desert Sun this season. The Victorian Stud has taken in Gr1 winner Delago Brom & will shortly announce another acquisition for the 2003 season. (April 17)

McEvoy Chasing Gr1 Double On Magic Millions Bargains
Jet setting jockey Kerrin McEvoy is chasing a Gr1 double at Randwick on Saturday aboard 2 Magic Millions bargains:
  • Natural Blitz (Dehere-Mohave Dancer, by Zabeel) is joint favourite for the AJC Australian Derby (2400m); he was an $85,000 purchase at the Adelaide Magic Millions & has won connections $559,330 prize-money so far.
  • And Star of Florida (Telesto-Try It On, by Snaadee) is among the favourites for The Galaxy (1100m); he cost $51,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast & has already returned $273,350 prize-money.
(April 17)

Exciting Prospects At Randwick For Cambridge Stud
Sydney's $8 million Doncaster-Derby day could also prove special for NZ's Cambridge Stud. “Sir Patrick Hogan's breeding nursery has a close attachment to a number of form runners in key events on the big race-day,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz.
  • Cambridge Stud-bred & part-owned St Reims will contest the $2 million Gr1 AJC Australian Derby (2400m). St Reims won the NZ Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
  • Also contesting the AJC Derby will be the Paul O'Sullivan-trained Sunray, a well-performed son of Cambridge Stud super sire Zabeel. Sunray won the NZ St Leger (2500m) at Trentham in March.
  • Cambridge’s 3rd Derby interest comes via the Graeme Rogerson-trained filly Lashed, who races in the Stud’s own colours.
  • And in the $1 million Gr1 Galaxy (1100m) is the Cambridge bred & owned 3YO filly Diamond Like, who ran a sizzling time 55.21sec for 1000m in winning the Listed Lightning Handicap at Trentham on March 8.
(April 17)

Royal Randwick Betting Markets
Betting markets from leading bookmaker Col Tidy for the major Easter Carnival races at Royal Randwick (for each $1 bet):
  • Heroic Championship (1300m): $3.50 Secret Land; $4.50 Winestock; $9 Dane's Jester; $11Danish Magic, Olympus; $15 Sir Dex; $21 Classy Dane, Navaho Princess, Pietiner; $34 Aim For Gold; $51 Bayraqdaar; $67 Garfish (4th em); $101 Mustabshir (1st em), Sacrare; $201 Epona Star (2nd em), Matey (3rd em).
  • The Galaxy (1100m): $6 Snowland; $7 Into The Night, Planchet, Star Of Florida; $9 Bel Esprit, Fouardee; $13 Bradshaw; $17 Century Kid, Cosmic Rays; $21 Diamond Like, Gabfest, Our Egyptian Raine; $26 Fair Embrace, River Dove; $34 Feel The Noise (2nd em); $51 Academe (3rd em), Bomber Bill; $67 Chocolate Starfish; $81 Sportsbrat (1st em); $101 Prince Of Play (4th em).
  • AJC Australian Derby (2400m): $4.50 Natural Blitz; $5.50 Fine Society, Platinum Scissors; $7 Helenus; $9 Sunday Joy; $11 Hydrometer; $13 Clangalang, Sunray; $17 Beaver; $21 Mummify, St Reims; $26 Mahtoum; $34 Strasbourg; $41 Galante (1st em), Lashed; $51 Davidoff; $67 Seto Star; $101 Rouge Homme; $126 Boyd, Fountain Abbey (2nd em).
  • Doncaster Handicap (1600m): $3.50 Lonhro; $4.50 Defier; $7 Thorn Park; $11 Gordo, Grand Armee, Shogun Lodge; $15 Dash For Cash; $21 Miss Zoe; $34 Boreale, Cognac Trader, Scenic Peak; $41 Chairman's Choice, Crawl; $51 Carael Boy, Purple Groove; $81 Gentle Genius; $101 Corporate Bruce.
  • Sydney Cup (3200m): $3.50 National Treasure; $7 Carnegie Express, Republic Lass; $9 County Tyrone; $11 Honour Babe, Platinum Scissors; $13 Dress Circle, Grey Song, Henderson Bay; $17 Beau, Bedouin, Freemason; $21 Grand City, Hydrometer, Phenomenal View; $26 Homewrecker.
(April 17)

Brooklyn & Choy Eye Easter Rewards
Brooklyn Lodge at Aberdeen in the NSW Hunter Valley was purchased in 2001 by Hong Kong businessman William Choy, who ordered its extensive re-development into a showpiece thoroughbred establishment. Choy has enjoyed recent success on the track with Gr1 Canterbury Guineas winner Fine Society & the mare Youhadyourwarning. Choy & Brooklyn now appear set to attract attention at this year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, noted racenet.com.au. After assembling a select band of 32 broodmares, Choy & his Brooklyn Lodge team will sell 5 quality yearlings at Easter: a Danehill colt from the Bletchingly mare Tudor Flight; 2 yearlings by Zabeel; a Desert Prince filly; & an Octagonal Colt. Brooklyn stud manager Greg Atkins, who previously spent 14 years at Woodlands Stud as deputy to Peter Flynn, noted: “When Mr Choy purchased the property, we basically started from the ground up & developed everything from scratch. We have a 20-box yearling barn, quarantine facilities & a state-of-the-art foaling complex. We have set out to make the property commercially viable. We expect to be selling around 15 yearlings at Easter in 2005 & we only want to produce yearlings at the top level. We will start to take in outside mares in 2003 & have found that, once people inspect the property, they are very impressed. At this stage we have no plans to stand stallions, but that could happen in the future.” (April 17)

Owners Offer US$25 Million For Thoroughbred Championship Tour
Dissatisfied with American racing’s recent attempts to expand its fan base, a group of leading US owners “is poised to invest as much as US$25 million in the proposed Thoroughbred Championship Tour series of races that could begin in 2004,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Plans for the Tour were endorsed last Friday by the US Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association board of trustees “after a TOBA committee spent more than 1 year developing ideas.” Representatives of TOBA & the US National Thoroughbred Racing Association board of directors discussed the blueprint yesterday & “formal discussions with possible participating racetracks were to begin soon afterward.” TOBA President Dan Metzger announced: "The reception we’ve received so far has been very favorable. If owners are willing to invest US$20-25 million to make the sport better, it gets people’s attention." The Tour would include major races in 6 divisions linked to Breeders’ Cup championship races & would provide a structure that fans could follow during a season, beginning each summer after the conclusion of the Triple Crown races. Robert McNair, owner of Stonerside Stable & the Houston Texans National Football League team, who has co-chaired TOBA’s Tour committee with John Phillips of Darby Dan Farm, summed up: "We have completely missed the boat on how to capitalise on fan appeal. I think this can have a very significant impact. Hopefully, we can generate additional fan interest in racing. The Tour would be like a league with a season. It lets the fans follow the horses through the season." The series would revolve around monthly national TV telecasts. (April 17)

Marquetry’s Dam Regent’s Walk Dies
Regent’s Walk, dam of multiple Gr1 winner & Kentucky sire Marquetry, has died at Castleton Farm near Lexington due to complications from producing her 12th foal. The 22-year-old daughter of Vice Regent produced a colt by 2000 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus that has since been placed on a nurse mare at Castleton. Olin Gentry from Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds which bred the newborn Fusaichi Pegasus colt (& who advised John Gaines on the US$500,000 purchase of Regent’s Walk in foal to Seeking The Gold at the 1998 Keeneland November breeding stock sale) told thoroughbredtimes.com: "She was a big, powerful mare from a great family. She really passed on her best qualities to her foals." In addition to Marquetry, Regent’s Walk produced multiple French group stakes winner Spain Lane, French group stakes placed Queen’s Gallery & Reggie V (dam of multiple graded stakes winner Five Star Day); 7 of her first 10 foals were winners. Marquetry, who won 10 of 36 career starts & earned US$3,857,886, was a Gr1 winner on dirt & turf in the 1991 Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap, 1992 Gr1 Eddie Read Handicap & 1993 Meadowlands Cup Handicap. He currently stands at Vinery Kentucky & is the sire of champions Artax & Squirtle Squirt. (April 17)

Wild Applause Dies After Foaling Complications
Wild Applause, dam of Gr1 winner Eastern Echo & 3 other graded stakes winners, has died from foaling complications at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky. The 22-year-old daughter of Northern Dancer produced her 14th foal (a colt by Pulpit) 7 days earlier at Claiborne Farm. The colt has been placed on a nurse mare at Claiborne, which purchased Wild Applause in foal to Forty Niner for US$1,025,000 at the 1992 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Claiborne manager Gus Koch told thoroughbredtimes.com: "It’s a loss. She was loved here at Claiborne Farm." A half-sister to 1993 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero, Gr1 winner Hero’s Honor, Gr2 winner Glowing Honor & Gr3 winners Coronation Cup & Mackie, Wild Applause won 5 of her 10 starts (including the 1984 Gr2 Diana Handicap at Saratoga Race Course & Gr3 Comely Stakes at Belmont Park). Eastern Echo, who was undefeated in 3 starts & won the 1990 Gr1 Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park, was Wild Applause’s 3rd foal & 1st stakes winner; the son of Damascus stood from 1991-2001 at Lane’s End in Kentucky before relocating to Shamrock Farms in Maryland; he is the sire of this year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby candidate Buddy Gil (winner of the Gr1 Santa Anita Derby) & Gr1 1996 Hollywood Futurity winner Swiss Yodeler (who ranked as leading freshman sire in California last year). Wild Applause is also the dam of 2003 Gr2 Davona Dale Stakes winner Yell (a possible contender for this year’s Gr1 Kentucky Oaks) & 1996 Gr2 Jim Beam Stakes winner & California sire Roar. She also produced Blare Of Trumpets (winner of the 1994 Gr3 Toboggan Handicap & a sire based in Louisiana). (April 17)

Maryland Sire Shelter Half Dies
Shelter Half, the pensioned Maryland stallion who has sired 22 stakes winners, has been euthanised at Glade Valley Farm in Maryland, due to complications from laminitis. The 28-year-old son of Tentam sired 21 crops before being pensioned after the 2001 season at Glade Valley Farm, where he stood his entire career. Jeff Huguely, who purchased Shelter Half as a yearling & later acted as the stallion’s syndicate manager, told thoroughbredtimes.com: "He had 31 starts & finished in the money in 27 of them. You see that same style of success with his offspring. He’s had good hard-knocking horses all around the mid-Atlantic region; they’re durable." Shelter Half’s progeny have been successful both on dirt & turf, including: The Lone Ranger in the 1986 Gr2 Lawrence Realization Stakes; Tent Up in the Gr3 Pilgrim Stakes & Gr3 Woodlawn Stakes; In The Curl who won 10 stakes events. Shelter Half himself won 14 of 31 career starts (all between 6-7 furlongs) including 6 stakes victories & 5 stakes placings, most notably a win in the 1979 Phoenix Handicap at Keeneland. Shelter Half was out of the stakes winning Sir Gaylord mare Gay Matelda, who also produced 3-time Gr2 winner Reine Mathilde & the dam of 2001 Gr2 Louisiana Derby winner Fifty Stars. (April 17)

Canadian Broodmare-Of-The-Year Charming Sassafras Dies
Charming Sassafras, 1997 Canadian Broodmare-Of-The-Year who produced 1996 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year Mt Sassafras & 2 other stakes winners, has been euthanised at Minshall Farms in Ontario due to complications from malignant tumors on her cervix. Farm owner Barbara Minshall told thoroughbredtimes.com: “We tried for several weeks to keep her alive, but in the end it just wasn’t fair. She’ll always have a special place in my heart. We bred her, we raised her, we raced her & we’ve done the same with her babies." Charming Sassafras was an 18-year-old daughter of Sassafras & Minshall trained all her foals, including the Storm Bird filly Sea Wall (winner of the 1995 Vigil Handicap at Woodbine); Mt Sassafras (who won the 1996 Gr3 Eclipse & Gr3 Dominion Day Handicaps en route to Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year & champion older horse honors followed by the 1997 Gr1 Gulfstream Park Handicap & Dominion Day Handicap again in 1999); & One Emotion (winner of the 1996 Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine). Overall Charming Sassafras (out of Ruritania mare Winter Charmer) produced 8 foals for 7 race starters & 5 individual winners who earned US$2,070,198. (April 17)

Gr1 Winner Brunswick Moves To Canadian Stud
Gr1 winner Brunswick is standing his 1st season in Canada at Vern Hrycuik's farm in Alberta, reported bloodhorse.com. The 14-year-old son of Private Account (out of Mr Prospector mare Doff) has sired 2 stakes winners & 5 stakes-placed runners. He formerly stood at Old Frankfort Stud in Kentucky. (April 17)

Silver Deputy’s Granddam Seven Valleys Dead
Pensioned broodmare Seven Valleys, whose grandson Silver Deputy sired US champion Silverbulletday, has been euthanised at Gaulstown Stud in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. The 31-year-old daughter of Road At Sea (produced from the Seven Corners mare Proud Pied) won 17 of her 54 race starts. As a broodmare she produced 15 foals, of which 13 won, including stakes winners Coolin It, Fappavalley, Regal Valley & Silver Valley (the dam of Silver Deputy). Seven Valleys is the 2nd dam of Gr2 winner Da Devil, plus Belgian Horse-Of-The-Year Yakousa & US multiple-winner Goldminer's Dream. (April 17)

Maryland Champion Valay Maid Dead
Valay Maid, Maryland champion 3YO filly of 1990, has died from foaling complications at Huntingfields in Maryland, reported bloodhorse.com. Valay Maid won or placed in 11 stakes from 13 stakes races in her championship season (winning the Gr2 Cotillion Handicap & 4 other stakes & finishing 3rd in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Distaff). The following year she won the 1991 Gr2 Molly Pitcher Handicap at Monmouth Park, before retiring with 9 wins from 20 starts overall. Sixteen-year-old Valay Maid (Carnivalay-Nancy's Scout, by West Coast Scout) produced 8 named foals & 3 of her 7 foals of racing age are winners, including stakes-placed Get The Picture. (April 17)

Egerton Stud Project Disintegrates
The plan to return one of Britain's most prestigious stud farms to its former glories “has fallen apart amid acrimonious circumstances just 6 months after a high-profile relaunch of the historic property,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Last autumn, software entrepreneurs Bill Green & Anne Crawght-Green vowed to return Egerton Stud to its days of glory, but the stud's new residents “are already preparing to leave amid a bitter legal wrangle.” Built in 1891, historic Egerton was home to Richard Marsh when he trained horses for Edward VII (among them English Derby winners Diamond Jubilee, Minoru & Persimmon). It also housed such illustrious sires as Triple Crown winner Bahram, Mahmoud, Owen Tudor & Abernant in the 1930s & 1940s. More recently it was home to Derby winner Royal Palace & the legendary Brigadier Gerard when at stud. “Now the couple are facing the threat of bankruptcy & mounting debt, with several of racing's best-known studs & veterinary practices among its creditors. Their financial troubles are compounded by personal conflict; Anne Crawght-Green has returned to the US, where she lived as a child & later in a previous marriage.” A spokesman for Bidwells (the estate agency handling the stud) said they have been in talks with Bill Green & are negotiating his exit from Egerton. (April 17)

New South Wales Aims At UK Classic
Thursday Odd Spot: One of the 3YOs prominent in early betting for the English Derby in June is a colt named New South Wales. Owned by Godolphin & trained by Saeed bin Suroor, New South Wales (who won twice as a 2YO) was also bred by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum & is out of a mare called Temora (the southern NSW town made famous in pacing circles as the home of the 'Temora Tornado’ Paleface Adios). New South Wales is by In The Wings, whose superstar son Singspiel is the sire of recent Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad. (April 17)

Arrowfield To Stand World Champion Miler Kurofune
World Champion miler Kurofune will join Arrowfield Stud’s stallion roster for the 2003 Southern Hemisphere season. Due to unprecedented demand for Dehere & French Deputy, who are both serving limited books at Arrowfield, the NSW Hunter Valley stud has made available another stallion from the same sire-line. Kurofune was declared the Champion 3YO Miler of 2001 with a rating of 125 pounds, just 5 pounds below top 3YO Point Given & equal to Champion European sprinter Mozart & Kentucky Derby hero Monarchos. At 125 pounds he was rated ahead of Noverre (123), E Dubai (121), Nayef (121), Macho Uno (120), Viscount (120), Anabaa Blue (119), Tobougg (119), Black Minnaloushe (118), King Charlemagne (117) & Street Cry (116). Kurofune won 6 of his 10 starts, including 2 at Gr1 level against older horses. Kurofune also set 4 track records, including a 1min 33.3sec mile on the dirt at Tokyo & a 7-length demolition of the Japan Cup Dirt where he ran 2100m in 2min 5.9sec. Kurofune also won the NHK Mile Gr1 over a mile at Tokyo on the grass in 1min 33sec. Kurofune’s sire is the internationally successful stallion French Deputy, who will also stand his 1st Southern Hemisphere season at Arrowfield. Kurofune is out of stakes-winning mare Blue Avenue (also dam of 2YO stakes-winning Bella Bellucci, a full sister to Kurofune). Blue Avenue is a daughter of Classic Go Go (son of Golden Slipper winner Pago Pago) & Kurofune’s 4th dam is NZ mare Catania (winner of the Great Northern Oaks). This is the family of AJC Derby winner Prince Grant, Melbourne Cup winner & successful sire Silver Knight, NZ Oaks winner Cicada & recent stakes winners Regina Madre & Fashion Cafe. “Kurofune was a terrific racehorse, capable of undeniable brilliance & he comes from a sire line that has worked here in Australia,” said Arrowfield’s John Messara. Kurofune will stand at Arrowfield at $16,500 (incl GST ) & will serve a maximum 120 mares. (April 16)

Menifee Colt Tops Keeneland Juvenile Sale
A colt from the 1st crop of millionaire Menifee was sold for US$950,000 (to Texas furniture store magnate James McIngvale) as Keeneland's April 2YOs-In-Training sale got off to a strong start overnight. Consignor Murray Smith, who had purchased the colt (produced from the Carson City mare Pacific City) for just US$42,000 at the 2002 Fasig-Tipton July yearling sale, told bloodhorse.com: "He was an ugly duckling who turned into a swan!" Second-highest price of US$875,000 was paid by Bob Lewis (represented by leading trainer D. Wayne Lukas) for an Unbridled's Song colt (produced from stakes-winning mare Belonging, by Exclusive Native) who is a half-brother to stakes winner & sire Belong to Me (Stands At Widden Stud). And Roger Jones & Bobby McIntire “hit a pin-hooking home run” with an El Prado colt produced from the Gr1-winning Lord At War mare La Gueriere; they had paid just US$67,000 for the colt at the July 2002 dispersal of horses owned by Wimborne Farm, but saw the colt purchased by Stanley Fulton for US$850,000. Other top prices included:
  • US$700,000 (Elusive Quality-Pleas Write) colt
  • US$600,000 (Forest Wildcat-Starita) colt
  • US$525,000 (Grand Slam-Sandy's Storm) colt
  • US$500,000 (Forestry-Northern Sanction) colt
  • US$500,000 (Elusive Quality-Dawn) filly
  • US$500,000 (Touch Gold-Wild Seven) colt
(April 16)

Randwick Dawn Drug Raids: All Negative
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy has confirmed all drug tests carried out on horses at various Randwick stables during Monday morning’s shock pre-Autumn Carnival ‘raid’ were negative. The 'out-of-competition' samples involved on-the-spot testing of horses in the charge of 30 local & interstate trainers. Murrihy announced: "The Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory has confirmed all samples taken have been returned as negative." (April 16)

Noble Park Offers Success Express-Mossman ‘Package Deal’
Following the win by Polar Success (Success Express-Patou) in the $3 million Gr1 Golden Slipper, Noble Park studmaster Peter Moran reports he has had to sit by his telephone day & night. Success Express has an $11,000 service fee & is set to top the coveted individual 2YO winners list by a wide margin. Hence Moran’s busy booking schedule for Success Express: "I’ve been receiving about 7 calls a day since the Slipper from owners wishing to book into him. When I have all the nominations, I will sift through them & settle on 100. At this stage he looks like getting about 150 noms." Due to the demand, Moran is offering owners of 2 broodmares or more a unique incentive. He also stands Success Express's best performed son Mossman at Noble Park & the Gr1 winner will fetch $5,500 a serve this season. Hence Moran’s incentive: "If anyone wants to send 2 mares to Success Express, I can offer them 1 mare to Success Express & 1 mare to Mossman for a package deal $12,500 plus GST." Mossman's debut crop sold up to $47,000 on the Gold Coast & he is the only Queensland-based Australian sire to have a representative at this year’s Inglis Easter Sale. (April 16)

Chatswood Adds Invincible Spirit To 2003 Stallion Roster
Chatswood Stud at Seymour in Victoria has finalised its stallion roster for the 2003 breeding season, including the introduction of awesome UK sprinter Invincible Spirit as a 1st season sire. The line-up is:
  • Invincible Spirit ($13,200 inc GST): Record-breaking Champion Sprinter at the highest levels in Ireland & England, who won 7 races at 6 furlongs (including a track record & victory in the Gr1 Haydock Sprint Cup). Invincible Spirit is by Champion Sprinter, Sire & sire of sires Green Desert out of French Oaks heroine Rafha & is a half-brother to 4 other stakes performers.
  • Dangerous ($8,800 inc GST): Returning for his 4th season at stud is Danehill’s Gr1 performer Dangerous. His first yearlings in 2003 have sold for up to $110,000 & look to be strong, early types. Dangerous’ pedigree has been boosted in recent weeks with full-brother Helsinborg winning the Listed Royal Parma Stakes at Rosehill. Their dam Antwerp has also thrown Champion 2YO Viscount.
  • Genuine ($8,800 inc GST): Genuine is still Sunday Silence’s best miler. After winning Japan’s Gr1 2000 Guineas, he defeated older horses to win the Gr1 Mile Championship. Genuine got off to a flying start at stud in Japan & has already sired 48 individual winners, as well as multiple stakes performers. His oldest Australian progeny are now foals: bold, strong types who look well-suited to Australian conditions.
  • Diatribe ($8,250 inc GST): Brief Truce’s best son Diatribe will serve his 2nd book of mares in 2003. In his 1st season, Diatribe covered mares by Affirmed, Damascus, Danehill, Majestic Light, Marscay, Mt Livermore, Straight Strike & Roberto. Owners of mares by Danehill stallions are encouraged to breed to Diatribe in 2003; the pedigrees match beautifully, with Diatribe's 3rd dam Spring Adieu also being Danehill’s grandam. Diatribe’s half-brother Word Has It won impressively at Moonee Valley recently.
  • Hemingway ($5,500 inc GST): Hemingway is also returning to Chatswood in 2003. His unbeaten racing career ended prematurely, but his potential alone gained him a Timeform rating of 115 as a stakes-winning 2YO (well above the likes of Noverre 113, Mozart 111, Honours List 110, King Charlemagne 108, Sagacity 108, Galileo 107, Grandera 106 & Black Minnaloushe 104). Hemingway’s pedigree has strengthened with 3YO half-brother Balestrini winning the Gr3 Ballysax Stakes in Ireland at the weekend (defeating previously unbeaten Group winners & Epsom Derby hopes Alamshar & Alberto Giacometti).
  • Racer’s Edge ($4,400 inc GST): Still the best son of Rory’s Jester at stud. He continues to churn out the winners, with his best performers this season including Gr2 winner Storm Racer, Gr3 winner Si Senor & stakes performer Edgeton. Racer’s Edge yearlings sold well at the Inglis Autumn Yearling Sale last week: one from Bright And Breezy sold for $28,000; another from Comellina was knocked down for $20,000.
(April 16)

Handicapper Notes Threat From Overseas Races
Racing NSW handicapper Mark Webbey, discussing his Doncaster weights in The Daily Telegraph, notes a significant & growing dilemma in assessing Australia’s top horses for our major handicaps: “We have to be mindful these days of the big races being run in Hong Kong, Singapore & even Dubai. If we give our top horses ridiculously big weights in the major races, it encourages their connections to take them overseas.” (April 16)

Threat To CUB Racing Sponsorships
Leading racing columnist Ken Callendar has highlighted a major worry for racing adminstrators across the country in The Daily Telegraph: “Plenty of raceclubs will have been disappointed by Monday’s announcement that Carlton & United Breweries’ plan to save more than $100 million in the next 5 years includes a $20 million cutback in its sponsorship budget by year 5. The marketing muscle of CUB has been active in racing for many years & a lot of clubs will suffer.” (April 16)

Sale Graduates Line Up For Randwick Mile Showdown
Australia’s leading thoroughbred auction & sales companies William Inglis & Magic Millions are both keenly anticipating Sydney’s $2.5 million San Miguel Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Inglis will be represented by 4 graduates: Hennessy’s 4YO son Grand Armee ($150,000 purchase at Inglis 2000 Easter Sale) who notched his first stakes win in the Gr3 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill last weekend; top 3YO Thorn Park ($200,000 buy at Inglis 2001 Easter Sale); Doncaster runner-up in both 2001 & 2002 Shogun Lodge ($200,000 buy at Inglis 1998 Easter Sale) who has now earned $4,573,564 prize-money; & bargain-buy Miss Zoe ($15,000 purchase at Inglis 1998 Classic Sale). Magic Millions runners include: 5YO co-favourite Defier ($80,000 purchase at MM 1999 Gold Coast sale) who has earned connections $1,971,750 prize-money; Dash For Cash ($75,000 buy at MM 2000 Gold Coast Sale); & last year’s Epsom winner Excellerator ($50,000 purchase at 2000 MM Gold Coast Sale). (April 16)

Magic Millions Offers Proven Producers
Meanwhile next month’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast includes a number of the prominent broodmares:
  • Artless (Dahar-Paris Look), dam of Saturday’s Doncaster Handicap aspirant Excellerator & his Group performed brother Consolidator, has been served by former champion international galloper Fantastic Light.
  • Mamarracha (dam of proven South African champion & current Singapore star Palace Line & herself a city winner of 4 races) has been served by outstanding young shuttler Desert Prince.
  • Procrastinate (a star in her own right on the track & dam of dual champion South African mare Laisserfaire) is being offered by Edinglassie Stud & has been covered by champion galloper & exciting stallion prospect Galileo.
(April 16)

Heroic Championship: Final Field
Final field for the $950,000 Inglis Heroic Championship (1300m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday (for graduates of the 2002 Inglis Yearling Sale Series):
1: Winestock (El Moxie-Philhal) T.O’Sullivan ($21,000 Premier Sale)
2: Pietiner (Encosta de Lago-Old Soft Shoe) C.Alderson ($75,000 Premier Sale)
3: Olympus (Danehill-Metal Of Honor) C.Conners ($235,000 Easter Sale)
4: Sir Dex (Dexter-Amwaj) G.Hickman ($12,000 Classic Sale)
5: Bayraqdaar (Unbridled’s Song-Park Heiress) G.Rogerson ($70,000 Easter Sale)
6: Secret Land (Secret Savings-Pocaterra) G.Waterhouse ($50,000 Classic Sale)
7: Ultimate Fever (Gold Fever-Ultimate Jester) J.O’Shea ($31,000 Classic Sale)
8: Navaho Princess (Danewin-La Rosa) G.Rogerson ($12,000 Classic Sale)
9: Danish Magic (Danewin-Belle Desire) R.Simpson ($30,000 Classic Sale)
10: Classy Dane (Danewin-Ranzest) P.Dombkins ($20,000 Scone Sale)
11: Aim For Gold (End Sweep-Young Vic) C.Conners ($50,000 Easter Sale)
12: Sacrare (Dracula-Dedicate) B.Lockwood ($11,000 Scone Sale)
13: Dane’s Jester (Danehill Dancer-Lansaracove) G.Waterhouse ($37,000 Classic Sale)
14: Pekalan (Sri Pekan-Startrack) A.Stapleford ($27,500 Classic Sale)
1em: Mustabshir (Red Ransom-Startling Lass) G.Rogerson ($175,000 Easter Sale)
2em: Epona Star (Red Ransom-Millie) B.Murray ($100,000 Easter Sale)
3em: Matey (Umatilla-Daisy Cutter) R.Craig ($18,000 Classic Sale)
4em: Garfish (Baryshnikov-Shalomin) N.Mayfield-Smith ($18,000 Classic Sale)
(April 16)

Oakbank Easter Pilgrimmage Begins For 100,000 Race Fans
South Australia’s historic Oakbank Racing Club has received 310 nominations for its 2-day Easter Holiday Weekend Carnival (Saturday April 19 & Monday April 21), which it declares is “the world’s greatest picnic race meeting.” More than 100,000 fervent holiday-makers flock to the hamlet in the Adelaide Hills over the Easter weekend to watch the running of the marathon steeplechase. The 16-race program includes 4 jumping events (the $150,000 Carlton Draught Greats Eastern Steeplechase, the $94,500 Von Doussa Steeplechase, the $94,500 Yalumba Classic Hurdle & the $30,500 Ord Minnett Sharebrokers Hurdle) plus 12 flat races (including the $62,200 Clipsal Stakes over 1100m & the $62,200 Adelaide Bank Onkaparinga Cup over 2150m). Premier SA trainer Tony McEvoy has 32 nominations across the 16 races. Crafty Dancer, the exciting jumper who won last year's Grand National & Australian Steeplechases, returns to Oakbank to avenge his 2nd-placing behind Nautilism in last year's Von Doussa; he will spearhead trainer John Wheeler's assault on the Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m), a race the master Kiwi conditioner has won 6 times. Campers have already started their pilgrimage to the Hills to begin setting up their tents, in a carnival atmosphere which rivals the English Derby week at Epsom. (April 16)

Aust-Bred All Thrills Too Tops HK Ratings
An Australian-bred horse is officially the highest rated galloper in Hong Kong, according to the HK Jockey Club's website. All Thrills Too (St Covet-Red Slippers), one of the best sprinters in the world at present, comes up trumps on 117. He was bred in Victoria & has won A$4.6 million in stakes thus far. (April 16)

Moon Ballad Tops Timeform’s World Rankings
Meanwhile Singspiel’s outstanding son Moon Ballad has hit the top of Timeform’s current world ratings, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Timeform has rated last month’s Dubai World Cup victory by Moon Ballad at 132 pounds, 2 pounds clear of High Chaparral & 3 pounds in advance of Nayef & Grandera. (April 16)

Japanese Increase Push Against Illegal web Wagering
The Japan Racing Association plans to increase efforts to control foreign websites offering illegal gambling on horse racing in Japan. “JRA officials believe at least 7 overseas gambling books offer Japanese racing & have lured around 20,000 Japanese customers,” reported Japan Today. Those operations produce annual revenue of more than A$140 million. Officials in both Japan & Hong Kong have vigorously denounced operations that offer wagering on their races. “Asian bettors account for more than half of the world’s betting pools,” added thoroughbredtimes.com. (April 16)

Halo Ola Cruises Home In Argentinian Gr1 Gran Premio Eliseo
Juan Carlos Bago's homebred Halo Ola (Southern Halo-Esnaola, by Ringaro) romped home by 5 lengths in Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Eliseo Ramirez (1400m) for 2YO fillies at San Isidro, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Halo Ola, who won from Dale Lunfa (by Dalhart) & Forty Doriana (by Roar), has now notched 2 wins & 3 placings in 5 starts; she is a sister to stakes-winner Sebi Halo. (April 16)

HK Quarantine Rule Prevents Holland Riding Paolini
European racing authorities have introduced a 10-day quarantine rule for jockeys returning from riding in Hong Kong, as part of precautions against the killer flu-like SARS virus. “What amounts to a 10-day riding ban has immediately ruled out Darryll Holland taking the prized ride on German-trained Paolini in the 1st leg of the World Series, the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin on April 27,” reported racingpost.co.uk. It also leaves top French jockey Gerald Mosse, currently riding in HK, with the prospect of a 10-day holiday when he finishes his stint there. Dr Michael Turner, the UK Jockey Club's chief medical advisor, explained: "The SARS virus was discussed at a meeting involving Britain, France, Germany & Ireland. It was decided that any jockey who is currently riding in HK would have to be given a 10-day quarantine period on their return to their native country. This is a precaution, as we don't want any chance of the virus being brought over.” Connections of Paolini reacted angrily to the loss of Holland, leaving them a difficult task to secure a top rider for the leading QEII Cup contender. Trainer Andreas Wohler described the quarantine decision as "ridiculous" & Holland added: "As a result, I will not be going to HK. I was very much looking forward to the trip. It's frustrating to miss a ride in a race worth £640,000 (A$1.7 million) to the winner." (April 16)

UK Storm Follows Track ‘Over Watering’ For Grand National
Further to last week’s item re the injury toll (both horses & jockeys) in Britain’s historic Grand National steeplechase, the UK Jockey Club has defended the Aintree track & officials in the face of strong criticism from trainers who claim the meeting “was run on ground that had been over watered,” reported racingpost.co.uk. “The Jockey Club would rather see jumps horses race on a surface that was softer than ideal, than too firm, even though there can be equal criticism of watered ground producing patchy going.” To illustrate the point the Jockey Club has released graphs showing that, over the 5-year period, fatal injuries suffered by hurdlers & chasers increased in direct correlation to the surface getting faster. Dr Peter Webbon, director of veterinary science & welfare, summed up: “There is a significantly higher fatality rate & serious injury rate on firm & good-to-firm ground than there is on good ground. Our line is simply that factually, if the horses race on a softer surface, they are less likely to get injured & therefore, all other things being equal, we would rather see them racing on a softer surface. Obviously there are occasions when other things aren’t equal - they may be climatic reasons or whatever - but the general principle has to be that softer ground is safer.” (April 16)

Stewards Lead Massive Drug Raid At Randwick
Racing officials launched a massive drug testing raid at Randwick yesterday morning “taking samples from horses in 30 stables, including the major autumn carnival contenders,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy said the operation was “part of the continued commitment to drug-free racing in the state & the biggest of its kind so far. We want to show we are serious about out-of-competition testing for performance enhancing drugs such as EPO & peptide hormones. We certainly haven't done it on such a big scale before. We had 3 teams of stewards, vets & racecourse detectives & visited 30 trainers. In some stables we took samples from 3 or 4 horses & we also tested the visiting horses from interstate & NZ, most of which are at Randwick. We have no reason to believe there is anything untoward going on, but it shows we are prepared to test the carnival horses as part of the regime. We tested as many of the elite horses as we could." Murrihy said the results of the screening of the blood samples should be known within 24-48 hours. (April 15)

Melbourne Cup Worth Record $4.5 Million
The 2003 Melbourne Cup will carry record prize-money of $4.5 million (plus $100,000 in trophies). Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith said the club had committed an additional $500,000 to the Cup not only to maintain “the pre-eminent status of the race as the staying championship of the world”, but also “to enhance its appeal to all sectors of the domestic & international racing community.” He added: "The Tooheys New Melbourne Cup is clearly Australasia's most famous sporting event. In the context of the Victorian Racing Industry, the race drives the success of the VRC's 4-day Melbourne Cup Carnival, which in turn is the pinnacle of the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival." Monteith said the higher prize-money would further stimulate competition in this year's Melbourne Cup from around Australia, NZ & other major racing nations: "First prize of $2.7 million equates to more than UK£1 million or US$1.6 million - a fabulous prize by European & American racing standards." Starter rebates for horses finishing 6th-10th have also been increased to $90,000 per horse. (April 15)

Aust Jockey Shayne Cahill Disqualified For 3 Years In Malaysia
Australian jockey Shayne Cahill has been disqualified for 3 years by Malaysian Racing Association stewards. “The penalty is one of the harshest ever imposed by local stewards,” reported turfonline.com. Cahill’s disqualification & a fine of RM50,000 (A$21,500) followed his ride on Jakisha in a race over 1400 metres at Kuala Lumpur on April 6. Stewards took exception to Cahill’s ride after the Adelaide jockey allowed the 4YO to drop out last, before running home strongly to finish 2nd. Cahill was charged with “failing to take all reasonable & permissible measures throughout the race to ensure Jakisha was given full opportunity of winning” despite the jockey losing his off-side stirrup iron soon after the start. Stewards alleged Cahill made “no serious attempt to regain the use of his stirrup iron & continually restrained his mount to the back of the field until approximately the 1000m.” They also found that, after entering the home straight in last position, he “failed to ride Jakisha with sufficient vigour & determination when his mount was running on strongly.” The 3-year disqualification is a separate penalty to an earlier 1-year disqualification imposed on Cahill after he was found guilty of a similar charge following his ride on Kim Music on March 30. Cahill has lodged appeals against the disqualifications. (April 15)

Japan Offers Massive Bonus To Foreigners In Takarazuka Kinen
The Japan Racing Association is offering a lucrative bonus to attract top foreign horses for the A$3.5 million Takarazuka Kinen (11 furlongs on turf) at Hanshin racecourse on June 29. Winners of the most recent editions of 13 international races (including the Australian Cup & BMW/Tancred Stakes) are eligible for bonuses up to A$1.8 million. Winners of the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes & Gr1 Japan Cup are eligible for an A$1.8 million bonus for winning the Takarazuka Kinen, while the 2nd-place finishers in those races are eligible for an A$900,000 bonus if they take the Takarazuka Kinen. An A$1.4 million bonus is offered to the winners of the Gr1 Australian Cup, Gr1 BMW/Tancred Stakes, Gr1 Prix Ganay, Gr1 Prix d’Ispahan, Gr2 Gulfstream Park Handicap, Gr1 Turf Classic Stakes, Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic, Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup & Gr1 Singapore International Cup. (April 15)

Hasna & Sound Action Highlight Pines Stud ‘Breeding Experiments’
Folk at The Pines Stud, a boutique broodmare farm on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, were thrilled with the efforts of Golden Slipper place-getter Hasna at Rosehill. “It’s a fantastic result to run 3rd in the richest 2YO race in the world,” director Emma Boling declared. “We have not been in the breeding game for very long &, quite frankly, just to have a runner was fabulous!” Hasna’s dam They Say is a young mare purchased from the US by The Pines 4 years ago. “She was one of our breeding experiments,” explained Boling. “We specialise in broodmares that have already produced a Gr1 winner, plus we have a few breeding experiments on the farm. In the case of Hasna, it looks like we got it right!” Hasna has now won just under $600,000, including her win in the Gr2 Silver Slipper. The Pines Stud not only owns Hasna’s mum, but Melbourne Cup runner-up Mr Prudent’s dam as well. And new sensation Sound Action is also a product of the farm: her Flemington win last weekend gives her 6 starts for 5 wins & a 2nd. A 3YO Vettori filly (out of the Palace Music mare Dance With Royalty), Sound Action was another breeding experiment for the stud. “We purchased the mare specifically to breed her to Vettori, as it rated an 11 out of 10 on my pedigree scale,” noted Boling. “We specifically chose the mating to breed an Oaks filly & now, with any luck, Sound Action will have her chance over in South Australia in May.” Boling & partner Graeme Little have pioneered the Thoroughbred Genetics Asia Company in this part of the world. It’s a gene mapping DNA analysis-based business which is turning up spectacular results. (April 15)

Damien Oliver’s Aust Season May be Over
Champion jockey Damien Oliver “may not ride again in Australia this season, after having just 1 day shaved off a 13-day suspension for careless riding,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Instead he is likely to head to Japan to start a 3-month contract. Oliver had appealed against the severity of the penalty incurred at Moonee Valley's night meeting on April 3, but with the delay in hearing his case won't be allowed to ride again until April 27. Oliver was resigned to missing the $8 million Derby-Doncaster day at Randwick this Saturday, but was hopeful of riding at the AJC Oaks meeting at Randwick on April 26. His suspension also includes the G1 AJC Sires' Produce meeting at Randwick next Monday, as well as 2 other metropolitan meetings before taking in the Oaks. Oliver's website stated it was "unlikely" he would stay in Australia to ride at the Sydney Cup meeting on May 3. Oliver rode under a stay of proceedings at last weekend's Golden Slipper Stakes meeting & starts his suspension immediately. (April 15)

Multi-Million NZ Cargo Headed For Sydney
It’s hard to imagine a more valuable cargo of NZ bloodstock than the one leaving from Auckland for Sydney on a special charter flight today. The 30-horse pay-load comprises the draft of 19 consigned by Cambridge Stud to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, smaller drafts from Rich Hill Stud & Chatham Lodge, & the Paul O’Sullivan-trained 3YOs Diamond Like (by Danehill) & NZ St Leger winner Sunray (by Zabeel). The O’Sullivan pair have Gr1 assignments at Randwick on Saturday: Sunray in the $2 million Australian Derby & Diamond Like (a stakes-winning sister to Viking Ruler & a descendant of Eight Carat) in the $1 million Galaxy. Included in the yearlings from the 3 studs are 12 by Zabeel & 2 by Danehill; among them a Danehill colt from superb racemare Champagne (by Zabeel) & a brother to that mare’s Melbourne Cup conqueror Jezabeel (by Zabeel). (April 15)

Marquise Back In Foal To Zabeel
The win by 3YO blue-blood filly Shower Of Roses (by Zabeel from a Gr1-winning daughter of the southern hemisphere’s greatest broodmare influence Eight Carat) in the $400,000 Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes at Rosehill, not only extended Zabeel’s list of Gr1 winners to 23, but also marked the 12th Gr1 winner descending from Eight Carat. One of those Marquise, was purchased for NZ$100,000 at the 1993 NZ National Yearling Sale by then Hong Kong-based Kiwis Matthew Oram & Malcolm Glenn, via NZ Bloodstock’s international manager John Cameron. Under trainer Laurie Laxon, Marquise won 9 races including the Gr1 Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham, plus 3 Black Type events in Australia. Marquise has been based at her birth-place Cambridge Stud since retiring to the broodmare paddock. Her 1st foal, the unraced Zabeel mare Mazarine, was retained & has a Montjeu weanling filly & is in foal to Carnegie. At the 2001 NZ National Yearling Sales her 2nd foal Shower Of Roses (Zabeel-Marquise, by Gold And Ivory) topped the auction at NZ$1.45 million to the bid of Eduardo Conjuangco’s Gooree Stud. Last year her full brother fetched NZ$1.05 million & is now named Mutheer; he has appeared in 2 Sydney barrier trials (at Warwick Farm & Randwick) for trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson & is currently spelling. NZ Thoroughbred Marketing reports: “Marquise went empty 2 years ago, but has a Danehill weanling filly & is now back in foal to Zabeel.” (April 15)

Win $1 Million At Royal Randwick
Seasoned punters & curious novices alike will be drawn by the lure of winning $1 million in the San Miguel Million Dollar Challenge at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Race-goers must pick a ‘triple trifecta’ by selecting 1-2-3 in each of the 3 Gr1 races: the San Miguel Doncaster Handicap, San Miguel Australian Derby & San Miguel Galaxy. To enter, punters must be at Royal Randwick on Saturday for Australia’s richest race day, the $8 million San Miguel Doncaster-Derby Day, supported by Australia’s richest fashion event, the $50,000 Emirates Fashion-On-The-Field. Leading bookmaker Con Kafataris noted: “Your chances of winning this are about 100 times better than winning Lotto & rather than simply being a game of chance, there is a skill element involved here in the selection of horses.” Competition terms & conditions can be found at www.ajc.org.au (April 15)

Coolmore’s Late Entries For Inglis Broodmare Sale
Two significant additional entries from Coolmore Australia have been received for the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale:
  • Thunderstorms: a 5YO half-sister to champion Bounding Away, covered by Fusaichi Pegasus.
  • Nice Dancing: dam of stakes-placed performers Etruscan King & Outsourcing, from the family of Flying Spur & Encosta de Lago, served by Giant’s Causeway.
(April 15)

Tarcoola Stud’s Golden Result For Intertwined
Intertwined, the dam of Golden Slipper runner-up How Funny, has proven an astute investment for Tarcoola Stud on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Keith Williams purchased the mare for just $62,500 at the Inglis 2001 Australian Broodmare Sale. At that time, stakes-placed Dreaming On was Intertwined’s lone claim to fame; but with How Funny & 2 other winners adding to her produce record since then, she is looking like a real bargain buy. (April 15)

Unbeaten Last Tycoon Filly Wins 5 Straight
Speaking of bargains: The Tony McEvoy trained filly Yvonne (a $45,000 purchase at the Inglis 2001 Classic Sale) maintained her unbeaten run to notch her 5th successive victory in the Gr3 SAJC Lakewood Stud Auraria Stakes at Cheltenham in Adelaide. Yvonne (Last Tycoon-The Collaborator, by Military Plume) has now collected $132,220 in prize-money &, as a stakes winning daughter of Last Tycoon, would be worth at least 6 times her purchase price. (April 15)

Magic Millions Graduate Weekend Summary
As well as running 1-2-3-4 in the $3 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill, Magic Millions sale graduates had a big weekend around the country:
  • Toast of The Coast (Rory’s Jester-Solo Show, by Dahar): The beautifully bred daughter of Collingrove Stud-based sire Rory's Jester sent her stud value soaring when she won the Listed Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Caulfield trainer Tony Vasil described her as “the filly of the sale” when he paid $260,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. She has now returned $224,200 from just 13 starts.
  • Shirazamatazz (by Barathea-Gourmet, by Estaminet): Leading Perth trainer Fred Kersley had Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale graduate Shirazamatazz win the Listed Burswood Casino Melvista Stakes (2200m) at Ascot. First past the post in the same race, but relegated to 2nd following a successful protest, was $35,000 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale bargain buy Golden Prospect ( by Made Of Gold).
  • Island Temptress (Island Morn-Miss Shergar, by Sackford): Also at Ascot, consistent 3YO filly & Magic Millions graduate Island Temptress ran 3rd in the Gr2 Burswood Casino West Australian Oaks (2400m).
  • Mot D’or (Dieu D’or-Go Motto, by Motavato): Consistent Adelaide juvenile Mot D’or scored his 2nd stakes win at just his 6th start in winning the Listed Envelope Specialists Plate (1350m) at Cheltenham for Morphettville trainer Leon Macdonald. The $15,000 buy at the 2001 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale sent his earnings soaring to over $85,000.
  • Lord Essex (Scenic-Darling Bess, by Biscay): the $50,000 Gold Coast yearling sent his stakes to $815,000 when 2nd in the Gr3 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.
  • We’re Dancing (Kala Dancer-Glendre, by Joindre): the $25,000 purchase finished 2nd in the Listed Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. The Gai Waterhouse-trained gelding has now earned $227,130.
  • Kravitz (Revoque-Auntie Nick, by Naskra): the $32,500 Gold Coast purchase finished 2nd to Jameela in the Gr3 Lakewood Stud Stakes in Adelaide.
  • Sunday Shoes (Kenvain-Footloose, by Night Shift): the speedy filly won the Bonnetts Handicap at Cheltenham. She was passed in, with a reserve of just $40,000, at the 2001 Adelaide Yearling Sale & has now earned connections $132,000 from just 12 starts.
  • Windy Kate (Air Express-Kate Be Good, by Semipalatinsk): Trainer Alan Bailey’s $35,000 bargain buy from the 2002 Gold Coast Premier Yearling Sale made it 3 wins & 1 2nd from 4 starts at Doomben. Her stakes are now over $85,000.
  • Ribe (Danehill-Kapeskin, by Kaapstad): ran 4th in the Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes at Rosehill. The $250,000 Gold Coast buy for Katsumi Yoshida has now earned $450,000 from just 14 runs.
(April 15)

Inglis Easter Yearling Sale Updates
Inglis pedigree consultant Tara Madgwick has provided an update on several offerings at the Easter Yearling Sale, following the latest week of racing:
  • Grand Armee, who won the Gr3 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill, was purchased by Alan Bell for $150,000 at the 2000 Australian Easter Yearling Sale & races in the grey & red colours carried by his champion sprinter Schillaci, Grand Armee, who now has 5 wins & 2 placings from his 7 starts for $166,330 prize-money, is the 1st foal of Marauding mare Tambour (a full sister to Oakleigh Plate winner Drum & half-sister to stakes-winner Port Watch). He carries the Segenhoe Stud brand, as does his yearling half-sister by End Sweep, who will be offered at Easter.
  • Other close relations to Grand Armee are: a Zeditave colt from Haywire (sister to the dam of Grand Armee) offered by Newhaven Park Stud; & a Rory’s Jester filly from the family matriarch Voltage, offered by Willow Park Stud as agent.
  • Smart Melbourne filly Toast Of The Coast won the Listed Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Wakefield Stud as agent will offer a half-sister to Toast Of The Coast by exciting first season sire Redoute’s Choice from Gr2 winner Solo Show.
  • The Bart Cummings filly Acacia Bay (a $200,000 purchase in NZ as a yearling) opened her winning account at Canterbury. Acacia Bay is the 1st winner for her dam Calvinia, whose chestnut filly by Spinning World will open the Easter sale for Haunui Farm.
  • Young sire Stravinsky was represented by his 1st winner when 2YO colt Korsakoff scored at Keeneland in the US. Stravinsky was champion European sprinter of 1999 & stood his initial Southern Hemisphere season at Cambridge Stud in NZ. The son of Nureyev has a select draft of 11 yearlings at Easter.
  • French Gr1 Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre, whose oldest Northern Hemisphere progeny are now 3YOs, looks to have a leading contender for the European classics this year in colt Super Celebre, who made his seasonal debut with an easy victory in the Gr2 Prix Noailles at Longchamp & is now aiming at the Gr1 Prix Lupin. Peintre Celebre has an outstanding draft of 37 youngsters at Easter.
(April 15)

Tonic Leads NZ Southern-Filly-Of-The-Year Series
Tonic (Blues Traveller-Sent To War) leads NZ Bloodstock’s Southern-Filly-Of-The-Year Series following her weekend victory in the Listed NZ Bloodstock Leasing Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park in Canterbury. Tonic won by 3 lengths from Royal Show (Deputy Governor-Bluebird Dancer) & Rayonner (Wallenda-Irradiate, by Rassendyll). Tonic leads the Series with 14 points, ahead of Royal Show on 10 points, with 1 race left (the Listed NZ Bloodstock Warstep Stakes at Riccarton Park on Saturday April 26). The table now stands: Tonic 14; Royal Show 10; Flying Coup 7; Irish Belle 3; Magic Bow 3; Mighty Myrtle 3; Cat Shmea 1; Rayonner 1; Smiling Asset 1; The Jewel 1. (April 15)

$10,000 Bargain Wins Gr1 Macau Derby
Analyst, a 4YO Deputy Governor gelding purchased for just $10,000 at the Inglis 2000 Autumn Yearling Sale, bolted to victory by over 10 lengths in the Gr1 HK$2.2 million (A$460,000) Macau Derby (1800m) on the weekend. Analyst is the 2nd foal of Mighty Avalanche mare Trinket Box (a grand-daughter of influential broodmare Betty Box). The family has produced a flood of top class racehorses, including Derby winners Ivory’s Irish & Hit The Roof. Deputy Governor stands at Chequers Stud in Cambridge in NZ. (April 15)

Arrowfield-Bred Sprinter Takes Macau Trophy
At the same meeting Arrowfield-bred 4YO gelding Popular Gain (Snippets-Keltshaan, by Pleasant Colony) won the Gr3 Macau Sprint Trophy (1200m), reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Popular Gain is the 1st foal of Keltshaan, a half-sister to Gr1 Prix Lupin winner & sire Groom Dancer, as well as Gr3 winner Tagel. (April 15)

Inglis Graduates Win 7 Races In HK
It’s also been another big week for Inglis Sale graduates in Hong Kong, with a trio of Easter Sale purchases winning at Sha Tin on the weekend, following Inglis lots landing half the program at Happy Valley mid-week.
  • At Sha Tin trainer Tony Cruz’s Danehill colt Hidden Dragon (sold for $700,000 at the 2001 Easter Sale) notched his 3rd win; bred at Tyreel Stud, Hidden Dragon is from former champion Kiwi juvenile Ballroom Babe; he is another HK winner selected by bloodstock agent Anton Koolman & has now won more than $400,000 in prize-money.
  • Another Tony Cruz Danehill colt Multidandy (sold for $200,000 at the 2000 Easter Sale) won against handy sprinters in Class 3 company; he is a half-brother to Blue Diamond winner Knowledge & is a product of Stratheden Stud.
  • And Hennessy 4YO Paradis (sold for $100,000 at the 2000 Easter Sale) saluted for expatriate Australian trainer Geoff Lane.
  • Meanwhile at Happy Valley, the winners included Thunder Man (sold for $135,000 at the 2001 Breeze-Up Sale) & Sagacious (Passed In for just $18,000 at the 2000 Classic Sale).
  • The Francis Lui-trained 3YO Bowin (sold for $45,000 at the 2001 Premier Sale) won at his 4th start; Bowin was bred in Victoria at Desmond Park Stud & is by Danzig stallion Belong To Me from Miss Mustard (a grand-daughter of Miss Pompilia, sister to Golden Slipper winner Pago Pago).
  • And Joyful Master (sold for just $26,000 at the 2000 Classic Sale) backed up to score his 2nd victory in a week.
(April 15)

Danehill’s $4 Million Son Emerges As UK Classic Contender
Danehill’s $4 million front-running 3YO colt Balestrini, carrying the silks of prominent owner Michael Tabor & starting at 33-1, caused a major upset when he defeated his unbeaten stablemate & French Gr1 winner Alberto Giacometti (among the favourites for the English Derby in June) to record his maiden win in the Gr3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown in Ireland. Trainer Aidan O’Brien told racingpost.co.uk: "Balestrini has been working really well & he’s one of those horses that I said would probably leave their late season 2YO form behind. It was fast ground & he is a big, strong horse. He’ll be a possiblity for the Derrinstown Derby Trial now." Balestrini covered the 10 furlongs in 2min 5.9sec, equaling champion High Chaparral’s time last year. Bred in Ireland by Kilcarn Stud, Balestrini is one of 6 winners from 8 starters for stakes-placed winning Ela-Mana-Mou mare Welsh Love. He is a half-brother to Irish high-weight Second Empire (standing at Heytesbury Stud in WA) & stakes winners Ihtiram, Hemingway & Ajhiba. Demi O’Byrne purchased Balestrini for A$4 million at the 2001 Goff’s October yearling sale from the consignment of Kilcarn Stud. (April 15)

First Winner For Freshman Sire Tactical Cat
Overbrook Farm’s 2YO filly Fashion Girl became the 1st winner for Kentucky-based freshman sire Tactical Cat when she led throughout to win at Keeneland Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Fashion Girl (bred in Kentucky by Roger Gebhard) is one of 4 winners from Gr2-winning Mr Leader mare Ransomed Captive; she is a half-sister to Gr2 winner Shepherd’s Field (by Spectacular Bid). Fashion Girl was purchased by Overbrook Farm for US$500,000 from the consignment of Sequel Bloodstock at the 2003 Barretts March 2YOs-in-training sale. Gr1 winner Tactical Cat has now sired 1 winner from 3 starters out of 68 foals of racing age in his first crop. Campaigned by Overbrook Farm & trained by D. Wayne Lukas, on the track Tactical Cat won the 1998 Gr1 Hollywood Futurity & 1998 Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park; overall he won 4 of 12 starts (plus 5 stakes placings). Tactical Cat is out of Gr3 stakes-placed stakes winner Terre Haute (by Caro) & stands for US$10,000 at Overbrook Farm in Kentucky. (April 15)

Top 10 Nominations for Heroic Championship
Final acceptances for the $1million Inglis Heroic Championship are at 9am this morning, with a final field of 14 runners plus 4 emergencies. The current Top 10 on prize-money are:
1: Winestock (El Moxie-Philhal) T.O’Sullivan $307,650
2: Secret Land (Secret Savings-Pocaterra) G.Waterhouse $163,350
3: Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona) T.Martin $137,575
4: Ultimate Fever (Gold Fever-Ultimate Jester) J.O’Shea $58,800
5: Pietiner (Encosta de Lago-Old Soft Shoe) C.Alderson $51,750
6: Olympus (Danehill-Metal Of Honor) C.Conners $49,350
7: Navaho Princess (Danewin-La Rosa) G.Rogerson $45,560
8: Danish Magic (Danewin-Belle Desire) R.Simpson $28,300
9: Sir Dex (Dexter-Amwaj) G.Hickman $21,600
10: Bayraqdaar (Unbridled’s Song-Park Heiress) G.Rogerson $20,550
(April 15)

Mystery Voucher Worth US$1 Million Uncashed At Oaklawn
Tuesday odd Spot: A voucher worth US$1 million was mailed to someone on the Oaklawn Park mailing list for last weekend’s US National Thoroughbred Racing Association Mystery Mutuel Voucher promotion. But no one cashed it in. Of the 511,000 vouchers sent out in a promotion by the NTRA, about 79,000 of the names came from the Oaklawn mailing list. All but one of the vouchers was worth $2. "We did have 8,613 vouchers redeemed at Oaklawn," director of Oaklawn's mutuel department Bobby Geiger told bloodhorse.com, "but all were for $2. Unfortunately, the big one got away." Oaklawn lured 61,752 people for the day, which featured the Arkansas Derby. (April 15)

Les Benton Resigns From Dubai World Cup & Emirates Racing
Les Benton, chairman of the Dubai World Cup committee, is leaving the Gulf state (where he is also chief executive of the Emirates Racing Association) to return to Australia. His resignation has been accepted & “he will quit Dubai in mid-June, after completing a 4-year stint.” reported racingpost.co.uk. “Questions about Benton’s future were raised in February, when Ali Saeed Bilhab, a long-time close associate of Sheikh Mohammed, was made manager of the Dubai Racing Club, which runs Nad Al Sheba racecourse.” However, Benton said his decision had been made in January, after discussions with his wife Veronica & family, & summed up: “I feel I have contributed significantly to helping raise the profile of Dubai racing to world level, but it’s time for the family & I to go back to Australia. I believe I’ve done a lot to achieve Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, in terms of promoting Dubai on the international stage, both through the domestic season & during the World Cup meeting. The family was becoming fragmented, because of our 4 sons: one wants to go back to Australia to further his career & another is finishing his education in Melbourne. So, having fulfilled the commitments I made to the Maktoum family when I took the job, & taking everything else into account, I made the decision, even though it wasn’t an easy one.” (April 14)

Sunline Relaxing But Breeding Plans Still Undecided
Star NZ mare Sunline (by Desert Sun) is “enjoying retirement from racing” in the care of trainer & co-owner Trevor McKee at his Taranaki property. Son & co-trainer Stephen McKee told thoroughbredtimes.com: "She’s doing fine. She will probably go to the Northern Hemisphere to be served to Southern Hemisphere time." McKee noted a season to Irish-based stallion Danehill was “under consideration”, but Sunline’s breeding plans were “still up in the air”. (April 14)

UK Trainer Names Melbourne Cup As Warrsan’s Possible Target
UK trainer Clive Brittain “is looking forward to the season ahead with relish” & has his eyes on the Melbourne Cup, after 5YO stayer Warrsan defeated a classy field in the Gr3 John Porter Stakes (12 furlongs) at Newbury in England, reported racingpost.co.uk. Brittain declared: "I think this horse has a good season ahead of him. Like his trainer, he is getting better with age & I have high hopes for him. He will go for the Yorkshire Cup (May 15) & then we will give him an entry for the Irish St Leger. Ultimately, we will have to sit down with the horse's owner Saeed Manana & think about the Melbourne Cup." Irish-bred Warrsan (Caerleon-Lucayan Princess) finished 4th to Vinnie Roe in last year’s Gr1 Irish St Leger, beaten by only 2.75 lengths. Warrsan is one of 6 winners from 8 starters for stakes-winning High Line mare Lucayan Princess. He is a half-brother to Italian high-weight Luso, Gr2 winner Needle Gun & Gr3 winner Cloud Castle. (April 14)

Hancock Hopes For Another Fusaichi Pegasus
Kentucky breeder Arthur Hancock III is hoping a foal born last week at his Stone Farm is a repeat of his 1997 colt Fusaichi Pegasus - who brought US$4 million at the 1998 Keeneland July yearling sale, won the 2000 Gr1 Kentucky Derby, then sold for a world-record price in excess of US$60 million as a stallion prospect. The 2003 colt is by Seeking The Gold out of Angel Fever (by Danzig). Fusaichi Pegasus was by Seeking The Gold's sire Mr Prospector. Hancock, who co-owns Angel Fever with Robert McNair of nearby Stonerside Farm, told bloodhorse.com: "He's every bit as good a foal, in my opinion, as Fusaichi Pegasus. He's the best looking foal I've seen since then. That's why I’ve named him Superman 2. He's a strong son of a gun." (April 14)

Favorite Trick Not Returning For 2003 Aust Season
Favorite Trick will not be returning to Victoria’s Collingrove Stud for the 2003 breeding season, reported racenet.com.au. “The decision was forced on Collingrove by the majority shareholder in Favorite Trick (Phone Trick) making it known that he wished the former Horse-Of-The-Year to be rested from southern hemisphere duties in 2003.” Favorite Trick’s 1st southern hemisphere crop of 2YOs race this season; to date, he has only been represented by 1 runner. (April 14)

Prominent NZ Jockey Jim Walker Retires
A niggling shoulder injury “which looks certain to trouble him for the rest of his life” has forced top NZ rider Jim Walker “to call it quits,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Walker, 50, announced he will not be returning to the saddle following a nasty race fall 16 months ago, his 3rd bad accident in 4 years. Walker has recently undergone exploratory surgery with negative results & explained: "The latest X-rays showed a possible hole in the bone, which doctors thought may have been causing the continual trouble, but the operation discovered nothing. I've only got 80% use of the right shoulder & you can't ride like that." Walker finishes with 968 winners (including 15 in Singapore & Malaysia, & 3 in Australia). Walker is best known for his association with Veandercross; in Sydney they combined to win the Canterbury Guineas, Ranvet Stakes & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (April 14)

Polar Success Grabs $3 Million Gr1 Golden Slipper
Jockey Danny Beasley & trainer Graeme Rogerson won the world’s richest 2YO race, the $3 million Gr1 AAMI Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens, with Polar Success (Success Express-Patou, by Covetous) winning from How Funny (Rory’s Jester-Intertwined, by Sir Tristram) & Hasna (Snippets-They Say, by Thirty Six Red). Rogerson “outlaid approximately $11 million on more than 137 yearlings” in 2002, noted racenet.com.au. Among that group was a small bay filly purchased for $32,000 at the Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale; that $32,000 investment has now yielded $2,107,375 prize-money from 4 wins & 2 2nds in her first 6 starts. (April 14)

Success Express Has 27 Stakes Winners
Polar Success is by veteran stallion Success Express (Hold Your Peace-Au Printemps, by Dancing Champ) “who stood at Noble Park Stud for $15,000 in the year he served the Covetous mare Patou, owned by leading Sydney racing insurance identity Bob Logan,” reported racenet.com.au. Success Express has sired 27 stakes winners & Polar Success is his 10th stakes winner out of a mare from the Star Kingdom sireline. Success Express has served at studs in Victoria twice, as well as NZ, NSW & is now returning for his 2nd stint in Queensland in 2003 at his owners Noble Park Stud. A son of Hold Your Peace (Flamingo Stakes winner & Kentucky Derby 3rd), Success Express is from the increasingly rare Princequillo sire-line. Success Express finished 4th on the 1998-99 season sires premiership, but this season he has grabbed the spotlight on the 2YO table with 15 winners from 24 starters. Following the Golden Slipper, his 2YO prize-money now totals an unbeatable $2.43 million. (April 14)

Golden Slipper Dam Was Passed In For Just $5,000
Polar Success’s dam Patou was “passed in for just $5,000 at the 1996 Sydney Summer Yearling sale,” reported racenet.com.au, but went on to win 8 races (including 3 on metropolitan tracks). A daughter of a half-sister to Gr1 George Adams Handicap winner Bit Of A Skite & 4-time winner Olympic Aim (dam of Gr1 AJC Oaks winner Circles Of Gold), Patou is a sister to 7-time winner Gladden & a half sister to 3-time winner Icecapade (dam of exciting 3YO filly Ain’t Seen Nothin’). Patou is a daughter of Macquarie Stud’s Covetous, a stakes-winning son of 1997 Golden Slipper legend Luskin Star. Covetous, now 23, served his 20th successive book of mares at Macquarie last spring. He came close to siring a Golden Slipper winner himself when Danzero nosed out his son St Covet in 1994. Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud purchased Patou for $70,000 at the 2000 Australian Broodmare sale with the Golden Slipper winner in utero. (April 14)

Magic Millions Boasts 1-4 Slipper Placings
Graduates of 2002 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales filled the top 4 placings in the Golden Slipper: Polar Success (by Success Express), How Funny (by Rory’s Jester), Hasna (by Snippets) & Shamekha (by Secret Savings). MM managing director David Chester described the result a “triumph” & declared: “It is incredible to have the first 4 over the line in one of the world’s great races. It just goes to show what great horses are on offer at Magic Millions sales around the country & what good value prices they sell for.” Winner Polar Success sold for just $32,000 to trainer Graeme Rogerson at the MM Winter Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast last June. Gai Waterhouse, who purchased & trains the next trio of How Funny, Hasna & Shamekha, described the MM Yearling auction in January as “a brilliant sale” & said: “Just look at what happened today. The results speak for themselves.” (April 14)

Freemason Pips Northerly In $2 Million Gr1 BMW
Also at Rosehill on the weekend, jockey Darren Beadman, trainer John Hawkes & Australia’s premier owners Jack & Bob Ingham watched their 6YO gelding Freemason (Grand Lodge-Sashed) triumph by a whisker in the thrilling $2 million Gr1 The BMW Stakes (2400m), after a titanic head-to-head struggle for the last 1200m with weight-for-age champion Northerly (Serheed-North Bell), resulting in a race to remember for the 30,000 cheering fans & a new track record. Republic Lass (Canny Lad-Swift Seasons) finished 3rd. Gr1 winner Grand Lodge (by Chief's Crown) shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Woodlands Stud in Australia. (April 14)

Northerly Leaving Sydney For Spell In Perth
Northerly has now been beaten in his 3 starts on Sydney’s unfamiliar clock-wise tracks & trainer Fred Kersley confirmed yesterday that his Perth wonder horse will now return home to WA for a spell, rather than stay in Sydney for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on May 3. At this stage, Kersley intends to “give the gelding as much time as possible in the paddock before starting his spring campaign aimed at another Cox Plate,” reported appracingandspports.com.au. (April 14)

Shower of Roses Wins Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes
And in the weekend’s 3rd Gr1 at Rosehill, jockey Chris Munce & trainer Gai Waterhouse saw their 3YO filly Shower Of Roses (Zabeel-Marquise, by Gold And Ivory) take the $400,000 Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (2000m) for Eduardo Cojuangco’s Gooree Pastoral Company, ahead of NZ duo Bramble Rose (Shinko King-Images) & Raspberry Ripple (Quest For Fame-Unbelievable). Shower Of Roses had topped the NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series in 2001 at $NZ1,450,000 & Gooree Stud manager Andrew Baddock told aapracingandsports.com.au: “It's probably a ball-park figure but you'd have to say she's worth at least $2 million now with her pedigree. There wouldn't be too many fillies with more stud value than her in this part of the world.” And racenet.com.au summed up: “With such outstanding racehorses as Octagonal, Mouawad, Kaapstad, Diamond Lover, Tristalove, Marquise, Danewin, Viscount, Don Eduardo & Commands, the Eight Carat family has become the greatest source of superior racehorses in Australasia over the last decade.” (April 14)

Zabeel Takes Tally To 23 Individual Gr1 Winners
Shower Of Roses became the 23rd individual Gr1 winner for Zabeel when she took out the Arrowfield Stud Stakes, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. A full list of Zabeel’s Gr1 winners to date is: Cronus, Dignity Dancer, Might And Power, Jezabeel, Inaflury, Hades, Octagonal, Hill Of Grace, Grand Echezeaux, Mouawad, Zonda, Zacheline, Sky Heights, Champagne, Bezeal Bay, Able Master, Our Unicorn, Greene Street, Don Eduardo, Dress Circle, Zabenz, St Reims & Shower Of Roses. (April 14)

Dehere Keeps Stakes Winners Rolling For Arrowfield
The incredible run by Arrowfield’s sire-of-the-moment Dehere continued when 3YO Natural Blitz (Dehere-Mohave Dancer, by Zabeel) won the Gr2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. Cranbourne-based trainer Doug Harrison, who purchased Natural Blitz for $85,000 at the 2001 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale at Morphettville, enthused: "I purchased his half-brother Superblitz (by Thunder Gulch) for $155,000 the year before & he was a very smart horse who was sold to Hong Kong. And we thought this bloke (Natural Blitz) was great value at just $85,000." With his Tulloch Stakes win, Natural Blitz boosted his stakes earnings to $557,100. Meanwhile, 2nd home in the race was Platinum Scissors, a full brother to another exciting Arrowfield-based stallion Redoute's Choice (4-time Gr1 winner). (April 14)

Perfect Timing For Brackley Park & Dieu D’Or
Brackley Park Stud at Avenal in Victoria “has received the perfect start” for sire Dieu D’Or (which moves from The Independent Stallion Station to Brackley Park this year) with 2YO Mot d’Or’s win in the Listed Envelope Specialists Plate (1350m) at Cheltenham Park, his 2nd stakes win from 6 starts, reported racenet.com.au. Trainer Leon Macdonald purchased Mot d’Or for just $15,000 at the Summer session of the 2002 Adelaide Magic Millions Sale. Biscay’s son Dieu D’Or, who won 4 races from 32 starts (including the Listed AJC Hall Mark Stakes), has had several homes in his stud career. Dieu D’Or has sired 9 stakes winners, including Gr1 winners Gold Ace ($956,520 prize-money including the Gr1 AJC The Galaxy, Gr1 VRC Lightning Stakes & Gr1 Salinger Stakes), Curata Storm (2001 Gr1 STC Mercedes Classic) & Voile d’Or (Gr1 SAJC South Australian Oaks & Gr1 WATC Derby). Dieu D’Or will stand this season for $4,400 (inc GST) at Brackley Park. (April 14)

Aust Weekend Stakes-Winners & Sires
Following a weekend of top quality stakes racing, racenet.com.au listed the stakes-winners by sires:
  • Rory’s Jester (1982): Listed Birthday Card Stakes winner, 3YO filly Toast Of The Coast came from the 13th crop of Collingrove Stud’s veteran.
  • Switch In Time (1983): Listed Neville Sellwood Stakes winner, 5YO horse Heeby Reiby is from the 10th crop sired by the recently deceased son of Kris.
  • Last Tycoon (1983): Gr3 Lakewood Stud-Auraria Stakes winner, 3YO filly Yvonne comes from the 9th southern hemisphere crop of Chatswood Stud's son of Try My Best; the champion Australian sire in 1993-94 also sired runner-up Tarcoola Diamond.
  • Dieu D’Or (1984): Listed Envelope Specialists Plate winner, 2YO gelding Mot D’Or comes from the 10th crop of one of the few remaining sons of Biscay at Stud.
  • Success Express (1985): Gr1 Golden Slipper winner, 2YO filly Polar Success came in the 11th crop of Noble Park Stud’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner.
  • Zabeel (1986): Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes winner, 3YO filly Shower Of Roses comes from the 8th crop by Cambridge Stud’s champion son of Sir Tristram.
  • Shagny (1989): Listed Moet And Chandon Stakes winner, 5YO gelding Sex Machine is from the 2nd crop by Emirates Park Stud’s bargain son of Blushing Groom.
  • Jeune (1989): Listed Port Adelaide Guineas winner, 3YO filly Jameela comes from the 3rd crop of Lindsay Park Stud’s Melbourne Cup winner Jeune.
  • Barathea (1990): Listed Melvista Stakes winner, 3YO gelding Shirazamatazz comes from the 4th southern hemisphere crop by the son of Sadler’s Wells.
  • Dehere (1991): Gr2 Tulloch Stakes winner, 3YO colt Natural Blitz is a 3rd crop son of Arrowfield Stud’s rising star.
  • Grand Lodge (1991): Gr1 The BMW Stakes winner, 6YO gelding Freemason is a 1st crop son of the international stud success; In one of the most dramatic races witnessed in Sydney in recent years Freemason nosed out champion Northerley, who came from the 11th crop by deceased Serheed.
  • Octagonal (1992): Gr2 Queen Of The Turf Stakes winner, 4YO mare Hosannah comes from the 1st crop of the Woodlands champion.
  • Nothin’ Leica Dane (1992): Gr2 WA Oaks winner, 3YO filly Superior Star is a 1st crop daughter of the Gr1 Victoria Derby winning son of Danehill.
  • Hennessy (1993): Gr3 Ajax Stakes winner, 4YO gelding Grand Armee is a 1st crop son of Coolmore’s Storm Cat stallion.
(April 14)

Empire Maker Wins US Gr1 Wood Memorial & Cements Kentucky Favouritism
Juddmonte Farms home-bred Empire Maker won the US$750,000 Gr1 Wood Memorial Stakes (9 furlongs) for 3YOs at Aqueduct Park in New York & “cemented his status as favorite for the Kentucky Derby” on May 3, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. But unlike his record 10-length victory in the Gr1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park last month, the son of Unbridled won by a half-length after a tough duel with Funny Cide (by Distorted Humor) on a muddy track, with Kissin Saint (by Kissin Kris) a further 7.5 lengths back 3rd. Empire Maker, ridden by leading jockey Jerry Bailey for top trainer Bobby Frankel, now has 3 wins from 5 starts & US$1,115,800 in earnings. He is 1 of 5 graded stakes winners from 6 foals to race out of the Gr1-winning mare Toussaud (by El Gran Senor). Empire Maker is a half-brother to Gr1 winners Chester House, Honest Lady & Chiselling, along with Gr2 winner Decarchy. (April 14)

Peace Rules Takes US Gr1 Blue Grass Stakes
On the same afternoon across the country, trainer Bobby Frankel’s other major Kentucky Derby candidate Peace Rules (by Jules) won the US$750,000 Gr1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (9 furlongs) for 3YOs at Keeneland Race Course. After setting the pace, Peace Rules (owned by Edmund Gann & ridden by Edgar Prado) won by 3.5 lengths from Brancusi (by Deputy Commander) & a further 4.5 lengths back to Offlee Wild (by Wild Again). Peace Rules has now won 5 of 8 starts (the last 4 straight, including the Gr2 Louisiana Derby last month at Fair Grounds) & earned US$1,124,990. Bred in Florida by Newchance Farm, Peace Rules is one of 3 starters (all winners) out of the winning Hold Your Peace mare Hold To Fashion & is a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Wild Fashion. He was purchased for US$35,000 by Gary Contessa at the 2002 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s March selected sale of 2YOs-in-training. (April 14)

Congaree Grabs US Gr1 Carter Handicap
Stonerside Stable’s 5YO home-bred star Congaree bounced back from last month’s narrow Gr1 defeat (by a head by Milwaukee Brew in the Santa Anita Handicap) to notch the 3rd Gr1 victory of his career in the US$350,000 Carter Handicap (7 furlongs) at Aqueduct, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Gary Stevens for trainer Bob Baffert, Congaree defeated Aldebaran (by Mr Prospector) by 3.5 lengths with another 1.5 lengths back to 3rd-placed Peeping Tom (by Eagle Eyed). Bred in Kentucky, Congaree has won 10 of 18 starts (plus 5 placings) & earned US$2,283,400; his victories include the 2002 Gr1 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct, 2001 Gr1 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park & 5 other graded stakes (he also ran 3rd in both the 2001 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes). Congaree (Arazi-Mari's Sheba, by Mari's Book) is the only starter out of the stakes-placed winning mare Mari’s Sheba. Champion Juvenile Arazi (by Blushing Groom) shuttles between Sweden & Australia this season. (April 14)

Arrowfield’s Hussonet Logs Another Stakes Winner
Arrowfield Stud’s star stallion recruit Hussonet, champion sire of Chile for the past 3 seasons, posted his 41st individual stakes winner when his 3YO filly La Tour blitzed the field to win the Listed Coronel Santiago Bueras Stake by 8 lengths at Hipodromo Chile. La Tour’s previous starts include a 2nd in the Gr1 Chilean 1000 Guineas. On the same card, Hussonet’s 2YO debutant Anatole France won his 1st start by an impressive 4 lengths to become the 8th 2YO winner sired by Hussonet this season. With 2 stakes winners & 3 stakes place-getters in his 2YO crop, Hussonet has already firmly established himself as not only 2003’s Leading General Sire of Chile, but a run-away leader in the 2YO sires title. Hussonet, sire of an amazing 24% stakes-winners-to-runners, will stand the coming season at Arrowfield at $24,750 (inc GST). (April 14)

Testa Rossa On French Duty Before Return To Yallambee
Yallambee Stud’s Peter Woodard recently visited Testa Rossa, currently serving his 1st northern hemisphere season at Haras Du Petit Tellier in France. “Woodard reported the 6-time Gr1 winning son of Perugino has been well received by French breeders,” noted racenet.com.au. One of Testa Rossa’s mates this season is Marie De Ken, a Gr3-winning daughter of Kendor (by Kenmare), which stood 1 season at Arrowfield Stud in 1990. Marie De Ken is the dam of Ana Marie, the daughter of Anabaa who won the Gr2 Prix d’Harcourt recently; last year Ana Marie won the Gr3 Prix Vantoux & placed in the Gr1 French Oaks & Gr1 Prix Vermeille. “The Niarchos family owns a harem of the most desirable broodmares the world has to offer & they will also be supporting Testa Rossa in his debut season,” reported racenet.com.au. Testa Rossa will be returning for his 3rd season at Yallambee this spring. (April 14)

UK Trainer Hill Lands 2,500th Winner
Lambourn trainer Barry Hills notched his 2,500th career winner (34 years after his 1st) when Tante Rose, ridden by his jockey-son Michael Hills, led throughout to take a Gr3 race for 3YO fillies at Newbury in England, reported racingpost.co.uk. (April 14)

Inglis Sydney Thoroughbred Sale Summary
Queensland trainer Vic Tonkin paid $17,000 for 5YO gelding Dare To Win (Danewin-Trajana), winner of 4 of 27 starts (including 2 at Moonee Valley), to top last Friday’s Inglis Thoroughbred Sale in Sydney. Next best price was $16,000 from leading NSW country trainer Keith Swan for 3YO gelding Shokur (Octagonal-Almazyoon, by Danehill), a winner of 1 race at Wyong from 4 starts, who was sold by His Excellency Nasser Lootah. Overall 108 lots were sold for a gross $324,450 & average $3,004. (April 14)

Internet Tender For Stallion Services
The Canberra Racing Club has launched its 2003 Unique Internet Stallion Tender Scheme. Canberra spokesman Peter Stubbs said the scheme “has proven popular with broodmare & stallion owners over the last 3 years. This year there are 17 good quality stallions currently nominated for the scheme, who possess the best bloodlines available from overseas & from within Australia.” Stallion owners who wish to participate in the scheme have until Friday May 30 to nominate. (April 14)

SARS Cuts Overseas Visitors For HK Start To 2003 World Series
Japan’s defending title holder Eishin Preston heads a SARS-depleted overseas invasion of just 4 horses for the HK$14 million (A$2.95 million) Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on April 27. The original entry from Australia (5 horses) & New Zealand (3) has disappeared completely. Dubai’s Godolphin organisation has also excused itself on account of the health scare, telling the Hong Kong Jockey Club it cannot afford the SARS risk. The 4 invited international runners are Eishin Preston (Japan), Paolini (Germany), Eventuail (South Africa) & Secret Singer (France). (April 14)

Size Aims River Dancer At QEII Cup
Expatriate Australian trainer John Size (a clear leader in the 2003 HK trainers’ premiership) has emerged with a major local contender for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup after 4YO River Dancer, owned by HKJC chairman Ronald Arculli, won the HK$2 million (A$420,000) Premier Class Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin. River Dancer (by Sadler's Wells from the Aga Khan's Gr1 winning filly Darara) was one of the world's most expensive yearlings in 2000. After his latest emphatic win, HKJC handicapper Ciaran Kennelly elevated River Dancer to a rating of 115 from an earlier international mark of 106. He raced in Europe under the name Diaghilev, after being purchased as a yearling by Coolmore principal John Magnier & Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber for 3.4 million UK guineas. As a 3YO, he won at Leopardstown over 2,000m & then added the G3 Prix la Force over the same distance at Chantilly. (April 14)

Auckland Chairman Slams Own Board As ‘Petty & Puerile’
Auckland Racing Club chairman Colin Devine has written a sensational letter to his own members describing the club’s Board as “petty & puerile”! The extraordinary letter comes amid headline-hogging controversy currently surrounding “the replacement of our Takanini training facility”. On April 1, the ARC Board voted 7-5 to proceed with development of a training facility at Prices Road at the end of Auckland Airport runway. Devine & his supporters lost the acrimonious vote, but “remain firmly opposed to this move.” Devine’s lengthy & invective-filled missive, attacking the opposing faction, concludes: “As your chairman, I cannot allow what appears to be petty & puerile board politics to put our club into a potentially fatal tailspin. . . . For this reason, I urge you to take the step to exercise your prerogative & call your Board to account for this vital decision.” Stay tuned! (April 14)

NZ Melbourne Cup Hopeful-To-Watch 1
Wellington Cup winner Oarsman (by The Son) is back in work at the NZ stable of Cambridge trainer Paul Duncan, who told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "He’s come back looking stronger than ever. He had more than 2 months in the spelling paddock after the Wellington Cup & it has done him the world of good." Oarsman’s major target later this year will be the Melbourne Cup, revealed Duncan, adding: "The weather will dictate whether he does some of his lead-up racing in NZ or goes straight over to Melbourne in the spring." The 5YO stamped himself one of NZ’s most exciting stayers with his win in the Gr1 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham following a strong 2nd in the Gr1 Auckland Cup (3200m). (April 14)

NZ Melbourne Cup Hopeful-To-Watch 2
The proposed Autumn Sydney campaign for Zafar (by Zabeel) has been scrapped after the exciting NZ stayer ricked a fetlock joint while galloping late last week. The Paul O’Sullivan-trained 4YO gelding, who has won 7 of his only 8 starts, was scheduled to run in Saturday’s $500,000 Chairman’s Handicap at Randwick as a means of qualifying for the Melbourne Cup. Manager Dave O’Sullivan told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "It’s not as bad as we first thought, but he definitely won’t be going to Sydney. Our vets have checked him out thoroughly & confirmed it is a rick. It’s not good news, but we’ve been told that a spell of 2 or 3 months should see him right." O’Sullivan selected Zafar as a yearling & has managed him since for a Westbury Stud syndicate headed by Eric Watson. (April 14)

McAnulty-TV Interview Investigation Completed
The NZ Thoroughbred Racing investigation which followed a live Trackside television interview earlier this year between presenter Steve Davis & prominent owner Rob McAnulty at Matamata has been completed. NZTR announced: “Inquiries by the Racecourse Inspectors centred on the content of the interview &, in particular, the allegations that were made. The investigation has concluded that there has not been a breach of any of the Rules of Racing. The role of racing officials is, at times, open to criticism & conjecture. To appease everybody is not always possible. It is important however that all officials maintain the standard of performance & behaviour appropriate with their position, in order to maintain the integrity of racing. NZ Thoroughbred Racing investigates all allegations which are found to have substance of reliability & accuracy.” (April 14)

Centaine’s Broodmare Worth Extends To South Africa
The name that Waikato Stud’s Centaine is making for himself as a broodmare sire has extended to South Africa where his daughter, the Gr2 Scottsville Oaks winner Taineberry, is now the dam of unbeaten 2YO Jalberry. Last week’s victory in the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes at Turffontein took Jalberry’s record to 2 wins from 2 starts. The result also credits Centaine with his 25 stakes-winner as a broodmare sire. (April 14)

SA Gr1 Winner Euthanised After Vicious Attack
Meanwhile South African Gr1-winner Indiscreet Fantasy has been euthanised “after suffering severe leg injuries following an attack by unknown assailants at Clewthorne Stud Farm in the Paardeberg district,” reported SA television station News 24. Co-owner Elize Clews said the attack took place on March 19, the same date the Western Racing Club filed an application seeking to prevent her from racing the daughter of Braashee at the club’s facilities. Indiscreet Fantasy, an SA-bred 8YO out of the unraced Boone Forest mare Fancy Fantasy, won the 1998 Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth. (April 14)

First Win For French-Based Freshman Sire Gold Away
French-based stallion Gold Away, a multiple group winner who was high-weighted as a 4YO on the 1999 European Free Handicap, netted his first winner as a stallion when Irish-bred Alexander Goldrun (out of the stakes-winning Darshaan mare Renashaan) won a 2YO event at the Curragh. Gold Away, who stands at Haras du Quesnay near Deauville, is an 8YO son of Golneyev out of stakes-placed winning Blushing Groom mare Blushing Away (a daughter of multiple graded stakes winner & stakes producer Sweet Revenge). Gold Away is a half-brother to Gr3 winners Danzigaway & Blushing Gleam. On the track, Gold Away won 5 races (including the 1999 Gr2 Prix du Muguet) & placed a further 10 times (including 4 2nds in French Gr1 events) in 16 starts. Gold Away’s first crop of racing age consists of 47 2YOs, & he also is represented by a 2nd crop of 17 yearlings. (April 14)

First Stakes Win For Sire Jambalaya Jazz
Gumbo Love won a 6-furlong race for 3YO fillies at Hawthorne Race Course to land the first stakes win for off-spring sired by Kentucky-based 2nd-crop stallion Jambalaya Jazz, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Unplaced in the 1995 Gr1 Kentucky Derby, Jambalaya Jazz won the 1994 Gr3 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs & 1996 Gr3 Sea O Erin Handicap at Arlington Park; overall, he won 9 races in 28 career starts & placed in 11 other races. Jambalaya Jazz, an 11-year-old son of Dixieland Band, stands at Nuckols Farm in Kentucky. From 37 foals of racing age, he has sired 3 winners from 7 starters. Kentucky-bred Jambalaya Jazz is out of the Graustark mare Glorious Meeting. (April 14)

First Win For Freshman Sire Stormin Fever
East Bay won by 5 lengths in her career debut at Keeneland Race Course & also notched the 1st winner for Kentucky freshman sire Stormin Fever, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. East Bay is one of 3 starters from 71 foals in Stormin Fever’s 1st crop of racing age. Stormin Fever, a Virginia-bred 9YO son of Storm Cat, won 8 of 21 career starts (including victory in the 1998 Gr3 Sport Page Handicap at Aqueduct & 2nd in both the 1998 & 1999 Gr1 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park). Stormin Fever is out of the Gr3-placed winner Pennant Fever (by Seattle Slew). He is a full brother to Gr1 winner Raging Fever & stakes-placed winner Roaring Fever. Stormin Fever stands for US$15,000 at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky. (April 14)

First Winner For Freshman Sire Good And Tough
With a win in her 1st career start at Gulfstream Park, 2YO Parisienne “garnered the 1st winner for her New York-based freshman sire Good And Tough,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Good And Tough, an 8YO son of Carson City, has sired 42 foals of racing age & 2 starters in his 1st crop of racing age. In his own racing career, he won 9 races in 23 starts, including: the 1999 Gr2 Commonwealth Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Keeneland Race Course; Gr3 Finger Lakes Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Finger Lakes: & 1998 Gr3 Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park. Good And Tough (who stands at Lakland North in New York state) is one 4 winners out of the graded stakes-winning Northern Raja mare Amy Be Good. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Flashy Four. (April 14)

First Winner For Sire Comic Strip
Cash Button won his 1st career start in a 2YO event at Aqueduct, to also record the 1st winner for his 8YO sire Comic Strip, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Comic Strip won 10 of 23 starts (including 5 stakes wins & 6 stakes placings). He was purchased for US$300,000 by William Farish at the 1996 Fasig-Tipton Keeneland July selected yearling sale from the consignment of Brereton Jones. Comic Strip stands at Special T Thoroughbreds in California. (April 14)

First Winner For Sire Lived It Up
In her 2nd career start, Speak Of The Devil grabbed a decisive win over 5.5 furlongs at River Downs to record the first winner for her sire Lived It Up, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Speak Of The Devil is the only starter for Lived It Up, who has 13 foals in 2 crops of racing age. Lived It Up, an 11-year-old Ohio-bred son of Devil’s Bag, had 6 wins in 11 starts (including the 1997 Governor’s Buckey Cup Stakes) before being side-lined with injury. One of 7 starters (all winners) out of stakes-winning Grand Rights mare Grand Glory, Lived It Up is from the immediate family of Gr2 winner Zealous Connection & Gr3 winner Here’s Zealous. Lived It Up stands at Eutrophia Farms in Ohio. (April 14)

Owner Has US Flag Sewn Onto Silks
Monday Odd Spot: Thoroughbred owner & former US Congressman Toby Roth has had an American flag “sewn onto the shoulder of his stable's racing silks, as a display of support for the troops fighting in Iraq,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “And he hopes other owners emulate his show of patriotism, especially those with horses in this year's Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3.” A Republican from Wisconsin who served in Congress for 18 years, Roth races a stable of horses on the US East Coast. He explained: "If people in Iraq can march through the streets waving American flags, then I think we should do our part to show our support for the troops. And there is nothing more Americana than horse racing. It would be great if, when the horses come onto the track for the Kentucky Derby & the band is playing 'My Old Kentucky Home', the silks of every horse in the race had an American flag sewn onto them." (April 14)

Japan Cup Winner Jungle Pocket For Rich Hill Stud
NZ’s Rich Hill Stud will stand champion Japanese galloper Jungle Pocket at its Walton property this spring. “The acquisition of Jungle Pocket for southern hemisphere duties is evidence of the rapport Rich Hill management has with Japan’s eminent Shadai Farm, where the 5YO is currently serving his 1st book of mares,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Jungle Pocket, a son of champion racehorse & sire Tony Bin, was Japan’s 2001 Horse-Of-The-Year (he won both the 2001 Japan Cup & Japan Derby as a 3YO) & is the highest earning racehorse to go to stud in NZ. Last year as a 4YO he finished 2nd in the Gr1 Kyoto Emperor’s Cup (3200m) & overall notched 5 wins & 6 places from 13 starts for stake-earnings of just under A$10 million. The beaten brigade in the 2001 Japan Cup included champion older Japanese horse TM Opera O, star Hong Kong galloper Indigenous & classy UK colt Golan; at the end of that season Jungle Pocket was awarded a Timeform rating of 131, placing him 3rd on the international 3YO ladder. A serious foot injury interrupted Jungle Pocket’s final season last year. Jungle Pocket is the best performed son of Tony Bin, 5-time Gr1 winner in Italy plus winner of France’s Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Tony Bin (a member of the Grey Sovereign line) was champion sire in Japan in 1994 with his 1st crop & has regularly finished 2nd or 3rd since (in the era dominated by Sunday Silence). Jungle Pocket’s dam is a daughter of Nureyev. Rich Hill Stud’s John Thompson sealed the deal with Shadai Farm when he travelled to Japan to inspect Jungle Pocket last month. (April 11)

Shadai Farm Mares To Reside In NZ
The Rich Hill-Shadai Fram deal over Jungle Pocket has a further element to it: Jungle Pocket will serve a book limited to 85 mares at a fee of NZ$15,000 plus GST & these will include a group of well-credentialled Shadai Corporation-owned mares who will travel to NZ once their 2003 foals have been weaned. Mares by Sunday Silence, Seeking The Gold, Kris S & Cox's Ridge will reside at Rich Hill Stud for at least the next 3 years. The joint venture between the 2 breeding operations will involve selling their progeny at NZ’s Karaka National Yearling Sales. (April 11)

Nasser Lootah Buys Into Wattle Brae Stallion Taimazov
Wattle Brae Stud's owner Gary Turkington reports: “Some world regarded pedigree analysts have bought into our sensational new sprinter Taimazov, following the announcement he will be standing here for a service fee of $11,000. We have been swamped by interest & he is already assured of at least 90 mares." Turkington revealed the horse's share allocation went within 2 days! "Obviously many of the share holders wish to remain condfidential, but one I can tell you is His Excellency Nasser Lootah who is over the moon about this horse's racetrack ability & pedigree – particularly his speed lines." Dual Gr1 winning sprinter & 2001 Argentine champion Taimazov (Southern Halo - Heiress) is joining the stallion roster at Wattle Brae at Nobby in Queensland, alongside Easy Rocking (Barathea-Twig Moss), Mr Innocent (Mr Henrysee-Miss Guilty) & Testa Rossa's half-brother Dolphin's Ace. Taimazov, a 16.1hh giant, had 28 track starts for 8 wins, 6 2nds & 2 3rds, including victories in: the Gr1 Carrera de las Estrellas (Race Of The Stars) in the staggering time of 55.03 seconds for the 1000m journey carrying 60kg; the Gr1 Gran Premio Suipacha (1000m in 55.42secs); & the Gr2 Classico Pippermint (1000m in 57.29secs). Taimazov will be the 2nd major son of Southern Halo to venture to Australia; the champion sire of more than 30 Gr1 winners (12 carrying Champion status in their own right), Southern Halo is also represented at stud locally by Vinery’s More Than Ready. (April 11)

Second Empire Returns To Heytesbury
Gr1-winning European juvenile Second Empire (rated champion Irish 2YO & 2nd leading European 2YO) is returning to WA’s Heytesbury Stud for the 2003 breeding season. Stud manager Neale Bruce confirmed a deal had been negotiated between Heytesbury & Coolmore in Ireland for Second Empire to stand his 4th Australian season. From an impeccable distaff line, Second Empire is by Sadler’s Wells full-brother Fairy King, whose sons are currently in huge demand courtesy of Blue Gum Farm’s Encosta De Lago & Widden Stud’s Helissio (also returning this year). Second Empire’s early progeny are widely touted to be cracking types, with many breeders last year going back for repeat matings. His first Australian yearlings included a $110,000 Tony Noonan purchase, while Henry Crabtree outlaid $90,000 & Gerald Ryan $50,000. (April 11)

Dubai Gold Cup Winner Eyes Melbourne Cup
Martin Talty reports from Dubai that the win by Kayseri in last night’s Nad Al Sheba Gold Cup could see him chasing the Melbourne Cup in November. The win was Kayseri’s 2nd start in the United Arab Emirates & his 1st since mid-January. Trainer Allan Smith commented: “This race was always part of his program, but for some time we couldn’t get another run for him. We entered & declared a number of times, but kept getting balloted out.” Smith revealed Kayseri may be campaigned in England during the UK summer, although at the back of his mind may be Flemington in November with the Nad Al Sheba Gold Cup fully qualifying the horse for the Melbourne Cup. (April 11)

Aust-Bred Suntagonal In UK For European Campaign
Australian-bred Suntagonal, a Gr1 winner in South Africa, has joined UK Derby-winning trainer William Haggas at Newmarket in England to begin a European campaign. The Australian son of Octagonal is owned by a group of South Africans racing under the Wentworth Racing banner. He arrived at Haggas's Somerville Lodge stables in early January & has been entered for both Newbury’s Gr1 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes on May 16 & York’s Gr2 Duke of York Stakes 2 days earlier on May 14. Haggas told racingpost.co.uk: “Suntagonal is a classy horse & we’re delighted to have him here. He’s as tough as teak & has settled in well. Unfortunately, with his Gr1 penalty he isn’t going to be that easy to place, but Newbury & York are options for a starting point, & we’ll be looking elsewhere in Europe as the season progresses. He had a good record in South Africa & he seems able to act on any ground.” Although Suntagonal could race this season as a 3YO in South Africa, he will have to compete as a 4YO in the northern hemisphere. Last July he won SA’s prestigious Gr1 Premier's Champion Stakes. (April 11)

South African Champ Ipi Tombe Arrives In Kentucky
Meanwhile Zimbabwean-bred South African starlet Ipi Tombe, winner of the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free at her latest start, has arrived in Kentucky & into the care of trainer Elliott Walden. The 5YO daughter of Manshood was previously trained by Mike de Kock. Walden told thoroughbredtimes.com: "She arrived in fine condition. She ate up & the next morning we tracked her for the first time." Ipi Tombe’s 3-length victory in Dubai marked her 7th consecutive victory & 4th straight time she had defeated males. She will be pointed to the Gr1 Arlington Million on August 16. Owned by Winstar Farm, Team Valor & Sunmark Partners, Ipi Tombe has 11 wins from 13 starts overall (including the 2002 Gr1 Durban July Handicap & Gr1 South African Fillies Guineas). (April 11)

Crimson Palace Aims For Ipi Tombe’s Footprints
Trainer Mike de Kock, who previously conditioned Ipi Tombe, will now take over training South African Gr1-winning filly Crimson Palace. The 3YO (by Elliodor) captured the Gr1 Cape of Good Hope Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth in December & was recently purchased by Ipi Tombe’s owners (Team Valor, WinStar Farm & Sunmark Partners). De Kock will prepare Crimson Palace for summer racing in Durban, before taking her to the United Arab Emirates for the 2004 winter racing season, the same training schedule he set with Ipi Tombe. Team Valor syndicate head Barry Irwin told thoroughbredtimes.com: "The more I thought about it, the more the idea of trying the Ipi Tombe thing again with Mike de Kock appealed to me. I have a lot of faith in Mike." Team Valor originally planned for Crimson Palace to spend 2 months in England preparing for a California campaign with trainer Jenine Sahadi, who will now receive the filly one year later. Crimson Palace won 4 of 6 starts in her native South Africa, including the Gr1 Paddock Stakes where she beat older fillies & mares in course-record time. (April 11)

America’s Leading Owner Files Lawsuits Against Tracks
It’s official & explosive allegations & counter-allegations are expected to follow: Further to our recent report, Michael Gill (currently America’s leading 2003 owner by wins) has formally filed lawsuits against Delaware Park & Gulfstream Park attacking what he calls “a conspiracy to drive him out of the racing industry that he contends violates the Sherman Antitrust Act,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gill’s lawsuit against Delaware Park follows a letter he received informing him he was "no longer welcome on the grounds" of the track & that his horses would not be allowed to race there. His complaint against Gulfstream is a result of what Gill deemed “improper handling of an investigation” involving one of his horses that fatally broke down earlier this year. Gill declared yesterday: "This is about unfair business practices. They’re trying to drive me out of the business & they’re trying to make me look like I cheated.” Gill’s 2 actions, which name 7 high-profile US racing identities as defendants in the court cases, have triggered headlines across the American racing scene. (April 11)

STC Confirms Slipper Lead-Up Races
Sydney Turf Club chief executive Michael Kenny has scotched suggestions his club might reduce the number of lead-up races to the $3 million Golden Slipper. He told The Daily Telegraph: “One of the big positives of the Golden Slipper is that the horse form is current & immediate, not based on past performances. Accordingly the trainers must have every opportunity to prepare their horses in a relatively short space of time. That means they must have options, depending on the horse.” (April 11)

Slipper ‘Team’ Betting Refused
Meanwhile prominent bookmaker Bill Hurley’s request to frame a ‘team’ betting market on tomorrow’s $3 million Golden Slipper “has been knocked back by the NSW Department Of Gaming & Racing,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. (April 11)

Betfair Slams Forum Speakers As ‘Smoke & Mirrors’
UK-based Betfair, the world’s biggest betting exchange operator, has ridiculed yesterday’s Sydney racing industry forum as a “smoke & mirrors” attempt to discredit its attempts to gain approval to operate legally in Australia. Betfair communications manager Mark Davies told aapracingandsports.com.au that the speakers at the forum (convened by the Australian Jockey Club) had presented “absurd” arguments which painted a distorted picture of his company’s negotiations with Australian authorities. Davies declared: “What was presented at the forum in Sydney is smoke & mirrors of the highest order. “Of course we are, to quote one speaker, ‘currently operating without an Australian licence & making no contribution to the staging & development of Australian racing', but not through lack of trying. We have made it absolutely clear that we want to be licensed so we can pay tax & employ people in Australia, & that we want to pay the industry. We have made it 100% clear that we will back-date any payments owed following a commercial agreement to the first day that we started offering the product of Australian horse racing. There will not be a single day that we have benefited from Australian racing where we have not paid for that privilege.” (April 11)

TAB Warns Betting Exchanges Bring Industry Revenue Drops
At the forum, NSW TAB’s chief executive of wagering Peter Kadar said the racing industry “faced a funding crisis” if off-shore betting exchanges were allowed to continue plundering the local wagering market. He insisted they should be outlawed as long as they operate without a licence or without contributing to the staging & development of Australian racing & the welfare of the community. Kadar noted: "If these overseas exchanges are allowed to gain a foot-hold in this country, the financial well-being of the racing industry will be severely damaged. What we know about these exchanges, which is backed up by other key industry experts, is that for every $100 million in turnover transferred away from TAB by the exchanges, industry revenues drop by about $4.3 million. This equates to a real loss of jobs & infrastructure, & lower prize-money within racing." (April 11)

UK Budget Raises Betting Exchange Tax Rates
And in England, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has this week “changed the basis of taxation for betting exchanges in a move that could re-ignite the row over whether they should be banned in Britain's racecourse betting rings,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Brown, in delivering his annual UK Budget, announced the 15% gross profits tax paid by exchanges would be calculated on the basis of the commission they charge to customers who lay bets; until now exchanges have been paying 15% of layers' aggregate ‘net’ winnings to the Treasury as gross profits tax. Although the new tax regime means a higher bill for exchanges, it falls short of that demanded by the major off-course bookmaking firms. (April 11)

Hugh Bowman Receives 6-Week Suspension
Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman was yesterday suspended for 6 weeks after pleading guilty to a charge relating to testing positive to a banned substance. Racing NSW stewards inquired into an analyst’s finding of phentermine - a substance banned under the provisions of AR81B - in a urine sample Bowman provided at Warwick Farm on March 25. Analyst Andrew Vadasz from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory said Bowman’s sample was “well in excess of the threshold level.” Bowman explained that, after completing 2 riding engagements at Canberra during the afternoon of March 22, he took an appetite suppressant prior to fulfilling 5 riding engagements at Canterbury Park that night. Subject to an analytical clearance of a further sample provided by Bowman to stewards at yesterday’s Canterbury Park race meeting, he was notified stewards would defer commencement of the suspension until Sunday April 20. Bowman is booked to partner Exceed And Excel in the Golden Slipper tomorrow & should the sample prove clear, he will be able to continue riding until the suspension begins on Easter Sunday. (April 11)

NSW Stewards Seek Longer Suspensions For King & McLellan
Meanwhile Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy intends to make application to the Racing Appeal Panel to have the length of recent suspensions incurred by Steven King & Darryl McLellan increased. (King & McLellan are currently riding under stays of proceedings, after lodging appeals which cannot be heard until April 24.) Murrihy announced: "When assessing penalty we took into account carnival dates they would be missing. If they are going to only serve them at minor meetings & be able to ride on major racedays, the duration of the penalty must increase." (April 11)

MM Gold Coast Boasts 5 Slipper Starters
The Magic Millions Yearling Sale Series on the Gold Coast has emphasised its reputation for precocious 2YOs with 5 Gold Coast graduates running in tomorrow’s $3 million Gr1 AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens: Polar Success, Shamekha, Hasna, Halibery & How Funny.
  • The cheapest of the runners is Polar Success from the Graeme Rogerson stable in Sydney. By Gr1 producing stallion Success Express, Polar Success is out of well performed Covetous race mare Patou. Polar Success (a Baramul Stud offering) sold for just $32,000 at the MM Winter Yearling Sale last June.
  • Hasna will attempt to trace the footsteps of her trail-blazing stablemate Ha Ha. Like Ha Ha, the daughter of Snippets was offered as a yearling as part of Collingrove Stud’s Gold Coast draft (on behalf of boutique Mornington Peninsula stud The Pines). From the Thirty Six Red mare They Say, Hasna is trained by Ha Ha’s trainer Gai Waterhouse, who was entrusted with the filly after she was knocked down to Corumbene Stud for $160,000.
  • Another Waterhouse runner is last Saturday’s Gr2 winner Shamekha, a daughter of top middle distance performer Secret Savings. Shamekha was knocked down at the Gold Coast for $70,000 & will carry the colours of His Excellency Nasser Abdullah Hussain Lootah in the Slipper.
  • Halibery, a daughter of exciting 1st season sire Red Ransom, has already proven herself a bargain buy for Vinery Stud & connections at $70,000. The filly is already a dual Group winner (Blue Diamond Prelude & Preview at Caulfield) earlier this year. From the Sir Tristram mare Brown Eyed Girl, the cleverly named filly was offered by Torryburn Stud at the 2002 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
  • Also from the Waterhouse Randwick stable is the filly How Funny, consigned by Widden Stud to MM’s Gold Coast January Sale & purchased by Gai Waterhouse for $90,000; she’s out to emulate her ever-green Collingrove Stud sire Rory’s Jester who won the 1985 Slipper.
(April 11)

Peintre Celebre Pointer To Easter Sale
Following Peintre Celebre’s recent run of success around the globe, Brett Howard at Coolmore notes: “Inglis Easter Sale yearlings by this very exciting young sire (his oldest progeny in Australia are 3YOs) include an absolutely outstanding colt out of Triple Crown champion Burst, & a classic-moving colt out of Plaisir d’Amour, a full sister to Danehill Dancer. Anyone looking for another Super Celebre (the sire’s Gr2 winner at Longchamp in France last weekend) might do well to note that the colt from Red Trinket’s dam Serengetti Park is also out of a mare by Woodman, whilst others include half-brothers to champions like Horlicks, Tytola, etc. Check them out: your genius will be rewarded!” (April 11)

Yarrman Park Keen On Catbird Colt
Yarraman Park Stud in NSW boasts some of the more interesting pedigrees at the up-coming Easter Sale & the best of them could be the Catbird-Cotton Bay colt. (The boom on baby Catbirds from breaking-in farms is currently enormous.) Cotton Bay was a multiple metropolitan winner & is the mother of the talented stakes placed Stormcat Academy. Two other Yarraman products at Easter are: a filly by Redoute's Choice from Mexicana (making it a half-sister to stakes winner Kenconcarne); & a Spectrum-Wycombe colt from Octagonal's family (his dam is a half-sister to good racehorses & promising sires Danewin & Commands, & has produced 6 city winners.) (April 11)

2004 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale Dates
Meanwhile Inglis, with support from Racing Victoria, the Victoria Racing Club & Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria, has announced its Yearling Sale dates for 2004. The Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale will be on Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 February, with Premier II on Thursday 12 February. The sale will be held immediately following the running of the $500,000 Inglis Premier Race at Flemington on the weekend of 7-8 February. (This race is restricted to yearlings sold at the Inglis Premier & Autumn Yearling Sales in 2003.) The Autumn Yearling Sale has been scheduled for Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 April. Managing director Reg Inglis commented: “We are delighted to receive the support & co-operation of the industry bodies & we look forward to fostering a stronger relationship with them to further strengthen our Victorian operation. The great success of this year’s yearling sales has shown what can be achieved & with a number of new initiatives planned for 2004, we intend to provide an even stronger platform for vendors to sell their yearlings.” (April 11)

AJC Slams NSW Govt’s ‘Flawed & Arrogant Greed’
The NSW Government “must not bow to greed & prostitute a crucial pocket of land that provides public transport access to Royal Randwick Racecourse,” according to AJC chief executive Tony King. The land (1.6 hectares near the corner of Alison Road & Doncaster Avenue) has been used as ‘open space’ since first granted to the AJC in 1842. It is now a heavily utilised thoroughfare & drop-off point for public transport. Owned by the NSW State Transit Authority, the area was recently put to tender & has attracted the interest of several developers. King declared: “The AJC has maintained & utilised this land effectively & in the best interests of sporting fans & the general public for the past 160 years. We have developed a master plan that would see it preserved forever as open space & utilised as a grand new entrance to the racecourse.” Randwick City Council & local community representatives oppose the tender process & support the AJC in its efforts for future occupancy of the land. King noted: “By calling for tenders, the Government is inviting greedy developers to get their hands on a piece of land that plays an important role in the ambience of the racecourse, safety of patrons & traffic flow of the surrounding area. I, along with a lot of other people, am convinced the Government is making an inherently flawed & astoundingly arrogant decision in selling out for some fast cash. It flies in the face of tradition & logic and it must be stopped.” (April 11)

AJC’s Carnival Road Train Up & Racing
Meanwhile drought-affected farmers from rural NSW will enjoy a weekend of sporting action courtesy of the AJC Autumn Carnival Road Train. Fans will arrive in Sydney from 5 regional centres on Friday 25 April as part of a complimentary get-away taking in a rugby league match (Parramatta Eels & Brisbane Broncos at Parramatta Stadium) & Emirates Oaks Day at Royal Randwick. AJC chief executive Tony King explained: “As a club, we’ve always enjoyed loyal support from country people, so we’re happy to reciprocate by way of putting on a weekend where they can take a break from the tough times & soak up the atmosphere of the San Miguel AJC Autumn Carnival.” Buses will depart from Tamworth, Dubbo, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga & the Mid North Coast, each carrying 48 people for a total of up to 240 people. Road Train registration is being handled by rural financial councillors from the NSW Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Australia, & NSW Agriculture drought support workers. The AJC’s special guests will enjoy their own marquee & barbecue lunch on what is traditionally Ladies Day. Transport to & from events, accommodation for Friday & Saturday nights in Formula One hotels, & entrance tickets will all be free. (April 11)

Glenmorgan Confirms Minardi & Rossini
North America’s 2nd season sires list holds enormous interest for NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm & its clients, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Moving to the top of the list for the first time is single-season Southern Hemisphere shuttler Tale Of The Cat, who with 32 individual winners & US$2 million in earnings is making a significant impact in both hemispheres. Last season Glenmorgan stood Tale Of the Cat’s half-brother, the multiple Gr1 winner Minardi (rated champion 2YO of Europe in recognition of his Middlepark & Phoenix Stakes victories). Both Tale Of The Cat & Minardi are half-brothers to the dam of world champion 2YO Johannesburg, who stands this season at Coolmore in the NSW Hunter Valley, as well as being closely related to useful sire Pulpit. Tale Of The Cat has pushed the previous US leading freshman sire Elusive Quality into 2nd place on the table, although Elusive Quality still leads in terms of individual stakes-winners with 8 from just 45 runners. Elusive Quality is the 3/4 brother of multiple Group winning Rossini, who stood his maiden season at Glenmorgan last spring. Both Elusive Quality & Rossini were top-quality racehorses with speed: Elusive Quality set a world mile record of 1min 31.63sec at Belmont, whilst top international jockey Michael Kinane recently commented on Rossini that “he was probably the fastest horse I have ever sat on.” Both Minardi & Rossini have been confirmed to return this season to NZ to stand at Glenmorgan Farm. (April 11)

High Chaparral & Hawk Wing Set To Return
Leading Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has revealed a new strategy this season for his renowned Ballydoyle stable: keeping their top horses in training – including High Chaparral & Hawk Wing - after winning 3YO campaigns. O’Brien told racingpost.co.uk: "We've never had 4YOs of this calibre in training before, but we are pleased with them. They've become big & strong physically, & we are looking forward to the challenge." O’Brien revealed his outstanding 2002 English Derby winner High Chaparral (who also took the Irish equivalent & Breeders’ Cup Turf, as well as finishing 3rd in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe) is likely to make his 2003 debut in the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in Ireland at the end of May, before going on to Epsom for the Vodafone Coronation Cup; if all goes well, a repeat visit to Longchamp for the Sadler's Wells colt is also on the cards. But it is “one step at a time,” according to O'Brien, who will run High Chaparral’s campaign alongside a 4YO program for stable-mate & UK Derby runner-up Hawk Wing. Both horses are “fit & raring to go”, with the Gr1 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes at Newbury the opening target for Hawk Wing. O'Brien did, however, offer a note of caution: "You have to remember our 3YOs had a tough time last season & you just have to hope they carry on from there. You have to be a little bit wary this year, but we are looking forward to it. A lot of 4YOs, the likes of Pilsudski & Singspiel for example, had a much quieter time early in their careers & we weren't able to do that. All good 4YOs would normally have had an easier 3YO career. We'd ideally be looking at the second half of the year for High Chaparral & you'd love to have him as an Arc horse in the autumn.” (April 11)

Kinane Names His Pick Of 2003 O'Brien Team
Meanwhile Ballydoyle stable jockey Michael Kinane singled out High Chaparral & Hawk Wing, plus 3YOs Brian Boru, Alberto Giacometti & Yesterday as “the horses he is most looking forward to riding for Aidan O'Brien this season,” reported racingpost.co.uk. (April 11)

UK Derby Plunge On O’Brien 3YO Alberto Giacometti
And thoroughbredinternet.com reports Ballydoyle's Alberto Giacometti (by Sadler's Wells) “has been backed from 20-1 down to as low as 8-1 to win the Epsom Derby in June. The unbeaten colt makes his seasonal debut on Sunday in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown, a race trainer Aidan O'Brien has used as a platform for High Chaparral & Galileo in the past.” Alberto Giacometti won both his starts last season in the space of a fortnight, finishing with the Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in November. (April 11)

First Winner For US Freshman Sire Stravinsky
Freshman sire Stravinsky earned his 1st winner when 2YO Korsakoff won at Keeneland Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Korsakoff, who is out of the Gr1-winning Silver Ghost mare Love Lock, is owned by Michael Tabor & trained by Todd Pletcher. This is the first crop of racing age for Stravinsky, a 7YO son of Nureyev out of European high-weight Blushing Groom mare Fire The Groom. Kentucky-bred Stravinsky won 3 of 8 starts for Tabor & Susan Magnier. He earned high-weight honors in England & Ireland in 1999, when he won the Gr1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket & Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York; he also finished 6th in the 1999 Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Gulfstream Park. Stravinsky stands for US$17,500 at Ashford Stud in Kentucky & has had 2 starters from 115 foals of racing age. He also has 108 yearlings. (April 11)

Crystal Gulch To Stand In Canada
Crystal Gulch, a son of Thunder Gulch who won 5 races, is standing his first season at Clairmont Farm in Manitoba in Canada, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. He was produced by Gr2 stakes-placed Crystal Water mare Crystal Vous & is a half-brother to stakes-placed Unbridled Star. (April 11)

US Legend Laffit Pincay Ponders Retirement
Legendary US jockey Laffit Pincay junior, whose 9,530 career victories are more than any other jockey, will decide in 3 weeks whether he will resume his career or retire. Pincay, 56, is recovering from 2 fractures in a bone in his neck, suffered in a race-fall on March 1. He is wearing a halo brace for 8 weeks to heal the breaks. He told bloodhorse.com: "I'm doing pretty good. I don't have any pain. I walk really good. I feel great, actually." But he emphasised that he'll base his decision on the results of an MRI (to be taken after the halo is removed) & his doctor's opinion: "My family definitely wants me to quit. I don't want to get my hopes up that everything's going to be okay. So I'm just going to wait & see when I talk to the doctor in 3 weeks." (April 11)

US Study Finds 93% Of Horses In Training Suffer Gastric Ulcers
A major US study has found Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects the stomach, small intestine & terminal esophagus of 60-93% of performance horses & 25-50% of foals, even as young as a few days old. Dr Frank Andrews, veterinarian at the University of Tennessee, told thoroughbredtimes.com statistics relating to the prevalence of gastric ulcers in horses “are startling in their universality”: a horse that has become ill is likely to develop an ulcer 92% of the time; 93% of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers; & 100% of horses who have raced in the last 2 months have ulcers. Andrews noted:
  • Risk factors that induce ulcers include: intensive exercise, which reduces blood flow in the digestive area; altered eating behavior, such as removal of feed on race day; illnesses such as colic or respiratory ailments; & stress from shipping, changing the environment, stall confinement & altering of regular social groupings. Sometimes a horse that stays on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as phenylbutazone (Bute) for too long, can develop ulcers.
  • Symptoms that indicate a horse is suffering from chronic abdominal pain from ulcers are poor appetite and/or body condition, attitude change, mild or intermittent colic, diarrhea, mild anemia & a decrease in performance. In addition, foals can exhibit symptoms of frequently lying on the back, intermittent nursing, grinding of teeth & excessive salivation.
  • Treatment: Ulcers are easily treated with a 2-pronged approach: healing the ulcer medically & modifying the management of the horse. Because horses were meant to be eating constantly, providing hay or pasture grass at all times for roughage is a key component of a healthy digestive tract. Stress should be limited, and grain and sugars should be reduced. Rice bran oil and alfalfa hay have been found to be effective in preventing ulcers. Medical treatments are similar to human remedies; the burning acid can be neutralized with ant-acids.
(April 11)

French-German Joint Venture ‘Saviour Of German Racing’
A new joint venture between the German & French Totes has been hailed as “the potential saviour of German racing” at the Direktorium’s (German Jockey Club) annual press conference at Gestut Rottgen in Cologne, reported racingpost.co.uk. A new Direktorium-owned company ’German Tote’ has been formed to enable punters in Germany to bet straight into PMU (French Tote) pools & could pave the way for similar arrangements with other countries, including Britain. Direktorium general manager Detlev Meimann commented: “England is one of the other countries that we have been negotiating with & we hope to come to some agreement with the authorities there.” France Galop director general Louis Romanet, described the deal as “a meeting of Old Europe, as the Americans would say. I’ve been involved with international racing all my life & helped oversee the instigation of both the European Pattern Race system & the European Breeders Fund. An international co-operation of betting systems is a logical extension of those developments.” By September the 80 German betting outlets currently established in pubs & cafes, as well as the 20 betting shops owned by German racecourses, will be on-line for accepting PMU bets. PMU covers all the leading French meetings (usually 2 per day), encompassing all flat, jumping & trotting racing. (April 11)

German Racing Faces Major Revenue Falls
Meanwhile the German racing industry “is currently in a dire financial situation,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Leading racecourse Gelsenkirchen was forced to close last year & “it is an open secret that several other tracks face serious financial problems.” Figures revealed this week show Tote betting turnover, (which provides the main source of income) dropped 29% between 1994 & 2002 (from A$230 million to A$164 million). Although this season is only in its early stages, turnover is already down a further 14% on 2002 figures. With income reduced, the number of horses in training in Germany has dropped to around 4,100 from a peak of 5,000 & they are increasingly campaigned abroad in France & Italy. Sponsors have dropped out, television coverage has been dramatically reduced & prize-money is either stagnating or falling. Direktorium predsident Jochen Borchert (a German MP & former Agriculture Minister) said: “The big problem is that such a high proportion of betting on German racing goes off-shore & nothing comes back into the industry. If we can solve this situation, most of our current problems will disappear. I am in the process of trying to get a bill through parliament to overhaul the gambling laws, which at present are both chaotic & antiquated.” (April 11)

Argentine Tracks Report Sharp Increases In Wagering
On the other side of the globe, Argentine tracks (after several sluggish years) are reporting major on-course betting increases, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Wagering figures for the first 3 months of 2003 at San Isidro, Palermo & La Plata (the 3 most important tracks in Argentina) reflect significant increases from last year, with March up 49%. Average wagers per race also rose 33.9% ahead of March 2002. (April 11)

3 Winners In A Week . . . We’ll Rest On That Record
Friday Odd Spot: Breeding&Racing’s ‘Odd Spot’ followers will have noted last Friday's item about the omen tip Classy Darcy at Caulfield did, in fact, land the prize at 7-1. And yesterday's item featured new-comer Ears' Veronica & her big brother Ears' Ronny: both of whom won at Gosford. Watch this space! (April 11)

Vinery Adds Yonaguska To Aust Stallion Roster
Vinery Australia has added Yonaguska, a son of former American champion sprinter Cherokee Run, to its 2003 stallion roster in the NSW Hunter Vallewy. Yonaguska (Cherokee Run-Marital Spook) is Northern Dancer-free on both sides of his tabulated pedigree box: implying every daughter of Danehill, Danzero, Flying Spur, Jugah et al will benefit by visiting him. On the track, Yonaguska won 6 of 18 starts & was placed a further 6 times (with every placing at stakes level & 5 wins in Black Type events). As a 2YO he won on debut by 9.5 lengths, won his 2nd start in stakes class, & at his 4th start won the Gr1 Hopeful Stakes (defeating the best juvenile of that year Macho Uno). Overall Yonaguska won from 1000m to 1400m & placed at 1800m behind champion Point Given in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes. As the Americans like to quip about their superstars: "He danced every dance with the best & trod on everyone's toes." In 2 seasons racing, he won A$950,000 & was sold as a 2YO for US$1.95 million in anticipation he would be a star attraction at stud. His dam Marital Spook is: a half-sister to Gr1 winner Prenup; a half-sister to Gr2 winner Cat's At Home; a half-sister to Gr3 winner Honor The Hero; & a half-sister to Gr3 place-getter Capitalimprovement. Marital Spook threw 6 foals to race for 5 winners. Yonaguska was the best, but his half-brother Call It Off is still carving out a reputation in the US, winning as a 3YO, 4YO & 5YO. There is nothing but speed, speed & more speed throughout this pedigree - & it's on both sides of the lineage. Cherokee Run was a champion sprinter, winning 13 races at the highest level including the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint & Gr2 Frank De Francis Memorial Dash. He earned A$3 million in stakes. As a stallion he's thrown 4 individual Gr1 winners from just 4 crops & 12 Graded winners overall. And in May his top 3YO colt Kafwain will line up as one of the favorites in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby. (April 10)

Northern Drake To Stand In China
Promising young sire Northern Drake is to leave Victoria’s Eliza Park for China, following the decision by owner Y.P.Cheng to stand him at his Huajun Stud in Beijing. Cheng has extensive breeding & racing interests in China, with over 500 broodmares & a stallion line-up of 19 sires including former Golden Slipper winner Tierce. Eliza Park marketing manager John Miller noted Cheng had always intended to stand the son of Varick at his China stud “at some stage & believes this is the most suitable time to have him in China.” Northern Drake has stood at Eliza Park for the last 3 seasons. Miller added: “The stud is very happy with the job Northern Drake is doing & Mr Cheng has indicated the horse will possibly return to Eliza Park in future years.” (April 10)

Rhythm & Ishiguru To Stand At Baerami
Rhythm (sire of Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double winner Ethereal) & Ishiguru (top sprinting son of Danzig) will join the stallion ranks at Baerami Thoroughbreds in the NSW Hunter Valley this season.
  • Rhythm was a champion 2YO & sired Ethereal (whose 8 wins & $4,763,107 prize-money included the Gr1 Melbourne Cup, Gr1 Caulfield Cup, Gr1 The BMW Stakes & Gr1 Queensland Oaks). By Mr Prospector from a Gr1-winning daughter of Northern Dancer, Rhythm himself was champion 2YO colt of his year. From 5 starts as a 2YO, Rhythm notched 3 wins & 2 placings (including a win in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile & 2nd in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes over 8 furlongs at Belmont). As a 3YO, Rhythm won the Gr1 Travers Stakes & finished 3rd in both the Gr1 Haskell International & Gr1 Woodward Handicap. In 2002, with just 32 runners, Rhythm finished behind only Danehill (202 runners) & Zabeel (155 runners) in progeny prize-money earnings.
  • Ishiguru is by pre-eminent living sire of sires Danzig, whose hugely successful sons at stud include Danehill, Chief’s Crown & Anabaa. His dam is the brilliant juvenile filly Strategic Maneuver (winner of 5 starts as a 2YO including the Gr1 Spinaway Stakes over 6 furlongs & Gr1 Matron Stakes over 7 furlongs). Ishiguru was Danzig’s most expensive yearling sold in 1999 when bought for US$1.15 million by Demi O’Byrne at the Keeneland July Sale. His internationally renowned trainer Aidan O’Brien commented: “He had blinding speed.”
(April 10)

Rick Connolly Also Joins Baerami
The third addition to the 2003 Baerami stable is not a stallion, but former Inglis Private Sales Agent Rick Connolly. Known to many as the boisterous face of Inglis and for his talents in the sale ring, Rick is well known in the industry and will be a great asset at Baerami. Baerami publicist Alana Billing advised: “Rick is predominantly selling nominations & is a knowledgeable contact in providing assistance with matings advice.” (April 10)

Equine Abortions Fall In Central Kentucky
The number of equine abortions in central Kentucky continues to fall. The latest tally, posted by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center this week, records 348 abortions for 2003.That compares to 430 abortions at the same time last year. In the latest period, there were 15 abortions reported last week compared to 36 for the corresponding week in 2002. (April 10)

Drug Test ‘Irregularity’ Threatens Bowman Slipper Ride
Racing NSW stewards yesterday advised that prominent Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman “has returned an irregularity to an appetite suppressant & has been banned from riding pending an inquiry.” Deputy chief steward Greg Rudolph said Bowman was immediately stood down & an urgent inquiry has been arranged for 1pm today at the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board office. Bowman is currently booked to ride Exceed And Excel in Saturday’s $3 million Golden Slipper. Bowman was part of routine drug testing at Warwick Farm on March 25 & stewards were advised yesterday of the shock findings. (April 10)

Handsome Ranson Slipper Scratching & McEvoy Gains Frasassas Mount
In a day of Slipper dramas:
  • Trainer Paul Sutherland's Handsome Ransom was scratched after the colt developed an elevated temperature from a throat infection. Sutherland told racenet.com.au: "He had a reaction to some vitamins he had last week & he got a bit of a swollen neck on him from the needle. We've been bathing it & looking after him, but his temperature went up again & we have to treat him some more. There's no time to do this & run him in the Slipper, & his welfare is far more important. If he's fine - & I stress if - he'll run in the Heroic on Saturday week. If he isn't 100%, he'll go out for a spell."
  • With Handsome Ransom out of the Slipper, John Hawkes gained his 7th runner in the 16-horse field when 1st Emergency Frasassas gained an automatic start. And jockey Kerrin McEvoy, just back from his successful stint with the Godolphin stable in Dubai, was confirmed as the rider.
(April 10)

Slipper Field Triumph For Aushorse
Aushorse had a lot to boast about when the final Golden Slipper field was announced & trumpeted its message boldly: “Every runner in the world’s richest race for 2YOs at Rosehill on Saturday that was offered at auction was sold by a member of Aushorse . . . . Amazingly, many of the 2003 Slipper field were modestly-priced purchases, with canny trainer Graeme Rogerson managing to secure Polar Success for just $32,000 at the Magic Millions winter sale. Congratulations to vendors including Vinery Australia, Bahram, Baramul, Collingrove, Emirates, Highgrove, Widden & Torryburn & their clients on a golden effort.” (April 10)

Polar Success Is First Horse For Excited Owners
Bargain-buy Polar Success was equal Slipper favourite before drawing wide in barrier 14. Syndicator Dean Watt told aapracingandsports.com.au connections are hoping predicted rain will enhance her chances & joked: "One of the owners is from an aboriginal family & they are going to get their father-in-law to do a rain dance! She's from a very good family & her pedigree suggests she would handle a wet track with no trouble at all. And if it does rain, then the outside might just be the right place.” Polar Success is by Success Express out of the well-performed Patou, who was trained by Barbara Joseph & proved adept on wet & dry surfaces. Watt is also racing manager for the filly's trainer Graeme Rogerson, who holds one of 10 shares while his fellow owners are all experiencing their 1st taste of racing. Watt explained: "I bought the filly for $32,000 at the Magic Millions Winter Sale & advertised on SKY Channel & 2KY. The boss bought a share, but all the rest of the owners are in this for the first time. And they come from Queensland, NSW & Victoria, & from all walks of life. The only thing they all have in common is their enthusiasm for Polar Success. They can't believe how successful she's been & are having the time of their lives. To get the first horse you own into a Golden Slipper is a dream, & it shows the beauty of syndication - you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. I buy horses that are sold for an average of $6,500-$7,000 a share & the outlay is $50 a week. That way people can afford to be in racing & hopefully make a profit. Polar Success is now worth more as a broodmare than she's won in prize-money & her career has hardly begun." Polar Success has won 3 of her 5 starts & finished a close 2nd on the other 2 occasions, with earnings of $307,000 so far. (April 10)

Latest Sydney Autumn Carnival Betting Markets
With the Sydney Autumn Carnival in full swing, these are leading bookmaker Col Tidy’s latest betting markets on the major feature races:
  • Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday April 12: 4-1 Niello; 9-2 Secret Land; 6-1 Kusi; 7-1 Legally Bay; 9-1 Hasna; 11-1 Exceed And Excel, Polar Success; 16-1 Dorky; 20-1 Face Value, How Funny, Shamekha; 33-1 Halibery; 80-1 Hammerbeam, Snip Attack; 150-1 Frasassas; 200-1 Syrinx, Bella Corona (1st em).
  • BMW Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday April 12: Evens Northerly; 7-2 Republic Lass; 9-2 Helenus; 10-1 Carnegie Express; 16-1 National Treasure; 20-1 St Reims; 33-1 Freemason; 80-1 Henderson Bay.
  • AJC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday April 19: 3-1 Helenus; 4-1 Platinum Scissors; 6-1 Fine Society, Natural Blitz; 8-1 Hydrometer; 10-1 Clangalang, Sunday Joy, Sunray; 12-1 Lashed, St Reims; 16-1 Strasbourg; 20-1 Beaver, Converge, Galante, Mummify, Thurman; 25-1 Heirogram.
  • Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday April 19: 3-1 Lonhro; 4-1 Defier; 11-2 Thorn Park; 10-1 Gordo; 12-1 Excellerator; 14-1 Dash For Cash, Shogun Lodge; 20-1 Grand Armee, Royal Code; 25-1 Carael Boy; 33-1 Boreale, Crawl, Lord Essex, Lovely Jubly.
  • Sydney Cup (3200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday May 3: 9-2 Carnegie Express, National Treasure; 5-1 Republic Lass; 10-1 Henderson Bay, Platinum Scissors; 12-1 Dress Circle, Honor Babe, Zafar; 16-1 Beau, County Tyrone, Grey Song; 20-1 Bedouin, Grand City, Hydrometer; 25-1 Freemason, Market Unit, Phenomenal View; 33-1 Corporate Queen, Heguy, Laguna Lake, Spirit Of Westbury, Stoway.
(April 10)

First Winner For Blazing Reality
Breeders may regret shunning former smart sprinter Blazing Reality when he retired to the Independent Stallion Station in 1999, noted racenet.com.au. The son of Blazing Sword left just 55 live foals from his 3 seasons of stud duty, before he was unfortunately put down following a paddock accident. With his oldest progeny 2YOs, Blazing Reality sired his 1st winner when 1st starter Classy Darcy won over 1100m at Caulfield last weekend. ISS’s Mike Becker noted: “Trainer Ken Keys purchased Classy Darcy from us as a foal at a weanling sale we conducted on the farm. He has had a big opinion of the filly for some time & her win came as no great surprise.” Indeed Keys purchased the 2YO’s half-sister by Brief Truce for $20,000 at the Victorian Premier sale in February. And 2 days after Classy Darcy’s Caulfield triumph her half-sister Mamselle Moet broke her maiden at Werribee. Classy Darcy is just the 2nd of Blazing Reality’s 1st crop of foals to reach the racetrack. His only other runner Toolondo (ex Tooty, by Kenfair) finished 2nd on debut at Corowa. At the final session of the Inglis Autumn Yearling sale in Melbourne on Tuesday, Danny O’Brien outlaid $20,000 for a filly by Blazing Reality out of Don't You Dare. (April 10)

Show A Heart Looking Good For Glenlogan Park
A foal due next spring in the 1st crop of the triple G1 winner Show A Heart will be a three-quarter relation to last weekend’s Caulfield winner Karamazou, noted aapracingandsports.com.au. Karamazou became the latest feature race winner for deceased sire Brave Warrior when he took the $100,000 Anniversary Vase. Karamazou (winner of 6 races from 22 starts) is from the Zeditave Sydney winner Stotwa, a daughter of Widden Stakes winner Kazarne. Stotwa is one of 124 mares served by Show A Heart in his 1st season at Queensland’s Glenlogan Park Stud last spring. He did himself proud by getting all but 2 of the 122 mares returned to the Stud Book in foal. They included daughters of Danehill, Rory’s Jester, Zeditave, Sir Tristram, Snippets, Last Tycoon, Marauding, Fairy King, Danzero, Cryptoclearance, Success Express, St Covet, Alydar, Zabeel, Woodman, Bluebird, Centaine, Dr Grace, Twig Moss, Southern Appeal, Star Way & Centaine. Show A Heart & Karamazou are just 2 of the 61 winners from 82 runners in the only 2 crops of foals produced by Brave Warrior when he stood at Eureka Stud in Queensland. Besides Show A Heart, his other stakes winners include Dynamic Love, Scenic Warrior & Heroism. (April 10)

Sedaka Spotlight For Kendel Park Stud
Newcastle motor dealer Ken Delforce is having a reduction sale of the big band of horses he owns at the Inglis Scone Mixed Sale on May 15. Delforce is offering 40 horses, including 20 youngsters (yearlings & weanlings) by Sedaka & 20 mares (many carrying foals by the son of Danehill). “Delforce indulged in an interesting breeding experiment last season, getting 4 mares by Lonhro’s sire Octagonal in foal to Sedaka, the Danehill sire he stands at his Kendel Park Stud,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. “The unusual significance of these matings lies in the fact that Lonhro & Sedaka are half-brothers, both being from the Woodland’s Stud mare Shadea.” A daughter of the Mr Prospector sire Straight Strike & herself one of the best 2YOs of her generation, Shadea is also dam of Lonhro’s Golden Slipper contending younger brother Niello. Sedaka was limited to only 3 race starts due to injury. However Delforce is having considerable success racing the young sire’s progeny: Aladaka won at Gunnedah last week & Dakaflight recently finished 2nd at Wyong. Dakaflight is 1 of 2 of Sedaka’s 1st crop 3YOs which have each won 3 races in the Delforce colours. Overall Sedaka has only had a small number of runners, but has notched 7 winners & 3 other place-getters. (April 10)

Magic Millions National Weanling Sale Preview
The Magic Millions National Weanling Sale (Monday May 5) on the Gold Coast will include weanlings by Danehill, Anabaa, Catbird, Canny Lad, Commands, Danzero, Desert King, End Sweep, Fusaichi Pegasus, Fasliyev, Flying Spur, Fuji Kiseki, General Nediym, Gilded Time, Grand Lodge, Hennessy, High Yield, Iglesia, Irgun, Jade Robbery, Kings Best, Knowledge, Langfuhr, Lion Hunter, Loup Sauvage, Lujain, More Than Ready, Orpen, Peintre Celebre, Real Quiet, Redoute’s Choice, Saratoga Springs, Shinko Forest, Singspiel, Snippets, Way Of Light, Woodman & Xaar. Among the lots highlighted by MM marketing & media manager Annie McDonald are:
  • Iglesia-Arjumand filly.
  • Fuji Kiseki-Begotten colt.
  • Desert Sun-Eternal Vow colt.
  • More Than Ready-Euphoria filly.
  • Flying Spur-Forest Mint colt.
  • Danehill-La Veine colt.
  • Orpen-Manx Symbol filly.
  • Redoute’s Choice-Pine Baby filly.
  • Woodman-Reigntaine filly.
  • High Yield-Stapleton Lass filly.
  • Fuji Kiseki-Stormy Hill colt.
  • High Yield-Teneriffe colt.
  • Snippets-Veronique filly.
(April 10)

Magic Millions National Winter Yearling Sale Preview
Meanwhile the Magic Millions National Winter Yearling Sale (Sunday May 4) on the Gold Coast will include yearlings by Danehill, Fasliyev, Carnegie, Catbird, Lion Hunter, Octagonal, General Nediym, Octagonal, King Of Kings, Snippets, Redoute’s Choice, Real Quiet, Shovhog, Nuclear Freeze, Orpen, Clang, Desert King, Woodman, Canny Lad, Mind Games, Nediym, Beautiful Crown, Bigstone, Dr Fong, Danehill Dancer, Flying Spur, Thunder Gulch, Shinko Forest, Pins, Song Of Tara, Spectrum, Switch In Time, Victory Note, Way Of Light, Woodman, Xaar, Zabeel, Quest For Fame & Zeditave. Among the lots highlighted by MM marketing & media manager Annie McDonald are:
  • Piccolo-Chesapeake colt.
  • Song of Tara-Lady Special colt.
  • Zabeel-Let’s Rock Again colt.
  • Shovog-Moon River colt.
  • Redoute’s Choice-On The Beach colt.
  • Greenlander-Platinum Lass filly.
  • Honour And Glory-Purling filly.
  • Desert King-Vegahoney colt.
  • Latarmiss-Corona Miss colt.
  • Johan Cruyff-Extrovale filly.
  • Danehill-Gibraltar Heights colt.
  • Dodge-Kaye’s Bell colt.
  • Quest For Fame-Light Action colt.
  • Secret Savings-Margaret Layton filly.
  • Flying Spur-Porte Des Iles colt.
  • Nuclear Freeze-Ranein filly.
(April 10)

Inglis Graduates Keep Firing In Hong Kong
Inglis Sale graduates continued their run of Hong Kong success last week. Marketing manager Melissa O’Gorman advises:
  • Tony Cruz’s smart galloper Chariot Of Storm (sold for $325,000 at the 2000 Easter Sale) out-sprinted a quality field to score in Class One company at Sha Tin. Chariot of Storm is a product of the Arrowfield Stud nursery, by Unbridled’s Song from the good producer Don’t Stop Talking (dam of stakes-winners Yammer & Blab). He’s been a consistent performer in HK with 4 wins & 4 placings from 14 starts & prize-money now in excess of $660,000.
  • Handy stayer Songs Of Praise (sold for $70,000 at the 2000 Easter Sale) grabbed his 3rd victory for the David Hayes stable at Sha Tin. Songs Of Praise is a 4YO gelding by Anabaa from stakes-winning mare Twilight Hour & was bred by former jockey Hilton Cope. Purchased by Belmont Bloodstock, he has won connections $300,000 to date.
  • Snippets 4YO Ever Success (sold for $130,000 at the 2000 Easter Sale) tipped out hot favourite Lucky Owners (sold for $350,000 at the 2001 Easter Sale) to win the Kowloon Cricket Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin. Newhaven Park Stud can claim Ever Success, a son of Snippets & Alleged mare Space Fantasy. He began his career in Australia under the name of Scorch & has since won 2 races in HK.
  • Meanwhile, Mastery (sold for $40,000 at the 2001 Easter Sale) won his 1st race at Happy Valley for trainer Peter Ho. The 3YO gelding (a maiden winner at Eagle Farm under the name Woodson) is by Woodman from stakes-winning Bluebird mare Ladybird Blue.
  • Joyful Master (sold for $26,000 at the 2000 Classic Sale) also won at Happy Valley for rookie trainer Sean Woods. Joyful Master is a son of Zeditave & stakes-winning mare Even True.
  • And the Andy Leung-trained Dragon Horse (sold for $22,000 at the 2000 Scone Sale) bolted in by 4 lengths for his 3rd win at Happy Valley. He is a son of Hula Chief.
(April 10)

Ear’s Ronny & 2YO Sister Converge At Gosford
Thursday Odd Spot: Sydney Cup, Brisbane Cup & St Leger place-getter Ear's Ronny (Ron Bon-Eagle Ears) - the popular aged gelding who’s already the winner of $406,230 & a Northerly rival last start - will attempt to win his 11th race from 88 starts at Gosford today. On the same card, by co-incidence, his little 2YO sister Ears' Veronica makes her debut in the first race. Their sire Ron Bon (Halo-Confirm) enters his 13th season at stud this year & will stand for $3,000 at Fairfields Stud in WA. Last year he covered 25 mares. (April 10)

Don Eduardo To Stand At Fayette Park
AJC Gr1 Australian Derby winner Don Eduardo (the highest priced yearling sold in the Southern Hemisphere) will stand at stud at David & Massey Benjamin’s Fayette Park in New Zealand for NZ$12,500. Don Eduardo (Zabeel-Diamond Lover) won 5 races for Eduardo Cojuanco, who will send 25 mares to his stallion in his 1st season. Fayette Park stood Grosvenor until his death in 2001. (April 9)

$55,000 Octagonal Filly Tops Day 2 At Melb Yearling Sale
Jim Mason paid top price of $55,000 for an Octagonal filly from the Star Watch mare Ju Jitsu (consigned by Woodlands Stud as agent) on Day 2 of the Inglis 2003 Autumn Yearling Sale in Melbourne. Among other top lots on Day 2 were: $40,000 from Prime Thoroughbreds for a Grand Lodge-El Qahira Belle colt (consigned by Yallambee Stud as agent); $38,000 from Slade Bloodstock for an Octagonal-Giving filly (consigned by Woodlands Stud as agent); $38,000 from Aquanita Racing for a Spartacus-Mighty Angel colt (consigned by Yallambee Stud as agent); $33,000 for a Rubiton-Destry Girl colt (consigned by Blue Gum Farm) & $32,500 for a Dolphin Street-Centifolia colt (consigned by Phoenix Broodmare Farm as agent. Overall, Vin Cox Bloodstock was the most active buyer at the sale, fulfilling an overseas order & parting with $159,500 to secure 35 yearlings. And the Alice Springs Turf Club secured 21 yearlings, which will be re-offered at the Red Centre Yearling Sale (Friday May 2). Over the 2 days, 254 yearlings were sold for $2,427,000 at an average $9,555 & 83% clearance rate. (April 9)

McEvoy Keen To Return To Dubai & UK
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy is keen to ride again in Dubai, after returning on the weekend from a successful 9-week stint (he rode 8 winners) with the Godolphin stable. He told aapracingandsports.com.au: "I'll probably go back next season. It is different sort of racing over there & a good experience.” McEvoy had over 70 rides in the United Arab Emirates, including 4 at the Dubai World Cup meeting where he finished 2nd on Songlark in the UAE Derby. He also confirmed he is “exploring the possibility of riding in England at Ascot's Shergar Cup meeting on August 9.” (Riders from around the world form a team & ride at the meeting against the English & Irish jockeys. Melbourne jockey Craig Williams, who is based in England, has ridden in the Cup series in the last 2 years.) (April 9)

Santry Moves From Vinery To Coolmore
Colm Santry has resigned as Vinery Australia’s bloodstock manager to take up duties with Coolmore Australia at its NSW Hunter Valley stud in May. Santry will continue with Vinery through the up-coming Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Vinery general manager Peter Orton told thoroughbredinternet.com: “Colm has been at Vinery for 4 years & has been a great contributor to the current success of Vinery & its position now.” An amateur jockey & keen 'eventer’ (with horses including 4-time Gr1 winner Juggler), Santry began his bloodstock career with Coolmore, working at Ashford Stud in Kentucky & at Coolmore Ireland, where he worked with Sadler’s Wells for 2 years. Santry summed up: “I’ve been in the horse industry all my life - 4 generations of family have - & my first real job was with Sir Tristan Antico at Baramul in the early 1990s. I joined Vinery when that stud first began here in Australia & I’ve had a fantastic time. I’m particularly delighted to have had an association with a horse of the calibre of Red Ransom.” (April 9)

Piper Star Retired To Breeding Paddock
Good NZ 5YO race mare Piper Star (Kaapstad-Te Akau Star, by Shining Finish) has been retired. Racing out of the Flemington stables of Roger James when he switched across the Tasman, Piper Star won the Gr3 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington & Gr2 Carlyon Cup (1600m). Jim Bruford, who manages the racing & breeding interests of owner Jim Piper, told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “She has been tremendous fun for Jim Piper, winning 4 times in the best company in Melbourne including the 2 Group races. Jim is full of praise for Roger James & his stable for the excellent results they have achieved from their Melbourne base. As well as her wins, she ran Northerly & Old Comrade very close in the St George Stakes & she was also twice Group-placed as a 3YO in NZ. We will sort out a suitable partner for her over the next couple of months, before returning her to NZ. Kaapstad is doing a great job as a broodmare sire & we are looking forward to exciting times with her in the breeding paddock over the next few years.” Piper Star retires with a record of 24 starts for 6 wins & 5 places, with stakes of $331,616. (April 9)

Ireland’s Top Jockey Charlie Swann Switches To Training
Ireland’s leading jockey Charlie Swann has ended “a glorious 20-year riding career” with the announcement he is retiring from the saddle to concentrate on a training career, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. The 9-times Irish champion jockey landed a winner less than 24-hours after he hung up his boots when Saintly Rachel won at Tramore on the weekend. “As one of Ireland’s greatest ever jockeys, 35-year-old Swann enjoyed numerous big-race successes, but he considers Istabraq’s 3rd win in the Champion Hurdle as the best of them all,” noted ITM. Paying tribute to Swann, premier Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien (who trained Istabraq) said: “To me, Charlie was always the ultimate horseman & the ultimate jockey. He had it all: a wonderful understanding of the horses he rode, a marvellous brain & great tactical skill. On top of that, he’s always been the complete gentleman.” (April 9)

Jockey Wayne Smith Heading For Ireland
Meanwhile jockey Wayne Smith, who won the United Arab Emirates Derby aboard Victory Moon on the Dubai World Cup program, “plans to move his tack to Ireland instead of the US, as he originally planned,” reported irishracing.com. Smith also finished 3rd aboard Estimraar in the Godolphin Mile on the same DWC card & is currently 2nd in the UAE jockey standings with 34 wins from 265 mounts. (April 9)

UK Racing Bodies Accused Of Anti-Competitive Practices
England’s Office Of Fair Trading has concluded an investigation of racing in Britain & warned the sport's rulers that "they are breaking competition laws in the way they run the industry.” The OFT said rules instituted by the British Horseracing Board & the UK Jockey Club "limit the freedom of racecourses to organise their racing, fix the amounts that racecourses must offer owners, & monopolise the supply of race & runners data." The BHB & Jockey Club will be allowed to respond before the OFT decides whether to formally restructure the racing bodies, reported racingpost.co.uk. Allowing racetracks to schedule their own races could open the tracks up to new competitors, which might in turn threaten the smaller existing venues. And the BHB, which has the sole right to collect & distribute racing data in England, agreed to a lucrative 5-year deal with bookmakers last year; the OFT might insist that track owners should be given rights to racing data. BHB chief executive Greg Nichols said the OFT has "fundamentally misunderstood how & why British racing operates as it does." Nichols promised a "comprehensive & robust response." (April 9)

$3 Million Golden Slipper Barrier Draw & Betting Market.
Following yesterday’s official Barrier Draw, here is the latest Golden Slipper ‘fixed odds’ betting market from the NSW TAB:
1: KUSI (barrier 2) jockey Corey Brown, trainer John Hawkes 7-1
2: EXCEED AND EXCEL (13) Hugh Bowman, Tim Martin 10-1
3: HAMMERBEAM (11) Steven King, John Hawkes 100-1
4: SNIP ATTACK (9) Craig Newitt, Peter Moody 66-1
5: HANDSOME RANSOM (15) Scott Seamer, Paul Sutherland 40-1
6: NIELLO (6) Darren Beadman, John Hawkes 4-1
7: FACE VALUE (18) Patrick Payne, Bevan Laming 25-1
8: POLAR SUCCESS (14) Danny Beasley, Graeme Rogerson 8-1
9: HASNA (8) Lenny Beasley, Gai Waterhouse 12-1
10: SHAMEKHA (7) Jim Cassidy, Gai Waterhouse 16-1
11: LEGALLY BAY (4) Rod Quinn, John Hawkes 11-2
12: HALIBERY (12) Damien Oliver, Mick Price 50-1
13: SECRET LAND (5) Chris Munce, Gai Waterhouse 9-2
14: DORKY (17) Darren Gauci, John Hawkes 16-1
15: HOW FUNNY (3) Glen Boss, Gai Waterhouse 33-1
16: SYRINX (10) Greg Childs, John Hawkes 250-1
17: FRASASSAS (1) Emergency 1, John Hawkes 250-1
18: BELLA CORONA (16) Emergency 2, Robert Pearse 150-1
 (April 9)

Slipper Thrills For Woodlands, Vinery & Emirates
This year's Golden Slipper Stakes is a triumph already for 3 major studs:
  • Woodlands Stud bred a staggering 5 of the runners: Kusi (Desert Prince); Dorky (Grand Lodge); Syrinx (Desert Prince); Hammerbeam (Grand Lodge); & Niello (Octagonal).
  • Vinery Stud offered Exceed And Excel (Danehill) at last year’s Easter Sale; Vinery bred Handsome Ransom (Red Ransom); and then Vinery owner Dr Tom Simon bought Halibery (Red Ransom) at the Magic Millions Sale. Another runner Face Value is also by Vinery stallion Red Ransom; the freshman sire is the leading stallion with 3 runners in the field.
  • Emirates Park Stud has 2 super fillies Secret Land & Shamekha flying its flag. Both were bred there & are by Secret Savings. Emirates owner His Excellency Nasser Lootah owns Shamekha.
(April 9)

Slipper Breeding Snippets
Among the other Golden Slipper breeding details:
  • Arrowfield Stud's ill-fated stallion Snippets has 2 runners in Legally Bay & Hasna; Snippets is also the only sire with runners in the Slipper & another where he is broodmare sire (Snip Attack).
  • Proven juvenile getters Success Express (Polar Success), Rory's Jester (How Funny), General Nediym (Snip Attack) & Danehill (Exceed And Excel) round out the field.
  • Sir Tristram is the only broodmare sire with 2 runners (How Funny & Halibery).
(April 9)

Alanbridge Court Battle Turns Trumps For Beautiful Crown
Two boutique breeding operations daring to take on the global giants in this year's $3 million Golden Slipper - Alanbridge Stud at Aberdeen in NSW & Noble Park Stud at Beaudesert in Queensland - will attract major local focus should either of their horses win. Alanbridge bred & owns the consistent Bella Corona (Beautiful Crown) who is currently 2nd reserve. Alanbridge Stud only has the 1 stallion, Beautiful Crown (Cheif's Crown-Beautiful Glass) who has been a sensation with just 2 crops on the ground. Andrew & Lasca Bowcock, who own Alanbridge, had to fly to the US & spend thousands of extra dollars through American courts in order to obtain Beautiful Crown after 'set-in-stone' agreements looked like falling over. They deserve to have a 'big' horse by Beautiful Cown. Andrew Bowcock was even placed in protective custody while leaving court one day, as a death threat was handed to him on his way in. "He was sold to us & when we went to pick him up, the owners decided to renig on the deal," Bowcock recalled. "This was because his 1st 2 foals both won races. Anyway, we won the case & no shots were fired, but there were some incredibly scary days while we were being escorted to & from the courts." (April 9)

Noble Park’s Success Express Keeps Producing 2YO Winners
Noble Park stands Success Express - like Beautiful Crown a US-bred speed stallion - & owners Peter & Wendy Moran are hoping Polar Success can overcome her wide barrier 14. "I would open his book to 100 mares if she were to win," declared Peter Moran, who at present has his outstanding stallion's service book capped at 80. He may have to rethink the cut-off anyway, as Success Express has now had 23 individual 2YO runners this year for a staggering 15 individual winners - more than double his nearest rivals El Moxie, Flying Spur & Grand Lodge. At Eagle Farm just last Saturday another Success Express juvenile star emerged in the shape of Mick Mair's unbeaten Star Groom, who strolled home for his 2nd win on the trot. (April 9)

Danehill Closes On Serheed In Aust Sires Race
The race between Serheed & Danehill for the overall 2002-2003 Australian sires championship continues to attract keen attention. After last weekend’s racing, Serheed (total prize-money $5,763,070) leads Danehill (total $4,973,404) by $791,000 - with the lucrative (& potentially vital to the result) Sydney autumn carnival purses up for grabs over the next 4 weekends. Last weekend Serheed supporters suffered a major setback when Northerly failed in the Gr3 Manion Cup at Rosehill (he’s due to back-up in the $2 million Gr1 BMW this Saturday). Luckily Serheed did sire Caulfield winner Lady Knockout. Meanwhile Danehill moved closer to his arch-rival with a series of successes: Danbird won the Gr2 Cathay Pacific Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill; Helsinborg won the Listed Nature Vet-Royal Parma Stakes on the same program; & Chuckle & Lucida finished 2nd & 3rd in the Listed Hyland Race Colours-Darby Munro Stakes also at Rosehill. (Of course, the potential fly-in-the-ointment is Dehere, whose sensational recent winning-run has him now sitting a close 3rd on the sires table with prize-money of $4,723,700.) (April 9)

2YO Stars Highlight Easter Sale Offerings
Juvenile racing at Rosehill last weekend “provided a couple of timely updates for our Easter catalogue,” noted Inglis pedigree consultant Tara Madgwick.
  • Million dollar yearling Danbird won the Gr2 STC Pago Pago Stakes; Vinery Stud as agent will offer a half-brother to Danbird, by Red Ransom from the Marscay mare Fitting; in addition Segenhoe Stud has a Redoute’s Choice colt from Coat, an unraced half-sister to Danbird.
  • Flying filly Shamekha won the Gr2 STC Magic Night Stakes; Emirates Park is offering a Zabeel colt from Nothing to Do, dam of 5 winners including former top class galloper & ill-fated sire Brave Warrior, as well as Shamekha’s dam Lifetime Story.
  • Emirates Park would also be excited by the 2nd from Dash For Cash (who split weight-for-age stars Lonhro & Defier) in the Gr1 STC Darley-George Ryder Stakes; the stud will offer a full brother to Dash For Cash on the first day of the sale.
  • Secret Land notched a commanding win in the Listed Illawarra Classic at Kembla Grange; Emirates Park is offering the half-brother to Secret Land by Carnegie.
  • And smart colt Olympus finished 3rd behind Secret Land & his Black Type placing will add value to his half-sister by Red Ransom, to be offered by Lincoln Farm.
(April 9)

South African Success Spot-Lights Easter Tips
Meanwhile a number of recent results in South Africa have also spot-lighted several interesting Easter Sale offerings:
  • Attunga Stud as agent will present a Flying Spur filly from Malibu Lights; her 2YO half-sister Aspen Breeze (sold for $55,000 at the 2002 Easter Sale) is showing plenty of ability in South Africa & finished 3rd in the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes at Turffontein last week.
  • Jalberry, winner of the Gr3 Pretty Polly Stakes, is from the Australian-bred mare Taineberry, a daughter of Gr1 winner Strawberry Fair; Taineberry (sold for $52,500 at the 1996 Easter Sale) won 6 races in South Africa including the Gr2 Scottsville Oaks; her family appears twice at Easter this year: a bay filly by Peintre Celebre from Strawberry Fair is being offered by Lincoln Farm as agent; & Yarraman Park as agent is offering a full brother to Barkada, from Biscotte, a daughter of Strawberry Fair.
  • Lyphard Street, the dam of Attunga Stud ‘s Peintre Celebre colt offering, produced the winner Anchor Boy at Newmarket in South Africa.
(April 9)

Don’t Forget NZ & HK Winners Too
Among other overseas up-dates relevant to the Easter Sale, 2 worth noting are:
  • Rich Hill Thoroughbreds as agent is offering a chestnut filly by Pins from Bali Sugar; last weekend Bali Sugar’s half-sister Danasar brought new Black Type to the family by scoring in a Listed event at Awapuni.
  • Vinery Stud as agent is offering a Red Ransom filly from Ladybird Blue; her half-brother Woodson won at Happy Valley in Hong Kong last week.
(April 9)

Maqic Millions Graduates Grab Attention Around Aust
Meanwhile Magic Millions Sale graduates also notched a string of successes around Australia over the last week, including:
  • Brilliant 3YO sprinter Star Of Florida blitzed the field in the Gr2 $151,400 San Miguel Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Warwick Farm; the son of Telesto was bought by trainer Pat Duff for $51,000 on the final day of the 2001 MM Yearling Sale; he now has 5 wins & 3 minor placings from just 9 starts for prize-money of $271,950.
  • In the same race, MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduates also ran 2nd & 4th: the Gai Waterhouse-trained Snowland ($90,000 purchase) sent his prize-money earnings over the $500,000 mark with his strong 2nd & Cosmic Rays ($50,000 purchase) finished 4th.
  • The Lee Freedman-trained Mummify, who pushed Helenus in a photo-finish 2nd placing in the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas in Sydney, was sold for just $41,000 at the 2001 Adelaide sale.
  • At Caulfield in Melbourne, Freedman’s True Glo (another Adelaide sale graduate) won the $45,000 Carlton Draught Handicap (1400m).
  • At Cheltenham in Adelaide a week ago, MM Sale graduates On Focus & Nancy Eleanor won the 2 feature stakes races.
  • And last weekend in Adelaide the Tony McEvoy-trained Brandy Cruster led throughout for a strong win in the Morphettville Junction Silks Brasserie Handicap (1460m); as a yearling Brandy Cruster was knocked down at the MM Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast for $75,000.
(April 9)

Belle Du Jour’s 15-Fold Return For Singleton
As brilliant sprinting mare Belle Du Jour moves on from Dubai to Europe to join Irish trainer Dermot Weld, it is worth noting that the daughter of Dehere was purchased by John Singleton & Gerry Rose at the 1999 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $200,000. The mare’s prize-money level now sits at an imposing $3,169,157. (April 9)

Letter Class Racing Reintroduced In Queensland
The Queensland Racing Board has approved reintroduction of Letter Class Racing, subject to certain conditions. The move, prompted by a strong recommendation from the Queensland Regional Racing Council, follows feedback received during consultative meetings with race clubs & Regional Associations late last year. "At each of the 8 meetings I attended throughout the state, there was a strong message that the reintroduction of Letter Class Racing would greatly benefit the industry in country Queensland," Country Racing Manager Darcy Tyrrell said. "Letter Class Racing was dropped in 1994 in an effort to progress the flow of horses from the bottle-neck that had been created in the lower divisions of the class structure." Letter Class Racing will be reintroduced at race meetings conducted by non-TAB clubs in Queensland from July 1. The Australian Racing Board has just announced amendments to the rule governing Letter Class Racing, by condensing the current 4 classes (A, B, C & D) to just 2 (A & B), commencing August 1. Tyrrell said up to 2 Letter Class races per meeting would be eligible to be run by non-TAB clubs, located at least 300km from a TAB club, with other non-TAB clubs eligible to conduct 1 per meeting. (April 9)

Flemington Meeting Moved To Bendigo
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith & Bendigo Jockey Club chief executive Paul Schauble jointly announced that the VRC meeting scheduled for Wednesday September 10 at Flemington will be moved to Bendigo racecourse on the same day. Monteith explained: "The reason for transferring this early Spring fixture to another course is to reduce wear on the Flemington racing surface, in preparation for the all-important Melbourne Cup Carnival.” (April 9)

Montjeu Link For Dams Of NZ Group Winners
The dams of many of NZ's major Group race winners this season have a common link with 6-time Gr1 winning racehorse Montjeu. “They have been among a high-calibre line-up of broodmares which have visited the all-time highest-rated son of Sadler's Wells in his past couple of seasons at stud in NZ,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. They include:
  • Howkudai (dam of NZ’s leading 2YO Maroofity who completed a Gr1 double at Awapuni last weekend when he won the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes) was mated with Montjeu in his 1st season at Cambridge's Windsor Park Stud in 2001; the resultant progeny was a colt foal.
  • Valley Court (dam of Gr1 Zabeel Classic winner Hail) visited Montjeu last spring.
  • Desert Lily (dam of 3YO filly Lafleur, winner of both the Gr2 Royal Stakes at Ellerslie & Gr2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic at Te Rapa) visited Montjeu in the 2001 season & subsequently produced a stylish colt at Pencarrow Stud last year.
  • Unbeleevable (dam of 3YO filly Raspberry Ripple, who won the Gr2 Fayette Park Championship Stakes at Ellerslie & races in Sydney in the Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes this weekend) visited Montjeu last year & is currently in foal.
  • Zahra (dam of 2YO Ubiquitous, who won the Gr3 Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie & Listed Fairview Ford Slipper at Matamata) produced a filly foal by Montjeu last year & is currently back in foal to the champion son of Sadler's Wells.
(April 9)

Bramble Rose Targets Sydney Gr1 Double
Also running in the $400,000 Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday will be NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Bramble Rose (by Shinko King). She will be the first horse to race in Australia under the name of Cambridge trainer Mark Todd – the former NZ double Olympic gold medallist. Bramble Rose won the Gr1 NZ Oaks at Trentham in January & her main Sydney goal is the $660,000 Gr1 Emirates AJC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 26. (April 9)

Irish Freshman Stallion Docksider Lands First Winner
Irish freshman stallion Docksider, high-weighted miler in England & Germany in 1999, gained his 1st winner from his 1st crop when his son Who’s Winning scored on debut in a 5-furlong race at Folkestone in England on the weekend, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Docksider, who stands at Airlie Stud in County Kildare, entered service in 2000 after winning 6 of 18 races, including the 1999 Gr2 Hong Kong Mile; he was a multiple group stakes winner in Germany & finished 3rd in the US in the 1999 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, a neck behind winner Silic. Airlie bred the 8YO son of Diesis, who is out of the unraced Forli mare Pump (& is a half-brother to stakes winners Filao Beach & Classic Sport), in Kentucky. Docksider has 68 2YOs this season & a crop of 47 yearlings for next year. (April 9)

First Starter Wins For Sire Frisk Me Now
US 9-time stakes winner Frisk Me Now sired his 1st winner when his 1st starter Frisky Spirit won at El Comandante racecourse in Puerto Rico, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Trained by Gaston Capote for Establor Hermosura, Frisky Spirit was bred in Kentucky by Adalberto Roig & is out of the winning Coastal mare Sandsprite. His sire Frisk Me Now won 12 of 36 career starts (including the Gr2 Ohio Derby, Gr2 Suburban Handicap & Gr2 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Sprint Championship Handicap) & earned US$1,727,707 in 4 seasons. Bred in Florida by Michael Sherman’s Farnsworth Farm, Frisk Me Now is out of the Tsunami Slew mare Slew Me Now & stands at Old Frankfort Stud in Kentucky. Frisky Spirit is Frisk Me Now’s 1st starter from a crop 31 2YOs. (April 9)

Timetobewild To Stud At White Cat Farm In Kansas
Timetobewild, the veteran campaigner who won the 1996 Remington Futurity at Remington Park, will stand his first stud season at White Cat Farm in Kansas, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. No stud fee has been announced. Bred in Kentucky, Timetobewild raced for 7 years through 2002, winning 12 of 55 races. A 9YO son of Time For A Change (out of the stakes-winning Sovereign Dancer mare Now Dance), Timetobewild’s second dam, the unraced Exclusive Native mare Now Go, is a half-sister to champion Turkoman & stakes winner Slow Fuse. (April 9)

Tokyo Racecourse To Resume Following Renovations
Tokyo racecourse, home of the internationally-prestigious Gr1 Japan Cup & Japan Cup Dirt, is scheduled to re-open on April 26 following a 10-month renovation “that included remodeling of the dirt & turf courses & extensions to the grandstand,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “The turns on the dirt & turf courses were rounded for safer & smoother racing, & the straight-aways were lengthened & straightened.” The renovations forced the Japan Cup races to Nakayama racecourse for the first time last November. (April 9)

Danasar’s 5th Win Despite Tracheotomy
Wednesday Odd Spot: No-one will ever know the true potential of Danasar (by Danasinga), who completed a hat-trick in winning the Listed Howbaddouwantit Flying Handicap at NZ’s Awapuni track last weekend. Danasar races with a tracheotomy that allows air to by-pass his collapsed windpipe. Trainer Paul O’Sullivan told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "Maybe he does get enough air to allow him to race up to his full potential, but you tend to think otherwise. There’s simply no way of knowing." The bold chestnut has now recorded 5 wins from just 9 starts & is one of the extensive racing team of former Auckland businessman Steve McCollam, who now resides in the Waikato. Others to successfully wear his Augusta Bloodstock ‘black & white chequered’ colours are Danasar’s stablemates Danazira (by Danasinga) & River Chief (by O’Reilly). (April 9)

Aust Jockey Dittman Abandons Macau Comeback
Champion expatriate Australian jockey Mick Dittman’s riding comeback in Macau is over & he is relinquishing his riding licence. “Dittman cited personal reasons for his decision & is expected to return to Queensland, where he may again pursue a training career,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Dittman retired from riding last year, but made a surprise decision to return to the saddle when he was offered a visiting jockey’s licence by the Macau Jockey Club in January. However his comeback has been a struggle, with only 2 winners & 12 minor placings from 36 rides. (April 8)

Distorted Humor Colt Tops Day 1 At Inglis Melb Autumn Yearling Sale
Pat Hyland paid top price of $45,000 for a Distorted Humor colt out of Slashing Sort (consigned by Yallambee Stud as agent) at the opening session of the 2003 Inglis Autumn Yearling Sale in Melbourne. The colt’s half-sister by Encosta De Lago was 2nd in the Listed VRC Waltzing Lily at her 1st start. Among the other major sales were: $40,000 for a Danehill Dancer-Sashimi Express filly (consigned by Valleyview); $30,000 for a Canny Lad-Neutral colt (consigned by Woodlands Stud as agent); $30,000 for a Rancho Ruler-Set To Seymour colt (consigned by Wynneford Park); $30,000 for an Octagonal-Velvety filly (consigned by Woodlands Stud as agent); $25,000 for a Perugino-Perfect Lady colt (consigned by Ballarto Lodge); $25,000 for a Western Symphony-Raining Gold colt (consigned by Balyarta Park); & $25,000 for a Danehill Dancer-Space Bound colt (consigned by Erinvale Thoroughbreds as agent). (April 8)

Clearance Rate 82% For Realistic Melb Sale Vendors
Overall 129 yearlings sold for $1,184,000, at an average $9,178 & 82% clearance rate on Day 1 of the Autumn Yearling Sale. Inglis Melbourne manager Peter Heagney commented: “As we have clearly seen in recent years at this sale, the better types sell extremely well & vendors with well-prepared yearlings are subsequently rewarded. Vendors were all very realistic with their reserves resulting in a healthy clearance rate.” (All yearlings sold at this sale are eligible to compete in the 2004 $500,000 Inglis Premier race.) (April 8)

De Valmont Wins At First Start In US
Former Listed Race Hawkesbury Guineas winner De Valmont led from start-to-finish to win his 1st start in the US (a 6.5 furlongs claiming race at Santa Anita) last weekend, reported racenet.com.au. Previously trained by Tony Wildman, De Valmont is now in training at Hollywood Park with Ruben Cardenas. (April 8)

Boreal Retired To Stud In Germany
Boreal, 2002 UK Gr1 Coronation Cup winner & 2001 German Derby hero, has been retired to his owner’s Gestut Ammerland stud outside Munich, where he will stand alongside his sire Java Gold. A spokesman for owner Dietrich von Boetticher told racingpost.co.uk: “We have found no explanation for his very disappointing runs since he won at Epsom last June, including his lacklustre effort in Dubai last week, so we have decided to retire him.” Boreal was only the 2nd German-trained horse to win a British Gr1 race (previously Star Appeal won the 1975 Gr1 Eclipse Stakes). (April 8)

Grand National Leaves Lengthy Injury List
While Irish jumper Monty’s Pass raced away to demolish his rivals by 12-lengths in the UK Grand National on the weekend, the injury toll among the rest of the field makes sobering reading. Of the 40 starters, only 14 finished the gruelling 4.5 miles around Aintree & numerous jockeys were taken to hospital with broken bones & concussion, including: Gerry Supple with a shattered femur in his right leg after falling from Martin Pipe’s Burlu at the infamous Becher’s Brook jump on the 2nd circuit; Timmy Murphy who suffered concussion & a broken nose after Torduff Express faltered at the 4th last fence; Brian Crowley who injured his collarbone in a fall at the 2nd jump from Bramblehill Duke; & Alan Dempsey who injured his wrist in a fall from Robbo. (April 8)

French Celebrations For Coolmore’s Peintre Celebre
Ecurie Wildenstein’s 3YO colt Super Celebre won the Gr2 Prix Noailles (2200m) at Longchamp on the weekend (one of the first classic prep races of the 2003 French racing season), to become the 2nd stakes winner & 1st Group winner from the 1st northern hemisphere crop by champion racehorse & classic winner Peintre Celebre (by Nureyev), who shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. Trainer Elie Lellouche (who won the same race with champions Helissio in 1996 & Pistolet Bleu in 1991) told thoroughbredtimes.com: "I cannot compare him with my previous winners yet. It is much too early. All I can say is that we’ve always considered him a special colt & he will now take the obvious way to the French Derby, the Gr1 Prix Lupin being his next target." Bred in France by Jean-Pierre Dubois, Super Celebre is a son of Coolmore’s 1997 Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) winner & European highweight Peintre Celebre, out of unraced Woodman mare Supergirl (a half-sister to 1989 champion grass horse Steinlen). (April 8)

Hennessy Continues Winning Stakes Run
Meanwhile former Coolmore shuttle stallion Hennessy sired his 3rd Australian stakes winner in 3 weeks when 2YO filly Diamond Dash won the $40,200 Listed Gimcrack Stakes at Ascot on the weekend, noted racenet.com.au. Diamond Dash (ex City Living, by Citidancer) has yet to finish further back than 3rd in her 5-start career. And Hennessy also sired weekend winner Brandy Cruster (ex Storm On The Beach, by Glint Of Gold), who made it 2-wins-in-a-row in a 1460m handicap at Cheltenham. Hennessy’s recent run of success is especially timely as Coolmore launches the southern hemisphere career of his champion son Johannesburg for the 2003 local breeding season. Unbeaten in 7 juvenile starts, Johannesburg won 4 Gr1 races in 4 different countries, earning him a Cartier Award in Europe & an Eclipse Award in the US. (April 8)

Helenus Returns 25 Times Purchase Price . . . & Rising!
Equally timely – with the Inglis 2003 Australian Easter Yearling Sale just a fortnight away - was the victory by star Melbourne 3YO colt Helenus (by Helissio) in the Gr1 STC Rosehill Guineas. Purchased for just $80,000 at the 2001 Easter Yearling Sale, Helenus has now returned connections $2,074,680 from his 5 wins in 11 starts. And his biggest pay day could be just around the corner in the Gr1 AJC Australian Derby at Randwick. (April 8)

Airlie Bird & Grand City Highlight Bargain Buys
And while on the ‘bargain’ look-out, classy mare Airlie Bird (an $18,000 purchase at the 1999 Inglis Classic Sale) added the Listed STC Berjani Jewellers Stakes (1900m) to her record at Rosehill Gardens on the weekend, lifting her prize-money to $224,920. And on the same program Grand City (a $50,000 purchase at the 2000 Inglis Classic Sale) landed the Gr3 Manion Cup & now has Sydney Cup aspirations; the lightly-raced gelding by Citidancer has won 7 races from 12 starts for total prize-money already in excess of $180,000. (April 8)

Secret Land Aims For Massive Return On Investment
And of course, with the massive prizes in Saturday’s $3 million Golden Slipper in her sights, 2YO filly Secret Land (a $50,000 purchase at the 2002 Inglis Classic Sale) looks an extraordinary bargain following her easy victory (in a new race record) in the Listed Illawarra Classic at Kembla Grange – which took her prize-money total to $464,450. (April 8)

Gold Coast Pair Also Eyeing Slipper Glory
The charge of Magic Millions graduates toward Saturday’s $3 million Golden Slipper also gained momentum at Rosehill with Gold Coast Sale buys Shamekha & Danbird notching impressive Gr2 wins. Despite not having faced the starter since an impressive Randwick win over Slipper aspirant Polar Success in November, Shamekha (a daughter of Secret Savings raced by His Excellency Nasser Lootah of Emirates Park) won the Rosemount Estate Magic Night Stakes (1200m). Shamekha (who is from the well-related mare Lifetime Story) was sold to trainer Gai Waterhouse for $70,000 at the 2002 MM Yearling Sale. Just 40 minutes later Danbird (sold for a record $1.1 million to NZ breeding identity Rob McAnulty at the same sale), won the Cathay Pacific Pago Pago Stakes (1200m). The regally bred Danehill-Fitting colt had previously finished 2nd in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January. Danbird is a full brother to 1999 Golden Slipper winner Catbird, the young stallion whose first progeny sold exceptionally well at MM Sales on the Gold Coast & in Adelaide earlier this year. “A cheap stallion,” McAnulty jubilantly declared in the mounting yard following Danbird’s brilliant Rosehill win. (April 8)

Perth Bargain Grabs Stakes Win
Meanwhile potential buyers who watched the yearling Shout From Maroof (ex Miiharo) offered at the Magic Millions 2002 Perth Premier Yearling Sale must now be kicking themselves. The colt returned home to his breeders when he failed to reach his modest reserve of just $10,000. At Ascot on the weekend Shout From Maroof won the listed Perth Stakes (1100m) to total 2 wins from his first 3 starts for prize-money of $54,200. He is a son of the former NZ-based stallion Maroof, who’s best runner to date in Australasia is the former VRC Derby winner Hit The Roof. (April 8)

Magic Millions Graduates Notch Gr1 Placings
And Magic Millions graduates Mummify & Sunday Joy earned Gr1 placings when narrowly beaten by Helenus in the $505,000 Dubai Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in Sydney. Mummify, who came close to giving former Melbourne Cup winner Jeune his first Gr1 winner, is from former At Talaq race mare Cleopatra’s Girl & was purchased by trainer Lee Freedman at the 2001 Adelaide MM Yearling Sale (the same sale he also bought Caulfield weekend winner True Glo). Sunday Joy, top lot from the 2001 MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale, is a beautifully bred daughter of ill-fated Japanese sire champion Sunday Silence; she is likely to return to her own sex later this month in the Gr1 Australian Oaks at Randwick for trainer Gai Waterhouse & owners John & Julie Singleton. (April 8)

Latest Langsford Stakes Winner Eyes Aust Prizes
The racing silks of prominent NZ breeder Mrs Val Langsford have been well-known on both sides of the Tasman for several decades. But when lightly-raced 4YO Maze (by Housebuster) won the weight-for-age Gr2 Lawnmaster Awapuni Gold Cup at just her 9th start on the weekend, she was the first filly or mare to register a stakes win in the Langsford colours. Among many top performers, Mrs Langsford & her late husband Ron produced 1981 NZ Derby & 1982 Rosehill Guineas winner Isle of Man (by Habitation), as well as Rebel (by Famous Star) & Historian (by Church Parade). Mrs Langford told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "I’ve always wanted a good filly. It’s great when all the planning that goes into breeding & rearing them comes off. She goes back to a filly called Ring Of Kerry, who was bred by Sir William Stevenson from Kerry Dawn, a Le Filou filly who ran 3rd in the Great Northern Oaks." Only persistence on the part of the Langsfords kept this branch of the line going. Ring Of Kerry missed several times after producing her 1st foal, but eventually conceived when she was run with a little-used local stallion, the former good NZ central districts galloper Pedlar (by Acharacle). The resultant foal Irish Ballad was mated with another home-bred, the Sydney Cup winner Veloso (by Zamazaan), to produce Maze’s dam Strangeways. Despite her impressive win, Maze will now go for a spell. "She’s come a long way in a short time," said her trainer Moira Murdoch, "& if we put her out early, we can bring her back in plenty of time for the spring.” The possibility of campaigning in Australia sits well with the mare’s connections. Not only is Val Langsford familiar with that scene, but Moira Murdoch wrote her name into Australian turf history as the trainer of Cox Plate winner Solvit. (April 8)

NZ Sires Battle Remains Tight
Volksraad & Zabeel remain locked in battle for the NZ Sires' premiership following the weekend’s premier Awapuni meeting. Heading into the meeting Volksraad held a narrow lead of NZ$50,000 over Zabeel. Volksraad filly Katana finished 2nd in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes, but Zabeel’s son Greene Street finished unplaced in the Gr2 Awapuni Gold Cup. “Whether this proves the defining moment in this year's sires' premiership only time will tell,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Volksraad has now extended his lead to NZ$75,651 into the final quarter of the NZ racing season. Volksraad's total after the weekend's racing is NZ$1,093,951 while Zabeel's prize-money earnings are NZ$1,018,300. However, as winter sets in, the news service also noted: “It is a buffer which Volksraad clearly needs to have at this stage of the season, as his progeny's aversion to wet tracks is well known.” (April 8)

Australian Double For Volksraad
Meanwhile champion NZ sire Volksraad landed a winning double in Australia at the weekend. In Sydney Volksraad’s 6YO mare Empressaire scored her 2nd consecutive win over 1300m & Rosehill-based trainer Chris Waller told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "Darren (Beadman, jockey) has a real high opinion of her & I think she can realistically become a stakes horse." Empressaire's owners include former NZ trainer Sue Walsh who now lives on the Gold Coast. Waller announced recently that he was shutting down his NZ racing stable to concentrate on his Sydney operation at Rosehill, which he began 2 years ago. Meanwhile in Brisbane the Bruce McLachlan-trained 4YO mare Typify won for Volksraad at Eagle Farm. (April 8)

US Champion Anees Succumbs To Broken Leg
Further to last week’s report on her injury, US champion & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Anees has now been euthanised at the Hagyard-Davidson-McGee equine clinic in Kentucky “due to continued complications from a front left pastern injury suffered in a paddock accident on March 31,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Anees had been in “guarded condition” throughout last week, but on April 4 the pins in his leg broke & “the canon bone came down on the pastern joint, which resulted in further injury & a lot of pain. Veterinarians operated for several hours before Mill Ridge Farm officials decided to euthanise the horse.” Bayne Welker, director of stallion marketing for Mill Ridge explained: "The nature of the initial fracture was so severe that there was no bone in the pastern to put the screws in. We thought about giving him a couple more days, but it was just so painful for him that the humane thing to do was to euthanise him." The lone champion son of the late Unbridled, Anees was bred in Kentucky by Farfellow Farms, out of the unraced Alydar mare Ivory Idol. Anees has 38 yearlings in his 1st crop, & had covered 29 mares this season with 17 reported in foal. (April 8)

Set Afire Wins Gr1 Horse Chestnut In South Africa
The 4YO gelding Set Afire (Western Winter-Tawny Red, by Northfields) got up in the last stride to win the Gr1 Horse Chestnut 1600 (1600m at Turffontein in South Africa. Set Afire defeated 3YO colt & Cape Guineas winner Domino Man (by Dominion Royale) by a short head, with 3YO filly Bianconi (by Rambo Dancer) 3rd. “The race proved a triumph for Lammerskraal Stud, who not only bred the winner but also stand his sire Western Winter, a son of Gone West, who was the Leading First Season Sire in South Africa in 1991,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Set Afire is a brother to the stakes-winning filly Aquila Rex & a half-brother to stakes-winner Splendid Red. Their dam Tawny Red is a half-sister to 1987 Hors-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO colt Royal Chalice. (April 8)

Rey Rex Captures Gr1 Gran Premio Republica Argentina
More than 20,000 fans at Palermo cheered 5YO Rey Rex to victory in the Gr1 Gran Premio Republica Argentina, the most important race of the Argentine calendar for older horses, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by leading rider & Argentine idol Pablo Gustavo Falero (& trained by Juan Maldotti for Stud Americo A), the son of L´Express won by a length from Purvis, with favorite Don Inca 6-lengths away 3rd. Bred in Argentina by Gustavo Gabriel Ayala, Rey Rex is out of the winning Dancing Flight mare Inculpada & took his career record to 9 wins & 5 placings from 24 starts in 3 seasons. (April 8)

Jamelao & Symbolic Notch Argentinian Gr1 Wins
On a marathon 13-event program, the Palermo card also included 2 other Argentinian gr1 races: the Gran Premio Americas-OSAF (1 mile) & the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires (5 furlongs). In the premier mile race, 6YO Jamelao scored a 6-length triumph over Iberal (winner of the 2 previous editions of the Americas-OSAF). Jamelao, a son of the Green Dancer stallion Gem Master, is out of the winning American mare Palace Girl (by Judge Smells). In the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires, victory went to 4YO filly Symbolic, a daughter of Kentucky-based stallion Mutakddim. Symbolic, who captured her 6th career victory, is campaigned by owner-breeder Hernan Ceriani Cernadas’s Haras La Quebrada; she is out of the Gate Dancer mare Sweet Sylvia. (April 8)

SKY Features NZ Sire Faltaat
SKY Racing’s popular Bred To Win program this week visits the picturesque Karaka farming district in New Zealand to showcase Mr Prospector-sired Faltaat. From just 17 mares covered in his 1st year, Faltaat has totalled a remarkable percentage of Group winners. And the Sydney Easter Sale count-down continues with previews of the Coolmore Stud draft. Bred To Win airs on Wednesday 10.30am EST, Friday 10am EST & Sunday 8.30am EST. (April 8)

HK World Series Start Threatened By SARS
Hong Kong racing officials “are holding their breath over the HK$14 million (A$2.95 million) Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin on April 27,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The invited international runners for the QE II Cup, first leg of the 2003 World Racing Series, will be announced on Wednesday. At this stage the HKJC “has undertakings that top German performer Paolini & Japanese superstar Eishin Preston will participate.” Attracting top horses from among the elite list of entries will depend on perceptions of the fatal SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic - especially following World Health Organisation warnings against travel to HK. HKJC director of racing Winifred Engelbrecht-Bresges said: "We feel the situation changed with the release by the World Health Organisation, warning business & tourist travellers against coming to HK. We can run the race no problem - the horses are not at risk - but our concern is with the owners & other people associated with the visiting horses. We are not under pressure to decide on our course of action right now - we will wait & see how things are developing.” (April 7)

Stewards Announce Review of Northerly Ride
The shock defeat of Australia’s weight-for-age champion Northerly in the Gr3 Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill (his 2nd defeat in a fortnight) “has prompted Racing NSW stewards to review betting transactions & the riding tactics employed,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. “A groundswell of criticism regarding Patrick Payne’s ride on Northerly, which ran 6th behind Grand City . . . caused Racing NSW deputy chief steward Greg Rudolph to announce the race would be studied at length today.” Trainer Fred Kersley told the Herald: “The finishing position was very disappointing & the race itself was very disappointing. He never got much of a chance to do much from where he was.” (April 7)

Monty’s Pass Annihilates Field In UK Grand National By 12 Lengths
The world’s most famous steeplechase, Britain’s 4.5 mile Grand National at Aintree in Liverpool, was won by 16-1 shot Monty’s Pass ridden by champion Irish jockey Barry Geraghty & trained by Irish compatriot Jimmy Mangan. The winner, who cruised to victory by a massive 12 lengths, is part-owned by Irish bingo hall proprietor Mike Futter, who publicly told patrons at his 11 clubs across Ireland to back his 10-year-old gelding. Futter, 57, admitted winning over £800,000 (A$2.1 million) in wagers on the horse. Supreme Glory (40-1) finished 2nd & Amberleigh House (33-1) was 3rd. (April 7)

Lonhro Blitzes Rivals In Gr1 Darley Stakes
Jack & Bob Ingham’s 4YO star Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea) notched his 5th Gr1 victory (& made it 4-wins-from-4-starts this preparation) when he clocked an electrifying last 600m to easily win the $400,000 Darley-George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens. Two lengths back was Dash For Cash (Secret Savings-Gulistan), with a further 0.75 lengths to Defier (Dehere-Lilande). Lonhro ran the last 600m in 32.47secs, with the final 200m of the 1500m in a blistering 10.76secs. Jockey Darren Beadman (who has previously partnered 10-time-Gr1-winner Octagonal, as well as Melbourne Cup-Cox Plate winner Saintly & champion miler Super Impose) declared Lonhro is “the best horse I’ve ridden.” And The Sun-Herald reported: “Such an explosion of speed prompted Northerly’s trainer Fred Kersley to ask: When was the last time you’ve seen times like that?” It was especially notable that, following several days of rain in Sydney, the track was only rated Dead/Good. Lonhro has now notched 17 wins & 3 placings from 22 starts for prize-money just under $3 million. (April 7)

Helenus Survives Protest In Gr1 Rosehill Guineas
On the same Rosehill program, 3YO colt & former Victoria Derby winner Helenus (Helissio-Worldwide Elsie) survived a protest to win the $500,000 Gr1 Dubai-Rosehill Guineas (2000m) from Mummify (Jeune-Cleopatra’s Girl) & Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence-Joie Denise). John Singleton’s filly Sunday Joy was badly checked just after the start & came from 13th on the turn with a strong late run; but stewards dismissed the subsequent protest. NZ’s champ St Reims led the field into the straight, but finished 12th of the 16 runners. (April 7)

Te Akau Tops NZ$1 Million As Maroofity Wins NZ Gr1 Sires Produce
Te Akau Racing Stables topped the NZ$1 million mark in prize-money this season when its star 2YO Maroofity (Maroof-Howkudai) won the NZ$120,000 Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni. Maroofity has won both Gr1 events available to NZ 2YOs: the Ellerslie & Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes races; in addition, he also won the Gr2 Ford Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham. “Te Akau Racing Stables has totally dominated NZ 2YO racing scene this season,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz, following stablemate King's Chapel winning the other big juvenile event, the NZ$500,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Classique (1200m) at Te Rapa. In total Te Akau’s trainer Mark Walker has won 14 NZ 2YO races during the 2002-03 season. Maroofity was a NZ$46,000 purchase at last year's Karaka yearling sales by Te Akau principal David Ellis. Katana (Volksraad-Tristean) finished 2nd & Quite Astute (Danske-Cape Hill) 3rd. Katana was purchased at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock Select Fillies Sale by Paul Moroney for NZ$52,500 from the draft of Haunui Farm. Quite Astute was purchased as a weanling at the 2001 NZ Bloodstock National Weanling & Broodmare Sale by Henderson Horticulture for NZ$12,000; like Maroofity, Quite Astute went through in the draft of Tom and Shelly Murtagh’s Esker Lodge. (April 7)

Buddy Gil Bleeds During Gr1 Santa Anita Derby Victory
Winner Buddy Gil will be forced to rest for at least 14 days after it was discovered the son of Eastern Echo bled slightly during his thrilling victory over Indian Express in the US$750,000 Gr1 Santa Anita Derby (a traditional lead-in to the Kentucky Derby) over 9 furlongs at Santa Anita Park. According to California Horse Racing Board policy, Buddy Gil can be removed from the list by a CHRB veterinarian after the 14-day period & resume training only if he completes a 5-furlong workout in 1min 3sec or faster. Such news failed to dampen the spirits of trainer Jeff Mullins who, the morning after his horse’s 3rd straight graded stakes victory, told thoroughbredtimes.com: "I’ve still got a hangover. How am I going to make any plans? We haven’t had time. We’ve been drinking. He’s a runner. He’s all heart. At the end of the day we’ll have some kind of plan to ship to the Kentucky Derby, but I haven’t talked to the owners or anything yet.” Bred in Kentucky by Billingsley Creek Ranch, Buddy Gil now has 5 wins & 2 placings in 9 starts. (April 7)

Horse-Of-The-Year Azeri Returns To Track & Wins Gr1 Apple Blossom
Azeri, the reigning Queen of US racing, returned from her enforced 6-month lay-off (while the Allen Paulson Trust court case was settled) to win the US$500,000 Gr1 Apple Blossom Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. Azeri just managed to run down the gallant Dehere mare Take Charge Lady in the final strides to win the Apple Blossom for the 2nd successive year. It was Azeri’s 1st start since her brilliant 5-length victory in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff in October (which capped a season that saw the 5YO daughter of Jade Hunter win 8 of 9 starts). Trainer Laura de Seroux told Associated Press: “As I’ve said before, champions overcome obstacles. That’s what she did today." Bred in Kentucky by the late Allen Paulson, Azeri has 11 victories & a 2nd in 12 starts over 3 seasons & US$2,527,740 prize-money. Azeri is the lone foal to race from 3 foals out of Gr3-winning Australian-bred Ahonoora mare Zodiac Miss. (April 7)

Elloluv Cruises To Glory In Gr1 Ashland Stakes
Elloluv took charge early & never surrendered the lead, cruising to a clear win in the US$500,000 Gr1 Ashland Stakes for 3YO fillies over 8.5 furlongs at Keeneland Race, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. It was the 2nd Gr1 victory for the daughter of Gilded Time (in December she won the Gr1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes at Hollywood Park). The favorite Lady Tak, unbeaten in her previous 5 starts, finished 2nd. Bred in Kentucky, Elloluv now has 4 wins & 3 placings in 7 starts. She is the only foal to race from 2 foals out of the stakes-winning Cryptoclearance mare Currency Quest. (April 7)

AJC Says NSW TAB Deal ‘Sells Racing Short’
The Australian Jockey Club says analysis by its own “highly intelligent business people” shows that the 3 NSW racing codes ”sold themselves short” when doing away with the co-investment agreement with TAB Ltd in exchange for an increase of less than $3 million in annual product fees. AJC chief executive Tony King told The Sydney Morning Herald: “Quite simply, it wasn’t a good enough deal. We definitely voted against it. We formed the opinion the deal favoured the TAB more than it favoured racing.” NSW Racing chief executive Greg Purcell replied: “It is now in the racing industry’s commercial & financial interests to see the TAB acquire other gaming & wagering businesses.” King summed up: “We acknowledge that it makes it easier for the TAB to acquire other businesses. That’s good. But our only argument was, we could have done a better deal. We, of course, hope everything goes gang-busters.” (April 7)

AJC Opens New Trainers' Pavilion At Randwick
The Australian Jockey Club is hosting a barbecue breakfast for trainers, jockeys, owners & media between 6-8am tomorrow (April 8)

at the Royal Randwick in-field to celebrate the opening of the new trainers’ pavilion. (April 7)

Golden Slipper Barrier Draw
In a big day for racing’s leading-lights, barely 4 hours later the Sydney Turf Club will host the all-important Official Barrier Draw for Saturday’s $3 million Gr1 AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes in central Sydney’s Martin Place amphitheatre at 12.30pm tomorrow, advised STC media & communications manager Tracy Lowe. (April 7)

AJC To Host Betting Exchanges Forum
And continuing a busy week . . . The Australian Jockey Club will host a forum on betting exchanges, chaired by AJC chairman Bill Rutledge, this Thursday (April 10)

. “The purpose of this forum is for members of the racing industry to become better informed on a subject that has prompted much discussion in recent weeks,” explained AJC media & public relations manager Jeremy Wilshire. The forum will start at 10am in the Galaxy Room in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand at Royal Randwick & conclude at 12.30pm, to be followed by lunch. Keynote speakers at the forum will be: TAB Limited managing director Warren Wilson; Australian Racing Board’s Andrew Harding; Bookmakers Co-operative representative John Kennedy; & betting consultant & technician Tim Ryan. (April 7)

Good Friday Calcutta Luncheon
Rounding out a frantic pre-Easter fortnight . . . This year’s AJC Calcutta Luncheon will be held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Double Bay on Friday April 18. Tickets are $115 & 10% of the Calcutta pool will be donated to the premature babies ward of Randwick’s Royal Women’s Hospital. (April 7)

Sydney’s Biggest Carnival Tipping Competition
The San Miguel AJC Autumn Carnival Tipping Competition gives punters a shot at more than $12,500 in prizes. Entry is free by visiting the Australian Jockey Club website at www.ajc.org.au & clicking on the `Competitions' icon before 2pm on Doncaster-Derby Day on Easter Saturday (April 19); each person can enter up to 3 times. The contest involves selecting a horse in each of 3 nominated races (usually Gr1 races) over each of the 4 days of the AJC Autumn Carnival (April 19-May 3); that is, to pick the winners of 12 nominated races. And an ‘early bird’ offer of Double Points for Day 1 tips is available until 9 on Tuesday April 15. Entrants can check their progress daily & the leading 100 contenders will be featured on the website following each day of the carnival. (April 7)

Full House For AJC Sponsorship Stable
Meanwhile the Australian Jockey Club has secured “a full card” of sponsors for every race scheduled over its San Miguel AJC Autumn Carnival. “The achievement confirms the AJC plays host to the most lucrative stable of sponsors of any sporting club in Australia,” declared AJC media & public relations manager Jeremy Wilshire. All 36 races over the 4 days of the San Miguel AJC Autumn Carnival (April 19-May 3) boast naming rights “& this has been achieved without compromising traditional names well known within racing.” Emirates Airline is a major new partner this autumn, taking naming rights to the Emirates AJC Australian Oaks & 2 other carnival races, along with hosting the Emirates Fashions-On-The-Field on April 19 & April 26. Sydney City Lexus, Marriott Hotels, Percy Marks, Oroton, L’Oreal, Clipsal & the Australian Tie Company are other sponsors making their Autumn Carnival debut. They join major partners San Miguel, Inglis, EnergyAustralia, Southcorp, NTG, Schweppes, Moet & Chandon & Thrifty in the AJC stable. Wilshire noted: “Profile & tradition seem to be the recurring themes in regard to what attracts sponsors to the AJC – attractions the club will continue to vehemently uphold.” And AJC chief executive Tony King added: “The AJC Committee recently set parameters to preserve the traditional names of all Group & Listed races, & this sense of history is obviously part of the attraction for the corporate sector. Many of our major races have been around since the 1860s, so we’re not about to do away with almost 150 years of tradition & I know our sponsors are supportive of that.” (April 7)

Racing NSW Rejects Debtors’ Entries
Racing NSW has made good on its promise to reject nominations from trainers in debt to the NSW Trainer’s Stakes Payment System. From today, Racing NSW announced a number of trainers will be unable to nominate horses with the Trainers Service Centre. Trainers affected by the order will have immediate re-activation of their accounts once outstanding amounts are paid. (April 7)

Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria Awards
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria presented several awards (relating to the 2001-02 season) at a weekend cocktail party at the Inglis Oaklands Junction Sales Complex in Melbourne:
  • Leading Victorian Breeder: Contract Racing, for the 3rd consecutive year (based on prize-money won by progeny of a stud farm); highlight of the season for David Moodie’s team was the Gr1 victory by Desert Eagle in the VRC Emirates Stakes.
  • Award For Excellence: Hill Holme Lodge (based on a points system for wins in Black Type races); major point-earners for owners Rob Tayton & Cheryl Gray were Mon Mekki’s Gr1 win in the Queensland Oaks, Chong Tong collecting a Listed win in the Sutcliffe Stakes & Jai’s Jump taking out the Listed Hylands Sports Stakes.
  • Leading Victorian Broodmare: Biscay Bird for the 2nd year in succession; the $800,000 in stakes earnings included $200,000 from Universal Prince’s trip to Hong Kong; Swettenham Stud collected the prize & “praised the work of the team at Collingrove for a wonderful effort in rearing this champion racehorse,” noted TBV executive officer Richard Andrews.
  • Leading Victorian Small Breeder: John Thatcher from Mt Eliza; he has 3 mares who all tasted success - the highlight was the win of Piavonic in the Gr1 MVRC Manikato Stakes (toppling Sunline).
  • Industry Contribution Award: TBV president Mike Becker presented this award to Greg Tobin, making particular mention of Greg’s efforts to promote the Victorian industry.
(April 7)

Panel Named For Vic Racing Integrity Review
The Board of Racing Victoria has resolved to commission an independent review of key aspects of the racing industry's Integrity Services. The 3-person independent panel will be chaired by eminent lawyer Brian Forrest (chairman of the Victorian Casino & Gaming Authority). The panel also includes former Victorian Government Solicitor Ron Beazley & experienced racing administrator Phil Power. Racing Victoria chief executive Neville Fielke announced the Terms of Reference for the Review (which has a “target timeframe for the completion of the review” of July 2003) provided for an examination of the following areas:
  • Stewards' powers & functions;
  • Operation & procedures of Stewards' inquiries;
  • Jurisdiction, procedures & composition of the Racing Appeals Board;
  • Horse testing administration & communication procedures.
(April 7)

Top NZ 2YO Alastro Sold To HK
Further to last week’s prediction, Cambridge 2YO Alastro (by Lacryma Cristi) has now been officially sold to Hong Kong interests. The sale of the Tony & Wayne Pike-trained youngster meant he was withdrawn from the weekend’s NZ Gr1 Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes at Awapuni. “However, he may not be off to HK just yet & could even have another start or two before leaving NZ,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. At his most recent outing, Alastro finished 2nd in the Gr1 Ford Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 1. (April 7)

Shinko King Lands 13th Individual Winner
Shinko King, sire of NZ Oaks winner Bramble Rose, “continues to excel with the win by juvenile filly Eternal Melody at Riccarton (on the weekend) his 13th individual winner from only 23 horses to race in NZ & Australia,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Of the 23, only 3 have failed to earn prize-money. Eternal Melody was beaten only a neck at her previous start by NZ’s champion juvenile Maroofity. (April 7)

Sponsors May Pull Pin On Ellerslie
Auckland Racing Club chairman Colin Devine warned several major sponsors “are threatening to pull their sponsorship of key races at Ellerslie” if the controversial Price Road training complex goes ahead. Devine told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "I have been contacted by phone by a couple of major sponsors who have told me they will be withdrawing their sponsorship if the club goes ahead with the Price Road complex. They are dead against it." Last week the ARC Board voted 7-5 to proceed with Price Road as the replacement venue for Takanini. “However, Devine & fellow Board members Rob McAnulty, John Wells, Russell Warwick & Lyn Stevens remain strongly opposed to the NZ$10.8 million Price Road facility. Devine said it could now be up to members of the club to overturn the Board's decision.” (April 7)

Aust-Bred Crossing Time 1st Winner For Singapore’s Orange Trust
Laurie Laxon provided the Orange Racing Trust, Singapore’s new mass-ownership scheme, with “the best possible start when Australian-bred gelding Crossing Time scored an easy debut win on the fibre-sand track at Kranji,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Crossing Time, a grey son of Switch In Time, was the first runner for the Orange Trust & his 50 new owners. Crossing Time was originally bought for $18,000 as a yearling in Sydney, but was resold to an agent acting for the Orange Trust after winning a barrier trial at Deagon in Brisbane by a big margin. Laxon gained Crossing Time in a random ballot between the 5 trainers chosen by the Singapore Turf Club to prepare the 5 horses for the Orange Trust; the other trainers are Malcolm Thwaites, Mohd Yusof, Bernard Ang & Arnaud de Moussac. (April 7)

Favorite Trick Filly Tops Goffs French Breeze-Up Sale
A filly from the 2nd crop of 1997 Horse-Of-The-Year & Kentucky-based stallion Favorite Trick elicited a final bid of US$47,128 from Elevage de Couteilles to top the weekend’s Goffs France Breeze-Up sale for 2YOs-in-training at Saint-Cloud racecourse, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Mockerhill Stables, the unnamed bay filly is one of 5 foals produced by Gr3-placed winner Oxava (dam of 3 winners, including stakes-placed winner Sunday Rain, by Summer Squall). Overall the gross revenue was down 22.7% from last year & average price fell 11.3%; buy-backs rose slightly to 40.6%. (April 7)

America’s Leading Owner Banned From Delaware Park
A major controversy has erupted in US racing with the shock announcement that headline-hogger Michael Gill, currently America’s leading owner, has been banned from the grounds of Delaware Park. A letter from Delaware chief operating officer Bill Fasy to Gill did not provide an explanation for the decision; it simply cited 2 state rules of racing that allow management to exclude individuals & entries at its discretion, & advised Gill: "Effective immediately, you are not welcome on the grounds of Delaware Park." Gill told thoroughbredtimes.com he plans to “file a lawsuit in New Hampshire against Delaware Park & Racing Secretary Sam Abbey for defamation of character, slander & unfair business practices. What this is really about is, I go to a racetrack like Gulfstream Park & dominate & now certain trainers, owners & people in management are trying to block me. All I’ve done for Delaware is fill their cards & break their records & this is what I’m getting in return." Gill currently leads all owners in North America with 119 wins (to the end of last week). Gill has been plagued by controversy this season, culminating in he & trainer Mark Shuman being the subject of an investigation regarding the amputation of the leg of one of their horses, Casual Conflict, after he broke down in a race at Gulfstream in February & was euthanised. Shuman was recently cleared of any wrong-doing in the incident, but Gill claimed Gulfstream had laboratory results on the leg by mid-February but did not release those results until a month later - after his lawyer threatened to sue. Track veterinarian Mary Scollay had requested testing for blocking agents, but synovial fluid withdrawn from Casaul Conflict’s joints tested positive for only phenylbutazone & euthanasia agents. "They knew the leg was clear but it took my lawyer to get them to get the information out of them," Gill declared. (April 7)

Gill Says Rivals Jealous Of Buying Sprees & Claiming Race Tactics
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg in this murky saga. Michael Gill told bloodhorse.com he had also “shaken people up” both: with his prodigious spending spree at 2YOs-in-training sales during the past 2 years; &, most importantly, his aggressive claiming tactics. Trainers at Gulfstream Park have complained to track management, he explained, & added: "The guys making the noise are the ones that were the big fish before I came along. It was those guys who made agreements with each other that said 'you don't claim from me.' They weren't part of the food chain. But the second they became part of the food chain, they cracked like an egg. It's like the schoolyard bully: the minute you stand up to him, you find out he's a coward." (April 7)

UK Tattersalls Breeze-Ups On-Line
For the first time at a European 2YOs-in-training sale, the breezes at the forthcoming Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale can be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com. The breezes on both Wednesday April 16 & Thursday April 17 will be replayed on the Tattersalls website within minutes of their conclusion, allowing potential buyers who are unable to attend the Sale in person to view the 2YOs in action. Tattersalls marketing director Jimmy George said: "We have been showing all Tattersalls sales live on the web since 2000, & we are constantly looking for ways to use technology to enhance the service we provide. This will be breaking new ground in terms of European Breeze-Up sales & will undoubtedly be a huge benefit to potential buyers, in particular those overseas who have been unable to attend in person." The sale features 2YOs by 19 of last year's Top 20 sires in Britain & Ireland, including Danehill, Grand Lodge, Green Desert, Indian Ridge, In The Wings & Sadler’s Wells, as well as top international sires El Prado, French Deputy, Kingmambo, Theatrical, Thunder Gulch & Unbridled’s Song, & Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad’s sire Singspiel. (April 7)

Britain’s First ‘Racino’ At Wolverhampton
Arena Leisure, owner of 6 British racetracks, has announced plans to develop the UK’s first joint racecourse & casino at Wolverhampton in time for the 2004 season. Under the agreement, Arena Leisure would build the ‘racino’ while Gala Group would operate it under a 25-year lease agreement. If the local council approves a planning application (to be submitted within the next 8 weeks), development of the revamped racetrack & 110-room Holiday Inn hotel will begin later this year, reported racingpost.co.uk. (April 7)

Newhaven Park Stud Announces April Dispersal Sale
Major Australian breeding farm Newhaven Park Stud - founded in the 1940s at Boorowa in NSW by John Kelly senior (who passed away in February) - has announced the dispersal of its weanlings & broodmares at the end of April. The sale will take place over 2 days at the Inglis Sydney Newmarket complex on April 28 (weanlings) & April 29 (broodmares). The 19 weanlings include: a Zeditave-Pontal Lass colt; a Danzero-Haywire filly; & a Danzero-Volte filly. The 45 broodmares include Pontal Lass (not in foal) & most others in foal to some of Australia’s most commercial stallions: for example Beam (a half-sister by Scenic to Gr1 Coolmore Stakes winner Bollinger) in foal to Fasliyev; & Mannington & Sheraton (both from Golden Slipper winner Marscay). (April 4)

Danzig Colt Sets New UK Record At Doncaster Sale
Japan’s Shadai Farm office manager Shigehisa Tanabe paid 140,000 guineas (a new record for a ‘breeze-up’ horse in Britain) for a Danzig colt out of Spring Pitch on Day 2 of Doncaster Bloodstock’s 2003 Breeze-Up Sale. A three-quarter brother to two stakes-winners (including last year's Stardom Stakes winner Rimrod), the colt is the 1st foal of an unraced Storm Cat half-sister to dual Champion & successful sire Selkirk. Although the sale was registered to Shadai Farm, Tanabe revealed later the colt was purchased for a client. Next highest price was a 70,000 guineas Pivotal colt. Overall 201 lots sold from 218 offered (92%), grossing 2,824,800 guineas (up 23% on last year) & an average 13,780 guineas (up 20%). Doncaster director Henry Beeby summed up: “To return record figures at any sale is always satisfying, but to do so in the current global climate is particularly gratifying. We were confident this was the best Breeze-Up catalogue we had ever put together.” (April 4)

Suspended Oliver Will Miss Slipper & Doncaster-Derby
Champion jockey Damien Oliver will miss the $3 million Golden Slipper Stakes on April 12 & the $8 million Doncaster-Derby Day at Randwick on Easter Saturday after being suspended for 2 weeks for careless riding at Moonee Valley last night. The suspension begins at midnight on Sunday & ends at midnight on April 20, meaning he will miss the ride on Mick Price-trained Blue Diamond Stakes place-getter Halibery in the Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill, as well as the $2.5 million Doncaster (1600m) & $2 million AJC Australian Derby (2400m) both run at Randwick on April 19. Oliver told aapracingandsports.com.au: "I may appeal against the severity of the sentence. It's like copping 6 weeks or 2 months any other time of the year other than Melbourne Cup time." (April 4)

Jockey Flees HK Amid SARS Panic
French jockey Eric Saint-Martin has taken his family from Hong Kong amid the panic surrounding the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (SARS has killed 16 people & infected 685 others in HK.) Saint-Martin told the South China Morning Post newspaper he was leaving HK because he feared for his children’s health: “I don’t want to go, but I have to think about my children. I want to get them where they will be safe. For 3 weeks I have been fighting with my wife over this. She has been in tears every day. I want to stay & I think it’s going to get better, but it has not. You cannot live your life like this. My children cannot go to school, they cannot go outside.” (April 4)

Dye Hoping For Slipper Offer
Meanwhile fellow HK-based jockey Shane Dye “is still hopeful of picking up a ride for next week’s $3 million Golden Slipper,” reported The Daily Telepgraph. Dye currently shares the Slipper record of 4 wins with Ron Quinton & has “kept a close eye on the juvenile form this season & hasn’t ruled out returning to Sydney to ride at Rosehill on Slipper Day, if he was offered a good ride in the race.” Dye finishes a HK suspension this week, during which arch-rival Douglas Whyte has taken a 5-win lead in the HK jockey premiership race. (April 4)

NSW Racing & TAB Announce Amended Contract
The NSW Racing Industry & TAB announced they have “amended the Racing Distribution Agreement”, the contract entered into in December 1997 that governs the relationship between the NSW TAB & NSW’s 3 racing codes. Key elements of the amended agreement include: removal of the provisions that granted NSW Racing an option to co-invest with TAB (ie. take a 25% economic interest in certain business developments initiated by TAB); & increase in the rate of the product fee from 21.64% to 21.9965% of TAB’s parimutuel wagering revenue from 1 July 2003. A joint statement from NSW Racing chairman Tony Hartnell & TAB managing director Warren Wilson said: “The agreement will mean new financial benefits for NSW Racing & will provide greater commercial flexibility for TAB. The successful negotiation of the amended agreement builds on the spirit of increased co-operation of the past 15 months between the parties.” (April 4)

Yell Moves To Top Of Aust-NZ 3YO Classification
John Hawkes-trained Yell has moved to the top of the 3YO rankings in the latest Aust-NZ Classifications, following his recent Gr1 treble (Orr, Futurity & Australia Stakes) during the Melbourne autumn carnival. Yell’s rating rose from 109 to 113; Gai Waterhouse’s Gr1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger is leading 3YO filly on 107. Meanwhile Northerly remains the highest ranking horse in Australasia on 124 (after his Gr1 Australian Cup win); behind him are Defier on 120 & Lonhro on 117. (April 4)

Betfair Replies To Aust Critics
Betfair’s Mark Davies has written an open letter to The Sydney Morning Herald replying to critics of the Uk-based betting exchange. Davies emphasises: “Betfair’s detractors have 2 concerns: integrity & the funding of racing. In both, Betfair’s interests could not be more closely aligned with the authorities’, & suggestions to the contrary are scare-mongering by commercial interests seeking to defend near-monopoly positions. If our product threatened integrity, we would have no customers. If racing lost its funding & therefore its appeal, we would have no product. Betfair is 100% committed to both . . . . We want to pay the industry; to be licensed here so we can sponsor (we were the 4th biggest sponsor of racing in the UK last year), pay tax & employ people. We want Australian racing to remain the huge attraction it is & we want pictures to be sold around the world so we can help monetise it. So embrace the concept that has cost us $60 million in technological investment. The UK industry is receiving subsidies this year, which demonstrates it is booming since our arrival, not suffering. Or ban us, like the US record industry did to Napster. They just watched lots of look-alikes spring up offshore, unwilling to talk to them, pay them or help them. Which is the better choice?” (April 4)

Two-In-A-Row For Octagonal Filly In France
Pink Cloud, a 3YO old filly by Octagonal, made it 2-out-of-2 this season when winning the Prix Flossie over 12 furlongs at Saint-Cloud, reported racenet.com.au. Following a 1st-up 3rd in the Prix du Layon du Roy (1800m) at Fontainebleau in December, Pink Cloud made her seasonal debut with a 5-length win in the Prix de la Dame du Lac (1800m) at Maisons-Laffitte last month. A half-sister to French stakes winner Floresta (by Kaldoun), Pink Cloud is out of the stakes-placed Akarad mare Belle du Bresil. Pink Cloud’s 2 wins & a 3rd from 3 starts have netted connections over A$50,000. (April 4)

Australasian Breeding Trifecta In HK
NZ-bred Super Brose (Gold Brose-Queen Guinevere) “is emerging as a potential Hong Kong star in the making” after an easy victory in last night’s HK$1 million (A$210,000) Begonia Handicap (1000m, Class 2) at Happy Valley, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The 3YO Gold Brose gelding won from the Australian-bred pair Joy Joy Fay (Umatilla-Sandbagger) & Run And Win (Last Tycoon-Virage). Super Brose has now amassed a near perfect race record of 3 wins & a 2nd from four starts. (April 4)

WA Lands Son Of Storm Cat
One of Australia's best bred stallions Singingintherain will relocate to WA this year, reports Veronica Scott Mason of Hazelwood Stud (which originally stood Singingintherain) at Southbrook in Queensland. Singingintherain is a son of Storm Cat out of a full-sister to US Champion 3YO Chris Evert (from the immediate family of Gr1 Kentucky Derby-winning filly Winning Colors). The unraced full-brother to US Gr1 winner Missed The Storm will stand at Quanah Park Stud at Oldbury near Perth. (April 4)

First Winner For Afleetaffair
Meanwhile Hazelwood Stud is celebrating the 1st winner for its resident stallion Afleetaffair. Phanto's Affair (who won a Queensland maiden) is the first winner for the son of Mr Prospector's sire-son Afleet. Winner of the Gr3 San Vicente Stakes at California's Santa Anita Park, Afleetaffair is a son of dual Canadian Gr1-placed stakes winner Adarling, who is a daughter of Canadian Champion 3YO Avowal. (April 4)

Magic Millions Appoints Chris Tidy Perth Manager
Magic Millions has appointed Chris Tidy manager of its Perth office in Western Australia. Tidy has long been associated with WA racing & breeding in his role as manager of Racing Administration for the Western Australian Turf Club from 1999, & as executive officer for the Westspeed & Sunspeed Incentive Schemes from 1995-2003. MM managing director David Chester said: “The appointment of Chris Tidy has been endorsed by the WA Bloodhorse Breeders Committee, under the chairmanship of Sally Oaks. Our company looked very carefully at this position, & is delighted to appoint a person with such comprehensive knowledge of the breeding industry in WA to this important role.” (April 4)

Magic Millions Mixed Sale Has History of Bargains
Meanwhile catalogues for the Magic Millions National Winter Yearling sale (May 4) & National Weanling & Broodmare Sale (May 5-7) on the Gold Coast are now on-line at www.magicmillions.com.au. “With over 1,000 horses catalogued, this is easily the largest mixed sale catalogue produced by Magic Millions,” noted MM marketing & media manager Annie McDonald. “The Sale is a true ‘one stop shop’ for the thoroughbred enthusiast. Being the last major mixed sale of the year, there is usually some very good value for buyers.” Bargain hunters take note: Polar Success (current equal favourite for the Golden Slipper) was purchased by leading trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson for $32,000 as a yearling at this sale last year; recent Hong Kong winner Won't Catch Me was purchased by NZ trainer Chris Wood for $20,000 at this sale; & NZ Gr1 winners Little Jamie & Sound The Alarm were sold as weanlings at this sale for under $5,000. The catalogue also includes the dispersal sale of bloodstock from the NSW Hunter Valley’s Turangga Stud. (April 4)

Surveyor Lands Gr1 South African Classic
Outstanding 3YO Surveyor, trained by David Ferraris & ridden by Anthony Delpech, won the Gr1 South African Classic (1800m) at Turffontein in Gauteng, reported sahorseracing.com. Surveyor engaged in a head-to-head battle with the unlucky Yard Arm over the last furlong (prompting the course commentator to declare: "You don't see better than this!"); Sekula Pata stayed on well to finish 3rd, with Domino Man 4th. (April 4)

Simply Noble Takes 2nd Leg Of Selangor Triple Crown
Indian-bred 6YO gelding Simply Noble (Placerville-Lap Of Luxury, by Malvado) scored a comfortable win in Malaysia’s Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (formerly the Sultan of Selangor Cup) over 1600 metres. Simply Noble, who defeated Opposing Force (by Jetball) & Money Market (by Goldmark), had won 7 of his 14 races in India, notably the 2000 Guineas. The Piala Emas Sultan was the 2nd leg of the Selangor Turf Club’s Triple Crown Series (final leg is the Selangor Gold Cup over 2000 metres in June). Winning sire & Royal Ascot winner Placerville (by Mr Prospector) stands at the Poonawalla Stud in India. (April 4)

Half-Brother To Surfside Born At Overbrook
Flanders, US champion 2YO filly in 1994 & winner of 3 Gr1 stakes as a juvenile, has given birth to a colt by 1992 US Horse-Of-The-Year A.P.Indy at Overbrook Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt is a half-brother to Surfside, champion daughter of Seattle Slew. Flanders (will now be bred back to A.P.Indy) won 4 of 5 career starts, including the 1994 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Surfside, the 2000 champion 3YO filly, won 8 races in 15 starts, including 6 graded stakes (among them the 1999 Gr1 Frizette Stakes, 1999 Hollywood Starlet Stakes, 2000 Santa Anita Oaks & 2000 Las Virgenes Stakes). (April 4)

Chilean Sire Sam M. Dies At 21
Sam M., a stakes-placed full brother to 1984 champion sprinter Eillo & among the leading stallions in Chile during the last 2 decades, has died of a heart attack at Fernando Urrutia’s Haras Villa Rosa aged 21, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Mr Prospector will be replaced at Haras Villa Rosa by Midnight Foxtrot, a 7YO son of Kingmambo who is a half-brother to 1996 Gr1 Kentucky Oaks winner Pike Place Dancer & Gr2 winner & sire Petionville. A stakes winner in France, Midnight Foxtrot was recently imported by Chilean breeder Luigi D’Alessandri for the 2003 Southern Hemisphere season. Sam M. (purchased for US$375,000 at the 1982 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale & raced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) won 3 of 18 career starts & was stakes-placed in England in 1984. At stud he sired 39 stakes winners, including: 1998 Chilean champion miler Sahumerio; 1995 Chilean champion sprinter Satanico; 1995 Gr1 Gran Premio El Ensayo (Chilean Derby)winner Husares; & Gr1 winners Separata, Sambenito, Uncle Sam & Nubarrero. (April 4)

Gr1 Winner & Sire Punk Dies In Brazil At 19
Argentine Gr1 winner Punk, sire of 1998 Brazilian Horse-Of-The-Year & dual classic winner Quari Bravo, has died at Haras Ponta Pora in Brazil from cancer at age 19, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A grey son of Ringaro out of Gr3 winner Peinadora (by Hot Dust), Punk won 7 of 13 starts, including the 1988 Gr1 Gran Premio Suipacha at Hipodromo San Isidro in Argentina. Acquired for stud duty in Brazil, Punk sired Quari Bravo who won 12 of 18 career starts, including the 1997 Gr1 Grande Premio Derby Paulista (Brazilian Derby) & Gr1 Grande Premio Ipiranga (Brazilian Two Thousand Guineas) plus 4 other Gr1 races; he was also Brazil’s champion juvenile colt in 1997 & 3YO colt in 1998. Punk sired 10 stakes winners, including Gr2 winner Bukebele & 4-time stakes winner Cacique Bar (who raced in the US last year with trainer Paulo Lobo). (April 4)

First Winner For French Stallion Verglas
Veri Star became the first winner sired by 1997 Gr1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas runner-up Verglas, when the juvenile filly won at Maisons-Laffitte in France, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Verglas, who won England’s 1996 Gr3 Coventry Stakes & finished 3rd in the Gr1 Phoenix Stakes before a brief US campaign (capped by a 2nd in the 1998 San Marino Handicap at Santa Anita Park), currently stands at Haras de la Haie Neuve in France. The 9YO son of Highest Honor, out of winning Secreto mare Rahaam, is a half brother to multiple Gr2 winner Cassandra Go & stakes winner Persian Secret, & was bred by Godolphin Management. (April 4)

Kentucky ‘Think Tank’ On Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
US veterinarians & researchers trying to pinpoint the cause of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome have joined together to create an MRLS ‘think tank’, the progress & goals of which have been discussed this week at a joint meeting of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club & the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners in Lexington. “The veterinarians returned often to one theme: a need for funding,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com, especially to “upgrade facilities at the University of Kentucky's Livestock Diagnostic & Disease Center.” Dr Richard Holder summed up: "We've lost a half a billion dollars (in horses) & put up $500,000. You do the math. It's not going to take that much money. We have to find the cause of this. Our credibility as a good place to raise horses relies on this." Holder noted the ‘think tank’ should make progress & communication more effective because it centralises all efforts toward solving MRLS & priorities research projects. Members of the ‘think tank’ include: University of Kentucky researchers Dr Bruce Webb & Dr Karen McDowell; epidemiologist Dr Francois Elvinger; Dr Don Schlafer from Cornell University; & entomologist Jeff Bloomquist from Virginia Technical University. "The ‘think tank’ approach is certainly different," Holder said. "They're not really competing for funds or recognition. It's organised; they're sharing information. We're not duplicating trials." (April 4)

Lone Star Park To Host Breeders’ Cup
Lone Star Park & Breeders’ Cup Ltd have signed a contract to conduct the 2004 World Thoroughbred Championships at the track in Grand Prairie in Texas. It will mark the first time Lone Star Park has hosted the Breeders’ Cup & also the first time the event has been in either Texas or the US Southwest. Breeders’ Cup president D.G. Van Clief told thoroughbredtimes.com: “We are delighted to make it official that the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships are coming to Lone Star Park next year. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of the nation’s great sports markets & Lone Star Park has done an excellent job establishing first class racing there. We look forward to working with the Lone Star/Magna Entertainment Corporation team.” Lone Star was initially scheduled to host the event in 2005, but was moved up in the rotation when Churchill Downs could not handle the event in 2004 due to a major track expansion project. Lone Star Park will become the 9th different track to host the Breeders’ Cup since the event’s inception in 1984. (April 4)

UK Racing Lab’s Nandrolone Test ‘Break-Through
The UK Horse-racing Forensic Laboratory has made “a breakthrough in testing for the controversial banned substance nandrolone, which chief executive Dr David Hall claims could have far-reaching effects for athletes & the supplement industry,” reported racingpost.co.uk. HFL's lab at Newmarket (which is run by the UK Levy Board & conducts drug screening for the UK Jockey Club) has launched the UK's first “accredited testing service for drug contamination of sports supplements”. The new tests detect a broad range of banned drugs; the best known is the steroid nandrolone. (April 4)

Latest $3 Million Golden Slipper Order-Of-Entry
1: Kusi (J.Hawkes) $324,700
2: Polar Success (G.Rogerson) $307,375
3: Hasna (G.Waterhouse) $299,625
4: Exceed And Excel (T.Martin) $137,575
5: Legally Bay (J.Hawkes) $125,150
6: Winestock (T.O’Sullivan) $295,050
7: Halibery (M.Price) $263,300
8: Hammerbeam (J.Hawkes) $164,250
9: Secret Land (G.Waterhouse) $163,750
10: Dorky (J.Hawkes) $135,500
11: Snip Attack (P.Moody) $126,500
12: How Funny (G.Waterhouse) $121,250
13: Handsome Ransom (P.Sutherland) $120,550
14: Niello (J.Hawkes) $86,600
15: Face Value (B.Laming) $72,363
16: Syrinx (J.Hawkes) $71,800
17: Fragmentation (T.McEvoy) $67,610
18: Frasassas (J.Hawkes) $65,300
19: Untouchable (G.Waterhouse) $60,500
20: Ultimate Fever (J.O’Shea) $59,150
21: Best Northern (T.Hoare) $53,500
22: Miss Terrain (M.Price) $51,250
23: Olympus (C.Conners) $49,350
24: Al Jameel (G.Rogerson) $48,230
25: Spur Me On (G.Waterhouse) $45,00
26: Danbird (G.Ryan) $38,850
27: Shamekha (G.Waterhouse) $38,250
28: Bella Corona (R.Pearse) $36,650
29: Navaho Princess (G.Rogerson) $35,660
30: Hipwell (N.Godbolt) $35,570
30: Aracena (G.Waterhouse) $31,050
31: Resistor (R.Thomsen) $13,520
 (April 4)

Inglis Man Topical Tip
Friday Odd Spot: Inglis auctioneer Jonathan D'Arcy may prove this weekend’s topical tip. In Race 1 at Caulfied tomorrow, numbers 2 & 3 are Look Jonathan & Classy Darcy. (April 4)

Belle du Jour To Chase UK Gr1s For Dermot Weld
Top Australian sprinting mare Belle du Jour is heading for Dermot Weld’s stable at The Curragh in Ireland to continue her chase for international Gr1 sprints. Following her 4th in the Gr1 Golden Shaheen in Dubai last weekend, Belle du Jour was originally heading for trainer John Hammond in France. But Hammond suggested the French tracks would not suit the mare & Weld was happy to provide an alternative. Trainer Clarry Conners told racenet.com.au: "Dermot seemed very happy to know that he is going to have her. He has asked me to call him so we can go over the racing plans for her. She'll then go to Danehill & be covered on September 1." The mare will then remain in Ireland for 2003 before returning to John Singleton's Strawberry Hills Stud in January 2004. Conners said Belle du Jour has 3 planned races in the UK: a Gr2 (1200m) at The Curragh in May; the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Ascot (1200m) at Ascot in June; & the Gr1 July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket. (April 3)

Woodlands Leads The World In 2003 Group Winners
Jack & Bob Ingham's Woodlands Stud “is easily the leading breeder of Group winners world-wide so far in 2003,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “Already Woodlands is responsible for 10 individual Group winners, namely: Bradshaw, Dexterous, Gordo, Hammerbeam, Kusi, Niello, Lonhro, Planchet, Syrinx & Yell. Add to this Listed-winner Pearly Kings & the Hunter Valley nursery leads the world table by some way.” Shadai Farm in Japan has bred 3 Group winners & Juddmonte Farms has 2. The Niarchos Family is responsible for Sulamani, while their trading company Flaxman Holdings is listed as the breeder of Gr1 winner Aldebaran & Snake Mountain. The international thoroughbred website noted: “Even allowing for the European flat-racing season just starting, the Woodlands results are some feat, especially considering their Group winners are by 8 different stallions, 4 of them - Canny Lad, Desert Prince, Grand Lodge & Octagonal - all resident at Woodlands.” (April 3)

Larneuk Stud Secures Archway For 2003
Larneuk Stud announced champion Victorian stallion Archway will stand at its Euroa property for the next 3 seasons. Larneuk principal Neville Murdoch enthused: “We’re pretty excited about securing a stallion like Archway - he’s certainly got the runs on the board. After all, how many other stallions - standing at just $5,500 – have produced 3 Oaks winners in the last 4 years?” Grand Archway won 4 Gr1 races, including the VRC & AJC Oaks, Orr & Australia Stakes; she also ran 2nd in 2 other Gr1s, along with a 3rd behind Sky Heights & Arena in the AJC Derby. Rose Archway won the AJC Oaks & was beaten a neck in the Gr1 Ansett (Australia) Stakes. And She’s Archie won last year’s South Australian Oaks, a fortnight after running a close 2nd to Tully Thunder in the Gr1 Australasian Oaks. Murdoch added: “As happy as we are to be getting a stallion that has produced 3 Oaks winners, one of the things I like most about Archway is his versatility. He throws sprinters, stayers, good colts as well as fillies. Go Flash Go, for instance, won the Gr2 Craiglee Stakes & was twice placed in the Toorak Handicap; he was also beaten a lip by Shogun Lodge in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth – a tremendous son of Archway. And what about old Mighty Way? From the first crop of Archway, he’s still running: 9-years old & still winning money. And there have been some bloody good 2YOs too: people forget Archway was Victoria’s Champion First Season Sire (& he was also Champion Victorian General Sire in 2000-2001).” (April 3)

Archway Boasts 62% Winners-To-Runners
Brought to Australia in 1992, Archway was Champion Sprinter of Ireland as a 3YO. As a sire he has tallied 225 winners (at a 62% strike rate), 18 stakes performers & $17.3 million in progeny earnings. This season he’s already produced 40 winners & close to $900,000 in stakes. Roman Arch won by 3 lengths on Melbourne Cup day & bounced back this autumn with a 3rd behind top-liners Yell & Innovation Girl in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes. Just last weekend King’s Arch ran 2nd in the Gr3 Adelaide Guineas, while Arch Hero & Arch Triumph provided a winning double at Cranbourne. And Smart Arch scored at Yarra Glen on Tuesday. Larneuk Stud’s Neville Murdoch emphasised that Archway’s “sire-line offers broodmare owners a healthy alternative to the glut of Northern Dancer-line stallions in Australia.” Archway, a son of Thatching, is a half-brother to English Derby winner Dr Devious. (April 3)

Letter Highlights ‘Funding Disparities Between NSW & Vic’
A 3-page letter, addressed “Dear Racing Enthusiast” & signed by Racing NSW chairman Tony Hartnell, Harness Racing NSW chairman Brain Paddock & Greyhound Racing NSW chairman Percy Allan has been sent to “racing club administrators of all 3 codes to advise them of the significant & on-going disparities between racing industry funding levels in NSW & Victoria.” Supporting the letter is a 22-page booklet titled ‘Size & Scope of NSW Racing’- an economic impact study undertaken by IER Consulting. The report notes: (a) Victoria receives $58.8 million more in annual funding “due to superior returns from wagering & gaming in that State”; & (b) the NSW racing industry receives 4.5¢ for every $1 bet on the TAB, while Victoria receives 6¢ from every $1 bet with TABCorp. The letter declares: “Without fundamental adjustments to current financial returns received by the NSW racing industry, it is inevitable that there will be an on-going leakage of investment, employment & activity from the NSW racing industry to Victoria. It is likely that regional areas in NSW will bear the majority of this impact. Accordingly, racing industry representatives have met with senior officers of NSW Government in an attempt to secure the long-term viability of the NSW racing industry. We will write to you again in May to advise you of any progress of our endeavours.” Stay tuned! (April 3)

New Racing Minister Reveals Betting History
Read into this what you will: Following the NSW election, the new ministers were sworn-in yesterday. Among them was Grant McBride, the new Minister for Gaming & Racing following veteran Richard Face's retirement from Parliament. Asked by Channel Nine had he ever placed a bet, a startled Minister McBride answered: "What? On horses? Well no, not in the last 20 years." (April 3)

Bargain Buy Continues Winning Run
The win by Barbara Joseph's 3YO filly Ain't Seen Nothin' in the Listed Nolan Classic at Kembla Grange yesterday took her record to 6 wins & a 3rd from 7 starts & $143,650 prize-money – not bad for a $20,000 purchase (when offered by Little Wych Stud in Bathurst) at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale. Despite sitting 3-deep the whole journey, Ain't Seen Nothin' (Nothin' Leica Dane-Icecapade) ran a Kembla track record of 1min 34.8sec for the 1600m. Two excited observers would have been Muswellbrook trainer Pat Farrell & Little Wych breeder John Overnstone: Farrell bought the half-sister to Ain't Seen Nothin' at the Scone Yearling Sale last year for only $5,000; & Overnstone has a weanling half-sister by Commands (giving it a similar nick to Ain't Seen Nothin'). (April 3)

E Dubai’s Recovery Going Well
Further to yesterday’s news that Darley Jonabell Farm stallion E Dubai had been temporarily taken out of service in the US because of penile hematoma: the 1st-year stallion is now recovering nicely & will return to stallion service this year. Darley director of stallions Jimmy Bell told thoroughbredtimes.com: "We’re very satisfied with his progress. We’re assessing the situation continually, & it appears that he’ll be back to breeding sooner rather than later." E Dubai (a multiple Gr2 winner who finished 2nd to Horse-Of-The-Year Point Given in the 2001 Gr1 Travers Stakes) has been out of US service for a week after a small blood vessel in his penile gland ruptured, producing swelling. The 5YO son of Mr Prospector stands at Darley in Lexington for US$15,000 & had covered more than 50 mares this season when the hematoma forced him out of service. He is due to shuttle to Darley’s Australian operation for the 2003 southern hemisphere spring season. (April 3)

Lomond’s Timely Broodmare Sire Stakes Double
Last weekend produced a timely “stakes-winning double as a broodmare sire” for 1983 Gr1 English 2000 Guineas winner Lomond, “who has only a dozen daughters at stud in Australia”, reported racenet.com.au. Exciting 2YO Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona, by Lomond) won the Gr2 STC Todman Slipper Trial (1200m) & National Treasure (Zabeel-Timeless Moment, by Lomond) took the STC Sky High Stakes (1900m). Kia Ora Stud will offer a three-quarter sister to Exceed And Excel at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. The brown filly comes from the 1st crop by Arrowfield Stud’s Redoute’s Choice (the 4-time Gr1 winning son of Danehill). And Vinery Stud will offer a three-quarter brother to National Treasure: a bay colt by Zabeel & the 3rd foal out of Ferragamo. A son of Northern Dancer, Lomond is a half-brother to Seattle Slew & three-quarter brother to Seattle Dancer (the son of Nijinsky whose US$13.1 million price tag at the 1985 Keeneland July Yearling sale remains the highest price ever paid for a yearling at public auction). (April 3)

Nominations Sought For New Board To Run NZ Racing
Nominations are now being sought “for the new Board to run New Zealand’s racing industry,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The NZ Racing Board (which replaces the NZTAB & NZ Racing Industry Board), starts work on August 1 (to coincide with the first day of the new racing calendar). NZ Minister for Racing Annette King has written this week to recognised racing industry organisations inviting nominations for the chairperson & members of the new board. She also called on racing supporters & other interested people to make nominations: “I want to cast the net as wide as possible to ensure that we have suitably qualified nominees. Prior knowledge of the racing industry is not necessarily a prerequisite for appointment to the new board.” Nominations close on April 30. (April 3)

Singapore Announces SARS Precautions At Track & Betting Centres
The Singapore Turf Club has announced “precautionary measures to reduce the possibility of SARS infection at Singapore Racecourse & its off-course betting centres.” The STC has “intensified the cleaning program for the racecourse & the centres. At the racecourse, key areas within the grandstand including counter tops of tote houses, turnstiles & ticketing machines, seats as well as toilets, among other areas, will be cleaned & disinfected on a more regular basis. At the off-course betting centres, a similar strict cleaning program will be followed.” (April 3)

Equine Flu Hits UK’s Newmarket
Meanwhile 6 stables at Newmarket in England have been hit by an outbreak of Equine Flu, reported racingpost.co.uk. None of the stables affected have been identified, although the Animal Health Trust is known to be “running tests on samples from another 2 yards.” (April 3)

Empire Maker 3-1 Favorite In Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Juddmonte Farms' Empire Maker, record-breaking winner of the Gr1 Florida Derby, has been installed as 3-1 favorite for the 3rd & final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens its 4-day run today. The Bobby Frankel-trained son of Unbridled won the Florida Derby by a record margin of 9.5 lengths. Atswhatimtalknbout, among the favorites for this weekend's Gr1 Santa Anita Derby is 6-1 2nd choice, followed by Peace Rules (winner of the Gr3 Louisiana Derby) & Kafwain (also bound for the Santa Anita Derby) & Buddy Gil at 12-1. Badge Of Silver (winner of the Gr3 Risen Star) & Indy Dancer (3rd in the Florida Derby) are next at 15-1. Bloodhorse.com noted: "Empire Maker left a very strong impression with his huge win in the Florida Derby & he won't run again until next week's Wood Memorial, so he will be a pretty solid favorite. A big performance in the Santa Anita Derby by Atswhatimtalknbout would have an impact on the pool's final odds, but that is a very tough race & any of several horses could win.” The Pool 3 opening odds are: 3-1 Empire Maker; 6-1 Atswhatimtalknbout; 12-1 Peace Rules, Kafwain & Buddy Gil; 15-1 Badge Of Silver & Indy Dancer; 20-1 Lion Tamer, Brancusi, Domestic Dispute & New York Hero; 30-1 Alysweep, During, Men Among Men, Ministers Wild Cat, Ocean Terrace, Offlee Wild, Ten Most Wanted & Trust N Luck; 50-1 Aristocat, Funny Cide, Inamorato & Region Of Merit. (April 3)

Zurbaran Wins India’s Gr1 St Leger
American-bred 4YO gelding Zurbaran (Peaks And Valleys-Cut Of The Cloth, by Dauphin Fabuleux) lead all the way to win the Indian Gr1 St Leger at Mumbai, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Zurbaran defeated Fabulous Star (by Razeen) & Spaniards Inn (by Kahyasi). Nanoli Stud Farm acquired Cut Of The Cloth for US$60,000, in foal to Peaks And Valleys, at Keeneland's 1998 November Breeding Stock Sale. Champion & 1995 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year in Canada Peaks And Valleys (by Mt Livermore) stands at Pin Oak Stud in Kentucky. (April 3)

Half-Brother To Storm Flag Flying Born At Claiborne Farm
Multiple Gr1 winner My Flag has given birth to a colt by 1992 US Horse-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO A.P.Indy at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt, bred by Phipps Stable, is a half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner & champion 2YO filly Storm Flag Flying & stakes-placed On Parade. My Flag, a Kentucky-bred daughter of champion Easy Goer, notched 6 wins in 20 starts (including 4 Gr1 victories: 1995 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, 1996 Gr1 Coaching Club American Oaks, 1996 Gr1 Ashland Stakes & 1996 Gr1 Gazelle Handicap). Out of unbeaten Private Account mare Personal Ensign, My Flag is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Miner’s Mark & Gr1 winner Traditionally. She is from the family of Personal Flag & God Of Chance, & will now be bred back to A.P.Indy. (April 3)

Beautiful Pleasure’s First Foal By Thunder Gulch
Champion older mare & multiple Gr1 winner Beautiful Pleasure has foaled a colt by 1995 champion 3YO male & 2001 leading sire Thunder Gulch at John Ward Stables in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The foal is the 1st for the 8YO daughter of Maudlin. Bred in Florida by Farnsworth Farm & campaigned by John Oxley, Beautiful Pleasure won 10 races in 25 starts & earned US$2,734,078. She won 7 stakes events, 6 of them Gr1s: 1997 Gr1 Matron Stakes, 1999 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, 1999 Gr1 Beldame Stakes, 1999 & 2000 Gr1 Personal Ensign Handicap & 2000 Gr1 Hempstead Handicap. Out of unraced Baldski mare Beautiful Bid, Beautiful Pleasure is a full sister to multiple Gr1 winner & sire Mecke. She will be bred back to Monarchos. (April 3)

Top Maryland Sire Smarten Dies At 27
Smarten, one of the top sires in Maryland during the last two decades, has been euthanised at Northview Stallion Station “due to an intestinal blockage that didn't respond to treatment as well as the infirmities of age,” reported bloodhorse.com. The 27-year-old son of Cyane was buried at the farm where he had been a pensioner since 1999. Bred in Maryland by Jim & Eleanor Ryan's Ryehill farm, Smarten won 11 of 27 starts, including 4 Derbys in 1979: Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio & American. In 1980 Smarten entered stud at Windfields Farm (the current location of Northview Stallion Station). In his first crop, he sired Canadian champion 3YO Classy 'n Smart (later named Canadian Broodmare-Of-The-Year). He stood for 19 seasons, siring 391 winners from 508 starters & progeny earnings of US$26,850,828. Among 48 stakes winners sired by Smarten are Gr1 winners Prenup, Dance Teacher, Smart n Slick & Southern Arrow (in Italy). (April 3)

Warrnambool Launches $640,000 Carnival
Warrnambool Racing Club last night officially launched its 3-day $640,000 carnival (Tuesday April 29-Thursday May 1). New feature race sponsorships include the Carlton Draught Grand Annual Steeplechase, Savings & Loans Credit Union Warrnambool Cup & Tip Top Bakeries Matilda Classic. A Mercedes-Benz C180 Sports Coups (worth $64,000) is the tempting bonus prize for a trainer who can win 4 nominated feature races. The Jim Houlahan medal & a $10,000 cash prize will again be awarded to the trainer who accumulates the most points in jumps races over the carnival. (April 3)

Betfair Faces Millions In Aust Fines
This morning’s headline in The Sydney Morning Herald proclaims: “Betfair Faces Millions In Fines After Content Ruled Illegal.” The newspaper reports: “The multi-billion dollar betting exchange Betfair faces fines of $1 million a day after the Australian Broadcasting Authority found the UK-based company’s content was prohibited.” The Herald has obtained a document which also states the ABA believes “there was sufficient evidence of possible breaches of sections 15 & 61EA of the Interactive Gaming Act to warrant the referral of the matter to a law enforcement agency.” The ABA has forwarded to the Australian Federal Police “details of the Betfair ruling along with information lodged in a complaint by a respected racing identity who asked the Herald not to be named.” Tim Ryan, a member of the Australian Bookmakers Association internet betting committee, was “not surprised in the least” at the ABA’s findings, commenting: “Any idiot who has read the legislation knows that betting exchanges can’t do what they are doing in Australia. They are flagrantly flouting one of the most globally well-publicised pieces of legislation. The legislation is clear: do not target Australians, do not provide prohibited gambling services, do not pass go. Betfair have a customised menu for Australian users – how stupid is that?” (April 2)

Weld Names Media Puzzle & Lowlander For Melb Cup
Irish trainer & leading international campaigner Dermot Weld has confirmed he is to target Australia's Melbourne Cup again this year. Weld won with Media Puzzle last year & Vintage Crop in 1993, as well as sending out champion European stayer Vinnie Roe (who finished 4th behind his lightly-weighted stablemate) last November. Weld told racingpost.co.uk: "We will aim Media Puzzle at the Melbourne Cup again, but I'm not sure Vinnie Roe will go back there. We could be looking at Lowlander as our other horse. The Melbourne Cup takes a lot out of them & it could take a horse 6 months to get over it. Vinnie Roe was a bit sore after the Melbourne Cup & I have my reservations about him going back there. What we'll do with Vinnie Roe is have a look at him in May.” The shrewd Curragh trainer bought Lowlander out of John Oxx's yard for 125,000 guineas at the Newmarket Autumn Sales & revealed he could send the 4YO jumping before heading for Australia: “Lowlander has been well schooled over hurdles & I see him as a dual-purpose horse. He may go to the Punchestown Festival for the 4YO hurdle or to the Galway festival.” (April 2)

Darley Stallion E Dubai Sidelined
Darley stallion E Dubai, who is standing his first season at stud at Jonabell near Lexington in Kentucky, has been temporarily removed from service because of penile hematoma. Prior to the injury, he covered more than 50 mares. Farm manager Jimmy Bell told bloodhorse.com: "He bred a mare that day & everything went fine. It was after the breeding that the rupture took place. A small blood vessel in his penile gland ruptured & produced swelling. It wasn't caused by any kind of accident. He wasn't kicked or anything like that." E Dubai, a 5YO son of Mr Prospector out of stakes-winning Lord At War mare Words Of War, has remained at the farm & is on medication. Bell added: “We're going to evaluate him each day & let him heal properly. There's no timetable on when he'll be back." A US$1.35 million Keeneland September yearling, E Dubai won 2 Gr2 stakes & earned US$920,800. His northern hemisphere service fee is US$15,000. (April 2)

King Of Prussia To Stand At Greta West
Anabaa 4YO King Of Prussia will stand the 2003 season at Victorian stud Greta West, in the heart of Ned Kelly country, at a fee of $2,750. Raced by Wakefield Stud’s Brian Agnew & businessman-philanthropist Sir Donald Trescowthick, King Of Prussia will join Encores, Fraar, Ladoni & Toy Pindarri at Greta West. Bronwyn Farr from Aushorse reported: “Studmaster Joe McCarthy said King Of Prussia had shown Gr1 ability, winning on debut on Melbourne Cup day by 6 lengths, but knee problems had prevented him fulfilling his potential.” He is a stakes winning half-brother to Sportsman, from a grand-daughter of Sir Tristram. (April 2)

Victory Vein Injured & Out Of Autumn Carnival
The 2002 champion 2YO Victory Vein is out for at least the autumn after severing a front tendon at Kembla Grange. Syndicate Manager Tom Ford told racenet.com.au: "I went down immediately to Kembla Grange after Bede Murray rang me. I had a look at the track where the accident happened & at the crossing there is a ditch with a clay pipe in it. The pipe is chipped in places & as you can imagine very sharp. Apparently the filly was leaving the track when a couple of other horses were crossing as well &, as horses do, they started to jump around. Victory Vein has dropped her back leg into the hole & that's when the damage has occurred. I am very upset at this. I understand completely that horses have accidents in track-work & on race-day & can break down for no apparent reason; but I am very upset that this is a 'man-made' accident that could possibly have been avoided. I have been advised that Bede has complained about this area to the Club before." Victory Vein has had the wound cleansed, with 10 stitches put in the tendon which is 90% severed, & this has been bandaged to the surrounding sheath. She has also been placed on antibiotics. Vet Chris Lawler has advised the next 5-7 days is crucial to see if any infection has set in; she will then be inspected again in 4 weeks to see how the leg is healing. "The question on her return is really an open one,” said Ford. (April 2)

Olympus Slipper Threat To Waterhouse Pair
If beautifully bred 2YO Olympus (Danehill-Metal Of Honour) wins the Listed Toyota Classic at Kembla today, part-owner Andrew Bowcock says he’ll stand at Alanbridge Stud when he retires. "And if he wins, he’ll also definitely run in the Golden Slipper too," said Bowcock, who owns Alanbridge Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley. A win would rock the Gai Waterhouse stable on 2 levels: it would mean Olympus beating Waterhouse Slipper hope Secret Land; & would also place Olympus in front of Waterhouse stable-mate Untouchable (owned by Darley Stud) on the tight Slipper order-of-entry. That would place Untouchable precariously in the quest for a Slipper start, as it would drop him back to 20th. Only 14 can start on Slipper day. (April 2)

Inflate Highlighted As Blue-Blood Bargain Sire
The recent 1100m win at Warwick Farm in class record time by Inflation has highlighted “the first crop of one of the most impressively bred budget-priced sires currently in NSW,” noted racenet.com.au. He is the former American sprinter Inflate, located with Bureaucracy & the Last Tycoon galloper Fubu at Stuart Lamont’s Kooringal Stud in the Wagga Wagga district. Inflate “is by one of the world’s most respected Mr Prospector sires Forty Niner” from Add (a daughter of Spectacular Bid, the sire of Bite The Bullet & Spectacular Spy). Racenet.com.au summed up: “Inflate’s immediate family is one of the greatest of modern times. He is nearly a three-quarter brother to the Mr Prospector 2YO winner & successful sire Jade Robbery, & is from a daughter of a Nijinsky dual Gr2 winner who is a sister-in-blood to the good Australian sire Yeats & a three-quarter sister to the world famous Nureyev. On top of this Inflate’s grandam is a half-sister to the dam of record breaking European sire Sadler’s Wells & his noted brother Fairy King. It is also the family of Mr Prospector’s Geiger Counter, a sire of Gr1 winners.” Inflation is among the big list of winners bred in the past 35 years by leading bloodstock agent Les Young, who “bred the first 4 dams of Inflation & has the unique distinction of breeding the 1st winner for 10 different sires.” (April 2)

Hayil’s 1st-Crop Foals Attract Attention
Keen breeding eyes will focus on the 4 1st-crop foals from Hayil in the catalogue for the Inglis Easter mixed sale on April 11. Hayil “could be the most successful sire in many years” to stand at the Kruger family’s historic Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick in Queensland, reported racenet.com.au. Although Lyndhurst has stood 5 imported sires over the last 40 years - including Smokey Eyes & Celestial Dancer, which have led Australia by winners & Queensland by earnings - “none of them has had the brilliance on the racetrack to do what Hayil has been able to do & that is win a Gr1 race.” Hayil was one of the top 2YOs in Europe in 1997, finishing in the first 3 in 5 of his 6 outings (including a win in England’s most historic 2YO sprint, the Gr1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket). Hayil is by Dayjur (by Danzig), who was Horse-Of-The-Year in England as a 3YO & champion European sprinter. Hayil’s 4 1st-crop foals at the coming sale could be bargain buys: they are all in the dispersal sale of Sunswift Stud for long-time breeder Frank Wilson who, because of ill health, is returning to NZ after 20 years in the Hunter Valley. (April 2)

Free Defier & Lonhro Caps At Rosehill
With weight-for-age stars Defier & Lonhro going head-to-head over 1500m in the $350,000 Gr1 Darley Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, the Sydney Turf Club will give-away free commemorative caps (1,000 Defier & 1,000 Lonhro) to the first 2,000 fans through the gates. There will also be ‘King Of The Hill’ commemorative challenge posters given away, plus face painters on-course to paint the respective colours of Defier & Lonhro onto willing supporters. STC sales & marketing general manager David Craig said: “We are ecstatic to be the hosts of a talent line-up such as Defier, Lonhro & Northerly (running in the 2400m Gr3 Manion Cup). This is a line-up of superstars that may never be seen at Rosehill Gardens on the same day again.” (April 2)

Mitsubishi Victorian Country Cup Series
Mitsubishi Motors Australia & Country Racing Victoria announced a 3-year sponsorship arrangement via establishment of the 2003 Mitsubishi Country Cups Thoroughbred Racing Series. The deal involves 13 Victorian Country Racing clubs, with 3 Victorian series to be held across the state. The national sponsorship (which is the first multi-state deal of its type) also involves NSW, SA & Queensland, & will inject $1 million into country racing over the next 2 years. The Victorian dates are:
  • Mitsubishi Wimmera Mallee Series: The 1st series, worth $70,000, consists of heats at Mildura, Warracknabeal & Stawell before the Final in Swan Hill, on Friday June 6.
  • Mitsubishi Golden Grain Series: Worth $117,500, the 2nd series will showcase heats at Murtoa, Horsham, Donald, St Arnaud & Ararat before the $30,000 final at Donald on Sunday November 23.
  • Mitsubishi Western Otway Series: The 3rd series will be worth $65,000 & consist of heats at Penshurst, Edenhope, Terang & a $20,000 final at Camperdown in March 2004.
(April 2)

QTC Seeks Answer: Who Will Own New Brisbane Track?
The Queensland Turf Club is seeking clarification of who would own the venues in models under consideration by Queensland Racing in its master plan for Brisbane metropolitan racing. QTC chairman Phil Sullivan said his board met to discuss the Metropolitan Racing Facilities Master Planning Project & noted it was reluctant to comment until a number of concerns were clarified, notably who would own, manage & control a proposed new greenfield site or a redeveloped Eagle Farm if the QTC merged with the Brisbane Turf Club. Sullivan said it would be “ridiculous” if the clubs had no ownership of a new greenfield site if their assets were used to go towards the development of a new facility. (April 2)

Auckland Proceeds With Controversial New Track
Meanwhile Auckland Racing Club yesterday announced it will proceed with its controversial training track facility at Prices Road. The ARC Board issued a statement saying: "The Board has consulted closely with trainers, particularly those in the Auckland area, & has received strong support for the decision to go to Prices Road. Among leading trainers who have committed to Prices Road are Colin Jillings, Richard Yuill, Frank & Craig Ritchie, Bruce Wallace, Nigel Tiley & David Ellis. The positive support from these & other trainers will guarantee the success of the facility that has the capacity to cater for over 800 horses in training. It is clear that the complex will start with significantly more horses in training than the 250 which currently train at Takanini." Work on the Prices Road facility will commence without further delay & the complex is expected to open in March 2005. (April 2)

Titus Livius Colt Tops Opening Day At Doncaster Sale
Prominent UK owner P.J.Finn paid top price of 34,000 guineas for a Titus Livius colt (a half-brother to 6 winners) on the opening day of Doncaster's 2003 Breeze-Up Sale. Finn, who will race the youngster in the same partnership that won this year's Great Yorkshire Chase with Barryscourt Lad, told racingpost.co.uk: "He's going to David Elsworth & looked a really nice sort of horse." Finn also paid 27,000 guineas for a Daggers Drawn colt. John Needham of Elmhurst Bloodstock paid 30,000 guineas for a Primo Dominie colt (whose grand-dam is a sister to Efisio) & said: "He was bought for a new client & is going to Brian Meehan. He was one of the best breezers this morning & a lovely individual." And Irish trainer Michael Halford also paid 30,000 guineas for a Primo Dominie colt half-brother to top hurdler Intersky Falcon & Lincoln winner John Ferneley; Halford trained the 2YO's half-brother Steel Mirror, a winner on the Flat, over hurdles & fences. A bumper crowd at Doncaster was swelled by international buyers from Italy & across Europe, as well as Japan & the US. Californian Gordian Troeller paid 22,000 guineas for a Mujadil colt & Italian Marco Bozzi paid 26,000 guineas for an Alhaarth colt. (April 2)

Gary Hind May Not Return To Britain
UAE champion jockey-elect Gary Hind may not return to ride in Britain when the Emirates racing season ends on April 20. Hind told racingpost.co.uk: "It has been a great season, but I needed it to be. Dubai has become my life-line & I am reliant on the season here to see me through the (English) summer. I am in great demand here & it is ironic that my career has basically turned full-circle. This is no longer just a winter away, it is my main income. With no guaranteed job to go home to, I need to make the most of this opportunity. I would like to clinch the jockeys' championship to go with the one I shared in Bahrain 2 years ago. Then I am not sure what is in prospect. I had some success in Group races in Germany at the end of last season & am in negotiations as to a possible retainer there. I have also been offered a stint in Singapore. Ideally I would prefer to go home to Newmarket, but I also have a house in Prague so Europe is an option. I only rode 7 winners at home last year, but I rode 3 Group winners in Germany." Hind declared he was frustrated that "driving to the likes of Bath for 1 ride becomes soul destroying - especially when they abandon the meeting when you are a mile away. Unless a suitable offer comes along, I may become another racing exile. It would be a shame." (April 2)

Fractured Leg Sidelines Anees From Stallion Duty
Anees, US champion 2YO male of 1999, has fractured his left front pastern in a paddock accident. The 6YO son of Unbridled (who was standing his 3rd season at Alice & John Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm in Kentucky for US$15,000 & had covered 29 mares so far) will be taken out of stud duty for the rest of the season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Anees, whose 1st crop are yearlings this year, underwent surgery on Monday. Anees is out of the Alydar mare Ivory Idol & won the 1999 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Gulfstream Park for The Thoroughbred Corporation. Earlier this year, a colt by Anees out of winning Danzig Connection mare Regatta Queen sold for US$160,000 at the 2003 Keeneland January mixed sale. (April 2)

First Win For Irish Freshman Sire Princely Heir
Romancero, the first starter by 1997 Gr1 Phoenix Stakes winner Princely Heir, won over 5 furlongs at Lingfield Park in England last weekend, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Princely Heir, an 8YO Irish-bred son of Fairy King who won 3 of 15 career starts (& was twice placed in stakes races), stands at Abbeyleix Stud in County Laois in Ireland & has 24 juveniles in his first crop. (April 2)

First Win For US Freshman Sire Renteria
Gambling Rent won special weight race at Santa Anita Park in his 2nd career start, becoming the first winner for US freshman sire Renteria, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gambling Rent is the only starter to date for Renteria, who has 15 foals of racing age in his 1st crop. A 9YO son of Incinderator, Renteria (who tallied 3 wins & 9 placings in 21 career starts) is the only stakes winner from 3 winners out of the unraced Pilgrim mare Thru Colonizing; he stands at Hi Horse Ranch in Idaho. And Louisiana-based stallion Moonlight Dancer was represented by his first winner when It’s Just A Game won a special weight event at Fair Grounds; 11-year-old Moonlight Dancer (who compiled 6 wins & 13 placings in 29 career races) has 7 starters out of 32 foals in 2 crops of racing age & stands at Clear Creek Stud in Louisiana. (April 2)

Aust Broodmare Sale Includes 120 Stakes-Performers
The catalogue for the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale (April 29-30 & May 1) at Newmarket in Sydney features 776 mares. The list of over 120 stakes-performers includes:
  • Champion South African mare Hoeberg (NZ-bred multiple Gr1 winner by Maroof; internationally proven when 3rd in Dubai Duty Free Gr1 last year).
  • Outstanding performer Inaflury ( by champion sire Zabeel; winner of Gr1 VATC 1000 Guineas; served by Viscount).
  • Gr1 winner Belle Chanson (served by Royal Academy).
  • Gr2 winner Dandify (by Danehill from Caulfield Cup winner Mannerism; served by Octagonal).
  • Gr2 winner Close Your Eyes (served by Galileo).
  • Gr2 winner What Can I Say (served by Fusaichi Pegasus).
  • Gr2 winner Flight to Fantasy (served by Fantastic Light).
  • Gr2 winner Love of Mary (served by Real Quiet).
  • Gr3 winner Sybeel (served by Carnegie).
  • Gr3 winner Hula Wonder (served by Dehere).
  • Gr3 winning racemare Platonic (prize-money of $426,238).
  • Gr3 winning racemare Libidinious (prize-money of $396,940).
  • Stakes-winner Verdict Declared (sister to Mr Innocent; served by Viscount).
Proven producers include:
  • Dewamar (dam of Gr1 SAJC derby winner Pantani; served by Carnegie).
  • Fleur de Chine (stakes-winning dam of Gr1 SAJC Australasian Oaks winner Tully Thunder; served by Montjeu).
  • Lady Special (dam of Gr1 winner Bomber Bill; served by Air de France).
  • Lilande (dam of Gr1 weight-for-age star Defier; served by Dehere).
  • Political Asylum (dam of multiple Gr1 winner Landsighting; served by Danzero).
  • Te Akau Toy (dam of Gr1 winner March Hare; served by King Cugat).
  • Vreeland (dam of Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes winner Danglissa; served by Canny Lad).
  • Western Chorus (dam of HK Gr1 winner Jeune King Prawn; served by Fusaichi Pegasus).
Mares with an international flavour include:
  • Demure’s Pride (by Cryptoclearance; three-quarter sister to Gr1 winner Quiet American, from the family of Dare And Go; served by Galileo).
  • Distinction Desert (half-sister by Green Desert to Gr2 winner Bobzao, from the Flame Of Tara family; served by Octagonal).
  • Duchess Drive (by Halling; from the family of Gr1 winners Lit de Justice & Commander Collins; 1st season at stud; served by Zafonic).
  • El Habeeba (3YO filly by Hector Protector from champion Habibti, half-sister to the dams of Lafleur, Morshdi, from the Eight Carat family; racing & breeding prospect).
  • French Flair (by Bering; stakes-placed dam of stakes-winners Griega & Fair Weather; served by Danzero).
  • Golden Sand (half-sister by Riverman to Gr1 winner Gabina; served by Royal Academy).
  • Incommunicado (by Sadler’s Wells; daughter of Gr1 winner Aptostar; served by Giant’s Causeway).
  • Lakab (by Manila; dam of stakes-winner European Rose; served by Giant’s Causeway).
  • Newgirlintown (half-sister by Seeking The Gold to Gr3 winner Party Manners; served by Belong To Me).
  • Opulence (half-sister by Arazi to Gr1 winner Lend A Hand; served by Redoute’s Choice).
  • Passing Hope (three-quarter sister by Sadler’s Wells to Gr2 winners Panama City & Morgana; 1st season at stud; served by Danehill).
  • Persian Juli (sister to champion Irish filly Kooyonga; served by Dehere).
  • Plastic Lady (Gr2-placed in South Africa; half-sister by Centaine to outstanding mare Happyanyunoit; served by Grand Lodge).
  • Royal Proclomation (half-sister by Kingmambo to Gr1 winner Tactile; served by Carnegie).
  • Shy Sadie (half-sister by Trempolino to Gr3 winners Maximilian & Mystical Mood, from the family of Istidaad; served by High Yield).
  • South Sea Storm (by Quiet American; three-quarter sister to stakes-winner Signal Tap, from the family of Storm Bird; served by Giant’s Causeway).
Exciting young mares include:
  • Corelli (stakes-winner of $231,910; 1st season at stud; served by Lion Hunter).
  • Forest Girl (half-sister by Woodman to HK Gr1 winner King Of Danes; 1st season at stud; served by Redoute’s Choice).
  • Hello Boys (Gr3-placed; 1st season at stud; served by Galileo).
  • In Red (half-sister by Marscay to Gr2 winner Before Too Long & stakes-winner Okanui; 1st season at stud; served by Belong To Me).
  • Leica Virgin (by Danehill from Gr1 SAJC Oaks winner Leica Smile; 1st season at stud; served by Quest for Fame).
  • Picholine (Gr1-placed; 1st season at stud; served by Desert Prince).
  • Pyramisa (sister to Gr2 winner Pembleton; 1st season at stud; served by Canny Lad).
  • Roralism (stakes-placed winner of $172,120; 1st season at stud; served by Catbird).
  • Scratch (half-sister by Danehill to Gr3 winner Red Trinket; 1st season at stud; served by Royal Academy).
  • Under (half-sister by Canny Lad to Gr1 winner Over & stakes-winner Riona; 1st season at stud; served by Quest For Fame).
(April 2)

Trainer Ellerton Says UAE Derby Winner May Come To Australia
Further to yesterday’s item mentioning the possibility, The Melbourne Age has reported that after winning the US$2 million United Arab Emirates Derby on the weekend’s Dubai World Cup program, 4YO Victory Moon might be headed to Australia. Flemington-based trainer Matt Ellerton told the newspaper Victory Moon, a South Africa-bred currently trained by Michael de Kock, could join his stable to aim for the Gr1 Caulfield Cup & Gr1 Cox Plate later this year. Ellerton said: "Clients of mine are friends with the owners of Victory Moon & I have been in touch with them through a few e-mails &, barring anything unforeseen happening with quarantine, he could be down here by late May or early June." The newspaper also revealed Mad Syndicate, which owns Victory Moon, turned down an offer from Godolphin Racing to buy the horse for US$1.08 million on the eve of the UAE Derby. Victory Moon has 5 wins & a 2nd from 6 career starts. (April 1)

Moon Ballad To Be Aimed At Breeders' Cup Classic
Meanwhile jockey Frankie Dettori has declared "the sky is the limit" for Moon Ballad after the Godolphin colt evoked memories of the mighty Dubai Millennium when winning the Dubai World Cup. ”The 4YO will now be campaigned with the aim of ending Sheikh Mohammed & Godolphin's hoodoo in the Breeders' Cup Classic,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Dettori had screamed “Show me the money!" on his return to the winners’ enclosure & later added: "He has improved so much this year & it would have taken a real good one to beat him. The sky is the limit for this horse. I have been an unlucky 3rd & 2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Classic & hopefully he can be the one to change that." The Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita is now “the colt's ultimate aim” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford confirmed: “Last year we were always thinking of looking to his 4YO campaign & all options are open to him. He is likely to go to America during the year ahead. There are other races in America that we will consider besides the Breeders' Cup Classic. That’s his right trip but we could go over a mile in the Sussex Stakes & then back to a mile & quarter in the autumn. He has a lot of tactical speed & a turn of foot.” (April 1)

Big Dubai Weekend For UK Tattersalls
And with just a fortnight until the UK Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale (April 16-17), Moon Ballad has provided a spectacular advertisement for the Newmarket-based auctioneers with an electrifying display in the world's richest race. The 4YO son of Darley stallion Singspiel, out of Gr2 Lowther Stakes winner Velvet Moon, was consigned to the 2000 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by Bugley Stud (on behalf of Newgate Stud) & was purchased by Godolphin's John Ferguson for 350,000 guineas, while Velvet Moon herself was sold at last year's Tattersalls December Sale for 875,000 guineas to Anthony Penfold. Tattersalls marketing director Jimmy George noted: “Moon Ballad’s World Cup victory was the icing on the Tattersalls cake, after Firebreak landed the Godolphin Mile earlier on the program.” Firebreak was first sold by Scorrier House Stud at the same October Yearling Sale as Moon Ballad when purchased by Charlie Gordon-Watson for 27,000 guineas on behalf of Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds. After a 2YO career which included 4 wins (culminating in the Gr2 Mill Reef Stakes), Firebreak was subsequently purchased by Godolphin at the 2001 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale for a record 525,000 guineas. (April 1)

Bart Cummings Fined $2,000
Trainer Bart Cummings was fined $2,000 yesterday at a Racing NSW inquiry after one of his horses was found to have competed in a barrier trial with a prohibited substance in its system. Cummings pleaded guilty to a charge under AR177A, in that he “brought Sandalo to Royal Randwick racecourse on Friday, 28 February 2003, when a post-trial analysis of the horse’s urine sample revealed the presence of the prohibited drug phenylbutazone & its metabolite oxyphenbutazone.” Stable foreman John Thompson admitted he had given Sandalo the drug in paste form on the Thursday morning, prior to the Friday morning trial. Thompson told the inquiry: “The horse was experiencing back problems & it completely slipped my mind that he was due to trial the following day.” Cummings added the stable was undergoing relocation & this would not have helped the stable’s routine: “There was a lot of activity at the time & I suppose we’ve taken our eye off the ball just the once.” Racing NSW chairman of stewards Ray Murrihy noted Cummings had not been before the stewards for anything similar in more than 4 years (attending an inquiry into the use of a therapeutic drug) & summed up: “We feel a $2,000 fine is adequate in the circumstances. The horse had an on-going back problem & there was no imminent danger, as the drug was not administered to treat leg problems. We accept that you Mr Cummings would not put a horse onto the track if it had any sort of leg problems.” (April 1)

Roger James Fined $6,000
Trainer Roger James has been fined $6000 after 4YO Horse Dot Com returned a positive swab following his win at Yarra Glen in February. An analyst’s report “confirmed the presence of Isoxsuprine, a banned substance, in a urine sample & stewards disqualified the gelding from the TROA Sport 927 Hcp (1950m) on February 7,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Prominent NZ trainer James also has horses in training at Flemington. (April 1)

Aust Court Orders Sportingbet To Pay $2.6 Million Damages
UK on-line bookmaker Sportingbet has been ordered to pay £1 million (A$2.6 million) in damages to transport group K&S Corporation by courts in Australia “after accepting bets from a punter who used money allegedly stolen from the firm to fund his gambling,” reported racingpost.co.uk. South Australia’s Supreme Court ruled Sportingbet was liable for the 7-figure sum after Dennis Telford, a former company secretary with the firm, went on a massive gambling spree. Telford stands accused of embezzling £8 million (A$21 million) from hisformer employer. He denies the charge. Sportingbet became embroiled in the case after acquiring Australian bookmaking firm The Number One Betting Shop 2 years ago; that company is one of several K&S is pursuing for pay-back for Telford’s activities. The court ruled Sportingbet Australia was happy to accept Telford’s telephone bets, even though it was aware of the alleged source of the money. UK Sportingbet (which was launched by Mark Blandford 5 years ago) is setting aside £1.3m in the wake of the court decision, though it is planning an appeal. (April 1)

UK Report: Thoroughbreds ‘Exploited To Point Of Unhealthiness’
The “genetic exploitation of the thoroughbred racehorse” is the focus of a controversial British report titled Riding For A Fall: The Genetic Time Bomb At The Heart Of Racing. It declares the “foundations of racing are being threatened due to the exploitation of the thoroughbred racehorse, in the breeding shed & on the racetrack,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The comprehensive analysis examines how “excessive in-breeding for speed can be attributed to an increased predisposition toward genetic weaknesses that hamper the soundness & durability of the equine athlete. Excessive in-breeding is discussed as a precursor for increased bone weakness, immune system deficiencies, higher incidences of gastric ulcers & exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH).” The incidence of over-production is also examined. The analysis “directs focus to the breeding shed, where stallions are now required to cover hundreds of mares through not only 1 but 2 breeding seasons, if they are shuttled off to cover mares during the Southern Hemisphere’s breeding season. Exhaustion, lack of libido & replication of genetically undesirable traits — including bone weakness — are targets of discussion.” The report also reveals that “excessive over-production of thoroughbreds has not increased the number of individuals who are able to withstand the rigors of training. Analysis statistics reveal that over-production has actually resulted in a decline in the number of horses who actually make it to the racetrack, & attributes it to the high incidence of genetically transmitted unsoundness.” (April 1)

Vinery Tip For Fictitious Lady
When lightly raced Bollinger (Dehere-Bint Marscay) stormed to victory in the Gr1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens, it continued a terrific run of Black Type for her owner Vinery Stud. Vinery’s Haliberry (Red Ransom-Brown Eyed Girl) won twice at Gr3 & then was Gr1 placed just 3 weeks before Bollinger's performance. And the run may continue in the Listed Toyota Classic (1200m) at Kembla Grange tomorrow via the lightly raced Fictitious Lady (Flying Spur-Our Fiction). Vinery general manager Peter Orton confirmed: "This filly is very, very good & with only 6 runners in the race, we think she is a great chance to add to our Black Type run of late.” Fictitious Lady will head toward the $1 million Inglis Heroic at Randwick if she wins at Kembla. (April 1)

Stallion Plan For $900,000 Sunday Silence Colt
Meanwhile, on the male front, Vinery’s experiment in buying a stallion as a yearling took a giant step forward this week, following breaking-in reports on their $900,000 Sunday Silence-Engraver colt (purchased at the Magic Millions January Sale). Vinery general manager Peter Orton declared the report “exceptionally good” & said if the colt can win a Group race, he may well reverse shuttle to the US. (April 1)

Vinery Aust To Stand 8 Stallions in NSW Hunter Valley
Vinery Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley will stand 8 stallions in Australia this year, including boom sire Red Ransom. Two stallion from its roster last year, Real Quiet & Sandpit, will not be returning this season. (April 1)

Weekend Stakes Racing Spotlights Easter Offerings
Last weekend’s racing boosted the prospects of a number of offerings at the up-coming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale:
  • Exceed And Excel’s win in the Gr2 Todman Stakes spotlighted his three-quarter sister brown filly (offered by Kia Ora Stud) by Redoute’s Choice from Patrona.
  • The Listed Sky High Stakes victory for National Treasure provided a major boost for her three-quarter brother-in-blood colt (offered by Vinery Stud) by Zabeel from former top class Kiwi sprinter-miler Ferragamo.
  • Inverness Stud gained a timely pedigree push for their Peintre Celebre colt from Bebhinn, when his half-brother Kugelhope broke through for his first stakes win in the Listed Toowoomba Cup.
  • Wakefield Stud is offering a half-brother by Flying Spur to Gr2 Phar Lap Stakes winner Thorn Park, as well as a half-sister by Canny Lad to runner-up Sportsman.
  • In addition there are 4 other yearlings from Thorn Park’s immediate family: a half-brother to Gr2 winner So Gorgeous by Orpen; a Fasliyev filly from Gifted Spirit (a half-sister to the dam of Thorn Park); a half-sister to stakes-winner Kenconcarne by Redoute’s Choice; & a Peintre Celebre colt from Tycoon Joy (a half-sister to the dam of Thorn Park).
  • First starter Isle Of Gibraltar ran 2nd in the Listed SAJC Walter Brown Stakes; the Danehill filly is a three-quarter sister-in-blood to champion 3YO Rock Of Gibraltar from Shirley Heights mare Push A Venture & Coolmore Australia is offering a King Of Kings filly from Push A Venture.
  • Grand Armee finished in the placings in the Gr3 Newcastle Newmarket Handicap, the 4YO’s first assignment in stakes company; Segenhoe Stud is offering a half-sister by End Sweep to Grand Armee, from former talented racemare Tambour; last weekend’s stakes-placed 2YO Resistor is another up-date to the family being from Volte, a full sister to Tambour.
  • This successful family features twice more in the Easter catalogue: a Zeditave colt from Haywire, offered by Newhaven Park Stud; & and a Rory’s Jester filly from the family matriarch Voltage, offered by Willow Park Stud.
(April 1)

$12,000 Bargain Aiming At Victoria Derby
Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman has made an artform out of buying inexpensive horses from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale & turning them into stars. Set to follow in the footsteps of Royal Purler ($8,000 at 2001 Classic Sale) & Sportsman ($8,000 at 2001 Classic Sale) is last week’s Warwick Farm winner Sir Dex, which Hickman bought for just $12,000 at last year’s Classic Sale. Hickman commented: “He’s caught us a bit by surprise. He’s still maturing & a big baby really, but he’s just improved & improved. He gives me the impression he’ll run 2400m one day & although you hate to get ahead of yourself, the Victoria Derby is the long range dream.” (Sir Dex is the first metropolitan winner for his sire Dexter, a half-brother by Green Dancer to European champions Hector Protector & Bosra Sham.) For now, Hickman & Sir Dex will concentrate on the Listed Baillieu Handicap (1400m) at Wawick Farm next Sunday: “If he comes through that okay, we’ll have a look at the Heroic Championship or maybe the Fernhill Handicap.” (April 1)

Inglis Graduates Continue HK Winning Streak
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, Inglis sale graduates completed 2 trebles in 4 days:
  • At Sha Tin on Saturday, Strategus ($120,000 at 2001 Breeze-Up Sale) & Buddies Power ($58,000 at 2000 Select Weanling Sale) both notched their first victories, while smart 3YO Little Elephant ($120,000 at 2000 Select Weanling Sale) took his record to 3 wins & prize-money in excess of $300,000 for the Tony Millard stable. Little Elephant is by Langfuhr from Sharpatan (dam of former Gr1 winning juvenile Isolda); Buddies Power is by Snippets from American stakes-winner Sweet Pair A Dice; & Strategus is by Strategic from Rain Belle.
  • And at Sha Tin last Wednesday, the 3 Inglis winners (all in Class 4 company) were: Fabulous (PI $14,000 at 1999 Classic Sale); Fantastic Win ($100,000 at 2001 Easter Sale); & Brilliant Attorney ($36,000 at 1998 Classic Sale).
(April 1)

Sale Pending For Top NZ 2YO
Crack Cambridge 2YO Alastro (by Lacryma Cristi) is likely to be sold to Hong Kong interests for a substantial sum this week. Co-trainer Tony Pike told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "He has passed the veterinary inspection today (Monday) & now it will be a case of finalising the money to come through." Alastro finished 2nd behind Maroofity (by Maroof) at his last start in the NZ Gr1 Ford Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. Before that Alastro finished 3rd in the Inglis sales race in Melbourne. He also won a race at Avondale earlier this season. Alastro has been trained at Cambridge by Wayne & Tony Pike for a syndicate of NZ & Australian owners. (April 1)

Stakes Tally Rises For Danasinga
Singing Star’s weekend win in the Listed Windsor Park Stud Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m) at Awapuni in NZ took to 6 the number of individual stakes winners for her sire Danasinga in the 2002-03 season. Earlier stakes winners this season for Danasinga (who stands at Waikato Stud in Matamata) have been Forum Floozie, Chestpeak, Small Town Boy, River Chant & Danziga. Other notable recent performances by progeny of the son of Danehill are a Gr1 placing in Hong Kong by Gift & good form there by Wise Choice (a brother to Forum Floozie). Singing Star is owned by her breeder Graeme Lowe of Hastings, who decided to race her after he was forced to pass her in at the yearling sales. (April 1)

Pitman-Harris Closing On NZ Training Record
NZ South Island trainers Michael Pitman & Chris Harris are closing on a long-standing record. The pair saddled their 53rd winner of the season when Chequers Stud-owned filly Royal Show (by Deputy Governor) claimed her 2nd black-type win of the season in the Listed NZ Bloodstock Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingautui. The South Island record for training wins in a season is 61, set by Ted Winsloe in the 1960s. The Pitman-Harris combination is enjoying a great season with its team of 30-odd horses & is currently 2nd on the NZ trainers’ premiership. (April 1)

Volksraad & Zabeel Fight Out NZ Sire Title
With two-thirds of the 2002-03 season completed Volksraad & Zabeel, the 2 heavy-weights of NZ thoroughbred stallion ranks, are again engaged in an epic contest for premiership honours. After finishing 4th behind Zabeel in 1999 & 2000, Volksraad moved up to 2nd spot behind Zabeel in 2001 before breaking through for his 1st premiership title last season. After weekend racing, the arch-rivals again dominate the top of the NZ Sires table: Volksraad's progeny have won NZ$1,057,376 & Zabeel's progeny NZ$1,006,050. Zabeel has sired winners of 7 black-type races in NZ this season, including St Reims (Mercedes NZ Derby), Greene Street (Whakanui Stud International Stakes), Lafleur (Royal Stakes & Sir Tristram Fillies Classic) & Zafar (Taranaki Cup). Meanwhile Volksraad held his position at the top of the general sires' table through a string of late summer stakes performers; to date he has been represented by winners of 10 black-type races in the current season, including outstanding 2YOs Katana (winner of the Gr2 Bank Of NZ Breeders' Stakes at Matamata last month), Shadowfax Babe & Eftee One (2nd & 3rd respectively in NZ's richest 2YO race the Mercedes Classique on February 1). Overall Volksraad has been represented by winners of 10 2YO races in NZ this season. Volksraad’s other performers include: 4YO mare Bahira (winner of the Gr3 Thompson Handicap at Trentham on March 15); 4YO mare Foxy Blonde (winner of both the Listed James Hazlett Stakes & Gr3 White Robe Lodge at Wingatui); 3YO colt Live By The Sword (who notched his 4th consecutive win in the recent NZ St Leger Trial); & Gr1-winning sprinter Vinaka. (April 1)

Tabcorp Denies Plan To Sell Wagering Business
Victorian gaming giant Tabcorp “says it remains fully committed to its wagering operation & will consider buying UNiTAB or TAB Ltd if they come on the market,” reported The Australian Financial Review. Tabcorp denied suggestions “it was looking to off-load its wagering business, or pass it to the racing industry.” Tabcorp general manager corporate affairs Tricia Wunsch commented: “It’s not true we’re considering spinning-off our wagering business. In fact, if either UNiTAB or TAB Ltd was on the market at the right price, we would have a tilt.” The newspaper noted “rumours have been circulating in the market that Tabcorp could strike a deal with the Victorian racing industry, which gets 25% cut of earnings from all divisions under a profit-sharing agreement. Tabcorp could give the wagering business back to the racing industry in return for scraping the profit cut from the other businesses.” (April 1)

Jupiters Selling Centrebet Sports-Betting Operation
Meanwhile The Australian Financial Review also reported that Jupiters “will sell its sports-betting operation Centrebet in a trade sale, rather than list it on the stockmarket. The company expects to have completed the sale by June or July. A number of parties are believed to be interested, though Jupiters would not reveal any names. It had signed a confidentiality agreement with one international player, it said. “ (April 1)

Apprentice Aims At Golden Slipper
Boom apprentice Craig Newitt, runner-up at his only Sydney appearance, will be seeking to go one better in the $3 million AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 12. Newitt is booked to steer Melbourne 2YO Snip Attack, winner of 2 of his past 3 starts for trainer Peter Moody. Victory in the 47th Golden Slipper would place Newitt alongside Wayne Harris (Century Miss 1979) & Darren Beadman (Inspired 1984) as the only apprentices to win Australia’s richest 2YO race. Since his first Melbourne victory less than a year ago (27 April 2002), 18-year-old Tasmanian-born Newitt has ridden 60 metropolitan winners, out-riding his allowance in double-quick time. Moody has adopted an unorthodox approach to ensuring a Slipper start for Snip Attack (whose $126,500 prize-money now easily positions him in the field). Newitt’s manager Bruce Clark (also a part-owner of Snip Attack) explained: “Peter is the smartest bloke in the world. A lot of his Slipper rivals are busting their gut to get some dollars up, as we head into the final lead-ups, & this one went to Tasmania & won $65,000 down there. He’ll go straight into the Slipper – he doesn’t have to do a thing until race day.” Clark manages both Newitt & Damien Oliver, who still has a slight chance of riding Snip Attack. Clark said: “Damien is sitting back waiting for whatever happens over the weekend, but at this point Craig is booked for Snip Attack.” (April 1)

700 Catalogued For NZ Weanling & Broodmare Sale
The popularity of NZ Bloodstock’s National Weanling & Broodmare Sale has resulted in a catalogue of more than 700 horses (343 weanlings & 366 broodmares) at Karaka from Sunday May 11-Tuesday May 13. NZ Bloodstock’s general manager, bloodstock & marketing, Julia Naismith said: "We are pleased with the selection of weanlings that will go through the ring in May. There really is something there for everyone, from those looking just for top pedigrees, to those looking for well-grown colts to pin-hook & those looking for a low cost chance to buy young thoroughbreds." The weanling sires include Cape Cross, Carnegie, Centaine, Daggers Drawn, Danasinga, Deputy Governor, Desert King, Faltaat, Fasliyev, Generous, Grand Lodge, Kaapstad, King of Kings, Lake Coniston, Lord Ballina, O’Reilly, Pins, Prized, Sandtrap, Shinko King, Stark South, Stravinsky, Towkay, Victory Dance & Zabeel. The first-crop sires include Align, Almultawakel, Chief Bearhart, City On A Hill, Cullen, D’Cash, Desert Fox, Elnadim, Howbaddouwantit, Monolith, Singspiel, Ski Captain & Summer Suspicion. (April 1)

Anabaa Grabs French Gr2 Victory
Widden Stud’s shuttle sire Anabaa is off to a flying start in the European flat racing season, with his 4YO mare Ana Marie winning the Gr2 Prix De Harcourt at Longchamp on the weekend. Ana Marie, our of Kendor mare Marie De Ken, now has 2 wins & 10 placings in 13 starts (her only unplaced run was in the Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last October). (April 1)

Irish Oaks Winner Covered By Sadler’s Wells While Still In Training
Although still in training, Irish Oaks winner Margarula “has been covered by leading sire Sadler’s Wells,” reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. “She is expected to race this season before being retired to stud.” And Marionnaud, a Gr3 winner for Margarula’s trainer Jim Bolger last season, is in foal to Coolmore Stud’s first season sire Rock Of Gibraltar – one of 25 of his first book mares to have been scanned in foal (including Highland Gift, Oh So Well, Hula Angel, Terre A Terre, Bianca Nera & Masskana). (April 1)

US Champion Serena's Song Now a Grandmother
US stakes winner Serena's Tune, the 1st foal out of champion Serena's Song, has produced her own 1st foal, a Storm Cat filly, reported bloodhorse.com. Boarded at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington in Kentucky, the 5YO daughter of Mr Prospector was bred by the farm in par