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INDUSTRY NEWS — DECEMBER 2002


Sheila Laxon Undergoes Surgery After Track Fall
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon has undergone 4 hours in surgery at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital after suffering major pelvic, hip & rib injuries in a track-work fall at Macedon Lodge in Victoria. Laxon was air-lifted by police helicopter after experiencing breathing difficulties, following a heavy dumping from a tear-away 3YO filly which tried to jump a fence reported The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In hospital she had a total hip replacement & was nursing broken ribs & an injured shoulder, & was returned to her ward in a neck brace. Laxon recently re-located her training base from New Zealand & won the Bendigo Cup in November with Forlorna. A decade ago as a jockey in NZ, Laxon suffered serious head injuries in a race fall at Gisborne & switched to training when she recovered. She became the first woman to train a Melbourne Cup winner with Ethereal in 2001, & was recently named NZ's 2002 Racing Personality Of The Year. (Dec 24)
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Dam Of HK Sprint Winner Visits Zabeel
Red Slippers, dam of Hong Kong International Sprint winner All Thrills Too, has been mated with Cambridge Stud’s champion sire Zabeel, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Red Slippers is owned in Australia by the Hayes family’s Lindsay Park, where in October she foaled a bay colt by the Danehill stallion Commands. (Dec 24)
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First Aust Winner For Loup Sauvage
Vinery Stud’s shuttle stallion Loup Sauvage sired his first Australian winner with his first runner when 2YO colt Loup Rouge won on debut over 1000m at Tamworth reported racenet.com.au. Loup Rouge was purchased for just $6,000 at the 2002 Scone Yearling sale. His dam Heavenly Stroller (by Godswalk) won 3 races in Adelaide. Loup Sauvage was a top-class performer on European tracks, winning 3 Group races including the Gr1 Prix d’Ispahan over 1800m at Longchamp. (Dec 24)
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Danehill Filly Defeated Before 122,000 Japanese Fans
Danehill’s champion Japanese filly Fine Motion suffered her first defeat in 7 starts in the Gr1 Arima Kinen before a massive crowd of 122,000 at Nakayama racetrack, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Fine Motion started favourite in the 2200m event, but tired to finish 5th behind top stayer Symboli Kris S (ridden by French jockey Olivier Peslier), having his first start since finishing 4th in the Japan Cup. Japan’s top trainer Kazuo Fujisawa said Symboli Kris S may now be set for the Dubai World Cup meeting. (Dec 24)
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Australian Named New Hong Kong Chief Steward
Jamie Stier has been appointed the Hong Kong Jockey Club's new Chief Stipendiary Steward from 1 January 2003. Stier, 38, replaces legendary Australian steward John ‘The Sheriff’ Schreck in the position. Stier began his career as a cadet stipendiary steward with the Australian Jockey Club in 1985 under Schreck (who was then AJC chief steward). Stier rose to deputy chairman of stipendiary stewards for the NSW Principal Racing Club (formerly AJC & now NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board) for almost 3 years, before joining the HKJC in August 1998. At the HKJC he was also responsible for apprentice jockey training until July 2000, & then secretary to the Licensing Committee. HKJC executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: "Jamie is committed to upholding the integrity & standards of racing in Hong Kong. During his period with the Club he has proved himself to be an effective communicator & leader, capable of handling difficult & sensitive situations.” Meanwhile Schreck will now take the role of Senior Consultant, Racing Control, assisting in various projects of importance to the HKJC. "John has been central to guiding the Racing Control of the HKJC to new heights over the last few years," Engelbrecht-Bresges said. (Dec 24)
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Top US Stallions To Stud In China
US prize-money multi-millionaires Golden Pheasant & Tight Spot will take up stallion duty in China reported bloodhorse.com. Japanese breeder Isamu Ishida, owner of Hokkai Farm, is expanding his Chinese operation & will ship Golden Pheasant, Tight Spot & 19 broodmares to Long Tou Farm near Beijing. Golden Pheasant, a 16-year-old son of Caro (out of Round Table mare Perfect Pigeon), won the 1991 Japan Cup & 1990 Arlington Million for Bruce McNall & Wayne Gretzky. Following the Japan Cup, he was bought by Japanese horseman Zenya Yoshida & raced for him before entering stud at his Shadai Farm. Fifteen-year-old Tight Spot (His Majesty-Premium Win) was 1991 US Champion Turf Male, after winning the Arlington Million for the late Verne Winchell. (Dec 24)
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Jockey Club Confirms: Positive Morphine On 12 UK Winners
The UK Jockey Club has revealed 27 British-based horses tested positive for morphine in recent weeks – including 12 winners - & “the figure looks set to rise”. The problem, believed to stem from a batch of contaminated feed, has also produced 8 positive screenings for the banned drug in Ireland. “Positive results are still being found by the Horseracing Forensic Laboratory,” Jockey Club public relations director John Maxse confirmed to racingpost.co.uk. “But until the samples have been subjected to counter analysis by a different laboratory to HFL, which conducted the initial testing, it would be premature to name the horses & races concerned.” (Dec 24)
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Alanbridge Chases Successive Inglis Classic Wins
Andrew Bowcock’s Alanbridge Stud at Aberdeen in the NSW Hunter Valley is chasing its 2nd successive winner of the $610,000 Inglis Classic, following the win by In Top Swing at Randwick. In Top Swing is by Alanbridge’s resident sire Beautiful Crown (from Rory’s Jester mare Holbrook Lass). He cost $50,000 at the 2002 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. Last year Danehill Dancer colt Choisir won the Inglis Classic after being prepared for sale by Alanbridge Stud on behalf of breeder Ross Daisley. “It’d be amazing to get the double,” said Bowcock. “We’ve had a lot of success with 2YOs like Choisir, Tom Coureuse & now In Top Swing. They’re a great advertisment for the stud.” Alanbridge has another draft of 11 yearlings for the Classic 2003 Sale, dominated by In Top Swing’s sire Beautiful Crown with 9. (Dec 24)

Collingrove On The Boil For Magic Millions
Victoria’s Collingrove Stud is eagerly anticipating the Gold Coast Magic Millions events in January reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Brilliant fillies Hasna, Fashion Victim & How Funny - all Collingrove products from the 2002 Magic Millions yearling sale - are currently among the leading qualifiers for the $1 million MM 2YO Classic on January 11. (Fashion Victim & How Funny are both by Collingrove’s dominant 2YO sire Rory’s Jester, while Hasna is a daughter of the late Magic Millions winner Snippets.) Meanwhile in the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Trophy, Collingrove will be represented by classy filly Private Steer (a daughter of the stud’s successful shuttle sire Danehill Dancer). And the Collingrove draft of 19 lots at the 2003 Magic Millions sale will include a half-sister to Hasna (by Gilded Time). (Dec 24)
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Sky Channel Home Viewers May Pay Extra
Sky Channel’s home viewers may soon have to pay extra to watch live racing in their lounge rooms. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported “Sky Channel is considering adding the pay-per-view levy – and it has growing support from the racing industry to do so.” Warren Wilson, boss of Sky’s parent company TAB Limited, confirmed the extra levy to watch Sky Racing at home is “part of a number of issues we are looking at.” (Dec 24)
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Leading UK Agent Slams Keeneland As Out-Of-Date
Leading British bloodstock agent Joss Collins - who secured the world record US$13.1 million bid for Seattle Dancer at Keeneland’s 1985 July Sale - has shocked the international industry by describing the possible axing of Keeneland's prestigious July Selected Yearling Sale in 2003 as "sad", but arguing it no longer met the needs of the current bloodstock market. Collins told racingpost.co.uk: "It would be sad to see it go, although I'm not sure it fulfils what people are demanding in the 2000s, but rather what they were demanding in the 1970s & 1980s." Collins was speaking in the wake of discussions between Keeneland officials, buyers & consignors, aimed at resolving the future of the sale, whose gross revenue this year plunged to its lowest level since 1978. "There has been talk of this for a number of years," added Collins. "I think the sale has become a bit rarefied with too few horses. You have the super horses & then there is a fall-off. This year, there were only 80 horses worth buying & that is too small. However, there is also some politics involved, as Keeneland will not want to give up its first-select-sale-of-the-year slot." Other possibilities reportedly discussed at the meeting were moving the time of the sale or cutting it back to a 1-day, 100-yearling auction. (Dec 24)
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Sunday Racing In Sydney Under Threat
Sunday Racing could soon be abolished in Sydney, reported The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper said the Sydney Turf Club has applied to “reduce its quota of Sunday racing from 6 to just 4 meetings in 2003-04”, while the Australian Jockey Club has retained its lone Sunday date at Warwick Farm. The newspaper noted: “The 5 Sunday race dates is a far cry from the 20 Sunday meetings the 2 Sydney clubs shared just a few years ago.” AJC racing manager Colin Tuck summed up: “Sunday racing has not proved popular with industry participants & has only been received on a lukewarm basis by the general public. However we believe by putting 2 feature races on our 1 Sunday meeting that it can be a success on a one-off basis.” (Dec 24)
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Danehill Covers Southern Hemisphere Mares In Ireland
Although Australia’s 5-time leading sire Danehill (who’s regularly shuttled from Coolmore Ireland to Coolmore Australia since 1990) stayed home in Ireland this year to avoid wear & tear on his 16-year-old body, Australians have not been completely shut out from sending mares to the world’s second-leading sire. Since the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere breeding season in August, shareholders in Danehill have sent approximately 40 well-bred Southern Hemisphere mares to Ireland to be serviced by the son of Danzig, 10 of them owned by Robert Sangster, reported The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. In an ordinary year, Danehill would have covered 150 mares in Australia. (Dec 24)
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Dettori Denies Career Wind-Down
Leading international jockey Frankie Dettori dismissed suggestions his career is “winding down” & said he was “looking forward to another successful campaign next year” in Godolphin’s world famous blue silks. "People are very fickle," Dettori told aapracingandsports.com.au. "They look at the statistics & say: `Frankie's not getting it together.' But I have had 13 Gr1 victories this year. Tell me how many other European jockeys can claim that? What people don't know is that I was in Dubai most of the time preparing the Godolphin horses. Don't forget, Godolphin is a huge international operation & we like to pace our horses for the season. And I can tell everyone not to expect anything different this year." Dettori nominated Grandera’s last-ditch victory in the Irish Champion Stakes as the highlight of his year. “And how many other horses can do the last 5 furlongs at Moonee Valley (in his Cox Plate 3rd to Northerly) in the time he did & then have the presence of mind to try & bite Greg Childs' whip out of his hand!" Asked how long he will continue riding, the Italian was quick to reply: “About another 10 years. Unless the boss said he didn't want me any more. Then I would probably quit the game much quicker. How could I drop down from riding these great horses?" (Dec 24)
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McEvoy Chasing Hayes Record At Lindsay Park
With Lindsay Park landing 18 winners in 10 days - bringing the stable’s total for the season to 122 – Tony McEvoy is currently the leading trainer in Australia, 2 wins ahead of John Hawkes. McEvoy is also clearly leading the Metropolitan Trainers’ Premierships in both Victoria & South Australia. And he is right on target to challenge the David Hayes record of 306 winners for Lindsay Park set in the 1991-92 season - to the end of December that season Hayes had trained 128 winners. “We have just had a great start the season,” enthused McEvoy. “And in Metropolitan Adelaide we currently have a 50% place rate - meaning half of our runners have run a place.” (Dec 24)

STC Pre-Selling Golden Slipper Tickets
Chairman Bruce McHugh announced the Sydney Turf Club will pre-sell tickets for April’s Golden Slipper day – closing the books at 30,000. The Daily Telegraph reported “McHugh feels this is a comfortable number for the Rosehill course.” (Dec 24)
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Seamer Suspended For Careless Riding
High-profile jockey Scott Seamer was suspended by Queensland stewards for 8 meetings for careless riding after winning aboard And Shintaro at Doomben. Seamer’s mount caused interference to Koochie at the 100m, where that gelding struck heels & blundered. Seamer's suspension will commence after he rides at the New Zealand Derby meeting on Boxing Day. (Dec 24)
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Jockey Blames Drug Failure On ‘Exotic Tea’ For Weight Loss
Leading UK lightweight jockey Francis Norton has grabbed headlines across Britain with his claim that a failed drugs test is due to drinking a brand of exotic tea to help control his riding weight. Norton’s agent Ian Wardle told racingpost.co.uk: “Franny has spoken to me about it & he assures me it (the positive drug test result) is all nonsense.” But UK Jockey Club public relations director John Maxse commented: “It looks as if there will be a disciplinary hearing into another positive dope test from a rider.” (Dec 24)
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Racing Museum & Hall Of Fame Move To Federation Square
The Australian Racing Museum & the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame will be relocated from Caulfield racecourse to the new Federation Square complex in the heart of Melbourne, providing $7.5 million is found to finance the project, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The move is dependent on dollar-for-dollar support from the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund to help establish the new facility. Plans for the move were announced by Ian MacDonald, chairman of the Australian Racing Museum, & Racing Victoria's chief executive officer Neville Fielke. Fielke noted the move would not simply be a relocation, but the development of a multi-faceted business venture for the thoroughbred industry. "This new facility is an opportunity where racing can reach the whole of the community in a conducive environment that is both engaging & educational, but most importantly, is entertaining,” Fielke said. "This is a golden opportunity to take racing to the people & gives us the chance to alter some of the perceptions about the sport, whilst growing interest with young people.” (Dec 24)
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Club Feedback Sought On Victorian Race Date Changes
Racing Victoria has distributed the first draft of its race-dates calendar for the 2003-2004 season. Clubs now have the opportunity to provide feedback before a further review, with the Board to consider the final proposal at its meeting in late February. Under the proposal, the net allocation of race dates to Clubs remains unchanged, with the exception of the VRC which requested 2 meetings be deleted. Other key proposals include: 4 Friday metropolitan dates in January-February (as Friday has been identified as a key day of the week for wagering growth); AFL Grand Final Eve night meeting at Moonee Valley (with Grand Final Day allocated to Mornington as the key meeting of the day); reduction in Sunday metropolitan meetings giving country racing extra dates to use as Sunday Event Days; Moonee Valley's Spring Carnival night meeting moved to the Thursday after the Cox Plate; & reduction in the number of 2-day Country Cup Carnivals to increase the emphasis on the feature (Cup) day. (Dec 24)
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Southern Australia Jumps Circuit Confirmed
Racing Victoria has reached "in principal" agreement with the Australian Jumping Racing Association for a revised jumping season for 2003-2004. The new jumping racing season will now commence 6 weeks prior to Oakbank's Easter meeting in South Australia & run through until the end of October. The metropolitan jumping racing season will end on 30 September, while the country season will conclude with an additional major feature day on the Sunday after the Cox Plate. Effectively, the co-ordination across Victoria, South Australia & Tasmania creates a Southern Australian Jumping Circuit. (Dec 24)
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Godolphin Totals 16 Gr1 Victories
Godolphin has ended the 2002 racing year with 16 Gr1 winners, 2nd only to the world record 18 wins they achieved in 1999. Stable stars Marienbard, Grandera & Kazzia each notched Gr1 trebles for Godolphin in 2002. The 2001 Melbourne Cup failure Marienbard (a 5YO son of Caerleon) won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, plus Grosser Preis von Baden & Deutschlandpreis in Germany. Globe-trotting 4YO Grandera (who raced in 6 countries & was crowned World Racing Series Champion) won the Singapore International Cup, Prince Of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot & Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Champion filly Kazzia (named Champion 3YO Filly at the 2002 Cartier Awards) won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, Vodafone Oaks at Epsom & US Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park. (Dec 24)
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Ireland Tops 2002 European Breeders’ Fund
Ireland has been named top European thoroughbred breeder, after the relative strengths of the breeding industries in the main European countries were assessed by bloodhorse.com via analysis of the level of stallion contributions to the European Breeders' Fund. The EBF consists of Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy & Switzerland. Since 1997, Irish stallions have contributed more to the fund than British stallions, & in 2002 Ireland increased its lead over Britain & the other countries with an estimated record contribution of more than £1.1 million (US$1.76 million), the 9th consecutive annual rise. The British contribution will top £700,000 (a bit less than in 2001), while France generated £300,000 (also down), Germany just under £100,000, Italy £60,000 (its smallest amount ever) & Switzerland £5,000. (Dec 24)
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Australian Racing Board Appoints IT Manager
Brian Masters (previously South Australian racing's IT manager) has been appointed inaugural manager of the Australian Racing Board's new information initiative Racing Information Services Australia. "The development of RISA follows a report the Australian Racing Board commissioned in 2001 looking at the racing industry's information systems," said ARB chief executive Andrew Harding. RISA’s objectives are: to promote a single process for the collection of racing information by all administrators in Australia; to develop a system that efficiently & effectively stores, processes & protects the industry intellectual data & maximises returns to the industry; & to actively pursue new markets for the data, systems & technology. Masters summed up: "The immediate goal of RISA is to develop one process & one system for the Australian Thoroughbred Racing Industry that will allow each state to participate in a national approach to racing administration. Currently there are 4 different systems across Australia with various state bodies, & a lot of work is being duplicated. Whether it's handicapping, registration of horses or colours, a national system will streamline the use of information.” (Dec 24)
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Toccet Takes Gr1 Hollywood Futurity
Big-talking owner Daniel Borislow’s boom 2YO colt Toccet won the US$406,500 Gr1 Hollywood Futurity at Hollywood Park. The son of Awesome Again’s 6th victory in 8 starts follows wins in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, Gr2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct & Gr3 Laurel Futurity. Toccet is the first foal to race from 3 foals out of the stakes-placed Cozzene mare Cozzene’s Angel. (Dec 24)
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Former NZ Star Wins In Hong Kong
Last season's leading New Zealand 2YO Grout won a class one 1400m event at Sha Tin in his 2nd appearance for new trainer Tony Cruz. Grout (by Gold Brose) is known in HK as Raider. He won 2 NZ Gr1 events - the Manawatu & Ellerslie Sires' Produce Stakes - & was named Mercedes 2YO-Of-The-Year for the 2001-02 season. (Dec 24)
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Female NZ Jockey Gains Hero Status In Japan
New Zealand jumps jockey Rochelle Lockett has attained hero status in Japan with her win in the Nakayam Invitational Grand Jump reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. In November Lockett became the first woman ever to win a jumping race in Japan; now she has landed Japan’s most important jumping event aboard Gilded Age (including a winner’s purse of approximately NZ$1.4 million). Lockett's victory completes a stunning Japanese double for NZ jumps jockeys, following Craig Thornton's success on the John Wheeler-trained St Steven in the Nakayama International Grand Jump in April. (Dec 24)
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Barathea Lands Hong Kong Treble
Former Widden Stud-based shuttle sire Barathea produced three individual winners on the same meeting at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley: Stoic (1998 Inglis Easter sale $60,000), Fantastic Win (2001 Inglis Easter sale $100,000) & Barracuda (2000 Inglis Premier sale – passed in at $25,000). Stoic, a 6YO gelding trained Lawrie Fownes, has totaled 5 wins & seven minor placings with prize-money approaching $700,000. (Dec 24)

Spinning World Crop At Karaka Sale
Exciting young sire Spinning World enhanced his already boom reputation with the commanding victory by John Hawkes-trained 3YO filly La Bellarina in class record time at Rosehill. The US Breeders' Cup Mile winner is already one of the hottest international sire prospects, with a string of top performers in both hemispheres. In Australia they include stakes-winners Coupe & exciting 3YO Thorn Park, as well winners Al Megdam, In My Time & Spin Dancer. Spinning World stood a season at Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand in 2000 & 31 of his resultant yearling crop are catalogued for NZ’s Karaka Premier Sale in January reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. (Dec 24)
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Trans-Tasman Treble For NZ’s Leading Sire
Last season's champion New Zealand sire Volksraad landed a trans-Tasman treble with the wins of Volkman (ex Twinklebelle) at Doomben in Brisbane, & Judge Brown (ex Kay Row) & Deautche Express (ex Spraypaint) at the Te Rapa meeting in NZ. (Dec 24)
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Critical Eye Goes Out A Winner
Gr1 winner Critical Eye passed the US$1 million in prize-money in her final career race when she won the Gr3 Ladies Handicap at Aqueduct. Trainer Scott Schwartz told thoroughbredtimes.com: "She’s done everything & then some. This is the way to go out." Critical Eye, who won 14 of 38 starts, will retire to Taylor Made Farm. No stallion has been confirmed, but Schwartz named Deputy Minister as a likely candidate for the 5YO daughter of Dynaformer. (Dec 24)
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Outta Here Hits Jackpot At Delta Downs
Outta Here won the US$500,000 Delta Jackpot Stakes at Delta Downs reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 2YO son of Dehere is the first starter for the unraced Forty Niner mare Just Out. His second dam is the winning Danzig mare Doubles Match, a half-sister to Gr1 winner & sire Joyeux Danseur. Outta Here represents the immediate family of English highweight & sire Ajdal, Gr1 winner Flying Partner, Gr1 winner & sire Formidable, & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner & sire Arazi. (Dec 24)
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Karamanos Wins Jockey Title
US-based jockey Horatio Karamanos has been named Jockey-Of-The-Year in his native Argentina. Karamanos was a top rider in Argentina before moving to Florida in 2001. He switched to the Maryland circuit in 2002 & won the Laurel Park riding title. Karamanos told thoroughbredtimes.com: “It’s a tremendous honor. I am still adjusting to the riding style in the US.” In 2002, Karamanos has landed 233 wins from 1,174 mounts & prize-money of US$4,987,376. (Dec 24)
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Brazilian Sire Clackson Dies
Brazilian champion & sire Clackson has died from a heart attack during colic surgery in the Veterinarian Hospital of Taruma racecourse reported thoroughbredtimes.com. While racing for Stud Montecatini, Clackson (a 26-year-old son of UK sire I Say) was one of the top horses from Brazil during the 1980s, winning 15 races including back-to-back victories in the Gr1 Grande Premio Sao Paulo & Gr1 Grande Premio Parana. Overall, Clackson has sired 53 stakes winners & 38 group winners in 17 crops of racing age, including1992 Brazilian Horse-Of-The-Year Ramirito, 1996 Mare-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO filly Oriental Flower & 2001 champion stayer Omnium Leader. (Dec 24)
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Top Virginia Sire Secret Hello Euthanised
US Gr1 winner Secret Hello, sire of 15 stakes winners who stood the last 5 seasons at Albemarle Stud in Virginia, was euthanised after complications from chronic neurological disease reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 15-year-old son of Private Account (out of stakes winner Ciao) won 6 of 22 career starts (including the 1989 Gr1 Arlington-Washington Futurity & 1990 Gr2 Saint Paul Derby) & ranked as the state’s leading sire in 1999 & 2000. His progeny include Gr2 winner Secret Firm, Gr3 winner Silent Greeting, 1999 Panamanian champion imported juvenile Golden Hello & multiple stakes winner Royal Tramp. (Dec 24)
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Owner Sued By Tattersalls Ireland
Tattersalls Ireland has successfully sued racehorse owner Seamus Ross in the Dublin Circuit Court & the company claims it has established an important legal precedent reported racingpost.co.uk. At the 2000 Derby Sale Ross paid 54,000 Irish guineas for an unbroken Roselier 4YO closely related to Dawn Run. The gelding was sold by Peter Curling, but 6 days later heat appeared in a foreleg. Ross’s vet & Troytown Veterinary Hospital both found problems with a tendon & Ross returned the horse. (The gelding was resubmitted by the sales company at its November Sale, when it was bought for 58,000 Irish guineas. The horse was named Knockroe Lad & made its debut in a maiden hurdle at Naas in November.) Ross refused to pay for the horse & Tattersalls Ireland sued him for commission, keep charges, insurance costs, interest & “luck money” paid to the November Sale purchaser. Don Hannigan, the vet acting for Curling, said he examined the horse 9 days before the sale & gave him a clean certificate. Martin Doyle, a vet employed by Tattersalls Ireland, examined the horse 2 days before the sale & also gave him a clean bill of health. However Sean Gorman, who was to break-in the horse for Ross & took him back from the sale, called in vet Chris Harrington when he found heat in a tendon. Harrington said: “I found heat at the upper end of the flexor tendon. I applied pressure with my thumb and the horse reacted. He showed some pain & I advised Sean to take the horse to Troytown Hospital for x-ray.” Hugh Dillon, senior partner in Troytown, carried out an ultra-sound scan which showed some tearing of the tendon fibres. He also detected some scar tissue. However Judge Kevin Haugh said: “I am not persuaded the scientific evidence is sufficiently strong that this was a horse sold with actual damage. I am satisified that vets Hannigan & Doyle carried out a serious examination of the horse & were entitled to certify that he did not suffer any clinical defect that could affect his use as a racehorse. However this was not a copper-bottomed guarantee against all eventualities.” The judge awarded costs against Ross, but struck out the interest & luck money. Tattersalls Ireland finance director Liam Dunne said: “We are happy about the outcome. It has established that we are entitled to act under the conditions of sale.” (Dec 24)
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Betting Comp & UK Trainers Meet Jockey Club On Corruption
The UK Jockey Club has announced a 3-cornered meeting “early in the New Year” with betting company Betfair & the UK National Trainers' Federation to discuss ”increasing moves to keep corruption out of racing.” Betfair (a one-to-one betting exchange) has already been in talks with the NTF, reported racingpost.co.uk, after calls were made for UK trainers to be banned from using Betfair earlier this month. A recommendation to ban trainers laying their own horses is set to be included in the next report of the Jockey Club’s Integrity Review Committee. Betfair’s director of communications Mark Davies said: “We hope to have some more proposals solidly behind keeping corruption out of the sport. Our operation is based on transparancy & we have a good relationship with the Jockey Club." Suggestions made on the BBC’s Grandstand program that Betfair betting patterns are to be used in on-the-day stewards’ inquiries were described as premature. Jockey Club public relations director John Maxse revealed there is already a member of the security department monitoring moves on the betting exchanges. (Dec 24)
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UK Stallion Parade To Precede Doncaster Sales
Twenty-five of Britain's premier stallions will be on show before the curtain rises on the first UK auction of 2003, the Doncaster January Sales on January 28 & 29. The stallion parade will include 7 freshman sires, among them Darley's Gr1 winners Best Of The Bests & Tobougg, reported racingpost.co.uk. Completing the first-season line-up will be last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victor Summoner, Endless Summer, Warningford, Ishiguru & German Derby winner Robertico. (Dec 24)
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Racing NSW Produces Controversial Reform Blueprint
Racing NSW has produced a 19-page ‘blueprint’ for rebuilding the industry, reported The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. The Issues Paper was prepared by general manager of corporate affairs Stephen Ferguson & calls for sweeping reform after input from key industry players on TAB distribution, race date allocations, track maintenance schemes & racecourse development. It declares: “The two most important issues for race clubs are TAB revenue & race dates. The TRB must ensure that TAB revenue & race dates are distributed in such a manner that will maximise total industry benefit.” It notes that since privatisation of the NSW TAB, the ruling body had “essentially approved all schemes put forward by the sectors & clubs without criticism or review.” But the time has arrived to “review those arrangements & examine whether they are achieving what is best for the industry as a whole.” (Dec 20)
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Victorian Bid To Set Up Rival TV Racing Channel
Speculation intensified that the Victorian clubs are “investigating whether to break-away from Sky & set-up their own independent television service for TAB outlets & home viewers” reported The Daily Telegraph newspaper. However the prohibitive cost led a source, identified as “an influential NSW racing official” to comment: “Once the Victorian clubs complete a feasibility study into the proposal, they will realise it is just pie-in-the-sky stuff. Plus who is going to pay for the distribution network, which includes satellite dishes & deals with say Optus & Foxtel, both of whom already take Sky’s cover. Also will the pubs & clubs want to pay for another racing service?” (Dec 20)
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AJC Confirms Future For Kensington & Warwick Farm
The Australian Jockey Club has confirmed the long-term use of both its Kensington (inside Randwick) & Warwick Farms tracks. Asked by The Daily Telegraph: “Are you saying there is definitely a future for the Kensington track as a racing surface?”, AJC chief executive Tony King replied: “Absolutely. We will NEVER do away with it as a racetrack. The club hasn’t spent $7 million just to use it for trackwork & barrier trails.” And when asked: “Can you be as unequivocal about Warwick Farm’s future? “ King replied: “Yes, the racing future of Warwick Farm is assured as far as the Committee is concerned. Even if the Committee ever decides not to use it for race meetings, it will always remain as a training centre.” (Dec 20)
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Martin New Hall Of Fame Chairman
Race caller Bryan Martin is the new chairman of the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame committee. "To be associated with a body which primarily is responsible for the promotion & celebration of racing's luminary figures is a great privilege," Martin told aapracingandsports.com.au. He succeeds administrator & owner Ian Macdonald, who stepped down after establishing the Hall Of Fame in 2001. The Australian Racing Hall of Fame will next year travel to Adelaide, where 13 more racing icons will be inducted on May 15. Already 40 of the biggest names in racing's history have been inducted. The selection committee is due to sit in late January to review nominations submitted for consideration by the principal clubs of Australia. (Dec 20)
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2002 Breeding Milestones
End Of Year Acknowledgement: Two of the international thoroughbred industry’s greatest sires achieved remarkable milestones during 2002. Sadler’s Wells, the son of Northern Dancer based in Ireland at Coolmore Stud, sired his 200th career stakes winner in June. And Storm Cat, the son of Storm Bird who commands a US$500,000 stud fee at Overbrook Farm in Kentucky, sired his 100th career stakes winner in July. (Dec 20)
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Camacho Wins Stakes Race In US
New Zealand-bred 5YO stallion Camacho (Maroof-In Margaritaville) opened his North American Stakes account with an all-the-way win in the 1-mile US$50,000 Paradise Mile Handicap at Turf Paradise reported racenet.com.au. Purchased by Col Jillings at the 1999 NZ Premier Sale, Camacho won the 2000 NZ Ryder Stakes at Levin & added 3 successive victories in 2002 culminating in the Awapuni Hotel Stakes. (Dec 20)
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New Swimming Pool Opens At Awapuni
A new swimming pool for horses officially opens today at Awapuni. The NZ$260,000 project was undertaken by NZ’s Awapuni Partnership Clubs to enhance training facilities at Awapuni. Partnership Board chairman Gerald Fell told thoroughbrednews.co.nz that, with up 240 horses in work, Awapuni was the busiest training centre in the lower part of NZ’s North Island. “The availability of a pool is seen as a valuable training & rehabilitation aid for horses, & with hard summer tracks likely in coming months, it is expected to be very popular,” he said. It is modeled on an Australian design: a straight 65.8m in length (including entry & exit ramps at either end), 2.1m wide & 2.3m deep. (Dec 20)
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Mercedes Super Bonus Series Excites NZ
NZ’s exciting Mercedes Super Bonus Series is beginning to climax, with the NZ$150,000 Mercedes Prelude for 2YO colts & geldings over 1100m at Manawatu this weekend. Unbeaten youngsters Maroofity & King’s Chapel (each has already picked up a bonus) clash with Romar Dale (winner of 3 races) & Ubiquitous (2nd to King’s Chapel at his only start). The Mercedes Colts & Geldings Prelude is NZ’s 2nd equal richest race for 2YOs, along with the Fillies equivalent run at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Highlight of the Series is then the NZ$500,000 Mercedes Classique for 2YOs at Te Rapa on February 1. The Bonus Series puts over NZ$1 million ‘up for grabs’ over the racing season & is open to all enrolled graduates of the NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series. (Dec 20)
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Platinum Tiara Retired To Breed With A.P.Indy
Multiple US stakes winner & 2000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up Platinum Tiara has been retired by owner & co-breeder Rob Murphy. In 2003 she will be bred to A.P.Indy at Lane’s End in Kentucky reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 4YO daughter of Cozzene won 5 of 28 starts. A.P.Indy, among the leading US sires in the last 2 years, has sired 29 group/graded stakes winners from 7 crops of racing age, including 2001 champion juvenile filly Tempera & 2001 United Arab Emirates Horse-Of-The-Year Festival Of Light. (Dec 20)
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Top US Freshman Sire Stormy Atlantic To Hill 'N' Dale
Stormy Atlantic, who ranks 9th on the US leading first-crop sires list by progeny earnings, will stand next season at John Sikura's Hill 'N' Dale Farms in Kentucky at a service fee of US$12,500, reported bloodhorse.com. The 8YO son of Storm Cat formerly stood at Bridlewood Farm in Florida. Stormy Atlantic's include stakes winners Atlantic Ocean, Jimmy O & Hurricane Hebe. Stormy Atlantic's relocation comes on the heels of Hill 'N' Dale buying some of breeding rights in leading 2YO Vindication. (Dec 20)
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Multiple Stakes Winner Dat You Miz Blue To Stud
Dat You Miz Blue, a 7-time US stakes winner who defeated last year’s 3YO champion filly Xtra Heat in the Garland Of Roses Handicap at Aqueduct on December 14, has retired. The 5YO daughter of Cure The Blues will head to Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, where she will be bred to Chief Seattle (by Seattle Slew) in the 2003 season. Overall Dat You Miz Blue won 14 of 33 career starts. "I made the decision last year that this would be her final year," owner Cynthia Knight told Daily Racing Form. "At the end of her 2YO season, she got hurt with a slab fracture. She has screws in that knee, and I always was worried about that. You have to give her a lot of credit. I wonder what her potential would have been if she didn’t get hurt." (Dec 20)
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Cardinal Concern To Stud At Delehanty
Cardinal Concern, who won his only 2 career starts as a 3YO at Belmont Park in 2000, will retire to stand the 2003 season at Frank Stella’s Delehanty Stock Farm outside New York. The 5YO son of Concern (out of the stakes-winning Fortunate Prospect mare Fortunate Faith) will stand for a private fee reported thoroughbredtimes.com. His sire won the 1994 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs & 3 other US graded stakes races. (Dec 20)
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Thoroughbred Times Names 2002’s Top 10
US bible the Thoroughbred Times has listed its Top 10 industry news stories for 2002. They are: (1) Breeders Cup Ultra Pick Six scandal; (2) saga of Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem (which began in New Orleans with trainer Frank "Bobby" Springer & will end on the Japanese isle of Hokkaido at the Yoshida family’s legendary Shadai Stallion Station); (3) death of Seattle Slew (leading general sire of 1984, juvenile sire of 1988 & broodmare sire of 1995 & 1996 with over 100 stakes winners including champions A.P.Indy, Slew O’ Gold, Swale, Landaluce, Surfside & Capote, plus prize-money exceeding US$78-million); (4) Frank Stronach’s rapid racetrack expansion across the US via Magna Entertainment Corp; (5) downturn in major bloodstock markets (2 years after historic highs, US premier yearling markets took significant hits in 2002 – for example, Keeneland’s July selected yearling sale gross dipped to its lowest level since 1978); (6) Japan mourns Sunday Silence death (his prize-money currently totals US$339 million); (7) Chris McCarron retires (7,139 career victories placed him 6th on the US all-time jockey list & prize-money of US$264,380,651 placed him atop the all-time earnings list - until Pat Day surpassed him in August); (8) workers’ compensation crisis (more than 300 trainers in California were left scrambling for options when Legion Insurance notified them that coverage would be discontinued on March 1; the issue affected the industry for the remainder of the year); (9) search for answers about MRLS (mare reproductive loss syndrome is expected to have a long-term economic impact of more than US$300 million on the industry); (10) Illinois tracks merge (Chicago racing changed dramatically when officials from Sportsman’s Park announced they planned to terminate thoroughbred racing at their Cicero facility & move the National Jockey Club to nearby Hawthorne Race Course). (Dec 20)
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Prebble Rides 1,000th Winner
Victorian jockey Brett Prebble notched his 1,000th winner when he steered Lock The Key to victory at Sandown – celebrating with an excited flourish of his whip as he passed the winning post. Prebble, 25, rode his first winner at Edenhope back in March 1993, & his first city winner on Sunny Vale at Flemington that August. He was Australia’s leading Gr1 winning jockey in the 2000-1 season & took the Melbourne Jockeys Premiership 2 of the last 3 seasons. (Dec 19)
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Magic Millions Links With Gold Coast For $3.55 million Race-Day
The Gold Coast Turf Club will stage Queensland's richest race day, worth $3.55 million in prizemoney, exclusively for Magic Millions sales graduates in 2006. MM managing director David Chester told aapracingandsports.com.au the Super Saturday in 3 years would also include the world's richest Maiden race worth $100,000. The 2006 meeting will feature: the $1 million Magic Millions Classic for 2YOs; a $1 million 3YO race; $400,000 Magic Millions Cup; a sprint worth $200,000; a $100,000 fillies & mares race; & a $100,000 State-Of-Origin clash. The Super Saturday concept follows the decision by the GCTC to boost next month's carnival with the $100,000 Magic Millions Cup (1200m) for MM graduates, which will increase to $400,000 in 2004 & 2005. MM co-owner John Singleton has been pushing the exclusive MM-graduate race day concept for some time. "It's going to be fantastic for the Gold Coast," Chester said. "There'll be no other meeting like this anywhere in the world & it will be one of the richest single days of racing in Australia." GCTC chairman Bill Millican added his club was “entering a new exciting era. This is fantastic news & gives the Gold Coast something extra special," Millican said. (Dec 19)
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Northerly’s Bush-Fire Alert Grabs US Headlines
Australian weight-for-age champion Northerly grabbed international turf headlines when leading US industry newswire thoroughbredtimes.com reported “Cox Plate winner Northerly was moved to safety as a bush-fire raced across a 100-acre paddock on trainer Fred Kersley’s property near Forrestdale, located outside Perth, Australia. The fire was extinguished within hours. Several other horses, including 40 broodmares, were also moved to safety. None of the horses suffered injury & there was no damage to the farm’s stables or Kersley’s home.” (Dec 19)
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Boss Loses Appeal & Misses Villiers
The NSW Racing Appeals Panel dismissed jockey Glen Boss’s appeal against a careless riding suspension, meaning he will not ride Melbourne 4YO Silver Birch in the $200,000 Gr2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick. Boss will now serve a 5-meeting metropolitan suspension & not resume riding until January 5. (Dec 19)
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Grandera To Chase Further International Honours In 2003
Irish-bred 4YO Grandera, 2002’s official World Series Champion who finished 3rd in the Cox Plate behind Northerly, will stay in training & chase further international honours next year. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told Irish Thoroughbred Marketing: “We are sure he will accomplish himself well next year.” (Dec 19)
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Smith Slipper Looming As Millions Trial
Doomben’s $100,000 Listed Tommy Smith Slipper at set weights on December 28 is looming as a key Magic Millions lead-up. The 38 current 1st acceptors include 15 2YOs eligible for the Magic Millions 2YO prize a fortnight later. The colts/geldings are: Helter Skelter, African Grey, Danbird, Get Carter, Cambooya, Express Ball, L'Espalier, Aracena & Imperialism. The fillies are: Nibbler, Kas Nediym, Regimental Gal, Fashion Victim, Shamekha & Hasna. Previously winners of this race include Mr Innocent, Territorial, Shovoff & Sunday Joy. (Dec 19)
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Doncaster To Showcase Defier-Lonhro Rivalry
The rivalry between local Sydney heroes Defier & Lonhro is set to peak during the AJC’s San Miguel Autumn Carnival, with the pair headed for a showdown in the San Miguel Doncaster Handicap. Both were among 222 nominations for the $2.5 million feature ‘mile’ on April 19 at Royal Randwick (part of Australia’s richest race day). Lonhro won both the Yalumba Stakes & Mackinnon Stakes in Victoria, but failed to beat Defier home in 3 head-to-head battles during the spring. Defier built a giant-killing reputation in winning the George Main Stakes & finishing 2nd behind Northerly in the Cox Plate. Other notable Doncaster nominations included: 2002 Epsom winner Excellerator; 2002 Spring Champion Stakes winner Platinum Scissors; exciting 3YO Thorn Park; & 2001 Spring Champion Stakes winner Viking Ruler, who’s on the comeback trail. (Dec 19)
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Sydney Cup Nominations Close
Nominations for the 2003 Schweppes Sydney Cup have also closed, with 151 nominations accepted. The race is set to feature a much-anticipated rematch between 2002 AJC Derby winner Don Eduardo & runner-up Carnegie Express. Henderson Bay will attempt to win back-to-back Sydney Cups, while other strong nominations include veteran Melbourne Cup runner-up Mr Prudent, 2002 AJC Oaks winner Republic Lass, Sandown Classic winner Hail & 2001 VRC Derby champion Amalfi. (The AJC advises late nominations for both the San Miguel Doncaster Handicap & Schweppes Sydney Cup close on February 28.) (Dec 19)
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Australians Clean Up In Hong Kong
Australian thoroughbreds are winning almost 1 in every 2 races in Hong Kong this season. Australian-breds have won 106 of 224 races –that’s 47.3% of races contested since the season began on September 1 reported aapracingandsports.com.au. New Zealand-bred racehorses have won a further 63 races. (Dec 19)
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Beechwood Grange Adds Pair Of Gr1 winners
Robertico, winner of Germany’s 1998 Gr1 Deutsches Derby, has been retired & will stand the 2003 season at Beechwood Grange Stud near York in England reported racingpost.co.uk. The 7YO son of Robellino won 6 of 37 career starts. He will be joined by Elmaamul (sire of 2 champions & 10 stakes winners from 9 crops of racing age) who had been standing in Italy; the 15-year-old son of Diesis will return to England in 2003 also to stand at Beechwood. Elmaamul’s off-spring include Brazilian champion Bandeira Nativa, Czechoslovakian champion Fantasy Friend & multiple European high-weight & Gr1 winner Muhtathir. (Dec 19)
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Irish Star Changes Stables
Budweiser Irish Derby runner-up Sholokhov will leave Aidan O’Brien to join Gary Tanaka after being sold for an undisclosed sum. The son of Sadler’s Wells won the Gr1 Gran Criterium at San Siro, before chasing home High Chaparral in the Derby at the Curragh in June. Sholokhov also finished runner-up behind Hawk Wing in the Gr1 Eclipse Stakes in July. (Dec 19)
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3 New US Gr1 Races For 2003
There will be 3 new Gr1 stakes, 3 new Gr2 events & 10 new Gr3 races under a 2003 list released by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association reported bloodhorse.com. The 3 races up-graded to Gr1 status are: the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park; the Triple Bend Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park; & the Diana Handicap at Saratoga. In all, there will be 101 US Gr1 stakes in 2003. (Dec 19)
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Gr1 Winner Miner's Mark To Stud At Pin Oak Lane
Gr1 winner Miner's Mark will stand the US 2003 stud season at Dr William Solomon's Pin Oak Lane Farm in Pennsylvania reported bloodhorse.com. Formerly at DunHill Stud in Florida, Miner's Mark has sired 9 stakes winners & this year his runners have topped US$2 million prize-money. A 12-year-old son of Mr Prospector (out of champion Personal Ensign), Miner's Mark won the Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup & Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes. (Dec 19)
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Kettle Won To Stud At Anstu Farm
Kettle Won (a 6YO son of Colonial Affair out of the multiple stakes-placed Double Zeus mare Safe At the Plate) will go to stud in 2003 at Stuart Subotnick’s Anstu Farm outside New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Dec 19)
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Promising UK 2YOs To Race In HK
The trend is growing: promising UK 2YOs Sir Albert & Zaide have been purchased to race in Hong Kong & will leave for the former British colony immediately reported racingpost.co.uk. Sir Albert (by Royal Applause) won the Listed Roses Stakes at York in August; he will join trainer Ivan Allan in HK. Zaide (by Singspiel) was runner-up to Makhlab in the Gr3 Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury in October & will join John Moore's stable. (Dec 19)
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Stewards Ban Bleeders
NSW stewards have banned several horses for bleeding attacks, reported racenet.com.au. At Warwick Farm early morning trackwork stewards reported that, after galloping 1000m for the purpose of being passed as a bleeder, Cashmere Court was pulled up quickly after the mare made the crossing near the gap office. Cashmere Court was examined in the company of trainer Garry Neale & found to be bleeding profusely from both nostrils. Neale was advised Cashmere Court was now banned from racing in Australia for life. And at recent Sydney race meetings Real Dream, Waugh, Family Of Song & Chalet Amis all suffered first-time bleeding attacks & will incur the mandatory 3-month ban from racing. (Dec 19)
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Vin Cox Starts Own Bloodstock Agency
Prominent breeding industry figure Vin Cox is leaving William Inglis & Son after 14 years to start his own bloodstock agency. He plans to offer services including yearling selection, broodmare management, stallion syndication & private sales. Cox has been involved in the syndication of sires Tierce, Dr Grace & Barathea as well as the private sale of broodmares Moon Dragon, Dream Appeal, Voltage & Rich Haul. (Dec 18)
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Disqualifications Follow All-In-Brawl At Newcastle
Racing NSW stewards disqualified 4 licensed people after an all-in brawl in the Members Bar at Newcastle racetrack. Jockey Paul Falvey was disqualified for 4 months, farrier Jamie Carruthers for 12 months, trackwork rider Paula Beagan for 6 months & stable-hand Kristy Ostle for 3 months. Among the colourful evidence stewards heard: Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive John Curtis was told “you’re dead” as Carruthers held a hand to his head in the shape of a gun at the end of the brawl; & Beagan was found guilty of biting & kicking a security guard in the testicles. Steward Philip Dingwall told The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper: “It was an unfortunate incident & reflects poorly on the racing industry. The penalties issued needed to reflect the actions of the licensed persons involved.” (Dec 18)
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Rosehill Gardens Opens $7.5 Million Exhibition Centre
The Sydney Turf Club’s new $7.5 million exhibition centre at Rosehill Gardens racecourse is officially opened today by STC chairman Bruce McHugh, Parramatta City Lord Mayor Paul Garrard, NSW Minister for Western Sydney Kim Yeadon, NSW TRB chief executive Merv Hill & NSW Tourism chief executive Tony Thirlwell. The 4000-square metre Rosehill Gardens Exhibition Centre will provide a unique facility to supplement race day attendances at Rosehill race meetings as it allows for large-scale exhibitions to be held on race days. (Dec 18)
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Proud Knight Dead At 25
Veteran Hunter Valley sire Proud Knight has died aged 25 reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The son of great sprint sire Vain won 5 races, including the Gr2 San Domenico Stakes at Randwick, & set a course record for 1000m at Moonee Valley. He originally stood at the Harris family’s Holbrook Stud in the Widden Valley, before relocating in the late 1990s when the Harris family purchased Glenhaven near Scone, which now carries the Holbrook name. Proud Knight produced over 220 winners of 740 races (including Justice Prevails & Clay Hero) & $5.7 million prize-money. (Dec 18)
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HK Horses Told: Chase International Success
Following the success of local horses in the International Races at Sha Tin, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has challenged HK owners & trainers to pursue major international races around the globe. HKJC director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Horses from this region should travel to compete with confidence & can achieve the appropriate rewards & recognition. Our European colleagues always feel some superiority &, in the past, performances in this part of the world have not received due recognition." But he noted the latest International Races served notice to overseas competition that second-string horses will not be good enough to take the money in HK: "The English are going to have to look at how they approach this. We have heard again that it is the end of a long season for them, but that is not reasonable. Our prize-money is strong enough that horses should be targeted for these races & come here peaking instead of past it. Those who do not take that approach will continue to find it hard." Engelbrecht-Bresges would like to see connections point horses toward runs in both the Japan Cup & Hong Kong Vase at the end of each year, rather than just the Breeders’ Cup Turf. (Dec 18)
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Conquistador Cielo Euthanised At 23
US 1982 Horse-Of-The-Year & successful sire Conquistador Cielo, who started a run of 5 consecutive Belmont Stakes wins for trainer Woody Stephens, was euthanised at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky. The 23-year-old son of Mr Prospector was suffering from founder in his left front leg reported thoroughbredtimes.com. He covered 50 mares this season at a US$30,000 service fee. Claiborne manager Gus Koch said Conquistador Cielo would be buried in the farm’s cemetery next to 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled (who died last year). Conquistador Cielo won 9 of 13 career starts, including the Gr1 Belmont Stakes (by 14 lengths over Kentucky Derby winner Gato Del Sol & Preakness winner Aloma's Ruler), Gr1 Metropolitan Handicap (by 7 lengths in a track record), Gr2 Dwyer Stakes, Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes & Gr2 Saratoga Special Stakes. He was subsequently syndicated for a record US$36.4 million & sired 65 stakes winners from 17 crops (including Gr1 winners Marquetry, Wagon Limit, Norquestor & Conquistarose) & has lifetime progeny earnings of US$54,278, 381. (Dec 18)
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Cassidy Uncertain About Return To Saddle
Leading big race jockey Jim ‘The Pumper’ Cassidy rates himself “only a 50-50 chance” to be fit to ride in the Magic Millions races at the Gold Coast on January 11. Cassidy has undergone knee cartilage surgery & will get an indication of his recovery rate after a specialist examination. “It’s too early to say exactly when I could be riding again,” Cassidy told aapracingandsports.com.au. “It all depends on when I can start training again. If I can get back into the pool before Christmas, I could be some chance to be fit to ride at the Magic Millions meeting. However I won’t be taking any risks & will not be pushing myself to get back just for that meeting.” Trainer Gai Waterhouse will be eager to check on Cassidy’s condition when she returns from an overseas holiday on December 24, so she can work out her riders for the big team of 2YOs she intends starting in the $1 million Magic Millions Classic. (Dec 18)
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Bowman Suspension Sinks NZ Assault
Hugh Bowman's plans to ride at the New Zealand summer carnival were thwarted when he was suspended at Warwick Farm. Stewards outed Bowman from Boxing Day until January 8 - meaning he will miss plum rides in the Gr1 features in Auckland for trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson, reported The Daily Telegraph newspaper. (Dec 18)
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UK Authorities Powerless In 'You-Go-First' Fiasco
The UK Jockey Club announced there is no action within its powers to prevent a recurrence of the farcical ’You-Go-First’ start that blighted Cheltenham’s 4-runner Relkeel Hurdle. With every jockey anxious for a lead, horses stood still at the start for 15 seconds after the official ’off’, before breaking into a walk. The eventual winner of the 2-mile-5-furlong event recorded a time a minute slower than average, reported racingpost.co.uk. Two of the jockeys in the race had been involved in a near indentical slow motion show at Ascot a month earlier, in a race which again featured only 4 runners. “It’s a very difficult issue, because it would be like stepping into a minefield for the Jockey Club to become involved in how a race was run, if no rules are being broken,” said director of public affairs John Maxse. The Jockey Club is in a position similar to other sports where tactics can interfere with the spectacle of a game, but the referee is in no position to do anything about it. There is always the risk of jockeys waiting for others to make the first move in a race with just a handful of runners.” Mike Cattermole, racecourse commentator at Cheltenham, added the farcical start was simply part of race-riding: “You don't reveal your hand or tactics to the opposition in any other sport, so why should you have to do it in racing?" (Dec 18)
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Villiers Winner Automatic Entry To Doncaster
The winner of the Gr2 San Miguel Villiers Stakes over 1600m at Randwick will, for the first time, gain automatic entry to the $2.5 million Gr1 San Miguel Doncaster Handicap on April 19. The Villiers is the highlight of the first day of the Australian Jockey Club’s Summer Carnival. On-course action includes: a ‘Christmas Cocktails & Dreams Party’ with 6 of Sydney’s leading barmen putting on a spectacular display as they compete for cash prizes in the Marie Brizard Flair Tending Competition; chances for race-goers to win prizes in the Grand Marnier Create-A-Cocktail Competition & the San Miguel Beer Opening Competition; plus a visit from Santa & a performance from Sydney’s hottest cover band Superfish. (Dec 18)
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Rory’s Jester Demand Will Outstrip Supply
The track success of Rory’s Jester progeny continues, but his sale ring yearlings will become increasingly rare predicted aapracingandsports.com.au. Rory’s Jester underlined his strength as a 2YO sire when Gai Waterhouse’s filly How Funny began her career with a win at Rosehill, with another Rory’s Jester youngster Merhoob 3rd. Rory’s Jester already boasts 1998 Magic Millions winner Catnipped among his star juveniles & holds a strong hand in the 2003 event with flying Melbourne filly Fashion Victum also poised to run in the Gold Coast race on January 11. In addition, Rory’s Jester 3YO Wyndham Glory (last season’s Perth Magic Millions winner) scored recently at Sandown. Rory’s Jester has now sired 523 individual winners from 699 starters - an extraordinary 74.8% winners-to-starters ratio – and totalled Australian earnings of $25.8 million. (Worldwide earnings are $38 million, due to the success of his breed in Hong Kong, Macau & Singapore.) But public offerings of his progeny are decreasing - his 2001 foal crop numbered only 32, & Stud Book returns for 2002 number just 37. Hence demand for Rory’s Jester stock seems likely to exceed supply, with catalogues for the 2003 yearling sales showing only 13 of his stock listed for sale: 8 at Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in January; none in either the Inglis Sydney Classic or NZ Karaka sales; just 4 in February’s Inglis Melbourne Premier catalogue; & only 5 so far listed for Sydney’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April. (Dec 18)
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Hong Kong Success For Anabaa
The win of French-bred & HK-trained 4YO Precision in the Hong Kong Cup will prove significant for the Southern Hemisphere breeding industry, predicted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Precision is a son of Widden Stud-based US shuttle sire Anabaa, who’s been steadily gaining favour with HK trainers & owners over recent seasons – 8 of his 9 HK runners have collected prize-money, including Anabatik, Best For All, Songs Of Praise (all Australian-bred) & Precision. But potential buyers will have to wait until 2004 to get a crack at the next Anabaa yearlings, as his 2000 Australian stud season was curtailed through minor injury after covering just 2 mares. (Hence a lone yearling by Anabaa will be available in Australia in 2003 - a filly from imported Nijinsky mare More Happiness at the Inglis Classic sale in Sydney.) Things have improved since, with 54 live foals on the ground according to the Australian Stud Book, & Widden Stud reporting Anabaa served a full book of 70 mares this spring. (Dec 18)
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WA Sire Zedrich Running Hot
The owners of the 70 mares covered by Zedrich (the son of Zeditave at WA stud Evergreen Lodge) this season will be delighted to see the 4 recent wins by his progeny in Perth & Singapore (including 2 stakes races) reported aapracingandsports.com.au. At Ascot, classy sprinter Secret Remedy took the Listed Channel Nine Stakes (1200m) & Son Of Vasac blitzed his rivals in the Listed December Stakes (1800m). Zedrich's other winners were Saratoga Springs, plus Kronos at Kranji in Singapore. Trained by Anthony Cummings, Zedrich had only 8 starts in a career thwarted by injury; but in his first race he beat subsequent Golden Slipper winner Flying Spur in a listed event at Sandown. (He later finished 6th in the Golden Slipper behind Flying Spur.) Zedrich went to stud as a 4YO & now has 4 crops of racing age. He will be represented by 21 lots at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale in March. (Dec 18)
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Mare In Foal To Distorted Humor Tops Kentucky Mixed Sale
Gaye’s Locket, a 7YO mare in foal to freshman sire Distorted Humor, drew top price of US$55,000 at the 1-session Fasig-Tipton Kentucky December Mixed Sale. The sale’s average soared 54% above last year as 140 horses were sold, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gaye’s Locket is a winning Ogygian mare & half-sister to multiple stakes winner Gallant Step. Distorted Humor has produced 4 black-type winners in his first crop, including Gr1 winner Awesome Humor & Gr2 winner Humorous Lady. (Dec 18)
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Keeneland Considering Future For July Yearling Sale
Keeneland had discussions with buyers, consignors & others in the thoroughbred industry about the future of its July select yearling sale reported bloodhorse.com. Keeneland's director of sales Geoffrey Russell described the meetings as “routine reviews that are conducted annually” & declined to reveal their content. But Tom VanMeter of Eaton Sales said a variety of options were discussed, including abandoning the auction for a year. "The July horses physically won't be there because the January & February foals are the ones we lost to MRLS (mare reproductive loss syndrome)," VanMeter said. "So there's another problem in addition to trying to get more buyers to come to the auction. But if they have the sale, we'll be there." Other possibilities mentioned, according to VanMeter, were "moving the sale to a different time, & trying to have a 3-day race meet in conjunction with the auction.” (Dec 18)
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Date With Destiny For Bayliss
Ipswich jockey-turned-trainer Jamie Bayliss – who was almost killed in an horrific race-fall on the Sunshine Coast - trained his first city winner, on exactly the same day 8 years later, when Hot Cymbal nudged the 1000m track record at Eagle Farm. Bayliss, now 33, told aapracingandsports.com.au: "It's amazing to think I had my last ride on December 17 & trained my first winner at Eagle Farm on the same date." Suffering serious head injuries, Bayliss lay unconscious in hospital for 5 days following the fall. He subsequently rekindled his passion for racing after a stint working with Mick Kent in Singapore. "That got me really motivated & once I got back home, after spending a year in Singapore, I was breaking-in horses for people I knew & it went from there," he said. “I've been training full time for the past 12 months and loving it.” (Dec 18)
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Career Highlight For Female Jockey
Young jockey Christine Puls achieved a career highlight when she won the Invitational race, against other female riders from around Australia, at Ascot in Perth. She then flew back to Victoria to ride at Werribee, where she won her 18th metropolitan race & 99th career race on Gazania. (Dec 18)
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Country Racing Victoria Announces Special Holiday Meetings
Country Racing Victoria will stage special school holiday entertainment at Samboy Kid's Summer Of Racing meetings this summer, with 12 selected venues hosting special Kids’ Days Out. CRV’s Brian Moyle noted a feature of the day will be the Great Aussie Bush Show. Venues & dates are: Geelong Thursday December 26; Bairnsdale Thursday December 26; Mildura Monday December 30; Echuca Tuesday December 31; Yarra Glen Thursday January 2; Mornington Saturday January 4; Kyneton Sunday January 5; Werribee Saturday January 11; Ballarat Sunday January 12; Stony Creek Monday January 13; Warrnambool Sunday January 19; Cranbourne Wednesday January 22. (Dec18)
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Phone The King To Stud At Superstition in Kentucky
Phone the King will enter stud at Jerry Straw's Superstition Farm in Kentucky reported bloodhorse.com. The 7YO son of Phone Trick won 5 of 45 starts, including placings in stakes races at 3 different tracks. (Dec 18)
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Ugachaka Retired To Breed With Zabeel
Former high class Australian racemare Ugachaka has been retired following her disappointing New Zealand debut performance at Te Rapa. "Obviously she’s not right, so it’s not a hard decision to make," the 4YO mare’s owner-breeder Garry Chittick told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Ugachaka won 5 races, including the Gr2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington & Gr2 Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Rosehill, when trained by Lee Freedman. She returned to NZ for her final campaign with Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan, after being successfully covered by Zabeel. (Dec 17)
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Mistegic Lame & Banned For Bleeding
Trainer Lee Curtis suffered a double-blow in the aftermath to Mistegic’s game 6th in the Hong Kong Sprint. Jockey Dan Nikolic explained: “He went from bolting to gone in a few strides. If anything he travelled too well. When I let him down inside the 200m, he faulted very badly. He pulled up sore in the off-fore leg and didn’t feel good. It could be a tendon." HK stewards duly confirmed Mistegic pulled up lame. In addition, he also bled. As a result, reported racenet.com.au, Mistegic will incur an automatic 3-month ban for the bleeding attack - but will serve this while in the paddock recovering from his damaged leg. (Dec 17)
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Media Puzzle May Return For BMW Clash With Northerly
Irish trainer Dermot Weld has announced the Sydney Turf Club’s $2 million BMW on April 12 may be the next target for Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle – setting up a possible clash with Aussie champ Northerly. Weld said Media Puzzle had come through his Melbourne Cup campaign in good order &, with opportunities restricted in Europe, the 2400m weight-for-age contest at Rosehill would be an ideal option reported The Daily Telegraph newspaper. "I think it might be a nice race for him," Weld said. Northerly’s trainer Fred Kersley announced last week The BMW was Northerly’s primary autumn goal. However the canny Weld noted connections of Northerly (winner of the last 2 Cox Plates) should also consider the Dubai World Cup (run at a similar time to The BMW). "Why wouldn't Northerly go to Dubai," Weld said. "I'd have thought he would have a good chance over there." Meanwhile STC chief executive Michael Kenny confirmed: “Our racing manager John Nicholson made contact with Dermot Weld in Hong Kong & we are continuing to liaise with the International Racing Bureau about the possibility of attracting other northern hemisphere interest. Certainly we would love Media Puzzle to come to Sydney. The quarantine centre at Canterbury is being built right now & will be ready for autumn.” (Dec 17)
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Special Presentation To Weld For Melbourne Cup Win
Special presentations were made to Mark Weld (representing his father Dermot who was in Hong Kong), Dermot Cantillon (representing Michael Smurfit) & Moyglare manager Stan Cosgrove at the annual Moyglare dinner in Ireland for their achievement in winning the 2002 Melbourne Cup with Media Puzzle reported racingpost.co.uk. UK Turf Club senior steward Ray Rooney said: “The greatest tribute I can pay to Dermot is that many European trainers with vast resources at their disposal have tried to win the race, but have never been successful. Yet he has done it twice. I would also like to pay tribute to Dr Michael Smurfit, owner of both Vintage Crop & Media Puzzle. It is a brave decision to sanction such a venture & his achievement in being the successful owner of a European-trained winner on 2 occasions will be difficult to surpass. Moyglare has bred many great horses that have won races all over the world, but I am sure Media Puzzle’s success in Australia gave them as much, if not more, pleasure than any victory.” (Dec 17)
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NSW TRB To Appeal Waterhouse Decision
The legal battle between the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board & bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse continues. The TRB has announced that “after careful consideration of the judgment decision”, it has resolved to “appeal to the Court of Appeal the decision handed down by Justice Young on 29 November 2002, in regard to the Waterhouse v Racing Appeals Tribunal case.” (Dec 17)
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Darley Plans Foray Into Japanese Racing
Sheikh Mohammed's involvement in Japanese racing is to be stepped up in 2003, with 6 2YOs set to race for Darley Japan, probably based at Funabashi Racecourse reported bloodhorse.com. Darley has been represented in Japan for the past 5 years by a number of mares - originally sent to be covered by Sunday Silence - with some of their offspring offered at Japanese sales. There are currently about 20 Darley mares in Japan. A company called Darley Japan has just been created, under the auspices of Riki Takahashi. The training base & trainer will be decided in the next few months. (Dec 17)
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Gilded Time Continues To Set Records
Vinery’s young sire Gilded Time continues to set records. In his latest US Gr1 triumph, Gilded Time’s daughter Elloluv led all the way, in only her 3rd start, to record a sensational win in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes for 2YO fillies over 1700m at Hollywood Park - defeating Breeders Cup Juvenile runner-up Composure by 4 lengths. As the American racing year comes to a close, Gilded Time has sired 20 stakes performers & notched prize-money in excess of US$4.6 million this season alone, noted Vinery Australia’s bloodstock manager Colm Santry. Gilded Time was undisputed US Champion 2YO of his generation & undefeated in 4 juvenile starts, including: the Gr2 Sapling Stakes (in which he ran the 6 furlongs in a track record 1:07.4); the 1-mile Gr2 Arlington-Washington Futurity by 5 lengths; & the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He was similarly an immediate success at stud, ending 1997 as US Champion Freshman Sire. Now with 6 crops of racing age, Gilded Time is responsible for 264 winners of 704 races, worth over US$20 million, including 32 stakes winners & 58 individual stakes performers. He has sired over 90 2YO winners, including 24 from a single crop in 2000. Gilded Time shuttled to Vinery Australia for the first time in 1999 & has his first Australian-bred foals running this season; they already include Moonee Valley stakes-winner Pinchbeck. (Dec 17)
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Falbrav Named Italian Horse-Of-The-Year
The Italian Racehorse Owners’ Association crowned multiple Gr1 winner Falbrav as Italian Horse-Of-The-Year at an awards dinner in Milan reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Falbrav won 4 of 6 races in 2002, including Italy’s Gr1 Premio Presidente Della Repubblica & Gr1 Gran Premio di Milano, plus the Gr1 Japan Cup & earned US$2,468,697. Bred in Ireland by Azienda Agricola Francesca & owned by Scuderia Rencati, Falbrav is a 4YO colt by Fairy King out of the stakes-placed Slewpy mare Gift Of The Night. (Dec 17)
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Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome: Breeders' Cup Nominations Fall
The number of 2002 US foals nominated to the Breeders' Cup program fell 8% from last year, largely due to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome reported bloodhorse.com. MRLS resulted in the loss of nearly 20% of pregnancies of Kentucky-based mares when it swept through the region in 2001. Dora Hughes, vice president of nominations for the US National Thoroughbred Racing Associations/Breeders' Cup, announced 13,800 foals of 2002 have been nominated to the program. The total is 1,220 fewer than the 15,020 reported by the Breeders' Cup last year. Kentucky had 1,423 fewer foals nominated in 2002 than in 2001, a result of the early-term abortions caused by MRLS. The 2002 total is 21% lower than the 8,294 Kentucky-breds nominated in 2000, prior to MRLS. (Dec 17)
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HKJC Advises European Trainers To Ship Horses Earlier
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will encourage European trainers to ship horses earlier for the International Races meeting, following the spate of late withdrawals which decimated this year’s British challenge. Malhub, Nayyir & Ulundi were all forced to miss their races at Sha Tin after becoming sick following long flights to HK - developing an array of problems including temperatures, nasal discharges & blood irregularities. Having arrived only a week before raceday, the treatment available was limited, prompting the HKJC to call for trainers to follow the lead of Germany’s Peter Schiergen, whose runner Guadalupe also became ill on arrival in HK but, having arrived sooner, had more time to recover & subsequently ran a creditable 6th in the HK Vase. HKJC director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges told racingpost.co.uk: “Guadalupe is a good example. She came here 12 days before the race, took 2 or 3 days to acclimatise, was treated for her problem & ran a very good race. We will discuss the subject with European trainers & urge them to come to HK earlier. It depends on the horse but, in general, we will expect horses to be here 10 days in advance of race-day if the horse is flying for more than 8 hours.” (Dec 17)
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Xmas Party Series Across Country NSW
The NSW Country Racing Council is supporting 9 special “Christmas party” race meetings across the State. CRC chief executive Brian Judd told racenet.com.au: “The Christmas Party theme is showing that racing is a real community affair. We’re encouraging people to bring their families & have a great day out.” For example, Lismore Christmas Cup Race Day is on Friday 20 December. Lismore Turf Club secretary-manager Michael Timbrell said: “A lot of social groups are coming out – and the club has made special arrangements with Santa, who will arrive at the course at 3pm with special treats for the kids.” (Dec 17)
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Magic Millions 2YO Latest Order-Of-Entry
The latest 2YO action at Rosehill has had a significant impact on the order-of-entry for the $1 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast on January 11. Rory’s Jester filly How Funny (purchased by Gai Waterhouse at the 2002 MM Yearling Sale for $90,000) beat stablemate Snippy (also purchased by Waterhouse at the 2002 MM for $150,000) with 3rd place going to the John O'Shea trained Merhoob (purchased by Tim Boland at the 2002 MM for $130,000). And in Brisbane the General Nediym filly Regimental Gal also secured her place in the MM Classic with victory over dual Sydney winner Dorky. Latest order-of-entry: Hasna $76,500 prize-money (trained by G.Waterhouse); Get Carter $57,200 (J.Wallace); Fashion Victim $48,750 (D.Hall); Imperialism $40,050 (G.Waterhouse); Shamekha $38,250 (G.Waterhouse); Regimental Gal $33,400 (S.Dwyer); Aracena $29,250 (G.Waterhouse); Danbird $29,250 (G.Ryan); Express Ball $27,450 (R.Maund); Spinning Boy $19,050 (A.Stapleford); Helter Skelter $17,500 (L.Birchley); Kas Nediym $15,300 (G.Osborne); Markane $15,000 (D.Hall); Nibbler $14,063 (B.Laming); L'espalier $13,050 (G.Waterhouse); Dress Code $9,950 (R.Laing); Champagne Gold $8,460 (D.Balfour); Cambooya $8,000 (M.Nolan); African Grey $6,550 (T.Gollan); Mister Success $6,500 (K.Kemp); I'm a Leader $5,850 (B.Joseph); Con's Amy $5,200 (K.Moore); Head For Cover $4,875 (T.Hall); Annie La Vie $4,800 (B.Laming); La Reata $4,050 (R.Quinton); Western Springs $4,000 (P.Moody); Polka Queen $3,700 (G.Heinrich); Rosarino $3,200 (D.Hall); Seconds to Spare $3,200 (R.Cameron); High Occupancy $3,200 (J.Symons); Merhoob $3,000 (J.O'Shea); Danzadash $3,000 (T.McEvoy); Spymaster $2,800 (A.Scorse); Shore $2,500 (R.Macrae); Maduro $2,000 (L.Macdonald); Northwood $1,800 (G.Rogerson); Risingdane $1,800 (L.Olson); Barrenjoey Byways (F.Cleary); Charmview $1,500 (T.Wildman). (Dec 17)
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Magic Millions 3YO Latest Order-Of-Entry
Dual Gr1-winning filly Lovely Jubly began her build up to the Magic Millions Trophy for 3YOs when she finished 3rd at Rosehill. Last year's juvenile Magic Millions winner will have one more run in Sydney before she heads back to the Gold Coast to contest the $1 million MM Trophy (1400m) on January 11. Latest order-of-entry: Lovely Jubly $1,232,350 prize-money (trained by K.Robinson); Able Choice $555,019 (J.Moore); Snowland $464,700 (G.Waterhouse); Bulla Borghese $464,000 (R.Quinton); Hydrometer $437,760 (L.Macdonald); Brief Embrace $378,100 (P.Moody); Chuckle $292,000 (G.Waterhouse); CoolTrent $235,750 (D.Lawson); Milkshake $232,400 (C.Little); Ain't Here $227,550 (P.Moody); Blur $209,040 $30,000 (C.Little); Wyndam Glory $201,350 (T.McEvoy); Red Labelle $156,000 (M.Minervini); Star of Florida $142,200 (P.Duff); Damade Noche $138,450 (L.Freedman); Bardego $131,500 (L.Corstens); Sunday Joy $117,070 (G.Waterhouse); True Glo $111,900 (L.Freedman); Rachael's Pride $108,540 (J.Hall); Toast of the Coast $100,200 (T.Vasil); Warrior Trader $89,250 (M.Thexton); Lawson'sStorm $85,660 (D.Balfour); Grandway Shogun $81,000 (B.Guy); It's Who Deanie $79,250 (J.Salanitri); Superior Star $77,707 (N.Parnham); Ms Bowie $75,340 (A.Denham); Anacarde $74,440 (T.McEvoy); Highest $74,150 (J.Denham); Private Steer $69,720 (L.Curtis); Live Theatre $68,720 (M.Ellerton); Mardi Gras $62,600 (G.Ryan); Lion Dancer $60,370 (B.Thomsen); Gleam $60,300 (J.Denham); Sun Kisses $60,100 (G.Ryan); Bullala $59,900 (J.Morish); Robert Royale $54,600 (A.Denham); Cyberiad $54,000 (L.Freedman); Russell On $53,250 (G.Rogerson); Koochie $52,050 (J.Wallace). (Dec 17)
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Inglis Classic Latest Order-Of-Entry
Latest order-of-entry for the $610,000 2003 Inglis Classic (1200m) at Randwick on January 18: Miss Terrain (trained by M.Price) $48,750 prize-money; Secret Land (G.Waterhouse) $45,500; Danish Magic (R.Simpson) $15,300; Regrade (G.Portelli) $11,000; Mimzical (G.Portelli) $10,000; In Top Swing (N.Mayfield-Smith) $9,000; Happy Strike (R.Hore-Lacy) $8,000; Don's Success (G.Portelli) $5,200; Hinting (F.Mitchell) $3,600; Garrett (B.Joseph) $3,400; Filante's Rose (J.Cantrell) $1,800; General Intent (F.Mitchell) $1,600; Perfect Movement (G.Waterhouse) $1,600; Sir Dex (G.Hickman) $1,400; Turon (R.Pearse) $900; Dakota Kel (G.Portelli) $900; Impala Bullet (R.Milligan) $700. (Dec 17)
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Inglis Premier Latest Order-Of-Entry
Latest order-of-entry for the $500,000 2003 Inglis Premier Race (1200m) at Flemington on February 9: Ra Sun (trained by R.Griffiths) $115,000 prize-money; Pinchbeck (R.Hore-Lacy) $97,500; Arena Star (R.Griffiths) $26,250; Son of Spartacus (T.McEvoy) $23,740; Roedean (M.Price) $18,200; Pietiner (C.Alderson) $16,000; Paint The Stage (L.Freedman) $7,150; Tatanka (M.Minervini) $4,400; Lady Arnica (C.Conron) $3,000; Hot Spa (S.Richards) $750; Neo (M.Price) $625. (Dec 17)
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NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Hots Up
NZ Bloodstock’s Filly-Of-The-Year contest hotted up when the Mike Moroney & Andrew Scott trained Gypsy Babe (Blues Traveller-Console) defeated stablemate Bailey’s On Ice (O’Reilly-Crème Anglaise) with the Noel Eales trained Charmaine (Centaine-Charmante) 3rd in Gr3 Robertson Holden Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Manawatu. Gypsy Babe & Bailey’s On Ice are scheduled to race each other again twice in the near future in Filly-Of-The-Year races: the Gr2 Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day & Armstrong Jones New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on January 18. The Eulogy marked the midway point in the 2002-03 NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Series, with 5 races remaining. The current points table is: The Jewel (12 points); Volksini (10.5); Chestpeak (7); Danceinthesun (6); Gypsy Babe (6); Molly Dot Com (6); Bailey’s On Ice (3); Country Class (3); Original Sin (2); Charmaine (1.5); Midnight Call (1.5); Savuka (1.5); Florida (1). (Dec 17)
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UK Senior Steward Issues Morphine Warning
UK Turf Club senior steward Ray Rooney has issued a warning that calls for threshold levels for morphine to be introduced will be ignored, if it is established that the banned drug can contribute to the improvement of a horse, reported racingpost.co.uk. Rooney referred to the spate of 9 morphine-positive samples in Ireland in recent weeks, which will spark a string of automatic disqualifications. The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners has called for the winners to be allowed to keep their races & this was backed by a statement from feed suppliers saying a threshold level should be introduced. However Rooney declared: “Morphine is a prohibited substance & the rules both in Ireland & England provide for automatic disqualification. The European Horse Racing Scientific Liaison Committee is examining 10-12 drugs, of which morphine is one, to examine whether thresholds can or should be introduced. I understand that, in the event of the Committee finding any of the drugs contribute to the improvement of a horse - no matter how small the quantity found - then thresholds will not be introduced. The matter is not one taken lightly by all concerned with racing, but the objective is to ensure the continuance of the high level of integrity in racing.” (Dec 17)
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Holy Bull Filly Tops Fasig-Tipton Texas Mixed Sale
A yearling filly by Holy Bull brought US$30,000 to lead the single-session Fasig-Tipton Texas mixed sale at Lone Star Park. Doyce Ellenburg purchased Holy Class from B.L.Littleton as part of a complete dispersal reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The chestnut filly is out of the stakes-winning Bold Ego mare Sonsearay, who has produced 2 winners from 3 foals to race. (Dec 17)
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Indiana Stallion Indy Mood Moved To Swifty Farms
Indy Mood, a half-brother to 2-time US Gr1 winner Saratoga Dew, has been moved to stand the 2003 stud season at Swifty Farms in Indiana reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 8YO son of A.P.Indy (out of In Reality mare Super Luna) previously stood at Hancock Farm & Dry Creek Farm in Indiana. (Dec 17)
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Hong Kong Locals Grab 3 of 4 International Races
Locally-trained horses won 3 of the 4 Gr1 Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin. Outsider Precision (an Anabaa 4YO trained by David Oughton & ridden by Mick Kinane) cause a boil-over to win the HK Cup at 66-1 by a short-head from Germany’s Paolini & Denmark’s Dano-Mast. A slow pace created numerous hard luck stories, including favourite Grandera who finished 7th after being shuffled back to last & failing to get a clear run in the straight. "I had a smooth run on the outside, while everyone else was having a rough time on the rail," Kinane said. "When I asked Precision to quicken he did it very well. I have to admit it is a bit of a surprise, but it's great to finish the season like this." Ecstatic trainer Oughton (an Englishman who’s been training in HK for 15 years) declared: "This is my first international victory, and it means an awful lot." Another local outsider Olympic Express (trained by Ivan Allan & ridden by Weichong Marwing) won the HK Mile at 48-1 from fellow local Electronic Unicorn (runner-up in the Mile for the second time). In the 1000m HK Sprint another local quinella saw 3-1 favourite All Thrills Too (trained by David Hayes & ridden by Gerald Mosse) defeat Firebolt, with Australia's Falvelon (ridden by Damien Oliver & winner in 2000 & 2001) 3rd. Hayes commented: “I was confident, but that is a trait of mine. I knew All Thrills Too had improved from last year, just with maturity. He is a big, strong horse, but he has gotten more solid. This is my biggest thrill in Hong Kong." In the 2400m HK Vase, France's Ange Gabriel (ridden by Thierry Jarnet & trained by Eric Libaud) defeated compatriot Aquarelliste. Ange Gabriel will now chase the Sheema Classic in Dubai in March & then UK King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot in July. HK Jockey Club chief executive Lawrence Wong summed up: “What a day. It's a strong endorsement of the drive to improve the quality of horses here.” HKJC executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges added: “We want to stage the Turf World Championships and, after today's action, you would have to say that we are absolutely on target.” HKJC Senior Handicapper Ciaran Kennelly noted the Vase was the highest-ever rated 2400m event staged in HK, & the winner will now be rated just behind Breeders' Cup Turf winner High Chaparral. (Dec 16)
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Desert King Colt Sets HK Sales Record
Australian-bred Danehill progeny dominated the 2002 Hong Kong International Sale, led by a record HK$4.8 million (A$1,088,682) for a colt by Desert King - emerging as the boom son of Danehill. Trainer John Moore made the HK Sale record bid on behalf of HK shipping magnate George Chang & prominent HK neurosurgeon Dr Andrew Wong. The Desert King colt (from Crown Jester mare Very Droll) was originally purchased by the HK Jockey Club at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in April for A$600,000. Offered by Coolmore Australia, he is a half-brother to Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha. Australian-bred Danehill sons attracted the next 3 highest prices. A grey colt from Gr3 winner Swiftsynd (bought at the Inglis Easter sale for A$500,000) was purchased by HK real estate developer Rusty Shroff for HK$4.7 million (also beating the previous record of HK$4.5 million set last year); he’ll go to Australian trainer Geoff Lane. Then followed HK$2.6 million for a Danehill colt from Subterfuge (Inglis Easter A$500,000) & HK$2.4 million for a Danehill-Great Vintage colt (Magic Millions A$575,000). A total 35 lots were sold for a gross HK$49.9 million at an average HK$1,425,714 (down 3.86% from the 2001 figure). HKJC executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Breges summed up: "All in all, we have to be happy with the results this year. Our buyers are discerning about conformation & open-minded about pedigrees. We saw some very wise bidding tonight." (Dec 16)
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Glenlogan Park Celebrates HK Sprint Result
Queensland’s Glenlogan Park Stud had a double reason to celebrate, & at the same time lament, the placings in the International Sprint at Sha Tin reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The stud was responsible for producing both the winner All Thrills Too & 3rd placegetter Falvelon by sires that unfortunately passed away early in their breeding careers. All Thrills Too is by St Covet & Falvelon by Alannon, stallions who stood at Glenlogan Park before their untimely deaths. St Covet produced only 3 crops in Australia, with All Thrills Too coming from his 2nd season at Glenlogan Park. Prepared by St Covet’s trainer David Hayes, All Thrills Too is the first foal of unraced Citidancer mare Red Slippers. Alannon produced only 1 crop of foals including Falveleon before he died. And HK Sprint runner-up Firebolt is a northern hemisphere-bred son of Golden Slipper Stakes winner Flying Spur. (Dec 16)
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Australian Punter Wins Godolphin Tipping Contest
Tasmanian punter Rod Fulton has beaten 92,000 entrants from 161 countries to win the 2002 Godolphin Seven Stars tipping competition, landing a US$150,000 cash prize & a trip for 2 to the Dubai World Cup reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Fulton, 36, has never travelled overseas. He won the internet contest with 459 points, just 1 ahead of a Yugoslavian entrant, with a Japanese entrant 3rd, & Irish entrants 4th & 5th. Fulton nominated the 7 Godolphin-owned horses that amassed the most points from their performances during 2002. Incredibly, it is the 3rd time in 3 years an entry from Tasmania has figured in the first 3 placings. (Tasmanian Leighton Hodge finished 2nd in the inaugural Seven Stars in 2000 & last year Paul Flanagan finished 3rd.) Fulton explained he & some friends picked out a dozen Godolphin horses with the best Timeform ratings, before choosing his 7 selections to run for him this year: Noverre, Grandera, Essence Of Dubai, Firebreak, Imperial Gesture, Habayeb & Danuta. "There was no great science involved, just a lot of luck,” he added. Godolphin website manager Lesley Lornie commented: "In view of Godolphin's growing association with Australian racing, it is fitting that Rod Fulton from Tasmania is the winner of this year's competition. For those who follow racing & sport worldwide, it should not come as a surprise that Australia is the pre-eminent country in the Seven Stars competition.” (Dec 16)
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Tendon Strain Ends Zonda's Career
A tendon strain has ended the career of class galloper Zonda on the eve of beginning his 8YO season. Trainer Roger James told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "We noticed a bit of heat in his near fore. A scan confirmed our fears. That's it, he will now be retired." The Zabeel gelding's career was dogged by a string of mostly minor injuries since his 3YO days, when he won the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie & Alister Clark Stakes in Melbourne. Overall Zonda had just 16 starts for 7 wins. (Dec 16)
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12-Month Bond For Jockey Robinson
Controversy-plagued jockey Allan Robinson, who once set an Australasian record for most winners in a season, has been paced on a 12-month bond after pleading guilty to assault. Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy told The Sydney Morning Herald he was “monitoring the situation” & noted “the conduct of a licensed person is always a concern for us.” The charge against Robinson was proven but dismissed, with Magistrate Steve Jackson taking into account the jockey’s charitable work & community involvement as a “bank” from which Robinson should be able to make a withdrawal. Newcastle court heard Robinson had kicked a man in the head & spat twice in his face outside a Newcastle hotel after a birthday celebration. Robinson’s lawyer argued self-defence & claimed Robinson was bitten on the ankle by the victim. (Dec 16)
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Baerami Boasts Draft Of Champion 2YOs
Baerami Thoroughbreds boasts “each of the stallions represented” in its draft of 8 yearling colts for the Inglis 2003 Classic Sale at Newmarket in Sydney was “either Champion 2YO or has sired Champion 2YOs all over the world.” Orpen, unbeaten Champion 2YO of Ireland & joint 3rd top-rated 2YO in Europe, is represented by four colts; his first Australasian yearlings sell in 2003. Flying Spur, himself a Champion 2YO & Golden Slipper winner, was Champion Australian First Crop Sire & Champion NZ 2YO Sire of his year & has sired 166 winners (including 19 stakes winners) & has progeny earnings of $13.4 million. Lion Hunter, Champion Australian First Crop sire of 2001-2002, has produced 30 progeny to race, with 17 winners including Lovely Jubly (winner of GCTC Magic Millions 2YO, Gr1 QTC Sires Produce & Gr1 TJ Smith Classic). Way Of Light (from the family of Halo, Northern Dancer & Danehill) was French Champion 2YO of 1998; his first yearlings also sell in 2003. King Of Kings won 4 races from 5 starts in Ireland as a 2YO (including the Gr1 National Stakes); he has also proved successful as a 2YO sire with 15 winners in his first Australian crop & 11 individual winners in Ireland, USA, England & Japan from his first Northern Hemisphere crop. In recent years Baerami, located in the NSW Hunter Valley between Denman & the Widden Valley, has produced Bel Esprit, Private Steer, Dancing Hill & Careel Boy. (Dec 16)
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Stewards Consider Penalties For Over-Weight Jockeys
Scaling penalties for over-weight jockeys was considered when NSW Racing chief steward Ray Murrihy convened the annual stewards’ conference in Sydney for 25 fellow stipes from across the state. “We will be taking advice from handicappers,’ Murrihy told The Sydney Morning Herald. Another topic of concern involved jockeys endeavouring to win races at all costs. Murrihy noted: “The metropolitan policy, where riders can be suspended as well as fined for throwing caution to the wind in feature races, may well be expanded to country areas.’ (Dec 16)
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Veteran Steward Larry Morrison Retires
Long-serving Racing NSW steward Larry Morrison will retire from the post on January 31. The former trainer spent more than 30 years on various NSW stipendiary steward panels. (Dec 16)
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Freddy Takes Carlos Pellegrini & Sold To US
Brazilian-owned Freddy scored his 3rd straight win with a 3-length triumph in South America’s most prestigious race, Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini, at San Isidro in Buenos Aires. Ridden by Pedro Robles, the 3YO son of Roy carried the colours of Brazil’s Antonio Gilberto Depieri Stud La Providencia for the last time - having been sold before the race to US owner Earle Mack, who plans to campaign him in North America reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Depieri said after the race: “This is one of the happiest moments of my life. I always dreamt of winning a Carlos Pellegrini & now I have made that dream a reality.” Freddy’s Brazilian trainer Jose Alves added: “Winning the Pellegrini has been a goal of mine since I decided to relocate in Argentina over a year & a half ago.” In 2 seasons Freddy has won 4 of 5 career starts including the Gr1 Argentine Derby at Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo, Gr1 Estrellas Juvenile & Gr2 Eduardo Casey. (Dec 16)
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Elloluv Thrashes Rivals In US Gr1 Romp
At only her 3rd start, Elloluv (a daughter of Gilded Time) led all the way to record an emphatic a 4-length win in the Gr1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes for 2YO fillies at Hollywood Park reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Elloluv trounced the odds-on favourite Composure (who’d finished 2nd behind Storm Flag Flying in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at her previous start). "When I legged Pat up, I said ‘Don’t look at the odds’, " winning trainer Craig Dollase said. "Pat rode her with confidence. Horses just respond to him. It’s that positive energy.” (Dec 16)
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Blue Sea Thwarts Triple Crown In Chilean St Leger
Blue Sea scored a sensational 4-length victory in the Gr1 Chilean St Leger to deny hot favorite Wild Spirit a US$400,000 bonus in her effort to sweep the Hipodromo del Chile Triple Crown - after previously capturing the Gr1 Polla de Potrancos (Chilean One Thousand Guineas) & Gr1 Gran Criterium earlier this season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Dec 16)
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Clasico Del Caribe Won By Venezuela
Highlight of the Caribbean racing season is the 1800m Puerto Rican Clasico Del Caribe for 3YOs - contested by horses bred in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuadaor, Guatemala, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela. Venezuela has won for the 2nd time in 3 years with Gran Abuelo (by Le Voyageur out of a Fappiano mare) beating Panamanian representative Figo reported aapracingandsports.com.au. (Dec 16)
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Drugs Czar Banned From Racing For 20 Years
Brian Wright, the alleged drugs baron on the run from UK police, & 4 associates have been warned-off British racetracks until at least January 2023. In a headling-hogging announcement, Wright (who has headed the UK Jockey Club's “most wanted” list for more than a decade), son Brian Wright junior, Paul Shannon, Ian Kiernan & former jockey Barrie Wright (no relation) were all warned off together - & the Disciplinary Committee ruled no application to have the order lifted would be considered before January 1 2023. Spokesman John Maxse told racingpost.co.uk: “It is a very significant day for the Jockey Club." (Dec 16)

Ireland Announces Prize-Money Increases
Horse Racing Ireland has announced a 7.5% prize-money increase for next year, from 45.6 million euros to 49 million euros. Director of racing Jason Morris told racingpost.co.uk: "Horse Racing Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to offering prize-money which bears the most favourable international comparison. (Dec 16)
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First Aust-Bred Winner For Red Ransom
Vinery’s international stud success Red Ransom was credited with his first Australian-bred winner when the Mick Price-trained Halibery scored in a Maiden Plate at Mornington reported racenet.com.au. Purchased by Vinery Stud for $70,000 at this year’s Magic Millions sale, Halibery was bred by Rob & Jenny Ferguson at their recently dispersed Torryburn Stud. Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia) became an instant sensation at stud in the US when he won the 1994 Champion Freshman Sires title. Red Ransom almost made a sensational debut in Australia when his 2YO colt Markane was runner-up in the Listed Debutant Stks at Caulfield. (Dec 13)
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NZ Filly Wins On Debut In US
Former leading New Zealand filly Final Destination led all the way to score easily in her US debut over 1700m at Hollywood Park in California. The O’Reilly 4YO is racing under leading US trainer Bobby Frankel, who guided fellow NZ-bred Happyanunoit through her American career. Levin bloodstock agent Mick Preston, who negotiated Final Destination’s sale to Californian tuna fishing magnate Edmund Gann, told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “I’ve just spoken to Frankel’s agent Brian McCaughey and they’re rapt. She led from the start, something that had won its 4 previous starts took her on, but she shook it off & lengthened stride to win easily.” Final Destination was NZ’s leading spring 3YO in 2001, after scoring a Gr1 double in the NZ One Thousand Guineas & Bayer Classic. She had just one more start for an autumn Ellerslie win, before her sale at a reported NZ$1 million. (Dec 13)
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Trainer Fined After Positive Swab
Trainer Gerald Ryan was fined $4,000 by Racing NSW stewards after his galloper Gullcatcher returned a positive swab following a Newcastle win in September. Gullcatcher was found to have traces of the prohibited substance valerinic acid in a urine sample. It was the first time the herbal treatment had been found in a horse racing in Australia & chief steward Ray Murrihy commented the offence was ”at the lower end of the scale.” (Dec 13)
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Quays Misses Motherhood & Returns To Track
Paul Fleming, new owner of last year's Gr2 VRC Wakeful Stakes winner Quays, has advised that the Marauding mare is not in foal. Purchased for an undisclosed sum, Quays was sent to Coolmore's new boom stallion Giant's Causeway - but unfortunately missed to the son of Storm Cat. Fleming has decided to put the daughter of Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes winner Pontal Lass back into work, and Quays will be sent to the stables of Guy Walter who trains Republic Lass for Fleming's brother Dean. Quays is a grand-daughter of broodmare Pier, owned by the Fleming family's patriarch Jim, former chairman of the Sydney Turf Club. Paul Fleming said Quays is likely to be targeted at an autumn feature campaign before having a second attempt at motherhood in September 2003. (Dec 13)
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HK International Races Barrier Draw
Australian representative & 2-time winner Falvelon drew barrier 1 for the HK Sprint. HK’s top local sprinter All Thrills Too drew adjacent barrier 2, while Japanese speedster Believe drew the extreme outside of the straight course in barrier 14, with American ace Texas Glitter next door in 13. Falvelon's trainer Dan Bougoure was not unhappy to draw 1, even though he said he’d hoped for a middle gate: "The race is early in the day, so you’d think there'd be nothing wrong with the ground inside & we've got the right jockey in Damien Oliver. The horses do tend to fan across the track at the finish of this race, so a run should come for him.” Falvelon won from barriers 4 & 5 in 2000 & 2001. Mistegic, the other Aussie in the Sprint, drew barrier 4. In the HK Mile, Australian Scenic Peak drew barrier 13, while local champion Electronic Unicorn landed barrier 1. Scenic Peak can be ridden forward or back & owner Daryl Steinback said he wasn’t perturbed by the outside gate: “He does like galloping room in his races. I'd prefer him to be out there rather than getting cluttered up on the fence.” (Dec 13)
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Carmody Lands First Winner
After more than 2 years in Singapore, former prominent jockey Craig Carmody landed his first winner back in Sydney aboard Island Storm at Canterbury’s mid-week night meeting. (Dec 13)
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Waterhouse Leads Magic Millions List With 5 Of Top 15
Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse has 5 of the current top 15 on the prize-money qualifying list for the $1 million Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic. The latest Top 20 are: Hasna ($76,500) trained by Gai Waterhouse; Get Carter ($57,200) John Wallace; Fashion Victim ($48,750) David Hall; Imperialism ($40,050) Gai Waterhouse; Shamekha ($38,250) Gai Waterhouse; Regimental Gal ($33,400) Shaun Dwyer; Aracena ($29,250) Gai Waterhouse; Danbird ($29,250) Gerald Ryan; Express Ball ($27,450) Ron Maund; Spinning Boy ($19,050) Albert Stapleford; Helter Skelter ($17,500) Liam Birchley; Kas Nediym ($15,300) George Osborne; Markane ($15,000) David Hall; Nibbler ($14,063) Bevan Laming; L'espalier ($13,050) Gai Waterhouse; Dress Code ($9,950) Robbie Laing; Champagne Gold ($8,460) David Balfour; Cambooya ($8,000) Michael Nolan; African Grey ($6,550) Tony Gollan; Mister Success ($6,500) Kevin Kemp. (Dec 13)
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Horse Taxation Seminar During Gold Coast Sales
To coincide with its January Gold Coast sales week, Magic Millions has included a special pre-sales seminar covering key Horse Taxation topics, including: GST; business-v-hobby; capital gains tax; new losses rules; mare & stallion write-downs; & horse deductions. The seminar, presented by bloodstock taxation consultant Paul Carrazzo CPA, is on Tuesday 7 January from 6-7.30pm at the Magic Millions Sales Complex. (Dec 13)
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Earmuffs Approved In NZ
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board has approved trainer Donna Logan’s application to race horses wearing earmuffs – a first for NZ. Approval was given subject to review by stipendiary stewards, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The NZTRB noted the equipment was in wide use in Japan & had also been approved for use in Australia. The Logan-trained Foster Boy will race in earmuffs at Ellerslie on15 December. (Dec 13)
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Breeding Rights In Boom US Colt Sold
John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms has bought a portion of the breeding rights in boom US 2YO colt Vindication from Satish Sanan's Padua Stables reported bloodhorse.com. Unbeaten Vindication, winner of the Gr1 Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile last start, will enter stud at Hill 'n' Dale near Lexington in Kentucky following his racing career. Padua will retain complete ownership & will continue to manage the son of Seattle Slew. Vindication brought US$2.15 million as a yearling & is the third foal from his graded stakes-winning dam Strawberry Reason (by Strawberry Road). (Dec 13)
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Manndar To Stand At Wintergreen Stallion Station
Two-time US Gr1 winner Manndar, who was retired last year after undergoing surgery to repair an injured ankle, will stand his first season in 2003 at Wintergreen Stallion Station in Kentucky reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO son of Doyoun was bred in Ireland & initially campaigned by the Aga Khan, before moving to the US. Manndar won 4 of 20 career starts including victories in the Gr1 2000 Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs & Gr1 Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park; he also finished 2nd in the Gr1 2000 Arlington Million Stakes & Gr1 Hollywood Derby. (Dec 13)
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Make No Mistake Retired To Stud In Ireland
Former Cox Plate runner Make No Mistake, a Gr2 winner in Ireland as a 3YO for Dermot Weld & subsequently successful in 2 Gr3 races in the US, has been retired to stud in Ireland. The son of Darshaan, who totalled 5 wins from 24 starts, will stand the 2003 season at Frank Jarvey's Mellon Stud in County Limerick alongside Environment Friend reported racingpost.co.uk. Make No Mistake visited Australia for the 1999 Cox Plate, where he finished 8th of 11 starters. (Dec 13)
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Brazil's Horse Of The Year Now US Resident
Roxinho, who has moved to the US, has been named Brazil’s Horse Of The Year reported bloodhorse.com. Roxinho (bred in Brazil by Haras Valente & raced for Stud Taj Mahal) won 4 of his 5 starts in the 2001-2002 racing season, including 3 Gr1 events - the Grande Premio Derby Paulista, Grande Premio Jockey Club de San Paulo & Grande Premio Ipiranga. Since his arrival in the US in May, Roxinho won the Tri-State Handicap at Ellis Park & was placed in the Sycamore Breeders' Cup Stakes at Keeneland. (Dec 13)
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U So Bad Enters Stud At Reigle Heir Farms
US stakes winner U So Bad will enter stud at Reigle Heir Farms in Pennsylvania reported bloodhorse.com. The 5YO son of Skywalker won 6 of 22 starts & his second dam, stakes winner Miss Rebound, won 23 races. (Dec 13)
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Fines Follow BBC TV Program On Race Fixing
In the on-going aftermath to the sensational BBC TV documentary "They Fix Races, Don't They?" UK trainer Jamie Osborne has been fined £4,000 by the Jockey Club for bringing racing into disrepute. The Lambourn trainer admitted the charge reported racingpost.co.uk. Fellow trainer Ferdy Murphy was found guilty of a similar charge a month ago & also fined £4,000. (Dec 13)
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British Horseracing Board Responds to Sheikh Mohammed
The British Horseracing Board has replied to Godolphin boss Sheikh Mohammed's controversial call for increased prize-money to benefit all those who work in UK racing – particularly to secure improved pay & conditions for stable staff. BHB chief executive Greg Nichols responded: "British racing has a responsibility to pay close attention to the thought-provoking address of Sheikh Mohammed, who is such an innovator & who has given so much to our sport. He articulates a number of the challenges we face, which can only be resolved by co-operation & goodwill among all sectors of our highly interdependent industry. It is vital, as Sheikh Mohammed stated, that prize-money remains a key priority, not just to ensure a fair return for owners, whose contribution helps underpin the sport, but to provide essential income for other recipients of prize-money - trainers, jockeys & stable staff.” (Dec 13)
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Brightwells Plans Marketing Campaign To Lift Profile
Minor UK sales company Brightwells finished its final 2002 sale with 640 lots selling for an average £1,849 – taking total turnover to £1,183,660 at Ascot for the year. Brightwells chief executive Terry Court told racingpost.co.uk: "We offer a service to the racing industry not provided anywhere else by having a monthly sale. We are endeavouring to improve our numbers next year & will initiate a marketing campaign to hopefully average 150-160 horses per sale. We will also try & improve the quality, & persuade some of the larger Flat trainers to send their second string horses to us. It is important that the racing industry supports Ascot to sustain the service." Ten sales are scheduled at Ascot next year, compared to 7 in 2002. (Dec 13)
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Victoria Derby Placegetter Sold To Hong Kong
Victoria Derby placegetter Ain’t Here has been sold to clients of the David Hayes stable in Hong Kong. Hayes revealed the deal to purchase Ain’t Here from the Peter Moody stable had been completed, but the 3YO will remain in Australia until next year. Hayes does not intend to rush Ain’t Here into HK racing this season, reported aapracingandsports.com.au, believing he will be an ideal prospect for the 2004 Hong Kong Derby which is open to all ages. Ain’t Here (by Dehere) recorded 3 wins & 3 placings from 10 starts for Moody – including placings in the Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes & Gr2 Norman Robinson Stakes prior to his 3rd behind Helenus & Hydrometer in the Gr1 Victoria Derby at Flemington on November 2. Hayes wants to leave Ain’t Here in Australia for a long spell before shipping him to HK. (Dec 12)
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Desert King Clocks Up The Winners
River Woman's win at Sandown was Desert King's 15th individual Australian 3YO winner in barely the first 4 months of the season. Coolmore Australia’s weekly newsletter trumpets: “Put that in your pip & smoke it whilst looking to see how many (even champion) sires can boast figures like that. Is Danehill’s best Classic son now also Danehill’s best sire son?” (Dec 12)
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AJC Closes Kensington Track
The controversial Kensington track at Randwick will be closed until March in an attempt to bring the maligned course up to racing standard. The Australian Jockey Club has responded to renewed criticism of the racing surface after 2 recent meetings on the $6 million "all-weather" inner track, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Jockeys, trainers, punters & even Sydney's chief steward Ray Murrihy have publicly criticised the condition of the track, which opened last year. AJC chief executive Tony King announced race meetings scheduled for the Kensington track on Januray 7, January 29 & February 22 will now be conducted on the Randwick course proper. The inner track will also be closed for trackwork until March, in a bid to rectify the problems, including a loose surface where horses throw up many more clods than a normal turf track. "We are trying something new & hope to improve the track's base," King said. (Dec 12)
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South African Jockey Wins International Competition
South African Douglas Whyte earned points in all 3 races at Happy Valley to become the first Hong Kong-based rider to win the International Jockeys' Championship. Whyte, 31, has ridden in HK for 7 years & was leading jockey the past 2 seasons. He secured victory with a win on the John Size-trained Danehill Warrior in the final leg. Whyte tallied 19 points, 5 ahead of Austrian-born Andreas Suborics representing Germany. Yutake Take of Japan was 3rd with 12 points. Australia's Damien Oliver finished 8th with 3 points; his best placing from 3 rides was a 4th in the 2nd leg. Defending champion Frankie Dettori, the only 2-time winner of the event, finished 9th on 2 points, alongside Edgar Prado representing the US. Shane Dye representing New Zealand finished last with no points from his 3 rides. (Dec 12)
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Ulundi Ruled Out Of Hong Kong Cup
Ulundi has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong International Cup at Sha Tin. The HK Jockey Club veterinary surgeon announced the Paul Webber-trained gelding arrived with a high temperature & had a nasal discharge, indicating a degree of travel sickness. The official HKJC statement said: "Ulundi has been treated for these conditions, but sufficient improvement for him to race was not forthcoming. It is neither in the horse's interest nor the public's interest for Ulundi to race, & he has therefore been taken out of the Cup line-up." (Dec 12)
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Bowman Booked For NZ Carnival
Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman will be employed as number one rider for the Graeme Rogerson stable at the Auckland Cup carnival. Bowman has agreed to ride for Rogerson at 4 Ellerslie meetings, including the NZ Derby & Auckland Cup fixtures. “I will go over for the Derby meeting on December 26, but will come back to Sydney ride at Rosehill on December 28,” Bowman told aapracingandsports.com.au. “I will then go back to Auckland for 3 meetings on December 30, January 1 & January 2.” Rogerson’s strong NZ stable will be boosted for the Auckland carnival by 4 of his best Australian-based gallopers: talented mare Zoilus, promising stayer Crescent, & crack sprinters Century Kid & Fair Embrace. (Dec 12)
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Weld Named International Trainer Of The Year
Ireland’s Dermot Weld has been named International Trainer Of The Year at the annual UK Horserace Writers & Photographers Association Derby Awards luncheon in London. In 2002 Weld won his 2nd Melbourne Cup with Media Puzzle (plus 4th in the same race with Vinnie Roe) as well as a series of major victories in both Europe & America, including his recent Gr1 triumph in California with Dress To Thrill. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was named Owner Of The Year following his champion 3YO Rock Of Gibraltar’s record 7 Gr1 wins, passing the previous record of 6 in a season set by Mill Reef. (Dec 12)
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Strong Demand For Mares & Foals At French Sale
Deauville’s December Sale featured strong demand for mares & foals, resulting in a 14% rise in the average price to E20,193. Top price was the E530,000 paid for 5YO Prix de Psyche winner Hidalguia by agent Charlie Gordon-Watson, reported racingpost.co.uk. Hidalguia was part of the Enrique Sarasola dispersal, as was her full sister Hispalis (bought for E160,000 by Bertrand Lemetayer). Mares from the Aga Khan’s Studs absorbed much of the remaining money, with Shemita (E300,000), Shashzaya (E250,000) & Kassiyra (E230,000) among the top five. (Dec 12)
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Godolphin Calls For Increased UK Prize-Money
Sheikh Mohammed, the driving force behind Godolphin, has delivered a controversial speech calling for increased prize-money to benefit all those who work in British racing. In particular, he urged action to secure improved pay & conditions for stable staff. Addressing the Gimcrack Dinner in England, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised increased prize-money is the key for all those involved in racing & urged Britain's 59 racecourses to work with the rest of the industry for the betterment of the sport as a whole. Sheikh Mohammed warned racecourses that if a confrontational approach is taken or reasonable prize-money increases are not provided via the extra funding received by the tracks, then the Maktoum family "stands willing to join with other owners in taking action". Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the important role of prize-money in helping everybody involved in British racing & declared the returns for owners in Britain continue to be "on the pathetic side of poor". He summed up: “Let nobody doubt it: prize-money is the lifeblood of the industry. The more prize-money increases, the better for everyone - not just the owner. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of people depend on it. And the truth is that underpaid stable staff are subsidising the sport in exactly the same way as owners are. That is not just unacceptable, it is immoral."” (Dec 12)
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Sheikh Mohammed Reveals Global Vision For Godolphin
Sheikh Mohammed has publicly outlined his global vision for Godolphin. He declared: "People said we couldn't train Classic winners from Dubai, but we have done & we hope to go on doing so. Now we want to take Godolphin to the next stage of its development, to consolidate & enhance our position as the world's only truly international racing stable, to win more of the world's best races. My personal challenge for the next 25 years & beyond is to take Godolphin to new peaks of achievement. Our ambitions are global. Much as we love UK racing, it is true to say that we no longer focus predominantly on racing in Britain. It is inevitable that you will see less & less of our blue silks on British racetracks because the whole point of Godolphin is to challenge for the best races all over the world. That obviously limits what we are going to achieve in Britain, but it provides us with a range of global challenges that are as exciting as they are daunting." (Dec 12)
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Elusive Quality & Distorted Humour Fight For Title
The exciting battle between Elusive Quality & Distorted Humor to be Leading 2002 Freshman Sire in North America may be decided, not on the racetrack, but in a hearing room of the Jockey Club of England reported bloodhorse.com. In August Elusive Quality, a son of Gone West who stands at Sheikh Maktoum's Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky, overtook Swiss Yodeler to grab the US first-crop sire lead. Swiss Yodeler (by Eastern Echo) stands at Pepper Oaks Farm in California & was a major surprise. Lurking closely behind Elusive Quality throughout the season was Distorted Humor, a son of Forty Niner standing at WinStar Farm. On December 7, Distorted Humor overtook Elusive Quality for the first time when his son Crackup earned US$150,000 for winning the NTRA Great State Challenge Juvenile Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park in Texas. The latest sire list therefore showed Distorted Humor holding a US$50,913 lead over Elusive Quality. But that lead would grow to nearly US$125,000 if Elusive Quality's major earener Elusive City is disqualified from a pair of July victories in England because of a positive test for the active ingredient in the ulcer medication GastroGard, a treatment commonly used in the US. The Jockey Club of England has reported a positive test for the prohibited substance, but has not officially disqualified Elusive City from either of his wins at Lingfield or Goodwood. A hearing on the positive tests will not be conducted until January 9. A total of US$74,005 currently credited to Elusive Quality is at stake. Meanwhile a third freshman sire Awesome Again has entered the picture, principally due to the late-season success of Daniel Borislow's juvenile colt Toccet. Awesome Again, a son of Deputy Minister standing at Adena Springs, is US$278,308 behind Distorted Humor in earnings, but Toccet is expected to contest the US$200,000 Gr1 Hollywood Futurity on December 21. (Dec 12)
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Toccet's Owner Issues Challenge Via Newspaper Advertisements
Daniel Borislow, owner of star US colt Toccet, grabbed headlines across America with a bold challenge – delivered via provocative full-page newspaper advertisements - to the owners of arch-rival & undefeated Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Vindication. With each decisive victory by the son of Awesome Again, Borislow has become more frustrated by his colt's defeat in the Gr1 Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile, in which he “lost all chance after breaking from the 13 post” reported bloodhorse.com. As a result, Borislow has placed full-page ads in the Daily Racing Form challenging Padua Stable's Satish & Anne Sanan to run their undefeated Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Vindication in the December 21 Gr1 Hollywood Futurity to decide who really is the best 2YO in the country. Borislow also declared he was willing to make a horse-v-horse wager, putting up his own US$200,000 to just US$100,000 from Padua that Toccet beats Vindication. (Dec 12)
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Guilty Pleas In Breeders Cup Betting Scam
Glen DaSilva, one of 3 former Drexel University fraternity brothers involved in the Breeders’ Cup Ultra Pick Six betting scandal, pleaded guilty to computer fraud conspiracy & money laundering, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The first charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years & the 2nd a maximum of 20 years. He will be sentenced on March 11. Co-conspirator & former Autotote Systems software engineer Chris Harn pleaded guilty on November 20 to the same 2 charges. He will be sentenced on February 19. The other co-conspirator Derrick Davis, who stood to win more than US$3million from the lone winning October 26 Breeders’ Cup Ultra Pick Six ticket, is expected to plead guilty to similar charges, according to court authorities. (Dec 12)
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Cozzene Share Tops Online Auction
A share in Cozzene brought top price of US$81,000 during an online auction conducted by Equine Spectrum, reported bloodhorse.com. Champion male on turf in 1985, Cozzene stands at Graham Beck's Gainesway Farm near Lexington. The 22-year-old son of Caro was North America's leading sire by progeny earnings in 1996. In all, 12 lots were sold in the on-line auction for a gross of US$191,800 & an average US$15,983. (Dec 12)
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US$2 Million Bonus For Fillies Triple Crown
American 3YO fillies will have a 2003 series of their own that offers a US$2 million bonus. The New York Racing Association will award the bonus to any horse who can sweep the Mother Goose Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks & Alabama Stakes. All 3 races are Gr1 events run at NYRA tracks: the 9-furlong Mother Goose will be run on June 28 at Belmont Park; the 9-furlong Coaching Club American Oaks will be on July 19 also at Belmont Park; & the10-furlong Alabama Stakes will be at Saratoga on August 16. "Three-year-old fillies compete in the shadow of their male counterparts & we think they deserve more appreciation than that," NYRA chairman Barry Schwartz told bloodhorse.com. "This is a great opportunity for them to earn both money & recognition. Winning all 3 races is a very difficult challenge & one that deserves a significant reward. We believe ultimately that this will become the filly counterpart to the Triple Crown." (Dec 12)
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Goodman Buys Man o' War's Former Home
Greg Goodman has purchased Faraway Farm near Lexington in Kentucky, the former home of US racing legend Man o' War. Goodman plans to rebuild the barn that housed the stallion & his breeding shed, & add the acreage to his Mt Brilliant Farm. Goodman paid US$2.1 million for the 372-acre property reported bloodhorse.com. (Dec 12)
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Wings Bash & Safarando To Stud in California
Wings Bash & Safarando have retired & will enter stud at Matthew Rasich's Tule Creek Farm in California reported bloodhorse.com. Wings Bash (In the Wings-Bashush) was a stakes winner in both Italy & the US (including the Pass The Glass Stakes on grass at Santa Anita); the 10-year-old retired with 9 wins from 32 starts. Five-year-old Safarando (Turtle Island-Hertford Castle) won 6 of 25 starts, as well as 3rd in a division of the Oceanside Stakes on grass at Del Mar & was stakes-placed in England. His second dam is English & Irish champion Forest Flower. Both stallions are owned by Rasich & will stand for private fees. (Dec 12)
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2003 Stud Details: Built For Pleasure, Mystery Storm & Roundup
Among US stud moves for 2003 noted by bloodhorse.com, Built for Pleasure (winner of the 1996 Fountain Of Youth Stakes) will stand at Folgner Ranch in California. Meanwhile Mystery Storm has been moved to David Beard's Catfish Farm in Texas from Rio Medina Ranch near San Antonio. And Roundup will enter stud at Linda Bledsoe’s Fossett Crest Farm in Georgia, standing for a private fee. (Dec 12)
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Schreck Quits Job As HK Chief Steward
Former Sydney chief steward John 'The Sheriff' Schreck will retire as Hong Kong's head steward after the International Meeting at Sha Tin. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported he will continue to work as a consultant for the HK Jockey Club until the end of the season, but has not decided upon a new career path. "I don't know what I'll do, but I don't think I'll be a chief steward," he said. Schreck was chief steward in Sydney for 14 years, before spending 2 years in that role in Macau, and then 5 years in the HK post. (Dec 11)
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Banks Hill Retired To Stud In Kentucky
Danehill's champion mare Banks Hill has been retired to stud in Kentucky, but a sire is yet to be named for her first mating in 2003 reported appracingandsports.com.au. The decision to retire the rising 5YO follows her last start 4th in the Gr1 Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park on December 1. Banks Hill was trained in France for all but the last 2 of her 15 starts by Andre Fabre, & won or was placed in 8 Gr1 events; major wins included the 2001 US Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gr1 Coronation Stakes in England, Gr1 Prix Jacques le Marois & Gr2 Prix de Sandringham. Bred & raced by Khallid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms, Banks Hill was produce from the Kahyasi mare Hasili & is a half-sister to UK champion Dansili. (Dec 11)
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Silver Charm Filly Tops Day 2 At Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale
A weanling daughter of champion Silver Charm registered a six-figure price (the only horse in the 2-day sale to do so) as the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale finished with gross revenue down 29.8% & average price down 16.8% compared with last year. The unnamed gray or roan filly - from the 2nd crop of 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm - was purchased for US$103,000 reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Highest-priced colt was a weanling son of Polish Numbers (out of Rare Performer mare Make Merry) at US$72,000. (Dec 11)
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Domedriver Out Of HK Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile winner Domedriver is lame in its right hind leg & has been withdrawn from the Hong Kong Mile. His replacement is Jeune King Prawn, winner of last season's Gr1 HK Champions Mile & the 2001 HK Sha Tin Futurity also over a mile. Trained by Ivan Allan, Jeune King Prawn (Danehill-Western Chorus) has raced just once this season, winning the HK National Day Cup (1400m) on October 1, & boasts 8 wins from 13 starts overall. (Dec 11)
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First Year US Stallions For 2003
An initial list of stallions scheduled to begin First Season stud duties in North America in 2003 has been complied by The Blood-Horse magazine. They include: Came Home (Gone West) at Lane's End Farm for US$40,000; Johannesburg (Hennessy) at Ashford Stud for US$30,000; Red Bullet (Unbridled) at Adena Springs for US$30,000; Street Cry (Machiavellian) at Darley’s Jonabell for US$30,000; Orientate (Mt Livermore) at Gainesway Farm for US$25,000; Buddha (Unbridled's Song) at Hill 'n Dale Farm for US$15,000; E Dubai (Mr Prospector) at Darley’s Jonabell for US$15,000; Mizzen Mast (Cozzene) at Juddmonte Farms for US$15,000; Include (Broad Brush) at Airdrie Stud for US$12,500; Officer (Bertrando) at Gainesway Farm for US$12,500; Yonaguska (Cherokee Run) at Vinery for $10,000. (Dec 11)
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Trainer Pleads Guilty To Prohibited Substance
Trainer Geoff Durrant has been fined $6,000 after an elevated level of testosterone was found in a post-race urine sample from Marooned Prince, following a race at Belmont Park in Western Australia. WATC stewards said Durrant pleaded guilty to a charge of bringing Marooned Prince to the races with a prohibited substance in his system, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. (Dec 11)
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Dubai Simulcast Deal To US & UK Pending
A deal to simulcast United Arab Emirates races to the US is expected to be concluded early in 2003. "We’re still negotiating," Emirates Racing Association chief executive Les Benton told thoroughbredtimes.com. "We had hoped it all would be signed, sealed & delivered by now." The deal is with Fair Grounds, which operates an account wagering system & is North American partner of England’s interactive television racing network Attheraces. Emirates officials have not finalised a deal with Attheraces for simulcasting to Britain, but hoped to have that arrangement completed by mid-December, Benton added. Fair Grounds President Bryan Krantz summed up: "It’s an eventuality, with the globalization of racing, that this is going to happen.” (Dec 11)
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Perth Cup Plans For Sydney Stayers
A small group of Sydney stayers will head west for the $364,000 Perth Cup at Ascot on January 1, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Queensland Cup winner Time Signal & his Garry White-trained stablemate Zero Point are booked to be flown to Perth, while Merlos will be transferred from Warwick Farm trainer Guy Walter to a WA stable to prepare for the 3200m event. Other NSW entries are Jack Denham trained Gillespie, in-form Navy Blue, Lanolin & Hydromaster. Other interstate entries among 53 nominations for the Cup are Victorian pair Kaladan & As You Would. (Dec 11)

Mi Cielo Juvenile Colt Sets Course Record in Japan
Eishin Champ (by Mi Cielo out of Eishin Michigan) set a course record in winning Japan's 2YO colts' showcase, the Gr1 Asahi Cup Futurity Stakes over 1600m at Nakayama, by a neck from favorite Sakura President (Sunday Silence-Sedan Forever) reported bloodhorse.com. Eishin Champ was born in the US at Columbiana Farm. His winning time of 1:33.5 bettered the race & course record set by Grass Wonder 5 years ago by 0.1 of a second. "He was flat out at the end, but he held on. He's some horse." said rider Yuichi Fukunaga, celebrating victory in his second Gr1 event in a week. After Peace of World's win in the Juvenile Fillies, Fukunaga became the first jockey to win both top Japanese 2YO races in the same year. (Dec 11)
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Kentucky Heads 2002 Season US Results
Kentucky has confirmed its place as undisputed powerhouse of the US thoroughbred breeding industry by producing 12 of the 14 Northern American-bred horses who earned at least US$1million in 2002. (The other 2 were from Ohio & Pennsylvania.) A detailed analysis of the 2002 US season by thoroughbredtimes.com shows Kentucky-breds displayed their dominance “not only statistically but also in marquee events. The Bluegrass State contingent of millionaires includes the winner of two classics & three Breeders’ Cup winners.” In addition to sweeping the Triple Crown with War Emblem’s triumphs in the Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes, & Sarava’s upset in the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky-breds won 5 of the 8 Breeders’ Cup events. (Dec 11)
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Abuzaid To Stud At Milfer Farm
Abuzaid has arrived for stallion duty at Dr Jonathan Davis' Milfer Farm in New York state, reported bloodhorse.com. The 5YO son of Nureyev won 2 of 21 races in England & North America. He is a full brother to Irish champion miler Mehthaaf & one of his half-brothers is English champion Elnadim. (Dec 11)
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Patrick Husbands Wins 4th Consecutive Jockey Title
Barbados native Patrick Husbands made history when he was voted Canada’s top jockey for the 4th consecutive year. Husbands was the runaway leader in wins (165) & earnings (C$9,081,998) at Woodbine to secure the award reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Among his victories were 10 stakes races in Canada, plus the Nashua Stakes in New York aboard champion Canadian 2YO male Added Edge. (Dec 11)
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Empenosa Fitz Takes Pellegrini International Series Opener
Favorite Empenosa Fitz scored a sensational victory in Argentina’s premier turf race for fillies & mares, the Gr1 Gran Premio Internacional Copa de Plata-Roberto Vasquez Mansilla, to remain undefeated in 4 career starts. Empenosa Fitz covered the 1.25-mile distance over the San Isidro turf in 1:57.60, just 0.4secs off the track record reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The victory by the 3YO daughter of Fitzcarraldo places her atop the rankings in the filly division, a spot previously held by her stablemate Miss Terrible, recently sold to US riverboat investor Chip Hammersmith. (Dec 11)
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Munce Wins In Mauritius
Chris Munce landed a winning double to grab the International Jockey's Championship in Mauritius. Munce scored 21 points to defeat Italy’s Marco Demuro (16), Ireland’s Johnny Murtagh (15), & then France’s Thierry Thulliez & local hero Jeff Lloyd on 12 points. Australia's other representative Corey Brown failed to register a point from his 5 rides. "I had a great day, it was a wonderful atmosphere & I was lucky enough to get the breaks & win the series," Munce told aapracingandsports.com.au. (Dec 10)
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Blevvo’s Winning Streak Heightens Adelaide Sale Interest
Organisers of the upcoming 2003 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale cheered loudly when Blevvo made it 6 wins in a row by leading throughout in the Gr1 Fruit 'N' Veg Stakes, Western Australia’s richest weight-for-age event. Blevvo (by Blevic from Carenel) was purchased for $60,000 at the 1999 Adelaide Sale. Of particular interest is that February’s 2003 Adelaide Sale will offer: 11 yearlings by Blevic; a three-quarter-brother to Blevvo (a colt by Blevic from Gr3 winner True Spirit); a colt by Shovhog (sire of Randwick winner Aracena) from Arakazar (a stakes-placed half-sister to Blevvo); a colt by Strategic from True Blue Spirit (winner of 4 races in Adelaide & a half-sister to Blevvo); & a filly by exciting first season sire Catbird from high class race mare Emerald Set (herself also a half-sister to Blevvo). (Dec 10)
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First NZ Winner For Tale Of The Cat
Single season shuttle stallion Tale Of The Cat notched his first NZ winner when Purrfection won the Mercedes Super Bonus Juvenile for 2YO fillies at Trentham. Tale Of The Cat (by Storm Cat) stood just one season in 1999 at Cambridge’s Windsor Park Stud, the same year he opened his stud career in America. He has since been a stunning success in the US, where his first crop has produced 25 individual winners. His first success in Australia was with Scaredee Cat, who won in Melbourne listed company on debut in October. (Dec 10)
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Speedy Shovog’s First Winner
Widden Stud’s superbly bred speed machine Shovhog recorded his first victory as a stallion when the Gai Waterhouse-trained favourite Aracena made a winning debut over 1,000m at Randwick. The chestnut gelding has now booked a trip to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January reported racenet.com.au. Waterhouse purchased Aracena from the Widden consignment at the 2002 Magic Millions Sale for $90,000. (Dec 10)
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Settlement Of Paulson Trust Dispute Stipulates Azeri Sale
A settlement has been reached in the landmark US court battle involving the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust. Terms of the deal call for all thoroughbred racehorses & breeding stock, including Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner & Horse Of The Year candidate Azeri, to be sold in 2003 reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Allen Paulson raced many major US stakes winners, including 2-time Horse Of The Year Cigar. Paulson founded Gulfstream Aerospace before selling to Chrysler for US$640 million in 1985; he was subsequently listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 400 wealthiest Americans. (Dec 10)
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High Chaparral Tops Turform 3YO List
Aidan O'Brien's 3YO big guns High Chaparral (128) & Hawk Wing (125) have topped the Irish provisional end-of-season ratings issued by Turform, & will both stay in training next season. Rock Of Gibraltar, recently retired to stud, was awarded 126. Tomahawk was Ireland's leading 2YO with a mark of 116. (Dec 10)
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Zabeel’s Million Dollar Colt Romps Home
Million-dollar buy St Reims returned some of the massive punt by major Australasian bloodstock investor Rob McAnulty when the Zabeel colt won the Gr2 Avondale Guineas in New Zealand. “I learnt a long time ago that if you put your head on the block & pay big money for a horse, you tend to attract a lot more attention than you might otherwise,” McAnulty told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. “We copped it with Danske, when he topped Karaka, & this horse has been under the microscope since we paid a million for him. So you can understand what it means to me & my partners to pull off a decent race. Most of all it proves that your faith in a certain horse is well founded.” St Reims (a brother to top class mare Champagne) received his initial racing education with Cambridge trainer Chris McNab; he then transferred to Warwick Farm trainer Clarry Conners, but had no luck in a brief Sydney autumn campaign. The Avondale victory was his 2nd from 4 starts since he returned to McNab. (Dec 10)
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Dye Takes Lead in HK Jockey Premiership
Shane Dye surged to the lead in the Hong Kong riding premiership with a winning treble at Happy Valley. Dye’s treble took his tally for the season to 25 wins, one ahead of Weichong Marwing & two clear of defending champion Douglas Whyte (who has been serving a 7-meeting suspension & will resume riding at the International Jockeys Championship meeting at Happy Valley). Aapracingandsports.com.au reported Dye’s winners were for 3 different trainers: John Size, Ivan Allan & Manfred Man Ka-leung. Size shares the training premiership lead on 19 wins with K.W.Lui. (Dec 10)
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$4,500 Bargain Wins NZ Cup & Returns To Sydney
Ego Fast will return to Sydney for the Gr3 $200,000 Summer Cup at Randwick on Boxing Day following his win in the Partmaster York Cup at Avondale in New Zealand. Ego Fast left Sydney after being purchased by young South Auckland trainer Marty Craze for just $4,500. Craze races Ego Fast in partnership with a group of Australians including Brian Nutt, manager of Attunga Stud at Scone. (Dec 10)
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Robinson Claims Sweat-Soaked T-Shirt Caused Weight Fiasco
Controversial Sydney jockey Allan Robinson claimed a sweat-soaked T-shirt was the reason he weighed-in heavy aboard Sex Machine at Randwick. Robinson was fined $150 by stewards after weighing-in more than a kilogram overweight. Sex Machine was only beaten by a nose & leading turf scribe Ken Callander declared in The Daily Telegraph newspaper that Robinson had cost punters hundreds of thousands of dollars in winning bets & “should have been fined $15,000 & outed for 3 months, nothing less.” Robinson explained: “I had nothing to eat or drink at all & the only thing I can put it down to is the fact that the T-shirt I was wearing was soaked in sweat, not just from me, but from the horse. The horse had sweated pretty bad – there is no other explanation for it.” (Dec 10)
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El’Issa Suspended For Stealing & Lying
Jockey Bobby El’Issa’s future was under threat after being found guilty of stealing a fellow jockey’s riding vest & lying to stewards. He only returned to riding 3 weeks ago, & was suspended for another 3 months on both charges – leaving him sidelined until March 13. NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy told The Daily Telegraph: “I think it’s fair to say Bobby was re-licensed under certain conditions & it would be the prerogative of the Licensing Committee to interview him before he returns from this suspension.” (Dec 10)
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Victorian Jockey Milestones
Victorian jockey Brett Prebble is just 3 wins away from his 1,000th career winner. And 17-year-old Michelle Payne (youngest of the Payne jockey dynasty) is just 2 away from her 100th victory. Meanwhile Rhys McLeod has totalled 140 career wins & and is just 2 away from outriding his metropolitan claim, reported Racing Victoria; McLeod comes out of his time as an apprentice on February 1. (Dec 10)
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Hong Kong International Sale Offers $1million Bonus
The specially selected 37 colts & geldings obtained by the HK Jockey Club from around the globe for auction at the 2002 Hong Kong International Sale on 13 December have been guided through public gallops at Sha Tin Racecourse. Last year, 38 horses were auctioned at the HK International Sale for HK$56,350,000. "That was an all-time record for us," said HK Jockey Club's executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "I'm not sure we can surpass that figure this year. But we do have a stronger catalogue in 2002. In my mind, it's the strongest we've ever offered for any of our Hong Kong sales." Dan O'Donnell, a bloodstock agent based in Hong Kong for the past 14 years, agreed: "In pedigrees, this year's sale bears the highest standard we've ever had. And the horses also have suitable conformations for racing here.” The catalogue includes 7 sons of Danehill, as well as sons of Alhaarth, Desert King, Diesis, Gentlemen, Grand Lodge, Royal Applause, With Approval & Woodman. Horses selected for this year's HK International Sale have gone through a rigorous examination process, "which includes 3 complete vettings, drug testing & 3 sets of X-rays," said Engelbrecht-Bresges. "You won't find a sale anywhere with higher qualifying standards than ours." HK Jockey Club chairman Ronald Arculli noted: “Our function with this sale is not to make a profit. Rather, it's to provide a service for Hong Kong racing participants." A bonus of HK$1million will be awarded to the owner of the 2002 HK International Sale graduate who achieves the highest cumulative purse earnings at the close of the 2003-2004 racing season in Hong Kong. A pair of 2001 sale graduates, Wyndam Easy & The Duke, are currently in a head-and-head battle for the bonus that will be awarded at the culmination of this year's 11 December racing program at Happy Valley. (Dec 10)
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Frankel Close To US Training Prize-money Record
Leading American trainer Bobby Frankel moved to within US$408,470 of D.Wayne Lukas' 1988 US prize-money record of US$17.842 million with 2 winners at Hollywood Park. "To be the Number One record-holder in money-won, even if it only lasts a year, sure it's a thrill," Frankel told bloodhorse.com. "It's like winning an Eclipse Award, even bigger than that because I don't know when it'll be broken.” Frankel has already collected 57 stakes wins this year, & has 3 weeks left in the season. (Dec 10)
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Latest Research On West Nile Virus
The American Association of Equine Practitioners convention at Gaylord Palms resort in Orlando attracted 5,100 attendees to discuss the headline-hogging topics of “infectious disease, emerging threats & possible cross-over of foreign diseases to North America”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “Interest in those topics was fueled by more than 14,000 cases of West Nile virus in horses in 44 states this year, with the rest of continental United States expected to be affected in 2003.” Other topics included equine protozoal encephalomyelitis (EPM) & mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). (Dec 10)
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Prices Down At Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale
Average price was down 37% & gross receipts down 38% during the opening session of the 2-day Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale at Maryland in the US, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Dec 10)
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Key Godolphin UK Trainer Quits
One of Godolphin’s key UK personnel David Loder will quit training at the end of the 2003 season. Loder cited “waning enthusiasm” for his vital role as nursemaid to Godolphin’s 2YOs, first in France & then for the last 2 years at Newmarket in the UK & in Dubai. Loder’s strike rate with 2YOs in the mid-1990s was staggering, & he was signed by Sheikh Mohammed to specialise in training Godolphin’s juveniles at Evry in France. After two testing years there, Loder relocated to Newmarket & produced 42 winners from 107 runners in 2001. Fortunes waned last year as Loder totalled 14 winners from 65 runners. “It’s time for me to do other things,” Loder told racingpost.co.uk. “I don’t have the same enthusiasm for training as I did when I started - & when that happens, the sensible thing is to move on. I will hand in my licence at the end of next season, & after that I plan to be very much involved in the bloodstock world.” (Dec 10)
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Irish Big-race Winner Under Drug Suspicion
A major race winner in Ireland is among horses under suspicion following a spate of positive tests for the prohibited substance morphine. The findings have raised concerns on both sides of the Irish Sea, with more than 20 horses screened positive over the past week. As a result, the Irish Turf Club has doubled the number of horses being tested per race. Chief executive Denis Egan told racingpost.co.uk: “Two confirmed samples go back to races run in November. The trainers have been informed & I would imagine both winners will be disqualified. There is one big-race winner under suspicion, but it is not confirmed. The source of the morphine appears to be feedstuffs, although we don’t have any evidence. However feed seems to be the only possible reason, because of the spread of cases between here & the UK.” (Dec 10)
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Until Sundown Retires To Wafare Farm
US stallion Until Sundown has been retired & will enter stud in 2003 at Nathan Fox’s Wafare Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 4YO son of Smart Strike (out of Cool Baby, by Northern Baby) won 3 of 9 career starts, including the 2001 Affirmed Handicap at Hollywood Park. "Until Sundown had it all: pedigree, great conformation, class & speed that he could carry around two turns in top company," said trainer Laura de Seroux. (Dec 10)
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McKee Denies Sunline Scheduled For US Sale In January
Part-owner Trevor McKee strongly denied the latest US reports that champion mare Sunline will be offered at auction at the 2003 US Keeneland January All Aged Horses Sale in Kentucky. “She is still here & will definitely not be going through that sale,” he told thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Sunline is among the horses formally catalogued for the January 6 opening session of the 5-day sale, having been officially consigned to the auction as a broodmare prospect by agent Taylor Made Sales Agency, reported bloodhorse.com. “She was entered by them (Taylor Made) about a month ago, after an approach was made to us,” said McKee. “The current situation is that she will not be going to the Keeneland auction &, at this stage, she has not changed hands.” The 7YO daughter of Desert Sun won 13 Gr1 events in Australia, New Zealand & Hong Kong, & was twice Australian Horse Of The Year (2000 & 2001) & 3-times NZ Horse Of The Year (1999-2001). In a story which appeared in the 20 April 2002 edition of The Blood-Horse magazine, American writer Alastair Bull declared Sunline was "widely regarded as the best mare ever to race in Australia or New Zealand.” (Dec 9)
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Hill Of Grace Retired To Stud
Top notch mare Hill Of Grace (by Zabeel) has been retired to stud following her game 2nd in the Sandown Classic in November. Hill Of Grace won the Gr1 Ansett Australia Stakes & Gr2 Moonee Valley Oaks, as well as 2nd in the Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes & 4th in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup. The 6YO mare is in foal to Viscount. (Dec 9)
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New 2003 Sponsor For World Series Racing Championship
The World Series Racing Championship will enter a 5th year with international currency conversion company Travelex taking up the gap, left by founding supporter Emirates Airlines, as major sponsor for 2003. An announcement is scheduled as a forerunner to the Hong Kong Cup, final leg of this year’s championship, reported The Australian newspaper. Travelex is best known locally as sponsor of the Australian cricket team for all overseas tours. (Dec 9)
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Private Fee For Rock of Gibraltar
Irish-based Coolmore Stud has announced Rock of Gibraltar, Cartier's 2002 Horse Of The Year and champion 3-year-old colt, will stand for a private fee. The son of Coolmore stallion Danehill won a record 7 consecutive Gr1 races before finishing 2nd in October in the Breeders' Cup Mile in his final start for Alex Ferguson & Sue Magnier. Overall Rock of Gibraltar (from the Be My Guest mare Offshore Boom) won 10 of his 13 starts. (Dec 9)
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Preakness Winner Red Bullet Retired
Frank Stronach announced the retirement of Preakness Stakes winner Red Bullet to his Adena Springs stud in Kentucky. Red Bullet beat Fusaichi Pegasus in the 2000 Gr1 Preakness after earlier winning the Gr3 Gotham Stakes. The 5YO Unbridled horse (from the Caro mare Cargo) retires with 6 wins from 14 starts. His 2003 fee is US$30,000 reported bloodhorse.com. (Dec 9)
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Photo-Finish Debut By Lohnro’s Little Brother
Lonhro's little brother Niello produced a strong surge over the final furlong to finish a short-neck second behind favourite Aracena in the Maurice Lacroix-Tomorrows Classic Hcp (1000m) at Randwick. The Octagonal colt is trained by John Hawkes, & stable foreman Peter Snowden told The Sun-Herald newspaper that Niello will now be spelled. (Dec 9)
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Oliver Lands 1,500th Career Win
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Damien Oliver landed his 1,500th career winner (including 50 Gr1s) aboard Legend Of Ace in the final race at Sandown. (Dec 9)
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Latest Changes To Hong Kong International Fields
Decarchy, trained by premier US conditioner Bobby Frankel, has been pulled out of the Hong Kong Mile & replaced by Dupont representing Britain. Trained by William Haggas, Dupont is a dual Classic winner in Europe this year — the Gr2 Premio Parioli (1600m, Italian 2000 Guineas equivalent) & Gr2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen over 1 mile (German 2000 Guineas). Nuclear Debate has also been withdrawn from the HK Mile, replaced by US representative Cayoke (trained by Julio Canani). Cayoke recently finished 3rd in the Gr1 Prix de la Foret (1400m) at Longchamp in France. And Mubtaker has been withdrawn from the HK Vase field, replaced by Rainbow And Gold (trained by Brian Kan). (Dec 9)
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Oaklands December Sale Achieves 94% Clearance
The 2002 Melbourne December Thoroughbred Sale at the Inglis Oaklands complex proved the strongest mixed sale for some years, with 159 lots grossing $1,162,900 (average $7,313) & an excellent 94% clearance rate. The unreserved reduction of the Lloyd Williams Group attracted a record crowd for a December Thoroughbred Sale. Top price of $70,000 was paid by Scott Miller for Civil, a Woodman gelding out of the Grosvenor mare Lihir (a half-sister to stakes winners Double Reef & Star Of Nouvelle). And 4YO gelding Terrace (by Zabeel, out of a half-sister to multiple stakes winners Canny Lass & Canny Lad) was purchased by Might And Power’s owner Nick Moraitis for $65,000; Terrace has won 2 of its only 4 starts. Queensland trainer John Wallace grabbed the 3YO O’Reilly gelding Chassis (2nd in the VATC Merson Cooper Stakes) for $50,000. Wallace also nabbed Special Song (by Song Of Tara) for $52,000; the bay gelding is a half-brother to multiple stakes winners Bomber Bill & Camargue. (Dec 9)
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Greater Stallion Choice At Karaka Sales 2003
New Zealand Bloodstock has launched its Premier Sale catalogue for January’s 2003 Karaka Sales with the declaration: ”A noticeably stronger catalogue, greater depth & a significant increase in the variety & appeal of the stallion selection.” NZB general manager Julia Naismith said the catalogue “revealed a consistently higher standard of pedigree throughout, as well as a far more extensive selection of commercially appealing sires than was the case at the 2002 sales.” While the number of yearlings catalogued is identical (485 Premier Sale lots), buyers face a selection from 65 different sires, including 20 sales debutants. Heading the first-crop (or first southern hemisphere crop) sires are Bianconi, Cape Cross, Catbird, Commands, Dream Well, Dr Fong, Fasliyev, Favorite Trick, Jade Robbeery, Marju, Marquetry, Orpen, Pins, Real Quiet, Redoubte’s Choice, Second Empire, Shinko Forest, Stravinsky, Way Of Light & Xaar. (Dec 9)
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Young Australian Trainers Visit NZ Studs
A group of 15 “up & coming” Australian trainers have been shown the grass is literally greener in New Zealand with a trip across the Tasman. The initiative was funded by a number of leading NZ thoroughbred studs in the Auckland & Waikato districts. New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing general manager Joe Walls explained the initiative proved extremely successful: “It wasn’t designed to be a hard sell, but rather the opportunity for a number of these Australian trainers of the future to come to New Zealand. For many of them it was their first visit to our country & they will go home with a better understanding of why our horses get such a great start in life. There was no pressure on them to come back & buy our yearlings at the Karaka sales next year, but a number indicated to me they now wished to do so.” Walls added Australia remained the most important single market for the sale of NZ horses, & for this reason it was important to continue promoting NZ horses to their potential buyers. (Dec 9)
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Smoking Bans Squeeze Tabcorp Funds To Victorian Clubs
Victorian raceclubs have been alarmed by Tabcorp’s announcement that the introduction of smoking bans in September helped push revenue down 8.8% in just 3 months. The Australian newspaper reported the racing industry fears this will, in turn, trigger “a decrease in their profit share” from Tabcorp, especially noting the revenue slump “could deprive racing of a significant number of dollars already committed to maintaining envied levels of prize-money distribution to racehorse owners. Many clubs have activated 5-year plans & are banking on projected sums to ensure prize-money levels.” However Tabcorp’s executive general manager Michael Piggott commented: “The impact on racing is not as dire as the impact on Tabcorp. Racing is protected by its share of the wagering distribution.” (Dec 9)
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NZ Prime Minister Unveils Vision For Thoroughbred Industry
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark chose the opening of Glenmorgan Farm’s state-of-the-art thoroughbred preparation facility & tourist destination named ‘Tuscany Farm’, at Karaka in south Auckland, to address NZ racing’s key stakeholders on “the Government’s Vision for Thoroughbred Racing & Breeding.” Clark noted the NZ thoroughbred industry provides employment for over 30,000 New Zealanders & creates export receipts of over NZ$100 million per annum. In recent times, the NZ racing industry has struggled to maintain it’s share of the discretionary dollar, an issue impacting signficantly upon the world renowned New Zealand breeding industry. Guests included Japan’s Katsunori Takamatsu of the world’s biggest racing organisation – the Japanese Government’s Japan Racing Association – and NZ industry icon Sir Patrick Hogan. (Dec 9)
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Century Kid Confirmed For Ellerslie Sprint
NZ’s Ellerslie Summer Carnival will be the major benefactor from the Graeme Rogerson-trained Century Kid missing out on a trip to Hong Kong for the December International meeting. Rogerson has transferred his multiple Gr2 winning sprinter from his Flemington stable, where he was on standby for the trip to HK should one of the Australian entrants not take their place, back to his Randwick base. Instead the 5YO gelding will now be prepared for a tilt at the NZ$250,000 Sky City Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (Dec 9)
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Tattersalls Notches Second-Best Year Ever
UK Tattersalls has returned a second-best-ever annual turnover of 134,682,000 guineas, with the conclusion of the December Sales. A total 3,842 horses were sold during 2002 at an average 35,055 guineas. The recent December Sales turnover of 54,581,300 guineas was up 6% on last year. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony summed up: “Only the most incurable optimist would have predicted the year we have had at Park Paddocks in 2002, and it has been rounded off with record levels of trading for both foals & yearlings, as well as good solid demand for the breeding stock. The Breeze-Up Sale back in April set the ball rolling, with massive increases across the board, & we have enjoyed records at every sale since. And in the context of the global economy, the consistent strength of the sales here this year has been little short of extraordinary. The key to the year has without doubt been quality, with our vendors presenting us with some vintage catalogues.” (Dec 9)
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Selkirk Wins Top Stallion For 2002
Selkirk & the late Polar Falcon are among the stallions to receive honors during the UK Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Awards in London, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Selkirk, a 14-year-old son of Sharpen Up, stands at Lanwades Stud near Newmarket in the UK, & nipped Machiavellian for leading British-based stallion honors by earnings. Polar Falcon, a Gr1-winning son of Nureyev who died aged 14 last year, will be honored for most individual flat winners after siring 62 individual winners from 142 starters. (Dec 9)
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Wake At Noon Wins Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year
Wake At Noon has won Canada’s Horse-Of-The-Year at the 28th annual Sovereign Awards. The 5YO son of Cure The Blues won 6 races this season, including victories at Woodbine in the Highlander Handicap, Vigil Handicap, Briartic Handicap & Jacques Cartier Stakes. Overall Wake At Noon has won 16 of 35 career starts. (Dec 9)
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Argentine Champ Sold To US Owners
Argentine Triple Crown filly winner Miss Terrible, who has won 7 consecutive Gr1 races, has been sold to US riverboat investor Chip Carol Hammersmith of Illinois. The deal was negotiated through Argentine bloodstock agent Luis Bouza, representing her breeder & owner, the pharmaceutical magnate Juan Carlos Bago of Haras Firmamento. The 3YO daughter of the Mr Prospector shuttle stallion Numerous, will now be sent to Florida for quarantine, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. No decision has been made on who will train the filly in the US. (Dec 9)
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Trainer Banned For 2 Years
Perth trainer Steve Wolfe has been banned for 2 years for improperly administering the drug phenylbutazone (commonly used as an anti-inflammatory treatment) to the horse that collapsed & killed the brother of champion jockey Damien Oliver. Wolfe had pleaded guilty to allowing Savage Cabbage to barrier trial with a prohibited substance in its system. Jason Oliver, 33, was riding 2YO colt Savage Cabbage in a trial at Perth's Belmont Park on October 28 when the horse broke its leg & collapsed on top of him. Oliver died the following day from head injuries. (Dec 6)
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Fairy King Prawn Out Of HK Sprint
Trainer Ivan Allan has decided not to run Fairy King Prawn in the Hong Kong Sprint on December 15. Anabatik will now take his place, reported racenet.com.au. (Dec 6)
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General Nediym Moving To Hunter Valley
Seven-time Group-winning stallion General Nediym will head to a new home in NSW for the 2003 breeding season. The General, whose first crop are 2YOs, stood his first season at stud in 2000 at owner-breeder Ron Ashdown’s Glengarry Stud in Queensland, before spending the last 2 seasons at Eliza Park Stud in Victoria at a service fee of $9,500. However racenet.com.au reported next season General Nediym will move to Ashdown’s daughter Kate Darcy’s property Ballymore Thoroughbreds at Blandford in the Hunter Valley. Ashdown indicated the stallion (whose progeny to race include Gr2 Maribyrnong Plate winner Ra Sun & Eagle Farm winner Regimental Gal) was likely to increase in service fee for next season. (Dec 6)
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UK Classic Winner & Prominent Sire Dead
European classic winner Doyoun, who sired US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winners Daylami & Kalanisi, died at Veliefendi equine hospital in Istanbul, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 17-year-old Irish-bred son of Mill Reef stood since 1999 at the Turkish Jockey Club’s Izmit Pension Stud Farm. Doyoun had stood from 1989 to 1998 at the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud near Kilcullen in County Kildare in Ireland. Bred by the Aga Khan, Doyoun won 3 of 7 career starts including the 1988 English Gr1 Two Thousand Guineas & Gr3 Craven Stakes, & finished third in that season’s Gr1 Epsom Derby & Gr1 Champion Stakes. He subsequently sired 31 stakes winners in 11 crops of racing age, with progeny earnings of US$16,590,483. In addition to Daylami & Kalanisi, Doyoun is the sire of multiple Czechoslovakian champion Tribal Instinct, Spanish champion Young Rozy, European highweight Dalara, Ireland’s two-time Gr1 winner Manndar & multiple Gr2 winner Takarian. (Dec 6)
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Republic Lass’s Trainer Slams Sydney Cup Programming
The programming of races in NSW will be solely to blame for the non-appearance of Oaks winner Republic Lass in the Gr1 $800,000 Sydney Cup (3200m) next May, complained trainer Guy Walter. He told racenet.com.au Republic Lass can run in the BMW on Golden Slipper day, but then there is no race for her as a lead-up to the Sydney Cup three weeks later. “What do you do?” asked Walter “There is absolutely nothing for her to run in before hand, so she won’t be in the Sydney Cup. How can we train these horses when they won’t give us the races to run in? I know what they’ll say: they’ll say she can run a week after the BMW. But that’s no good. You need a race 10 days to a fortnight later, and then a week or so break before the Cup is run - not the other way round.” Republic Lass won the Gr1 Oaks & ran third behind Northerly & Fields Of Omagh in the Caulfield Cup. (Dec 6)
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Breeze-Up Sale Cancelled
The October Inglis 2YO Breeze-Up Sale will not be held in 2003 due to a disappointing response from buyers at the last 2 sales. Inglis director Vin Cox explained to The Sydney Morning Herald leading vendors had indicated they would not be supporting the sale next year and, considering the costs involved, it was in the industry's best interests to cancel it. Cox noted the large number of pass-ins, with high reserves being set by vendors, led to the concept not working. (Dec 6)
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Tattersalls December Mares Sale
The UK Tattersalls December Mares Sale concluded with Cranshaws topping proceedings on the 4th & final day at 65,000 guineas. Overrall 756 lots sold for 34,040,200 guineas, at an average of 45,026 guineas. (Dec 6)
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Birchley Denies Rumours Of Melbourne Move
Liam Birchley has denied he could be the next trainer to quit Queensland racing, telling aapracingandsports.com.au he wants to win next year's Doomben 10,000 (1350m) with rising star Sir Breakfast. Birchley was rumoured to be keen on setting up in Melbourne in the New Year, while contemplating an Australian Guineas campaign with Sir Breakfast in the autumn. Birchley worked for almost 4 years as foreman for the Bill Mitchell stable before joining Aquanita Racing ( which has 3 stables in Victoria & another in Adelaide) in May. "I was born in Brisbane and like it here. I've only been going since May, so why would I want to leave?" he said. "The Aquanita set-up is great & suits me perfectly. Racing in Queensland is on the back foot at the moment, but I'll swim against the tide & hope it improves." (Dec 6)
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HK Starting Gate Debacle Forces $Multi-million Refund
The Hong Kong Jockey Club was forced to refund approximately US$6.5-million in bets after a starting gate debacle saw two horses declared non-starters. The South China Morning Post reported the gate activated correctly, but one horse Temmoku had his head near in the lap of jockey Gerald Mosse aboard Thunder Storm in the next stall. "Temmoku had his head in the next gate, the starter didn’t see it & pressed the button," explained HKJC director of racing Winfried Englebrecht-Bresges. "Gerald Mosse was trying to push Temmoku’s head out of his gate when the stalls opened & he was caught by surprise." Mosse eventually worked his way out of the stall, but fell several lengths behind the rest of the field with Temmoku left inside the gate. (Dec 6)
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UK Board Plans ‘Triple Crown’
The British Horseracing Board has unveiled plans to create a new ‘Triple Crown’ or ‘Grand Slam’ for top-level middle-distance performers on the Flat in an attempt to boost UK racing's profile. BHB communications director Alan Delmonte outlined the format, which he stressed was “very much open to discussion”, although it could start as early as 2004 reported racingpost.co.uk. Horses could only qualify for the summer championship if successful in the Vodafone Derby, Oaks, Coronation Cup at Epsom & Prince Of Wales Stakes at Ascot, which are all run in June. The 2nd & 3rd legs would take in the Coral Eurobet Eclipse Stakes at Sandown and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot run in July, with the culminating race the Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August. If successful in 3 of the legs, connections would scoop £1million, and if victorious in all 4 the winning pot would total £2m. Delmonte added: "We believe there is a general view the Flat season can be significantly advanced by a greater narrative. We are looking to raise racing's profile & make it more attractive & available to the public. We've had discussions with racecourses that would be involved & there's been a lot of enthusiasm." (Dec 6)
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Qld Racing Board Member Announced
Queensland Racing Minister Merri Rose announced the selection of Brisbane solicitor & racing identity Wally Tutt as the 5th member of the Board Of Queensland Racing. Tutt (a member of the Queensland, Brisbane, Ipswich & Gold & Sunshine Coast Turf Clubs) replaces George Pippos (who died in October) and joins chairman Bob Bentley, deputy chair Stephen Lonie, Michael Lambert & Tony Hanmer on the Board. (Dec 6)
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Jockey Fails To Provide Urine Sample
Toowoomba-based jockey Nathan Evans was fined $500 by Queensland Racing stewards for failing to provide a urine sample when requested, reported racenet.com.au. Evans was charged under Australian Racing rule AR.8(e) for failing to provide the sample when requested by an official at the Ipswich meeting on November 20. (Dec 6)
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McCoy Lands First City Winner
Dalby-based apprentice jockey Leeanne McCoy, sister of internationally-renowned world champion motorcycle rider Gary McCoy, landed her first city winner at Eagle Farm. Apprenticed to Dalby trainer Graham Henderson, McCoy grabbed headlines when she won all 4 races to ‘ride the program’ at Kumbia on Melbourne Cup Day 2001 reported racenet.com.au. (Dec 6)
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Why US Owners Are Ignoring Japan Cup
Japanese officials are perplexed why owners of the best American dirt & turf horses are showing such little interest in the Japan Cup. The Breeders Cup & Japan’s quarantine rules are significant factors, suggests bloodhorse.com, in a detailed analysis of the dilemma. First, late November is a difficult time to attract top horses, because those who run in the Breeders' Cup are not likely to ship to Japan. In addition, there are several attractive late November races at Aqueduct, Churchill Downs & Hollywood Park. Second, word has circulated among American horsemen that Japan's quarantine rules may compromise the chances of foreign horses. Most racing countries allow horses to go into quarantine in an isolation barn at the track where a race is being run; the time required in isolation before they’re allowed to train on the track is typically 24 hours. But the Japanese system requires a foreign horse to quarantine at a remote facility for 5 days, excluding days of arrival & departure - & the track on which horses can exercise is a half-mile oval unfit for serious training; as a result, horses lose a week of conditioning. Importantly Eagle Cafe, the Japanese runner who won this year's Japan Cup Dirt, was allowed to quarantine at Nakayama racecourse when he came back from France, where he raced in early October; that fact was cited by co-owner Teruya Yoshida as a reason for the horse's victory. The rules apparently are different for Japanese horses returning home from abroad. Bloodhorse.com summed up: “It's doubtful the JRA can find a better place on the calendar for its two big international events. But if they are serious about keeping the Japan Cup races in the world spotlight, JRA officials should immediately begin to lobby their own government to change the quarantine rules.” (Dec 6)
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Texas Glitter To Stud After HK
Trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed to racenet.com.au that Texas Glitter will retire to William Schettine's DunHill Stud near Reddick in Florida for the 2003 breeding season, after he represents the US in his final race-start in the HK$10 million Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 15. The 6YO son of Glitterman boasts 11 wins, 9 2nds & 5 3rds in 36 starts (including 9 victories in Stakes events). (Dec 6)
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Auction House To Stand In Britain After Ending US Career
Auction House will retire to stud duty in Britain after concluding his racing career in the US, where he won 3 of 11 starts, including the 2002 Turf Paradise Breeders' Cup Handicap in Arizona & 2000 Harry Brubaker Handicap at Del Mar. The 6YO son of Exbourne will stand at Llety Stud near Carmarthen reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky, Auction House began his career in England & ranked as one of the best juveniles of the 1998 season with wins in the Gr2 Champagne Stakes & Acomb Stakes, & a 2nd to Mujahid in the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes (in which later multiple Gr1 winner & European high-weighted sprinter Stavinsky was 3rd). (Dec 6)
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Kimberlite Pipe, Tahkodha Hills & Belasco Retire To Stud
Three US stallions have been retired to stud duties. Multiple US stakes winner Kimberlite Pipe will stand his first season at Clear Creek Stud near Folsom in Louisiana, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO son of Take Me Out won 10 of 40 starts. Career highlights included: wins in the 1999 Gr2 Louisiana Derby, 1998 Turfway Preview Stakes at Turfway Park & 2002 Gr3 Carey Memorial Handicap at Hawthorne Race Course; 6th in the 1999 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & 8th in the 1999 Gr1 Preakness Stakes; and a course record 1:10.60 for 6 furlongs on turf in 1998 at Kentucky Downs. Meanwhile Tahkodha Hills will stand his first season in 2003 at Hidden Lake Farm near Loretto in Minnesota. The 5YO son of Prospector’s Halo won 5 of 38 career starts (plus 11 2nds & 4 3rds) including the 1999 Gr3 What A Pleasure Stakes at Calder Race Course, 2000 Lone Star Derby at Lone Star Park & 2001 Coral Gables Stakes at Hialeah Park. And Belasco has been purchased privately by Haras Ni Manor & will stand in Argentina next season. The 6YO son of Gone West began his racing career in England & finished 3rd in the 1998 Gr2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury. He then returned to the US & won 4 of 29 starts. (Dec 6)
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Worldly Manor, Tejano Run, Hollycombe & Lake George Relocate
Darley’s Gr2 winner Worldly Manner, bought in training as a 2YO by Godolphin for US$5 million in 1998, will stand the 2003 season at Alex Trebek's Creston Farms in California. Worldly Manner stood the past 2 years at Wycombe House Stud in Florida. Meanwhile Roy Monroe, whose stallion Tejano Run finished second in the 1995 Kentucky Derby, will relocate the 10-year-old son of Tejano as first stallion at his newly established Starlex Farm near Versailles in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. Tejano Run ranks 11th on the second-crop sire list by 2002 progeny earnings. In Texas thoroughbredtimes.com reported Hollycombe, a Gr2 winner who stood his first season in California this year, will relocate to Millennium Farms near Belton. The 8YO son of Capote won 5 of 15 career starts, including the 1999 Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap. And Lake George, sire of last year's California juvenile filly champion Lady George, has been relocated to Ben Warren's Hanson Stock Farm near Hemet in California. (Dec 6)
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Al Ghazi To Arizona Stud
Al Ghazi (4YO son of Storm Cat & a US$1.35 million Keeneland September yearling) will enter stud at Fleming Thoroughbred Farm near Cashion in Arizona, reported bloodhorse.com. Walter Siefried bought Al Ghazi following the colt's racing career, during which he won 2 of 15 races. (Dec 6)
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Relief As Irish Stallion Tax Exemption Left Unchanged
Ireland’s bloodstock industry breathed a huge collective sigh of relief when Minister For Finance Charlie McCreevy left the country’s stallion tax exemption (in place for the past 33 years) unchanged in his Budget speech. There had been considerable debate in Irish political circles that some form of tax would be imposed – prompting fears a change would see some of the best stallions move to America. Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association chairman Jock O’Connor told racingpost.co.uk: “Minister McCreevy has made a wise move in leaving things unchanged. It is good for the breeding industry & it’s good for the country too. The ITBA estimates the country’s stallion income at E100 million a year & that bloodstock contributes E150 million (£95million) per annum in export earnings. It is also a significant employer, providing 25,000 jobs shared between racing and bloodstock. (Dec 6)
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Kensington Track Under Fire Again
Leading jockeys Glen Boss & Darren Beadman were the latest hoops to complain about holes in the surface of Randwick's controversy-plagued Kensington track. After an inspection, aapracingandsports.com.au reported chief steward Ray Murrihy summing up: "It's disappointing, it's very patchy. The track was given a break & we all thought it would be much better for it - and for one meeting it was. But now it's back to being the same as it has been for the past 2 years. There are divots in the track & dirt being kicked up." Jockey Dan Beasley likened the surface to the dirt track in Macau, where he rode with success last year. "It's similar to the dirt in Macau in that you get kick back," he said. "They race on that track midweek & it's also a question of which horses handle it. You get to know which ones will do well. Once a horse does go well on it, they keep doing well." (Dec 5)
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Magic Millions Order-Of-Entry
Latest Order-Of-Entry for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic: (1) Hasna $76,500; (2) Get Carter $57,200; (3) Fashion Victim $48,750; (4) Imperialism $40,050; (5) Shamekha $38,250; (6) Regimental Gal $33,400; (7) Danbird $29,250; (8) Express Ball $27,450; (9) Helter Skelter $17,500; (10) Kas Nediym $15,300. And latest Order-Of-Entry for the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy: (1) Lovely Jubly $1,232,350; (2) Able Choice $555,019; (3) Snowland $464,700; (4) Bulla Borghese $464,000; (5) Hydrometer $437,760; (6) Brief Embrace $378,100; (7) Chuckle $292,000; (8) Cool Trent $235,750; (9) Milkshake $232,400; (10) Ain't Here $227,550. (Dec 5)
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Newgate Pair Top Day 3 At Tattersalls December Mares Sale
The consignment of 18 fillies & mares from the late Prince Fahd Salman's Newgate Stud provided the top two prices on Day 3 of the UK Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Velvet Moon (dam of 2002 Gr2 Dante Stakes winner & Gr1 Champion Stakes 2nd Moon Ballad) topped the day at 875,000 guineas. The 11-year-old Shaadi mare, offered in foal to champion Daylami, is a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Central Park & 2002 Gr3 Lancashire Oaks winner Mellow Park. Bugley Stud principal Anthony Penfold out-bid Charlie Gordon-Watson & John Ferguson. One lot earlier Ferguson paid 450,000 guineas for Velvet Lady, a 5YO Nashwan daughter of Velvet Moon. Second highest price for the day was another Newgate offering: 5YO Lahib mare Last Resort (winner of the Gr2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket) offered in foal to champion sprinter Mozart. John Ferguson (acting on behalf of Darley) secured the filly for 825,000 guineas, after keen bidding from Charlie Gordon-Watson, Anthony Penfold, Newsells Park's Robert Acton & Shadwell Estates' Angus Gold. Newgate’s 19-year-old Victoria Cross (dam of dual Gr1-winning sprinter Mozart) was carrying a Danehill full sibling to the ill-fated champion, ensuring high demand for the daughter of Spectacular Bid. Coolmore supremo John Magnier bid 600,000 guineas to top bloodstock consultant Michael Youngs (purchaser of the recent world-record-priced filly foal). In all 178 lots were sold on Day 3 for 12,843,500 guineas – the average of 72,154 guineas was up 4% on last year's corresponding session. (Dec 5)
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Aust Owners Knock Back HK Offer
Caloundra trainer Ray McCall will continue to train Gr1 placegetter Top Echelon after the colt’s owners Shane Chataway & Shane Sutton knocked back a substantial offer from Hong Kong for the colt, reported racenet.com.au. The owners paid just $22,000 for the colt at the 2001 QBBS yearling sale in Brisbane - and in 6 starts as a 2YO Top Echelon recorded wins at Eagle Farm & Doomben, plus 3rd to Chickens & Lovely Jubly in the Listed Doomben Slipper1350m, 4th behind Lovely Jubly & Sir Breakfast in the Gr1 Queensland Sires Produce 1400m, & 2nd to Lovely Jubly in the Gr1 T.J.Smith. (Dec 5)
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Stewards Call For Interstate Betting Sheets
Queensland stewards will examine interstate betting sheets after a spectacular all-the-way win by Just Macca in the Fairyhouse Hcp (2147m) at Eagle Farm. Beaten more than 15 lengths at Ipswich on November 17, Just Macca produced a stunning form reversal to win unchallenged by 11 lengths - the biggest winning margin on a Brisbane metropolitan track for many years reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Jockey Shane Shield adopted tear-away tactics aboard the 15-1 shot, as Just Macca led his 6 rivals by nearly 20 lengths in the middle stages. Acting chairman of stewards Alan Reardon said his panel would examine interstate betting sheets to see if any irregularities were uncovered. "We'll see if anything shows up interstate but our investigations of the local ring & TAB figures in Queensland indicate nothing out of the ordinary," Reardon said. "We were unhappy with some aspects of the tactics of the beaten jockeys & felt an explanation was warranted from them." (Dec 5)
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Magic Millions Adelaide Date Changes
The 2003 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale will be conducted over 3 selling sessions. Session 1 commences 6pm on Wednesday 19 February, after conclusion of the Morphetville race-day & running of the Magic Millions Adelaide $400,000 Race. Session 2 commences 11am on Thursday 20 February, & Session 3 (Summer Session) will commence at 11am on Friday 21 February. (Dec 5)
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NZ Filly Ice Maiden For Australia
Trainer Mike Moroney will transfer promising New Zealand filly Ice Maiden from Matamata to his Flemington stable. The O'Reilly filly overcame a rough passage to win easily over 1400 metres at Avondale — her 2nd win in 2 starts, following an equally impressive debut victory at Dargaville. "Obviously she.s well above average, so she looks an ideal sort for Australia," Moroney told thoroughbrednews.co.nz. "She can have a bit of a break for now & then go over. I'd like to think she will be competitive in the autumn & then be worth taking to Brisbane. At this stage I would compare her with Galroof, who followed a similar program last season." Ice Maiden is raced on lease from Waikato Stud by Dr Peter Heath, an Australian client of Ballymore Stables. (Dec 5)
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Kentucky Derby Winner Dead
Spend A Buck, whose Kentucky Derby win in 2mins 0.2secs remains the 4th-fastest of all time, has died from anaphylactic shock in Brazil, reported bloodhorse.com. The 20-year-old former US Horse Of The Year, who began his stallion career at William Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles in Kentucky, relocated to Haras Bage do Sul in Brazil following the 2001 breeding season. Spend A Buck's historic Derby win sent shock waves through the US racing industry back in 1985. In a sensation at the time, Garden State Park announced a US$2-million bonus for a horse that could win the Cherry Hill Mile & Garden State Stakes, then go on to win the Kentucky Derby & Jersey Derby. Spend A Buck won the first three races in the series; then instead of running him in the Preakness Stakes, owner Dennis Diaz opted to concentrate on the Jersey Derby. Spend A Buck didn't disappoint - winning the Jersey Derby & collecting the rich bonus, plus US$600,000 of the original US$1 million purse. Diaz also bypassed the Belmont Stakes with the colt. Irate over Diaz's action - and worried about the possibility of it happening again - officials at Churchill Downs, Pimlico & Belmont Park then conceived a Triple Crown bonus that largely remains intact to this day. (Dec 5)
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Fortune's Retainer Ends With Sangster
Jimmy Fortune’s 3-year retainer with Robert Sangster has ended, although the jockey has not severed all links with the high-profile owner. Fortune, whose biggest success for Sangster came on Gr1 winner Commander Collins, stressed he still expects to ride for Sangster & Manton-based trainer John Gosden, reported racingpost.co.uk. The Irish-born rider was announced as Sangster's jockey in September 1998, signalling the end of John Reid's 6-year association with the owner's Manton operation. Sangster, who was instrumental in bringing former US champion Steve Cauthen to Britain, had been keen to appoint Fortune as a potential long-term successor to Reid at his Manton operation. (Dec 5)
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Keeneland January Sale Numbers Up 37%
The catalogue for Keeneland's January horses-of-all-ages sale boasts 1,908 lots - up 37% from 2002's edition. The Central Kentucky auction will run for five days (January 6-10). Tom Thornbury, Keeneland's associate director of sales, told bloodhorse.com he believed the strength in the middle of the US yearling market encouraged horsemen to sell more breeding stock & weanlings. He added horsemen also were encouraged by the strength of some foreign yearling markets. (Dec 5)
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Brazilian Champion Kigrandi Dead
Brazilian champion & multiple Gr1 winner Kigrandi died from causes related to cardiac arrest at Sergio Maggiore’s Haras Kigrandi in Brazil, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 23-year-old son of Leigo (out of the Major’s Dilemma mare Cajopita) was a 4-time Gr1 winner in his native Brazil in the early 1980s, including victories in the 1982 Grande Premio Cruzeiro do Sul (Brz-Gr1) & Grande Premio Derby Paulista-Brazilian Derby (Brz-Gr1). Kigrandi also finished second in the 1983 Grand Prix Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-Gr1). At stud, Kigrandi was the sire of 9 stakes winners in 16 crops, headed by Gr1 winners Ardito, Demonietto & Jack Grandi. (Dec 5)
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Europe's Grip On US Prizes Tightens
THE reasons are debatable but the effect is crystal clear: European horses have come to dominate North American turf racing, reported racingpost.co.uk. The Gr1 Matriarch Stakes was the latest example - 5 of the 6 runners in the 9-furlong turf test for fillies at Hollywood Park were European-bred & had at one time been based in Europe. Among them was the winner Dress To Thrill, owned & bred by Moyglare Stud Farm & trained in Ireland by Dermot Weld. As the borders of the world shrink, trainers such as Weld (who saddled Media Puzzle to win Australia’s most prestigious race, the Melbourne Cup, in November) have become highly adept at jetting in for a long-distance kill. This is one trend in the success of European horses abroad. Two others were also highlighted by events surrounding the Matriarch: first, the numerical dominance of European horses in American turf racing; & second, the inclination of owners to leave their successful raiders in the country, often for the remainder of their careers. It was reported after the Matriarch that the winner will probably remain in the US with Christophe Clement. It was not always so. A US Jockey Club report reveals that in 1990, 1,589 horses were exported to Europe from the US, while just 266 horses were imported to the US from Europe - a 6:1 ratio of US exports-to-imports. But by 1998, the ratio had shrunk to just over 2.5:1, with 1,148 exports to Europe & 444 imports from Europe. Above all else, the reason is simple: investors go where the money is - & currently American prize-money is vastly more tempting, & there are more stakes opportunities. (Dec 5)
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Fields of Omagh Set For Singapore
Fields Of Omagh — spelled after finishing 2nd in the Caulfield Cup & 5th in the Cox Plate — has returned to trainer Tony McEvoy’s Lindsay Park stables & resumed training for an autumn campaign aimed at Singapore. Syndicate manager Bryan Martin told aapracingandsports.com.au the 31 owners have “big plans mapped out for the gelding in 2003.” Despite being one of the first Australian horses invited to the Dubai World Cup meeting in March, Martin said it had been decided to target the S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) at Kranji on 17 May as the 5YO’s ultimate autumn goal. Martin said Fields Of Omagh will resume racing in the Gr1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on 8 February & “then go on to races like the St George Stakes & the Australian Cup. After that he may go to Sydney for the Ranvet Stakes or maybe even the BMW, but his ultimate aim will be the International Cup in Singapore." (Dec 4)
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Daliapour To Stand At French Stud
Melbourne Cup runner Daliapour, who raced in 7 different countries & won 7 of his 26 starts, is to go to stud in France next year. Despite earlier reports he would remain in Australia to race here, aapracingandsports.com.au confirmed a French announcement Daliapour will begin stud duty at Haras des Chartreux in 2003. Daliapour (a son of Sadler’s Wells out of a Gr2 winning half-sister to leading stallion Darshaan) will stand at a fee of 4500 euros. (Dec 4)
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Golan Arrives At Coolmore To Begin Stud Career
Golan has arrived at Coolmore Stud in Ireland’s County Tipperary in preparation for stallion duties commencing in the New Year. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Spectrum colt finished 7th to Falbrav in his final racecourse appearance in the Japan Cup at Nakayama. Golan was a brilliant winner of the 2001 Sagitta 2,000 Guineas at only his second racecourse appearance, & a decision to delay his stud career by 12 months paid off when he defeated Nayef in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot in July. Coolmore Stud manager Christy Grassick told racingpost.co.uk: “Golan travelled very well. He arrived looking in outstanding condition & we are delighted to have a son of Spectrum joining us, as it provides a great outcross. He is outstanding looking, & when you have the speed to win a Guineas & the stamina to win a King George, what more can you ask for in a horse? He has a full book of mares, all with good breeding, & has been supported by all of the top studs.” Golan will stand at a fee of 20,000 euros. (Dec 4)
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Inglis 2003 Classic Yearling Sale Catalogue
The Inglis 2003 Classic Yearling Sale at Sydney’s Newmarket complex on January 19, 20 & 21 will feature 515 yearlings by popular sires such as: Anabaa (USA), Belong to Me (USA), Canny Lad, Danehill Dancer (IRE), Danewin, Danzero, End Sweep (USA), Filante (NZ), Flying Spur, Fuji Kiseki (Jpn), Gilded Time (USA), Grand Lodge (USA), Hennessy (USA), Hurricane Sky, King of Kings (IRE), Langfuhr (CAN), Lion Hunter, Marauding (NZ), Quest for Fame (GB), Rubiton, Snippets, Spinning World (USA), Strategic, Thunder Gulch (USA) & Zeditave. First season sires represented include: Arena, Catbird, Commands, Dr Fong (USA), Fasliyev (USA), Intergaze, Jade Robbery (USA), Marquetry (USA), Orpen (USA), Real Quiet (USA), Redoute's Choice, Way of Light (USA), & Xaar (GB). (Dec 4)
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US Congress Moves To Ban Internet Gambling
High-ranking members of the US Congress plan to make an outright ban on all internet wagering a top priority next year because of its vulnerability to money laundering, reported bloodhorse.com. Sen Harry Reid of Nevada (Democratic minority whip in Congress) declared gambling over the web is "ripe for cheating" & "cannot be controlled." Only a bill completely banning Internet wagering could stop money laundering through Web sites, he said. Rep Michael Oxley (chairman of the House Committee on Financial Service) agreed & and noted the issue would be the top priority of his committee in 2003. According to a report released by the General Accounting Office, law enforcement officials remain sure Internet gambling is an easy source to launder money. "The volume, speed & international reach of online transactions, & the offshore locations of internet gaming sites, make the internet particularly vulnerable to money laundering," the report emphasised. (Dec 4)
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UK Sensation: Bradley Threatens Appeal To European Court
Prominent UK jockey-turned-bloodstock agent Graham Bradley announced he will go all the way to the European Court in an attempt to overturn the shock 8-year ban he has received from the Jockey Club. Bradley told racingpost.co.uk the ban from racing will “destroy his life”. The headline-hogging charges against Bradley arose from his friendship with fugitive Brian Wright, who UK police believe headed one of the world’s biggest international cocaine smuggling operations. Bradley was found guilty of: passing information to Wright for reward; receiving presents "from persons other than the owner"; & misleading the Jockey Club over his relationship with Wright. Although he was found not guilty of attempting to get the 1987 Cheltenham Gold Cup abandoned in the interests of a heavy bet placed by Wright, he was fined £2,500 for bringing racing into disrepute for writing about the episode in his autobiography The Wayward Lad. Bradley said he was shocked by the severity of his punishment, declaring: “Apart from having a punter, I’m guilty of nothing. Absolutely nothing. How can the committee justify banning me for 8 years? I’ve not doped horses, I’ve not pulled horses. I had a punter.” (Dec 4)
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Oliver On Bel Esprit For Autumn Campaign
Damien Oliver will be the autumn campaign rider for star colt Bel Esprit. Trainer John Symons confirmed Oliver would ride the Royal Academy colt when he resumes in the $400,000 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 9, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. "We are targeting all the big sprints with him," Symons said. Oliver has also agreed to ride Bel Esprit in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on February 22, and then either the $1 million Newmarket Hcp (1200m) at Flemington on March 8 or $400,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a week earlier. "He looks the best sprinting 3YO around & I’m more than happy to commit to him even this far out," said Oliver who will ride in the Hong Kong International Jockey Challenge at Happy Valley on December 11 before partnering Falvelon in the Hong Kong Sprint (1000m) on December 15. (Dec 4)
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Hunter Valley & NSW Central Coast Studs For Sale
Lark Hill & Broad Crossing, 2 leased horse studs near Scone in NSW’s Upper Hunter Valley, will be sold by tender, reported The Australian Financial Review newspaper. The properties (163 hectares & 133ha) are both owned by the Tall family. Both have recently been established, feature frontage to the Hunter River & irrigation licences, & are leased for 4 years. They are expected to bring between $4.5-6 million. And on the NSW central coast, Bangaloe Stud at Avoca Beach an hour north of Sydney will be offered for sale by tourism broker TransAct. More than 77 individual winners have been bred on the 24-hectare property established in 1960 by previous owner & leading racing identity Bill Ritchie. Closing date for tenders to buy Bangaloe is 12 December. (Dec 4)
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Midnight Angel Tops 2nd Day At Tattersalls Mares Sale
Newsells Park Stud's general manager Robert Acton (bidding on behalf of proprietor Klaus Jacobs) paid 500,000 guineas for the top-priced lot Midnight Angel (a 2002 German & Italian Oaks placegetter) during the 2nd Session of the 4-day UK Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Acton indicated the 3YO filly (by Acatenango) was likely to go into training on the east coast of America with Belmont Park-based Frenchman Christophe Clement, before retiring to Newsells Park. Swiss-born German coffee king Jacobs has built a top class broodmare band at his Hertfordshire-based stud, & added a further 3 fillies to his burgeoning empire. In all 200 lots were sold during the 2nd Session for 10,991,500 guineas, at an average 54,957 guineas. Also grabbing attention was former Derrinstown Stud general manager Hubie de Burgh, who recently started his own bloodstock agency, when he bid 440,000 guineas (on behalf of an American client who recently purchased an Irish stud) for 4YO mare Valley Of Song, in foal to Machiavellian. (Dec 4)
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Trainers Attack Closure Of Cheltenham Training Facilities
Trainers have slammed the South Australian Jockey Club’s decision to close training facilities at Cheltenham racecourse. The SAJC announced Cheltenham will close as a training facility at the end of the current racing season (saving $400,000 per annum), as a condition of Thoroughbred Racing SA's $1 million grant for a new all-weather training track at Morphettville (allowing replacement of the woodchip track with artificial all-weather Proride surface). While the SAJC said it will assist Cheltenham trainers to relocate, aapracingandsports.com.au reported the closure was slammed as a “disgrace” by David Balfour, president of the SA branch of the Australian Trainers' Association. "Some trainers will be devastated by the decision. They have been at Cheltenham their whole lives," Balfour declared. "They are cutting people out of the industry. Some Cheltenham trainers with 2 or 3 horses will just walk away & jobs will be lost – that won't help racing in this state.” Balfour added there were not enough boxes at Morphettville to accommodate Cheltenham trainers. Cheltenham will continue as a racing venue, pending a decision on the fate of Victoria Park as Adelaide’s third racetrack. (Dec 4)
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Warwick Stakes Transferred To Randwick
The Australian Jockey Club announced the Warwick Stakes fixture to be held on Saturday 23 August 2003 has been transferred from Warwick Farm to Randwick. (Dec 4)
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Timber Country Making Breeding History In UAE
Where is Timber Country, sire of classy prospect Almasiga? Aapracingandsports.com.au reported the former shuttle sire (who began his stud career in Japan before standing at NSW’s Coolmore & Arrowfield Studs) is making breeding history as foundation sire at a stud located in the United Arab Emirates desert. Emirates Farm - set up 2 years ago at the oasis village of Hatta by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum - is part of a dream the Sheikh has to prove UAE-breds can compete on elite levels in international racing. Plans call for the foals to be transferred after weaning to the Sheikh’s Darley studs in Ireland & England. Emirates Farm is one of Sheikh Mohammed’s 2 current breeding operations. He is also developing an ultra-modern Australian stud in the NSW Hunter Valley at Kelvinside, the property he acquired from former leading jockey & breeder Hilton Cope. Work will start shortly on a $4million re-development at Kelvinside, including 2 stallion barns to house Darley shuttle sires. Darley has 30 sires at stud in the northern hemisphere including Timber Country (a son of Woodman) who was America’s champion 2YO of 1994 when he won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile; the following season he won the classic Preakness Stakes & finished third in the Kentucky Derby. Almasiga (a member of his first crop Australian-bred 3YOs) took her record to 2 wins from her first 4 starts at Rosehill on 30 November 30. (Dec 4)
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US Stallion Polish Numbers Dead At 14
US sire Polish Numbers, who stood his entire career at Northview Stallion Station near Chesapeake City, shattered his tibia in a paddock accident & has been euthanized, reported bloodhorse.com. Polish Numbers entered stud in 1992, the first horse syndicated by Northview for stallion duty at the former Windfields Farms, founded by E.P.Taylor. The 14-year-old son of Danzig occupied the same stall formerly used by his famous grandsire Northern Dancer. Polish Numbers, produced from Ogden Phipps' champion Numbered Account (by Buckpasser), was originally syndicated for US$17,500 a share & stood for US$3,500; but after his after his first few crops hit the track, the shares skyrocketed to US$275,000 each & he stood for US$25,000. Polish Numbers is represented by 35 stakes winners & earners of US$20 million. He topped Maryland's sire list by progeny earnings in 1998, was 2nd in 1999 & 2000, and 4th in 2001. This year, he ranks 4th, with earners of US$3.2 million. Bred by Phipps, Polish Numbers set a track-record at Belmont Park as a 3YO; he won 4 of 11 starts & earned $80,493; & 2 of his half-siblings, Private Account & Dance Number, were Gr1 winners. (Dec 4)
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NSW Country Racing Council Board Changes
Two changes to the NSW Country Racing Council’s Board of Directors have been announced following the CRC Annual General Meeting. Bob Pavitt (NSWCRC delegate for Clarence River Jockey Club) was elected as nominee for Regional Race Clubs, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Jim Browning (Coffs Harbour). And in the election of Board leadership positions, Stan Hayes was returned as Chairman, with Gordon Lindley (nominee for Major Race Clubs) elected new Vice Chairman, replacing John Clift. All other incumbent Board members were returned following elections for Board positions in the SERA, NRRA, CDRA & H&NWRA. (Dec 4)
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Argentina’s Pellegrini International Series Draws 75 Horses
The Argentine Jockey Club has received 75 entries for the 4 races comprising the Carlos Pellegrini international series, which starts on December 8 with the Gran Premio Internacional Copa de Plata-Roberto Vasquez Mansilla (Arg-Gr1) for fillies & mares on the turf at San Isidro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The series will reach its high point on December 14 with South America’s most prestigious race, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-Gr1). The Carlos Pellegrini has drawn 18 horses, including the top 3 finishers in the Argentine Derby Nacional (Arg-Gr1): Freddy, Brazilian-bred Pellegrino & Peasant. Also entered were undefeated Grand Vitesse (winner of the Gr1 Copa de Oro on November 9) and Argentine Gr1 winners Bat Ruizero (runner-up in last year’s Pellegrini) & Rodeno. The international series has also attracted: the locally based but Kentucky-bred La Bruyere; Chilean-bred & based Dormita (a 6YO mare by Dancing Groom, who has won two Gr1 events); & Potri Passion from Uruguay. Miss Terrible (a 3YO daughter of Numerous) heads the Copa de Plata field & will be bidding for a world record when she goes in search of her eight consecutive Gr1 victory. (Dec 4)
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King Of Danes To Join Glenlogan Park Stud
International sprinter King Of Danes will join the stallion roster at Queensland's Glenlogan Park Stud in 2003. King Of Danes will join Show A Heart, Our Maizcay, Falvelon & Shot of Thunder, taking the number of Australian-bred stallions standing at the stud to five, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. King Of Danes, Falvelon & Shot of Thunder all begin their stud careers at the end of this season. King Of Danes (by Danehill) began his racing career in Queensland for the Bruce McLachlan stable, after he was purchased by Dr Thomas Liang for $325,000 at the 1999 Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale. He raced six times as a 2YO in Australia for three wins, including the Gr3 Illawarra Classic at Kembla Grange & a third in the Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes. Dr Liang then sent him to Hong Kong, where he recorded a win over the world class Danehill sprinter Fairy King Prawn in the Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup, and was third behind Falvelon & Morluc in the 2000 Hong Kong International Sprint. (Dec 3)
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Newmarket Handicap Latest $1 million Race
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith announced the 2003 Gr1 Rosemount Estate Newmarket Handicap at Flemington is the club's next million-dollar race (increasing from $750,000). Monteith said: "The Rosemount Estate Newmarket Handicap is Australia's most famous & historic handicap sprint, and now joins the elite group of races at the million dollar level. The VRC is committed to the race maintaining its pre-eminent status on the Racing Calendar, and this new benchmark in prize-money will guarantee its future in the top echelon of Australian racing". The Newmarket will be run on Saturday 8 March 2003, headlining the first day of the 3-day Australian Cup Carnival. Other changes to the Carnival include: re-scheduling the $400,000 Gr1 VRC Sires. Produce Stakes to Australian Cup Day (Monday 10 March) from Saturday 15 March; increases of $25,000 for the Gr3 TBV Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (8 March) and Tooheys New Plate (10 March) to $150,000 each; increase of $25,000 for Listed Schweppes 1100 (10 March) to $100,000. (Dec 3)
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AJC Increases Prize-money On Group Race Days
The Australian Jockey Club announced that, from 1 January 2003, Sydney Saturday meetings which feature a Group race will also involve prize-money increases from $45,000 to $50,000 & addition of a 9th race to the program. AJC Chief Executive Tony King said the prize-money increase highlighted the AJC's commitment to returns to owners. "Although the AJC's prize-money budget for the 2002-03 financial year was more than $33 million — the highest paid by any raceclub in Australia — the club is committed to further assisting industry participants," King said. "This increase further strengthens our feature race days." The Saturday dates & feature races from 1 January 1 to 30 June 30 are: 22 February (Royal Randwick Expressway Stakes); 8 March (Royal Randwick Hobartville Stakes); 15 March (Warwick Farm Chipping Norton Stakes); 19 April (Royal Randwick Derby&Doncaster); 26 April (Royal Randwick AJC Oaks); 3 May (Royal Randwick Sydney Cup). (Dec 3)
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Tattersalls December Mares Sale Opens Strongly
The opening session of Tattersalls UK December Mares Sale followed last week's record breaking Foals Sale - with average price up 13% to 47,840 guineas. A total 186 lots were sold for 8,898,300 guineas, a rise of 7% on the opening session in 2001. The Niarchos consignment from Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard looked outstanding in the catalogue & prices matched pedigrees with 15 of the 16 lots offered realising 1,572,500 guineas - headed by the the 4YO Machiavellian mare Molasses. The half-sister to Gr1 winner Shiva, Gr2 winner Limnos & Listed winner Burning Sunset was offered in foal to Danehill's dual Gr1-winning sprinter Mozart. Johnny McKeever of McKeever St Lawrence paid 650,000 guineas on behalf of Irish breeder & Kilcarn Stud principal Pat O'Kelly, out-bidding Charlie Gordon-Watson & Newmarket-based bloodstock agent Alex Scrope. Another high profile offering from the Niarchos consignment was Gr3-winning Acatenango mare Acceleration, offered in foal to dual Derby winner Galileo. The 5YO French mare, formally trained by Valerie Dissaux, is bound for Japan after Haruji Narita, farm manager for Shadai Farm secured her for 300,000 guineas - third highest price for the day. Second top price came when Eaton Sales' Riley MacDonald (on behalf of Brushwood Stable's Betty Moran) out-bid bloodstock agent John McCormack to purchase Fantasy Royale for 440,000 guineas. The Listed placed mare (by Pleasant Colony) was offered from Ciaran Conroy's Glenvale Stud in foal to Sadler's Wells. (Dec 3)
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Wolfe Pleads Guilty To Prohibited Substance Charge
Prominent West Australian trainer Steve Wolfe has pleaded guilty to allowing a horse to race with a prohibited substance in its system, reported appracingandsports.com.au. The 2YO Savage Cabbage broke its foreleg during a barrier trial on 28 October 28 at Belmont Park Racecourse, crushing to death 33-year-old Jason Oliver, brother of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver. Wolfe has pleaded guilty to a charge under section 177A of Australia's Racing Rules. Savage Cabbage was badly injured & euthanased. A swab from the horse's urine tested positive to Phenylbutazone, an anti-inflammatory drug. (The medicine is used regularly, but trainers are told not to administer it within 7 days of a race because it is illegal for competing horses to have it in their systems.) Wolfe earlier told the inquiry that 5 days before the tragic incident he had instructed his partner Maureen Kay to give Savage Cabbage 20 millilitres of the medicine, after the boisterous horse kicked a railing causing its leg to swell. But the head chemist of Australia's racing forensic laboratory John Vine told the inquiry the swab was too concentrated for Phenylbutazone to have been administered 5 days before the race event. "You would expect to find it (traces of Phenylbutazone) for only about 2-3 days after it was administered," Dr Vine told the inquiry. "We found it was necessary to dilute the sample by 10. To obtain data that wasn't distorted, we had to dilute the sample because it was overloading our instruments." After pleading guilty to the charge, Wolfe's lawyer Tom Percy QC asked for an adjournment to enable his client to gather character references, which the panel of stewards agreed to. Wolfe has trained 4,000 horses, with 400 of them winners. Until this incident his racing record was unblemished. (Dec 3)
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Dermot Weld Lands Another International Gr1 Success
Irish raider Dress To Thrill defeated some of the leading fillies in the world to win the Gr1 Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park in the US, giving trainer Dermot Weld yet another major victory on the international stage. Dress To Thrill (a daughter of Danehill) was ridden hard by Pat Smullen to a thrilling victory by a head over Golden Apples. Weld declared: "This filly deserves what she got today. The Breeders' Cup was not a true reflection of her ability. I wanted people to see what she was capable of." Dress To Thrill had finished 8th in the Breeders. Cup Mile behind Domedriver & Rock Of Gibraltar at Arlington Park in October, but had previously enjoyed 3 Group victories in Ireland this year & an impressive success in the Gr2 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. Owned & bred by Moyglare Stud, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing reported Dress To Thrill was expected to stay in training on the East Coast with trainer Christophe Clement. Golden Apples was attempting to win her third Gr1 of the year, but her narrow defeat confirmed her position as America's leading older filly or mare on turf. (Dec 3)
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7.9 Million Tuned Into Melbourne Cup
A national telephone study has revealed 54% of Australians over 18 watched the 2002 Melbourne Cup live on the Seven Network — an estimated 7.9 million viewers. While 33% watched the race at home, the other 21% (3.1 million people) watched it live on Seven from various other venues such as work, pubs, clubs, restaurants, university, colleges, etc. (Dec 3)
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Nothin' Leica Dane's First Stakes Winner
Dual Gr1 winner Nothin' Leica Dane produced his first stakes-winner when Superior Star (one of his first crop of 3YOs) won the Gr3 Champion Fillies Stakes at Ascot on November 30. Nothin' Leica Dane (Danehill) stands at Byerley Stud in NSW. (Dec 3)
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Bailey Sets New US Jockey Earnings Record
Jerry Bailey has established a new single season record for North American purse earnings by a jockey with US$19,032,509. Bailey held the previous record earned by his mounts in North America during 2001. Bailey has won 209 races from 822 starts in North America this year — figures not including the Dubai World Cup victory by Bailey aboard Street Cry in the United Arab Emirates. (Dec 3)
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US Betting Company Faces Landmark Lawsuit
US racing was in shock after the announcement that Autotote Systems Inc, which handles 65% of all pari-mutuel wagering in North America, will be served with a class action lawsuit for negligence. California law firm Lisoni & Lisoni will file the class action lawsuit on behalf of gambler Jimmy "Jimmy the Hat" Allard, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The lawsuit comes less than a month after former Autotote employee Chris Harn pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to launder money & conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his involvement with altering a betting ticket to win the Breeders. Cup Ultra Pick Six. The lawsuit will charge Autotote with negligence & allege "the betting public may have been cheated out of countless of millions of dollars the past eight years, with the Breeders. Cup fraud being the first time it has been discovered." A press conference has been scheduled at the National Press Club in Washington to discuss the lawsuit. A statement from Allard & Lisoni said they plan to discuss the pick-six process & explain how alleged improprieties by Autotote occurred; the effect on the racing world & economic impact in the past, present, and future; & complete details of the national class action lawsuit & its purpose. (Dec 3)
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Sinndar Tops Aga Khan's European Stallion List
Stud fees have been announced for the Aga Khan's stallions in Europe next year, with Sinndar topping the list at 30,000 euros from Daylami at 20,000 euros. Kalanisi will stand for 15,000 euros, Sendawar for 10,500 & Kahyasi for 10,000. (Dec 3)
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Palm Meadows Opens For Training
Magna Entertainment Corporation's long-awaited South Florida training center Palm Meadows has opened for business, with 250 horses hitting the track on opening day. Palm Meadows sits on 304 acres in Boynton Beach, Florida, & will accommodate 768 horses for the upcoming Gulfstream meet. The facility features a 1/8 miles dirt track & a one-mile turf course. Palm Meadows general manager Gary Van den Broek told bloodhorse.com: "George Weaver was one of the first trainers to have horses arrive & his Maybry's Boy was the first horse on the new track. Palm Meadows is a beautiful facility. The barns are great & the track is in excellent shape." Palm Meadows is 47 miles from Gulfstream. "Our horsemen will be thrilled by the amenities that Palm Meadows affords them now and those that will be offered when phase two is completed," said Gulfstream president & general manager Scott Savin. "To see the way that everything has come together has been amazing. It will be the finest training center for thoroughbreds in North America. The response to Palm Meadows by horsemen has been overwhelming & every available stall has been assigned. We have a waiting list for stalls & that bodes well for the future of Gulfstream & Florida racing." About 1,400 horses are expected to train at Palm Meadows by 2004. (Dec 3)
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World Record For Giant's Causeway Foal At Tattersalls
A world record 1.8 million guineas (A$5.25 million) was paid for a filly foal - by Coolmore stallion & 6-time Gr1 winner Giant's Causeway out of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Urban Sea - on the third day of UK Tattersalls December Foal Sale. The session featured records across the board: 164 lots sold for 8,513,900 guineas, 14% higher than last year's corresponding session; the average 51,914 guineas was up 24%; and 16 lots breached the 100,000 guineas barrier, compared to 12 in 2001. The Giant's Causeway foal (a half-sister to dual Derby winner Galileo) was offered from the Irish National Stud on behalf of David & Ling Tsui's Sunderland Holdings, who raced the filly's dam Urban Sea. Bloodstock consultant Michael Youngs (acting on behalf of Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Stud) made the winning bid, following a spirited contest involving James Kelly (manager of Lady O'Reilly's Castlemartin Stud), Rory Mathews (acting on behalf of Barbara Facchino's Barrouche Stud) & Johnny McKeever (sitting with leading Irish breeder Pat O'Kelly of Kilcarn Stud). "Charlotte Weber has bought some nice mares in America, & this is not just a weanling but a broodmare prospect," said Youngs. "You have to pay a premium to get the best, & she has huge value whether she lands a Gr1, is a winner or a non-winner. I spoke with trainer Bill Mott this morning and, to be ruthlessly critical, she was nice standing still but not as fluent a mover as some others. But she vetted good. It is up to Mrs Weber where she goes now and what happens to her." Tattersalls spokesman Jimmy George said the filly was likely to be destined for Weber's Florida farm. Weber also bought Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Desert Stormer through Youngs for $3.6 million at Keeneland in January. Irish National Stud's chief executive John Clarke commented: "The owner & I are very happy and delighted that Michael got her. She vetted extraordinarily well & was a collector's item. We knew she had everything and was going to sell real well, it was just a question of the price." (Giant's Causeway was brought to Coolmore Australia this season as a replacement for Danehill; among the mares he served were 1998 Melbourne Cup winner Jezabeel & 2001 Caulfield-Melbourne Cups winner Ethereal.) While the world record price for a colt foal (2.5 million guineas for the brother to Generous at this sale in 1997) was never in danger, the 510,000 guineas brought by a Danehill colt out of Roberto mare Al Therabb represented the second highest price ever paid for a colt foal in Europe. The brother to the 2001 French Listed winner Barsine was offered from James Broughton's Barton Stud for breeder Bjorn Nielsen, & Irish veterinarian Demi O'Byrne representing Coolmore out-bid Godolphin's John Ferguson & bloodstock agent Will Edmeades. With sons of recently-deceased Sunday Silence rarely seen at auction outside Japan, another highlight of the session was the sale of the only foal by Japan's phenomenal sire to be sold outside his home country this year. The colt (consigned by agent John Troy) was knocked down to Godolphin's John Ferguson for 250,000 guineas, after bids from Dublin-based bloodstock agent John McCormack & French agent Gerard Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock. Ferguson, Darley's bloodstock director, summed up: "He was an outstanding individual by one of the world's great sires & will go to Ireland before we make a decision on his future in the summer." (Dec 2)
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Tattersalls December Foal Sale Finishes Up 27%
Following the world record during the 3rd session, another filly foal by Giant.s Causeway topped the 4th & final day at Tattersalls December Foal Sale. Overall the sale finished with 585 lots sold for a record aggregate of 17,247,700 guineas, up 27% on last year's figures, with the average 29,483 guineas also a new record. The 4th session topping Giant's Causeway filly (out of Dancing Brave mare Soha, & consigned from Tom Gaffney's Churchtown House Stud) was bought by Coolmore supremo John Magnier for 400,000 guineas, following keen bidding from Cheveley Park Stud owner David Thompson & Irish bloodstock agents John McCormack & Peter Doyle. At the conclusion of the sale Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented: "There was a lot more to this Sale than just one spectacular transaction, with 25 foals breaking the six figure barrier & 85 making 50,000 guineas or more. In addition we have had new records for turnover, average and median. And while the December Foal Sale is often regarded as a domestic Irish & British affair, we have also seen widespread participation from buyers from throughout the world including a significant contribution from our party of Russian buyers who purchased 27 lots."(Dec 2)
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Testa Rossa In 2003 Shuttle To France
Victorian stallion Testa Rossa will reverse shuttle to France in 2003. The 6YO son of Perugino will join Chelsea Manor, River Bay & Sicyos at Haras du Petit Tellier where he will stand at fee of 10,000 euros, reported aapracingandsports.com.au.(Dec 2)
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Arrowfield Stallions On Winning Run
What a weekend for Arrowfield Stud. Flying Spur notched his 20th individual stakes winner when Perth 3YO Wool Zone won the T.J.Smith Trophy at Ascot on November 30. The same day Flying Spur also boasted winners at Elwick in Tasmania, Newcastle in NSW & Geelong in Victoria. And aapracingandsports.com.au reported 2YO colt Soto became fellow Arrowfield sire Dehere's 41st black type winner when he charged home in the Gr2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs in the US to remain unbeaten in 3 starts. (Dec 2)
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Lloyd Williams & Lindsay Park Offerings at Inglis Melbourne Sale
An unreserved reduction of horses owned by Lloyd Williams will be feature among 179 lots at the Inglis December Thoroughbred Sale at Melbourne's Oaklands Complex on December 6. Also included will be reductions of racing & breeding stock from both Lindsay Park Racing & Contract Racing. (Dec 2)
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Aust-Bred Horses Dominate Sha Tin
Australian-bred horses dominated in Hong Kong, collecting 8 races on the 10-event program at Sha Tin. The winners included the John Size-trained Forte (2001 Inglis Easter Sale purchase for $90,000); Caviar One (2000 Inglis Easter $130,000); Opera Magic (2001 Inglis Classic $35,000); the John Moore-trained Noble Falcon, which raced in Melbourne as Nightbird (2001 Inglis Easter $110,000); Perfetto (2001 Inglis Easter $120,000); & Superblitz (1999 Inglis Easter Weanling $58,000). (Dec 2)
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If you have an item of Industry News which the racing community should know about, contact Gary Knowles on:
Email: gary@gadfly.net.au
Phone: (02) 9281 7523
Fax: (02) 9281 7529

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NAME
Ad Valorem
Afleetaffair
Al Maher
Al Samer
All Courage
Amalfi
Arazi
Arena
Aristotle
Aucash
Bachelor Duke
Bahhare
Bear Cat
Beautiful Crown
Beckett
Bel Esprit
Benicio
Bertolini
Bianconi
Bite the Bullet
Black Hawk
Black Minnaloushe
Blevic
Bold Expectation
Bootleg
Bradbury's Luck
Break the Vault
Brief Truce
Bureaucracy
Canadian Silver
Canny Lad
Carry The Crown
Centre Stalls
Charge Forward
Chateau Royal
Chosen Light
Clangalang
Colossus
Command Post
Commands
Court of Jewels
Critical List
Danasinga
Danbird
Dane Shadow
Dane Supreme
Danewin
Dangerous
Danzero
Dash for Cash
D'Cash
Delago Brom
Delzao
Denon
Desert King
Desert Sun
Diogenes
Distant Music
Dolphin Street
Domesday
Don Eduardo
Dubleo
Eagle Eyed
Eagle Rise
Ekraar
El Moxie
Elusive City
Elvstroem
Estambul
Falbrav
Falvelon
Ferocity
Filante
Floral Dynamite
Flying Gulch
Flying Spur
Formalhaut
Foxhound
Fubu
Ghataas
God's Own
Golden Duke
Golden Snake
Good Journey
Grass Wonder
Greenlander
Greenwood Lake
Half Hennessy
Handsome Ransom
Happy Giggle
Hawkeye
Hayil
Helenus
Hemingway
Hidden Dragon
High Rolling
Honours List
Howbaddouwantit
Hussonet
Ice Point
Iglesia
Investor's Dream
Invincible Spirit
Irish Royal
Ishiguru
Jet Ball
Jet Spur
Jeune King Prawn
Jungle Pocket
Kbenjar
Keeninsky
Keep the Faith
Keffelstein
Kempinsky
King De Lago
King Ivor
King Of Danes
King Of Happiness
King Of Prussia
King Of Roses
Ladoni
Latarmiss
Legion
Leroidesanimaux
Lonhro
Magic Winner
Marechal
Markane
Marwina
Minardi
Monashee Mountain
Monde Bleu
More Than Ready
Mossman
Mount White
Mr Henrysee
Mr Nancho
Mugharreb
Mujahid
Murphy's Blu Boy
Mustabshir
My Lad
My Patriarch
Natural Act
Ne Coupez Pas
Newton Jet
Niello
Not A Single Doubt
Nothin' Leica Dane
Nothing to Lose
Nuclear Freeze
Numerous Times
Octagonal
One Cool Cat
Our Maizcay
Over
Partner's Choice
Penthouse Flame
Pentire
Pins
Planchet
Postponed
Pride and Glory
Pure Theatre
Quest For Fame
Racer's Edge
Rakti
Red Ransom
Red Sun
Redoutable
Redoute's Choice
Savabeel
Savoir Vivre
Secret Savings
Seidnazar
Sequalo
Seul Amour
Shags
Shinko King
Show A Heart
Significant Hill
Sippin' Bourbon
Snippetson
Snitzel
Southern Image
Spartacus
Special Bond
Spectatorial
St Petersburg
St Reims
Star Cross
Starcraft
Storm Creek
Storming Home
Strands
Strategic
Stratum
Stravinsky
Success Express
Taimazov
Tayasu Tsuyosh
Techrico
Terrific
Testa Rossa
Thorn Park
Timber Country
Timber Trader
Tough Speed
Traditionally
Trymore
Tsuimai
Tuscanos
Undoubtedly
Universal Prince
Ustinov
Vain Rancher
Van Nistelrooy
Vice Admiral
Viscount
War Trace
Way of Light
West Quest
Westbridge
Yasey
Youthful Legs
Zabeel
Zariz
Zenno Rob Roy
Zephyr's Tornado