INDUSTRY NEWS — JUNE 2003
New $1 Million Inglis Championship
The William Inglis Sales company has announced a new $1 million Melbourne race for 2YOs beginning in Autumn 2005. The inaugural $1 million Inglis Championship (for graduates of the Inglis Classic, Premier & Premier II sales) will be conducted over 1200m with 16 runners & 4 emergencies. The $1 million prizemoney will be distributed: 1st $580,000; 2nd $150,000; 3rd $75,000; 4th $25,000; all other starters $10,000. And in an exclusive offer to vendors who support these sales, Inglis is offering a vendor bonus of $50,000 to the breeder of the winner of the 2005 Inglis Championship. (June 30)
Golden Slipper Nominations Close
Meanwhile owners & trainers have until tomorrow 3pm to get their nominations in for both the 2004 Gr1 AAMI Golden Slipper for 2YOs & the 2003 Tooheys Golden Rose (its 3YO equivalent). The Golden Rose, run on August 30 at Rosehill Gardens, is open to horses originally nominated for the 2003 Gr1 AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes run earlier this year. (June 30)
Choisir Raises Classification Issues
The resounding success by Choisir at Royal Ascot “is likely to have a great flow-on effect for the Australian bloodstock industry,” noted bloodstock agent Vin Cox. “His domination of Europe’s finest sprinters has opened the eyes of the world to the merits of the Australian thoroughbred & it will be up to us to pick up the ball & run like hell.” Cox explained a major impact will be to reconsider the relative rankings of the International Classification System: “Prior to his wins in England, Choisir was rated 112 on the Aust-NZ Classifications. Immediately afterwards he was re-assessed at 123. That’s just 1 pound short of Northerly on 124. Australian racegoers are well aware that, as good as Choisir has shown himself to be, he is not in the same class as Northerly. This raises the question whether the entire Classification system is consistently under-rating our horses, based on the false assumption they are greatly inferior to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. Clearly Choisir has proven this isn’t the case. But where does that leave Choisir’s contemporaries: horses like Bel Esprit, Yell & Snowland? Yell is rated on 113 & before last week was deemed a superior performer to Choisir; 7 days later & he’s 10 pounds in arrears - that hardly seems fair. As a bloodstock agent, the financial implication of this chronic under-rating of our horses is enormous. For example, when selling tried horses to HK as replacements, they are required to have an international rating of 95 or better. If the current system is inaccurate, then HK buyers are on a good wicket, securing horses that have the ability to warrant a superior rating for the price of a lesser horse. If the ratings were re-evaluated & our horses judged more favourably in comparison to their Northern cousins, it would greatly increase the available pool of horses eligible for HK & enable us to place a much higher value on them.” (June 30)
Choisir Returns To Aust & HK Likely Target
Meanwhile Newcastle trainer Paul Perry confirmed on the weekend that star sprinter Choisir will head home from Europe rather than stay in Britain for the Gr1 July Cup. Perry told racenet.com.au: "He doesn't have to prove anything at all in England now & the July Cup was never really on the agenda. He goes into quarantine on July 18 for 3 weeks & then he'll fly home & go into quarantine at Canterbury for another 3 weeks. We'll miss Melbourne & give him a really decent spell & then we'll look at Hong Kong. I think that will really suit him. Over here (Australia) he'd have to run in weight-for-age only, because he'd be handicapped out of everything else.” (June 30)
Choisir Sale ‘Still A Possibility’
And Paul Perry's son & stable foreman Nathan also reiterated the HK plans for Choisir, but did not rule out the possibility of a sale. He told racenet.com.au yesterday: "We haven't received an offer tempting enough to sell him. But he is still on the market." (June 30)
NSW Stewards Raid Floats At Rosehill
Racing NSW stewards yesterday “conducted an unprecedented raid on all horse floats as they arrived at Rosehill in search of illegal products & equipment,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. They confiscated a bucket, bottles & syringes from the float of Summerton trainer Sue Grylls. The swoop came in the wake of the “tubing equipment” being found in the float of Gosford trainer John McNair on May 24. Chief steward Ray Murrihy explained: "We searched all 30 floats when they arrived & checked all the gear. Trainers should be aware they cannot have those substances on course on race-day. Hopefully the message is getting across." (June 30)
Danehill Blue-Blood Blitzes Field
Impeccably-bred 3YO colt Danehill Country “annihilated his rivals” at his 2nd start by leading all the way over 1200m & winning by 4 lengths at Rosehill Gardens yesterday, reported aapracingandsports.com.au.
Danehill Country is by champion sire Danehill out of Avenue Road (a full sister to multiple Gr1 winner Shaftesbury Avenue). (June 30)
Suzy Grey Wins Again Before Date With Perugino
Class mare Suzy Grey (County-Suzynda) will head off to stud with more than $650,000 prize-money after adding the Eye Liner Stakes (1200m) at Ipswich on the weekend. And the daughter of County has already returned nearly the entire $200,000 she cost bloodstock investor Stuart Ramsay at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast last month. Ramsay will send Suzy Grey to his newly purchased Turannga Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley & noted: “I purchased her as a broodmare, so these last couple of wins have come as a real bonus. She is a Gr2 winner & she’s won feature races in 3 states.” From 33 starts, Suzy Grey has notched 10 wins & 8 placings. Ramsay said the initial plan is to send Suzy Grey to Victoria’s Colingrove Stud this spring to be served by Testa Rossa’s sire Perugino. Ramsay’s broodmare band also includes the dams of Gr1 winners Desert Sky, Burst & Shame as well as a half-sister to Gr1 winner Nothin’ Leica Dane. Ramsay noted: “I have 24 rising yearlings at home & there will be some nicely bred youngsters at the 2004 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast in January.” (June 30)
Spark Of Life Completes Hat-Trick
Exciting Sydney 2YO Spark Of Life extended his unbeaten city record to 3 in the Dark Marne Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick. A $30,000 buy at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast in January, Spark Of Life (a gelding by former American speed sensation Nine Carat from top producing Celestial Bounty mare Sparkling Bounty) has now won his 3 races by a cumulative margin of 24 lengths. Bred by former Ellinthorpe Stud owner Bob Thompson, Spark Of Life was nicknamed “champ” as a young horse. His dam Sparkling Bounty is currently in foal to Mull Of Kintyre (foal due early September) & Thompson is considering sending the mare to this year’s Golden Slipper winning sire Success Express. (June 30)
Another Stakes Win For Metal Storm
And ill-fated WA sire Metal Storm (whose final yearlings will be offered at next year’s 2004 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale) scored another feature win when 3YO colt Stormy’s Son scored in the Listed Eat Well Grandstand Cup (1400m) at Belmont. A $75,000 graduate from the 2001 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Stormy’s Son (Metal Storm-Moonrake) has now registered 5 wins & 4 placings from 16 starts for over $136,000 prize-money. (June 30)
$2,500 Passed-In Filly Now Has $376,000
Raja Lane (Devaraja-English Lane), the $376,860 earner who was passed-in for just $2,500 at the 2000 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville, made a successful return to the racetrack in the Choisir At Royal Ascot Sprint (1000m) at Flemington in Melbourne. Raced by Oakside Park Stud owner Trevor Harrington, Raja Lane (a 4YO daughter of Oakside Park’s resident siring star Devaraja) is a stakes winner in both Melbourne & Adelaide. (June 30)
$20,000 Buy Returns 1,000%
And Mikshake (Encosta de Lago-Bourbazam Lass), a bargain $20,000 buy at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville, won the Paul Perry Handicap (1410m) at Flemington to take his prize-money total to $274,600. (June 30)
Eliza Park Pre-Training Moves To Macedon Lodge
Victoria’s Eliza Park Stud will relocate its pre-training division to the Macedon Lodge training complex in August. The lease arrangement “will see Eliza Park conduct all its pre-training business from Macedon Lodge under the management of John Stocker junior,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Eliza Park & Macedon Lodge already enjoy a relationship through the Gr1 star Bel Esprit, who was trained at Macedon Lodge by John Symons & will stand his 1st stud season at Eliza Park this spring. Macedon Lodge’s Gary Harley said: “This will be a perfect compliment to our elite racing team, that will remain on the property when John Symons relocates to Seymour later next month.” Eliza Park was forced to look for new pre-training facilities due to the expansion of its stallion roster to 9 for this spring. (June 30)
Trainer McNair Suspended & Fined
NSW trainer John McNair received a 3-month suspension, a $3,000 fine & had his 'Number 1' Trainers Licence down-graded to simply Trainers Licence at a 'show cause' hearing by the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board's Licensing Committee in relation to comments attributed to McNair in various newspaper articles. McNair told the hearing: "I'm here to apologise wholeheartedly & I have already apologised to Ray Murrihy (Racing NSW chairman of stewards). Mr Murrihy is very good at his job & I told him I was very sorry about my comments about him." (June 30)
Big Bookie Len Burke Dies
Former leading Sydney rails bookmaker Len Burke, 83, has died, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. (June 30)
NZ’s Zirna Wins Singapore Derby Trial
NZ-bred mare Zirna (Deputy Governor-Riverly Lass, by Gleam Machine) won the Singapore Derby Trial (1600m) at Kranji racetrack, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Ridden by former Sydney jockey Larry Cassidy for trainer Malcolm Thwaites, Zirna defeated Exaggerate (by Zabeel) & Lim's Reward (by Royal Academy). Zirna’s victory “followed a terrific 2nd placing on debut in Singapore in the Patron's Bowl” & she is now aiming at the Singapore Derby on July 18. Earlier this year, Zirna won the Gr1 NZ Bloodstock Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Te Aroha in March. Zirna’s sire & multiple Group winner Deputy Governor (by Master Willie) stands at NZ’s Chequers Stud. (June 30)
Critic Stud Plans Not Finalised
The future plans of NZ’s Gr1-winning racemare Critic (by Centaine) “are yet to be finalised” with owner Garry Chittick of Matamata’s Waikato Stud “in two minds about brining Critic back to the racetrack next season,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Chittick summed up: "I haven’t made my mind up yet one way or the other. All I will say is that there is about a 20% chance of her racing again. She is definitely going to visit our new stallion No Excuse Needed in the spring. That’s the only thing which is certain at this stage." Critic won the NZ Gr1 Family Hotel Weight-For-Age at Otaki in February. (June 30)
Hishi Miracle Wins Japan Gr1 Takarazuka Kinen
Masaichiro Abe’s Gr1 winner Hishi Miracle “charged past rivals in the closing strides” to notch a neck victory over Tsurumaru Boy in Japan’s Gr1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin Racecourse yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. They were followed home by Tap Dance, favourite Neo Universe (by Sunday Silence) & 2002 Horse-Of-The-Year Symboli Kris S (by Kris S). Ridden by Koichi Tsunoda for trainer Masaru Sayama, Hishi Miracle (a 4YO son of Dictus stallion Soccer Boy) won last year’s Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) & now has 5 wins in 21 career starts. Hishi Miracle is the only starter for Shady Heights mare Shunsaku Yoskiko; family notables include Gr1 winner Osaichi George. (June 30)
Honor And Glory’s Japan Gr1 Winner
Former Coolmore shuttle stallion Honour And Glory recorded a Japanese Gr1 winner when his 5YO mare Name Value won the Gr1 Teio Sho (2000m) by 4 lengths at Ohi racetrack, reported racenet.com.au. It was the 9th win in 25 starts for Name Value (Honour And Glory-Madison County, by Seattle Slew) who defeated Biwa Shinseiki (Forty Niner-Oceana, by Northern Dancer) & Regent Bluff (Park Regent-Sally Belle, by Goodly). Name Value comes from the 1st crop of Honour And Glory, champion 1st season sire & champion 2YO sire in the US. Name Value’s dam Madison County (placed in 1 of only 2 career starts in the US) is a daughter of Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew out of top-class filly Steal A Kiss (by Graustark), winner of 4 races & placed 12 times in 28 starts (including the Gr1 the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Gr1 Demoiselle Stakes, Gr1 Delaware Handicap, Gr1 Ruffian Handicap, Gr1 Maskette Stakes & Gr1 Ladies Handicap). Honour And Glory’s leading performer in Australia this season has been John O’Shea’s filly Only Glory (winner of the Gr2 Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick in February). (June 30)
Alamshar Wins Gr1 Irish Derby
The Aga Khan landed the quinella in yesterday’s Gr1 Irish Derby at The Curragh when his 3YO colt & English Derby 3rd place-getter Alamshar (Key Of Luck- Alaiyda, by Shahrastani) “proved too strong in the final furlong for his previously unbeaten stablemate” & Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) winner Dalakhani (by Darshaan) “prevailing by half a length after a prolonged tussle in the straight,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Roosevelt (by Danehill) finished 3rd “in a race run 4 seconds faster than High Chaparral last year thanks to the searing pace pace set by High Country.” Alamshar (ridden by Johnny Murtagh for trainer John Oxx) may head next to the Gr1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Alamshar is the 5th foal of his dam Alaiyda (a winning Shahrastani half-sister to Gr3 Craven Stakes winner & sire Desert Story). The winner’s sire & Anabaa's 3/4 brother Key Of Luck (Chief's Crown-Balbonella, by Gay Mecene) stands at Tara Stud in Ireland. (June 30)
Irish Gr2 Winner From Oncidium Family
Meanwhile Michael Tabor's 2YO colt Antonius Pius (Danzig-Catchascatchcan, by Pursuit Of Love) “made it 2 out of 2 with a comfortable win” in yesterday’s Gr2 Railway Stakes (6 furlongs) at the Curragh, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Antonius Pius (ridden by Mick Kinane for trainer Aidan O’Brien) defeated Spanish Ace (by First Trump) & Il Pirata (by Indian Ridge). He was a headline-hogging US$1.5 million yearling purchase last September at Keeneland in the US & is the 1st foal of Catchascatchcan (winner of the Gr1 Yorkshire Oaks & a half-sister to Listed winner Licorne); their dam Catawba is a listed placed half-sister to Strigida (winner of the Gr2 Ribblesdale Stakes). “This is a family developed by the late Lord Howard de Walden for several generations, tracing directly to Ebbisham Stakes winner Malcolmia (dam of Oncidium, winner of the Gr1 Coronation Cup & a Champion Sire in NZ.)” (June 30)
US$2.5 Million Colt Wins In Ireland
And Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier’s 2YO colt The Mighty Tiger, a US$2.5 million sale topper at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale, won his 2nd start (over 6 furlongs) by 3 lengths at the Curragh, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Trained by Aiden O’Brien, The Mighty Tiger (a son of Storm Cat) had finished 3rd to smart 2YO Old Deuteronomy in his debut last month at Newmarketin England. The Mighty Tiger was bred in Kentucky & is 1 of 3 foals to race out of multiple Gr1 winner Clear Mandate (by Deputy Minister). He is a half-brother to stakes winner Full Mandate & a full brother to winner Newfoundland (purchased for US$3.3 million by Demi O’Byrne at the 2001 Keeneland September sale). (June 30)
Ange Gabriel Wins French Gr1 Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud
Anthonia Devin's 5YO homebred Ange Gabriel (Kaldounevees-Mount Gable, by Head For Heights) won yesterday’s Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2400m) for the 2nd consecutive year, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Ange Gabriel (ridden by Thierry Jarnet & trained by Eric Libaud) defeated Polish Summer (by Polish Precedent) & Loxias (by Saumarez). Disappointment of the race was Godolphin’s boom Hernando son Sulamani (who at his previous start defeated Ange Gabriel in the Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad al Sheba in March), who “as usual was given a lot to do by Frankie Dettori” & “looked far from comfortable in the straight for his 5th place finish.” Interestingly, Ange Gabriel's “style of racing looks ideally suited for a race like the Melbourne Cup if he got the chance & he is a seasoned traveller,” emphasised thoroughbredinternet.com. However trainer Libaud indicated Ange Gabriel’s immediate targets are likely to be the the French Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe & Gr1 Japan Cup “because I am sure he will be well suited by the Tokyo racecourse,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. His sire & Gr3 winner Kaldounevees (Kaldoun-Safaroa, by Satingo) stands at the Haras du Mesnil in France. (June 30)
Quest For Fame Lands Another Stakes-Winner
Woodland’s stallion Quest For Fame recorded another stakes-winner when Juddmonte’s 3YO hombred filly High Praise (Quest For Fame-Stellaria, by Roberto) won yesterday’s French Gr2 Prix de Malleret (2400m) at Saint-Cloud, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. High Praise, who defeated Underwater (by Theatrical) & Sweet Folly (by Singspiel), had previously won the Gr3 Prix des Reservoirs at Deauville last year & has now won 3 of her 5 starts. High Praise is a half-sister to Observatory, European Champion 3YO Miler in 2000 (when winner of the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes & Gr1 Prix d'Ispahan) who now stands at Banstead Manor Stud. High Praise is the 5th stakes-winner this year by Classic winner Quest For Fame (Rainbow Quest-Aryenne, by Green Dancer) who stands at Woodlands Stud NSW. (June 30)
Le Glorieux’s Son Wins German Deutscher Herold Preis
Stall Arc’s veteran group performer Up And Away (a 9YO German-bred son of British stallion Le Glorieux), won Germany’s Gr3 Deutscher Herold-Preis (1600m) at Hamburg, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Le Glorieux came to Sydney for the 1988 Gr1 Tancred Stakes (now Gr1 The BMW) over 2400m following wins in the Gr1 Grosser Preis von Berlin, Gr1 Washington DC International & Gr1 Japan Cup, but could only manage 5th place behind the Bart Cummings-trained 3YO local champ Beau Zam. (June 30)
Spoken Fur Wins US Gr1 Mother Goose Stakes
Amerman Racing Stables’ 3YO filly Spoken Fur (Notebook-Siberian Fur, by Siberian Express) made it 4-in-a-row with a 5 length winning margin in the US Gr1 Mother goose Stakes (9 furlongs) at Belmont Park. Spoken Fur (ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Bobby Frankel) defeated Yell (by A.P.Indy) & Final Round (by Storm Cat). Spoken Fur has now won 4 of her 8 starts. With the 1st leg of the 3YO fillies Triple Tiara in his pocket, Frankel told thoroughbredtimes.com Spoken Fur would have her next start in the 2nd leg, the Gr1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont on July 19. (The final leg comes at Saratoga Race Course on August 16 in the Gr1 Alabama Stakes). The winner’s sire & US Gr2 winner Notebook (Well Decorated -- Mobcap, by Tom Rolfe) stands at Ocala Stud Farm in Florida. (June 30)
Ipi Tombe Wins US Debut
One of the world’s most exciting racehorses, 5YO Zimbabwe-bred international star Ipi Tombe (Manshood-Carnet De Danse, by Dance In Time), made a winning US debut in the Gr3 Locust Grove Handicap (9 furlongs on turf) at Churchill Downs. Ipi Tombe (ridden by Pat Day for new US trainer Elliott Walden) defeated Kiss The Devil (by Kris S) & Quick Tip (by Unaccounted For) & is now aiming at the US Gr1 Diana Handicap at Saratoga on July 26. Walden told thoroughbredtimes.com: “It’s a relief that she ran well. She’s an amazing filly & you wonder if she’s going to come over here & acclimatise well.” Ipi Tombe (who has now won 8 straight races, including 3 Gr1 events, & 12 of 14 career starts, plus 2 2nds) had not raced since defeating the males in the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes (at Nad al Sheba racecourse on March 29) in her final start for South African trainer Michael de Kock. Ipi Tombe’s sire, the unraced Manshood (by Mr Prospector), stands at Gary Player Stud in South Africa. (June 30)
Hennessy Logs US Stakes Winner
Coolmore shuttler Hennessy has celebrated his return to Australia “by siring 1 of the more promising 2YOs seen in the US so far this year,” reported racenet.com.au. The Todd Pletcher-trained Heckle (Hennessy-Bid Me Adieu, by Spectacular Bid) led all the way to win the Gr3 Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park on the weekend. It was a Coolmore quinella as Adage (by Tale Of The Cat) finished 2nd. It was also the 2nd win in 3 starts for Heckle “who began his career in a blaze of glory by equaling the track record when winning his maiden at Keeneland by 12.5 lengths.” A US$90,000 purchase at the Keeneland July sale, Heckle is out of Spectacular Bid mare Bid Me Adieu, whose 1st foal Spectacular Tide (by Tsunami Slew) won 6 of 34 starts & US$521,412 (including the 1993 Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap). (June 30)
Stick To Beauty Euthanised In Kentucky
Stick To Beauty, dam of champion US sprinter Gold Beauty & 4 other stakes winners (among 11 winners) has been euthanised at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky aged 30 “due to the infirmities of old age,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Stick To Beauty (Illustrious-Hail to Beauty, by Hail To Reason) was foundation mare of the late Georgia Hofmann's Wycombe House Stud & produced 17 foals: the 1st an Iron Ruler colt named Hello Beauty in 1978 & last a Theatrical filly named Discovering Beauty in 1998. Her star Gold Beauty (a daughter of Mr Prospector who won 8 of 12 starts) earned 1982 champion sprinter honors after 4 stakes wins that season (including the Gr2 Fall Highweight Handicap & Gr2 Test Stakes). Gold Beauty went on to produce dual champion Dayjur & dual Gr1 winner Maplejinsky (dam of champion & 9-time Gr1 winner Sky Beauty). (June 30)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Incurable Optimist
Argentian-based freshman sire Incurable Optimist recorded his 1st winner with his very 1st starter when Kiss An Optimist won by 6 lengths over 5 furlongs at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Incurable Optimist (a 7YO son of Cure The Blues) stands at Haras El Paraiso in Buenos Aires in Argentina & has 20 foals in his 1st crop of racing age. Bred in New York, Incurable Optimist won 4 of 6 starts as a 2YO in 1998 (his only season of racing) including the Gr3 Generous Stakes at Hollywood Park & Gr3 Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont Park; he is 1 of 5 winners of 6 foals to race out of winning Seattle Slew mare Miss Turlington. (June 30)
1st Winner For Canadian Sire Stephanotis
Canadian classic winner Stephanotis recorded his 1st winner as a sire when his daughter Silent Bet won on debut at Hasting Park, reported bloodhorse.com. Stephanotis (Regal Classic-Flicker Queen, by Wavering Monarch) stands at Canmor in British Columbia in Canada. (June 30)
Amilynx To Stand At Ireland’s Ballycurragh
Multiple Gr1 winner & 2-time French high-weight Amilynx will stand his 1st season in 2004 at the Murphy family’s Ballycurragh Stud in Ireland’s County Carlow, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 7YO son of Linamix, Amilynx won 6 of 17 career starts (including 5 group stakes highlighted by the 1999 & 2000 editions of the Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak (French St. Leger)). Amilynx concluded his career with 5 starts in Saudi Arabia from 2000-02. Bred in S.N.C. Lagardere Elevage and trained by Andre Fabre in France, Amilynx is out of Gr3-placed Alydar mare Amen & is a half-brother to Gr2 winner Amiwain. (June 30)
Guilded Time Not Shuttling
Vinery Stud advised today that Champion sire Gilded Time "is unable to travel to Australia for the 2003 breeding season." Gilded Time "has experienced problems covering his mares in Kentucky this current season & on a number of occasions mares were not covered. Professional advice received gave the syndicate no alternative & the decision was made to give the horse a year off from shuttling." Vinery Australia studmaster Peter Orton commented: "We are very disappointed that he is unable to travel, as he has received great support again this season & we were looking forward to his ongoing success in Australia. Gilded Time began his Australia career well with Pinchbeck scoring a Stakes win early in the season. He has had a number of other exciting runners throughout the year & we look forward to the spring with his 3YOs & the 2YO debutants making their way out onto the tracks. The quality of his mares has improved each year & we look forward to seeing these results over coming racing seasons." Gilded Time has had an outstanding year in the US, with his daughter Mandy’s Gold becoming a millionaire & dual Gr1 winner Elloluv winning the Gr1 Keeneland Ashland Stakes. Gilded Time will return to Vinery Stud for the 2004 season.(June 27)
Ha Ha & Strawberry Girl Booked To Sadler’s Wells
John Singleton’s dual Gr1-winner Belle du Jour isn’t the only Australian mare booked to be served by Sadler’s Wells to Southern Hemisphere time in coming months. She’ll be accompanied by 2 Strawberry Hill Stud stablemates: fellow Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha & star matron Strawberry Girl. Ha Ha (by Danehill out of a 3/4-sister to Rory’s Jester) earned $3 million on the track, where her triumphs included the Gr1 Golden Slipper, Gr1 Flight Stakes, Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes, Gr2 Apollo Stakes, Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes, Gr3 Sweet Embrace Stakes & $1 million Magic Millions 3YO trophy (plus 5 other group race placings). And Strawberry Girl (a daughter of Strawberry Road) was a 5-time winning stakes performer, who’s already the dam of 2 stakes winners (outstanding Kiwi juvenile Danroad & young stud prospect Newtown Jet). (June 27)
Picaday’s Half-Sister In Lyndhurst Reduction Sale
A half-sister to recent Gr1-winning 2YO Picaday will attract attention at the upcoming (Sunday July 6) Magic Millions Lyndhurst Stud Reduction Sale at Warwick in Queensland. Bellflower Music (a lightly raced & placed Raise A Stanza mare) is from former stakes-winning & now Gr1-producing Our Today, earner of $108,000 & daughter of broodmare siring sensation Semipalatinsk (whose daughters are the dams of Danelagh, Savannah Success, Lolita Star, Scenic Warrior, Make Mine Magic, Private Steer, All Courage, Berezny, Another Warrior & For The Good Times). Bellflower Music has been covered by Gr1-winning sire prospect Easy Rocking (a half-brother to champion HK performer Fairy King Prawn); Easy Rocking is a son of Barathea out of Group-winning & producing Twiglet. (June 27)
Marju Youngsters In Demand
Meanwhile the 1st Australian crop of former shuttle sire Marju (now confined to Ireland’s Derrinstown Stud) continue to attract major attention from Australasian buyers, with the son of champion Last Tycoon (& proven Gr1 sire in both hemispheres) finishing the Inglis Melbourne Weanling Sale as leading sire by average (3 or more sold): his 4 offerings sold for an average $30,625. Highlight among them was a colt offered by Fulmen Park from Group winner Seaside Lady, sold for $57,500. Marju’s Melbourne results follow his equally impressive debut at January’s Karaka Yearling Sales in Auckland, where his 1st NZ youngsters sold so strongly he finished 3rd leading sire by averages (behind only proven champions Danehill & Zabeel). At Karaka 12 Marju yearlings sold up to NZ$400,000 & averaged NZ$124,792. Marju’s 1st Australian crop will be available as yearlings in 2003-04, starting at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast in January. (June 27)
Bounding Away Filly Remains Unbeaten
Champion racemare Bounding Away’s 3YO filly, the Vinery Stud owned In A Bound (Ashkalani-Bounding Away, by Biscay) remained unbeaten with her 2nd win (over 1200m) at Canterbury Park in Sydney for trainer Gai Waterhouse. Her father & legendary trainer Tommy Smith famously declared Bounding Away his greatest race filly: she recorded 9 wins (including the Gr1 Golden Slipper, Gr1 AJC Oaks, Gr1 Flight Stakes, Gr1 Champagne Stakes, Gr1 STC Orlando Wines Classic & Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes) & 6 placings (including Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes & Gr1 Rosehill Guineas) at the top level in 22 career starts for $1,483,650 prize-money. In A Bound (sold for $250,000 at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) also scored over 1200m at Wyong in her racetrack debut back in January. (June 27)
Aust Filly Wins In US
Meanwhile former Gai Waterhouse-trained filly Heritiere has won a US$41,000 race at Monmouth Park in the US, reported racenet.com.au. Martine Head originaly purchased Heritiere for $140,000 at the 2000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Her sire Anabaa shuttles between the Head family’s Haras du Quesnay in France & Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley; & her dam Money Thinks (by Sound Reason) won 4 races including the Listed Gosford Belle Of The Turf Stakes & was runner-up in both the Gr3 AJC Emancipation Stakes & Listed QTC Eagle Farm Stakes. Initially trained by Gary Moore, Heritiere finished 3rd at Rosehill on debut; when Moore moved to Macau, she transferred to Waterhouse. Heritiere then won 3 consecutive races, culminating in the Listed Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast. She subsequently failed in the Hawkesbury Guineas, but then ran 2nd (behind Hosannah) in the Gr2 Surround Stakes at Warwick Farm. She finished her Australia career with a last in the Gr1 Canterbury Guineas (won by Carnegie Express) & a similarly disappointing effort in the Keith Nolan Classic at Kembla Grange. Heritiere is now in the US stable of Christophe Clement. (June 27)
AJC Autumn Revamp May Start In 2004
The Australiajn Jockey Club’s Randwick Easter Autumn Carnival programming changes, scheduled to start in 2005, “could be brought forward 12 months,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “There is a behind-the-scenes push to begin the week-long racing extravaganza next year. It is understood negotiations are under way with the AJC’s prime sponsor San Miguel, NSW Tourism & the Major Events Board to see whether it is logistically possible to begin the new-look Randwick carnival in 2004.” (June 27)
Reardon Heads Brisbane Stewards Panel
Queensland Racing has announced the permanent appointment of Allan Reardon as Metropolitan Chief Steward. His deputy will be John Hackett. Queensland Racing Board chairman Bob Bentley said: “Allan & John have proved a formidable & respected team in recent times. We are confident their permanent appointment to these positions will be welcomed & overwhelmingly applauded by all racing industry stakeholders.” (June 27)
Canberra Prize-Money Increase
Canberra Racing Club has announced prize-money increases: from September minimum prize-money for all races at Friday meetings will increase to $11,000 per race, with at least 1 race of $12,000. CRC chief executive Damien Foley said the Club’s standard prize-money increased from $7,000 to $10,000 in 1998 & the latest increase for Friday TAB race meetings “is in keeping with the Club’s aim of paying maximum returns to owners.” In addition the 2nd day of the Sayers Black Opal Stakes Carnival in March 2004 will include a new $50,000 feature race known as the Camarena Classic for fillies & mares. Foley also announced the Club will conduct 22 meetings in 2003-04 (down from 24 in the current year), with 21 of those broadcast by Sky Channel. In future years (following completion of Stage 1 of the track reconstruction project), Canberra plans to return to programming a minimum 25 meetings per annum. (June 27)
Geelong Also Boosts Prize-Money
Geelong Racing Club has also boosted prize-money: to $370,250 for the Geelong Cup day meeting on October 22. Prize-money for the feature Geelong Cup (won last year by subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle) will increase by $10,00 to $130,000 following its upgrading to Gr3 status. (June 27)
Albon New Owners President
The NSW Racehorse Owners Association yesterday announced the election of Rob Albon as its new president. Albon “has been an owner since 1975, a bookmaker & a race club official.” He is currently the ROA’s representative on the NSW BOBS management committee & is a town planning consultant by profession. (June 27)
Kelt Capital Stakes NZ's Richest Race
The Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes has been confirmed as NZ’s richest race at NZ$750,000 in “across-the-board stakes increases announced yesterday for the 3-day Hawke’s Bay spring racing carnival”, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Total stakes for the new season’s 1st major fixture rose by NZ$525,500 to NZ$1.85 million (40% above last year’s figure). The Kelt Capital Stakes increased 50% from NZ$500,000, while the other major increase is a doubling of the stake for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (to be sponsored for the first time by Windsor Park Stud) to NZ$100,000. Hawke’s Bay’s opening day (August 23) feature, the recently elevated Gr1 Mudgway PartsWorld Stakes, has been increased by NZ$50,000 to NZ$200,000, while the 2nd day (September 13) feature, the Gr2 Glenmorgan Generous Stakes (1600m), increases by NZ$10,000 to NZ$120,000. (June 27)
NZTBA Council Elections
The results of the NZTBA council elections announced at yesterday's annual meeting in Auckland were:
- Northern region: John Thompson 397 votes, Peter Francis 370, Mark Chitty 364, Nelson Schick 345, John Clydesdale 294. Clydesdale is not elected.
- Central region: Mick Ormond 220, Bruce Perry 197. Perry is not elected.
- Southern region: Ray Dennis 104, Glyn Morris 28. Morris is not elected.
(June 27)
Irish Freshman Sire Intikhab’s 50% Winners
The 1st crop runners of Irish freshman sire Intikhab continue to attract attention in the UK, where “5 of his 10 starters have already reached the winner’s circle,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The latest winner sired by the 9YO son of Red Ransom came when his 2YO Fine Silver won by 10 lengths over 5 furlongs at Bath. Intikhab stands at Derrinstown Stud in Ireland’s County Kildare & his other winners are Marble Hill Stakes runner-up Moon Unit, Crafty Fancy, Red Power & Soonest. Intikhab was England’s high-weighted older horse at 7-9.5 furlongs in 1998, when he won the Gr2 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot & Gr3 Diomed Stakes at Epsom Downs, as well as 2nd in the Dubai Duty Free at Nad al Sheba. Overall he won 8 of 14 career starts. He is 1 of 3 winners from 4 starters out of unplaced Crafty Prospector mare Crafty Example & is from the family of French high-weight Polish Precedent. (June 27)
11th European Winner For Curraghmore’s Daggers Drawn
NZ Curraghmore Stud's shuttle sire Daggers Drawn posted another European winner when the Andrew Balding-trained Dubaian Dual won over 7.5 furlongs at Beverly “to become her sire's 11th individual winner in Europe this year,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. (June 27)
Solo Mio Leaves Stud & Returns To Track
Solo Mio (Sadler’s Wells-Marie de Flandre, by Crystal Palace) who was to have stood his 1st season at East Burrow Farm in Devon in Britain earlier this year, “did not cover any mares & has returned to training with Amanda Perrett,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Due to “unforeseen circumstances”, the multiple Gr3 winner “was unable to cover mares this season” said a spokesman for Cheveley Park Stud, the 9YO’s owners, adding that a future career at stud “has not been ruled out”. (June 27)
Fallon Denies Ballydoyle Rumour
Leading UK jockey Kieren Fallon yesterday denied headlines declaring he is to replace Michael Kinane as “first jockey to Aidan O'Brien's powerful Ballydoyle string,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The champion jockey told Attheraces TV station: "There's no truth in the rumour." British newspapers have reported that “fuelled by their lack of recent big-race successes, relations between O'Brien & Kinane had become strained.” The pair narrowly missed out in the recent Gr1 English Oaks when O'Brien's Yesterday finished 2nd behind Casual Look after encountering trouble in running; in contrast, Fallon gave Kris Kin an inspired passage to land the Gr1 English Derby 24 hours later. (June 27)
UK Jockey Club Wants ‘Riding Culture’ Change
The UK Jockey Club yesterday called on the British racing industry “to unite behind its efforts to curtail the recent epidemic of jockeys dropping their hands, by arguing that trainers & owners also had a responsibility to help tackle the problem,” reported racingpost.co.uk. In the last 8 days, 4 jockeys have received suspensions for dropping their hands & therefore “failing to obtain the best possible placing”. In response, Jockey Club director of regulation Malcolm Wallace has confirmed plans “to introduce a requirement for jockeys to ride out to the line from the start of the winter all-weather season.” Agreeing with Wallace that the problem was “more linked to riding culture” than a lack of sufficiently severe punishments, Jockey Club public relations director John Maxse noted: "It's not just enough to hand out stiff penalties. The problem is it's part of their culture & it's up to us to try & change that. However, it's also up to trainers & owners to try & change it, as jockeys ride for trainers & owners." He also noted: "It is part of the culture in Britain that the horse should be given an easy time when winning, maybe to protect its handicap mark to enable it to run again quite shortly afterwards, & I think that is what needs to be changed.” (June 27)
Sulamani & Ipi Tombe Return To Track
Two of the world’s most exciting racehorses return to the track in the northern hemisphere this weekend:
- Godolphin’s French classic winner Sulamani, who has not raced since his victory in Dubai’s Gr1 Sheema Classic on March 29, returns in the French Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The son of Hernando is aiming toward England’s Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26.
- And Zimbabwe-bred international star Ipi Tombe makes her US debut in the Gr3 Locust Grove Handicap on the turf at Churchill Downs. The 5YO daughter of Manshood (who has won 7 straight races, including 3 Gr1 events, & 11 of 13 career starts) has not raced since defeating the males in the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes (also at Nad al Sheba racecourse on March 29) in her final start for South African trainer Michael de Kock.
(June 27)
Woodbine & Churchill Downs May Buy Meadowlands
Canada’s Woodbine Entertainment Group “would consider the purchase or lease of Meadowlands” should the New Jersey racetrack be put up for sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Woodbine chief executive David Willmot confirmed the Toronto-based company “has discussed partnering with Churchill Downs to buy the Meadowlands.” (June 27)
Uruguay’s Hipodromo Maroñas Reopens
Uruguay’s picturesque Hipodromo Maroñas track in Montevideo, which has been closed for 7 years, re-opens on Sunday. The track is operated by Hipica Rioplatense in partnership with US racing company Lone Star Park (owned by the giant US Magna Entertainment conglomerate).The program boasts 2 feature races reported thoroughbredtimes.com: the Gran Premio Reinauguración Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas (featuring Brazilian Gr1 star Hero’s Son) & the Clásico Nicolás Storace Arrosa. (June 27)
Argentina’s Carreras de las Estrellas Boasts 6 Gr1 Races
And in neighbouring Argentina, the 13th edition of the Carreras de las Estrellas (Argentina’s version of the US Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships) has 66 final entries for the 7-race series (6 Gr1s & a Gr2) at the Hipodromo San Isidro turf course on Saturday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (June 27)
US Jockey Dies In Shooting-Suicide
US jockey Chris Valovich (who won 2,034 races in a 20-year career) has died in Arizona “from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The death “has been ruled a suicide by the medical examiner’s office.” Valovich, 41, rode his 1st winner at Louisiana Downs in 1982 & became leading apprentice jockey at Oaklawn Park the following year. He remained prominent on the US Midwest circuit over the next 2 decades, riding primarily at Chicago-area tracks Ak-Sar-Ben & Canterbury Park. In 2001, Valovich won the 2,000th race of his career at Sportsman’s Park; overall he rode the winners of 49 stakes races & his mounts earned US$19,655,653. “However drugs proved to be the undoing of Valovich’s career. He first tested positive for a prohibited substance in 1988, & when he tried to ride in Arizona in 2002, the racing commission there denied him a licence on the grounds of a positive test.” (June 27)
Oldest Gr1 Winner Retires
Friday Odd Spot: Yavana’s Pace, who last year at age 10 became the oldest winner of a European Gr1 race (Germany’s Gr1 Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal in Cologne), has officially retired “due to recurring injury problems,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Trainer Mark Johnston had hoped to get the gelding (an Irish-bred son of Accordion) back on the track to continue his remarkable racing career “but called it a day because he was unable to shake off a suspensory injury sustained in the Gr1 Canadian International at Woodbine, in which he finished 3rd.” Yavana’s Pace will return to owner-breeders John & Joan Keaney in County Dublin in Ireland where he will spend his retirement. In all he won 16 & placed 25 times in 74 starts, including the HK Jockey Club Trophy, November Handicap, March Stakes, September Stakes, John Porter Stakes & Prix Gladiateur; he won 5 Group races & was placed 8 times at Gr1 level & amassed prize-money of US$1,199,409. (June 27)
Belle Du Jour’s Career Over
Dual Gr1-winning mare Belle Du Jour has “suffered a career-ending injury” when finishing 15th behind fellow Australian Choisir in the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last Saturday, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Part-owner John Singleton confirmed: “She won’t race again. She was galloped on by a horse which almost fell & Bell stopped momentarily. She suffered tendon damage to a hind leg, a bit like a bike getting a puncture at 60mph.” Singleton added: “She’ll now go to Sadler’s Wells, who is the best stallion in the world. She’ll be served there early in September & when she tests positive she’ll go back to Strawberry Hills (Singleton’s stud at Mt White north of Sydney).” Belle Du Jour defeated Choisir in Australia’s premier sprint, the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, earlier this year. (June 26)
Inglis Melb June Sale Gross Up 6%
The Inglis 3-day June Weanling & Thoroughbred Sale concluded in Melbourne yesterday with record gross receipts of $6,258,950 (up 6% on last year) at an average $8,407 for 738 horses sold. Inglis Melbourne manager Peter Heagney summed up: “I could not have hoped for a better outcome over the past 3 days of selling. With record entries & an outstanding clearance rate of 90%, it is encouraging to see such consumer confidence in the Victorian Thoroughbred Industry. Our market continues to go from strength to strength, which augers well for the 2004 Yearling Sales.” (June 26)
$155,000 Liberty Rose Tops Inglis Day 3
Yesterday’s top lot at the Inglis Melbourne Sale was $155,000 paid by Belmont Bloodstock for stakes-winning mare Liberty Rose (Royal Academy-Cherry Garden). The Top 5 lots on Day 3 were:
- $155,000 Liberty Rose (Belmont Bloodstock).
- $60,000 Inspector Clouseau (Inglis as agent).
- $45,000 Oamaru Force (Noor Elaine Farm).
- $42,500 Dodger (Inglis as agent).
- $38,500 Catbird-Plano yearling colt (D.Weir).
(June 26)
Race-Caller John Russell Retires
One of Australia’s longest-serving race-callers John Russell, 73, has hung up his binoculars after a 50-year career, reported The Daily Telegraph. Russell said his sight in 1 eye has deteriorated & “I decided I just wasn’t happy with it & didn’t want to let myself down.” (June 26)
Desert Prince Adds French Stakes Win
Woodlands shuttler Desert Prince notched another stakes-winner yesterday when his 3YO colt
Audacious Prince (Desert Prince-Sheer Audacity, by Troy) took France’s Listed Prix Pelleas at Longchamp, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The Sir Mark Prescott-trained colt defeated Ridaar (by Starborough) & Morning Eclipse (by Zafonic). Audacious Prince now has 2 wins & 2 placings from 4 starts. Retained as a yearling for 380,000 guineas, Audacious Prince is a half-brother to English Derby winner Oath, Gr1 winner & sire Pelder, & Listed winner Napoleon's Sister. Their dam is a half-sister to Ribblesdale Stakes winner Miss Petard (dam of Rejuvenate & granddam of Casey, both winners of the Park Hill Stakes). Audacious Prince is the 5th stakes-winner sired in 2003 by 8YO sire & Classic winner Desert Prince (Green Desert-Flying Fairy, by Bustino) who shuttles between the Irish National Stud & Woodlands Stud in NSW. (June 26)
Flemington’s $60 Million Upgrade
The Victoria Racing Club has released a “stakeholder & community update” on the status of its $60 million Master-plan for re-development of the Flemington Racecourse Precinct. VRC chief executive Dale Monteith said “2 years of feasibility & planning works in conjunction with a host of Victorian State Government Departments & Agencies was almost complete, enabling the VRC to now present its Master-plan in a clear & detailed manner to all interested parties.” Monteith added: "Our Master-plan for the future responsible development of facilities at Flemington presents a clear way forward. We are confident it will keep us at the forefront of the racing world, enable us to create more opportunities for our close-knit 3,500-strong local work force & most importantly, save the Club, the State of Victoria & indeed Australia from the prospect of not having a Melbourne Cup Carnival because of flooding!" Monteith noted key elements of the Master-plan are:
- Flood mitigation works within the Maribyrnong River to enable construction of a new bund wall to protect the racecourse & the Melbourne Cup Carnival from 1 in 30-100 year floods. This will enable the construction of a new course proper, new training tracks, stables & associated facilities.
- Relocation of the VRC’s offices to a new site on Epsom Road, independent to the facility currently shared with Racing Victoria.
- Relocation of the VRC’s existing Tabaret (which has operated since 1992 & is currently located behind the Hill Stand in a prime racing area) to a more accessible Epsom Road frontage. The Tabaret will be incorporated into a 1st class, club-oriented $8 million tavern & entertainment facility for VRC members, racegoers, local residents & their families.
- Construction of a horse & vehicle tunnel which will provide 3-lane vehicle access from Smithfield Road under the racecourse to the central public car park, primarily during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. It will also provide improved safety for training operations throughout the year.
- Improved vehicle access within the course & to the surrounding road network, including new signalised entrances to Epsom Road & Smithfield Road. The new access points will assist in addressing major traffic problems experienced every year during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
(June 26)
Ascot Boost For Windsor Park Shuttler Golan
Last week’s Royal Ascot carnival in England “has again illustrated the class of Golan's racetrack performance,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Golan (who will stand the coming southern hemisphere season at NZ’s Windsor Park Stud) defeated Nayef “in one of the most talked about races in Europe last year” the Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. “Against more seasoned opponents, Golan displayed great courage & tenacity to come from well back in the field & down Nayef after a head-to-head battle over the final furlong. Further back in the field were such high-class Gr1 winners as Grandera, Aquarelliste, Boreal & Storming Home.” With Golan now retired to stud at Coolmore in Ireland, Nayef confirmed the form with his win in the Gr1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes (2000m) at Ascot last week. And a further boost to Golan's family came with the win by his close relative Cover Up in Ascot’s Queen Alexandra Stakes. Meanwhile Golan's sire Spectrum is enjoying a magnificent year. Spectrum recorded his latest stakes-winner when Naden won the Listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in Melbourne. Overall Spectrum sired 17 2YO winners last year & is represented by 82 winners of 130 races (including 18 stakes winners). (June 26)
Highview Sires Dominant In Asia
NZ’s Highview Stud at Hamilton “has something to crow about with the progeny performance of its resident stallions Kashani & Senor Pete in Asia this season,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Kashani is currently leading sire in Malaysia with his progeny having earned RM539,043 (A$225,000). (Running 2nd is Jetball, who formerly stood at NZ’s Fairdale Stud & re-located to Eliza Park in Victoria.) Meanwhile Highview’s Senor Pete is the leading NZ-based stallion in Singapore this season (currently in 6th position, 2 places ahead of Deputy Governor). Both Kashani & Senor Pete “have had a flood of winners in NZ” lately: Kashani’s include 3YO gelding Stapleton Road at Tauranga, 3YO Sacre Coeur at Hastings & 3YO Baluchi at Ruakaka; Senor Pete’s latest winners include Don’t Tell Pete & Mexican Wave. (June 26)
Waikato Breeders Elect 1st Female President
Successful racehorse breeder & owner Vicki Pascoe made history last night when she became the 1st female to be elected president of the Waikato branch of the NZTBA, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz.
Pascoe replaced retiring incumbent John Thompson. In partnership with husband Terry, Pascoe operates agistment farm Club Med Lodge north-east of Hamilton. The Pascoes bred & raced last year's NZ Gr1 Easter Handicap winner Honor Bound. (June 26)
$200 Stallion Sired French Gr1 Winner
France’s racing blue-bloods “have been humbled by a horse conceived in Switzerland, foaled in Ireland & by a stallion that now stands in Poland for a fee of approximately $200,” reported racenet.com.au. Vespone, a son of little known stallion Llandaff, has won 2 of France's most prestigious middle distance races for 3YOs, the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat (9 furlongs) & Gr1 Grand Prix de Paris (10 furlongs). Vespone was bred by Gestut Sohrenhof, the Swiss stud where Victoria’s Independent Stallion Station found Brief Truce & Arazi. Vespone now has 4 wins & 2 2nds in his 6 starts. Vespone’s sire Llandaff is a son of champion Northern Dancer stallion Lyphard out of legendary racemare Dahlia (the daughter of Vaguely Noble who won 15 races including 10 Gr1s, 7 in Europe & 3 in North America, & entered stud as the world's leading female stakes earner). Dahlia’s 4th foal Dahar (a full brother to Llandaff) won the French Gr1 Prix Lupin & later added 3 American Gr1 victories; he shuttled to NZ’s Waikato Stud for 4 seasons (where his progeny included Gr1 BMW Stakes & Gr1 Ranvet Stakes winner Stony Bay, Gr1 Sydney Cup winner Daacha & top stayer Skybeau). Of Dahlia’s initial 10 foals, 4 became Gr1 winners. Her 11th foal was stakes winner Llandaff (5 wins & 4 placings in 16 starts) who has stood recent seasons in Switzerland & Poland. (June 26)
Swiss Stud Adds European Stakes Wins
Meanwhile Vespone “is not the only exciting young Sohrenhof-bred horse racing in Europe at the moment,” noted racenet.com.au. The leading Swiss stud bred Russian Valour (a son of 1st season sire sensation Fasliyev) who has won 3 of his 5 starts, including last weeks Gr3 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in England. (June 26)
1st Stakes Win For French Freshman Sire Gold Away
French freshman sire Gold Away (a high-class miler in France for the Wertheimer family) recorded his 1st stakes winner when 2YO son Clifden landed the Gr3 Premio Primi Passi at San Siro in Milan, reported racingpost.co.uk. The Goldneyev 8YO, who stands at Haras du Quesnay, is the 2nd European freshman sire to be represented by a Pattern winner this season (following Fasliyev with Russian Valour). (June 26)
Infertile Mister Baileys Ends Stud Career
Mister Baileys, the 1994 UK 2000 Guineas winner, “has been found to be completely & irrevocably infertile,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Mister Baileys (a son of Robellino) was standing at Chris Harper’s Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire, but will now retire “to the home of Paul Venner, chief executive of Baileys Horse Feeds, a company after which he was named & under whose banner he raced for trainer Mark Johnston.” He previously produced 163 foals during the 1996-2000 seasons for Vinery in Kentucky. After a 45-share syndicate headed by Whitsbury Manor bought Mister Baileys from Vinery in 2000, he moved to England & produced 51 foals in his 1st European crop in 2002 & 38 in the current crop. But stud manager Charlie Oakshott revealed achieving these numbers was not easy: “The mares had to be covered within 12 hours of ovulation. So we were covering around the clock. We were able to get 86% of his mares in foal that way during his 1st 2 seasons. But this season not 1 mare was confirmed in foal. We stopped covering after 35 in a row scanned empty. We had testing done & the labs found an increase in abnormal sperm & a decrease in their longevity. The combination of those 2 things was just too much.” From 5 crops of racing age, Mister Baileys has sired 76 winners (including 5 stakes winners) from 124 starters. (June 26)
Good News For Whitsbury Stablemate Averti
Meanwhile Whitsbury Manor stablemate Averti, among the UK’s leading freshman sires last season, covered a full book of 90 mares in 2003 & 89 are in foal, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 12-year-old’s book will be set at 90 again next year (the standard limit for Whitsbury Manor sires) although demand for Averti exceeded supply last season & stud manager Charlie Oakshott noted: “He could have covered 130 at least.” Averti’s latest UK stakes winner was Avonbridge in the Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury last week. (June 26)
Water Poet Sires Venezuelan Derby Winner
Swain’s year-older half-brother Water Poet (a stakes winner in France for Godolphin) “beat his more illustrious sibling in the race to sire a Classic winner” when 3YO Aguila Negra won the Gr1 Clasico Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela (Venezuelan Derby) at Hipodromo Rinconada in Caracas last weekend, reported racingpost.co.uk. Water Poet (Sadler’s Wells-Love Smitten, by Key To The Mint) won 3 races in France in 1996, culminating in a defeat of Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak winner Sunshack in the Listed Prix de Reux (2400m). (June 26)
1st Stakes Winner For UK Sire Classic Cliche
UK St Leger winner & King George runner-up Classic Cliche recorded his 1st stakes winner when Macadamia (ex Cashew, by Sharrood) landed the Listed Pipalong Stakes at Pontefract, followed by success in the Royal Hunt Cup, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 3YO is from the 1st crop of the Salse stallion, who is based at Wood Farm Stud. (June 26)
1st Stakes Winner For Irish Sire Broadway Flyer
UK St Leger runner-up Broadway Flyer recorded his 1st stakes winner when Le Broadway landed the Prix Aguado at Auteuil in France, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 3YO is from the 2nd crop of the Theatrical stallion, formerly based in France & now at Greentree Stud in Ireland’s County Tipperary. (June 26)
BBA Stalwart Charles Smith-Bingham Dies
Charles Smith-Bingham “a leading light in the bloodstock & breeding world for more than 35 years” has died aged 71, reported racingpost.co.uk. Smith-Bingham was a director of the British Bloodstock Agency for over 25 years until he retired 10 years ago, during which time he held responsibility for the firm’s dealings in Greece & Turkey. The best horse he was involved with was Classic heroine Humble Duty, whom he bought for 17,000gns as a yearling: the grey daughter of Sovereign Path won 3 of her 4 races as a 2YO (including the Cheveley Park & Lowther) before recording 5 wins from 7 starts as a 3YO (including a 7-length blitz in the 1970 UK 1000 Guineas). Smith-Bingham also ran his family’s Attington Stud in Oxfordshire for 20 years. (June 26)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Cimarron Secret
US freshman sire Cimarron Secret (Tejano-Baby Jinx, by Crafty Prospector) recorded his 1st winner when Secret Motive won on debut over 5 furlongs at Suffolk Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cimarron Secret (a 12-year-old son of Tejano who stands at Cimarron Farm in Florida) won 7 stakes races (including the 1996 Gr3 Tropical Park Handicap at Calder Race Course) among 18 victories in 49 starts. Cimarraon Secret is 1 of 6 starters (all winners) out of placed Crafty Prospector mare Baby Jinx. Secret Motive is 1 of 13 foals from Cimarron Secret’s 1st crop of racing age; overall he has 38 foals in 2 crops. (June 26)
Pure Prize To Shuttle To Argentina
Haras La Providencia in Argentina has added US Gr2 winner Pure Prize to its stallion roster for the coming Southern Hemisphere breeding season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Storm Cat (out of 1994 champion 3YO filly Heavenly Prize, by Seeking The Gold) stood his 1st season this northern spring at Vinery Kentucky. Pure Prize won 5 of 17 career starts & was retired after he won the 2002 Gr2 Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap at Turfway Park last September. (June 26)
Read’s 50% In European Internet Bet Firm
Darwin bookmaker Mark Read’s publicly-listed company IASbet Limited has advised the Australian Stock Exchange it has “entered into a Heads Of Agreement to acquire 50% of European-based internet wagering company Internet Betting Company Plc.” IAS will acquire 50% equity for the “provision of its expertise in racing & sports wagering.” IBC (established 10 months ago) operates 2 internet sites, swapbets.com (a betting exchange site focusing mainly on soccer) & odds4you.com, with a combined current turnover in excess of A$34 million per week. Read’s IAS will now provide “racing & sports content that will allow swapbets.com to expand its market with the launch of a new swapbets.com website scheduled for September.” Read’s statement noted: “Our entry into the rapidly growing betting exchange market furthers our long stated ambition to be a significant world player in this exciting new wagering opportunity.” (June 26)
Antigua Attacks US Ban On Internet Gambling
Meanwhile the Caribbean nation of Antigua has asked the World Trade Organisation “to condemn the US for breaching the rules of global commerce through its ban on internet gambling,” reported bloodhorse.com. Ronald Sanders, a senior foreign ministry official, said: “Restrictions that bar US residents from betting at off-shore internet casinos are unfair & harm Antigua's attempts to diversify its economy.” He noted Antiguan authorities have promoted electronic commerce as a way to end the twin-island nation's reliance on tourism, a sector that was battered by 6 hurricanes in the late 1990s. (June 26)
Savill Sees Benefits Of UK Tote Monopoly
And British Horseracing Board chairman Peter Savill “has admitted he can see the advantages a Tote monopoly could bring to racing” in Britain, reported racingpost.co.uk. ”Savill has always maintained he is opposed to the idea of a monopoly, but in the light of disputes between bookmakers & betting exchanges, as well as worries about the integrity of some of those using exchanges, Savill believes a monopoly could have its benefits.” He told UK TV broadcaster Attheraces: “The ultimate person-to-person betting exchange is the Tote monopoly, in which you're not betting against anyone other than all the other people. There is no question that a Tote monopoly has the greatest integrity in the world, far better than bookmaker or betting exchanges, there is a huge plus there. Of course it comes down to choice & I've never been one to advocate a Tote monopoly. I've always said I do believe in bookmakers. I think I'm getting close to the point where I'm not sure that isn't the solution. I'm not saying I'm at the point where I think we need move to a Tote monopoly; but I'm much closer to it than I was a year ago, when it wouldn't have entered my head as being the way forward." (June 26)
$85,000 Uccello Tops Inglis Melb Broodmare Sale
WA’s Belmont Bloodstock paid $85,000 for 8YO Uccello (Bluebird-Italian Century) in foal to Encosta de Lago to top yesterday’s Inglis Melbourne sale of 267 broodmares; Uccello won 4 city races & $120,650 prize-money. Equal 2nd top price of $70,000 was paid for 2 lots: Park City (Marauding-Espiare) in foal to Distant Music; & Plot (Tierce-Devise) in foal to Rory’s Jester. Overall receipts were $2,444,750 & (with 43 lots passed-in) average price was $10,914. The top lots were:
- $85,000 Uccello (Belmont Bloodstock WA).
- $70,000 Park City (R.&J.Groves VIC).
- $70,000 Plot (Kornong Stud VIC).
- $67,500 Peppie (Northern lodge Stud VIC).
- $62,000 Swirled (Eureka Stud QLD).
- $60,000 Sober Surprise (Durham Lodge WA).
- $60,000 Northwood Lady (Tim Stewart VIC).
(June 25)
Choisir Incentives For UK July Cup
Incentives are being “laid at the feet of Choisir’s connections in a bid to keep their star sprinter in the UK for the July Cup at Newmarket on July 10,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Newmarket spokesman Alistair Haggis revealed his course “would be doing all it could, including offering a financial bonus” to ensure Choisir has a re-match with his Royal Ascot rival Airwave in the Gr1 July Cup. Haggis noted: "The circumstances are exceptional & we'd love to have the 2 horses meet again at Newmarket. We will meet all the costs of the horse staying here & will talk with the horse's connections to determine their thoughts & what options are open to them. The July Cup carries similar prize-money (A$600,000) to the Golden Jubilee, but it has had Gr1 status a lot longer than the Ascot race. Inevitably, the winner ends up as Europe's champion sprinter." Trainer Paul Perry & Choisir’s fellow owners Terry & Diane Wallace are due to arrive back in Australia in the next 24 hours, but a decision on whether the colt goes to the July Cup will not be made until early next week. (June 25)
Durbridge ‘Free Service’ To Stakes Mares
Attention breeders with stakes-winning mares: former Champion racehorse Durbridge is free of charge if visited by a stakes-winning or producing mare this season. The innovative offer is from Chris Neville at Victoria’s Hollylodge Thoroughbreds (which also stands the Encosta de Lago entire & Gr1-placed Tuscanos), who believes Durbridge (Durham Ranger-Arcona) can produce a superstar. On the track Durbridge won 6 Gr1 events & a further 8 Gr2 races. Now 14-years-old, Durbridge has served 307 mares in 8 seasons at stud, with his latest star the stakes-placed Victory Ranger. Neville explained: "I believe if Durbridge got stakes mares to him, that is all it would take to get the best racehorses out of him & a good chance to breed a middle-distance-to-staying horse capable of grabbing the big money. He'd throw Cups horses galore if he just got the good mares. So if allowing them a free service is what it takes, then I'll do it. Naturally they will have to pay their vet bills & agistment." Hollylodge Thoroughbreds is a new farm at Avenal in Victoria. Neville noted she will limit her offer to “the first 10 stakes-winning mare owners who call.” (June 25)
Champagne’s 1st Foal Wins On Debut
The 1st foal to race from multiple Group-winning mare Champagne won her racetrack debut at Wyong yesterday. The Gai Waterhouse-trained 2YO filly Martique (Danehill-Champagne) started favourite & lived up to her trial performances by taking out a maiden handicap over 1100m, ridden by leading Sydney jockey Chris Munce. (Among a series of major victories both in Australia & New Zealand, Champagne won the 1998 Gr1 STC Ansett Australia Stakes & Gr1 VRC Mackinnon Stakes, as well as finishing 2nd behind Jezabeel in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup.) “There are also 2 full brothers to Martique on the ground & Champagne is currently in foal to Giant’s Causeway,” reported racenet.com.au. (June 25)
Northerly Leads ‘Most popular Racehorse’ Vote
With less than a week of voting to go, WA star Northerly is leading the ‘phone-in poll’ in the 2003 Magic Millions Bloodstock ‘Australia's Most Popular Racehorse’ Award. Racing Victoria’s media manager Terry Clifton advised yesterday: “The latest figures show Northerly leading the poll from Lonhro, followed by Mr Trickster, Dash For Cash & Belle du Jour in that order.” The winner will be announced at the ‘Australia's Racing Champions’ function at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on Thursday July 3. (June 25)
Watermelon Growers’ 3,400% Profit On 1st Horse
NZ’s Whakatane watermelon growers Brian & Julie Henderson “have made a whopping profit on their 1st racehorse, having just sold the promising Danske 2YO filly Quite Astute for 35 times her purchase price,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Henderson sold Quite Astute to a client of Gold Coast trainer John Wallace for NZ$420,000 in a deal negotiated by bloodstock agent Tony Lee. Henderson explained: “I was looking forward to seeing her race in my colours next season, but the offers simply got too big to turn down.” Henderson had outlaid just NZ$12,000 for Quite Astute at the Karaka weanling sales 2 years ago. She was his 1st racehorse purchase. He added: “I had been betting on horses for years & decided I wanted to race one myself. So I went to the sales & came home with her. I was attracted to her because of the bloodlines of her sire Danske.” Quite Astute (racing from the stable of Cambridge trainer Murray Baker) ran placings at her initial 3 starts, before winning at Ellerslie in March. She then finished 3rd in the NZ GR1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni in her final outing of the 2002-03 season. (June 25)
Chief Bearhart’s 15th Individual Winner
More good news for NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm last weekend: its shuttle stallion Chief Bearhart notched another winner in Japan when 3YO filly Masu To Do won on debut over 1800m at Fukushimu “to record the Chief’s 15th individual winner,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. (June 25)
HK Licence Again For Brett Prebble
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Licensing Committee yesterday granted a “club jockey’s licence” to Australian rider Brett Prebble for the 2nd half of 2003, from July 1 until the HK International Cup meeting on December 14. (June 25)
Fin Powrie New Emirates Director Of Racing
The Council of the Emirates Racing Association yesterday announced Fin Powrie as “Director Of Racing for the United Arab Emirates, with immediate effect.” Powrie’s appointment “will coincide with his current role as Chief Steward of the ERA, a position he has held for the last 2 seasons & one in which he will remain.”
Powrie commented: “The UAE is about to enter an exciting period & this new position presents a great challenge, but one that I am greatly looking forward to.” (June 25)
Royal Academy Lands Another Stakes Win
Coolmore shuttle stallion Royal Academy notched another stakes-winner when his 3YO filly & Wertheimer homebred Acago (Royal Academy-Wakigoer, by Miswaki) “relished the step up in distance to register an easy 4 length win” in France’s Gr3 Prix Chloe (1800m) at Longchamp, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Acago defeated Garlinote (by Poliglote) & Precious Pearl (by Peintre Celebre). Acago’s only unplaced effort in 9 starts was when she was badly interfered with in last month’s Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Acago's dam is a half-sister to dual Gr1 winner & ill-fated shuttle sire Dare And Go; her granddam is a Secretariat half-sister to Graded winners Virilify & Agacerie as well as Demure (dam of Gr1 winner & Classic sire Quiet American). Her sire & Breeders' Cup Mile winner Royal Academy (by Nijinsky) shuttles between Ashford Stud in Kentucky & Coolmore in Australia. (June 25)
Stud Plans For Gr1 Star Where Or When
Britain’s Cheveley Park Stud has purchased an interest in 4YO Where Or When (Danehill Dancer-Future Past, by Super Concorde) & “the Gr1 winner will retire at the end of this season,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “No fee has been decided & the chestnut has been put on the easy list after his 4th in the Queen Anne Stakes last week at Ascot.” Where Or When won England’s Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1 mile) at Ascot last September & finished 2nd to Hawk Wing in last month’s Gr1 Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes at Newbury followed by a 4th to Dubai Destination in last week’s Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Overall he has won 5 of 15 career starts “for a partnership including John Humphreys & trainer Terry Mills, who will retain an interest,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Ireland by Ann Egan, Where Or When is a half-brother to Singapore stakes winner All The Way. (June 25)
BHB Approves New UK Track
The British Horseracing Board has approved the UK’s 1st new racecourse since Taunton opened 1927. Great Leighs (being built on land currently occupied by Essex County Showground) will open as a “left-handed, oval, all-weather track” towards the end of 2004, reported racingpost.co.uk. BHB chief executive Greg Nichols said: "It is very exciting for British Racing that we now have the prospect of Britain's 60th racecourse & the 1st new racecourse in this country for over 75 years. BHB has continually emphasised that our sport is thriving, constantly modernising itself & capable of attracting a high level of entrepreneurial interest." The project is the brainchild of Essex entrepreneur John Holmes, who commented: "I am thrilled the BHB has recognised our potential for the racing industry & for the region. We have an exciting catchment area in an enterprising county & the scope to attract a new audience to the sport. Most of the world's richest races take place on left-handed ovals. In the longer term, if the hope is to bring world class all-weather racing to Britain, we are poised to meet the challenge." Existing buildings on the 165-acre site will be demolished & replaced by a £40 million (A$100 million) state-of-the-art steel & glass grandstand & 8-furlong Polytrack circuit. (June 25)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Horse Chestnut
Horse Chestnut, 1999 South African Horse-Of-The-Year & Triple Crown winner who now stands at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, recorded his 1st winner when 2YO colt Chester Le Street won at Ayr racecourse in Scotland, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Chester Le Street won the 7 furlongs & 50 yards race by 7 lengths & “shaved more than 2 seconds off the course record for juveniles.” Chester Le Street is 1 of 2 starters from Horse Chestnut’s initial crop of 36 juveniles; the 8YO Fort Wood stallion (who stands at Claiborne Farm for US$10,000) also has 55 yearlings. Horse Chestnut won 9 of 10 career starts (including 4 Gr1 races in South Africa & the 2000 Gr3 Broward Handicap at Gulfstream Park in his only North American start); he is out of winning Col Pickering mare London Wall. (June 25)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Storm Of The Night
Storm Cat’s freshman sire son Storm Of The Night recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Stormy Whitebrow (her sire’s only starter so far) led all the way to win over 4.5 furlongs at Lincoln Fair, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Storm Of The Night (who stands at Dean Hansen Farm in South Dakota) is out of winning Mr Leader mare Overnight & is a half-brother to stakes winner Over To You from the family of European champions Habitat & Suave Dancer. Stormy Whitebrow is 1 of 7 juveniles from Storm Of The Night’s 1st crop; he is also represented by 11 yearlings. (June 25)
Peruvian Champ Wins By 24, 21 & 17 lengths
Further to yesterday’s report on the latest South American victory by Peruvian classic winner El Provinciano: Last weekend the son of deceased Peruvian stallion Chiquetete “romped home to a 17-length victory” in the Gr1 Clasico Jockey Club del Peru (2400m) at Hipodromo Monterrico in Lima, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. That followed his win “by an eye-popping 24 lengths” in Peru’s Gr2 Clasico La Copa in April at Monterrico racecourse, & his equally astonishing 21-length victory in the Gr1 Clasico Ricardo Ortiz de Zevallos (Peruvian Two Thousand Guineas) last October. No wonder he’s attracting plenty of American interest! (June 25)
Breeders’ Cup Lists International Rankings
The US National Thoroughbred Racing Association & Breeders' Cup Ltd have released the 1st set of 2003 World Thoroughbred Rankings for 6 of the 8 racing divisions that comprise the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. Initial rankings derive from race results to June 20; from now on “an international panel of racing officials will produce weekly rankings for the world's Top 10 thoroughbred runners in each division through to October 7,” advised bloodhorse.com. “Rankings are determined by analysis of the horses' performances in select graded & group stakes races from around the world & are used to help determine starting positions in the Breeders' Cup. Only horses that have made at least 1 start this year will be considered for rankings.” The WTR panel includes Frank Gabriel (racing secretary for Arlington Park), Nigel Gray (senior handicapper for England’s Jockey Club), Mike Lakow (racing secretary for the New York Racing Association), Garry O'Gorman (senior handicapper for the Irish Turf Club), Tom Robbins (director of racing for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club) & Gerald Sauque (senior handicapper for France Galop). This year's Breeders' Cup carnival is at Santa Anita Park in California on October 25. (June 25)
Moon Ballad Tops Classic List
Godolphin’s 4YO Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad (trained by Saeed bin Suroor) heads the initial Breeders' Cup Classic list with a 125 rating. Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide, Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker & Oaklawn Handicap winner Medaglia d'Oro each received a 123 rating. Then follow Pimlico Special winner Mineshaft, Belmont Stakes runner-up Ten Most Wanted & San Antonio Stakes winner Congaree all bracketed at 121. They are followed by Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Peace Rules, & then last year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner Volponi & 2003 Donn Handicap winner Harlan's Holiday.
Classic Division Rankings:
125: Moon Ballad (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
123: Empire Maker (US) Robert Frankel
123: Funny Cide (US) Barclay Tagg
123: Medaglia d'Oro (US) Robert Frankel
121: Mineshaft (US) Neil Howard
121: Ten Most Wanted (US) Wallace Dollase
121: Congaree (US) Bob Baffert
120: Peace Rules (US) Robert Frankel
117: Volponi (US) Philip Johnson
117: Harlan's Holiday (US) Todd Pletcher
(June 25)
Azeri Tops Distaff List
Reigning US Horse-Of-The-Year Azeri leads the Distaff Division at 123; the 5YO mare, owned by the Allen Paulson Living Trust & trained by Laura de Seroux, won last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff & is unbeaten in 3 starts this year. Azeri is followed by 3 females rated at 117: 4YO Take Charge Lady, runner up to Azeri in Oaklawn's Apple Blossom Handicap; 3YO Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town; & 3YO Elloluv, who won the Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Distaff Division Rankings:
123: Azeri (US) Laura De Seroux
117: Bird Town (US) Nicholas Zito
117: Elloluv (US) Craig Dollase
117: Take Charge Lady (US) Ken McPeek
115: Lady Tak (US) Steven Asmussen
115: Got Koko (US) Bruce Headley
115: Wild Spirit (US) Robert Frankel
114: Summer Colony (US) Mark Hennig
113: You (US) Robert Frankel
113: Smok'n Frolic (US) Todd Pletcher
(June 25)
Congaree & Choisir Top Sprint List
The versatile US 5YO Congaree (owned by Stonerside Stable & trained by Bob Baffert) shares the Sprint Division leadership with 3YO (northern hemisphere 4YO) Australian speedster Choisir, who stunned British experts at Royal Ascot last week with victories in both the Gr2 King's Stand Stakes & Gr1 Golden Jubilee. Both Congaree & Choisir are rated at 121.
Sprint Division Rankings:
121: Congaree (US) Bob Baffert
121: Choisir (AUS) Paul Perry
118: Airwave (GB) Henry Candy
117: Aldebaran (US) Robert Frankel
115: Avanzado (US) Doug O'Neill
114: Posse (US) Steven Asmussen
113: Midas Eyes (US) Robert Frankel
113: Kona Gold (US) Bruce Headley
112: My Cousin Matt (US) Scott Lake
112: Carson Hollow (US) Richard Dutrow
112: Shake You Down (US) Scott Lake
(June 25)
Nayef & Sulamani Top Turf List
Top spot in the Turf Division is shared at a 125 rating between the British-based pair Nayef (winner of last week’s Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot) & Godolphin’s Sulamani (the Dubai Sheema Classic winner).
Turf Division Rankings:
125: Nayef (GB) Marcus Tregoning
125: Sulamani (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
123: Dalakhani (FR) Alain Royer Dupre
122: Kris Kin (GB) Sir Michael Stoute
122: Ange Gabriel (FR) Eric Libaud
121: Storming Home (US) Neil Drysdale
121: Rakti (GB) Michael Andrew Jarvis
120: Alamshar (IRE) John Oxx
120: The Great Gatsby (IRE) Aidan O'Brien
120: Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) Aidan O'Brien
(June 25)
Dubai Destination Tops Mile List
Dubai Destination, who captured the Queen Anne Stakes last week at Royal Ascot, heads the Mile Division on a 125 rating. Defending Breeders' Cup Mile champion Domedriver is currently rated 5th in this Division, along with English Two Thousand Guineas winner Refuse To Bend.
Mile Division Rankings:
125: Dubai Destination (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
124: Zafeen (GB) Mick Channon
122: Kalaman (GB) Sir Michael Stoute
121: Indian Haven (GB) Paul D'Arcy
119: Domedriver (FR) Pascal Bary
119: Refuse to Bend (IRE) Dermot Weld
118: Redattore (US) Richard Mandella
117: Tillerman (GB) Amanda Perrett
116: Special Ring (US) Julio Canani
115: Senor Swinger (US) Bob Baffert
(June 25)
Russian Rhythm Tops Filly & Mare Turf List
Russian Rhythm, winner of both the UK One Thousand Guineas & last week's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, tops the Filly & Mare Turf ranks on 120.
Filly & Mare Turf Division Rankings:
120: Russian Rhythm (GB) Sir Michael Stoute
119: Tates Creek (US) Robert Frankel
118: Ipi Tombe (US) Elliott Walden
118: Aquarelliste (FR) Elie Lellouche
117: Dublino (US) Laura De Seroux
117: Six Perfections (FR) Pascal Bary
117: Yesterday (IRE) Aidan O'Brien
117: Soviet Song (GB) James Fanshawe
116: Nebraska Tornado (FR) Andre Fabre
116: Islington (GB) Sir Michael Stoute
116: Bright Sky (FR) Elie Lellouche
(June 25)
Breeders’ Cup Purses Rise To US$14 million
Total prize-money for the 20th anniversary of the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Santa Anita Park on October 25 will reach US$14 million after purses for 2 of the program’s 8 races were increased by US$500,000, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Officials from Breeders’ Cup Ltd & the US National Thoroughbred Racing Association boosted the purses for the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (both previously worth US$1 million) to US$1.5 million each. The US$14 million total value of the Breeders’ Cup is 40% more than the US$10 million value of the inaugural running of the event in 1984, but is still less than the US$15 million offered for the 6 thoroughbred races on the Dubai World Cup program (which is topped by the US$6 million World Cup); in comparison, the Classic carries a purse of US$4 million. (June 25)
Choisir Favourite For UK Gr1 July Cup
Australian sprint invader Choisir, the son of Danehill Dancer who stunned the UK racing world with dual Royal Ascot wins in the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes & Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes, has been installed 7-4 early favorite to continue his dominance of European sprinters in England’s Gr1 July Cup on July 10 at Newmarket, reported racingpost.co.uk. However cautious trainer & part-owner Paul Perry commented: "There’s no hurry to make a decision on the July Cup, so we’ll give it another week to see how he is.” Although Choisir’s Ascot wins came on “lightning quick ground”, Perry noted fast ground was not crucial for the Australian 3YO (northern hemisphere 4YO) to produce his best: “Virtually all of his wins back home were on good ground & it would be wrong to get the impression he needs it as quick as it was at Ascot.” Yesterday Perry & son Shannon, plus owners Terry & Diane Wallace & their son John, accompanied Newmarket’s clerk of the course Michael Prosser on a walk over the entire 6 furlongs of the July Cup distance, paying special attention to the famous dip & then rise up the hill to the finish. Perry summed up: “It seems a lovely laid out track & we know the course now. I have asked Johnny Murtagh (Choisir’s jockey) & he said he’ll handle it no problems.” (June 24)
Big Offers To Buy Choisir
Trainer Paul Perry also confirmed he is also fielding offers to purchase Choisir, telling racingpost.co.uk: "There has been a lot of interest in the horse from both halves of the world. I wouldn’t like to say from where, or how much, but the offers are worth more money than I ever thought I’d see." (June 24)
Handicappers Rate Choisir Highly
And Choisir’s double blow for Australia at last week’s Royal Ascot meeting “has put him alongside the best sprinters of recent years,” according to British Horseracing Board sprint handicapper Colin Vickers. After liaising with Racing Victoria’s senior handicapper Jim Bowler, the duo have agreed on a rating of 123, 11lb higher than Choisir’s previous rating & “a mark which puts him just behind 2001 & 1999 champion sprinters Mozart & Stravinsky, who were rated 125 & 127 respectively,” noted racingpost.co.uk. Vickers added: "Apart from those 2 marks, it will be the best figure in the last 5 years. Choisir ran to a fairly similar level in both races. In the Gr1 Golden Jubilee, I thought Airwave ran to a mark of 118, but I've left her on 119, while the Gr2 King's Stand Stakes was a bit more difficult because of Acclamation's performance, who's gone up 7lb to 113." (June 24)
Ascot Seeks More Overseas Raiders
Meanwhile Ascot is hoping “Choisir’s incredible double will heighten interest from overseas & help further develop the Royal Meeting as an international fixture of global stature,” reported racingpost.co.uk. “After a 2-year campaign to stimulate runners from abroad, organisers struck gold when the Australian sprinter became the 1st challenger from his country to win a race in Britain when landing the Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes & followed-up with a sensational victory in the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes.” Ascot chief executive Douglas Erskine-Crum declared: “The racing has been top class & we are particularly pleased with the way the program has held up. But the highlight would be Choisir’s successes, simply because we have tried to get international runners for some time & to have a horse come & win our top races from abroad is excellent news for Ascot, because it increases our international dimension. The reaction from overseas has to be increasingly positive, because trainers all over the world will see that it is possible. We’ve only tried Australia over the last couple of years. We only took the initiative to send Nick Cheyne around the world 2 years ago. It takes time & it’s paying dividends.” (June 24)
Early Favourite Out Of Melbourne Cup
Top UK stayer Mr Dinos, who jumped to the top of early Melbourne Cup betting markets after his 6-length blitz of Europe’s top stayers to win last week’s Ascot Gold Cup in Britain, is suffering post-race soreness & will not be coming to Australia. Trainer Paul Cole (who brought Yorkshire to run 5th in Jezabeel’s 1998 Melbourne Cup) confirmed overnight that 4YO Mr Dinos will not race again until at least September & therefore prefers to map out a European program for the remainder of 2003, with October’s French Gr1 Prix Cadran (4000m) a likely target. Cole told racingpost.co.uk: “Mentally Mr Dinos is in terrific shape, but his legs are a little sore due to that very fast ground. The idea is to get his confidence back on some decent ground & there are suitable options for him in France in September & October. Everything will now be geared to Ascot next year & an attempt to win the Gold Cup once more.” (June 24)
Jardines Lookout Aims At Melbourne Cup
Meanwhile British jockey Darryll Holland is hoping the Alan Jarvis-trained Jardines Lookout will provide his 1st ride in the Melbourne Cup. Jardines Lookout (7th in Melbourne last year) finished a strong 4th behind Mr Dinos in the Gr1 Ascot Gold Cup “where he flew at the finish, having got outpaced with half a mile to run,” noted racingpost.co.uk. An excited Holland declared: "Mr Jarvis has said I can stick with the horse & I'm looking forward to riding him in the Goodwood Cup & then, later on, in the Melbourne Cup. I thought he ran a great race at Ascot, & we would have been 2nd in another 50 yards. He takes a bit of knowing, but we got on well & I'm hoping for big things from him." (June 24)
Champion UK Jockey Pat Eddery To Retire
Pat Eddery, who ranks 2nd behind the legendary Sir Gordon Richards on Great Britain’s all-time list of winning jockeys, has announced plans to retire at the end of this year. Eddery, 11-time champion jockey in England, has ridden 100+ winners in a season 27 times during his 34-year career, which began in 1969. Irish-born Eddery told a press conference at Windsor racecourse yesterday: "I’m 51 now & it’s difficult to keep on the best horses. The time has come to say that’s it. I cannot go on forever." Eddery’s most famous winners include: 3 English Derbies on Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982) & Quest For Fame (1990); 4 wins in France’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (1980 Detroit, 1985 Rainbow Quest, 1986 Dancing Brave & 1987 Trempolino); US Breeders’ Cup wins with Pebbles (1985 Breeders’ Cup Turf) & Sheikh Albadou (1991 Breeders’ Cup Sprint); plus celebrated Gr1 winners Dancing Brave, El Gran Senor, Sadler’s Wells, Caerleon, Zafonic & Bosra Sham. Eddery currently has ridden 4,585 winners (behind only Richards with 4,870 on the UK list & ahead of Lester Piggott on 4,493). (June 24)
Vinery’s Red Ransom Lands UK Stakes
Vinery shuttler Red Ransom grabbed the spotlight when his 3YO filly Hold To Ransom (ex Wassifa by Sure Blade) “cleared away for a 5-length win in the Sandringham Stakes (1 mile) on the final day at Royal Ascot,” reported racenet.com.au. It was the 2nd win in 8 starts for Hold To Ransom, the 4th foal of stakes-placed Wassifa. Red Ransom has cemented his place on the Top 10 sires in Great Britain & Ireland this season, with his 3YO fillies leading the way, including Gr1 Epsom Oaks winner Casual Look. (June 24)
Ascot Spotlight For Generous
And the international standing of NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm shuttle stallion Generous “received another boost with the win by High Accolade in the Gr2 King Edward V11 Stakes at Royal Ascot,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. The 3YO Mark Of Esteem colt is out of Generous mare Lady Generous; already this season he had won the major Epsom Derby lead-up, the Predominate Stakes at Goodwood, but his owners declined the opportunity to pay the Derby supplement of £90,000. NZTM added: “With the likes of 2002 champion Golan & another stakes winner in Nasij this northern summer, Generous has a high rating as a broodmare sire.” (June 24)
Blevic Lands Another City Double
Dual Gr1 winner Blevic (by Scenic) “sired yet another double” at Adelaide’s Victoria Park on the weekend, reported racenet.com.au: 4YO mare Full Spec “made it 3 wins in succession with a scintillating 6.5 lengths win over 2000m”; & 3YO colt Dua Awali carried top weight of 57kgs to his 2nd successive victory over 1800m. Currently running 35th on the Australian General Sires list, Blevic stands for $4,400 (including GST) at Kambula Stud at Kadina in South Australia. Racenet.com.au noted: “It represents great value for the $1.3 million earning 3/4 brother to Universal Prince. All bar 1 of the 34 stallions above Blevic on the sires list stand at fees at least double Blevic’s fee & only 4 of those have sired more stakes winners than the 6 credited to Blevic.” (June 24)
$600 Bargain Wins Again
Dundally, “one of the cheapest yearlings ever sold by Magic Millions”, added another $18,700 to his prize-money total (now $26,745) when the 4YO gelding won over 1600m at Belmont in Perth to notch his 3rd win in his last 4 starts. A son of Voltage Peak, Dundally was knocked down for just $600 to former Kiwi trainer Jayne Busslinger at the 1999 Magic Millions Perth August Yearling Sale. (June 24)
Bargain Buys Cash In On Country Dollars
Speaking of bargains: NSW country trainers Ross Stitt & Barbara Joseph claimed victory in the 2 Country Cash Finals contested at Rosehill in Sydney on the weekend:
- Stitt’s 3YO Precise Timing is by Johann Quatz from Luskin Star mare Sight; bred & offered for sale by the University Of Sydney at the Inglis 2001 Winter Thoroughbred Sale, Stitt secured the colt for just $2,500 - making his 4 wins & 1 2nd from 6 starts, for $77,300 prize-money, a 3,000% return-on-investment.
- Smart 2YO Island Swing blitzed 2YO Country Cash Final by nearly 4 lengths; Joseph purchased the son of Celtic Swing at the Inglis 2002 Autumn Yearling Sale in Melbourne for just $15,000 & he has already returned connections more than $51,000.
(June 24)
Greg Tobin Joins Yallambee
Victoria’s Yallambee Stud announced the appointment of Greg Tobin as marketing manager. Yallambee stands unbeaten Champion European 2YO Distant Music, Champion First Season Sire Spartacus & 6-time Gr1 winner Testa Rossa. (June 24)
Doughty & Stokes Lead Trainer Strike Rates
Gold Coast trainer Kelly Doughty “has only a small team of 10 horses in work, but holds a better strike rate than Australia's 1st lady Gai Waterhouse,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. “In fact, Doughty has the country's 2nd best strike rate of any trainer with a winner every 4 starters, compared to Waterhouse's strike rate of 4.6.” Adelaide's Paul Stokes with a 3.3 rating recently overtook Doughty to lead the national trainers' strike-rate table. Doughty commented: "I had the best strike rate of any trainer about 6 weeks ago but I've slipped to 2nd." Doughty has only been training 6 years & is married to former jockey Gary Doughty. (June 24)
Queensland Carnival Betting ‘Best In 10 Years’
The Queensland Winter Carnival has attracted the strongest off-course betting turnover in the past decade. UNiTAB chief executive Dick McIlwain explained: "We compare figures from the start of the carnival in late April through to Brisbane Cup day in early June. In that period this year, Queensland off-course punters bet $32.9 million on carnival racing, which was as good as the TAB has held since the big years of 1992-93.” Doomben Cup & Queensland Oaks day holds of $3.9 million & $4.1 million respectively were the best ever. McIlwain noted the carnival was “starting to tighten around the Gr1 period of racing. It has a better feel to it, a bit like a Melbourne Cup-type carnival. It could do with more promotion around those few weeks.” (June 24)
Queensland Steward Appointments
The Queensland Racing Board has announced the successful applicants for chief steward positions based in Toowoomba, Rockhampton & Townsville: Steve Rowe has retained the position in the Downs & South West Region (Toowoomba); John Wallis will move from the Central West to take over in the Capricornia Region (Rockhampton); & Patrick Cooper has been appointed to the position in the Northern Region & will move from Capricornia (Townsville). QRB chairman Bob Bentley said: “The appointments are part of the on-going restructure of the stewarding department & follow an extensive screening & recruitment process, which was facilitated by the consulting firm Northern Recruitment. The roles of Regional Chairman of Stewards have been expanded to encompass management responsibility for the entire region, including administrative functions formerly undertaken by staff at the direction of the Regional Operations Managers, whose positions were abolished.” (June 24)
Jockey Insurance Crisis Looms
Continuing worries over insurance premiums for jockeys “could lead to a severe disruption of racing around Australia from July 1,” warned aapracingandsports.com.au. “There is every chance the concerns over the cost of public liability cover will escalate into a full-scale crisis if a satisfactory solution cannot be worked out between Jardines, the brokers representing the jockeys, & insurance giant QBE.” The current public liability cover for jockeys expires on June 30. If jockeys do not reach agreement agreement on premium costs, they will have no cover after that date & cannot ride in races. The possibility of a July 1 stoppage by senior riders was discussed during a national tele-conference between Jockey Association officials last week, as there is still no guarantee new cover will be confirmed by QBE before the deadline. (June 24)
UK Jockey Goode Lands Aust Double
Meanwhile English apprentice jockey Paul Goode “hasn't wasted any time settling back into Australia,” noted racenet.com.au. He had 2 rides at Wagga Wagga in southern NSW at the weekend & “promptly brought both Bally Ryan & Eye For Fashion home 1st.” Goode had a successful Australian visit stint earlier in the season, but returned to England for the beginning of their summer flat season. However he didn't pick up the rides he anticipated & was quick to jump back on a plane to Australia. He is being managed by Trudy Brown. (June 24)
Ninetyfive Emperor’s 7-In-A-Row
Outstanding Australian-bred 3YO Ninetyfive Emperor (a $66,000 buy at the Inglis 2001 Premier Sale) made it 7 wins in succession (after a 2nd on debut when beaten a nose by subsequent Group performer Grand Canyon) when he resumed from a spell to take the Gr3 3YO Challenge at Kranji in Singapore. It was the 1st appearance by the Charles Leck trained son of Rory’s Jester since winning the Gr3 Three Rings Trophy in January. Ninetyfive Emperor is in hot pursuit of the Malayan Racing Association record of 8 straight wins, held by 2001 Horse-Of-The-Year Bocelli. (June 24)
HK Betting & Crowds Fall
As the Hong Kong racing season closed on Sunday, officials expressed “grave concern over dramatic declines in betting turnover & attendances,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive Lawrence Wong announced betting turnover for the 2002-03 was HK$71.5 billion (A$14 billion), down 8.5% compared to the previous season. And average attendance per race meeting was 27,900, a decline of 7.3%. The figures reflect “the difficulties of a season when, for the 6th successive time, HK wagering turnover has declined & way short of the benchmark of HK$98 billion set in 1997.” Wong blamed an unholy trinity of the struggling HK economy, the impact of the SARS outbreak & illegal bookmakers as joint causes of the decline. (June 24)
Inglis Graduates Win 4 At Sha Tin
The Hong Kong racing season concluded at Sha Tin on Sunday & Inglis Graduates grabbed 4 events:
- Smart 3YO One More Round (a $6,000 bargain-basement buy at the 2001 Premier Sale) won against a strong field.
- Another 3YO Little Elephant (a $120,000 purchase at the Inglis 2000 Select Weanling Sale) also scored in tough company.
- 6YO Sir Tristram warrior Romantic Symphony (a $37,500 buy at the Inglis 1998 Premier Sale) returned to the winner’s circle.
- And 3YO Bearcat (a $700,000 investment by bloodstock agent Anton Koolman at the Inglis 2001 Easter Sale) led throughout from a wide barrier to win comfortably; the brother to Golden Slipper winner Catbird is by Danehill from celebrated producer Fitting, who now boasts the perfect record of 5 foals raced, all winners.
(June 24)
4th Win At HK’s Happy Valley
Meanwhile the Ricky Yiu trained gelding Danhero (a $130,000 buy by bloodstock agent Kieran Moore at the Inglis 2000 Easter Sale) notched his 4th win at HK’s Happy Valley night meeting, lifting his prize-money in excess of $360,000. Danhero had produced 3 consecutive wins in November, December & January & again triumphed over the Happy Valley 1000m. The son of Danzero is from Bluebird mare Suburban Blues. (June 24)
Aust-bred 3YO Wins 2 HK Awards
And exciting Australian-bred 3YO Silent Witness (a $55,000 bargain buy at the Inglis 2001 Classic Sale) collected 2 major prizes (Champion Griffin & Most Improved Horse) at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s end-of-season awards last weekend. The 3YO gelding by El Moxie reeled off 5 consecutive wins for the Tony Cruz stable; in his most recent victory in the Gr2 Sha Tin Vase he defeated champion Gr1-winning sprinter Grand Delight (who previously raced in Australia as Desert Eagle), who duly took the top award for 2003 Horse-Of-The-Year. (June 24)
Pollard Sells Part Of Hermitage Farm
Hermitage Farm owner Carl Pollard has sold 180 acres of his Kentucky stud farm to a development company, reported bloodhorse.com. Pollard (chairman of Churchill Downs racetrack) has owned Hermitage Farm (in Oldham County northeast of Louisville) since 1994. The remaining 500 acres of the farm will continue as a commercial thoroughbred breeding operation & Pollard will continue to live on the farm. (June 24)
Villa Francia Wins Chile’s Gr1 Tanteo De Potrancas Stakes
Villa Francia “scored a brilliant front-running victory” to capture the Gr1 Tanteo de Potrancas Stakes (1500m) for 2YO fillies at Hipodromo Chile, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Villa Francia (trained by Alberto Gonzalez & ridden by Gustavo Barrera) won by 8.5 lengths over Wild Storm to record her 3rd straight group stakes triumph & take her career record to 3 victories in 5 starts for owner Stud Doña Ester. Bred by Haras La Compañia, Villa Francia is by Seeking The Gold stallion Squire Jones out of Nueva Ilusion (by Wagon Master). (June 24)
El Provinciano Wins Peru’s Gr1 Clasico Jockey Club
Peruvian classic winner El Provinciano continued his top form by winning the Gr1 Clasico Jockey Club del Peru (2400m) at Hipodromo Monterrico in Lima, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 3YO son of deceased Peruvian stallion Chiquetete “romped home to a 17-length victory” over Fantasma & Tibet. Owned & bred by Manuel Gonzalez Zuloeta’s Haras Ventarron & trained by Felix Banda, El Provinciano earned his 12th career victory & extended his stakes winning streak to 4, confirming “his credentials for Horse-Of-The-Year honors in Peru. (June 24)
Cabulera Wins Peru’s Gr1 Clasico Pamplona
On the same card, Cabulera stormed home under jockey Elias Peltroche to defeat Campbell & win the Gr1 Clasico Pamplona (2000m), the only Gr1 race on grass reserved for fillies & mares in the Peruvian racing calendar. The 3YO daughter of Prospector’s Cap recorded her 3rd victory in 10 starts. Cabulera, owned by Stud Maria Sophia & bred by Haras Alydar, is trained by Carlos Gastaneta. (June 24)
Pegaso Wins Peru’s Gr1 Clasico OSAF
And classic winner Pegaso turned the tables on Madrileno to grab victory in the Gr1 Clasico OSAF (1600m), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 3YO son of Play The Gold was ridden by leading jockey Edwin Talaverano to his 8th win in 13 career starts for Fernando Del Mastro’s Stud Naplo. (June 24)
Deauville Begins Racing On All-Weather Track
A new 2100m all-weather track was inaugurated on the weekend at Deauville racecourse by France Galop (the country’s ruling racing body), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. This summer 35 races will be held on the new track & 9 all-weather meetings will be organised in December & January “to give trainers an opportunity to prepare for the Cagnes-Sur-Mer winter meeting.” The all-weather track is 1 of 3 in France, including Pau & Cagnes-Sur-Mer. (June 24)
Experts Advocate Pedigree Over Conformation
Given a choice of factors to choose from when buying a horse or planning a mating, “conformation & race record regularly lost out to pedigree in a panel discussing how to balance the features of a potential purchase” at last weekend’s US Thoroughbred International Exposition & Conference, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The experts (including Three Chimneys Farm Owner Robert Clay, Peter Pegg of Pegg Thoroughbred Consultants & leading freelance pedigree consultants John Prather & Anne Peters) emphasised looking for a strong family, particularly on the female side. Robert Clay summed up what he looked for in a broodmare: "Pedigree stops us on the page. Year-in & year-out for generations, good horses come from good families. If you look at the best farms, they have kept foundation mares & their daughters & their grand-daughters. You can have good luck with a mare that doesn’t have the best set of front legs if the family has produced stakes-winners. Ideally, you want a stakes-producer out of a stakes-producer out of a stakes-producer." (June 24)
Experts Tell How To Pick Sale Ring Winners
At the same conference, a separate panel of experts (trainer John Ward, Dr Gary Lavin of the Keeneland Association, director of yearling sales at Fasig-Tipton Bill Graves, bloodstock agent John Moynihan, Dogwood Stable’s president Cot Campbell & Keeneland auctioneer Ryan Mayham) told what to look for when picking among the thousands of yearlings offered in various sale rings each year. Graves summed up: "Balance is the whole deal. It’s all about angles & mechanics. He has to have a good shoulder, a good neck. A horse has to be designed to run. All good horses have to have balance, because you can’t get the job done without it." Moynihan added: "Honestly, if a horse has a couple of problems in the hind end, that’s not as important to me as how correct he is in his front legs. Most of a horse’s weight is supported up front, so I’m less likely to forgive him if he’s got flaws in that area. If his stride is crooked, the concussion when he strikes the ground is not going to be evenly distributed, & that’s when you get into fractures & strained tendons. I also look for a horse with a narrow chest. If a horse is too barrel-chested, his legs don’t come down underneath him properly & that can lead to some problems." (June 24)
Choisir Wins Historic Double At Ascot
Newcastle trainer Paul Perry’s 3YO colt Choisir (Danehill Dancer-Great Selection, by Lunchtime) won the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs) at Royal Ascot in England on Saturday in a course record time of 1min 12.33sec along the tough Ascot uphill straight. It follows Choisir’s victory 4 days earlier in Ascot’s Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes (5 furlongs). Choisir (racing as a 4YO in England) won by 3/4 of a length from British favourite Airwave & Baron’s Pit. (June 23)
Choisir Rated Europe's Sprint King
Choisir “showed why Timeform has rated him as the best sprinter in Europe with a record breaking display of raw power,” declared thoroughbredinternet.com. “His win in the Gr2 King's Stand Stakes earned the powerfully built chestnut a rating of 128, a mark that may well be reviewed” after his Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes triumph. “Choisir has been the subject of separate offers from Darley & Godolphin with at least 1 Australian Stud tabling a bid prior to his first Ascot win.” (June 23)
Choisir May Run Again In UK
Paul Perry has entered the colt for next month’s Gr1 July Cup at Newmarket & “has not ruled out a start in that event before he returns to Australia,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Perry noted jockey Johnny Murtagh “said leave him here & he'll win everything. So we'll have to talk about it now." (June 23)
$4,500 Stud Fee Returns $2 Million On Track
Unfortunately Choisir’s dam Great Selection died foaling after Choisir had succeeded in his 2YO year. The season Great Selection went to Danehill Dancer, he paid a service fee of just $4,500. Trainer Paul Perry bought the resulting yearling for $55,000 at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney. The colt has now won 7 of his 22 starts (plus 10 placings) for over $2 million prize-money. (June 23)
Belle Du Jour
In the same race John Singleton’s Australian 5YO mare Belle Du Jour (currently trained in Ireland by dual Melbourne Cup winner Dermot Weld) finished 15th in the field of 17. She is due to be mated with Sadler’s Wells before returning to Australia. (June 23)
Russian Rhythm Wins UK Gr1 Coronation Stakes
Meanwhile Brushwood Stables-bred 3YO filly Russian Rhythm (Kingmambo-Balistroika, by Nijinsky ) “staked her claim as the best Female Miler in Europe with an authoritative win” in the Gr1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Russian Rhythm defeated 2 previous Gr1 winners in Soviet Song (by Marju) & Mail The Desert (by Desert Prince). Russian Rhythm won the 1000 Guineas last month; she was the 2nd Gr1 winner at the Royal meeting by Kingmambo (by Mr Prospector), who stands at Lanes End Farm in Kentucky. (June 23)
Azeri’s 10-Straight In US Gr1 Vanity Handicap
Reigning US Horse-Of-The-Year Azeri (Jade Hunter-Zodiac Miss, by Ahonoora) notched her 10th successive win (dating back to February 2002) in the Gr1 Vanity Handicap (9 furlongs) at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Laura de Seroux, 5YO mare Azeri (high-weighted at 127 pounds) defeated Sister Girl Blues (Hold For Gold-Sister Girl, by Conquistador Cielo) & Bare Necessities (Silver Deputy-Shrewd Vixen, by Spectacular Bid). Bred by Allen Paulson, Azeri has now won 13 of her 14 starts for US$2,804,820 prize-money. Azeri is the only starter out of Australian Gr3-winning Ahonoora mare Zodiac Miss & is from the family of 1999 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winning millionaire Silic. The big questions now, noted bloodhorse.com, are: “Will her connections attempt to match or break the record of Cigar & Citation by winning 16 races in a row? Can she reach that plateau this year?” (June 23)
Sightseek Wins US Gr1 Ogden Phipps Handicap
Juddmonte Farm 4YO homebred Sightseek (Distant View-Viviana, by Nureyev) “registered her 2nd Gr1 win with an easy stroll in the slop” in the Gr1 Ogden Phipps Handicap (8.5 furlongs) at rain-soaked Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Bobby Frankel, Sightseek won by 5 lengths from 2 other previous Gr1 winners Take Charge Lady (by Dehere) & Mandy's Gold (by Gilded Time). Kentucky-bred Sightseek now has 6 wins (including last month’s Gr1 Humana Distaff Handicap at Churchill Downs ) & 4 2nds from 10 starts. Sightseek is the 3rd winner of 4 foals to race out of stakes-winning Nureyev mare Viviana & is a half-sister to another 2003 Graded winner Tate's Creek. Her sire & Gr1 winner Distant View (by Mr Prospector) stands at Juddmonte Farm in Kentucky. (June 23)
Wando Wins Canada’s Gr1 Queen’s Plate
Vinery shuttler Langfuhr sired the quinella as Wando (riddden by Patrick Husbands) blitzed the field by 9 lengths to win yesterday’s US$1 million Gr1 Queens Plate (10 furlongs) at Woodbine in Canada, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Wando defeated stablemate Mobil (both owned by Gustav Schickedanz & trained by Michael Keogh) in the 1st leg of the Canadian 3YO Triple Crown. Wando (Langfuhr-Kathie's Colleen, by Woodman) & Mobil (Langfuhr-Kinetigal, by Naskra) took the quinella ahead of Rock Again (Awesome Again-Track Gal, by Track Barron). Wando has now won 3 straight races & 6 of 9 career starts for earnings of US$1,174,402; he is the only stakes winner out of Gr2-winning mare Kathie’s Colleen, who has produced 2 starters (both winners). (June 23)
Vespone Wins French Gr1 Grand Prix De Paris
The 3YO colt Vespone (Llandaff-Vanishing Prairie, by Alysheba) “added to his growing reputation with a decisive all the way win” in yesterday's French Gr1 Grand Prix de Paris (2000m) at Longchamp, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Vespone defeated Magistretti (Diesis-Ms Strike Zone, by Deputy Minister) & Look Honey (Sadler's Wells-Middle Prospect, by Mr Prospector). It was the 2nd Gr1 win for Vespone, who took the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat at his previous start & has now won 4 & placed twice in 6 starts. (June 23)
Leadership Wins Italy’s Gr1 Grand Premio di Milano
Godolphin’s 4YO Leadership (Selkirk-Louella, by El Gran Senor) led a 1-2 sweep for British-based runners when he won the Gr1 Gran Premio di Milano (2400m) at San Siro racecourse yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The victory marked the 99th Gr1 win for Godolphin, the Maktoum family's racing operation led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rasid al Maktoum. Purchased last year in a deal between Sheikh Mohammed & Juddmonte Farm’s owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, Leadership (ridden by Richard Hills for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) defeated 5YO Warrsan (Caerleon-Lucayan Princess, by High Line) & 4YO Maktub (Love The Groom-Carmen The Best, by Waajib). Bred in Great Britain, Leadership now has 5 wins from 11 career starts. (June 23)
$60,000 High Yield Filly Tops Inglis Melb Sale
Queensland’s Blenheim Bloodstock paid top price of $60,000 for a filly from the 1st Australian crop of Coolmore shuttle sire High Yield (out of a Danehill half-sister to Listed winner Forehand) at yesterday’s Inglis Melbourne June Weanling Sale. Top-priced colt was $57,500 for a Marju half-brother to Listed placed Las Classique out of Gr3 winner Seaside Lady. The Top 10 lots were:
- $60,000 High Yield-Lady Langham filly;
- $57,500 Marju–Seaside Lady colt;
- $50,000 Grand Lodge-Final Exhibit colt;
- $46,000 Encosta de Lago–Lady Of Perfection colt;
- $41,000 Testa Rossa-Encantada colt;
- $37,500 Danehill Dancer–Minstrel Show colt;
- $36,000 High Yield–Rough Reality filly;
- $35,000 Catbird-Zanzibari filly;
- $32,000 Jade Robbery-Love To Dance colt;
- $31,000 Success Express-Sentimental Girl filly.
(June 23)
Inglis Sale Average Up 36% & Gross Up 42%
Overall, yesterday’s Inglis Melbourne Sale recorded a 36% increase in average price to $8,096 ($5,972 last year), with gross receipts up 42% to $2,258,750 (last year $1,582,750) & a strong clearance rate of 88%; 14 lots sold for $30,000 & above. Inglis Melbourne manager Peter Heagney summed up: “The fact that the market has been able to absorb the huge volume of weanlings on offer today, reflects great confidence in the Victorian breeding industry.” (June 23)
John Size Takes HK Trainer Title
Expatriate Sydney trainer John Size wrapped-up the Hong Kong trainers’ premiership for the 2nd successive year as the HK racing season concluded at Sha Tin yesterday. Fellow Australian expatriate David Hayes (a 2-time previous winner) finished 3rd. Size won 67 races & over HK$81.745 million (A$16 million) in prize-money. South Africa Douglas Whyte won the jockeys’ title from former Sydney rider Shane Dye 2nd (who was leading prize-money earner with HK$69.531 million). (June 23)
Grand Delight Wins HK Horse-Of-The-Year
And John Size’s horses Grand Delight & Electronic Unicorn won the 2 top equine awards for the HK season: Grand Delight was named Horse-Of-The-Year & Electronic Unicorn was voted Most Popular Horse-Of-The-Year. Before going to HK, Grand Delight (an Australian-bred son of Hurricane Sky) had won at Gr1 level for owner-breeder David Moodie & trainer Mathew Ellerton in Melbourne under his previous name Desert Eagle. He is now raced by Peter Law Kin-san & won 3 Gr1 races this season. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 2003 Award Winners are:
- Horse of The Year: Grand Delight.
- Champion Sprinter: Grand Delight.
- Champion Miler: Electronic Unicorn.
- Champion Middle-distance: Precision.
- Champion Stayer: Precision.
- Champion Griffin: Silent Witness.
- Most improved horse: Silent Witness.
- Lifetime achievement awards: Fairy King Prawn & Indigenous.
(June 23)
Blazing Saddles Euthanised In Queensland
Former brilliant 2YO & successful sire Blazing Saddles has died aged 29 near Townsville in Queensland “due to infirmities of old age”, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. By Todman from Wilkes mare Lady Simone, Blazing Saddles was trained by Tommy Smith to win 8 of his 14 starts (including the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield & Gr2 Black Opal Stakes among 5 stakes win as a 2YO). He began his stud career at Woodlands Stud in NSW & became 1 of the first Australian-bred stallions to serve time in England when sent to Derisley Wood Farm at Newmarket for 5 years during the 1980s. On his return he stood at Oaklands Stud at Toowoomba in Queensland, before being purchased by Townsville breeder Margaret Preston in 1998. Blazing Saddles sired Gr1 winners in Australia & England: his best progeny were outstanding mare Heat Of The Moment (Gr1 George Ryder Stakes, Gr1 Chipping Norton Stakes, Gr2 Wakeful Stakes & Gr2 Roman Consul Stakes) & crack UK sprinter Mr Brooks (European high-weight sprinter in 1992 after winning the UK Gr1 Newmarket July Cup & French Gr1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp). Other notable winners among his Australian-bred progeny include Blazing Keel, Beans, Crossroads, Blue Pil, Blazing Silks & Avannotto. Blazing Saddles also left his mark as a sire of sires, with Blazing Devil, Raging Blaze, Blazing Keel, Crossroads, Saddled, Fire Fighter & Scarvine among his sons to go to stud. (June 23)
General Nediym Leads 2YO Stakes-Winners
Ballymore Thoroughbreds' General Nediym “took the lead for the number of 2YO stakes winners when the Brian Guy-trained Promoted (ex Serenely by Mister C) became the 4th individual stakes winner from the 1st crop for the former Gr1 Newmarket Handicap winner,” reported racenet.com.au. Promoted scored in the Listed Australia Post Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm; with 3 wins & 2 2nds from 8 starts Promoted has earned over $285,000. Promoted joins Gr2 VRC Maribyrnong Plate winner Ra Sun, Listed MVRC Leslie Froggatt Stakes winner Snip Attack & Listed Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Regimental Gal on the General Nediym honour roll. His 4 2YO stakes winners takes General Nediym “1 clear of Snippets & 2 clear of Champion 2YO sire elect Success Express, the evergreen Rory’s Jester, rising star Secret Savings, exciting 1st crop sire Desert Prince, champion of champions Danehill, resurrected Hennessy & 2 international stars Red Ransom & Grand Lodge who are all locked on 2 juvenile stakes winners.” General Nediym has an unbeatable lead in the race for 1st season sire honours: his 7 winners from 29 starters have earned over $1,320,000 (ahead of Desert Prince with 4 winners from 23 runners & $915,875, & Red Ransom with 4 winners from 27 runners & $638,298. (June 23)
1st Stakes Winner For Bletcharm
Former Widden Stud resident Bletcharm recorded his 1st stakes winner when the Robert Smerdon-trained 5YO Belus (ex Swalk by Godswalk) won the Gr3 Tattersall's Cup (2200m) at Eagle Farm, reported racenet.com.au. The regally bred son of Bletchingly now resides at Key Hinge Stud in China. Bletcharm is the 1st foal of champion racemare Riverina Charm (by Sir Tristram), winner of 7 races (including the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas, Gr1 Canterbury Guineas, VATC 1000 Guineas & Air New Zealand Stakes) & over $800,000 prize-money. (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 1: Mr Dinos Tops Betting
Early Melbourne Cup betting markets “have undergone a major upheaval as a result of the runaway win by Mr Dinos in England’s premier staying race the Ascot Gold Cup,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au.
Melbourne bookmakers (who have issued early markets in advance of nominations) “have promoted the 4YO to equal favouritism at 14-1 with last year’s winner Media Puzzle.” While there has been no definite indication Mr Dinos may aim at the $4 million Melbourne Cup in November, “his big move up the betting order is in response to the fact the son of shuttle sire Desert King is trained by Paul Cole.” Cole is already an experienced Melbourne Cup traveller; in 1998 he brought Yorkshire Down Under to finish 5th behind Jezabeel. “The expectation is Cole will enter Mr Dinos for this year’s Melbourne Cup after his stunning 6-lengths victory & then wait for the issue of weights, as his horse is now rated the superior distance stayer in Europe.” Mr Dinos also won the Gr1 Prix Royal Oak (French St Leger) at Longchamp last October & preceded his Royal Ascot victory with a win in the Gr2 Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May. (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 2: Ascot Contenders
A number of other Ascot Gold Cup runners “are also expected to be among the Melbourne Cup entries when they close next month, including runner-up Pole Star, last year’s visitor Jardine’s Lookout & Godolphin stayer Mamool,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Pole Star (3rd behind Mr Dinos & ever-green Persian Punch) is now 33-1 in latest Cup betting; his trainer James Fanshawe brought Travelmate in 1999 for a 4th behind Rogan Josh. Jardine’s Lookout finished 4th at Ascot & trainer Alan Jarvis “is keen to return for another spring campaign after his 1st visit last year when his stayer finished 7th; he can be regarded as certain to make the return trip as a 25% share in the stayer has been sold to Australian Kevin Bamford.” Mamool finished 5th as favourite at Ascot (over the marathon 2.5 milers) but rider Frankie Dettori claimed the track was “too firm for his liking”. Pugin, who represented Godolphin in last year’s Melbourne Cup when 18th, finished 10th of the 12 runners at Ascot. (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 3: US Horses Sought
Racing Victoria’s “international scout” Mark Player spent last week visiting racing centres at Hollywood Park & Santa Anita in Los Angeles “where he is courting some of America’s leading trainers, such as Bob Baffert & Bobby Frankel, to bring horses to Melbourne for the spring,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Player explained: “I’m staying on the west coast, but I have had correspondence with trainers on the east coast of America too. Our best chance is to get an American horse from the west coast. We are targeting non-Breeders’ Cup horses.” (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 4: Europeans Also Targeted
Mark Player also visited Japan & Hong Kong during his trip, “coming just weeks after he toured England, Ireland & Europe drumming up international interest” in the Melbourne Cup carnival. He told The Daily Telegraph that Irish stayer Media Puzzle’s win last year was the best thing that could have happened, because now northern hemisphere-trained stayers have won the race twice in a decade, “proving bringing a horse Down Under is not mission impossible.” Played added: “Also the way Media Puzzle did it was important. He had the lead-up run, winning the Geelong Cup, & now the European trainers are starting to realise this may be the way to go. By racing before the Melbourne Cup, their horses are getting used to our pattern of racing, our tracks, things like that. They are looking more at multiple-start Melbourne campaigns & races like the Caulfield Cup are now very much in their thinking.” (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 5: Weld & Godolphin Coming
Mark Player also confirmed Irish trainer Dermot Weld has indicated the Melbourne Cup is again the main aim for Media Puzzle this year, & his stablemate Vinnie Roe is a chance of returning too. Player told The Daily Telegraph: “Media Puzzle is certainly being targeted to come down for a 2-start campaign, the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups.” He added the Godolphin stable has “reaffirmed its commitment” to the Melbourne Spring Carnival & “intends to arrive as early as the start of September.” And Player said English trainer Alan Jarvis has indicated Jardines Lookout (7th behind Media Puzzle last year) will return. (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 6: French Interest Confirmed
Mark Player revealed there is also French interest in the Melbourne Cup because there is less of a clash with the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is run earlier this year. The Daily Telegraph noted: “One French horse in the mix is Ange Gabriel, who won the Hong Kong Vase & was runner-up to Sulamani in the Sheema Classic in Dubai on World Cup night.” (June 23)
Melb Cup Update 7: Japan & HK Focus
Mark Player explained quarantine restrictions remain the main issue for Japanese contenders. He told The Daily Telegraph: “But there is certainly an increase in awareness of the Melbourne Spring Carnival in Japan &, if we can get the 1st Japanese horse to Melbourne, then I think it will lead the way for others. The Japanese now know their horses will go through the same quarantine procedures as the Europeans & that it can be done – a northern hemisphere horse can win in Melbourne.” Meanwhile expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes has confirmed Elegant Fashion will be set for the Cox Plate, “leading a HK invasion in Melbourne.” (June 23)
Radical Revamp For AJC Autumn Carnival
The Australian Jockey Club Committee has resolved to radically change the format of the AJC’s Sydney Autumn Carnival. While the 2004 carnival will proceed under the current 3-week format, from 2005 onwards the Easter carnival will run over an 8-day period, featuring race days on Saturday, Monday, Thursday & Saturday. AJC chief executive Tony King said the Committee was unanimous in its decision to implement the new format: “There was great support for a condensed carnival, which ensures an action-packed week of world-class racing & events. This signals a new & exciting era for the Australian Jockey Club. From a marketing & sponsorship perspective it provides us with a more compact & dynamic product. We’re aiming to attract more interstate & international visitors, & we see this as a way of achieving that. In racing terms, an 8-day program should help balance the importance of all 4 race meetings. We are looking at the possibility of shifting a major Gr1 race, perhaps even the AJC Doncaster Handicap, to Easter Monday.” While the 8-day format has been agreed upon, the race program is undecided. The Committee has asked AJC racing & betting manager Colin Tuck to table a recommended program for consideration. (June 23)
Trainer Suspended Over ‘Stomach-Tubing Equipment’
Trainer John McNair has pleaded guilty to a charge of having “stomach-tubed Straight Proof in his horse float en route to Royal Randwick racecourse”; Racing NSW stewards suspended his licence for 3 months. McNair also pleaded guilty to a charge of having “given false evidence at a Stewards’ inquiry”; for that offence stewards suspended his licence for 4 months, with both suspensions to be served concurrently. McNair told stewards: “I should have come clean. I admit it was a very big mistake & I apologise.” McNair admitted administering “medication in the form of electrolytes” by a stomach-tube to Straight Proof en route to Randwick. (June 23)
Daniels Warns Trainers ‘Face Gloomy Future’
Prominent Sydney trainer Mark Daniels (who is also chairman of the NSW Racing Industry Participants Advisory Committee) has warned trainers are “facing a gloomy future.” Writing in The Daily Telegraph he explained: “Since as long as I can remember, the industry has taken advantage of the trainer’s optimistic approach. Every trainer’s next 2YO is going to be a ticket to glory & financial freedom. Unfortunately less than 10% of trainers make a profit, but that hasn’t deterred them in the past. That has now changed. Numerous trainers have indicated to me that they have simply had enough. They are going broke quicker than most of their horses can run. The rigours of financing the industry, the constant drain of wall-to-wall racing, the long hours & the slow payers are just taking their toll. Insurance costs are crippling trainers & the premiums can only escalate in years to come. The industry hierarchy says trainers should simply increase their fees to ensure a profit. For city-based trainers to make a good living commensurate with the hours put in & financial liability, they would have to charge a minimum $130 a day. Rest assured, the trainer who increases rates to this level will have very few owners within 24 hours of notifying of the increase.” (June 23)
Full Book For Shinko King
The "Book Full" sign has already gone up on NZ’s leading 2nd-crop sire Shinko King. Waikato’s Ashwell Farm (home to Shinko King along with Kingfisher Mill, Painted Black & D’Cash) has had to close off applications to Shinko King well in advance of the new breeding season. Ashwell Farm studmaster Ray Knight told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "We had 90 places to fill for Shinko King this coming season & could have filled his book twice over. But we have set a limit for his book & will be keeping to that in the interests of the breeders who support him. It is going to be the best quality book, in terms of mares, that he has received to date, with most of the major commercial studs supporting him this year.” Shinko King’s fee increased to NZ$8,000 plus gst this year (up from NZ$5,000 last year). Over 88% of Shinko King’s runners (22 from 25) have been either winners or place-getters in Australia & NZ; his leading performer this season has been NZ Oaks winner Bramble Rose, who collected the prestigious NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year title. Other notable performers for Shinko King this season include stakes-winning juvenile Eternal Melody, Madame Shinko, His Highness, Chatwin, Original Sin, Shinkansen, King George & Billie Jean. (June 23)
More Winners For NZ Shuttler Stravinsky
NZ Cambridge Stud’s Nureyev shuttle sire Stravinsky “is having a great run with his 1st race day progeny,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Not only is Stravinsky (ex Fire The Groom, by Blushing Groom) leading the USA 1st-Crop Sires list, he has added 2 more winners in England: 2YO colt Bentley’s Ball at Sandown & son Bathwick Bill.” They take Stravinsky's winner tally to 7 at this early stage of the Northern Hemisphere season. (June 23)
Fertility Problems Stop Wellbeing’s NZ Shuttle
Plans for high class Sadler’s Wells stallion Wellbeing to shuttle to NZ this spring “have been shelved due to fertility problems,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. England’s Plantation Stud recently sold a 50% interest in Wellbeing to NZ’s Te Runga Stud after completing his 1st northern hemisphere season. A statement from Plantation Stud said that “due to less than satisfactory fertility in recent weeks, Wellbeing will not, as previously announced, be sent to the southern hemisphere this season. A decision about his future will be made shortly." (June 23)
Sky Mesa To Stand At Three Chimneys
John Oxley’s unbeaten 3YO colt Sky Mesa (Pulpit-Caress, by Storm Cat) will stand at Robert Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky upon his retirement. Winner of the Gr1 Hopeful Stakes last year, Sky Mesa has been sidelined by injury but is preparing for a return to the track in the Gr2 Dwyer Stakes on July 6 at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Specifics of the deal were not disclosed, but a statement from the farm said Three Chimneys would “acquire an interest in the colt”. Clay added decisions on stud fee & whether to syndicate the colt "will be decided down the road" & noted: "Sky Mesa has all the ingredients to make a very important sire. We feel he can influence the breed & has been our pick of the crop since his win in the Gr1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course last August." Sky Mesa is undefeated in 3 starts, but has not started since winning the Gr2 Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity last October at Keeneland Race Course. Bred in Kentucky by Harbor View Farm & out of Gr3-winning Storm Cat mare Caress, Sky Mesa was purchased by Oxley for US$750,000 at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale. (June 23)
Silvano To Shuttle To South Africa
Multiple Gr1 winner Silvano (Lomitas-Spirit Of Eagles, by Beau's Eagle) will become the 1st German-based stallion to shuttle to the Southern Hemisphere when he stands the 2003 season at South Africa’s Maine Chance Farm (recently purchased by Dr Andreas Jacobs, who runs the family-owned Gestut Fahrhof, Silvano's base in Germany) reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Silvano retired to stud in 2002, after winning of the US Gr1 Arlington Million & HK Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup. A half-brother to Gr1 winner Sabiango, 7YO Silvano is from the immediate family of successful sire Avenue Of Flags. (June 23)
Vettori To Shuttle To Brazil
French classic winner & former Australian shuttler (& sire of this year’s Adelaide Gr1 Australasian Oaks winner Sound Action) Vettori (Machiavellian-Air Distingue, by Sir Ivor) will shuttle to Brazil’s Haras Old Friends & Stud TNT for the coming southern hemisphere breeding season from his British base at New England Stud in Newmarket. The 11-year old Irish-bred winner of the 1995 Gr1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) shuttled to Australia between 1996-2000 & has left 5 Australian-bred crops, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. His other notable performers in Australia include Lands End, Bails, Air Of Grace, Bunfight, St Basil, Storm Force & Vitelli. In Europe he was France’s 1999 champion 1st Crop sire & his major winners include Group performer Hightori (winner of France’s Gr2 2001 Prix Foy), Reine de Romance (winner of the US Gr2 2001 San Clemente Handicap) & Lady Vettori. Overall Vettori has sired 10 stakes winners (including 5 graded/group winners). “At Stud TNT Vettori has already been booked to cover Brazilian Gr1 winners Clausen Export & Miss Kin,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (June 23)
US Sire Jadada To Stand In Chile
Jadada, winner of the 2000 Gr3 Fayette Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Keeneland Race Course, “has been retired & will stand in Chile at an undisclosed location”, reported US Daily Racing Form. The 8YO son of Jade Hunter won 7 races & placed 7 times in 52 career starts. Bred in Kentucky, “Jadada is 1 of 5 winners from 6 starters out of multiple Gr1 winner Carita Tostada (by Gallantsky)” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. He is a half-brother to Gr1-placed winner Chile Chatte & represents the immediate family of Chilean champions Nina Balconera, Sahumerio & Apreton de Manos. (June 23)
Argentine Gr1 winner & Sire Popular Dies
Gr1 winner & sire Popular has died at Gustavo Scarpello´s Haras El Calden in the providence of La Pampa in Argentina, aged 17, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Mariache II out of Pipirila (by Pipote) won Argentina’s 1989 Gr1 Gran Premio Raúl Chevalier & Gr2 Clásico Guillermo Kemmis, plus the 1990 Premio Necochea (as well as placings in the 1989 Gr1 Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué & Gr1 Gran Premio Ciudad de la Plata). Retired to stud after the 1991-92 racing season, Popular sired stakes winner Comprobado in his 1st crop & Argentine Gr3 winner Comuna in 2003. (June 23)
1st Winner For Strawberry Road’s Sire Son Mud Route
Strawberry Road’s US sire son & Gr2 winner Mud Route recorded his 1st winner with his 1st runner when US$600,000 2YO filly Bronze Route won on debut over 5 furlongs at Hollywood Park, reported bloodhorse.com. Mud Route (Strawberry Road-Our Suzette, by Sunny's Halo) stands at Rick Taylor's Special T Thoroughbreds in California; he won 6 of 14 starts (including the Gr2 California Stakes) for US$672,040 prize-money. Three Australian studs were in discussions with Special T Thoroughbreds earlier this year about shuttling Mud Route for the southern hemisphere season. (June 23)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Old Trieste
Former Kentucky sire Old Trieste recorded his 1st winner when 2YO colt Mr Trieste won over 5.5 furlongs at Churchill Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Multiple graded stakes winner Old Trieste had stood for US$25,000 at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky, but the 8YO son of A.P.Indy died in January. He had 44 foals in his 1st racing crop & Mr Trieste is 1 of his sire’s 5 starters. On the track Old Trieste won 6 of 14 starts (including the 1998 Gr2 Swaps Stakes, Gr2 Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap & Gr3 Affirmed Handicap) plus 4 placings. (June 23)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Claudius
US freshman sire Claudius recorded his 1st winner when Hi Teck Man won over 4.5 furlongs at Ruidoso Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gr3-winner Claudius won 9 of 35 starts (all on turf) including the 1995 Gr3 Lamplighter Handicap & 1994 Hopemont Stakes (plus runner-up in the 1995 Gr2 Jersey Derby). Claudius stands at His Spectacular Glory Stable in Texas & has 7 progeny in 1 crop of racing age & 10 foals overall in 2 crops. (June 23)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Emancipator
Unraced West Virginia freshman sire Emancipator recorded his 1st winner with the very 1st starter from his 1st crop when Zitlaly won on debut in the US, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Emancipator has 25 foals of racing age in his initial crop. Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Emancipator was 1 of 3 winners from 5 foals to race out of Gr1-winning Danzig mare Contredance (a full sister to Old Alliance). (June 23)
1st Winner For US Sire Epic Honor
US sire & Graded stakes winner Epic Honor recorded his 1st winner when his daughter Epic Beauty won over 4.5 furlongs at Stockton in California, reported bloodhorse.com. Epic Honor (Honor Grades-Poage's Landing, by Herat) stood for several years at Blooming Hills Farm in California before being returned to racing following the 2002 breeding season. (June 23)
Mr Dinos Romps Away With Gr1 Ascot Gold Cup
Coolmore shuttle stallion Desert King recorded a major staying success when his 4YO son & last year's Longchamp Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak (French St Leger) winner Mr Dinos (Desert King-Spear Dance, by Gay Fandango) “galloped his rivals into the ground” to win the famous Gr1 Gold Cup (2.5 miles) by 6 lengths at Royal Ascot overnight, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “Having committed fully 4 furlongs out & then galloping relentlessly to the line,” Mr Dinos (ridden by leading UK jockey Kieren Fallon for trainer Paul Cole & Cyprian owner Constantine Shiacolas) won from 10-year-old staying veteran Persian Punch (by Persian Heights) who ran 3rd in both the 1998 & 2001 Melbourne Cups & lead for most of this race & Pole Star (by Polar Falcon); the beaten brigade included a field of Europe’s top stayers, including Black Sam Bellamy (recent Gr1-winning brother to Galileo), Godolphin’s 4YO Mamool (who is entered for this year’s Melbourne Cup), Jardines Lookout (7th in the 2002 Melbourne Cup), Pugin (18th in the 2002 Melbourne Cup) & Fight Your Corner. Bred in Ireland by Mocklerstown House Stud, Mr Dinos has now won 6 of his 11 starts for earnings of £345,658 (A$885,000) “a fine return on the 42,000 guineas Cole paid for him at the 2001 Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale.” A three-quarter brother to Listed Solonoway Stakes winner Risk Material (by Danehill), their dam is a winning sister to Gr3 Jersey Stakes winner Rasa Penang. “Mr Dinos solidified his claim as the leading stayer in England,” summed up bloodhorse.com. His sire & Classic winner Desert King (by Danehill) formerly shuttled between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. (June 20)
Freshman Fasliyev Adds Ascot’s Norfolk Stakes
Coolmore shuttler & boom freshman sire Fasliyev added to his skyrocketing reputation when 2YO colt Russian Valour (Fasliyev-Vert Val, by Septieme Ciel) won the Gr3 Norfolk Stakes (5 furlongs) at Ascot overnight, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Russian Valour (ridden by Kevin Darley for trainer Mark Johnston) defeated Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s odds-on favourite Kheleyf (by Green Desert), Nevisian Lad (by Royal Applause) & Susan Magnier’s Old Deuteronomy (by Storm Cat). Russian Valour has now won 3 & placed twice in his 5 races. Bred in Ireland by Gestut Sohrenhof, Russian Valour is from the 1st crop of Champion 2YO Fasliyev (by Nureyev) who shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. (June 20)
Fasliyev Also Takes French Stakes
And across the English Channel, Fasliyev’s 2YO filly Much Faster (Fasliyev-Interruption, by Zafonic) “confirmed the promise of her debut win at Chantilly with a stylish win in the Listed Prix la Fleche (1100m) at Maisons-Laffitte,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Much Faster defeated Mill Hour (by Marchand de Sable) & Joursanvault (by Verglas). Much Faster is out of a half-sister to 3 stakeswinners, notably Gr2 winner Interim & to Interval (winner of the Gr2 Prix Maurice de Gheest & dam of Listed winner Cheyenne Dream & granddam of 2002 Gr1 July Cup winner Continent). Another half-sister Twixt is the dam of Bon Point (a Group/Graded winner in France & North America &, like Much Faster, sired by a son of Nureyev). As with Russian Valour (above), Much Faster is also from the 1st crop of Fasliyev. (June 20)
Choisir Aims At Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes
The dazzling performance of Australian sprinter Choisir (by Danehill Dancer) in Tuesday's Gr2 King's Stand Stakes has “earned the powerfully built chestnut a rating of 128, which not only makes him Timeform's highest-rated Sprinter, but sets up a mouth watering clash with Airwave (by Air Express), the lady in waiting, in Saturday's Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “With the possible participation of Malhub, Nayyir, Firebreak, Morluc, Khulood & another Australian in the shape of 2003 Gr1 winner Belle du Jour, Saturday's race is already shaping as a potential Champion Sprinter decider.” Choisir (who was sold for $55,000 at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale) now has 6 wins & 10 placings in 21 starts for $1,689,555 prize-money. (June 20)
Belle Also Aims At Gr1 Before Sadler’s Wells
And Irish trainer Dermot Weld “has decided to run Australian sprint champion Belle Du Jour in the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot on Saturday,” reported racingpost.co.uk. John Singleton’s former Golden Slipper winner is 1 of 23 currently-listed runners; she finished 2nd in the Ballyogan Stakes at Cork in Ireland last Sunday. Weld summed up: “Belle Du Jour ran a good race at Cork. She is tough & she has come out of it well. She has not got a lot of time left - she is to visit Sadler’s Wells in August - so she will take her chance in the Golden Jubilee.” (June 20)
Emirates Celebrates Nayef’s Gr1 Victory
Following the stunning victory by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum's Nayef in the Gr1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, “few could have welcomed the result more than Emirates Park Stud who has in its paddocks one of the most valuable mares in the land,” noted racenet.com.au. Nayef is the last foal produced by broodmare Height Of Fashion (by Bustino), a daughter of The Queen’s Gr1 English 1000 Guineas & Gr1 French Oaks winner Highclere (by Queen’s Hussar). Height Of Fashion’s half-sister Wily Trick (by Clever Trick) resides at Emirates Park Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley, “where she has already produced the highest earning Australian bred mare in history Elegant Fashion” (almost $4 million with 6 wins from 17 starts). Wily Trick has 4 winners from her 1st 5 foals, plus a weanling colt by Anabaa & was served by Fusaichi Pegasus last year. (June 20)
Arrowfield’s Real Quiet-Sunday Silence Coup
Whirlwind Charlott, the 1st winner sired by Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet, “has an Australian connection,” noted racenet.com.au: Arrowfield Stud’s Byron Rogers purchased her dam Dontstealmyroses in the US 2 years ago. A daughter of Storm Cat, Dontstealmyroses is a half-sister to 2 stakes winners (including multiple Gr3 winner & Gr1 placed Hot Novel, dam of champion racehorse Behrens, who was among the Top 10 leading North American money-winners when retired to Darby Dan Farm in 2001 with earnings over US$4.5 million). Last season Dontstealmyroses was 1 of 4 mares to produce a foal from the final crop (conceived to Southern Hemisphere time) by Sunday Silence. (June 20)
King Of Kings On A Roll
Coolmore shuttler King Of Kings has had a timely winning run as the breeding season approaches. A win by Richard Hannon’s 2YO colt King Carnival at Haydock in the UK was followed by a 3YO double from Lee Freedman’s Asian Symbol at Sandown & John Gosden’s Mujarad in England. Now comes the news Lindsay Park trainer Tony McEvoy is aiming his boom King Of Kings colt San Simeon at the Gr2 Ascot Vale Stakes as a lead-up to the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas in October. At the same time Kiwi trainer Mark Webber has King’s Chapel (a colt many believe was NZ’s best 2YO this season) also aiming at spring 3YO Guineas success. Coolmore Australia is standing King Of Kings for $11,000 including GST this season. (June 20)
Hawkes Breaks Stakes-In-A-Season Record
John Hawkes “has shattered 1 of racing’s most enduring records,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “Hawkes has trained the winners of 55 Group or Listed races this season, an Australian record.” The prevous benchmark was set by the legendary Tommy Smith (Gai Waterhouse’s father) who notched 52 major race winners in the 1979-80 season. No other trainer has won 50 stakes races in an Australian season; even Bart Cummings’ best was 44 in 1974-75. (June 20)
Beadman Backs Apprentice Exchange Program
Leading Sydney jockey Darren Beadman, writing in this morning’s Sydney Morning Herald, has proposed “racing authorities in the various states” consider the benefits of an “exchange program for apprentice jockeys, interstate & overseas.” (June 20)
McEvoy Sacks Adelaide Apprentice
Meanwhile leading Adelaide apprentice Chris Bryant “has been sacked by Lindsay Park & will face stewards today amid allegations of sexual misconduct,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Bryant’s indenture papers were cancelled by Lindsay Park’s head trainer Tony McEvoy last weekend & he can’t ride again until a new master is approved by Thoroughbred South Australia stewards. Chairman of stewards Graham Lock confirmed: “It’s not unreasonable to suggest he may have difficulty finding a master.” Bryant, 19, has ridden 28.5 city winners this season & is running 4th on the Adelaide Jockeys’ Premiership. McEvoy commented: “His papers have been cancelled. I don’t want anything to do with him anymore.” (June 20)
Digby Says Microchip Identification Saves $70,000
Breeding industry veteran John Digby, 70, Keeper Of The Australian Stud Book, predicts “the microchip could save up to $70,000 a year in indirect costs.” He told The Sydney Morning Herald one of his major successes is the recent decision to introduce microchip identification. He also declared Danehill the most significant horse in his time at the Stud Book. (June 20)
Bigger Sydney Saturday Fields
Since Racing NSW introduced programming changes in July 2002 “there has been a significant increase in field sizes for Saturday metropolitan meetings,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “The surge is also swelling racing industry coffers with wagering turnover increasing as a direct result.” Between 1 July 2002 & 15 June 2003 there have been 376 Sydney races, with 4,183 starts (averaging 11.1 per race); in the same period the previous year there were 368 races & 3,739 starters (average 10.15 per race). “These statistics indicate an approximate increase of 1 horse per race in NSW over the majority of the season & more than 440 extra starters in Saturday races . . . . an 11.9% increase in numbers. This increase has led to an approximate increase in betting turnover on Saturday racing of 8-10%.” (June 20)
NSW Trainers Gain Workers Comp Option
Racing NSW & the Australian Trainers Association have agreed to “change the licence renewal process with respect to workers’ compensation premiums to aid trainers with their cash flow & financial management of their businesses.” Trainers who have not yet paid their renewals will now have 2 options: pay the full amount up front; or pay a minimum $800 & transfer the remaining amount to their Stakes Payment account (under the usual collection cycle process, with the balance to be paid in full by September 30). (June 20)
Vic Breeders Sponsor Werribee Research
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria will sponsor 1 of the newly-developed rehabilitation stables to house a mare & foal at the Werribee Equine Centre. TBV president Mike Becker said: “The Werribee Equine Centre plays a vital role for many Victorian breeders in times of need & TBV represents those breeders. So this donation will allow that development to continue at a pace that meets world standards of equine research development.” (June 20)
Betfair Answers Aust Critics
UK betting exchange Betfair “has hit back at criticism of its operations by Australian TAB & bookmaking organisations,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Betfair’s marketing & communications manager Mark Davies (currently in Australia for further talks with Government & racing bodies) declared adversaries to the introduction of betting exchanges in Australia are “pushing their own agendas”. He noted: “The latest attacks on Betfair from Australia are notable for being long on allegation & short on fact. Some have sought to use Betfair’s recent ground-breaking agreement in the UK, which sets the exchange further apart from the traditional industry there, to push their own agendas. The fact that Betfair is seeking to ensure full transparency, unprecedented within the UK jurisdiction, should be applauded not misrepresented.” Davies said Betfair’s agreements with British authorities should be taken as showing the company’s willingness to work with their equivalents world-wide on local terms & emphasised Betfair would offer Australian authorities access to client records as required by legislation, if licenced to operate in Australia by the Federal Government. (June 20)
Betfair’s Aust Operation ‘Growing Fast’
And the Betfair “phenomenon’s exponential growth world-wide has accelerated since it began operating with Australian punters,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Betfair’s Mark Davis said Australia was the fastest-growing part of the business outside the UK: “We now have around 2,000 customers from here in Australia. Turnover on Aussie racing is approximately $5 million a week, although obviously that comes from our user-base as a whole & is not limited to Australians betting. To give you an idea of our growth potential, though, we matched £3.5 million (A$8.74 million) on this month’s Epsom Derby. When we covered the same race 3 years ago, just after we launched, we matched just £1,972 (A$4,900) in total.” (June 20)
Dutch Govt Takes On Internet Gambling Sites
Meanwhile the Dutch government “has had a victory over about 85 internet gambling sites around the world,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. De Lotto (which has an exclusive gambling licence from the Dutch government) has issued global internet operators (including Australian-based International All Sports, International Sportsbook Systems & Multibet.Com) with a summons to appear in a Dutch court; Holland has laws in place “broadly similar to those in NSW, which make it illegal for foreign operators to target & accept wagers from its citizens.” After the summons was issued, more than 60 operators informed the Dutch government they would not accept bets by Dutch citizens. (June 20)
Bookies Trigger Macau Betting Boom
And the introduction of legal bookmakers in Macau “has sparked a betting boom that is bringing in huge business from other Asian countries & beyond,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. “The bookmakers have been attributed as the key to the Macau Jockey Club posting a record HK$69.1 million (A$14 million) 1-day betting turnover on June 15.” The new wagering benchmark continues the resurgence of fortunes at the MJC since the Macau Government decided to expand the number of bookmaking licences to 4. “These bookmakers, which Macau authorities prefer to call betting agents, operate from the racecourse at Taipa & have seemingly unlimited scope to market & promote their services outside of Macau’s boundaries.” Macau racing is telecast on a cable channel & is widely available in mainland China, understood to be the source of considerable “new money”. (June 20)
Larsen named NZ Racing Board Chairman
NZ Racing Minister Damien O’Connor has announced the appointment of Warren Larsen as chairperson of the NZ Racing Board. Murray Acklin, Jim Wakefield & Thayne Green have also been appointed Board members. The NZ Racing Board (which replaces the Racing Industry Board & the TAB) commences duties on August 1, the start of the new racing year. The NZ Racing Act 2003 “requires the chairperson to be independent of any particular racing code or sector group,” noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz, & Larsen is “an experienced company director & the former chief executive of the NZ Dairy Board. (June 20)
Lido Palace To Stud In Florida
Former Chilean Horse-Of-The-Year & 7-time Gr1 winner Lido Palace has been retired and will stand his 1st season for US$8,500 in 2004 at Roy Lerman’s Lambholm South Stud near Ocala in Florida, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Lido Palace (Rich Man's Gold-Sonada, by Quick Decision) concluded his career last November with a win for owners John & Jerry Amerman in the Gr2 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs. The 6YO was in training with Bobby Frankel to compete this year, but an ankle injury forced his retirement. Lido Palace was Chilean Horse-Of-The-Year as a 3YO, Chilean champion as a 2YO & 3YO, & and a multiple graded stakes winner in the US as a 4YO & 5YO (including the 2001 Gr1 Whitney Handicap & consecutive 2001-02 Gr1 Woodward Stakes). Roy Lerman noted: "He had precocity, went on as a 3YO, & then he went on as a sound older horse. He combines everything that a breeder usually looks for." Bred in Chile by Haras Figuron, Lido Palace is out of winning Quick Decision mare Sonada; his half-sister, the Roy filly Cremcaramel, was a champion in Chile as a 2YO, 3YO & 4YO, & Chile’s Horse-Of-The-Year in 2000. Lido Palace won 11 of 23 career starts & earned US$2,705,865. “ Lido Palace will likely shuttle to the Southern Hemisphere as well,” noted bloodhorse.com. (June 20)
1st Winner for US Freshman Sire Bonus Time Cat
US freshman Sire Bonus Time Cat recorded his 1st winner when Toriano Cat led all the way to win over 5 furlongs at Prairie Meadows, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bonus Time Cat (a 7YO unraced son of Storm Cat) stands at River View Farms in Oklahoma & is the sire of 2 starters from 24 foals of racing age & 46 foals overall. Bred in Kentucky, Bonus Time Cat is out of winning Key To The Mint mare Christmas Bonus; he is a half-brother to stakes winner Bright Candles (dam of multiple Gr1 winner & sire Grand Slam) & to 4 other stakes winners. (June 20)
NY Farms Unite In Breeding Venture
New York farms Questroyal Stud, Silvernails Farm & Dutchess Views Farm have announced “a plan to stand stallions at the newly-conceived Metropolitan Stud near Pine Plains, starting the 2004 breeding season” reported bloodhorse.com. Dutchess Views (also located near Pine Plains) is leasing the entire Silvernails property from owners Jim & Lorna Mack. Dutchess Views president Michael Lischin said the jointly-owned Metropolitan venture will operate on 35 of those acres & the 6-horse barn is being expanded to accommodate 14 stallions. Popular sire Williamstown (who currently stands at Silvernails) will be a member of the Metropolitan stallion corps. Questroyal, owned by Louis Salerno & Barry Ostrager, will relocate its stallions to Metropolitan on July 15; the Questroyal roster includes Abaginone, American Chance, Captain Bodgit, Gold Fever, Gold Token, Signal Tap & Tomorrows Cat. (Questroyal will continue to manage the stallions.) (June 20)
Storm Passage Starting Stud Duty In Louisiana
US Gr2 stakes-placed 4YO Storm Passage (a full brother to Gr1 winner & young sire Tactical Cat) will enter stud at Jay Adcock's Red River Farms in Louisiana next season, as the property of Dr Natalie & Jim Montgomery, reported bloodhorse.com. Storm Passage (Storm Cat-Terre Haute, by Caro) was bred by William Young's Overbrook Farm & the Montgomery family bought him privately in training, after he was claimed last November. (June 20)
Belmont Stakes Winner Coastal Pensioned
US & later South African sire Coastal, who ended the 1979 3YO Triple Crown quest of Spectacular Bid by winning the Gr1 Belmont Stakes, has been pensioned from stallion duty, reported bloodhorse.com. Coastal began stud duty at the Hancock family's Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, before ending up at Mick Goss' Summerfield Stud in South Africa. A 27-year-old son of Majestic Prince (out of Buckpasser mare Alluvial), Coastal “is enjoying retirement & remains in good health,” according to a farm representative. Bred by Claiborne & campaigned by William Haggin Perry, Coastal has sired 19 stakes winners (including US Gr1 winners Little Brianne & Danger's Hour). He is the oldest living Belmont winner. (June 20)
Preakness Stakes Winner Aloma's Ruler Pensioned
Meanwhile Aloma's Ruler, who also managed a major US 3YO upset by taking the 1982 Gr1 Preakness Stakes over odds-on favorite Linkage for owner Nathan Scherr, has been similarly pensioned from stallion duty reported bloodhorse.com. Bred by Silk Willoughby Farm, Aloma's Ruler (Iron Ruler-Aloma, by Native Charger) started his stallion career at Mare Haven Farm in Kentucky & later stood at the Rooney family's Shamrock Farms near Woodbine, before ending up at Leroy Bormet's B&B Farm in Illinois. Now 24 years old, he was “pensioned because of the infirmities of old age”. Aloma's Ruler has sired 6 stakes winners &, following the recent death of 1979 Preakness winner Spectacular Bid, Aloma's Ruler is now the oldest living Preakness winner. (June 20)
Call For Action On NY Criminal Activity
Further to our recent report: New York Attorney-General Eliot Spitzer has asked US legislators “to act on his recommendation for sweeping changes & the replacement of current management at the New York Racing Association,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. In a letter sent to 212 NY state law-makers this week, Spitzer emphasised he hoped the report he issued last weekend detailing "rampant" criminal activity at the 3 NYRA tracks would lead to high-level changes within the association. Associated Press reported New York Governor George Pataki & spokesmen for leadership in the New York Legislature “said they would review Spitzer’s report.” (June 20)
1st Winner For Irish Freshman Sire Indian Rocket
Irish freshman sire & 4-time stakes winner Indian Rocket (winner of England’s 1996 Gr2 Bonusprint Mill Reef Stakes & US 1998 Churchill Downs Turf Sprint Stakes) recorded his 1st winner when Barbilyrifle won over 5 furlongs at Bath racecourse in Ireland, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Indian Rocket (who won 7 of 25 starts while racing for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stable) stands at Tally-Ho Stud near in Westmeath in Ireland. The 9YO son of Indian Ridge out of Selvi (by Mummy’s Pet) has had 8 starters from a 1st crop of 52 2YOs. (June 20)
Jockeys Should NEVER tip
Friday Odd Spot 1: The victory overnight by Russian Valour in the Norfolk Stakes at Ascot “was slightly embarrassing for jockey Frankie Dettori,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com, “who claimed before the race that it would take jockey error on his part for Kheleyf, a Green Desert colt who races for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s & trainer David Loder, to be beaten.” (June 20)
Phar Lap’s Kangaroo & Lizard Skin Saddle
Friday Odd Spot 2: “Thanks in part to Funny Cide’s run at a Triple Crown & the release of the movie Seabiscuit, interest in horse racing memorabilia is enjoying a major resurgence,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. And the I.M.Chait Gallery in Beverly Hills in California “hopes to capitalise on the boom when it auctions the George Woolf collection on July 20.” The collection includes Phar Lap’s kangaroo & lizard skin saddle, which Billy Elliot gave to Woolf. The Brisbane Courier-Mail reported Australian, British & Arabic interests would like to acquire the saddle, which could sell for as much as US$250,000. Other items from Woolf’s collection include his cowboy boots, Seabiscuit’s shoes from his match race with War Admiral that were made into ashtrays, & the contract Woolf signed to ride Seabiscuit in the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap. (June 20)
Nayef Wins Gr1 Prince Of Wales Stakes
Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum's 5YO homebred Nayef (Gulch-Height Of Fashion, by Bustino) defeated a field including some of the world’s leading horses (there were 8 other Gr1 winners) to take the Gr1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes (10 furlongs) on Day 2 at Royal Ascot in England overnight. Nayef (ridden by Richard Hills) won from last year's Derby Italiano winner Rakti (by Polish Precedent) & Islington (by Sadler's Wells), followed by Olden Times & Falbrav; among the beaten brigade were Godolphin’s Dubai World Cup champ Moon Ballad & last year’s World Series winner Grandera, as well as Paolini & Ekraar. Nayef now has 9 wins in 16 starts (including 4 Gr1 victories: Prince Of Wales at Royal Ascot; Juddmonte International Stakes at York; Champion Stakes at Newmarket; & Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad al Sheba) & prize-money over US$3.1 million (A$4.96 million). Trainer Marcus Tregoning told the media: “This was probably his best performance. He's bound to get great support when he goes to stud, let's just hope it's not yet!” Nayef is the 3rd Gr1 winner by multiple Group winner Height Of Fashion (after Champions Nashwan & Unfuwain). Bloodhorse.com noted: “Sheikh Hamdan bred Nayef in Kentucky in the name of his Shadwell Farm.” (June 19)
Royal Ascot Victory For Widden’s Belong To Me
Widden Stud’s shuttle sire Belong To Me received a great fillip for the coming Australian season when American jockey Gary Stevens rode his son, the Darley Stud-bred 3YO colt Membership (Belong To Me-Shamisen, by Diesis), to victory in the Gr3 Jersey Stakes (7 furlongs) at Royal Ascot last night. Membership defeated Arakan (by Nureyev) & Rimrod (by Danzig). Membership (3 wins & 6 placings from 16 starts) “is 1 of 6 stakes-winners sired in 2003 by 14-year-old Belong To Me (Danzig-Belonging, by Exclusive Native) who shuttles between Lanes End in Kentucky & Widden Stud in Australia,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (June 19)
Danehill Dancer’s 7 Winners in 6 Countries
Meanwhile the win on Day 1 at Royal Ascot by the Paul Perry-trained 3YO Australian colt Choisir topped an extraordinary week for his sire Danehill Dancer (by Danehill), who recorded 7 winners across 6 countries in the last 6 days (& that’s ignoring his Gr1 victory with Private Steer in Brisbane’s Stradbroke Handicap on June 7). As well as Choisir, Danehill Dancer (standing this southern hemisphere season at Coolmore Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley for $27,500 including GST) also recorded wins with:
- 4YO mare Freya’s Dream also won in England;
- 3YO filly Magic Hill won in France;
- 4YO Ariello won in Germany;
- 3YO colt Dynamic Dancing won at Doomben in Brisbane;
- 2YO colt Sadann won in Ireland;
- 4YO Bocca Da Fuoco won the Premio Altrek in Italy.
(June 19)
Choisir’s Stallion Value Soars
Bloodstock agent Vin Cox “believes Choisir will be worth a fortune” if he can now back-up & win Saturday’s Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot. He told The Daily Telegraph: “In Australia, Choisir’s value as a stallion would be up to about $5 million, but he could be worth anything if he wins a Gr1 there (in Britain).” (June 19)
Ascot Highlights Shuttle Benefits
As well as Choisir’s victory, the opening day at Royal Ascot week highlighted “the strides the Australian bloodstock industry has made through the success of the shuttle stallion concept,” noted racenet.com.au.
“A cursory glance at the results at Ascot’s opening day clearly reveals the quality of stallions that have visited our shores of late.”
- The Gr1 St James's Palace Stakes was a shuttle stallion trifecta with Zafeen (by short-lived Zafonic) defeating Kalaman (by Desert Prince) & Martillo (by Anabaa).
- The Duke Of Edinburgh resulted in another trifecta with Waverley (by Catrail) defeating Researched (by Danehill) & Hambleden (by Vettori).
- Another trifecta came in the Balmoral Handicap with Deportivo (by Night Shift) defeating Baltic King (by Danetime) & Coconut Penang (by Night Shift).
(June 19)
Dubai Destination Boost For Widden Pair
The NSW Hunter Valley’s Widden Stud “would have received a double thrill from the win of Dubai Destination in the Gr1 Queen Ann Stakes,” at Ascot, noted racenet.com.au. “Not only is Dubai Destination a son of Kingmambo (sire of Widden’s champion turf performer King Cugat), but he is also out of a half-sister to Widden’s brilliant Danzig sprinter Agnes World. (June 19)
$1 Million Colt Wins At Randwick
Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor’s $1 million yearling (now 3YO colt) Geronimo broke through for his maiden win (following placings in his 2 previous starts) at Randwick yesterday. Geronimo (Danehill-Red Express) won an 1800m handicap & trainer Gai Waterhouse told aapracingandsports.com.au: "Right from day one I thought he was one of the most exciting young staying prospects I've ever had. He's an absolute natural, a beautiful mover. He could be anything, this horse." Geronimo is a brother to 1997 Cox Plate winner Dane Ripper & Waterhouse added: "From memory Dane Ripper never hit her hopples until a late 3YO. This bloke is the same. He just wants race experience. We've just got to let him mature more. He'll probably have another run, then a break & I'll bring him back and set him for the Spring Carnival. You'll see a top class racehorse then. I haven't got a 3YO in the stable that can gallop more brilliantly." (June 19)
Goodwood Incentive For Northerly
Perth is “doing its best to ensure Northerly’s local fans get a chance to see the champion race at home before he returns to Melbourne for his next spring campaign,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The WA Turf Club “has decided that the Goodwood Sprint on August 16 will be run under weight-for-age conditions for the first time, a move aimed at tempting Northerly to start in the 1300m event at Belmont Park.” The switch to WFA conditions “is a virtual invitation to trainer Fred Kersley as Northerly, as a 7YO, will be asked to carry 58kg compared to a weight of between 61kg & 65kg if the race remained a handicap.” (June 19)
New Sire For Canberra Tender Scheme
Rubiton stallion Buriton (a winner in both Sydney & Melbourne & twice Group-placed) has been added to the Unique Internet Stallion Tender Scheme conducted by the Canberra Racing Club. CRC’s Peter Stubbs noted: “Buriton boasts the best of Australian pedigrees, being by Rubiton by Century by Better Boy from Penny Row by Bletchingly by Biscay.” (June 19)
Danehill Leads Aust Sires List
With a little over a month to go to the end of the 2002-03 Australian racing season on July 31, Danehill still leads Serheed & Dehere on the General Sires List (by prize-money). The current Top 30 (after last weekend’s racing) are:
1: Danehill $6,677,264.
2: Serheed $6,318,612.
3: Dehere $5,324,850.
4: Snippets $4,316,105.
5: Octagonal $4,313,066.
6: Zabeel $3,996,521.
7: Encosta de Lago $3,889,775.
8: Success Express $3,729,079.
9: Grand Lodge $3,725,348.
10: Hennessy $3,712,372.
11: Rubiton $3,362,198.
12: Royal Academy $3,124,155.
13: Quest For Fame $2,722,217.
14: Canny Lad $2,595,539.
15: Theatrical $2,565,000.
16: Danehill Dancer $2,508,158.
17: Secret Savings $2,503,115.
18: Rory's Jester $2,486,696.
19: Jeune $2,300,542.
20: Umatilla $2,300,527.
21: Geiger Counter $2,299,288.
22: Helissio $2,219,730.
23: Clang $2,143,812.
24: Last Tycoon $2,059,317.
25: Flying Spur $2,053,876.
26: Danewin $1,981,775.
27: Scenic $1,970,814.
28: El Moxie $1,962,512.
29: Anabaa $1,957,690.
30: Unbridled's Song $1,888,574.
(June 19)
Pentire Grabs Japanese Stakes Win
Good news for NZ’s Rich Hill Stud with the win by Pentire 4YO Meiner Amundsen in the Gr3 Epsom Cup over 1800m in Tokyo, reported aapracingndsports.com.au. It was his 3rd successive win & 5th in 17 starts overall. “Meiner Amundsen will now be set for the Gr1 Tenno Sho in November.” (June 19)
Honor Babe Aims At Melbourne Cup
Recent Sydney Cup winner Honor Babe has begun a preparation aimed at this year's Melbourne Cup.
The 4YO has been back in work with NZ’s Matamata trainer Katrina Alexander for the past week. Alexander told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "She didn't have a long spell after getting back from Sydney, but she did well in the time she had. We'll take her along steadily &, depending on the weather, aim to resume probably about mid-to-late August." (June 19)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Real Quiet
Former Vinery shuttler & current US freshman Sire Real Quiet recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Whirlwind Charlott won over 4.5 furlongs at Philadelphia Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Real Quiet (an 8YO son of Quiet American out of winning Believe It mare Really Blue) was 1998 US champion 3YO male following victories in both the Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes. He currently stands for US$10,000 at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky; before this season, he stood at Vinery in Kentucky. Overall Real Quiet won 6 of 20 races (including 5 Gr1 victories as a 2YO, 3YO & 4YO) plus a further 11 placings, while earning US$3,271,802. His initial crops include 72 juveniles & 90 yearlings; he has 4 starters so far. Real Quiet’s 1st Australian-bred progeny (he shuttled for 3 seasons & served 55 mares in 2000, followed by 70 in 2001 & 55 in 2002) were offered as yearlings this year, “where 13 sold at an average of $72,884,” reported racenet.com.au. (June 19)
Aust Gr1 Winner Bollinger Arrives At US Stable
Further to last week’s report re Australian Gr1 winner Bollinger’s move to the US to continue racing: thoroughbredtimes.com reports Bollinger has “arrived in trainer Neil Drysdale’s Hollywood Park barn & is expected to make her 1st start in the US” later this year. Vinery Syndicate’s Bollinger began her last Australian campaign with 4 straight victories, including the Gr1 Coolmore Classic on March 29; the daughter of Dehere suffered her 1st loss of 2003 when she finished 6th in the Gr2 Emancipation Stakes on May 3. "She’ll take several months to get acclimated," Bates Newton, general manager of the US Vinery, told US Daily Racing Form. "Neil is very conservative & takes his time. I wouldn’t look for her to start before November or December." Newton added he would consider retiring the filly to Vinery’s American base near Lexington if she becomes a graded stakes winner in the US: "Fillies like these, with nice pedigrees & black-type, will go directly into the broodmare band." Bollinger (who has 5 wins from 8 career starts) is out of champion Australian mare Bint Marscay & is half-sister to Gr3 winners Mannington & Sheraton. (June 19)
Cherokee Run Filly Tops Day 1 At Ocala Sale
A filly by champion sprinter Cherokee Run topped the 1st session of the 2-day Ocala Breeders’ June sale in the US, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Jurgen Schemmer, who owns Arosa Farms in Ontario in Canada, went to US$270,000 for the race-ready filly (consigned by Niall Brennan Stables) who is out of stakes winner Social Director (by Deputy Minister). Second-highest price was US$102,000 paid by industry veteran F.W.Lucas (who is building a small racing stable, as well as a broodmare band) for a Mister Jolie filly named Joliejolie Star consigned by Preferred Equine; the filly is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Program Pick (dam of Gr1 winner Stormy Pick). (June 19)
Runaway Groom Colt Tops Day 2 At Ocala Sale
Buzz Chace paid US$150,000 for Cab Driver, a Runaway Groom colt consigned by Paul Sharp, to top Day 2 at the Ocala Breeders June sale, reported bloodhorse.com. The colt is out of stakes-placed Tippecanoe Creek (by Olympio) & is a half-brother to graded stakes winner Lion Tamer. Chace also paid US$140,000 for a filly by Saint Ballado out of Franziska (by Sadler's Wells). Peter Karches paid US$125,00 for a colt by Is It True out of Goose Geisz (by Great Above); the colt is a half-brother to stakes placed Paris Adventure.
Overall for the 2-day sale: 249 2YOs sold for US$4,584,500 (241 for US$4,569,500 last year); the average was US$18412 (just below last year’s record $18,961); median was US$9,500 ($9,700 in 2002) & buy-back rate was 32.1% (23.7% last year). (June 19)
Irving Wins Brazil Gr1 Juliano Martins
Unbeaten 2YO colt Irving (Beyton-Sea World, by Midnight Tiger) won Brazil’s Gr1 Grande Premio Juliano Martins (1600m) at Cidade Jardim, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Irving defeated Dusit Thani & Fidelity. Irving’s sire Beyton is a Royal Ascot-winning son of Alleged & he is a half-brother to Brasilian Gr2 winner Guardiola. (June 19)
British Racing ‘On Eve Of Destruction’
Peter Savill, entering the final year of his chairmanship on the British Horseracing Board, has warned that the racing industry in Britain is under grave threat, reported bloodhorse.com. Speaking to the BHB, Savill declared: "I would be failing in my duty as chairman if I did not warn you of the serious danger to this industry posed by the Office of Fair Trading's Rule 14 Notice, which threatens the very foundations of British racing & everything that has been achieved these past 5 years." The UK Office of Fair Trading has said British racecourses should be free to arrange their own fixtures, data should be able to be bought direct from racecourses, collective selling of rights was not acceptable, & racecourses should be able to set their own race programs & prize money levels. Savill argued: "The moment racecourses are allowed by the OFT to race when they want will be the moment that British racing comes under the complete control of the bookmakers. Instead of the BHB setting the fixture list to ensure a balancing of interests between all of racing's customers, the betting industry will immediately take charge of the decision as to which racecourses are granted fixtures, when they can race & what specific races they can put on." He noted that with the supply of racing likely to be way beyond demand in this scenario, bookmakers will be able to dictate terms, thus reducing payments sharply. Jump racing would be threatened & quality in Flat racing would suffer. Savill continued: "And then, will we be able to say that we still have the best racing product in the world? Will the Maktoum family agree with the OFT that prize-money is unimportant & continue to provide employment for thousands of people, & pleasure for millions who love racing in Britain only because we have so far managed to hang on to the best horses in the world & managed to persuade our major owners that we are confident that we can improve the financial position of British racing to match that of the countless other major racing nations which the OFT appears to have concluded are not in the same market as us? Will the OFT still be telling us that we don't compete with other racing nations when our overseas owners, who have made British racing what it is, fly all their horses at 24 hours' notice to another jurisdiction, never to return?" (June 19)
Loser Of The Week
Thursday Odd Spot: Coolmore Australia’s weekly newsletter notes that, prior to Tuesdsay’s Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, UK sportinglife.com’s commentator dismissed Choisir’s chances with the bold declaration: “At least this is 1 event in which the Australians won’t beat us.” (June 19)
Choisir Wins Sprint At Royal Ascot
Newcastle trainer Paul Perry’s 3YO sprinting colt Choisir (Danehill Dancer-Great Selection, by Lunchtime) carried equal top weight & started as a 25-1 outsider in the field of 20, but “spread-eagled the opposition with an historic win” overnight in the Gr3 King's Stand Stakes (5 furlongs) on the opening day of this week’s 5-day Royal Ascot meeting in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Choisir (whose home-base is Newcastle’s Broadmeadow track north of Sydney) is the 1st winner at a Royal Ascot meeting ever to be trained from Australia. “Considering the 3YO was at a considerable weight disadvantage (he carried the weight of a northern hemisphere 4YO), his performance was, as Perry, swamped by the Coolmore camp in the winner’s enclosure said later, 'sensational . . . mate they'll love this at home’. Leading almost every step of the way, Choisir had most of his rivals in trouble after half-way.” Choisir won “easing down by a length” from Acclamation (by Royal Applause) & Oasis Dream (by Green Desert). NZ’s thoroughbrednews.co.nz reported Choisir “gave age, weight & a sound beating to his international rivals”, while America’s thoroughbredtimes.com declared: “The result was yet another sporting triumph for Australia over its old adversaries in Britain.” The King's Stand is Choisir’s 4th Group win; he took the Gr1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington in Melbourne earlier this year. Choisir's 4th dam Straightlaced won the Flight Stakes (now classified a Gr1 race) in 1958. Choisir’s sire, Gr1 winner Danehill Dancer (by Danehill), shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. (June 18)
Dubai Destination Takes Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes
Calumet bred 4YO Dubai Destination (Kingmambo-Mysterial, by Alleged) “repaid Sheikh Mohammed's patience with a clear win in the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes (1 mile) at Royal Ascot, bursting the Hawk Wing bubble in the process,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “Although it transpired later that the Ballydoyle representative had finished lame, Dubai Destination had Gr1 winners toiling behind him as he powered home on only his 6th start.” Dubai Destination defeated Tillerman (by In The Wings) & Right Approach (by Machiavellian). Odds-on favourite Hawk Wing “folded tamely when the pressure was applied by Dubai Destination & trainer Aidan O'Brien explained later: 'He's lame in front. We've had problems with his shoulders & hindquarters before, maybe this came too quick after Newbury’.” Sheikh Mohammed commented after the victory by Dubai Destination (who conquered Rock Of Gibraltar in the 2001 Champagne Stakes): “We gave him time & got him right. People have a short memory; if we had stood him, then people forget. He is a top-class horse as today has proved.” A US$1.5 million yearling, Dubai Destination now has 4 wins & 2 2nds from his 6 starts. He is the 1st foal of a non-winning half-sister to Agnes World (winner of the Gr1 Prix de l'Abbaye & Gr1 July Cup, & a shuttle stallion between Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket & Widden Stud in Australia) & to Champion Japanese Sprinter Hishi Akebono (by Woodman). His sire & Royal Ascot winner Kingmambo (by Mr Prospector) stands at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky. (June 18)
Zafeen Wins Gr1 St James Palace Stakes
Gainsborough Stud bred 3YO colt Zafeen (Zafonic-Shy Lady, by Kaldoun) won the Gr1 St James's Palace Stakes (1 mile) at Royal Ascot, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Zafeen defeated Kalaman (by Desert Prince) & Martillo (by Anabaa). Zafeen's granddam is a Groom Dancer (half-sister to Group winning sprinter & sire in India, Diffident). His 4th dam Shy Dawn won both the Gr3 Affectionately & Gr3 Vagrancy Handicaps. (June 18)
Fasliyev Adds French Stakes Victory
Meanwhile across the English Channel it was more good news for Coolmore, with 2YO filly Much Faster (Fasliyev-Interruption, by Zafonic) taking the Listed Prix la Fleche (1100m) at Maisons-Laffitte in France, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Much Faster defeated Mill Hour (by Marchand de Sable) & Joursanvault (by Verglas). Much Faster is out of a half-sister to 3 stakes-winners, notably Gr2 winner Interim & Interval (winner of the Gr2 Prix Maurice de Gheest & dam of Listed winner Cheyenne Dream & granddam of 2002 Gr1 July Cup winner Continent). Much Faster is the 2nd stakes-winner from the 1st crop of Champion 2YO Fasliyev (by Nureyev) who shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. (June 18)
Oliver Returning To Aust After Japan Suspension
Leading Melbourne jockey Damien Oliver has been suspended in Japan for 3 weeks after being found guilty of careless riding, reported racenet.com.au. Manager Bruce Clark announced that, as a result, Oliver will now head home: "It's a standard suspension of 3 weekends. Apparently they just call the jockey in & say: 'You're suspended.' There's no inquiry like we have here, it's all very different. He was going to have a holiday before the start of our season anyway, so he'll do that now & be back for the 1st week in Melbourne. He can finish off his time in Japan later on in the season if he wants to. He's had a great time, rode 8 winners & it's been a great experience for him." (June 18)
Arrowfield Stallion Parade Day
John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud will conduct its Stallion Parade Day on Sunday August 31.
This year’s stallion roster includes leading sires Dehere & Flying Spur, proven international stallions French Deputy & Hussonet, & World Champion Sprinter of 2002 Orientate. (June 18)
100 Wins For Darbonne Progeny
European Gr1-placed Danzig sire-son Darbonne is enjoying a purple patch, with his progeny passing the 100 wins mark. A half-brother to Champion Canadian sprinter Eternal Search (herself dam of a US Gr1-placed dual stakes winner), Darbonne is the sire of emerging Singapore star Luke Skywalker (3 wins from 4 starts), while his Hong Kong-based HK$2.8 million (A$560,000) earner Crocker has now finished in the money at 18 of 21 career starts (including 3 Australian victories). With strong performances by his 2YO crop in 2002-03 in Australia, Darbonne (whose progeny have earned $1 million this season) is
attractively priced at just $2,200 (including GST) at Razorback Stud near Picton on Sydney’s south-western outskirts. (June 18)
Steam Heat Keeps 100% Winners Record
The “wonderful producer Steam Heat kept her 100% runners-to-winners record intact” when Grahame Begg-trained 2YO Sheer Hell won on debut over 1200m at Newcastle, reported racenet.com.au. A son of Golden Slipper winner Flying Spur, Sheer Hell was passed in at the Inglis Easter Yearling sale when bidding stopped $10,000 short of his $100,000 reserve. Steam Heat (a daughter of Salieri) has produced 9 consecutive winners for the Cobcroft family, including full brothers Flaming Hot & Hot As Hell (both sons of the 1984 Gr3 Todman Slipper Trial winner County): Flaming Hot earned $228,988 with 9 wins & 13 placings from 48 starts (including the Listed Carrington Stakes & was runner-up in the Gr2 San Domenico Stakes); Hot As Hell also won 9 races from just 27 starts with earnings of $255,758 (including victories in the Gr3 AJC The Shorts & consecutive runnings of the Listed June Stakes, plus runner-up in the Gr3 Star Kingdom Stakes & Listed Moet & Chandon Stakes). Steam Heat a weanling filly by Zeditave & was served by Darley Stud’s Xaar last season. (June 18)
Caulfield Trainers Praise New Viscoride Track
Melbourne Racing Club executives, industry representatives & the racing media attended track-work at Caulfield Racecourse yesterday morning to view the new ViscoRide training track. The ViscoRide track (a combination of sand, rubber fibre & a Viscopol modified wax binder) has been installed as a replacement for the dirt training track. ViscoRide promises continuity of usage regardless of weather conditions & water-free maintenance. Positioned immediately inside the Steeple Track, the new track has a circumference of 1724m & width of 9.3m. While the ViscoRide track will be purely a training surface, the Caulfield circuit has sufficient width to accommodate trials if necessary. Caulfield trainers Peter Moody, Mick Price & Bill Mitchell all praised the new training track. (June 18)
Windsor Park’s Volksraad Leads NZ Sires Table
The current Top 20 on the NZ General Sires Table (by prize-money), according to NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, are:
1: Volksraad NZ$1,176,175.
2: Zabeel NZ$1,070,165.
3: O’Reilly NZ$890,536.
4: Desert Sun NZ$845,013.
5: Faltaat NZ$747,137.
6: Prized NZ$701,225.
7: Stark South NZ$655,345.
8: Al Akbar NZ$575,345.
9: Maroof NZ$520,143.
10: His Royal Highness NZ$494,295.
11: Deputy Governor NZ$451,233.
12: Danasinga NZ$438,5180.
13: Shinko King NZ$434,252.
14: Lord Ballina NZ$425,422.
15: Blues Traveller NZ$423,452.
16: Centaine NZ$406,544.
17: King Of Kings NZ$383,090.
18: Honor Grades NZ$382,741.
19: Bin Ajwaad NZ$356,014.
20: Victory Dance NZ$339,423.
(June 18)
Coolmore’s King Of Kings Leads NZ 2YO Sires Table
And the current Top 10 on the NZ 2YO Sires Table (by prize-money), according to NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, are:
1: King Of Kings NZ$383,090.
2: Volksraad NZ$334,315.
3: Maroof NZ$293,425.
4: Tale Of The Cat NZ$154,775.
5: Entrepreneur NZ$94,410.
6: Justice Prevails NZ$81,510.
7: Danske NZ$70,045.
8: Armidale NZ$64,300.
9: Slavic NZ$58,590.
10: Al Akbar NZ$54,525.
(June 18)
Newsells Yearlings To Keeneland & Saratoga
Klaus Jacobs's UK-based Newsells Park Stud, which has assembled an 85-strong broodmare band in just 3 years, has “unveiled its draft of yearlings to be offered this year at the major northern hemisphere auctions, including 4 at Saratoga & 9 at Keeneland September,” reported bloodhorse.com.
- The Saratoga quartet comprises: a Giant's Causeway colt out of Gr2 winner Diamond White; a Giant's Causeway filly out of Gr3 winner Tamise; a Coronado's Quest filly out of Gr2 winner Fairy Queen; & a Saint Ballado filly out of Gr1 heroine She's Classy.
- Those going to Keeneland include: a Danzig colt out of Gr1 Beverly D Stakes winner Snow Polina; a Fusaichi Pegasus filly out of stakes winner Reading Habit; colts by Red Ransom-Chine, Forestry-Euro Empire, Saint Ballado-Sheer Bliss & High Yield-Let The Music Play; & fillies by War Chant-Hula Queen, Fusaichi Pegasus-Nurse Goodbody & Silver Deputy-Strawberry Morn.
- The stud will also be selling at Deauville in France in August & at the UK Tattersalls Houghton, October & December yearling sales.
(June 18)
Klaus Jacobs Sets Newsells Vision
Newsells Park Stud was bought in July 2000 by one of the world’s richest men Klaus Jacobs (owner of major international companies Jacobs-Suchard, chocolate producer Barry Callebaut & the world's largest employment agency Adecco). Newsells Park covers 1200 acres in Hertfordshire between London & Newmarket, & only houses mares who have acquired a Timeform rating of at least 90 on the track. Newsells general manager Robert Acton told bloodhorse.com: "We have our 85 mares, but we will have a strong culling policy &, if they are not producing commercial horses, they'll be replaced." Acton added the yearlings will be offered with reserves: "But our policy is to be very open with X-rays & the like, hiding nothing." Son Andreas Jacobs runs the family's Gestut Fahrhof in Germany. Klaus summed up: "We see it as our challenge to breed exceptional thoroughbreds that are capable of performing at the highest level for owners to be able to fulfill their passion. While all investment in bloodstock is a risk, we are committed to reducing that risk & succeeding in our challenge." (June 18)
Evil Knievel Wins Brazil Gr1 Francisco Eduardo de Paula Machado
Evil Knievel won the Brazilian Gr1 Grande Premio Francisco Eduardo de Paula Machado (2000m) at La Gavea in Rio de Janeiro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 3YO colt by Irish stallion Legal Case led all-the-way to notch his 3rd win in 5 starts. Owned by Stud Mega & bred in Brazil by Haras Louveira, Evil Knievel is out of Sharannpour mare Rhana (dam of Brazilian Gr1 winner Zabumba). (June 18)
American Chance To Shuttle To Argentina
New York-based stallion American Chance will shuttle to Argentina in July to stand the Southern Hemisphere breeding season at Antonio Gilberto Depieri’s Haras La Providencia (the same farm where Kentucky-based stallion Jade Hunter stood last season), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. From 226 foals in 6 crops of racing age, American Chance has sired 107 winners & 14 stakes winners (including Gr3 winners Devine Wind, American Halo, Gregorian Chance, Lasting Chance & American Justice). His progeny earnings are US$8,119,230. American Chance himself won 10 races (including the 1992 Gr2 Jersey Derby at Garden State Park & Gr3 Lafayette Stakes at Keeneland Race Course, & 1994 Gr2 Forego Handicap at Saratoga Race Course) & placed 12 times in 37 career starts while earning US$847,977. The 14-year-old son of Cure The Blues is 1 of 4 starters (all winners) from winning Seattle Slew mare American Dance (a half-sister to Gr1 winner & sire Chief Honcho); American Chance is a half-brother to stakes winner Ophidian. American Chance stands at Lou Salerno’s Questroyal Stud in New York. (June 18)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Bustopher Jones
California freshman sire Bustopher Jones, a 7YO son of Storm Cat (& half-brother to graded/group stakes winners Statuette, Academy Award & Good Mood), recorded his 1st winner with his very 1st starter when his 2YO colt Itsagreekthing won by 5 lengths over 5 furlongs at Les Bois Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky, Bustopher Jones is out of winning Mr Prospector mare Mine Only; his half-sister Statuette produced Tomahawk (Gr1-placed stakes winner who was high-weighted as a 2YO last year on the Irish Free Handicap). Bustopher Jones won 1 of 10 career starts while racing for Michael Tabor & Susan Magnier; they purchased the colt for US$675,000 at the 1997 Keeneland July Select Yearling sale. Bustopher Jones stands at Blane Schvaneveldt Ranch in California & has 38 2YOs in his initial crop & is also represented by 20 yearlings. (June 18)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Big Sky Chester
Arizona freshman sire Big Sky Chester also recorded his 1st winner with his very 1st starter when 2YO colt Samurai Nanao won over 5 furlongs at Yavapai Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Big Sky Chester won 4 stakes races & 9 of 24 starts overall (including the 1997 Henry Russell Handicap at Santa Anita Park). The 11-year-old son of Afleet stands at Dubya-Dubya Ranch in Arizona & has initial crops of 5 2YOs & 7 yearlings. Bred in Ontario, Big Sky Chester is out of stakes-winning Lear Fan mare Miracles Happen & is a full brother to Floriselli. (June 18)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Finest Hour
Louisiana freshman sire Finest Hour (by Forty Niner) recorded his 1st winner when his 2YO gelding Ten Times Better won by a massive 12.5 lengths over 5 furlongs at Evangeline Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Finest Hour (who only raced for 1 season in 1998 for a win & 3 placings in 5 career starts) stands at Camelot Farm in Louisiana. Bred in Virginia by Heronwood Farm, Finest Hour is out of winning Nijinsky II mare Ruby Slippers & is a half-brother to 1991 champion sprinter Rubiano & stakes winner Tap Your Heels. He has 88 foals in his 1st 2 crops (including 49 juveniles) & Ten Times Better is 1 of 4 of his off-spring to race to date. (June 18)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Accelerator
Freshman sire & US Gr3 winner Accelerator (who died last month while at stud in Turkey) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Hop On It won over 5.5 furlongs at Colonial Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Accelerator won 4 of 24 starts for owner-breeder Ogden Mills Phipps (including the 1996 Gr3 Pilgrim Stakes at Aqueduct, plus placings in the 1996 Gr2 Remsen Stakes, 1997 Gr2 Wood Memorial Stakes, 1998 Gr1 Metropolitan Handicap, 1998 Gr3 Excelsior Breeders’ Cup Handicap & 1998 Gr3 Stuyvesant Handicap).
Following retirement in 1999, Accelerator stood at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Kentucky for 2 seasons; but in 2002 he was purchased privately by the Turkish Jockey Club & stood at Izmit Pension Stud near Izmit until his death. Accelerator has 77 2YOs & 40 yearlings from his North American-bred crops; Hop On It is 1 of 3 foals to race to date. (June 18)
1st Winner for US Sire King Of The Heap
US Gr1 winner King Of The Heap recorded his 1st winner when his filly High On Luck won over 5.5 furlongs at Calder Race Course for Monarch Stables, reported bloodhorse.com. King Of The Heap (Allen's Prospect-Well Padded, by Topsider) stands at Sherwood's Farm & Equine Nursery in Texas. (June 18)
Amazing Jockey Dismount By Former Gymnast
Wednesday Odd Spot: Steeplechaser Golden Flare marched into NZ racing history at Ellerslie when he became the 1st horse ever to complete the tortuous Great Northern Steeplechase-McGregor Grant Steeplechase double in successive years. Racing over the famous 4900m ‘Ellerslie hill’ course (described by NZ Thoroughbred Marketing as “a steeplechase course that many believe to be the world’s most demanding”) jockey Clayton Chipperfield duly piloted Golden Flare (an 11-year-old son of English & Irish St Leger winner Touching Wood who stood at NZ’s Fayette Park Stud) to victory for trainer Raylene Whiteside. But upon returning to the Ellerslie birdcage Chipperfield, not content with just being the rider in Golden Flare’s historic ‘double-double’, produced “the most amazing dismount ever seen. Calling on his high school gymnastic skills, he perched on top of the horse’s saddle & threw himself backwards for a perfect somersault & landing on the asphalt surface. It put Frankie Dettori’s famous ‘star jump’ right in the shade.” (June 18)
Singapore Champion Smart Bet Dies
Singapore’s best racehorse Smart Bet has died of colic following an emergency operation for a ruptured bowel, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The Australian-bred 5YO by Cossack Warrior, who was unraced when he arrived in Singapore in 1999, won 13 of his 29 starts for trainer Mohd Yusof & earned S$2,946,744 (A$2,650,000) prize-money (2nd only to Ouzo as the highest stakes-winner in Singapore racing history). His major wins included the Kranji Mile, Singapore Derby, Raffles Cup, Singapore Gold Cup, Chairman’s Trophy & Orchid Cup at his most recent start last month. (June 17)
Symons & Laxon Move To Seymour
High-profile Victorian trainers John Symons & Sheila Laxon will base themselves at Seymour from next season “after the closure of Macedon Lodge as a public training facility,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Symons originally trained at Seymour & “is developing a 40-hectare training complex complete with a training track & stabling for 50 horses.” Both he & Laxon will be based at Seymour from August 1. (June 17)
Widden’s Anabaa Keeps Notching European Wins
Alec Head’s 3YO home-bred colt Victorieux (Anabaa-Vassia, by Machiavellian) won yesterday’s Listed Prix Hampton at Chantilly in France to make it 3 wins from 4 starts this year, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Victorieux's dam is a half-sister to Prix Montenica winner Lyphard's Honor & Shrewd Idea (placed in the Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak). Victorieux is the 9th individual stakes-winner sired in 2003 by Champion Sprinter Anabaa (by Danzig), who shuttles between Haras du Quesnay in France & Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley. (June 17)
Peintre Celebre’s Son Wins German Oppenheim-Union-Rennen
Coolmore shuttler Peintre Celebre’s 3YO son Dai Jin won the German Gr2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen (2200m) at Cologne, reported thoroughbredtimes.com, to now become a major contender for the Deutches Derby in July. Trained by Andreas Schutz & ridden by Terence Hellier, Dai Jin (Peintre Celebre-Dawlah, by Shirley Heights) defeated North Lodge (by Grand Lodge) & Palmridge (by Law Society). Bred in Great Britain by Gestut Schlenderhan, Dai Jin is the only starter from 3 foals out of winning Shirley Heights mare Dawlah; his 3rd dam is 3-time Gr1 winner White Star Line (a half-sister to stakes winner Fairway Fun & stakes winner & sire Filiberto). Other family notables include European high-weight Preseli. “Dai Jin is the 3d stakes-winner sired by Champion Peintre Celebre (by Nureyev) who shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (June 17)
Success Express Lands 18th 2YO Winner
Plenty of action at the top of the Australian 2YO Sires tables over the weekend: The extraordinary run by Peter Moran’s list leader Success Express (based at Noble Park Stud at Beaudesert in Queensland) continued when last Wednesday’s win by Zheng He at Canterbury Park was followed by Sunday’s victory by 2YO filly Radiant Star (Success Express-Palace Glow) in the $30,000 Red Ruby final at Ballarat in Victoria - giving Success Express an extraordinary 18th 2YO winner for the season, which includes Gr1 Golden Slipper winner Polar Success. (June 17)
Flying Spur Follows With 13th 2YO Winner
Meanwhile only Success Express has sired more 2YO winners this season than Arrowfield Stud’s Flying Spur. Sheer Hell became the former Golden Slipper champ’s 13th 2YO winner with a victory over 1200m at Newcastle on Saturday. (June 17)
Beautiful Crown’s 11th 2YO Winner
And, not to be left behind, Alanbridge Stud’s Beautiful Crown had 2YO filly Crown Princess (ex Antolomeo by Tolomeo) break through for her 1st win at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday to become his 10th 2YO winner this season. And then 24 hours later Extra Dollars (Beautiful Crown-Down Under Girl) won at Port Macquarie in NSW on Sunday to make it 11 2YO winners. (June 17)
2YO Win From Marscay’s Final Crop
Finally, following a run of 6 minor placings in his previous 7 starts, the Gai Waterhouse-trained 2YO colt L’Espalier broke through for a win in a 1400m handicap at Randwick on the weekend. “A $90,000 purchase from the Magic Millions Yearling sale, L’Espalier is the 3d winner this season from the 17th & final crop of Widden Stud’s champion stallion Marscay,” noted racenet.com.au. (June 17)
Marwina On A Roll For Riverdene
And the win by the Brian Mayfield Smith-trained 5YO gelding Greek Adonis over 1300m at Sandown “kept up the winning run being experienced by Rivedene Stud’s consistent Marscay stallion Marwina,” reported racenet.com.au. A week earlier Marwina sired his 1st stakes winner of the season when Marwin Gold (ex Princess Marigold by Yeats) won the Listed June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick. Greek Adonis has won now 8 of his 19 starts, while Marwin Gold has won 12 of 35 starts for earnings over $300,000. Both geldings come from Marwina’s 1st crop. (June 17)
1st Winner for Collingrove’s Bianconi
Collingrove Stud’s Bianconi (by Danzig) sired his 1st winner when Bustin' Out won over 5 furlongs at Churchill Downs in the US, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bustin’ Out was purchased by leading American trainer D. Wayne Lukas’s long time client Overbrook Farm for US$235,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July sale. Bianconi shuttles between Ashford Stud in Kentucky & Collingrove in Victoria & will stand this season for $7,500 (including GST). His 1st crop of Australian-bred yearlings sold this year. (June 17)
Unwanted $7,000 2YO Wins In City At 2nd Start
Former shuttler Distorted Humor (whose 3YO star Funny Cide has hogged US racing headlines over recent months with wins in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes) recorded a 2YO city winner in Adelaide at the weekend when the Mark Kavanagh-trained The Goon won at his 2nd start (over 1000m) at Victoria Park. Passed-in for just $7,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, racenet.com.au notes The Goon is the 1st foal of Naturalism mare Bouchon, whose dam Zephyr Vain (by Zephyr Bay) is a half-sister to Tennessee Jack (wins include VRC The Dalgety) & Tennessee Vain (Gr2 Kewney Stakes, Gr2 Magic Night Stakes & Gr2 Storm Queen Stakes), dam of Gr2 Maribyrnong Plate winner Tennessee Morn. (June 17)
$8,000 Buy Takes Belmont Guineas
And on the topic of bargains: Promising 3YO filly Creatrix (by Victorian-based former star galloper & now proven sire Umatilla) won the Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) in Perth, lowering the boom on Fred Kersley’s much-hyped Secret Link. Creatrix was purchased by young trainer Clayton Scoby-Smith at the 2001 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for just $8,000. (June 17)
$15,000 Bargain Keeps On Winning
Meanwhile Kiwi bloodstock agent Paul Beamish, a regular visitor to Sydney’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, certainly grabbed a bargain when he paid just $15,000 for the Jetball-Be Bop A Lula filly offered by Byerley Stud. Now racing as St Jessie, her weekend win at Rosehill Gardens for trainer Kerry Jordan was her 3rd victory from her last 4 starts to take her prize-money to a whisker under $100,000. (Gr1 The Galaxy Stakes winner Jetball stands at Eliza Park Stud in Victoria this spring.) (June 17)
1st Season Sire Dracula Lands 4th Winner
While he has “yet to sire anything approaching his own ability, Woodlands Stud’s 1st season sire Dracula has quietly built up an impressive record of 4 winners from 13 starters to date,” noted racenet.com.au. His latest winner came at Newcastle when the David Atkins-trained Impaler defeated older horses over 900m; having his 3rd start, Impaler has now won his last 2 at Newcastle after finishing 2nd on debut at Muswellbrook. (June 17)
9-Race Sydney Saturdays Approved
Further to yesterday’s item: The Board of Racing NSW has approved 9-race Saturday race meetings in the Sydney metropolitan area on a 3-month trial period commencing on October 1. The Board noted approval was “on advice from TAB Limited, which indicates a positive financial return to the industry” & that “the paramount objective of the Board is to increase returns to the owner. “ (June 17)
Hawkesbury’s 1st Saturday For 53 Years
And Hawkesbury Race Club will stage its 1st Saturday meeting in 53 years after receiving approval yesterday from the Board of Racing NSW. The meeting is for Saturday 17 April 2004. HRC secretary Brian Fletcher commented: “We are situated in the largest growing area in the greater Sydney population & it’s tremendous to finally be able to provide a Saturday meeting for the people here. We are now gearing up for a bigger day than Cup Day.” (June 17)
NSW Introduces Set-Weight Maidens Across State
Meanwhile the Board of Racing NSW also yesterday approved implementation of set-weight maidens across the state commencing on September 1. The Board noted: “There has been significant discussion regarding the programming of set-weight maidens – it is important to recognise that horses of all levels will be accommodated under the new system. Restricted maidens are available to those horses which have not earned enough prize-money at their last 4 starts (other than in restricted maidens or picnic maidens). The introduction of restricted maidens at the provincials & country will ensure at least 7 levels of maidens are available: metropolitan maiden; provincial maiden; provincial restricted maiden; country TAB maiden; country TAB restricted maiden; non-TAB maiden; & non-TAB restricted maiden. Further, the amount of maidens run in the country will increase from 25-40% of available races.” Racing NSW’s racing co-ordinator Paul Bloodworth added: “Primarily, set-weight maidens have been brought in to compliment the ratings-based handicapping which will commence at the same time.” The move to set-weight maidens is a part of an overall industry strategy to align the eligibility & handicapping systems throughout Australia. (June 17)
TAB & Bookmakers Attack Betting Exchange Privacy
Australian TAB & bookmaking organisations “have called for UK betting exchanges to provide the NSW Government with details of their Australian-based clients & their betting patterns,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. TAB Limited & the Australian Bookmakers Association “believe the exchanges should release their customer details to the NSW Government to protect the integrity of the local racing industry & ensure that punters are not unknowingly committing a crime.” They have “targeted Betfair, the global leader among the 19 betting exchange companies that now exist overseas, as it has a 90% share of the market, a growing Australian customer base & is continuing to lobby the Federal Government for a licence to operate in Australia.” Peter Kadar, chief executive of Tab Limited’s wagering division, said changes to Betfair’s privacy policy as a result of a new agreement with the UK Jockey Club do not address the threat exchange betting poses to the integrity of Australian racing: “Betfair will only release information if it chooses to do so, & only in relation to UK racing. Betfair & other foreign betting exchanges are operating within NSW without a licence, & without the full protection that regulatory controls provide for customers & the racing industry. This new agreement with the (UK) Jockey Club has highlighted the problem for local (Australian) punters.” (June 17)
Hemingway Foals Attract Melb Attention
Hemingway’s half-brother Balestrini ran a slashing 5th in the UK Gr1 Epsom Derby recently. There are 3 mares being sold in foal to Balestrini's unbeaten half-brother Hemingway at the up-coming Inglis Melbourne sale starting on June 22: Cultural Desert, a Geiger Counter mare from Wrap Around’s family. Quick Step Gal, a winning half-sister to Gr3 winner Sky Trist from the family of Machiavellian; & the Riverman mare Ramapo River, mother of stakes-placed Rockin Ramapo & boasting an excellent international pedigree. And watch also for Heytesbury’s 4 offerings in foal to Second Empire, yet another Hemingway half-brother. (June 17)
Danasinga Progeny Running Hot
June is proving a boom month for NZ’s Waikato Stud stallion Danasinga. Last week he sired his 1st Gr1 winner when Piachay took the Brisbane Cup (3200m). Following up on the weekend, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, Danasinga (by Danehill) sired 3 NZ winners:
- At Ellerslie, Conquistar took the Rotary Club Of Newmarket 1200 (ironically Conquistar had been Danasinga’s 1st-ever stakes winner when she won the Gr2 Bank Of New Zealand Breeders’ Stakes at Matamata as a 2YO, & has subsequently won both the Gr2 Travis Stakes & Gr3 Gasmate Stakes at Te Rapa
- At Canterbury, Danasinga’s progeny won 2 races: 2YO Our Danny Singer won the Kerr Memorial & Dantessa won the Steam Tug (1800m).
(June 17)
Open Days At NZ Cambridge Stud
NZ’s Cambridge Stud will conduct open days for its 2003 stallion line-up on both Sunday June 22 & Sunday July 6, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. “Sir Patrick Hogan will be introducing Cambridge Stud's new sire Viking Ruler (Gr1 winning son of Danehill), as well as parading the resident sires Zabeel & Keeper.” (June 17)
Duke Of Bedford Dies
The Duke Of Bedford (better known in Australia & NZ as Lord Robin Tavistock) has died in England aged 63 after suffering a stroke. He & his wife Henrietta established NZ’s Bloomsbury Stud at Matamata in 1995 “as a satellite branch of their English Bloomsbury Stud based in the family seat Woburn Abbey” in Bedfordshire, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “Home-bred winners to have raced in their purple & white stripes include Precocious (unbeaten winner of the UK Gimcrack & Norfolk Stakes), Pushy (Royal Ascot Queen Mary Stakes), Myself & Bluebook while other notable winners bred include 1986 Japan Cup winner Jupiter Island & Royal Rebel.” In the southern hemisphere their filly Snap won 3 Gr1 races (including the 1994 NZ Oaks) & Zola won the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes. His eldest son Andrew (Lord Tavistock) is a Director of UK Tattersalls & who now assumes the title of Duke Of Bedford. (June 17)
NZ Racing ‘Old Boys Network’ Criticised
The New Zealand racing industry has been labelled as parochial, risk-adverse, tradition-bound & insular in which an 'old boys network' prevails. These are some of the criticisms “among the 194 submissions received on the report of the racing industry's Working Group,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The summary of submissions has been compiled for the NZ Racing Industry Board by Carolyn Arthur.
She found there to be “a general call by submitters for the entire racing industry to urgently revitalise obsolete, conservative practices &, in particular, adapt to the new wagering environment.” She noted: "The industry was cited, among other things, as being a 'parochial', 'risk-adverse', 'tradition-bound', 'intractable', 'insular' industry in which the 'old boys network' prevails. Few factions escaped such comments, however, administration, codes and clubs were most frequently described in these terms while the breeding and training sectors were described as 'old hat' and 'endangered'.” Arthur summed up: "There is a widely-held perception that the racing industry is 'bogged down' with 'housekeeping' & 'survival' at the expense of being able to 'see the big picture'." (June 17)
Elections For NZTBA Council
Elections will be required in all 3 regions for the council of the NZ Thoroughbred
Breeders’ Association:
- There are 5 candidates standing for 4 available council positions in the northern region. The nominations are Mark Chitty, John Clydesdale, Peter Francis, Nelson Schick & John Thompson.
- The central region sees 3 nominations for 2 positions. Those nominated are Tom Burn, Mick Ormond & Bruce Perry.
- The southern region will see an election between Ray Dennis & Glynn Morris for the 1 seat.
(June 17)
Elegant Fashion Top Aust Stakes-Winning Mare
Inglis Sydney 2000 Easter Sale graduate Elegant Fashion now heads the list of highest stake-earning Australian-bred mares, after her lucrative HK campaign this year (including the Gr1 HK Derby) for expatriate trainer David Hayes. The daughter of Danewin was bred at Emirates Park (who’ve enjoyed a fabulous season through the likes of Dash For Cash, Winestock, Secret Land, County Tyrone, Shamekha, Sir Dex, Fatoon & Danish Magic). The Top 5 Mares are:
1: Elegant Fashion $3.9 million.
2: Belle Du Jour $3.1 million.
3: Dane Ripper $3.1 million.
4: Ha Ha $2.9 million.
5: Polar Success $2.1 million.
(June 17)
Inglis Graduate Treble In HK
Meanwhile Inglis sale graduates collected a treble at HK’s Sha Tin track on the weekend, with wins by Danehill’s boom 3YO Hidden Dragon (a $700,000 buy at the 2001 Easter Sale), Form Fit (a $7,000 bargain at the 2000 Scone Sale) & Eternal Fun (a $37,000 purchase at the 1998 Classic Sale). In addition the David Hayes-trained Meridian Star (a $50,000 buy at the 1998 Premier Sale) was runner-up in the Gr3 Sha Tin Mile Trophy (his 9th stakes-placing) to take his prize-money to $A2.3 million. (June 17)
Macau Stakes Double For Inglis Graduates
And former Gai Waterhouse runner Newquay (a $100,000 buy at the 2000 Inglis Easter Sale) took out the Gr3 Macau Galaxy (1000m) on the sand track. Racing under the name Johnson, he’s now in the stable of Peter Leyshan. The other feature race on the program, the Gr2 Star Of The Sand Stakes, went to 4YO Umatilla gelding Change The Grange (a $25,000 buy at the 2000 Autumn Sale), who has raced exclusively in Macau winning 8 from 17 starts. (June 17)
Keeneland Sale Topper Wins In UK
Susan Magnier’s One Cool Cat, the 2YO son of Storm Cat purchased for top price of US$3.1 million by Demi O’Byrne at the 2002 Keeneland July Select Yearling sale, won at his 2nd career start over 6 furlongs at York in England, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, One Cool Cat is out of winning Mr Prospector mare Tacha, a daughter of Savannah Dancer & a full sister to Gr2 winner Sha Tha (dam of multiple group winner State Shinto). (June 17)
Full Brother To Giant’s Causeway Steps Out In UK
Grand Rich King (a 2YO son of Woodlands shuttle stallion Grand Lodge) “foiled the debut by favorite Tumblebrutus” (a full brother to multiple Gr1 winner & Coolmore shuttle sire Giant’s Causeway) in a maiden race over 7 furlongs at Sandown Park in the UK, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Tumblebrutus (a son of Storm Cat out of Rahy mare Mariah’s Storm) was bred in Kentucky by S.A.Pacelco & Chelston Ireland. (June 17)
UK Tattersalls July Catalogue 2nd Largest Ever
The UK Tattersalls July catalogue (out this week & boasting 505 lots) is the 2nd largest in the sale's history. It features consignments from many of the world's leading owner-breeders, as well as from top trainers throughout Britain, Ireland & France & includes:
- More than 240 mares & fillies in training by such top international sires as Anabaa, Barathea, Blushing Groom, Caerleon, Danehill, Desert Prince, Diesis, Gone West, Green Desert, Irish River, Kris, Nureyev, Theatrical, Unfuwain & Zafonic.
- More than 100 individual winning horses in training.
- Major consignments from Cheveley Park Stud, Darley, Gainsborough Stud Management, Juddmonte Farms & Shadwell Estates.
(June 17)
1st Winner For Canadian Sire Ciano Cat
Canadian Sire Ciano Cat recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Hillview Cat won on debut at Stampede Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A son of Storm Cat, Ciano Cat stands at Empire Meadows Thoroughbred Park in Alberta in Canada. Hillview Cat is the 4th foal to race (all winners) out of multiple stakes winning Classic Go Go mare Ever Thus & is a half-sister to stakes winner Boone’s Breeze. (June 17)
Belle Du Jour 2nd In Ireland
John Singleton’s Australian sprinting mare Belle Du Jour (currently trained in the UK by Dermot Weld) finished a close 2nd in the Gr3 Ballyogan Stakes (5 furlongs) at Cork in Ireland overnight. The daughter of Arrowfield Stud’s Dehere finished a neck behind 4YO mare Miss Anabaa (Anabaa-Midnight Shift, by Night Shift) with favourite Marino Marini (by Storm Cat) 3rd. The winner’s sire Anabaa (by Danzig) stands at Haras du Quesnay in France & shuttles to Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley. (June 16)
Choisir On Track For Royal Ascot
Meanwhile Australian sprinter Choisir “has breezed through his final fast gallop in preparation for his UK debut at Royal Ascot tomorrow,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Choisir “delighted trainer Paul Perry when he worked on the famous Limekilns gallop at Newmarket, putting the seal on his chances of racing twice at the showcase carnival of UK racing.” Choisir will start in tomorrow’s Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes over the straight 5 furlongs (the main sprint on the 1st day of the 5-day Royal Ascot festival) & is also entered for the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs) on the final day next Saturday. Perry told racingpost.co.uk: “We are pleased with the way the horse is building up to Ascot. Everyone the world over recognises how big Royal Ascot is & it's a thrill to have a horse here.” (June 16)
Ethereal’s 1st Foal Due At Pencarrow Stud
The 2001 Caulfield-Melbourne Cups winner Ethereal is back at Pencarrow Stud near Hamilton in NZ “in preparation for the birth of her 1st foal, due early next season,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Ethereal is due to foal to Giant's Causeway. Other mares which have returned to Pencarrow to begin the build-up to foals this southern spring are: Masaniella (in foal to Strategic), Devil's Lair (in foal to Giant's Causeway), Chimeara (in foal to Generous), Hameeda (in foal to Zabeel), Paolino (in foal to Strategic) & Honourable (in foal to Black Minnaloushe). (June 16)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Silver Charm
American freshman sire Silver Charm (1997 Gr1 Kentucky Derby-Preakness Stakes dual winner & US champion 3YO male) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO Charming Jim won on debut over 5.5 furlongs at Calder Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Silver Charm (a 9YO son of Silver Buck out of winning Poker mare Bonnie's Poker) has sired 3 starters from 75 foals in his 1st crop of racing age; he has 75 yearlings & stands for US$25,000 at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. Overall, Silver Charm won 12 of 24 starts (including 10 graded stakes) & amassed US$6,944,369 (A$11.1 million) in earnings. (June 16)
Criminal Activity ‘Rampant’ At New York Tracks
A shock report by New York State Attorney-General Eliot Spitzer details “rampant” criminal activity at the 3 NY Racing Association tracks (Aqueduct, Belmont Park & Saratoga Race Course), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. It recommends “replacing NYRA’s current management & questions whether NYRA should continue to hold a franchise for thoroughbred racing” at those tracks. It follows an earlier police investigation which led to the conviction of 3 NYRA tellers for laundering more than US$300,000 (A$480,000) at NYRA tracks; 13 other NYRA clerks subsequently pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion as a result of the same investigation. Additionally, last month 2 tellers were indicted for tax evasion as part of a scheme involving “10 percenters”: a term used for people who cash winning tickets for other bettors that require tax documentation in exchange for 10% of the pay-off. The report identifies “a series of improper & illegal activities by NYRA employees” & “sharply criticizes NYRA management for failing to address problems dating back to 1995, but does not question the integrity of racing at NYRA tracks.” The report noted: “Behind the facade of the racetracks was a corrupt system in which track employees were permitted to enrich themselves at the expense of the public. NYRA officials ignored blatant criminal conduct & failed to institute even basic reforms to ensure that such illegal activities were halted.” (June 16)
Perfect Drift Wins US Gr1 Stephen Foster
Owner-breeder William Reed's 4YO home-bred gelding Perfect Drift (Dynaformer- Nice Gal, by Naskra) upset the favourites to win the US$850,000 (A$1.35 million) Gr1 Stephen Foster Handicap (9 furlongs) at Churchill Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Pat Day & trained by Australian Murray Johnson, Perfect Drift defeated hot favourite Mineshaft (by A.P.Indy) & last-start Gr1 winner Aldebaran (by Mr Prospector). Perfect Drift ran 3rd behind War Emblem in last year's Gr1 Kentucky Derby & has now won 6 of 13 starts for US$1,309,868 (A$2.1 million) prize-money. Perfect Drift is 1 of 58 stakes-winners sired by Dynaformer (by Roberto) who stands at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. He is also 1 of 6 winners out of stakes winner Nice Gal (by Naskra) & a half-brother to stakes-placed winners Raintree Lake & Gypsy (dam of stakes winner Gal On The Go. (June 16)
Storming Home Wins US Gr1 Whittingham Memorial
Gainsborough Stud’s 5YO home-bred Storming Home (Machiavellian-Try To Catch Me, by Shareef Dancer) won the US Gr1 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (10 furlongs on turf) at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Gary Stevens & trained by Neil Drysdale, Storming Home defeated Mister Acpen (by Golden Voyager) & Cagney (by Roy). Drysdale summed up: "This horse is so talented. He’s got tremendous acceleration." British-bred Storming Home now has 2 wins from 2 starts in the US in 2003 & 7 wins from 21 starts overall (including a Gr1 event in Europe last year) & US$1,336,704 (A$2.14 million) for owner-breeder Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum. Storming Home is 1 of 4 winners out of winning Shareef Dancer mare Try To Catch Me (whose dam is champion It’s In The Air). “Storming Home is another example of his sire Machiavellian's affinity with mares carrying Northern Dancer in their pedigree,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. “This brings into play duplications of Almahmoud through Halo & Northern Dancer & Machiavellian stakes-winners bred this way include Almutawakel (Gr1), Medicean (Gr1), Rebecca Sharp (Gr1), Best Of The Bests (Gr1), Vettori (Gr1), No Excuse Needed, Majorien, Morning Pride, Titus Livius, Medecis, Phantom Gold & more.” (June 16)
Set Afire Wins South African Gr1 Gold Challenge
Lammerskraal Stud’s 4YO home-bred gelding Set Afire (Western Winter–Tawny Red, by Northfields) won South Africa’s weight-for-age Gr1 Gold Challenge (1600m) at Clairwood, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Set Afire defeated African Lion (by Shalford) & Wolf Whistle (by Badger Land), with current SA Horse-Of-The-Year Free My Heart & Gr1 J&B Metropolitan winner Angus “both major disappointments.” Set Afire has now won 10 of 27 starts (including 3 Gr1 events) for owner-breeder Mike Rattray & is a member of the 1st crop sired by Western Winter (by Gone West) who stands at Lammerskraal Stud; of 51 colts & fillies in that crop Western Winter has “achieved a remarkable 80% winners-to-foals,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. Set Afire is 1 of 4 winners from 6 foals out of winning Northfields mare Tawny Red (a half-sister to champion Royal Chalice). (June 16)
Zirna 2nd In Singapore Patron's Bowl
NZ-owned mare Zirna finished 2nd in her Singapore debut in yesterday’s Patron's Bowl (1400m) at Kranji, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. It was the Deputy Governor mare's 1st start since she won the Gr1 NZ Bloodstock Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha in March. The race was won by Lim’s Reward (ridden by expatriate NZ jockey Grant Cooksley). Both Zirna’s trainer Malcolm Thwaites & jockey Mark Du Plessis “felt Zirna will derive enormous benefit from the run & should prove difficult to beat in the remaining 2 legs of the Singapore 4YO Triple Crown (the Singapore Derby Trial on June 27 & Gr1 Singapore Derby on July 18). Zirna is owned by Auckland-based Westbury Stud & Karaka Group Ltd. (June 16)
Lovely Jubly Passed-In At $720,000
Dual Gr1 winner Lovely Jubly was passed in for $720,000 at the Magic Millions June monthly mixed sale on the Gold Coast. The final offer was made by Victoria's Jasmin Park Stud. The 3YO Lion Hunter filly (who has won $1.3 million prize-money, including the Gr1 QTC Sires' Produce Stakes & Gr1 T.J.Smith) was offered for sale as part of a draft of 25 horses under a dispersal of the racing & breeding interests of prominent Newcastle owner David Throsby, who announced her reserve was $1 million. (June 16)
3 MM Lots Achieve $90,000 Price
Top price for the Magic Millions sale (where 125 horses sold for an aggregate of $888,455 & average $7,100 at an 86.8& clearance rate) was $90,000 achieved by 3 lots:
- The addition of Gr3 winner Card Queen to the impressive list of mares being acquired by Turangga Stud's Stuart Ramsay; MM managing director David Chester noted: “Stuart has purchased a selection of quality mares at Magic Millions sales this year (including weekend stakes-winner Suzy Grey for $200,000 at last month’s National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast).”
- Magic Millions part-owner Rob Ferguson purchased classy Brisbane mare Sun Kisses.
- An unbroken yearling filly offered as part of the Throsby Dispersal (by Cape Cross from Startling Lady) was sold to NZ’s The Oaks Stud.
(June 16)
$40,000 Grand Lodge Colt Tops MM Perth Sale
And a colt by successful international sire Grand Lodge topped the Magic Millions Perth Mixed Thoroughbred Sale at Belmont yesterday. Offered by Applecross-based Pine Brook Stud, the chestnut colt was knocked down to Magic Millions (acting as agent for a Malaysian client) for $40,000; he is from the family of proven Gr1 winners including Aerosmith & Belle Du Jour. Overall 174 horses were sold for a gross $431,200 & an average $2,478 at an 86% clearance rate. (June 16)
Brisbane’s QBBS Sales Company Sold
Meanwhile a “chapter closed in the Queensland yearling sales history with the sale of the QBBS sales company,” reported racenet.com.au. QBBS was founded by Brisbane Turf Club chairman Ian Baxter in 1986 & has been sold to “a consortium headed by well-known studmaster Col Richards & will now trade as Brisbane Bloodstock, who will be based at Hendra near the Eagle Farm & Doomben racetracks.” (June 16)
Aust ‘Bleeder Rules’ Under Review
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy has confirmed “the bleeding rule for thoroughbreds is under review,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Currently a horse that bleeds from both nostrils is barred automatically for 3 months, with a 2nd discharge triggering a life-time ban; as a result, many horses banned in Australia have continued to race overseas, particularly in the US. Murrihy confirmed the topic was discussed at last month’s national Chairmen Of Stewards’ conference “prompted by an address on the subject from leading Kiwi trainer John Wheeler at the Asian Racing Conference in NZ earlier this year.” Murrihy has “instructed Racing NSW veterinarians to supply all relevant research on the subject. Research reveals fewer than 1.5% of horses suffering a bleeding attack end up dead. In Ireland & England there is no penalty for horses that bleed.” Murrihy commented: “We support an expert review of the matter. If research tells us safety is not compromised, then we will look at altering the period of time out.” (June 16)
Verglas To Stand At WA’s Alwyn Park
Western Australia’s Alwyn Park Stud breeder John Andrew will stand highly-rated Irish sprinter–miler Verglas (Highest Honor-Rahaam, by Secreto) at the Serpentine property for the next 3 Southern Hemisphere seasons. Verglas had only 14 starts for 3 wins (including 2YO victories by 8 lengths at Leopardstown, followed by the 1996 Gr3 Coventry Stakes over 6 furlongs at Royal Ascot in the 3rd fastest time since 1964) & 4 placings (including the Gr1 Phoenix Stakes as a 2YO, Gr1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas as a 3YO & Listed San Manno Handicap at Santa Anita as a 4YO) before retiring to stand at Harasde le Haie Neuve in Bretagne in France. Verglas is by Champion sire Kenmare’s most successful son Highest Honor (himself a Gr1 winner, 4 times Gr1-placed & Champion French Miler) who is the sire of the winners of $19 million (including 40 stakes-winners) & 6 times Champion French Sire; his Gr1 winners include Sagacity, Admise, Marotta, Dedication, Medaaly & Reve D’Oscar. From Secreto mare Rahaam, Verglas is a half-brother to outstanding filly Cassandra Go (multiple Gr2 & Gr3 winner & Gr1 runner-up in the Newmarket July Cup) & to multiple stakes-winner Persian Secret. Verglas himself has had a “blinding start” to his stud career with his 1st 2YO runners burning the turf in France, where he is currently leading 2YO sire (at the end of May he’d sired 3 winners of 5 races from 5 runners, plus 2 place-getters). (June 16)
9-Race Saturday Meetings For Sydney
Sydney racing may feature “9-race Saturday fixtures as early as August,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “Sporadic trialling of a 9th race by the Australian Jockey Club earlier this year yielded results encouraging enough to tempt both the AJC & Sydney Turf Club to introduce it on a full-time basis.” AJC chief executive Tony King commented: “I wouldn’t say the results (from the trial) were dramatic, but it was certainly significant enough to say there is something in this. We support the idea on the understanding that Saturday is the best betting day of the week. Having a 9-race meeting on a Saturday is a better revenue producer than having 8 races on a Saturday & 8 on a Wednesday.” STC chief executive Michael Kenny added: “We are in favour of having an extra race on a Saturday meeting, but we would rather race less on Mondays & Wednesdays & use that money for these new races on Saturday.” (June 16)
VRC Appoints ‘Strategic Marketing Manager’
The Victoria Racing Club has appointed Dr Stephen Silk as Strategic Marketing Manager. VRC chief executive Dale Monteith said the Committee had “recently completed a review of the Club’s operations & determined strategies to cement & grow the VRC’s position as Australia’s premier race club.” The new position will be “focused on co-ordinating marketing strategies across all elements of the Club’s current operations & those opportunities identified in the Club’s Strategic Planning review process.” Silk was previously marketing & sales director at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories & currently serves on the Melbourne Racing Club Committee (a position he will relinquish to take on his new VRC role). (June 16)
NZ’s Java Lodge To Stand Sunday Silence Son
A switch of plans will now see Japanese Shadai Farm-owned shuttle stallion Black Tuxedo (by Sunday Silence) stand at NZ’s Java Lodge in Matamata this spring. Originally Black Tuxedo was to stand at Slade Farm in North Canterbury, but “a rush of interest from breeders in the North Island” resulted in a change of base, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Slade Farm owner Alan Slade confirmed: “Since we have been bringing shuttle sires from Japan, 75% of bookings have come from North Island breeders. When we signed up Black Tuxedo to stand at NZ$3,000 we thought we had a sire who would bring in the South Island breeders. But the majority of inquiries came from the North Island, so it makes more sense for him to stand up there.” Black Tuxedo is the 3rd son of Sunday Silence to stand at stud in NZ (following another Slade Farm shuttle stallion Summer Suspicion & Ashwell Farm’s Painted Black). Black Tuxedo’s dam is stakes-winning Storm Cat mare O.P.Cat, who won 5 times (including 3 as a 2YO). Black Tuxedo himself won 4 times (including a Gr2 2200m event at Nakayama) & was placed 3 times from only 14 starts. Black Tuxedo covered 151 mares last year at a fee equivalent to NZ$8,000 & is expected to serve 110 mares at Shadai Farm before coming to NZ. Java Lodge’s Jo Mackie summed up: “His breeding is special & we feel for a horse like him, for the price he’s standing, represents incredible value.” Java Lodge is also the home of stallion Sandtrap (sire of Gr1 winner Bunker). (June 16)
Tuscany Flyer To NZ’s Prebbleton Farm
Rory’s Jester stallion Tuscany Flyer “is returning to NZ after only 1 season at stud in Victoria,” reported aapracignandsports.com.au. Tuscany Flyer (who stood last year at Ealing Park Stud at Euroa) will take up stud duties this spring at the NZ South Island’s Prebbleton Farm, despite being owned by Auckland’s Westbury Stud. Tuscany Flyer originally went to stud in NZ in 1997 & has produced talented performers including Flying Coup, Flying Class, Tuscany Warrior, Sorrento Star, Tuscany Heritage, Skoozi’s Girl, Tuscany Reign & Travis Tee. (June 16)
NZ$300 Hack Started Gr1 Dynasty
The win at Hastings by 3YO Sacre Coeur (by Kashani) “is the latest success story for NZ Central Districts breeders Barry & Hazel Clevely,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Sacre Couer is a half-brother to the Clevely's home-bred dual Gr1 winner Hail (by Stark South). The Clevelys own the dam of both horses Valley Court, who in turn descends from their foundation broodmare Te Awa. Barry Clevely noted: “Many years ago I decided to buy Te Awa for my wife to hack around the farm & for the children to play around with. She cost only NZ$300! She never had the chance to race, but produced 7 to the races for 7 winners including 3 stakes performers. And from her 3 daughters Ash Valley (by Ashabit) & the sisters Valley Court & Harry's Sister (by Pompeii Court), Te Kawa has been the grandam of 15 winners & 1 place-getter.” (June 16)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Perfect Mandate
US freshman sire Perfect Mandate recorded his 1st winner when 2YO Badgett’s Mandate won on debut at Bay Meadows, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Perfect Mandate, a 7YO son of Gone West who stands at Old English Rancho in California, is 1 of 5 winners from 8 foals to race out of group stakes-placed winning The Minstrel mare Performing Arts. He is a full brother to Gr2 winner Performing Magic & a half-brother to stakes winners Woodborough & Dance Trick. Badgett’s Mandate is the 2nd starter of 29 foals from Perfect Mandate’s 1st crop of racing age. (June 16)
UK Racing’s ‘Most Successful Year’ In Modern Era
British racing has just enjoyed “its most successful year in the modern era,” according to the British Horseracing Board annual report. It highlighted “unprecedented financial prosperity for the sport, as well as a modern-day racecourse attendance record,” noted racingpost.co.uk. UK racing's income rose to over £150 million (A$380 million) a year (due in large part to commercial agreements for data between BHB & the betting industry) compared to £85 million (A$220 million) in 2000. Prize money increased from £71 million (A$180 million) in 2001 to £84 million (A$215 million) in 2002. Over 5.5 million people went racing in 2002 (highest since 1959), which marked a successful conclusion to the 3-year ‘Discover Racing’ marketing campaign. There was further growth in the average racecourse attendance per fixture, as well as a 9% rise in the number of fixtures taking place & an increase in the total number of runners. (June 16)
UK Report Recommends Changes To Attract Fans
Meanwhile a British Horseracing Board report has recommended “essential changes to the sport to attract significantly more racegoers, gamblers & sponsors,” noted racingpost.co.uk. The report from the BHB’s Racing Review Committee titled “The Racing Experience” is the “culmination of the most extensive consultation exercise ever undertaken in the sport, involving over 8,000 interviews.” The Committee reported: "The benefits to horseracing in making small changes in the behaviour of its consumers are measured in the tens of millions of pounds." Agreement has already been reached to trial some of the key recommendations at Sandown Park racecourse for 2 years. The variety of “racegoer-friendly initiatives” include: new signs & information points; new group discount offers & other initiatives to market & sell existing offers to racegoers; encourage repeat visits with ticket offers for the racecourse's next meeting; introduce family-friendly Sunday racing; a Grand Prix for racing which would link 24 Group races with an appropriate prize fund; & develop jumps & all-weather festival racing. (June 16)
Betting Market On Ascot’s Best-Looking Jockey
Monday Odd Spot: British bookmakers have opened 2 ‘jockey’ betting markets for this week’s Royal Ascot meeting: the traditional top jockey in terms of overall winners; & a new 2nd category titled "most handsome jockey" reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sky Bet is offering odds of 5-2 that visiting US hoop Gary Stevens will be voted "most handsome jockey" in an opinion poll of 500 women who will be quizzed at Ascot on Tuesday & Wednesday. (Odds of at least 66-1 are available on Stevens riding the most winners at the 5-day meeting.) In contrast, reigning UK champion jockey Kieren Fallon is 7-4 favourite on the “most winners” list (with Frankie Dettori at 9-4), but is only 33-1 to be the “most handsome.” (June 16)
Hennessy Returns To Coolmore Aust
Coolmore Australia announced last night that champion sire Hennessy is returning to Australia for the coming breeding season. The best sire son of Storm Cat is having an outstanding year in Australia: Half Hennessy’s 6-length victory in last weekend’s Gr1 Queensland Derby followed Grand Armee’s success in Australia’s richest mile, the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap. Those victories mean Hennessy has sired Gr1 winners from his 1st 2 crops, & his 3rd already includes top juveniles Diamond Dash (winner of the WATC Gr3 Sires’ Produce Stakes) & stakes winner Living Spirit. This season Hennessy’s Australian-born progeny have won over 100 races & earned in excess of $4,250,000. Hennessy will stand for $30,250 (including GST) alongside his son, the world champion juvenile Johannesburg, as well as his paternal half-brothers Giant’s Causeway, High Yield & Tale Of The Cat. (June 13)
Proposal For $60,000 Sydney Sat Minimum
Sydney’s 2 race clubs (Australian Jockey Club & Sydney Turf Club) “are considering whether to increase minimum Saturday prize-money to $60,000 a race next season,” reported The Daily Telegraph. STC chief executive Michael Kenny confirmed: “There has been a proposal to raise minimum prize-money, but no decision has been made just yet. There is a Board meeting later this month, where the issue will be discussed further.” Kenny noted raising individual stakes from the current minimum $50,000 per race will require “additional STC funding of more than $1.5 million.” AJC chief executive Tony King said: “It’s always a consideration; but if the club was to do that, then it might require lopping some prize-money off the Group races.” (June 13)
STC Chairman Aims For $100,000 Minimum Races
Sydney Turf Club chairman Bruce McHugh is favour of increasing the Saturday prize-money for owners. He told The Daily Telegraph: “In the next few years we should be racing for at least $100,000 per race at each Saturday meeting. It’s certainly achievable.” (June 13)
Alannan Arrives At Lindsay Park
Shuttle stallion Alannan has arrived at SA’s Lindsay Park & spokesman Sam Hayes declared: "We love him. He's scopier than I thought he'd be for a sprinter, but very good looking & we expect him to attract a big book." On the racetrack: Alannan recorded 6 wins & 8 placings at the top level in the US from just 23 starts (including winning the Gr2 Churchill Downs Handicap over 1400m & placing in the Gr1 Metropolitan Mile in New York. And among his family tree are: the world's hottest 2YO sire of the moment Fasliyev; 2nd dam Anne Campbell (herself a black typer) has produced Gr1 winners Menifee & Desert Wine, plus Listed winners Arsaan & Dupree, as well as Mr P's Princess (dam of Fasliyev & Dame Sybil, Alannan's mum). Alannan himself is a half-brother to 2 stakes winners: Princess Sybil & Never Speaking. In addition, Alannan is by Conquistador Cielo, sire of prolific winner & stakes-getter El Moxie. Alannan stands for $8,250 on debut. (June 13)
No Excuse Needed To Waikato Stud
NZ’s Waikato Stud at Matamata “has announced the purchase for stud duties of highly rated English miler No Excuse Needed,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The multiple Group-winning son of leading stallion Machiavellian (by Mr Prospector) was inspected in the US last week by Waikato Stud manager Mark Chittick & NZ Bloodstock director Andrew Seabrook. He will join Waikato’s current line-up of Centaine, Danasinga, O’Reilly, Pins & Sudurka. Chittick revealed: “No Excuse Needed was not on the open market & when word came through that we may be able to negotiate a purchase, time was of the essence. The person crucial to the deal was Hubie de Burgh, who until recently was bloodstock manager for Shadwell Stud. He was actually in the process of securing the horse for stud in Europe, but through NZ Bloodstock we were able to redirect negotiations.” Of the stallion himself, Chittick said: “He’s a lovely individual & I couldn’t fault him when I inspected him in New York. His purchase is a vote of confidence from the NZ bloodstock industry to step into the market with this class of horse. In choosing to stand No Excuse Needed at Waikato Stud we have stayed true to our policy of selecting stallions who score highly on pedigree, type & performance. It’s safe to say that he lacks nothing on all three counts.” No Excuse Needed (raced by Gainsborough Stud & trained by Sir Michael Stoute) was 2nd highest rated 3YO miler in England; he was a Gr3 winner as a 2YO, a Gr2 winner as both 3YO & 4YO, & finished 2nd to champion miler Noverre in the Gr1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. No Excuse Needed’s dam, winning Zilzal mare Nawaiet, is a half-sister to French middle distance filly Fitnah (their dam being top class European sprinter Greenland Park). No Excuse Needed will stand in 2003 for NZ$12,500 plus GST. (June 13)
Elnadim To Miss 2003 & Return To NZ In 2004
Shuttle stallion Elnadim will not stand at NZ’s Westbury Stud this spring but will return in 2004, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Westbury general manager Russell Warwick confirmed: "We are disapppointed the horse is not returning in 2003, as we could not have been happier with the 1st crop of foals on the ground by him. And we were already fielding a good number of inquiries for the horse for the 2003 season. The option to spell the horse for 1 breeding season was included in the contract for the horse's safety, & by giving him a season off now, it should ensure our access to him in 2004 & thereafter, which we are fully committed to." (June 13)
Elnadim Youngsters Aimed At 2004 Sales
Elnadim has been popular at Ireland’s Derrinstown Stud over the past 2 seasons & will have his 1st European stock go through the sales ring in 2004. Meanwhile general manager Russell Warwick said NZ’s Westbury Stud has “a very good line-up of weanlings by Elnadim who will be aimed at the 2004 Sales Series.”
- Among the foals from Elnadim's 1st crop are: colts from Grand Archway, Princess Marengo, Dazzling Belle, My Marilyn, Bill's Girl, Pan For Glitter, Classic Moonlight & Sophies Storm; & fillies from Winning Wave, Cheerful, Pipiwar, Queen Emma, Alabama Whirly, Sportsgirl Miss & Young And Free.
- Among the mares to visit Elnadim last year were: Durzetta, Dynamic Lady, Echostatic, Isn't She Gorgeous, Azurebelle, Buncrana, Princess Bower, Ruby Turner, Fawaakeh, Earnout, No Hula No Dance, Palos Verdes, Rapunzel, Reigntarra & Young And Free.
(June 13)
Waterhouse Backs 1-Week AJC Autumn Carnival
Leading trainer Gai Waterhouse has backed calls for the AJC’s Sydney autumn carnival to be condensed into “a week of champagne racing.” Waterhouse (who won 6 of the 9 Gr1 events at this year’s carnival) told The Daily Telegraph: “The carnival should never have changed in the 1st place. When the AJC used to run the carnival over a week about 20 years ago, it was a brilliant program encapsulating the best carnival of racing in Australia. But I don’t agree with moving the Doncaster Handicap from the Saturday to the Monday. Easter Saturday is the traditional home of the Doncaster & it should stay there.” (June 13)
Marscay Joins NSW BOBS
Former great sire & racehorse Marscay has been included in the NSW BOBS scheme. Owners Geoff & Beryl White paid up for the deceased stallion so his rising 3YOs can participate in BOBS. Geoff White explained: "These Marscay 3YOs will be his last crop & as we have enjoyed his career thoroughly, we thought it appropriate we 'send him off'. There are more than 40 Marscay 3YOs who will now be eligible, so I encourage those owners to nominate their racehorse." Marscay was 1 of Australia’s leading sires with progeny earnings over $35 million & 54 stakes winners. Among his best offspring were Triscay, Bint Marscay, March Hare, Sharscay, Comely Girl, Masked Party, Jetball & Marwina (himself a nominated BOBS sire). Marscay was also a top broodmare sire with the likes of Yippyio, Arkady, Iglesia & Catbird (another BOBS sire nominee). (June 13)
NSW Trainers Meet Over Workers Comp Costs
NSW racing authorities will meet the Australian Trainers Association today “for talks over the increased cost of workers' compensation,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. It follows reports in the Northern Daily Leader and Newcastle Herald newspapers this week noting NSW country trainers will meet at Muswellbrook on Sunday “to consider race-day strike action”. Racing NSW corporate affairs general manager Stephen Ferguson said the increased costs introduced in February were necessary: "Racing NSW & the ATA (NSW branch) have endeavoured to communicate to trainers the reason for insurance increases. Those reasons include the sheer volume of claims, poor performance of world-wide equity markets, general insurance climate & changes to legislation which has caused an influx of claims. An estimated $3.5 million in workers' compensation claims is forecast against trainers in the coming year - but it has to be paid for somehow. One way to minimise premiums is through the lowering of claims. To address this issue, Racing NSW conducted Occupational Health & Safety seminars across the state for trainers. The focus was on urging trainers to implement 'Risk Management' strategies that minimised, controlled or eliminated hazards: now NSW is regarded as the national leader in OH&S. We understand the financial burden insurance costs place on trainers & have tried to keep the premiums to a minimum. However, it is a necessary part of trainers doing business that workers must be insured against injury." (June 13)
Threat To Maiden Handicaps
A “push from within Racing NSW to scrap maiden handicaps throughout the state has been slammed by a wide variety of industry players, many signing a petition against it,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. “A proposal to replace the non-winning handicaps with maiden set-weight events is due to be voted on by the 7-member ruling body on Monday.” NSW Country Racing Council racing manager Shane Meaney commented: "I thought the charter of all people within racing was to ensure it remains healthy.” The CRC has compiled a submission on the subject, which highlights betting trends across 330 maiden handicaps & 200 set-weight maidens over the past 10 months. (June 13)
NSW TAB Urges Foreign Internet Bet Ban
The NSW TAB has urged the Federal Government “to prohibit foreign gambling agencies operating via the internet,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. TAB has made a submission to the government's review of the Interactive Gambling Act noting numerous countries which have introduced legislation blocking illegal gambling agencies. Managing director Warren Wilson said the information compiled by TAB's wagering department reinforced its submission that the IGA was a legitimate instrument for “dealing with the interloping activities of foreign betting exchanges in Australia.” Countries which prohibit off-shore operators include Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, US, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands & Norway. (June 13)
Landers Refused Malay Training Licence
NZ trainer Nigel Landers, “well known in Australia from his years based in Queensland,” has had his application for reinstatement of his training licence rejected by the Malayan Racing Association, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Landers recently completed a 1-year disqualification after several of his horses tested positive for a banned substance. The MRA decision effectively ends Landers’ training career in Malaysia. (June 13)
Success For Shuttle Stallions In Japan
With many Japanese-based stallions now standing in Australia & NZ, “there has been plenty of interest in Japan in recent weeks for Australian breeders” noted racenet.com.au.
- Creating “a huge impression with a 7-lengths win” in the Ontake Tokubetsu at Chukyo was 5YO Lord Prevail (Woodman-Dance Play, by The Minstrel) a three-quarter sister to 1984 Gr1 Epsom Derby winner Secreto. Dance Play “is a member of the exclusive band of broodmares that resides at Jim Fleming’s Tyreel Stud.” At the 2003 Magic Millions sale Dance Play’s colt by Danehill sold to HK trainer Manfred Man for $200,000.
- Finishing 2nd behind Lord Prevail was Earnest Wish, a 4YO colt by Chatswood Stud’s Sunday Silence stallion Genuine.
- Another son of Genuine, 3YO colt V Rocky, finished 2nd in the Gr3 Unicorn Stakes at Tokyo.
- Tenshino Kiseki, a 5YO mare by Arrowfield Stud’s Fuji Kiseki out of Be Bop A Lu (Mr Prospector-Newchance Lady) “sped over the 1200m at Chukyo racecourse in an amazing 1min 6.9sec” to win the TV Aichi Open.
- At Tokyo racecourse on Japanese Derby day, the Komakusa Sho was won by 3YO colt World Scale a son of Coolmore Stud’s Spinning World out of Savannah Song.
- Derby Day had a distinct Australian flavour when Damien Oliver scored his 1st stakes win in Japan in the Akigawa Tokubetsu on 5YO Yoshifusa King, a son of Darley Stud’s Carnegie out of Yoshi Ellen (a daughter of long-time Lyndhurst Stud resident Hail To Success).
- Fureika Sunday, a 3YO filly by Sunday Silence out of Bellotto mare Seto Flowerian won over 1800m at Chukyo. Seto Flowerian won 5 races in Australia (including the Gr3 AJC Adrian Knox Stakes & was runner-up in the Gr1 AJC Oaks). She has already produced Fureika Sunday’s top class brother Tiger Café whose 2 wins in Japan include the Hopeful Stakes & was runner-up in the Gr1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) & 3rd in the Gr2 Yayoi Sho. Seto Flowerian has a colt from the last crop of Sunday Silence at the Japan Racing Horse Association Select Foal Sale on July 7-8.
- The Chukyo Racecourse 50th Anniversary (1200m) was won by 6YO Royal Academy mare Il Bacio.
- Glenmorgan Farm’s Generous had his 5YO Takeden Julius Generous win the Bakushu Stakes at Tokyo.
- The following day Dantsu Running took the June Stakes; 6YO Dantsu Running is by Generous out of stakes-placed Matriarch, a sister to champion Canadian 2YO filly Wavering Girl (dam of Gr1 winner Military).
- Kambula Stud’s former shuttle stallion Tayasu Tsuyoshi twice came close in 2 stakes races when 4YO colt D S Thunder finished 3rd in the Gr2 Tokai TV Hai Tokai Stakes & 3YO filly Cosmo Nirvana finished 3rd in the Gerbera Sho at Tokyo.
- Australian-bred Setono Lodge won by 3-lengths over 1200m at Chukyo. A 3yo son of Woodlands Stud’s Grand Lodge, Setono Lodge is the 2nd foal of Military Plume mare Sister Of The Sun (a half-sister to Gr3 Rubiton Stakes winner Stalk).
- On the same program Rich Hill Stud’s Pentire had Follow The Wind (Pentire-Gentle Woman, by Brian’s Time) record a 3-length win in the Okehazama Tokubetsu (1200m).
- And Pentire rounded off the program with another success when his 5YO son Up And Comer won a 1700m race by 2-lengths.
(June 13)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Diamond
Stakes-winning US freshman sire Diamond recorded his 1st winner when his very 1st starter, 2YO filly True Gem, won on debut over 5 furlongs at Delaware Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Diamond (who stands at Northview Stallion Station in Maryland) won 5 of 22 starts, including the 1999 Skip Trial Stakes at Meadowlands. The son of Mr Prospector is 1 of 7 winners from 8 starters out of winning Key To The Mint mare Pure Profit. Diamond is a full brother to multiple Gr1 winner Educated Risk & a half-brother to multiple Gr1 winner & champion Inside Information (by Private Account). True Gem is the 1st starter of 58 foals from Diamond’s 1st crop of racing age. (June 13)
Dettori & Firebolt Take On Choisir
Champion UK rider Frankie Dettori “has agreed to renew his successful association with HK sprinter Firebolt at Royal Ascot next week when he clashes with Australian sprinter Choisir,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Trainer Ivan Allan confirmed Dettori is booked for the ride in the Gr2 King's Stand Stakes, the same race that will open Choisir’s UK campaign (with Irish jockey John Murtagh).
Dettori teamed with Firebolt in March 2002 to win HK’s Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin. (June 13)
Newsells Park Kicks Off Marketing Campaign
Britain’s Newsells Park Stud has launched a marketing campaign “to promote the revamped Hertfordshire nursery west of Newmarket,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. To coincide with the stud's 1st major draft of yearlings (at the 2003 northern hemisphere autumn sales) since Klaus Jacobs bought the property 3 years ago, Newsells Park will operate under the "Your Passion, Our Challenge" banner, with the goal: "We see it as our challenge to breed exceptional thoroughbreds capable of performing at the highest level for owners to be able to fulfill their passion." (June 13)
Veteran Iron Horses Miss Placings
Friday Odd Spot 1: “Three of the most tried & tested horses in the US” all started on the same day this week, but “could not shake off the advances of age”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Venerable warriors Our Legal Eagle, That’s A Nice Bet & Boys Revenge have 385 starts between them:
- Our Legal Eagle (208 starts) finished 9th in a field of 12 at Thistledown. The 13-year-old son of Exuberant finished 2nd in the Cleveland Kindergarten Stakes at Thistledown way back in 1992; he has notched 10 wins & 51 placings over 12 seasons of racing.
- That’s a Nice Bet (78 starts) finished 9th at River Downs. The 12-year-old son of That’s A Nice won the Springfield Stakes at Arlington Park back in 1994; he has recorded 11 wins & 27 placings in 10 racing seasons.
- Boys Revenge (99 starts) finished 7th in a field of 8 (despite starting favourite) at Evangeline Downs. The 12-year-old son of Boys Nite Out recorded his lone stakes victory in the Cajun Stakes at Louisiana Downs in November 1997; he has totalled 14 wins & 45 placings in 10 seasons of racing.
(June 13)
No Fraud In Race Where Wrong Horse Ran
Friday Odd Spot 2: Ohio State Racing Commission officials have announced “an investigation into the circumstances behind a race in which the wrong horse competed & finished last as favourite at River Downs near Cincinnati revealed it was a mistake with no fraudulent intent,” reported bloodhorse.com. On May 30 in the 13th race, Sing High Sing Low was listed as number 12 in the program; but a maiden Mountain Of Light actually competed & finished last (as betting favourite). Both 3YO fillies were listed as being owned by Billy Hays & trained by Joe Woodard. OSRC investigator Steve Zaper said Woodard was fined US$500 for leading the wrong horse to the paddock & was fined another US$250 for bringing the wrong horse over on another day at River Downs. (That horse was scratched & didn't race.) Patricia Mularkey, the horse identifier at River Downs, was fined US$250. The commission by policy doesn't reveal details of investigations, but Zaper noted: "We look into all other possible angles on something like this." Hmmm! (June 13)
Prebble Returning To Aust For Surgery
Australian jockey Brett Prebble “is on his way home to Melbourne & may undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured in a spectacular fall in Hong Kong last weekend,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Prebble was released from a HK hospital on Tuesday, after he was knocked out in the fall that brought down 5 riders last Saturday night. Torn ligaments in his right shoulder have put an end to his current stay in HK. Prebble's manager Des O'Keefe confirmed the jockey would “undergo specialist treatment as soon as he arrives home in Melbourne” & suspects “he may require an operation that could effectively prevent him from riding again until next season.” (June 12)
Kris Kin Earns 122 Provisional Handicap
English Derby winner Kris Kin has been allotted a provisional handicap rating of 122 for his victory last weekend, “leaving him a pound inferior to US star Funny Cide & possibly on a par with French Derby winner Dalakhani,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Kentucky Derby-Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide was given 123 for his 10-length demolition of the Gr1 Preakness Stakes field, although his defeat by Empire Maker when going for the US 3YO Triple Crown in last weekend’s Gr1 Belmont Stakes has yet to be assessed. A rating for Dalakhani has also “yet to be released, but it is thought to be in the region of 122 for his win in the Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly.” The 122 mark leaves Kris Kin 4lb lower than last year's English Derby winner High Chaparral & 2001 hero Galileo, & 3lb inferior to 2000 winner Sinndar. (June 12)
Empire Maker Tops US 3YO Vote
Meanwhile “in a very close vote by 23 media representatives”, Empire Maker came out on top of 2003’s final 3YO poll conducted by the US National Thoroughbred Racing Association, reported bloodhorse.com.
The vote was 220-214 points (with 10 points for a 1st place vote, 230 was the highest possible total); 13 voters had Empire Maker atop their ballot, while 10 went with Funny Cide. Hence all 10 of those who voted for Empire Maker 1st, also voted for Funny Cide 2nd. Funny Cide won 2 legs of the US Triple Crown (Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes) while Empire Maker took 2 other Gr1 races (Gr1 Belmont Stakes & Gr1 Wood Memorial Stakes). Empire Maker won 2 of the 3 meetings between the rivals ( Belmont & Wood Memorial) & also finished 2nd in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby. Top 10 in the voting were:
1: Empire Maker 220 points.
2: Funny Cide 214 points.
3: Ten Most Wanted 167 points.
4: Peace Rules 114 points.
5: Bird Town 108 points.
6: Atswhatimtalknbout 83 points.
7: Midway Road 59 points.
8: Dynever 58 points.
9: Midas Eyes 52 points.
10: Posse 48 points.
(June 12)
Wattle Brae’s Lucky Month
A month ago Gary Turkington of Wattle Brae Stud Farm in Queensland purchased a nice looking mare with a strong pedigree to send to his boomed import stallion Taimazov (Southern Halo-Heiress). Since Taimazov was a sensational multiple Gr1 sprinter with a top pedigree himself, Turkington reasoned he deserved some 5-star female company. Now, as the saying goes, a month is a long time in racing! The mare's name is Hospital & she's by Grand Lodge from prolific producer Casualty. Meanwhile during the last month, 2YO Ambulance (also by Grand Lodge from the mare Emergency) has won the Gr1 QTC Sires' Produce Stakes & subsequently finished an unlucky 3rd in last weekend’s Gr1 T.J.Smith at Eagle Farm. And Emergency is Casualty's daughter - making Hospital a 3/4-sister to a highly regarded juvenile Gr1 winner. "I picked Hospital up very cheaply & she is worth considerably more now," beamed Turkington. Meanwhile Taimazov, Argentina's greatest sprinter from the past 20 years, has already received an overwhelming 90 bookings for the coming season & now Turkington has Hospital (who also boasts Gr1 winners Wrap Around & Rose Of Danehill in her immediate family) visiting him. Turkington concluded: "I also bought a mare who subsequently is Gr1 related too, after the weekend. She's a half-sister to the Gr1 T.J.Smith winner Picaday." Taimazov will stand at Wattle Brae for a debut fee of $11,000. (June 12)
Telesto Spotlight For Tasmania’s Armidale Stud
Tasmania's Armidale Stud “has hit the jackpot with its new US import Telesto,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Operated by Denis & Robyn Whishaw at Carrick, Armidale’s Telesto (a winner in the UK) is by champion sire Mr Prospector from star Northfields mare Aviance (not be to confused with the Australian Gr1 winner Telesto, by Star Way, who stands at stud in Queensland). Armidale Stud’s Telesto has had 2 close relations win recent US Gr1 events: three-quarter brother Aldebaran won the Gr1 Metropolitan Mile in New York & 5YO half-brother Denon (by Pleasant Colony) won the Gr1 Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park on the weekend (his 3rd Gr1 victory). Denon is 1 of 8 winners from 9 starters (including Telesto) out of Gr1-winning Northfields mare Aviance, a daughter of Sir Ivor from Minnie Hauk. Aviance has also produced European high-weight & dual Gr1 winner Chimes Of Freedom (dam of Nureyev’s Canadian Gr1 winner Good Journey who will stand at Ealing Park Stud in Victoria this spring). Aviance’s other top class progeny include multiple Gr1 winner Aldebaran (who like Telesto is also by Mr Prospector) & stakes-winner Imperfect Circle (dam of European Champion Miler & top shuttle sire Spinning World). Aviance’s grandam Best In Show is also the 3rd dam of Umatilla & Hurricane Sky; it is the family of El Gran Senor & Try My Best. (June 12)
Lyndhurst Stud Reduction Sale Preview
Magic Millions will conduct a 148-lot reduction sale on Sunday July 6 at the Kruger family’s Warwick-based Lyndhurst Stud, among Queensland’s premier thoroughbred nurseries. Highlights include:
- Weanlings: a Lujain-Jucinda colt; a Shinko Forest-Moondust colt; a King Of Kings-Quest For Fun filly; & a Thunder Gulch-Strawberry Way filly.
- Yearlings: a Celestial Dancer-Dame Rutherford filly; a Sequalo-Fort Of Silver filly; a Nothin’ Leica Dane-Hippety Hop filly.
- Broodmares: Alvaro de Luna (Persian Heights-Very Droll) a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Ha Ha served by Danehill’s Golden Slipper winning son Catbird; Bellflower Music (Raise A Stanza-Our Today) a half-sister to last weekend’s 2YO Gr1 winner Picaday, covered by Easy Rocking; Classic (Rubiton-Mrs Soffel) a full sister to multiple Gr1 winner Rubitano, served by Irish Royal; Nova Serrure (Celestial Dancer-Lock Up) a stakes-winning mare, served by Sequalo; Spring Bluff (Danehill-Special Series) a winning daughter of Danehill, covered by Irgun; Strawberry Way (Star Way-Strawbrette) a dual Brisbane winning mare, served by Irish Royal; & Tootle The Flute (Hennessy-Stitches) served by Irish Royal.
(June 12)
Cambridge Shuttler Cape Cross Lands 7th Winner
Further to yesterday’s report noting NZ Cambridge Stud shuttle stallion Cape Cross’s 6th individual winner at Bath in England: Sheikh Mohammed's Privy Seal, purchased at Goffs Orby yearling sale for £100,000 (A$255,000), followed up with victory at Windsor to become Cape Cross’s 7th 1st crop 2YO winner, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Cape Cross now has 7 winners (including 2 stakes horses) & a further 5 placed runners from just 16 starters. His 2003 fee at Cambridge will be NZ$10,000 plus GST. (June 12)
French Stakes Winner Sold For US Racing
French stakes winner Welcome Millenium has been sold “to an undisclosed owner in the US, where she will be sent to Southern California-based trainer Ron McAnally,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 3YO daughter of Kendor finished 4th in last month’s Gr1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas) at Longchamp. Formerly trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, Welcome Millenium has 3 wins from 8 starts. (June 12)
Verglas Leads French 2YO Sires Table
Verglas (Highest Honor-Rahaam, by Secreto) is leading the French 2YO Sires list, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The Top 10 by earnings (€1=A$1.77) are:
1: Verglas €86,050.
2: Medaaly €68,750.
3: Lord Of Men €48,100.
4: Septieme Ciel €47,350.
5: Fasliyev €46,200.
6: Nombre Premier €38,400.
7: Take Risks €34,050.
8: Starborough €30,800.
9: Goldneyev €30,400.
10: Alamo Bay €26,050.
(June 12)
Carson City Leads US Sire List
Meanwhile Carson City, the 16-year-old son of Mr Prospector based at William Young’s Overbrook Farm near Lexington in Kentucky, continues to lead the US General Sires list (by prize-money), reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The current Top 10 US stallions are:
1: Carson City US$3,465,124.
2: Unbridled US$3,311,752.
3: A.P.Indy US$3,266,915.
4: Distorted Humor US$2,766,440.
5: El Prado US$2,717,831.
6: Dynaformer US$2,703,109.
7: Wild Again US$2,467,030.
8: End Sweep US$2,326,278.
9: Silver Deputy US$2,093,599.
10: Saint Ballado US$2,044,287.
(June 12)
Keeneland Discusses July Yearling Sale Future
While Keeneland Association officials remain adamant cancellation of this year's July Selected Yearling Sale is not a permanent move, “they concede changes must be made to boost the sale when it is renewed next year,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said: "We’re going to have extensive formal & informal discussions with consignors & buyers to see what they want in July. Our goal is to do what the market-place demands. We're very open to ideas." In 2002, Keeneland's July sale generated gross receipts of US$42.39 million, the lowest since 1977 & 75.9% below the peak US$175.39 million in 1984. And the 87 yearlings sold at Keeneland in July last year was the lowest number since the sale began in 1944. (June 12)
US Jockey Advertising Taking Off
Southern California-based Jockeys Management Group “was off & running” at last weekend’s Belmont Stakes day “as 3 of the agency's stable of jockeys - Jerry Bailey, Jose Santos & Gary Stevens - wore advertising on their uniforms for the entire program,” reported bloodhorse.com. JMG founder R.J.Kors said clothing company Wrangler & brewer Anheuser-Busch signed “one-off kind of deals just for the day, but we are in negotiation in good faith for events to come." While JMG's original goal was to collectively market its stable of more than 100 jockeys, Kors noted sponsor demands are forcing his company to take a different tack: "There might be specific jockeys that are sold for a year. We are getting such high demand for the top guys. I really believe in the group sale, but there seem to be a lot of companies in this marketplace that can afford more of a specialised program." Kors added the next step will be for sponsors to sign on for an entire season in the states where advertising is legal, rather than just for a particular day. Currently JMG can only offer its services in states where jockey advertising is allowed, which include the major US racing states of California & New York. (June 12)
MRLS Research Highlights ‘Caterpillar Skin’ Problem
Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome Update: Research conducted by the University Of Kentucky “indicates there is something in or on the exoskeleton (skin & associated structures) of the Eastern tent caterpillar that causes horses to abort,” reported bloodhorse.com. The study is the 4th in a series of experiments designed to determine what the factor or agent is responsible for fetal losses that result from MRLS. In the experiment, 35 pregnant mares were divided into 7 groups of 5 mares each, with individual treatments added to each mare's feed for a 10-day period. Mares in Group 1 were fed Eastern tent caterpillars & served as ‘positive controls’. Mares in Group 2 were fed saline & served as ‘negative controls’. Three additional groups were fed caterpillars carefully dissected into 3 portions: the exoskeleton (Group 3), the gut (Group 4) or the remainder of the internal insect tissues (Group 5). The final 2 groups were fed caterpillars homogenised in saline & then separated by size (greater than 0.45 microns, Group 6; or smaller than 0.45 microns, Group 7). Each treatment fed to each mare represented 50 grams of caterpillar larvae. Fetal losses occurred in all 5 mares fed caterpillars & in 3 of 5 mares fed caterpillar exoskeleton. But no losses occurred in the negative control (saline) group, in mares fed other caterpillar tissues (gut or internal tissues), or in mares fed homogenised insects (either the large or small size fraction). All fetuses were recovered between 3-14 days after the 1st day of treatment. “Increased echogenicity of fetal fluids prior to fetal death & bacteriologic findings in fetal tissues were consistent with MRLS as the syndrome is recognised in the field.” (June 12)
West Nile Vaccine: Adverse Effects In Mares?
Meanwhile allegations that West Nile virus vaccine “might have caused abortions & deformed foals” have been published in the US newspaper The Denver Post. Mare owners calling themselves the "Lost Foals Group" claimed the vaccine “has caused up to 1,200 abortions & nearly 300 deformed or dummy foals.” However top US veterinarians dispute those allegations. Leading Kentucky vet Tom Riddle told bloodhorse.com: "My practice has vaccinated thousands of mares with the West Nile virus vaccine & we have seen no relationship between the vaccine & abortions. My suspicion with the problem that is reported in the Denver paper is that the vaccine is incidental to the abortions & not related to it." And prominent Florida vet Jeffrey Berk, who noted Florida horses are at high risk for getting West Nile virus due to the year-round mosquito-friendly climate of the state, added: "We've been using the vaccine ever since the day it became available. We've used tens of thousands of doses. In general conversation, there has been no discussion whatsoever of this vaccine causing any problems at all, much less abortions." (June 12)
World Equine Veterinary Association Meeting In Buenos Aires
The 8th annual Congress of the World Equine Veterinary Association (involving 700 participants & 50 commercial exhibitors from around the globe) will be held at the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center in Argentina from October 15-17. Argentine Equine Veterinary Association president Mario Lopez Oliva noted it will feature reports on “the latest clinical veterinary medicine, surgery & reproduction advances.” (June 12)
Southern Halo Leads Argentine Sires Table
Southern Halo (Halo-Northern Sea, by Northern Dancer) is leading Argentina’s General Sires list, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The Top 10 by earnings (1 Argentine Peso=A$0.53) are:
1: Southern Halo 747,626.
2: Roar 600,551.
3: Roy 382,770.
4: Kitwood 358,246.
5: Mutakddim 355,961.
6: Interprete 333,140.
7: Ride The Rails 330,996.
8: Lode 314,190.
9: Numerous 313,988.
10: Fitzcarraldo 312,050.
(June 12)
3 Irish Tracks Widened For More Racing
Irish racetracks Fairyhouse, Punchestown & Naas will “all have their courses widened so they can stage more winter racing,” reported racingpost.co.uk. “There is an acute shortage of courses able to race during the winter in Ireland & for much of it, the fixture list is confined to 3 or 4 meetings a week.” Horse Racing Ireland believes the solution “is to have more racing at 3 of the courses within easy reach of Dublin.” HRI director of racing Jason Morris explained: ”Racecourses are pretty much at capacity during the winter & so we’ve got to develop their inside tracks, or extend their tracks inwards, to create additional racing ground.” (June 12)
BBC Racing Boss ‘Concerned’ About TV Ratings
BBC turf editor Carl Hicks has warned that racing should be "concerned" about the number of people watching its premier prizes on television, reported racingpost.co.uk. Hicks confessed to not being "ecstatic" about the viewing figure for last weekend's English Derby, despite the fact 2.7 million UK viewers 33% of the TV audience) watched the BBC's coverage of the Epsom Classic, a 12.5% increase on last year & 200,000 higher than in 2000 (when Channel 4 covered the race). While those also watching on the Attheraces channel took the combined audience to over 3 million, the numbers still troubled Hicks who commented: "No-one here is ecstatic & we are very keen to build on the figure. Racing faces a challenging time to maintain its audience share & it has to be a worry for the British Horseracing Board, BBC & Channel 4. Viewing figures are not reaching the heights of the past & it's certainly something for the sport to be concerned about." Hicks added: "The Derby is a jewel in the crown of the BBC's summer sporting schedule & we will always treat it as such. The aim for next year is to reach the 3-million barrier, while we would love to return to the days when the race was getting 4 & 5 million viewers & that's our long-term aim." (June 12)
UK Bookies Join Forces & Launch New Exchange
A powerful grouping of senior British bookmakers has adopted the maxim "If you can't beat them, join them" & set up their own betting exchange, reported racingpost.co.uk. While many UK bookmakers (led by the major off-course firms) have been highly critical of exchanges, BetMart.com officially launched this week & “is backed by a group of 34 British & Irish bookmakers” (led by Stephen Little & including Dick Reynolds, Sunderlands, Barry Dennis, MacBet & Crossbet). BetMart.com will compete directly with the existing UK exchanges: notably Betfair, Betdaq, Sporting Options & newcomer TradBets.com. Little (once a leading rails bookmaker who subsequently represented Corals) summed up: "Betting exchanges are here to stay & we are saying: 'If you can't beat them, join them.' I see their development as a major step in the evolution of betting, as major as was the opening of betting shops. To begin with, we will be concentrating on horseracing & then football, & on the UK market. But later we will broaden our scope & aim at the world-wide market." (June 12)
Aust Trainer Attacked At Malaysian Track
Australian trainer Gavin Kelly was assaulted by 3 men (1 carrying a metal instrument) in a racecourse carpark attack during the Perak Turf Club's meeting in Ipoh in Malaysia, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Kelly, who is based in Penang & had 3 runners at the meeting, escaped with minor injuries (cuts on his back & nose) & was treated at a nearby medical centre. PTC general manager Lim Yew Leong said a police report had been filed. Kelly has been training in Malaysia for the last 3 years; he is currently in 9th place on this season’s Malaysian training premiership, with 9 winners & 18 placings from 85 runners. The former Adelaide & Melbourne trainer is best known in Australia as the trainer of 1992 Victoria Derby winner Redding. (June 11)
US Buyers Inspect King Of Them All
Last weekend’s Queensland Derby 3rd place-getter King Of Them All “is being inspected by US racing interests & might be bought this week,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Part-owner & trainer Bruce Marsh said yesterday the US buyer was looking at videos of King Of Them All, but noted: “I won’t be upset if the sale does not proceed.” (June 11)
US Champion Spectacular Bid Dies
Spectacular Bid “winner of two-thirds of the 1979 US 3YO Triple Crown & considered 1 of the greatest runners in history” has died from “an apparent heart attack” at Milfer Farm in New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 27-year-old son of Bold Bidder had stood in New York since 1992, after standing 11 seasons at the famous Claiborne Farm in Kentucky. Spectacular Bid won 26 of 30 career starts, including the 1979 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes & earned US$2,781,608 for owner Harry Meyerhoff's Hawksworth Farm & trainer Bud Delp. Described by Delp as "the greatest horse to look through a bridle," Spectacular Bid was named champion 3YO male in 1979 after winning 10 of 12 starts, following his champion 2YO colt title in 1978. As a 4YO he earned Horse-Of-The-Year & champion older male honors, having won all 9 starts (including the Gr1 Santa Anita Handicap, Gr1 Californian Stakes, Gr1 Amory Haskell Handicap, Gr1 Charles Strub Stakes & Gr1 Woodward Stakes). Bred in Kentucky out of Promised Land mare Spectacular, Spectacular Bid recorded 23 stakes wins & set or equaled 8 track records. At stud, Spectacular Bid has sired 44 stakes winners (including 17 group or graded winners) from 19 crops & has progeny earnings of US$21,513,949. His top runners include: Spectacular Love (winner of the 1984 Gr1 Futurity Stakes); Lotus Pool (a stakes winner in Europe & dual Gr3 winner in the US); & Lay Down (winner of the 1990 Gr2 Excelsior, Gr2 Washington Park & Gr2 Forego Handicaps). Syndicated for a record US$22 million prior to entering stud in 1981, Spectacular Bid has also sired stakes winners Double Feint, Princes Pietrina, Marquette, Ann’s Bid, Festivity & Starfield. (June 11)
New Treatment May Prolong Racing Careers
Australian researchers have released a new protein treatment they believe “will encourage injured tendons to heal with minimal scarring.” Ross Tietzel, a veterinarian at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne, said the treatment is less expensive than current drugs & allows horses to return to racing earlier. He told the ABC: "I’ve been trialling it for about 6 years & to date, with the tendon injuries that I’ve treated, I’ve been very happy. We’ve had an 80% return to racing, where the horses have raced for up to 2 years after treatment." (June 11)
Champion NZ Sire Woodborough To South Africa
NZ’s champion sire of 2001-02 Woodborough will stand at stud in South Africa this year. “This follows the sale of Woodborough by NZ’s Windsor Park Stud & England’s Benham Stud, which previously jointly-owned the son of Woodman,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Woodborough has been purchased by prominent South African bloodstock agent Robin Bruss (who previously purchased SA dual Gr1 winner Fire Arch from Sydney’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale). Bruss will retain an interest in Woodborough & “is currently negotiating with several SA studs which wish to secure an interest.” Woodborough was NZ’s Leading Freshman Sire with his 1st crop; among the stars in that crop is stakes-winner Shinnecock, who won in HK last week under the name Green Vacation, while another of his HK runners Lucky Bird won a HK$500,000 (A$100,000) event on the weekend. This season Woodborough has been represented by stakes winner Bank Note, stakes-placed winner Country Class & recent winner Piata. (June 11)
Beautiful Crown’s 87% Win-Or-Placed Ratio
It may have been an innocuous meeting at Cessnock yesterday, & the race an even less important 900m maiden, but the result simply amplified what many broodmare owners already perceive: Hunter-based stallion Beautiful Crown is something straight off the top shelf. As 40-1 newcomer Crown Of Lae crossed the finishing line in front (after coming from last on the bend & outside barrier 14), it took Beautiful Crown's 1st crop win-or-placed-to-runners record to a mighty 87%. And his 1st crop consisted of ordinary mares. In the past month Beautiful Crown, who stands at Alanbridge Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley, has had 19 runners along the Australian eastern seaboard: 6 have won, 6 have run 2nd & 4 have finished 3rd. And on the stakes front, from 2 crops to race so far he has recorded 1 stakes-winner & 5 stakes-placed. In addition, Beautiful Crown is currently Leading 2nd Crop Sire of individual 2YO winners throughout Australia this year with 10; that ranks him 4th overall among all sires on the 2YO individual winners list (in front of major names like Danehill, Red Ransom, Thunder Gulch, Hennessy, Zabeel, Encosta de Lago, Snippets, Tale Of The Cat & Canny Lad). Beautiful Crown will stand for $9,900 this year & already 2 stakes winners are booked to him. (June 11)
Vinery’s Red Ransom Adds German Stakes
More good news for Vinery shuttle stallion Red Ransom: following the win by his 3YO filly Casual Look in the weekend’s Gr1 English Oaks, Red Ransom’s Kentucky-bred son Ransom O’War defeated Winning Dash & Silver Spur to win the German Gr2 Grosser Muller Brot-Preis (2000m) in Munich, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. At his previous starts, Ransom O’War had finished 3rd in the Gr2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German Two Thousand Guineas) at Koln on May 18 & 2nd in the Gr3 Preis Des Gestut Wiesenhof-Dr Busch Memorial on April 13. Trained by Erika Mader, Ransom O’War now has 2 wins & 5 placings in 8 career starts. He is 1 of 4 foals to race (all winners) out of winning mare Sombreffe, who is by Polish Precedent & a half-sister to Gr2 winners Snaadee & Russian Bond & Gr3 winner Cristofori. (June 11)
Generous Adds 31st Stakes Winner
Yesterday we noted NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm stallion Generous recorded his 30th individual stakes winner when 5YO horse Takeden Julius won on Saturday in Japan. Just a day later, Dantsu Running made it number 31 by winning the June Stakes (2400m) at Tokyo Racecourse, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Dantsu Running is out of Wavering Monarch mare Matriarch, who with the addition of Dantsu Running has now produced 4 stakes winners. (June 11)
Rhythm Shuttle Good News For Baerami Stud
Hunter Valley breeder Paul Higgins looked on the result of the weekend’s $1 million Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm “with mixed feelings” noted aapracingandsports.com.au.
- The downside: Higgins initially owned Lisheenowen, dam of Stradbroke winner Private Steer (who has now won 6 of 10 starts & over $1 million prize-money). A Semipalatinsk mare bred in Queensland, Lisheenowen was trained in the Hunter Valley by horse dealer Athol Gibson & won at Muswellbrook & Gunnedah before retiring to Baerami Stud. Higgins bred 1 foal from Lisheenowen, which he sold as a yearling for $5,000 before selling the mare unserved to current owner Angelo Vasili. Lisheenowen (who now resides at nearby Collingrove Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley) was bred to imported Danehill sire Danehill Dancer in the 1st 2 years of her new ownership, producing 2 fillies: Private Steer & unraced 2YO Teralani.
- The upside: 3rd placing in the Gr1 event by Into The Night; the sprinter’s sire Rhythm will shuttle to Higgins’s Baerami Stud from California for the 1st time this season.
(June 11)
Picaday’s 1000% Return-On-Investment
Astute horseman Bruce McLachlan looks to have picked up 1 of the bargains of the season in 2YO Picaday, following the gelding’s win in the $505,000 Gr1 The TJ Smith at Eagle Farm. McLachlan paid just $37,000 for Picaday at the 2002 Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast & commented after the Brisbane Gr1 victory: “I’ve always had a high opinion of this horse. He’s got a terrific future & I’m sure he’ll win a few Gr1 races as he gets older.” Picaday already has 3 wins & 2 placings from just 7 starts for $442,400 prize-money. (June 11)
Picaday’s Full Brother At 2004 MM Sales
Meanwhile leading Queensland stud master Colin McAlpine confirmed a full brother to Picaday (a Piccolo-Our Today colt) will be offered by his Eureka Stud during the 2004 Magic Millions Yearling Sale series, announced MM managing director David Chester. (June 11)
Spark Of Life’s Relative Also At MM Sales
And in the same vein: Unbeaten 2YO gelding Spark Of Life followed his 8-length win on debut at Newcastle with a 9-length blitz over 1100m at Royal Randwick on Monday in a new class record. The speed machine stopped the clock at 1min 3.51sec (the final 600m in 33.7sec) on a track officially rated ‘Dead’! Spark Of Life (a son of ill-fated former Ellinthorpe Stud-based stallion Nine Carat) is a $30,000 graduate from last year’s Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. His Queensland breeder Bob Thompson has revealed a half-brother to Spark Of Light, by exciting young Western Australia-based sire Eternity Range, will be sold at next year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale series. (June 11)
Spectrum Adds Another Aust Stakes
Former Yarraman Park shuttle sire Spectrum notched another Australian win when 3YO gelding Naden (a $36,000 purchase by South Australian trainer Leon MacDonald at the Inglis 2001 Sires Produce Yearling Sale) won the Listed VRC Creswick Stakes at Flemington in Melbourne on the weekend. “Spectrum has enjoyed an outstanding run in both hemispheres this year,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. His latest major succes in Europe is the win by Skythe in a Listed race at Baden Baden in Germany; that followed his trans-Atlantic double when Gr2 winner Dancing won at Churchill Downs in Kentucky & Gamut won the Listed Aston Park Stakes at Newbury in England. Spectrum sired 17 2YO winners last year & was represented by a total of 82 winners & 130 races. His progeny are led by Gr1 winner & future NZ shuttle sire Golan. Naden adds to the black type performers already produced by Spectrum in Australia, where his progeny include Gr1 VRC Sires Produce Stakes winner Spectatorial & Gr1 Orr Stakes winner Barkada. His 2YOs this season include outstanding Perth youngster Diffraction (winner of the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate). (June 11)
Anabaa Assumes Danehill’s Danzig Title
With the demise of Danehill, thoroughbredinternet.com posed the question: who is Danzig's most successful active sire of stake-swinners in 2003? The answer: “To date at least 16 sons of Danzig have sired stakes-winners this year & the best of them is Haras du Quesnay's shuttle stallion Anabaa.” Bred by Maktoum al Maktoum's Gainsborough Farm, Anabaa has sired 8 individual stakes-winners this year in 6 countries, 3 more than next best Belong To Me. Ironically this pair both shuttle to Australia's historic NSW Hunter Valley landmark Widden Stud. Anabaa (1996 Champion Sprinter of Europe) has 5 Gr1 winners from his 1st 2 crops & 17 stakes-winners in total: a strike rate of better than 20% stakes-performers-to-starters. And his French Prix du Jockey-Club winning son Anabaa Blue stood his 1st season at stud this year at Haras d'Etreham. (June 11)
Coolmore Shuttler Orpen’s 4-In-48-Hours
Coolmore’s young shuttle sire Orpen “continues to make a huge impact with his 1st northern hemisphere crop, notching 4 winners in 48 hours in Europe” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Orpen got off the mark with a double last month & has now repeated that feat twice more with successive-day doubles in Europe: Autumn Pearl won her debut at Sandown in the UK & Lady Simi won over 7 furlongs in Italy; then 24-hours-later filly In Dublin won on debut at Capannelle in Italy & Nearly Before Time won at Wolverhampton in England. Orpen now has 7 individual winners. (June 11)
Shuttler Fasliyev Tops Europe 1st Crop List
Coolmore’s shuttler Fasliyev (who was arguably his sire Nureyev’s best 2YO) continues to grab northern hemisphere headlines. In the last week he recorded 2 more individual winners & his 3rd cross-Channel (UK-France) double to total 7 individual 1st-crop winners & easily head Europe’s 1st Crop Sires List. He will stand this Australia season at Coolmore’s NSW stud for $22,000 (including GST). (June 11)
Cambridge's Stravinsky Leads US 1st Crop Sires
Meanwhile Coolmore’s other young Nureyev sire Stravinsky (arguably Nureyev’s best sprinter), who is shuttling this season to NZ’s Cambridge Stud, “is currently the leading freshman sire in the US,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Stravinsky has had 5 individual winners to date (in the US, UK & Italy). Stravinsky’s 1st Southern Hemisphere yearlings went through the sale rings this year. Stravinsky is standing for NZ$18,000 plus GST at Cambridge this season. (June 11)
Cambridge Shuttler Cape Cross Lands 6th Winner
And Nights Cross became shuttle stallion Cape Cross’s 6th individual winner when the colt won over 5.5 furlongs at Bath in England, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Cape Cross also stands at Cambridge Stud. (June 11)
Europe Wins For Curraghmore's Daggers Drawn
NZ’s Curraghmore Stud shuttle sire Daggers Drawn continues to churn out the winners in Europe. The son of Diesis produced his 9th individual winner when Sir Ernest won at Wolverhampton in England. Daggers Drawn is currently leading 1st season sire in Europe (on individual winners) this year. Curraghmore Stud principal Gordon Cunningham told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "It’s very encouraging to see him make such a great start in Europe after his stock had also made a good beginning in NZ this season." (June 11)
Highview’s Kashani On Winning Run
NZ’s Highview Stud stallion Kashani continued his recent purple patch when 3YO gelding Cheerful Fortune won again in Hong Kong, with an easy victory in a HK$1 million (A$200,000) race over 1200m at Sha Tin reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Cheerful Fortune (Kashani-Crystal Jet) is an emerging star in HK & has now won 3 of his 4 starts there. Other recent Kashani winners include: Labasa (Kashani-Akyesta) in the Victoria Racing Club Handicap over 1200m at Ellerslie; Heza Chance at Matamata; Kartia at Riccarton); Incent in Australia; Kashkii at Sandown; Betta Watch It at Te Rapa; & Noble Victory at Sha Tin. (June 11)
Senor Pete Wins In 4 Countries
Meanwhile Senor Pete, another stallion on the Highview Stud roster, has also enjoyed a run of success in recent weeks noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Senor Pete’s winners include: Catchmeifyoucan at Ellerslie; Don’t Tell Pete at Matamata; Repete at Matamata; Senorita Peta at Eagle Farm in Brisbane; Catchmeifyoucan at Pukekohe; Senor Prince at Kranji in Singapore; True Brothers at Penang in Malaysia; Senorita Pete at Hawkesbury in Australia; & Cabella at Blenheim. (June 11)
Windsor Park’s Volksraad Leads NZ Sires Table
The current Top 15 on the NZ General Sires Table (by prize-money), according to NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, are:
1: Volksraad NZ$1,176,175.
2: Zabeel NZ$1,066,525.
3: O’Reilly NZ$883,571.
4: Desert Sun NZ$836,313.
5: Faltaat NZ$747,137.
6: Prized NZ$700,175.
7: Stark South NZ$645,155.
8: Al Akbar NZ$569,445.
9: Maroof NZ$518,143.
10: His Royal Highness NZ$493,945.
11: Deputy Governor NZ$442,483.
12: Shinko King NZ$431,127.
13: Lord Ballina NZ$423,122.
14: Blues Traveller NZ$422,702.
15: Danasinga NZ$415,555.
(June 11)
NZ Mudgway Stakes Upgraded To Gr1
The NZ Graded Stakes Committee has promoted the 1400m weight-for-age Mudgway PartsWorld Stakes (conducted by Hawke’s Bay Racing at Hastings) from Gr2 to Gr1 status. The promotion “recognises the consistently strong fields that have competed in it” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Last year’s running saw 3-time Australasian Champion Sunline lead home multiple Gr1 winners Tit For Taat & Cent Home. The race was first run in 1991 & won by Rough Habit. (June 11)
Silent Witness Still Unbeaten In HK
NSW-bred 3YO Silent Witness (a $55,000 bargain at the Inglis 2001 Classic Yearling Sale) maintained his unbeaten record to take the HK Gr2 Sha Tin Vase (1000m), easily defeating local sprint star Grand Delight. Winning jockey Felix Coetzee declared: "He was . . . just . . . awesome. Amazing. As good as he was today, there's a lot more to come. He can just go on & on." Silent Witness now has 5 wins from 5 starts & prize-money topping $760,000. Trainer Tony Cruz is now planning a brief spell prior to a campaign aimed at the rich HK International Sprint in December. Silent Witness (bred & offered for sale by Ian Smith’s Edinburgh Park Stud at Taree on the NSW mid-north coast) is by El Moxie from talented racemare Jade Tiara. Bloodstock agent John Foote, who purchased the bay for $55,000, had no hesitation investing the same amount again for a half-brother to Silent Witness (by Woodman) at this year’s Inglis Classic Sale. (June 11)
Inglis Graduates Win 6 In HK
It was a big week for Inglis sale graduates in Hong Kong, with multiple victories at both the Sha Tin & Happy Valley tracks:
- On the same Sha Tin card as the Silent Witness Gr2 victory, came 2 other winners: by expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes charge Salut Beaute (a $70,000 buy at the Inglis 2000 Breeze-Up Sale) & smart galloper Danefactor (a $475,000 purchase at the Inglis 1999 Easter sale).
- Inglis graduates also scored a treble at Happy Valley, via: smart griffin Shining Dragon (a $110,000 investment at the Inglis 2002 Breeze-Up Sale); ever-green 7YO son of Danehill V-Can (a $140,000 buy at the Inglis 1997 Easter Sale); & another promising Danehill son, 3YO Lucky Owners (a $350,000 purchase at the Inglis 2001 Easter Sale) who scored over 1600m & now has 3 wins from 6 starts for prize-money nearing $330,000.
(June 11)
HK Dragon Shines For End Sweep
Shining Dragon is from the 1st Southern Hemisphere crop of ill-fated sire End Sweep; he was originally prepared for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Willow Park Stud & is the 1st foal of Zabeel mare Zebizan (a full sister to class stayers Cronus & Pravda). At Easter he caught the eye of horse trader Ron Dufficy, who purchased him for $100,000 & then re-offered him at the Inglis Australian Breeze-Up Sale. Bloodstock agent Vin Cox then stepped into the picture & secured Shining Dragon for $110,000 on behalf of his HK-based client Benedict Chung. Cox noted: “He had a great action & was a medium-sized horse who wasn’t going to get too heavy. I thought he’d be a great candidate to be out & running early.” (June 11)
Magic Millions Graduates Win 5 At Kranji
WA-bred Hideyoshi gelding Raul has won the 1st leg of the Singapore 3YO Gr3 Challenge at Kranji. A $12,000 purchase at the 2001 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale at Belmont, Raul now has 3 wins in 7 starts. Hideyoshi died just a month ago & Raul is from Beau Sovereign mare Whisper To Me. Raul’s victory in the feature event marked a big evening for Magic Millions graduates, who grabbed 5 wins under the Kranji lights. Among the others:
- Sydney jockey Brent Stanley won at his very first ride in Singapore when $3,500 2000 MM Perth Yearling Sale bargain Easy Way (Polish Blue-Key Vain) romped home by 4.5 lengths over 1200m.
- Singaporean interests paid $35,000 at the MM 2001 Adelaide Horses-In-Training Sale for Gold The Best (a gelding by former SA-based sire Made Of Gold), who won over 2000m ridden by former Adelaide jockey Din Azis.
- Perth MM Sale graduate Luke Skywalker (Darbonne-Anne) made it 3 wins from his past 4 starts when he won over 1400m.
- And $21,000 fellow Perth MM graduate Silver Coin (by Catrail) also won over 1400m.
(June 11)
MM Graduates Also Land 5 At Ipoh
And Magic Millions graduate success in the region wasn’t restricted to Singapore, with another 5 MM buys winning races at Ipoh in Malaysia over the next 2 days. They included:
- Highlight of the Ipoh weekend blitz was 3YO Irgun-Miss Baldski galloper Easy Go Lucky (a $22,000 purchase at the MM 2001 Premier Yearling Sale) who extended his unbeaten run to 4 successive victories with another win over 1200m.
- Another top performance came from $40,000 MM 2001 Adelaide Yearling Sale buy Street Talk (Honour And Glory-Punch) who won by 5 lengths to remain unbeaten in his 3 starts to date.
- Winner Dynamic (Magic Of Money-Jungle Shadow) was a $12,000 buy at the MM 2001 Perth Yearling Sale.
- Winner Shania Magic (Bletchley Park-Shanice) was an $8,000 purchase at the MM 1999 Perth Yearling Sale.
- And winner Wonder Boy (Brocco-Vain Tina) was a $23,000 outlay at the MM 2000 Perth Yearling Sale.
(June 11)
HKJC’s X-Ray Policy Triggers Griffin Debate
One of the “less impressive aspects of the 2002-03 Hong Kong season has been the apparent ordinariness of the Griffins” (the local term given to unraced horses who are either southern hemisphere 2YOs or northern hemisphere 3YOs) reported aapracingandsports.com.au. “The question currently being asked is this: Is the season's apparent lack of depth in the griffin races purely a cyclical thing, or perhaps the bottom line result of demanding sounder horses beyond what is reasonable?” Some good judges suggest “this will become the norm rather than an aberration”, warning it’s “no coincidence that the most pedestrian griffin crop in recent years coincides with the introduction of the HKJC’s more stringent veterinary code. The guidelines demand a level of soundness which every agent & veterinary surgeon will tell you is hard to attain, with 40-plus X-rays of knees, joints & feet all having to be passed by a registered vet. It’s also a standard which many sound, competitive & even champion racehorses cannot meet.” (June 11)
Hot Commodity Wins Brazil Gr1 Peixoto Castro
Argentine-bred Hot Commodity won Brazil’s Gr1 Gran Premio Peixoto Castro (10 furlongs) at Hipodromo Gavea in Rio de Janeiro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Sonus defeated Mexican Daisy. Owned by Stud Rio Aventura & bred by Haras Santa Maria de Araras, Hot Commodity is the 1st foal out of Naevus mare Hot Hot Hot. (June 11)
Kentucky Equine Abortion Rate Down 48%
The equine abortion rate in Kentucky is down 48% from a year ago “based on the latest figures released on Monday by the University Of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center” reported bloodhorse.com. At the end of the 1st week of June, 424 aborted fetuses had been submitted to the LDDC for examination compared to 810 during the same time period in 2002. The 2003 statistics represent continuing good news for Kentucky breeders, who battled outbreaks of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome in 2001 & 2002. (June 11)
UK Jockey Club To Expand Drug Testing
The UK Jockey Club will introduce breathalysers & increased random drug testing for jockeys at the end of the month, reported racingpost.co.uk. Announcing that the contract for testing riders has been transferred from UK Sport to Medscreen, UK Jockey Club chief medical officer Dr Michael Turner explained: "By aiming our primary testing program at those substances that impair performance or judgment, we can conduct a more effective & thorough testing program, as well as achieving a much faster turn-around of results. Medscreen will also open up the way for the introduction of target testing in competition, the absence of which in a safety-critical sport is arguably a weakness." UK Jockeys’ Association chief executive Michael Caulfield commented: "Every sport is under the microscope & jockeys are no exception. They would not want to be riding under the influence of any mind-altering drug or drink. The jockeys embrace drug testing because it’s their chance to show how drug-free they are." (June 11)
US On-Line Betting Records At Belmont Stakes
We-Have-Seen-The-Future Update: US on-line gaming company Youbet.com< “set company records for handle & unique bettors” on last weekend’s Gr1 Belmont Stakes day, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Youbet.com reported total handle for the Belmont Stakes at US$2,133,399, a 100% increase over last year & the 2nd-largest handle for a single race day in company history. It also reported the 2nd-highest weekly handle with US$6,600,521, up 80% on last year. There were 7,371 unique Youbet punters on Belmont Day & their average wager was nearly 40% higher than during the similar period in 2002. Youbet.com chief executive Charles Champion commented: "We continue to prove the reliability & capability of the Youbet system. We have also proven our ability to increase the average handle per fan." (June 11)
Empire Maker Wins US Gr1 Belmont Stakes
Juddmonte Farm’s 3YO home-bred colt Empire Maker (Unbridled-Toussaud, by El Gran Senor) stopped Funny Cide's bid to win the US 3YO Triple Crown with victory in the US$1 million Gr1 Belmont Stakes (12 furlongs) on a wet Belmont Park track in New York. Empire Maker took on Funny Cide during the first mile & cleared out in the straight to win from Ten Most Wanted (Deputy Commander-Wanted Again, by Criminal Type) & the tiring Funny Cide (Distorted Humor-Belle's Good Cide, by Slewacide). Owned by Saudi prince Khalid Abdullah, trained by California’s Bobby Frankel & ridden by Jerry Bailey, Empire Maker had finished 2nd when favourite to Funny Cide in last month’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby. The win marked Empire Maker’s 3rd Gr1 victory: he previously won the Gr1 Wood Memorial Stakes & Gr1 Florida Derby. He is also the 4th Gr1 winner out of his dam Toussaud (herself winner of the Gr1 Gamely Handicap). (June 10)
Belmont TV Ratings Set US Record
American TV coverage of Funny Cide’s attempt at the Triple Crown (on the NBC network) recorded the highest rating for the Belmont Stakes “since people meters were introduced in 1987” & “the highest over-night rating for a horse race in the US since 1990,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The rating was 13% up on last year’s similarly failed attempt by War Emblem to complete the 3YO Triple Crown. NBC Sports president Ken Schanzer noted: "This rating demonstrates that the unbelievable saga of Funny Cide brought all kinds of new fans to horse racing, which bodes well for the future." (June 10)
2nd Largest Belmont Attendance Ever
Despite days of pre-race rain, the 135th Gr1 Belmont Stakes drew 101,864 crowd, the 2nd-largest attendance in track history & less than 2,000 below the record 103,222 set last year. And the on-track betting pool was a Belmont day single-day record of US$12,973,555. (The all-time track ‘handle’ record was US$13,165,397 for the 2001 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.) New York Racing Association president Terry Meyocks told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Today’s crowd showed their loyalty & passion for the sport, coming out early & staying late in what had to be one of the worst weather days for any major day in the history of thoroughbred racing. It began raining at 9:15am, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm for one of the most highly anticipated days in New York racing." (June 10)
Distorted Humor Share Sold For US$450,000
As Triple Crown aspirant Funny Cide hogged the headlines in the days leading into the Belmont Stakes, a share in his sire Distorted Humor sold for US$450,000 reported bloodhorse.com. Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide is from the 1st crop by Distorted Humor, who stands at Kenny Troutt & Bill Casner's WinStar Farm near Versailles in Kentucky. Distorted Humor (by Forty Niner) stood this year for US$20,000. But WinStar president Doug Cauthen was recently quoted as saying the stallion would probably stand next year for US$50,000-100,000. The US$450,000 price for a share “would place Distorted Humor's value in excess of US$20 million.” Funny Cide is 1 of 2 Gr1 winners from the 1st crop by Distorted Humor (the other is Awesome Humor); he has also recorded Gr2 winners Go Rockin' Robin & Humorous Lady. Distorted Humor (currently Leading US 2nd Crop Sire with 35 individual winners from 58 runners) shuttled to Australia for 2 seasons in 1999 & 2000; he has 2 winners from his 1st 10 runners this season including stakes-winner Rinky Dink. (June 10)
Denon Wins US Gr1 Manhattan Handicap
Edmund Gann & Flaxman Stable’s multiple Gr1 winner Denon downed fast-finishing stablemate Requete & Dr Brendler to win the US$400,000 Gr1 Manhattan Handicap (10 furlongs on turf) at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Pleasant Colony (trained by Bobby Frankel & ridden by Jerry Bailey) had finished 5th in last season’s Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf after winning the Gr1 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes. Denon (who now has 6 wins in 16 starts) was bred in Virginia by Flaxman Holdings. He is 1 of 8 winners from 9 starters out of Gr1-winning Northfields mare Aviance, who has also produced European high-weight Chimes Of Freedom (dam of Canadian Gr1 winner Good Journey, who is shuttling to Australia & multiple Gr1 winner Aldebaran) & stakes winner Imperfect Circle (dam of European high-weight Spinning World, who is also shuttling to Australia this year). (June 10)
Bird Town Wins US Gr1 Acorn Stakes
Gr1 Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town (Cape Town-Dear Birdie, by Storm Bird) won the US$250,000 Gr1 Acorn Stakes (9 furlongs) for 3YO fillies at Belmont Park, reported bloodhorse.com. Bird Town (trained by Nick Zito & ridden by Edgar Prado) defeated Lady Tak & Final Round. Favourite Storm Flag Flying (last year’s US 2YO Champion filly) finished 2nd last. Bird Town (who now has 4 wins & 5 placings in 9 starts) was bred in Kentucky by owner Marylou Whitney. (June 10)
Kris Kin Wins Gr1 English Derby
Owner Saeed Suhail's decision to pay the £90,000 (A$225,000) “supplement” to get his 3YO colt Kris Kin (Kris S-Angel In My Heart, by Rainbow Quest) into the field “paid off in style when his chestnut stormed home to win Europe's richest race”, the £852,000 (A$2.13 million) Gr1 English Derby (2400m) at Epsom Downs, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Having only his 4th career start, Kris Kin (trained by Sir Michael Stoute & ridden by Keiren Fallon) defeated The Great Gatsby (Sadler's Wells-Ionian Sea, by Slip Anchor) & Alamshar (Key Of Luck-Alaiyda, by Shahrastani). Kris Kin was knocked down to agent Charlie Gordon-Watson for US$275,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2001 & has now won 3 of his 4 starts. Bred by the Niarchos Family's Flaxman Holdings, he is the 3rd foal of Angel In My Heart, winner of the French Gr3 Prix de Psyche & later placed at Gr1 level in North America for trainer Bobby Frankel. Angel In My Heart is a half-sister to Common Grounds (French Champion 2YO in 1987 when his wins included the Gr1 Prix de la Salamandre). Kris Kin is inbred 5x5 to Nasrullah & descends from Nasrullah's three-quarter brother Royal Charger. (June 10)
Massive 14-1 To 6-1 Betting Plunge On Kris Kin
Kris Kin “was backed in from 14-1 to 6-1” & landed a major nation-wide betting plunge with his English Derby victory, reported racingpost.co.uk. Favourite Refuse To Bend (the Aidan O'Brien-trained half-brother to 2002 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle) finished a disappointing 13th. (June 10)
Refuse To Bend May Be Sold As Stallion Prospect
Unplaced UK Derby favourite Refuse To Bend (winner of the Gr1 English Two Thousand Guineas last month) “is likely to be under new ownership if he races on as a 4YO” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Sadler's Wells “stamped himself a prime stallion prospect with victory in the Newmarket classic but his owner Walter Haefner, 92, is expected at this stage to sell at the end of the season.” Haefner, who breeds & races as Moyglare Stud Farm, does not stand stallions as such & “is said to be considering to offer Refuse To Bend as a stallion prospect, while retaining some shares. Stan Cosgrove, who manages Moyglare in Ireland’s County Kildare, confirmed: "I don't think we would keep Refuse To Bend as a 4YO & I would say that he will be sold at the end of the year." Refuse To Bend is out of Gr3-placed winning Gulch mare Market Slide, who also produced 2002 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle (by Theatrical). (June 10)
Big Weekend For WinStar Stallions
When Kentucky’s Prestonwood Farm was sold & became WinStar Farm, “the fledgling outfit inherited a proven stallion in Kris S who, although near the end of his illustrious career, became 1 of the stud’s foundation stallions,” noted racenet.com.au. “One of his barn mates was an unproven son of Forty Niner named Distorted Humor, which had spent 2 seasons on the shuttle to Australia.” In a “bitter-sweet weekend for WinStar, Kris Kin (a son of Kris S, who died aged 25 in May 2002) triumphed in the most famous horse race in the world, the Derby at Epsom, while Distorted Humor’s son Funny Cide failed at the final hurdle to capture the elusive US Triple Crown.” Funny Cide’s dam Belle's Good Cide won just 2 of her 26 starts & was sold to Prestonwood for less than US$10,000, while his conqueror Empire Maker’s dam Toussaud has just been named Kentucky Broodmare-Of-The-Year. (June 10)
And UK Derby-Oaks Double For Roberto Sireline
Combined with the win of Red Ransom’s daughter Casual Look in the English Oaks the day before (see item below), Kris Kin’s Derby victory “completed the classic double for the Roberto sireline” noted racenet.com.au. A son of Hail To Reason, the 1972 English Derby winner Roberto has now left 2 sons who have sired Epsom Derby winners. The 1st came through Silver Hawk, sire of 1997 Derby winner Benny The Dip. Another Roberto son Brian’s Time has been hugely influential in Japan, while ill-fated Melbourne Cup winner At Talaq proved effective in Australia. However racenet.com.au summed up: “The most unlikely source of top class winners however would have to be Kris S. The son of Roberto (out of Princequillo mare Sharp Queen) had a light career on the racetrack, starting 5 times for 3 wins & 1 2nd for earnings of just US$53,350 (with his lone stakes victory in the Listed Bradbury Stakes at Santa Anita). He retired to Florida’s Meadowbrook Farm in 1982 “where he was poorly patronised at a fee of US$3,500.” However 20 of his 1st crop of 28 foals won races (including 5 stakes winners). “The immediate success for Kris S inevitably resulted in his move to Kentucky, where his reputation continued to grow at Prestonwood Farm with the likes of Breeders’ Cup winners Brocco, Prized, Hollywood Wildcat & Soaring Softly, the latter 2 of whom were also Eclipse Award Champions.” (June 10)
Record On-Track Betting At Epsom Derby Day
On-track betting receipts at the Epsom Derby were a record £1,070,125 (A$2.7 million), an 18.7% increase from last year. Track officials estimated a crowd of “approximately 100,000” was on hand to witness Kentucky-bred Kris Kin win the historic Derby, with Epsom Downs managing director Stephen Wallis explaining to thoroughbredtimes.com: "The crowd must be around 100,000, if not more. This is the optimum crowd size for Derby day. The grandstands are full & the hill is packed, but comfortable & safe. I have never seen the hill square so crowded. Giving the grandstand back to the grandstand goers (rather than having a large part of it as Club enclosure) has seen a huge surge in tote turnover." (June 10)
Casual Look Wins Gr1 English Oaks
It was also a big weekend at Epsom for Vinery’s US-Australia shuttle sire Red Ransom: Lane's End Farm 3YO home-bred filly Casual Look (Red Ransom-Style Setter, by Manila) won the Gr1 English Oaks (12 furlongs) from “the luckless” Yesterday (Sadler's Wells-Jude, by Darshaan) & Summitville (Grand Lodge-Tina Heights, by Shirley Heights), reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Red Ransom shuttles between Vinery Studs in Kentucky & the NSW Hunter Valley. His Kentucky-bred daughter Casual Look (ridden by Martin Dwyer) is the 1st Classic winner for 1st-season-trainer & new master of Kingsclere stables Andrew Balding, 30, whose father Ian won the English Derby with Mill Reef. Casual Look (who now has 2 wins & 3 placings from 7 starts) is inbred 4x5 to Nearctic, while her dam carries duplications of Bold Ruler. Casual Look's 3rd dam Music Ville is a half-sister to 1965 Irish Derby & King George VI And Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Meadow Court, while her 5th dam is Argentine Champion Miss Grillo. (June 10)
Casual Look Triumph For William Farish
Casual Look is bred & raced by high-profile US owner-breeder William Farish (also currently America's Ambassador to Britain) who told bloodhorse.com: "To stand here having won the Oaks with a home-bred filly like her is a wonderful feeling. It's hard to explain, because it's such a tremendous thing. I have been lucky to have been involved with some very good horses in my time, but this is the best of all.” Farish owns the famous Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, which stands leading stallions A.P.Indy, Kingmambo, Gulch & Dixieland Band, as well as Belong To Me & King Cugat (who both shuttle to Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley). Farish also alluded to the recent pressures of his diplomatic post during the Iraq War, when he told racingpost.co.uk: “After the last 6-8 months, it’s a great relief to get away from time to time, see the horses & relax, although I’ve not been able to get away as much as I would like. Racing is such an important part of our life & to win a race with a home-bred is a feeling I can’t explain.” (June 10)
4th Gr1 Winner For Vinery’s Red Ransom
Red Ransom (by Roberto) began his stud career in 1991 & “has been shuttling to Australia since 1998, with his 1st crop 2YOs racing this season, including the Group winners Halibery & Handsome Ransom among 4 individual winners of 9 races,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. Casual Look is his 4th Gr1 winner in the northern hemisphere, joining Perfect Sting (Gr1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes & Gr1 Garden City Breeders' Cup Handicap), Bail Out Becky (Gr1 Del Mar Oaks) & Pico Teneriffe among almost 50 stakes-winners. While Red Ransom stands in the US, “his progeny have proven to be superior turf performers, with more than 75% of his stakes-winners on grass.” And racenet.com.au noted: “Red Ransom has made an encouraging start to his Australian stud career. With earnings of over $600,000 he is currently 3rd Leading 1st Crop Sire behind General Nediym & Desert Prince.” (June 10)
Warrsan Wins UK Gr1 Coronation Cup
Saeed Manana's 5YO home-bred Warrsan (Caerleon-Lucayan Princess, by High Line) won the UK Gr1 Coronation Cup (12 furlongs) at Epsom in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Warrsan defeated Black Sam Bellamy (by Sadler's Wells) & Highest (by Selkirk). Warrsan took his record to 6 wins from 21 starts. He is the 4th stakes-winner for his dam Lucayan Princess (winner of the Listed Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket). Warrsan is a half-brother to Italian Derby winner Luso & Group winner Cloud Castle. (June 10)
Nebraska Tornado Wins Gr1 French Oaks
Less than 17 hours after Saudi Arabian Prince Khalid Abdullah’s triumph with Empire Maker in the US Gr1 Belmont Stakes, his silks were carried to victory by Kentucky 3YO home-bred filly Nebraska Tornado (Storm Cat-Media Nox, by Lycius), who maintained her unbeaten record in winning the Gr1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) over 10 furlongs at Chantilly, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Richard Hughes & trained by Andre Fabre, Nebraska Tornado defeated British raider Time Ahead & Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Musical Chimes (who won the Gr1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches - French One Thousand Guineas - at Longchamp last month). Nebraska Tornado is 1 of 2 stakes winners from 2 starters out of graded/group winner Media Nox (a half-sister to multiple group winner Bonash). Nebraska Tornado is a half-sister to Gr2 winner Burning Sun; English high-weight Missed Flight is a notable family member. (June 10)
Classic Weekend For Juddmonte
Juddmonte home-breds Empire Maker & Nebraska Tornado gave Prince Khalid Abdullah a memorable trans-Atlantic Classic double in the Gr1 Belmont Stakes & Gr1 Prix de Diane. “The Juddmonte operation is enjoying another excellent season,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. “courtesy of Gr1 winners Sightseek & Tates Creek, as well as stakes-winners Heat Haze, Tillerman, Martaline, Speak In Passing, Dark Marble, Etoile Montante, Trade Fair, Demonstrate, Lateen Sails & Moon Search.” (June 10)
Private Steer Wins Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap
Trainer John O’Shea & jockey Glen Boss combined to guide boom 3YO Sydney filly Private Steer to victory in the $1 million Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. Private Steer (Danehill Dancer-Lisheenowen, by Semipalatinsk) comfortably defeated Diamond Dane (Danehill-Diamond Shower, by Zephyr Zip) & Canberra sprinter Into The Night (Rhythm-Marshow, by Marscay). O’Shea told aapracingandsports.com.au: "Winning this is very special. I'm a Queenslander. I rate it 1 of the top 5 sprints in Australia." O'Shea said he now plans to spell Private Steer & will consider setting her toward the Cox Plate in October. (The Bart Cummings-trained champion Dane Ripper was the last filly to win the Stradbroke & go on to win the Cox Plate in 1997.) O’Shea added: “We will also look at the mile race in Hong Kong in December. She needs a mile now.” Private Steer was purchased for just $20,000 as a weanling by bloodstock agent Arvo Damirdjian (before he put her through the 2001 Tamworth sales to qualify her for the Magic Millions); he now manages the syndicate that races her. Private Steer’s sire & Gr1 winner Danehill Dancer (by Danehill) shuttles between Coolmore in Ireland & Australia. (June 10)
Falvelon & Bel Esprit Off To Stud
Private Steer's Stradbroke win spoiled potential fairytale career endings for 6YO Queensland idol Falvelon (9th) & dual Gr1-winning 3YO colt Bel Esprit (12th) as they head off for stud careers.
- Falvelon (Alannon-Devil’s Zephyr, by Zephyr Zing), who is heading to Glenlogan Park Stud near Beaudesert in Queensland, finished with 37 starts for 15 wins & 13 placings; his prize-money total of $3,929,855 places him 11th on the all-time Australasian list. As well as 2 Gr1 wins & 5 Gr2 victories in Australia, he also won the Hong Kong International Sprint in both 2000 & 2001, before finishing a gallant 3rd in 2002. And he finished runner-up in the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate, Gr1 Lightning Stakes & last year’s Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap.
- Bel Esprit (Royal Academy-Bespoken, by Vain), who is heading to Eliza Park in Victoria, finished with 19 starts for 8 wins & 5 placings; his prize-money total is $2,073,600.
(June 10)
Half Hennessy Wins Gr1 Queensland Derby
Trained by Bede Murray & ridden by Scott Seamer, 3YO colt Half Hennessy (Hennessy-Singeing Lamp, by Blazing Saddles) blitzed his rivals to easily win the $500,000 Gr1 Queensland Derby (2400m) by 6 lengths at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. Half Hennessy defeated Schumpeter (Encosta de Lago-Killarney Mist, by Centaine) & King Of Them All (Royal Sceptre-Regal Idol, by Royal Rocket). Half Hennessy is now “being directed towards the Caulfield Cup” in October, noted aapracingandsports.com.au. Murray paid $65,000 for Half Hennessy at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in Sydney “from long time stable client Dr Jack Woolridge's Inverness Stud,” noted racenet.com.au & the colt has now scored 6 wins & 5 placings from 22 starts for $897,650 prize-money. Half Hennessy's dam is a three-quarter sister to 2YO Group winners Beans (Gr3 Black Opal Stakes) & County (Gr3 Todman Slipper Trial). Half Hennessy is the second Australian Gr1 winner by Coolmore’s Gr1 winning stallion Hennessy (by Storm Cat), who formerly shuttled between Ashford Stud in Kentucky & Coolmore Australia. (June 10)
Brisbane Gr1 Double For Coolmore Stallions
“Coolmore stallions Hennessy & Danehill Dancer took centre stage at Eagle Farm on Saturday” with the sizzling wins by Hennessy’s 3YO son Half Hennessy in the Gr1 Queensland Derby & Danehill Dancer’s 3YO daughter Private Steer in the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap, noted racenet.com.au.
- Following the win by Grand Armee in the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap at Randwick, Half Hennessy becomes the 2nd Gr1 winner to represent his sire in Australia in recent months. Hennessy (Storm Cat-Island Kitty, by Hawaii) shuttled to Australia for 5 seasons from 1997-2001. In the last 3 months, Hennessy has sired Gr3 Bloodhorse Breeders' Stakes winner Living Spirit, Listed Malaysia Airlines Stakes winner For The Good Times, Gr3 WA Sires Produce Stakes & Listed Gimcrack Stakes winner Diamond Dash, Gr1 Doncaster Handicap & Gr3 Ajax Stakes winner Grand Armee, & Gr2 Grand Prix Stakes & Gr1 Queensland Derby winner Half Hennessy. Hennessy has now sired a Gr1 winner in each of his 1st 2 crops & “is proving a prolific sire of winners”: between March 6-10 he had 7 winners from 10 starters; & recently from May 28-June 2 he had 6 winners from 8 starters.
- Following the win of Choisir in the Gr1 VRC Lightning Handicap, Private Steer becomes the 2nd Gr1 winner this season from the 2nd crop by Danehill Dancer. The dual Gr1-winning son of Danehill first entered stud in 1997 (the same year as Hennessy); he was transferred to Collingrove Stud’s NSW branch before moving once again to that stud’s Victorian branch. Following his continued success Danehill Dancer will move back home to Coolmore’s Jerrys Plains property in NSW this spring. Danehill Dancer served 91, 97 & 67 mares in his 1st 3 seasons, followed by 122, 152 & 119 in his last 3 seasons. As the winners have come, his fee has risen from $7,500 to $27,500. Danehill Dancer retired to stud in Australia a year before he went to stud in Ireland, where his 5 stakes winners include Where Or When (who defeated Hawk Wing by 2 lengths in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot).
(June 10)
Piachay Wins Gr1 Brisbane Cup
Jockey Glen Boss & trainer David Hall combined with Northfields Stud-bred 5YO Melbourne gelding Piachay (Danasinga-Pleasure, by Nassipour) to win the $500,000 Gr1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane yesterday. Piachay defeated County Tyrone (Danewin-Nice Choice) & Homewrecker (Housebuster-Major Affair) & the win gave Boss a long-weekend Gr1 double with the Stradbroke Handicap-Brisbane Cup double. The race was marred when heavily-backed favourite Maquire shattered his off-hind leg while racing near the lead at the 1200m (& was later put-down). His jockey Chris Munce told aapracingandsports.com.au: "I don't think he was galloped on, but I heard an enormous pop. It was as loud as a shotgun. It was the longest 5 seconds I've ever ridden in my life waiting for the field to get out of my road. I was worried the field might come down over the top of me & I'm glad to be in 1 piece.” Piachay has now won 5 races from 27 starts. His dam is an unraced daughter of Eastern Joy (winner of the Gr1 Easter Stakes in Auckland) & a sister to Gr2 Desert Gold Stakes winner Josette Nicole (granddam of Gr1 winner Pernod). (June 10)
Trainer Hall Aims Piachay At Melb Cup
Piachay's Melbourne trainer David Hall will now “give the 5YO every chance at the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double in the spring,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Hall noted: "I was always confident he'd get 2 miles.” (June 10)
Picaday Wins Gr1 T.J.Smith
Leading Queensland trainer Bruce McLachlan & jockey Scott Seamer won yesterday’s $500,000 Gr1 T.J.Smith (1600m) at Eagle Farm with 2YO gelding Picaday. It was also Seamer’s 2nd Gr1 success of the long weekend, having won the Gr1 Queensland Derby on Saturday. Picaday (Piccolo-Our Today) defeated Promoted (General Nediym-Serenly) & Ambulance (Grand Lodge-Emergency). McLachlan told aapracingandsports.com.au: "He's got a terrific future & I’m sure he’ll win a few Gr1 races as he gets older.” (June 10)
Agnes Digital Wins Japan’s Gr1 Yasuda Memorial
Takao Watanabe's 6YO horse Agnes Digital (Crafty Prospector-Chancey Squaw, by Chief's Crown) scored his 6th Group 1 win in Japan’s Yasuda Memorial (1600m) at Tokyo Racecourse, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Agnes Digital defeated Admire Max (by Sunday Silence) & favourite Lohengrin (by Singspiel) in a new race record time of 1min 32.1sec. Agnes Digital (Japan's 2001 Champion Older Horse) has now won 12 of 27 starts & has now moved to 11th on the world-wide all-time earnings list with US$7,920,946 (A$12.7 million). His dam is a half-sister to 3 stakes-winners, including Gr2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner & sire Royal Kingdom. Agnes Digital's granddam Allicance was Group placed in France & is a half-sister to Champion racehorse & sire Blushing Groom. (June 10)
Next Gina Wins Gr1 German Oaks
Gestut Wittekindshof’s 3YO home-bred filly Next Gina (Perugino-Night Petticoat, by Petoski) defeated German high-weight White Rose (by Platini) & stakes-winner Mandela (by Acatenango) to take Germany’s Gr1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) over 11 furlongs on the thunderstorm-ravaged Mulheim track, reported racingpost.co.uk. Next Gina is trained by Andreas Schutz & was ridden by Andrasch Starke; the German Oaks represents her 1st stakes win in 4 career starts (she also has another win & a 3rd). Bred in Germany, Next Gina is 1 of 2 starters (both winners) for German Gr2-winning Petoski mare Night Petticoat (who won the 1996 German Oaks); she is a half-sister to German high-weight Desert Style. The Oaks winner’s sire Perugino (by Danzig) shuttles to Collingrove Stud in Victoria. (June 10)
Dynasty Wins South African Gr1 Daily News 2000
Dynasty, early favorite for next month’s Durban July Handicap (South Africa's most prestigious race), “made light work” of the Gr1 Daily News 2000 at Greyville, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 10 furlong race is the 2nd leg of SA’s unofficial winter Triple Crown, conducted during the KwaZulu-Natal season. Dynasty also won last month’s 1st leg, the Gr1 South African Guineas. The Natal Derby makes up the 3rd leg (run in late July, when the South African racing season ends). Ridden hands-&-heels by Karl Neisius, Dynasty “coasted home” ahead of Surveyor & Big Bad John. The winner’s Cape Town trainer Dean Kannemeyer declared in the post-race interview: "He wouldn't have blown out a candle!" The son of Sadler’s Wells stallion Fort Wood races for Fieldspring Racing (of which international owner John Newsome is the principal) & has now won 7 of his 9 starts. Bred at Wilgerbosdrift Stud, Dynasty is 1 of 5 winners from 7 foals out of winning Commodore Blake mare Blakes Affair; he is full brother to Gr2 winner Sequoia. (June 10)
Too Late Now Wins Canada’s Woodbine Oaks
Come By Chance Stable's 3YO filly Too Late Now remained unbeaten with a win in the C$500,000 (A$560,000) Woodbine Oaks (9 furlongs) for Canadian-breds, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Robert Landry & trained by James Day, Too Late Now (by Raj Waki) defeated Seeking The Ring (by Seeking The Gold) & Santerra (by Tejabo) to take her record to 4 wins from 4 starts (she was unraced as a 2YO). Last start she won the Gr1 Selene Stakes at Woodbine in May. Bred in Ontario, Too Late Now is 1 of 2 winners out of unraced Ten Gold Pots mare Half Of Everything. The Woodbine Oaks is the 1st leg of Canada’s Triple Tiara; it is followed by the Bison City Stakes at Fort Erie on July 1 & the Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine on August 5, with a C$350,000 (A$392,000) bonus awarded to a filly that wins all 3 events. (June 10)
Cacht Wells Wins Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Criterium
Argentine-bred 2YO Cacht Wells won the Gr1 Gran Premio Gran Criterium (1 mile) at San Isidro to become the 1st Gr1 winner for his sire Poliglote, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cacht Wells (trained by Roberto Pellegata & ridden by Miguel Angel Sarati) defeated Lancettier & Inter Cleante; favourite Mixto D'oro finished 9th. Bred by Haras Firmamento & owned by Stud Dona Ana, Cacht Wells has won 2 of 3 starts. He was produced by Fitzcarraldo mare Cacht Fitz (a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Catch It). (June 10)
Unbeaten Argentine Star Candy Ride Wins US Debut
Unbeaten dual Argentine Gr1 winner Candy Ride “powered away to a 3-length victory” in his US debut over 8.5 furlongs at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Alex Solis, it was Candy Ride’s 4th consecutive victory (following a 12-length win on debut at Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo last August, followed by an 8-length win in the Gr1 San Isidro in October & then another 8-length win in the Gr1 Joaquin S. de Anchorena in December). Multiple US Gr1 winner General Challenge (on the comeback trail) never threatened before finishing 5th. Candy Ride is 1 of 5 starters (all winners) out of Candy Stripes mare Candy Girl; he is a half-brother to Argentine Gr3 winner Candy Apple. (June 10)
US$5.5 Million Colt 2nd In American debut
Godolphin Racing's Alajwad, a 3YO son of Storm Cat purchased for US$5.5 million at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale, finished 2nd in his US debut in an 8.5 furlongs race at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. John Ferguson Bloodstock bought the colt on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. Unraced as a juvenile, Alajwad had 2 starts earlier this year on the main track at Dubai’s Nad al Sheba racecourse in maiden races at about 1 mile, finishing 4th on February 20 & 3rd on March 13. Bred in Kentucky by Brushwood Stable, Alajwad is out of winning Affirmed mare La Affirmed (a half-sister to champion Outstandingly); he is a full brother to Gr3 winner Caress (dam of Gr1 winner Sky Mesa). (June 10)
Gr1 Winner Bollinger To Race In US
Gai Waterhouse’s former Gr1-winning filly Bollinger is now in the US, reported racenet.com.au. Bollinger (who won the Gr1 Coolmore Classic during the Sydney autumn carnival) “will race on in the US in an attempt to gain some Northern Hemisphere Black Type before being retired to stud for Vinery.” (June 10)
Generous Records 30th Individual Stakes Winner
NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm shuttle stallion Generous recorded his 30th individual stakes winner when 5YO horse Takeden Julius won the Bakushu Stakes (A$650,000) over 1600m at Tokyo Racetrack in Japan on the weekend, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Trained by Takaaki Furukawa, Takeden (having his 1st start since March 2002 due to injury) has now won 5 of 15 starts (& over A$1 million prize-money). (June 10)
Lynden Park Drops 2003 Fees
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula stud Lynden Park has announced a reduction in its stallion fees for this year. Marketing manager Julie Nairn confirmed the farm is offering special package deals on its 3 stallions:
- Golden Snake (Danzig-Dubian) $14,850 including GST: the stud’s boom son of Danzig is a 4-time international Gr1 winner (just pipped by world champion Fantastic Light in the Gr1 Tattersalls Cup) who defeated 22 individual Gr1 winners in his career; a half-brother to champion European filly Sayyedati (5 Gr1 wins), Golden Snake won Gr1 races as a 2YO, 3YO & 4YO.
- Aristotle (Sadler's Well's-Flamenco Wave) $8,250 including GST.
- Masterclass (The Minstrel-Monroe) $5,000 including GST.
(June 10)
1st US Winner For Lynden’s Lion Cavern
Meanwhile the winners keep coming for Lion Cavern. Lynden Park’s former shuttling son of Mr Prospector has followed his 2 stakes-winners & 1 stakes-placing in Europe last week, with a US victory by his 2YO filly Leading Lioness (a product from his 1st crop of American foals) over 1200m at Churchill Downs. Lion Cavern (a full brother to Champion Sire Gone West) has stood at Lynden Park Stud for the past 3 seasons & owner Jill Ross is eagerly waiting for Lion Caverns 1st 2YOs to step onto Australian tracks this coming season. And spokesperson Julie Nairn noted: “A number of weanlings by Lion Cavern are also on offer at the Inglis Weanling Sale on June 22.” (June 10)
1st Winner For Glen Avon Sire Admiralty
Glen Avon Lodge stallion Admiralty sired his 1st winner when Our Mr Personality won over 1400m at the Gold Coast, reported racenet.com.au. A $40,000 purchase at the Magic Millions Yearling sale, Our Mr Personality is the 4th foal of unraced Zoffany mare Toffany (whose granddam Jahanara produced AJC Oaks winner Sufficient & is a half-sister to Sydney 3YO Triple Crown - AJC Derby, Rosehill & Canterbury Guineas - winner Martello Towers). Admiralty is a Gr3 winning son of champion Strawberry Road, a great success at stud in the US; he is bred on the same cross as Strawberry Road’s champion daughter Escena (both are out of daughters of the immortal Seattle Slew). Admiralty will stand his 5th season at Glen Avon Lodge for $3,850 (including GST). (June 10)
1st Foal A Winner For US Gr1 Star Runup The Colors
Shadwell Stable’s Tafaseel, the 1st foal to race out of US Gr1 winner Runup The Colors, won by 9.75 lengths in a 9 furlong race at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 3YO son of Belong To Me, Tafaseel had started 4 times previously (including 3 times in the United Arab Emirates at the Nad al Sheba track where he finished 6th against top company behind Inamorato in the Al Bastikiya on March 8). Tafaseel is the lone foal to race out of 1997 Gr1 Alabama Stakes winner Runup The Colors (by A.P.Indy). Runup The Colors is a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Prospectors Delite, European high-weight Flagbird & Gr2 winner Top Account. Tafaseel was purchased for US$550,000 by Shadwell from the consignment of Lane’s End Farm at the 2001 Keeneland September Yearling sale. (June 10)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire Doneraile Court
Freshman sire Doneraile Court recorded his 1st winner when Jazzy Jay led all the way on debut over 5 furlongs at Woodbine in Canada, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A multiple graded stakes-winning son of Seattle Slew, Doneraile Court scored 6 wins in 16 starts (including the 1999 Gr2 Jerome Handicap at Belmont Park & 1998 Gr3 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct) for Michael Tabor & Susan Magnier. He was purchased as a yearling for US$1 million by Demi O’Byrne at the 1997 Keeneland July selected yearling sale. Doneraile Court has 114 foals in 2 crops, with 74 foals of racing age (including 3 starters). The 7YO stands at Buck Pond Farm in Kentucky. One of 5 winners from 8 starters out of stakes-placed Sophisticated Girl (by Stop The Music), Doneraile Court is a half-brother to stakes-placed Dancing Tribute (dam of stakes winner Shake Hand). (June 10)
Argentine Stud Buys Majority Interest In US Sire Romanov
Leading Argentine stud Haras Firmamento (owned by Juan Carlos Bago) “has reached a deal to purchase the majority shares of Kentucky stallion Romanov”, who will return to Argentina in August for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 9YO son of Nureyev stood the 2003 Northern Hemisphere season at John Jones junior’s Walmac International near Lexington in Kentucky. From 113 foals in 2 crops of racing age, Romanov has sired 26 starters & 7 winners, including stakes-placed winner Orlandov & stakes-placed Her Royal Ness. On the track, Romanov won 4 of 11 starts, including the English 1998 Gr2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket & 1997 Gr3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park. Bred in Ireland by Swettenham Stud, Romanov is out of Gr3-placed winner Morning Devotion (by Affirmed); he is a half-brother to European high-weight Balanchine & Gr2 winner Red Slippers. He comes from the immediate family of Gr3 winner Humble Eight, Gr2-placed stakes winner Thady Quill & Gr3-placed stakes winner April Starlight. (June 10)
Bernstein To Shuttle Back To Argentina
Meanwhile Kentucky stallion Bernstein will shuttle to Argentina for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season for the 3rd straight year in July, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO son of Storm Cat will stand at Carlos Blaquier’s Haras La Biznaga outside Buenos Aires; Bernstein currently stands at Doug Arnold’s Buck Pond Farm in Kentucky. Bernstein is expected to cover about 80 mares at Haras La Biznaga, which also stands Shy Tom & Dalhart. Bred in Kentucky by Brushwood Stable, Bernstein won 4 of 8 career starts (including the Irish Gr3 2000 Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes (Ire-G3) at Cork & Irish Gr3 1999 Railway Stakes). Bernstein is 1 of 5 winners from 9 foals to race out of La Affirmed (a full sister to Gr3 winner Lovelier & 1984 champion & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Outstandingly). He is a full brother to Gr3 winners Caress (dam of Gr1 winner Sky Mesa) & Country Cat. (June 10)
HK Police Smash Huge Illegal Betting Ring
Hong Kong authorities “have smashed a massive illegal betting ring with a group of 5 local men (4 of them brothers) sent to jail on bookmaking & money laundering charges,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Police produced “financial transaction evidence that the group had turned over HK$407.7 million (A$80 million) in the last 3 years.” The ring was arrested & charged after police raided 2 flats on Hong Kong Island “when they caught its members in full operating mode while a race meeting was in progress.” Following the arrests, the financial investigation section of the Organised Crime & Triad Bureau traced betting turnover of HK$407 million as it became “the biggest money laundering case to face trial in HK.” The 5 men each received jail terms of 30 months. (June 10)
Brett Prebble Injured In HK Race Fall
Melbourne jockey Brett Prebble “is recovering in hospital from a horror fall at Sha Tin on Saturday night, badly shaken but cleared of any long term injuries,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Prebble’s mount River Centaine “clipped heels & began a domino sequence which unseated 4 more jockeys.” Prebble was knocked unconscious & taken to nearby Prince of Wales Hospital, where he was reported to have “sustained some muscle damage in the shoulder, but was cleared of any fractures.” He was later transferred to the Adventist Hospital at Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island, the HK Jockey Club’s preferred hospital. Prebble’s manager Des O’Keeffe reported the jockey was still sore & concussed on Sunday & would spend at least another 24 hours in hospital. Only last weekend Prebble landed the most valuable win of his career when he won the HK$8 million (A$1.6 million) Champions & Chater Cup on Precision. (June 10)
2003 Kentucky Equine Conference In Sydney
The Kentucky Equine Research Nutrition Conference is coming Down Under. The 13th annual conference will be held for the 1st time in Sydney on August 23-25 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Focus of this year's conference is "Growth & Development of the Equine Skeleton" & will feature leading authorities on the growth & development of young horses. Featured speaker will be Dr C. Wayne McIlwraith, who will present a series of lectures highlighting advances in orthopedic research. Co-sponsors of the 2003 event are the University Of Sydney & University Of Sydney Veterinary Centre. (June 10)
Agreement For Sydney Barrier Trials
Racing NSW has reached agreement with the Australian Trainers Association “in relation to redistribution of barrier trials within the Sydney metropolitan area.” NSW ATA president Ron Leemon noted: “There has been much wear & tear on 1 or 2 of our 4 city racetracks, so we believed it was time to draw up a template & allocate a roster system to prevent overuse.” John Costigan, chairman of the Racing NSW Racing Review Panel, commented: “We have all agreed on a template to suit the trainers & this new proposal will provide relief to the Randwick & Warwick Farm racetracks. This template effectively splits the responsibility of conducting barrier trials on a 50-50 share basis between the two clubs (AJC & STC), which replaces the previous program that leaned more heavily toward the 2 AJC tracks.” NSW Provincial Association executive officer Jim Murphy added: “As a result of this initiative, our Association will now conduct an audit of its barrier trial dates with a view to creating a more even distribution of dates in the provincial area.” (June 10)
Victorian Strategy For Upgrading Training Facilities
Racing Victoria has announced the release of a Discussion Paper detailing a “state-wide strategy for upgrading thoroughbred training facilities.” It aims to “deliver higher quality facilities & improved safety & maintenance standards at training venues, while reducing cost, risk & waste.” RV managing director Neville Fielke said: “RV is committed to maintaining its current level of investment in training & has recognised there is a need to improve the quality & safety of facilities & the rate of return on investment.”
Currently there are 68 racing venues in Victoria, 49 of which provide training facilities. RV currently funds 40 of those training facilities at a cost of $9 million per annum, while the remaining 9 are funded by the occupying racing clubs & local trainers. The quality of facility varies considerably, & trainers & owners alike are seeking improved quality of training facilities, particularly to avoid the incidence of training injuries. (June 10)
Roedean Disqualified From Gr1 Blue Diamond
Racing Victoria stewards yesterday disqualified 2YO Roedean as winner of February’s $1 million Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in Melbourne, when they concluded their enquiry into the official analyst’s report that the filly’s urine sample showed the presence of prohibited substance lignocaine. Evidence from trainer Mick Price & stable-hand John Hicks revealed Roedean (by Flying Spur) was treated for a cut on her leg on 5 occasions in the weeks before the race with Neocort, a topical preparation containing lignocaine. The amended placings are now 1st Kusi (Desert Prince-Naughty, by Canny Lad), 2nd Halibery (by Red Ransom), 3rd Divine Secret (by Thunder Gulch), 4th Gaelic Princess & 5th How Funny. (June 6)
1st Aust Gr1 Winner for Desert Prince
The Roedean disqualification has 2 significant flow-on effects noted racenet.com.au: new winner Kusi's sire Desert Prince (a son of the Danzig stallion Green Desert) is credited with his 1st Southern Hemisphere Gr1 success; & “for the 1st time since shortly after the season began, General Nediym is faced with a serious challenge for Leading 1st Crop Sire honours.” The $450,000 difference between winner & runner-up purse rockets the earnings of Desert Prince to over $900,000 (still approximately $200,000 behind General Nediym). Woodlands Stud based-Desert Prince moves past Red Ransom (who also benefits via his daughter Haliberry moving up from 3rd to 2nd). (June 6)
Chris Munce Appeal Allowed
Meanwhile across the state border, top Sydney jockey Chris Munce’s appeal against a 6-week suspension was upheld yesterday by the NSW Racing Appeal Panel. Munce had been suspended, following an inquiry into his controversial ride on Romeo George which finished 3rd at Canterbury Park on May 5, for “failing to take all reasonable & permissible measures to obtain the best possible place in the field.” Appeal Panel chairman Tom Hughes noted: “It must be said the Panel has not found this to be an easy case. But balancing the evidence out, we have come to a unanimous decision – that the charge is not made out.” Hughes added: “It may be said the appellant made a ‘meal’ of his track bias claims & we don’t for one moment think that was a strong part of his case – on that alone his defence was wanting.” Racing NSW chairman of stewards Ray Murrihy submitted Munce’s ride “lacked the competence of a Gr1 rider currently running 2nd on the premiership. He took this unusual & unreasonable manoeuvre, directing his horse in onto the fence at a critical stage of the race. You go back to the fence in a race at Harold Park & it’s a hanging offence. A jockey of Munce’s stature, carrying a weight of public money, also carries huge responsibilities. He had ample time to consider his options & it was not a split-second decision – if it was we could live with that. I must say, should the rule not be applied in this case, we can’t envisage any circumstances in which it could apply.” (June 6)
Jim Cassidy Also Wins Appeal
And in Queensland yesterday, prominent jockey Jim Cassidy won his appeal against a “careless riding” suspension & is free to take his weekend rides as the Queensland Winter Carnival continues at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. (June 6)
Widden’s Anabaa Adds Another European Stakes
Alec Head’s homebred 3YO colt Maxwell (Anabaa-Malaisie, by Bering) “stepped up to stakes company with a smooth win” in yesterday’s Listed Prix de Suresnes (2000m) at Longchamp in Franxce, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Maxwell defeated Look Honey (by Sadler's Wells) & Nilometer (by Machiavellian). Maxwell has now won 3 of his 4 starts in 2003. His dam is a half-sister to French Listed winner Made Of Pearl & his 6th dam Pearl Cap was the 1st female to win the Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe when victorious in 1931 (she also won the Prix de Diane & Poule d'Essai des Pouliches). Maxwell is the 8th individual stakes-winner of 2003 sired by Anabaa (by Danzig) who stands at Haras du Quesnay in France & shuttles to Widden Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley. (June 6)
Hunt Takes Hussonet Stakes-Winner To US
More international headlines for Arrowfield Stud’s star South American stallion Hussonet: La Tour, a stakes winner in her native Chile, has been purchased by prominent US owner Nelson Bunker Hunt & will join Southern California-based trainer Ron McAnally, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. La Tour (a 3YO daughter of Arrowfield’s boom Mr Prospector stallion Hussonet) has won 5 of 15 starts in Chile, including the Clasico Armada de Chile & Coronel Santiago Bueras, & was runner-up the Gr1 Mil Guineas. La Tour is out of multiple graded stakes-placed winner Vilinsky (by Nijinsky Model). (June 6)
Rush For Darley’s Elusive Quality
Darley Australia’s manager Ollie Tait told The Sydney Morning Herald the stud’s most expensive stallion Elusive Quality (who ran a world-record 1min 31.63sec for 1 mile at Belmont Park in the US) is already fully booked for his 1st season in Australia at a fee of $82,500: “The response has exceeded our hopes & some of Australia’s biggest breeders have made bookings. A selection of mares includes Gr1 winner Stella Cadente, Danelagh & Bright Gleam, the dam of Innovation Girl.” Elusive Quality’s oldest overseas runners are 3YOs & from 49 runners he has produced 28 winners (including 11 stakes winners) in his 1st northern hemisphere crop. (June 6)
Perry & Choisir Prepare For Ascot
Newcastle trainer Paul Perry has arrived in the UK to supervise his sprinter Choisir’s racing at Royal Ascot & told racenet.com.au: "The horse has settled in well. He's accepted everything & is being worked on a viscose track, which is about a 2000m straight ending in a small hill. He seems to really like running on this & his rider Lyle Weaver, who has travelled all over with him, is very happy in the way he has been working.” Perry confirmed Choisir will be ridden by champion Irish jockey John Murtagh. (June 6)
Hawkes Supports 1-week Randwick Autumn Carnival
Top trainer John Hawkes has supported the controversial proposal to condense the Australian Jockey Club’s Randwick autumn carnival dates into 1 week as “a step in the right direction.” He told The Daily Telegraph: “A lot of the carnivals just go on for too long & the public lose interest. Melbourne Cup week works so well because it all happens in 7 days.” (June 6)
Hawkes Calls For Minimum Prize-Money Increases
John Hawkes has also called on Australian raceclubs to take better care of owners & increase minimum prize-money levels. “We really need more incentives for owners to stay in the game,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “For starters, minimum prize-money for Saturday racing has got to be lifted to $70,000. If the clubs say they can’t afford it, they should prune some of the money off the feature races & spread it around more at grass roots level. Having races like the Melbourne Cup worth $4.5 million or a Golden Slipper at $3 million is ridiculous because the extra prize-money doesn’t attract better quality fields. If minimum stakes were raised across the board, then it gives the smaller owner more of a chance of winning good money & reinvesting in the sport.” (June 6)
$2,600 Bargain Buy Heads To Randwick
NSW Hunter Valley trainer Jenelle Butler “has found a money-spinner in Sir Canny” which runs in tomorrow’s June Stakes at Randwick in Sydney, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. “Butler paid $2,600 for Sir Canny at a tried horse sale & the galloper heads into the 1100m event having won 2 of his past 3 starts, with the return on the investment more than $70,000.” (June 6)
Dalakhani’s Aust Connections
This week’s French Derby win by Darshaan’s son & unbeaten emerging star Dalakhani (6 wins from 6 starts in top European company) “could have direct benefit for our local industry via his granddam Damana & her 3 Australian-bred daughters,” notes racenet.com.au. Damana (by Crystal Palace) arrived in Australia from Ireland in 1996 & duly produced 3 filly foals; she subsequently died at Coolmore Stud in July 2002, after failing to produce a further foal since 1999.
- Her 1st foal was a Caerleon filly (a $70,000 yearling purchase by Randwick trainer John Morish) who raced as Calamera (15 starts for 4 minor placings); Calamera was retired to stud but slipped to Catbird, before being covered again by that Golden Slipper winner last year.
- The 2nd foal was Damana’s 1998 Danehill filly who topped the 2000 Magic Millions sale, knocked down to Sydney agent Anton Koolman bidding for “a mystery UK syndicate” for $600,000; later named Dame Again, she showed ability at the trials before heading to the Northern Hemisphere; but “a degenerative bone complaint in a hind leg” forced her retirement last year & a mating to Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus; & this season Dame Again will visit Sadler's Wells at Coolmore in Ireland.
- Damana's 3rd Australian foal (by Danehill) was a $225,000 yearling purchase by Emirates Park at the 2001 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale; named Zenaat, she has raced 4 times for owner His Excellency Nasser Lootah & trainer Gai Waterhouse for 2 wins (1 at Canterbury Park) & a 2nd.
(June 6)
Vinery Insurance Claim On US Freshman Sire Scorpion
Vinery has filed an insurance claim on 1st year US stallion Scorpion “because the 5YO son of Seattle Slew has proved to be sub-fertile in the breeding shed,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Vinery general manager Bates Newton said Scorpion (who stood for US$8,500) had over 100 mares booked to him this year, but only 23 have been reported in foal. He noted that ratio is well below the 60% insurance companies use as a benchmark when considering claims, adding: "I assume they’ll take possession of the horse & then it’s up to them to decide what to do with him. I’ve heard nothing back from them yet. We’ve filed the claim & notified the members of the syndicate (that owns Scorpion) & the breeders who booked mares to him." Scorpion (out of winning stakes-placed Chief’s Crown mare Petiteness) defeated Congaree in the 2001 Gr1 Jim Dandy Stakes as a 3YO, after 4 stakes placings as a 2YO; overall he won 4 of 19 starts for leading trainer D. Wayne Lukas. (June 6)
Tinner’s Way Colt Tops California 2YO Sale
A Tinner’s Way colt brought US$47,000 to lead the American Equine Sales Wine Country 2YO-In-Training sale at Solano County Fairgrounds in California, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Milton Douzos purchased the juvenile from consignor Harris Farm; he is a half-brother to 6 winners out of winning Raise A Man mare Rasing Slew. Next best price was US$43,000 paid by Windsor Thoroughbreds for a Free House colt consigned by Main Event Sales. Overall American Equine Sales reported 42 horses sold from 92 offered for gross receipts of US$429,300 (down 11.2% on last year), with an average US$10,221 (down 23.9% from last year’s US$13,428) & a median US$6,800 (down 33.7% from last year’s US$10,250). (June 6)
HKJC Fines Allen HK$100,000
Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards yesterday heard the request from the Racing Stewards at the Sha Tin meeting of February 23 to determine if comments attributed to high-profile trainer Ivan Allan (regarding the controversial Cheers Hong Kong drug inquiry) breached HKJC rules. The Panel noted it was “sympathetic to the pressure & stress that Mr Allan had been under, extenuated by his family circumstances.” Nonetheless the panel considered it “unacceptable for a licensed person of Mr Allan's standing to have made statements with a view to publication in which he had called a member of the Management a liar; he had inferred that the Chairman & the Racing Steward of the original Panel of the Sha Tin meeting were biased against him & that the Club was manipulating the evidence so as to ensure that he would be charged and convicted. It was the view of the Panel that such statements or allegations were totally unfounded & unjustified.” Allan was fined HK$100,000 (A$20,000). (June 6)
Jo Wilding’s 3YO HK Success
NZ horsewoman Jo Wilding (whose “formidable reputation as a breeder” includes past successes Analie & Zonda) “is again leaving her mark as the breeder of another top class performer”: this time with one of the rising stars of Hong Kong racing Palette Natural, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Wilding bred & sold the 3YO son of Volksraad (NZ’s champion sire of the past 2 seasons) who won his 3rd HK race at Sha Tin. Wilding sold Palette Natural for NZ$140,000 at the 2001 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale, where he was purchased on behalf of the HKJC by John Cameron; the HKJC in turn sold Palette Natural at its December bloodstock sale & the gelding is now trained in by leading HK trainer John Size. Wilding still owns Palette Natural’s dam Proteaceae (who is an unraced half-sister to Zonda, by Kaapstad). Wilding operates under the Te Mania Thoroughbreds banner & had her greatest breeding success with Analie, who won 5 Gr1 races in 1973 (AJC Doncaster Handicap, AJC Oaks, AJC Metropolitan, Queensland Derby & Queensland Oaks). More recently her star was dual Gr1 winner Zonda (including the NZ Derby). (June 6)
Singapore Success Continues For Emma Boling
Melbourne owner-breeder Emma Boling enjoyed further Singapore success when 7YO gelding Lord Of The Pines scored at his local debut at Kranji, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Lord Of The Pines won 4 races & placed 13 times in 34 Australian starts. Boling, a member of the Moonee Valley Racing Club committe, has been racing horses in Singapore for 2 years & previous winners include The City Kid, Steal A Scene & Sloane Street. She also has several young horses with expatriate trainer John Meagher, including 2-time Australian winner Pine’s Parade & 3YO Impulse Connection (who ran 5th on debut last week). (June 6)
Jockey Barrera Lands 3,500 Wins
Veteran Chilean jockey Gustavo Barrera, who tasted North American racing at the highest level when he piloted a horse in the inaugural Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint back in 1984, recorded his 3,500th career triumph in his native country when Olga Feliz won at Club Hipico racetrack in Santiago, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Barrera only needs 66 more victories to break Sergio Vasquez’s record of 3,565 victories to become Chile’s all-time winner-record jockey. Barrera, 41, has won a string of Chile’s major races, including the Gr1 Gran Premio Hipodromo Chile, Gr1 Chilean Derby, Gr1 Tanteo de Potrillos (Chilean One Thousand Guineas), Gr1 El Ensayo (Chilean Two Thousand Guineas), Gr1 Haras de Chile & Gr1 St Leger. Barrera has also ridden several winners in the US, including NZ-bred Tangent in the 1984 La Cienegas Handicap at Santa Anita Park. (June 6)
World’s 1st Betting Exchange Shop Opens
The world's 1st betting exchange shop, launched under the name Easibet, has officially opened in Edinburgh in Scotland this week. “Easibet hopes the opening could mark a new dawn for the betting shop, with the operation keen to move away from the traditional high street bookmaker & instead resemble something closer to a casino or internet café,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The firm, which plans to open 100 shops across Britain over the next 18 months, offers exchange betting through Betfair, via computer terminals, the telephone or through the shop's traders. On-screen casino games are also available. Aside from banks of plasma screens & betting information databases, “customers will also be able to use a restaurant & cafe, with a licence to sell alcohol due in 6 months.” (June 6)
Argentine Champ Arrives At Wattle Brae
Exciting South American sire Taimazov arrives at Wattle Brae Stud on Queensland’s Darling Downs this week. “Taimazov has been in quarantine & is expected to arrive at Wattle Brae prior to the end of this week,” reported racenet.com.au. “And the stallion has been an instant hit with breeders, with the stud already having 95 mares booked into him for his 1st season at a service fee of $10,000 plus GST.” Taimazov was 2001 Champion Sprinter of Argentina, with wins in the Gr1 Suipacha & Gr1 Carrera de las Estrellas ("Race of the Stars") in which he ran a sizzling 55.03sec for 1000m carrying 60kg on grass. He also recorded 6 other victories (including a Gr2) & 5 stakes placings on both dirt & turf tracks in 28 starts. (June 5)
HK Legend Indigenous Retired
One of Hong Kong’s most celebrated racehorses, 10-year-old gelding Indigenous (Marju-Sea Port, by Averof) has been retired “following his out of character performance in finishing last in Sunday’s Gr1 Champions & Chater Cup,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The “giant in the history of HK racing” (trained by Ivan Allan & owned by Louis Pang Yuen-Hing) had been aimed at representing HK yet again in the Gr1 Hong Kong Vase (a race he won in 1998) on International Day at the end of 2003. Indigenous also won the Gr1 Champions & Chater Cup in both 1997 & 1998 “as a precursor to an even more important role as the region’s international racing ambassador” & accumulated over HK$45 million (A$9 million) in earnings over 8 seasons racing in 6 countries. (June 5)
US On-Line Betting Firm Sets May Records
We-Have-Seen-The-Future Update: US on-line horse race wagering company AmericaTab reported record receipts “for the month of May & wagering on Kentucky Derby day broke the company’s single-day record,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. AmericaTab “also opened a record number of new accounts last month.” May receipts were US$10.1 million, a significant increase over the previous record set in March at US $8.3 million. The single-day wagering record of US$1.1 million (passing the previous figure set last October on Breeders’ Cup day) marked the 1st “million-dollar daily handle” for AmericaTab. A total 1,459 new customers signed up for accounts in May (taking total new customers to more than 5,400 in the 1st 5 months this year). (June 5)
Racing Resumes In Iraq
Racing resumed in Iraq this week “at the racetrack in the Amriya district of Baghdad” reported Reuters. Members of the Iraqi Horse Breeders Association had been working to prepare the track for live racing after it stopped on April 2 “due to impending combat in the Iraqi capital.” Horse racing had been banned in Iraq for about 7 years under Saddam Hussein’s administration, but “was reborn unofficially in 1997 at the behest of the deposed Iraqi president’s son Uday, who himself had opened a private racetrack & stables,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. But continuance of racing in Iraq will depend on what type of government the Iraqi people now choose: “several horse owners have expressed fear that if a conservative Shiite Muslim government is adopted, a strict Islamic code, which forbids gambling, would inhibit horse racing in the recently liberated country.” (June 5)
Rock’s Sister Wins At Canterbury
Paul Perry's 3YO filly Star Of Gibraltar (Danehill-Push A Venture, by Shirley Heights), who won over 1100m at Sydney’s Canterbury Gardens yesterday, certainly attracted the attention of breeding students: racenet.com.au noted “she is a three-quarter sister to champion European galloper Rock Of Gibraltar, who now stands at Coolmore Stud.” Star Of Gibraltar's dam is a half-sister to Offshore Boom, dam of Rock Of Gibraltar. (June 5)
Last Tycoon’s Record Highlights Iglesia
And while the breeding world focuses on the sons of Danehill, fellow Coolmore stallion Last Tycoon (Try My Best-Mill Princess) is forging an awesome record as a sire of sires. His sons with winners of note on the ground include: Marju (sire of multiple group winners); Key Business (champion 2YO sire of WA); Bigstone (sire of multiple group winners here & abroad); Monde Bleu (boasts 70% winners-to-runners & sire of multiple group winners); Knowledge (successful sire); Poliuto (sire of multiple group winners & former WA champion sire); Magic Of Money (sire of multiple group winners & former champion 2YO sire of WA); O'Reilly (super sire of NZ heading toward champion status); & more recently Towkay (whose 1st runner in Australia this year is a juvenile winner). This all makes Neville Stewart of Queensland’s Oaklands Park Stud a very happy man. He stands Last Tycoon's fastest & arguably best-bred son Iglesia & the 16.1hh giant has a $6,000 (including GST) fee this year. "Last Tycoon's sons certainly suggest Iggy will be a hit on the track,” said Stewart. “And when you consider he has served over 245 mares in his 1st 2 seasons at stud, things do look extremely encouraging." Iglesia (a Gr2 winner & 2YO race record holder) went on to run Australia's fastest ever 1200m when he won the Gr3 Standish Handicap at Flemington just before retiring 3 years ago. He clocked 1min 7.16sec, a mark that still stands. His half-brother showed the family offers versatility as a hallmark too, as Yippyio won 3 Gr1s & was Melbourne Cup placed. (June 5)
Coolmore Stallions Fire Around The Globe
Meanwhile it’s certainly been a big fortnight for Coolmore’s stable of headline shuttlers:
- With Fasliyev recording half a dozen early season winners (including stakes winner Russian Valour) in Europe, Coolmore’s Australian headquarters reported “we’re battling to keep up with his bookings” with 40 in a single day when news broke of “his 2nd cross-channel double & 1st stakes winner”. His excited owners declared: “It’s hard to recall a sire who last made so exciting an impact & there are already those who are beginning to ask: Is this the next Danehill?”
- Tale Of The Cat’s latest southern hemisphere star is unbeaten Kiwi sensation Hulachine (winner of the Listed Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie), his 11th Australasian 1st-crop winner this season & 3rd stakes-winner (alongside Ubiquitous & Scaredee Cat). Jockey Lance O’Sullivan summed up Hulachine’s victory: “Amazing! She finished so quickly I’m sure I got windburn!” And yesterday 2YO Catboy won at Moonee Valley. Meanwhile Tale Of The Cat (leading US freshman sire by winners last season) has continued to streak ahead of his competition in the northern hemisphere, with his 46 individual winners leading 2nd-season sire competitor Elusive Quality (29 winners). His latest US stars include 2YO filly Be Gentle (who won by 9 lengths on debut at Churchill Downs) & 3YO filly Catlike Dancer (who won on debut at Monmouth).
- Peintre Celebre’s latest celebrity son 3YO Super Celebre ran a gallant 2nd (behind unbeaten Dalakhani) in the Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) at Chantilly last weekend, following a 2nd (again to Dalakhani) in the Gr1 Prix Lupin 2 weeks earlier. And 3YO daughter Vallee Enchantee is a strong chance in the coming Gr1 French Oaks. In addition Peintre Celebre’s 2YO colt Pearl Of Love trounced his opposition by 5 lengths in the Zetland Stakes at Doncaster in England & 3YO filly Victoire Finale similarly streeted her rivals by 5 lengths on debut at Chantilly.
- In Ireland, Galileo’s little brother Black Sam Bellamy (who’d already won the Gr1 Gran Premio del Jockey Club in Milan last October) stormed to an 8-length win in the Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh. His immediate aim is now the Gr1 Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs in England, but some experts are also speculating he may attempt to emulate his Gr1-winning dam Urban Sea in France’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in November.
- King Of Kings recorded success in France, Australia & the US: 3YO filly Kivi ran 3rd in France’s Listed La Coupe des Pouliches; in Australia 2YO colt Master Of All won for Lee Freedman; & in the US 3YO colt Teralote won by 3 lengths.
- Royal Academy notched 10 winners in 7 days last week: 3YO colt Marchark, 4YO mare Damselec Warrior, 3YO filly Patpong & 4YO mare Triomphe Royale in Australia; 3YO colt Arctic Burst in England; 3YO colt Monte Real in France; 5YO mare Valroy in Italy; 3YO filly Wildwood Royal & 4YO mare Magnetic in the US; & 4YO entire Prince Of War in Singapore. And his brilliant son Bel Esprit retires to stud after his swansong in the $1 million Gr1 Stradbroke at Eagle Farm this weekend.
- Orpen produced his 1st stakes horse when Enrika’s Gift finished 3rd in the Listed Prix Giubilo in Rome.
(June 5)
Black Sam Bellamy Sold To German Stud
And in an overnight update, Michael Tabor has sold 4YO Gr1 winner Black Sam Bellamy (a full brother to European champion & dual classic winner Galileo) to Andreas Jacobs’s Gestut Farhof in Germany, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “Plans have not been finalised on where the son of Sadler’s Wells will stand at the conclusion of his career, but he will continue racing for trainer Aidan O’Brien in Tabor’s colors.” Black Sam Bellamy, set to start in England’s Gr1 Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs tomorrow, has won 4 races & placed 3 times in 12 starts; among his victories are the recent Irish Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh & Italy’s 2002 Gr1 Gran Premio de Jockey Club en route to being high-weighted 3YO on the Italian Free Handicap from 11-14 furlongs. Bred in Ireland, Black Sam Bellamy is out of French 1993 Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winning mare Urban Sea (by Miswaki), a full sister to English classic winner King’s Best. Black Sam Bellamy is also a half-brother to Irish highweight Urban Ocean & stakes winner Melikah. (June 5)
Quality Entries For MM Gold Coast Sale
Friday week’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale (entries close tomorrow) has continued to attract quality thoroughbreds. As well as the dispersal of stock owned by prominent NSW horseman David Throsby (including multiple Gr1 winner Lovely Jubly), a number of other quality entries have been received, including:
- beautifully bred 3YO Hennessy filly Sun Kisses, a half-sister to exciting Red Ransom juvenile Face Value (3 2YO wins in Brisbane, plus Sydney 2nd in Gr3 STC Skyline Stakes & 4th in Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes).
- 4-time winner Marmadamah (daughter of underrated sire Mukaddamah), a half-sister to top Singapore galloper & stakes winner Tres Sheik; from the family of proven sires Godswalk & Handsome Halo, Marmadamah also has 13 placings to her credit.
- dual Victorian winning 4YO Hillure (a daughter of Danehill from Guineas winner Cult Figure) from the family of Schubert, Happy Giggle, Living Spirit, Pure Of Heart, Prego & Livelihood, she is closely related to Oaklands Stud-based sire Lion Hunter; Hillure has recorded 2 wins (1600m & 2050m) & a placing in 9 starts to date.
- Quest For Fame’s daughter Kitsch (only 3 starts to date) who recently ran 4th on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, is a half-sister to Gr1 Queensland Oaks winner Booked & multiple Sydney winner Kerbside.
- Gr3 winning Final Card mare Card Queen (earner of over $300,000) from the family of Gr1 winning sire Vitalic & Karrakatta Plate winner Elegant Shell.
(June 5)
Spectacular Bid’s Sire Sons Succeed Down Under
Performances by progeny of Bite The Bullet & Shepherd’s Field (sire sons of champion US racehorse Spectacular Bid) have highlighted the fact Spectacular Bid “has supplied 2 of the highest winner % sires in Australia, Bite The Bullet & deceased Spectacular Spy” as well as Shepherd’s Field & NZ sire Spectacular Love, reported racenet.com.au. Spectacular Bid was US Horse-Of-The-Year & 3 times a champion, winning 26 races in 30 starts including 13 Gr1 events. He has subsequently sired 400 winners in 19 crops of racing age (including Gr1 winner Spectacular Love). Among his sire sons ‘Down Under’:
- Bite The Bullet now stands at Baramul Stud in the NSW Widden Valley (following previous service at King Maker Farm at Scone). He had a recent winner in Perth & a 2nd at Randwick & overall boasts 150 winners (70% of his runners) including 15 stakes victories; among his Group performers are Pleasure Giver (8 wins & $610,468), Mica’s Pride & Perak Gold, as well as Beaver (2nd in the Gr1 Canterbury Guineas) & Crimson Sakura (2nd in the WA Oaks).
- Spectacular Spy was foundation sire at Don Nancarrow’s Clearvale Stud in the NSW Bylong Valley, but died suddenly leaving 144 winners (a high 75.4%) from 7 crops of foals; “although the quality of the mares was not high” his 20 stakes earners include Quick Flick (16 wins & $1,295,789), Cangronde (15 wins & $612,465) & Ab Initio (14 wins & $785,184).
- Nancarrow then secured Shepherd’s Field when he became available. Despite limited opportunity, he is the sire of Mythical Bid (recent winner at Adelaide’s Victoria Park) & Sydney winner Superfine. Shepherd’s Field was arguably Spectacular Bid’s best 2YO, winning the Gr2 Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita plus a 2nd & 3rd before finishing 6th in the US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile; in his only 2 starts as a 3YO (before enforced retirement) he ran 3rd in top company behind champion Tabasco Cat in the Gr2 San Rafael Stakes & 5th in the Gr2 Jim Beam Stakes. Shepherd’s Field stands for just $3,300 including GST at Clearvale.
(June 5)
Sydney Horse Festival Linked To Slipper Festival
DMG World Media, in conjunction with Sydney Turf Club, has launched the Sydney Horse Festival, “the 1st thoroughbred exhibition of its kind for the Australian & NZ thoroughbred industries.” Planned for April 2004 (during the 2nd week of the Golden Slipper Festival), the Festival will be held at Rosehill Gardens Exhibition Centre & aims to “inspire, educate & unite the thoroughbred industry.” The 2nd day of the Festival will fall on Darley Guineas Day. Jodie Belson, exhibition manager for the Sydney Horse Festival, said: “The Sydney Horse Festival is a 1st for the industry & we’re hoping to unite every facet of the industry to create a world-class exhibition that benefits the industry as a whole.” STC chief executive Michael Kenny added: “The Sydney Horse Festival is a unique opportunity for people from all walks of life to obtain an insight into the world of thoroughbred horse racing.” (June 5)
NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal Judge Dies
Racing NSW announced the death of The Hon Justice W.B.Perrignon, who served on the NSW Racing Appeals Tribunal since May 1989. The announcement noted: “He had a great knowledge of racing & was a source of advice & wisdom in respect of racing legal matters. Racing NSW extends its condolences to Mrs Perrignon & the family.” (June 5)
HK Apprentice For Gold Coast Stint
Hong Kong apprentice Way M.W. Leung will travel to Australia during the HK off-season to further his racing & riding experience. Leung will be based with trainer Kellie Doughty at the Gold Coast. Doughty's husband Gary is a former jockey who now assists with apprentice training in Queensland. (June 5)
Kentucky Derby Winner Sunny’s Halo Euthanised
Sunny’s Halo, winner of the 1983 Gr1 Kentucky Derby, has been euthanised at Double S Thoroughbreds in Texas “due to infirmities of old age,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sunny’s Halo won 9 races in 20 starts (also including the Gr1 Arkansas Derby, Gr1 Super Derby in which he equaled the 10-furlong track record at Louisiana Downs & Rebel Handicap at Oaklawn Park) & earned US$1,247,791. He was named champion 2YO in Canada. The 23-year-old son of Halo initially stood at Domino Stud in Kentucky in 1984, before moving to Walmac International in 1989 & finally Texas in 1998. He has sired 442 winners from 912 foals in 17 crops of racing age. His top progeny include millionaires Gaily Tomahawk (winner of the 2001 Tanabata Sho); Gr1 winner Dispersal; & multiple Gr2 winner Sunny Sunrise. Bred in Ontario, Sunny’s Halo was out of winning Sunny mare Mostly Sunny. (June 5)
Top Illinois Stud Horizon Farms To Close
Horizon Farms (which currently stands 3 of Illinois' top 5 stallions, including leading sire Unreal Zeal) “will cease operating as a breeding & boarding operation on September 1,” reported bloodhorse.com. The farm's founders William & Jane McGinley died in January 2001 & February of 2003 respectively & “family members have decided not to continue the thoroughbred operation.” Currently about 125 horses are boarded there. And as well as Unreal Zeal, stallions Demidoff, Classic Account & Canyon Run stand at the farm. (June 5)
US Sire Dance Brightly To Argentina
Hernan Ceriani Cernadas, who recently purchased US Gr3 winner Indygo Shiner to stand at his Argentine-based Haras La Quebrada in Buenos Aires, has “added Sam-Son Farm homebred Dance Brightly to his stallion roster for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere breeding season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Dance Brightly is an 8YO stakes-placed winning son of Mr Prospector out of Canadian Triple Crown winner Dance Smartly (who earned 2001 Broodmare-Of-The-Year honors). Dance Brightly is a full brother to Canadian champion Dancethruthedawn & Canadian dual classic winner Scatter The Gold. Dance Brightly has sired 19 winners & 53 starters from 172 foals of racing age in 2 crops. He stands at Hill 'n' Dale Farms in Kentucky. (June 5)
Breeders’ Cup US$57 Million Economic Impact
A Roosevelt University study has estimated the 2002 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships hosted by Arlington Park last October 26 “had an economic impact of approximately US$57 million,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A sell-out crowd of 46,113 watched the event at the track & a record US$115,523,156 was wagered on the day (US$13,568,233 at the track & over US$100 million off-track across the US & in Canada, the UK, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore & other locations. Total new tax revenues for state & local governments exceeded US$4 million, with 580 new jobs created. Arlington chairman Richard Duchossois summed up: "Hosting this Super Bowl of horseracing was a win-win for all. In addition to the incredible economic impact in this uncertain economy, the beautiful Chicago Metropolitan Area & the State of Illinois received incredible world-wide exposure — something money just can't buy." (June 5)
US ‘Championship Tour’ Plan Update
Meanwhile the proposed US Thoroughbred Championship Tour “is beginning to come to fruition, Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association officials John Phillips & Dan Metzger told members of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club in Lexington,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Tour co-chairman Phillips told those in attendance: "Raising the tide also raises all boats. We want this to be a win-win situation for everyone involved. For this to work, everyone — owners, tracks, commissions — must buy into it." The Tour would fill the book-ends of the racing season, which Phillips noted were the US Triple Crown series in late (northern hemisphere) spring & the US Breeders’ Cup in (northern) autumn. Consisting of races for each of the 6 older horse divisions (classic, turf, distaff, turf mile, sprint & turf distaff), the series would have events in July, August, September & 2 in October (each 3 weeks & 4 weeks away from the Breeders’ Cup). The maximum number of events a horse could compete in is 4. A major goal of the series is to “generate interest for television viewers” across the US, while another is to “make the on-track experience a ‘big event’ day” for each participating track. "Racing has massive competition from other sports, as well as massive competition from gaming," Phillips said. "Attendance & handle increase on big days — event days when a track has more than just 1 feature race. Having multiple big races has tremendous marketing advantages both for TV & the host facility." The Tour committee is attempting to put together a series of incentives that would reward connections for competing in the series: Phillips said minimum purse requirements for each division (US$1 million for the classic, US$750,000 for the turf & distaff, & US$500,000 for the mile, sprint & filly-mare turf) would help attract the best horses. (June 5)
Sadler’s Wells Leads UK Sires Table
Sadler’s Wells is currently leading Cadeaux Genereux & Indian Ridge on the Great Britain & Ireland sires list, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The Top 15 by earnings (£1=A$2.45) are:
1: £942,294 Sadler's Wells (Northern Dancer-Fairy Bridge, by Bold Reason)
2: £440,280 Cadeaux Genereux (Young Generation-Smarten Up, by Sharpen Up)
3: £424,438 Indian Ridge (Ahonoora-Hillbrow, by Swing Easy)
4: £369,413 Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty)
5: £304,943 Selkirk (Sharpen Up-Annie Edge, by Nebbiolo)
6: £304,895 Halling (Diesis-Dance Machine, by Green Dancer)
7: £274,316 Darshaan (Shirley Heights-Delsy, by Abdos)
8: £274,168 Kingmambo (Mr Prospector-Miesque, by Nureyev)
9: £262,556 Pivotal (Polar Falcon-Fearless Revival, by Cozzene)
10: £259,644 In The Wings (Sadler's Wells-High Hawk, by Shirley Heights)
11: £249,853 Desert Prince (Green Desert-Flying Fairy, by Bustino)
12: £231,001 Efisio (Formidable-Eldoret, by High Top)
13: £230,364 Grand Lodge (Chief's Crown-La Papagena, by Habitat)
14: £203,406 Barathea (Sadler's Wells-Brocade, by Habitat)
15: £197,172 Machiavellian (Mr Prospector-Coup De Folie, by Halo)
(June 5)
Darshaan Leads French Sires Table
And Darshann is currently leading Danehill & Linamix on the French sires list, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The Top 10 by earnings (€1=A$1.75) are:
1: €859,620 Darshaan (Shirley Heights-Delsy, by Abdos)
2: €660,595 Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty)
3: €621,815 Linamix (Mendez-Lunadix, by Breton)
4: €436,210 Green Tune (Green Dancer-Soundings, by Mr Prospector)
5: €408,690 Highest Honor (Kenmare-High River, by Riverman)
6: €393,515 Bering (Arctic Tern-Beaune, by Lyphard)
7: €392,950 Peintre Celebre (Nureyev-Peinture Bleue, by Alydar)
8: €386,125 Anabaa (Danzig-Balbonella, by Gay Mecene)
9: €367,740 Sadler's Wells (Northern Dancer-Fairy Bridge, by Bold Reason)
10: €360,995 Exit To Nowhere (Irish River-Coup De Folie, by Halo)
(June 5)
520 Lots At Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale
The Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale begins on June 26 with 520 lots on offer, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. (June 5)
Aust Recognition For Irish Steward
Irish Turf Club senior steward Ray Rooney “has been appointed an Honorary Member of the Australian Jockey Club,” reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. “He is the 1st member of the ITC to be honoured in this way.” Rooney has been a member of ITC since 1986 & was appointed senior steward in 2000. A member of the Galway Race Committee since 1975, Rooney has been involved in racing as an owner & sponsor since 1960. (June 5)
2 New British All-Weather Tracks
Racecourse Holdings Trust has announced “provisional plans to build all-weather tracks at Newmarket & Kempton by 2005,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The Kempton scheme “involves building a 10-furlong oval all-weather track, while still retaining the jumps course & their big race of the year, the King George VI Chase”; all-weather racing would replace the current turf Flat fixtures with “floodlighting included to enable regular evening racing throughout the year.” At Newmarket, a 12-furlong all-weather track will “run alongside the Rowley Mile, on the side farthest away from the grandstand.” RHT chairman David James noted: "All-weather racing at RHT courses is strategically important. Top-class tracks at Kempton & Newmarket will enhance the quality of our overall racing offer & help meet the needs of the racing & betting markets. This investment provides the potential to improve the quality of all-weather racing." (June 5)
US$500 Million Racetrack Plan For Pittsburgh
And a proposed US$500 million racetrack development in Pittsburgh “has cleared a key hurdle with the Pittsburgh Planning Commission,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Developer Charles Betters is one of several applicants for the 6th (& final) thoroughbred track licence to be awarded by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission; 3 other competitors want to construct a track in the Pittsburgh area, along with 2 more competitors from the Philadelphia area (but because Philadelphia already has a thoroughbred track at Philadelphia Park, the Pittsburgh area “is thought to be more likely to receive the final licence”). Betters’ massive project includes building upscale townhouses on a hilltop overlooking the Monongahela River site, plus extensive retail shops, restaurants & taverns “along with a casino filled with 3,000 slot machines.” (June 5)
3rd Name Change Triggers Winning Streak
Thursday Odd Spot: He “began racing as Shere Khan, has been known as Cool Khan & now goes under the name of Anak Gagah,” reported appracingandsports.com.au. “He’s also a half-brother to Australian champion Mahogany & is rated among the most promising horses in Malaysia.” Anak Gagah, now a 5YO, nabbed his 4th consecutive win at Ipoh last Sunday over 1600m. The Danehill gelding (out of Alydar mare Alshandegha) was originally offered at the 1999 Inglis Easter yearling sale in Sydney, but was passed-in at $200,000; he was subsequently passed-in a 2nd time at the Sydney 2YO Breeze-Up Sale for $175,000 before finally being sold to Asian interests (with 1 provincial win from 4 starts while racing as Shere Khan). In Malaysia he began racing as Cool Khan (recording 2 minor placings from 14 starts), before another name change & his winning sequence as Anak Gagah. (June 5)
War Emblem Taken Over By Insurance Firms
Last year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner War Emblem, who experienced difficulties at the Yoshida family's Shadai Stallion Station in Japan during his 1st season at stud this year, “has been transferred to the insurance companies,” reported bloodhorse.com. Three of the 4 insurance companies which insured 4YO War Emblem have agreed to pay about ¥1.6 billion (A$21.4 million), for whom Shadai paid US$18 million (A$28 million) last September. War Emblem's problem “was diagnosed as stemming from an unwillingness to cover mares & not from fertility complications.” War Emblem (Our Emblem-Sweetest Lady, by Lord At War) earned US$3,491,000 (A$5.6 million) in racing prize-money. (June 4)
Stylish Century Dies From Spider Bite
Triple Gr1 winner Stylish Century “is believed to have died from toxic shock after he was bitten by a red-back spider” at stud in Queensland, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The 16-year-old son of Double Century had been at stud since 1992 & has sired more than 80 winners of more than $5 million (including Group & Listed winners Buster Jones, Alberton Star, Golden Era & Emerging Markets, plus Group & stakes placed Royal Sencherec, Stylish Mahal, Suave Prospect, Runaway & Fiordland). Stylish Century was Australian Champion 3YO in 1989-90 & earned $2.435 million prize-money from 11 wins & 15 placings in 58 starts (including wins in the 1989 Gr1 Victoria Derby, beating Dr Grace in record time, Gr1 AJC Spring Champion Stakes & Gr1 AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, as well as the Gr2 Sandown Cup, Gr3 Canterbury Cup, Gr3 Illawarra Classic & Gr3 VATC Autumn Classic; his 2nds included the Gr1 Cox Plate, Gr1 AJC Derby & Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes, plus 3rds in 4 other Gr1 events). (June 4)
Bob’s Boy Sold To Lindsay Park
NZ 3YO gelding Bob's Boy (by Lord Ballina) will run for new trainer Tony McEvoy in this weekend’s Gr1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm following resolution of the week-long ownership dispute, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington said he was happy the dispute was finally resolved: "We're happy the court has ordered Lindsay Park owns the horse," Pilkington said. "While disappointed we had to resort to court action, the end result vindicates our decision.” (June 4)
1st Stakes Winner For Dr Fong
British freshman sire & former Widden Stud shuttle stallion Dr Fong sired his 1st stakes winner when 2YO filly Miss Childrey (ex Blazing Glory by Glow) won the Listed Swordlestown Stud Sprint Stakes (6 furlongs) at Ireland’s Naas racecourse reported racenet.com.au. With 2 winners & 3 place-getters in England & Ireland already this season, 8YO Dr Fong has made a promising start to his UK breeding career at Side Hill Stud near Newmarket. Top miler Dr Fong served just 143 mares in 3 seasons shuttling to Widden. Bred in Kentucky by Prestonwood Farm, Dr Fong is a son of influential Roberto stallion Kris S & is 1 of 4 winners out of stakes-winning Miswaki mare Spring Flight. Dr Fong won 5 races (& placed 8 times in 15 starts) for earnings of £455,929 (A$1.16 million) including the Gr1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (beating Irish 2000 Guineas winner Desert Prince & French 2000 Guineas winner Victory Note) & French Gr2 Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Laffitte, as well as 2nds in the US Gr2 Strub Stakes & Gr2 Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita Park. “Bred in Ireland by Airlie Stud, Miss Childrey is 1 of 12 starters from 79 foals of racing age in Dr Fong’s 1st UK crop,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. (June 4)
Bel Esprit $80,000 Per Share
Last week Eliza Park's Lee Fleming offered for sale “a few” shares in sire-elect Bel Esprit for $70,000, noting that figure would rise if demand or a Stradbroke Handicap win followed. Well, the figure is now $80,000 plus GST. The reason: "We have been run over with interest, so I've decided to once-and-for-all make the final amount $80,000. Last week hadn't included insurance in the figure, so it was a little confusing; but win, lose or draw this weekend, he will be $80,000 plus GST & that amount does include insurance. Share holders are guaranteed a dividend, as he looks certain to have a book over 125 mares.” Bel Esprit is by Royal Academy & his service fee will be announced next week. (June 4)
Top Sydney Bookie Sets Up In London
Sydney’s biggest bookie Con Kafataris is setting up an office in London to bet on British horse racing. He told The Daily Telegraph: “In bookmaking terms, their horse racing market is 20 times bigger than Australia’s & I think there is scope for us to compete.” It will be a telephone & internet betting service & Kafataris will not be fielding on-course. Kafataris has set up premises 30 minutes outside central London at Walton On Thames & will open the doors in the first week of July. He will initially employ 28 staff & noted: “I have made executive appointments already. But with modern technology I can oversee a lot of the operations from Sydney.” (June 4)
Victorian Jockeys Threaten July 1 ‘Halt To Racing’
The Victorian Jockeys’ Association has called for a crisis meeting with Racing Victoria next Tuesday to discuss problems with jockeys’ public liability insurance which, if not resolved, “threaten to halt racing on July 1,” reported this morning’s The Australian. The VJA has been told by its insurer that it faces an increase of 10-15% ($200-300) for each member. VJA director Ross Inglis told the newspaper: “The average jockey isn’t gong to be able to afford this. It is a very serious situation because it is just starting to spin completely out of control. We’ll be faced with a number of jockeys asking themselves if it is really worth it. If it isn’t sorted out by the end of the month, the races cannot go on because our members won’t be able to ride.” The number of licensed jockeys in Victoria has fallen to 170 in recent years. (June 4)
Hussonet Leads Mr Prospector Son Stakes-Winners
Arrowfield Stud’s former Chilean stallion Hussonet “is the leading sire son of Mr Prospector by stakes-winners in 2003,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Hussonet’s 9 individual stakes-winners so far this year place him ahead of Woodman, Smart Strike, Carson City, Barkerville, Placerville, Numerous, Gulch & Gone West. Joint second with Woodman on 6 stakes-winners each are Mr Prospector line stallions Elusive Quality & Unbridled's Song. Raced by Sheikh Mohammed & trained by Bill Mott, Hussonet stakes-placed in North America before retiring to stud at Haras de Pirque in Chile. Since 1998, Hussonet has been Champion Sire in Chile & is now owned by Arrowfield in Australia, where the 12-year-old will stand his 1st season in 2003. Overall Hussonet has 45 individual stakes-winners (27 of those out of Northern Dancer line mares) & 12 individual Gr1 winners. (June 4)
Adelaide MM Sale Star Remains Unbeaten In Malaysia
Malaysia’s most exciting galloper Flying Ace extended his unbeaten run to 4 on the weekend when he demolished his rivals in a near track record breaking performance over 1200m. A son of champion Collingrove Stud-based sire Rory’s Jester, 3YO Flying Ace scorched over the Ipoh turf to win the Class 2 event by 7 lengths in 1min 9.3sec (just 0.1sec outside the long standing track record). Flying Ace (from the Bluebird mare Magpies) was offered by Torryburn Stud at the 2001 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale at Morphettville & knocked down for $85,000; later in the year he was reoffered at the National Premier Sale in Malaysia & sold for RM120,000 (approx A$50,000). The weekend’s 7-length demolition of his rivals was not Flying Ace’s 1st run-away victory: his 4 wins so far boast a cumulative winning margin of 31 lengths ( that’s nearly 8 lengths for each success), including a 10-length win in last year’s Magic Millions Malaysian Classic. (June 4)
Dates For Adelaide MM Carnival Revised
A week long “carnival of fun & festivities” & 4 sessions of yearling sales will highlight the 2004 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale next February. Three sessions of select yearlings will be offered to buyers, with Session 1 on Tuesday February 24. The following day graduates from the 2003 sales series will clash at Morphettville with the running of the $400,000 MM Adelaide 2YO Classic over 1200 metres. Straight after the action from the track, the crowd will head to the top of the home straight at Morphettville the 2nd session of the Adelaide Select Sale. The 3rd Select Session will be held on Thursday 26 February.
Festivities will continue in Adelaide on Friday with a Golf Day. Then the 4th day of selling, the Adelaide Summer Session, will be held on Sunday (following a Saturday at the races). MM managing director David Chester & proprietor John Singleton recently visited Adelaide to meet leading industry figures & members of the state government (including SA premier Mike Rann) & Chester noted: “Magic Millions is really keen to turn the Adelaide Sale into a huge carnival, like the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast.” Other events over the week-long carnival include the Magic Millions Official Carnival Opening Cocktail Party & the South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders’ Horse-Of-The-Year dinner. (June 4)
Pentire Adds To Aust Progeny Record
Progeny of NZ’s Rich Hill Stud stallion Pentire have had a big week:
- Pentire sired his 4th individual Australian stakes-winner for the 2002-03 season when 3YO filly Recurring won the Listed Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane;
- Just 2 races later Penny Gem ran 3rd in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm to become Pentire's 7th individual Australian stakes performer for the current season;
- Pentire's 7 stakes performers from only 29 runners in Australia gives a world class 24% stakes-performers-to-runners ratio;
- Lord Pentire stepped up a class to win the Jacobson Headstone (2100m) at Ellerslie in NZ
- He's Hot Right Now ran 3rd at Mooney Valley (over 2040m) in Melbourne;
- Penash stormed home to run 3rd at Sandown (1300m) in Melbourne;
- Pentire has now had 15 winners, with earnings of $1.2 million, in Australia this season (3rd NZ-based sire on the Australian sires earnings list).
(June 4)
Volksraad Still Leads NZ Sires Table
The current Top 15 on the NZ General Sires Table (by prize-money), according to NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, are:
1: Volksraad NZ$1,175,850.
2: Zabeel NZ$1,063,400.
3: O’Reilly NZ$883,571.
4: Desert Sun NZ$836,313.
5: Faltaat NZ$745,937.
6: Prized NZ$697,050.
7: Stark South NZ$643,505.
8: Al Akbar NZ$567,570.
9: Maroof NZ$518,143.
10: His Royal Highness NZ$487,695.
11: Deputy Governor NZ$442,483.
12: Shinko King NZ$430,877.
13: Blues Traveller NZ$422,202.
14: Danasinga NZ$414,955.
15: Lord Ballina NZ$413,122.
(June 4)
Size & Dye Continue HK Winners
The expatriate duo of former Randwick trainer John Size & jockey Shane Dye continued their great Hong Kong season with weekend wins at Sha Tin with Palette Natural (Volksraad-Proteaceae) in a Class 2 1400m event & My Favourite (Danasinga-Aer Lingus) in a Class 3 1800m race. Size currently leads the HK Trainers’ premiership (fellow expats David Hayes & John Moore also feature in the Top 10), while Dye sits in 2nd spot on the HK Jockeys’ premiership (with expat Dwayne Dunn also in the Top 10). Current HK Top 10 premiership standings are:
- HK Trainer Wins: J.Size 63; A.S.Cruz 52; D.A.Hayes 50; I.W.Allan 37; K.W.Lui 34; T.W.Leung 33; J.Moore 32; L.Ho 31; L.Fownes 30; S.Woods 29.
- HK Jockey Wins: D.Whyte 81; S.Dye 69; F.Coetzee 53; G.Mosse 50; G.Schofield 48; W.C.Marwing 41; D.Dunn 36; E.Saint-Martin 32; C.Williams 27; A.Marcus 23.
(June 4)
US 39-Stakes-Winners-Sire Black Mackee Dead
US stallion Black Mackee, who sired 39 stakes winners, has died aged 27 at Shea D Rae Ranch in Oklahoma “from complications caused by colic,” reported bloodhorse.com. The son of Captain Courageous also “ranked 8th nationally by life-time % of stakes-winners-to-foals through 2002.” His 39 stakes winners was 12.5% from foals (among stallions with 200 or more named offspring). Black Mackee (produced from the Six Fifteen mare Extenuate) won 7 of 10 races (including 5 stakes) as a 2YO in 1978; he didn’t race as a 3YO due to injury, but covered a small number mares (& 1 of those offspring Miss Mackee won or placed in 26 stakes); returning as a 4YO he added 1 win from 11 starts. Black Mackee stood at Skylark Ranch in Montana from 1988-2001 “& was Montana’s leading sire in the 1990s,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. He has 22 crops of racing age, with 206 winners from 331 foals (including the 39 stakes winners). (June 4)
Quest For Fame’s Dual-Hemisphere Record
With the historic English Derby run at Epsom this weekend, “an examination reveals that of all the recent winners, Quest For Fame (by Rainbow Quest) is the only active stallion to have sired a Gr1 winner in 2 hemispheres,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “Quest For Fame joins Mill Reef, Roberto & Shergar as stallions to have achieved this feat.” Bred & raced by Khalid Abdullah, Quest For Fame won the English Derby by 3 lengths in 1990 (Linamix was unplaced behind him) & also won at Gr1 level over 12 furlongs on turf in North America. Retired to Juddmonte Farm in Kentucky in 1993, Quest For Fame shuttled to Woodlands Stud in NSW initially, but is now a permanent fixture at Denman in the Hunter Valley. His Graded winners in the Northern Hemisphere include Gr1 Del Mar Oaks winner Famous Digger, while in the Southern Hemisphere his Gr1 winners include Champion 3YO Filly Unworldly, Victoria Oaks winner Tributes & the colts Viscount & Dracula. Quest For Fame has sired a juvenile stakes-winner in each of his crops to race. (June 4)
1st Winner For Irish Freshman Sire Dushyantor
Ireland’s Rathbarry Stud sire Dushyantor had his 1st winner from his 1st crop when Amourallis won over 6 furlongs at Fairyhouse, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Dushyantor is by Sadler's Wells & is a half-brother to champion miler & leading sire Warning, & to dual Derby winner Commander In Chief. (June 4)
Golf Ball Danger At UK Track
Wednesday Odd Spot: UK racetrack Sandown Park is considering raising the height of a protective fence, dividing a golf driving range from its sprint track, after 2 horses were seen kicking up golf balls during the running of last week’s National Stakes. Although unable to confirm the Richard Hannon-trained Vienna’s Boy was struck by a ball, jockey Dane O’Neill described his mount suddenly swerving left before half-way & not under pressure as “completely out of character for him”, reported racingpost.co.uk. “Vienna’s Boy always runs very straight at home & is experienced on the track, so I think something did happen. The jocks had pointed out the day before that there was a golf ball on the track just by the marker pole after the start which had worried them. If I’d got hit, it could have done some serious damage, possibly a broken nose or 2 weeks of visits to the dentist.” Clerk-of-the-course Andrew Cooper admitted that, after watching tapes of the National Stakes, 2 balls were “flicked up“ just after the 2-furlong pole by back-markers Vienna’s Boy & Frankie Dettori’s mount Lualua. Golf is played down the entire length of Sandown’s 5-furlong straight, with a 9-hole course & pitch-&-putt in addition to the driving range in the middle of the course; in addition to shutting those facilities during racing, racecourse staff sweep the track for balls several times before each meeting. Cooper added: “Obviously it is very unfortunate when this sort of thing happens but, while it is easy to see golf balls on the surface, when you are dealing with 4 inches of grass they do get well & truly buried. There is a protective fence down the length of the driving range already, but there is no doubt it could be higher & we are already in the process of getting a quote for the work.” (June 4)
Extra Seats For Expected Record Belmont Crowd
In an attempt to accommodate a track record crowd expected to watch Funny Cide’s bid for the US Triple Crown in this weekend’s Gr1 Belmont Stakes, the New York Racing Association will add 1,500 extra seats at the west end of the grandstand, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A record 103,222 fans witnessed War Emblem's bid for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes last year. Funny Cide is trying to become the 12th horse to win all 3 Triple Crown races & the first in 24 years. (June 3)
English Derby Now European Record Purse
With 3 late entries each paying £90,000 (A$230,000) to be “supplemented” into the English Derby at Epsom Downs this weekend, the purse of £1.47 million (A$3.75 million) will make it the richest race ever run in Europe. Gr3 winners Dutch Gold & Kris Kin were supplemented along with Norse Dancer (who finished 3rd behind early Derby favorite Refuse To Bend in the Gr1 Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket on May 3). Refuse To Bend, Gr1 winner Brian Boru & Gr2 winner Alamshar are among 24 horses left in the Derby field at the 5-day confirmation stage. The field will be limited to 20 starters, with the lowest rated runners eliminated if more than 20 are declared by Thursday’s deadline. (June 3)
Wellbeing To Stand At Te Runga Stud
Auckland-based Te Runga Stud announced it will stand Wellbeing, the group-winning son of Sadler's Wells, this spring. Studmaster Wayne Larsen confirmed Te Runga Stud had purchased a 50% interest in Wellbeing from owner-breeder Plantation Stud at Newmarket in England. Wellbeing will be permanently based in NZ & his 1st-season fee will be NZ$4,000 plus gst. Larsen told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "Wellbeing has a pedigree filled with upgrading bloodlines, all of which are easily recognised by Australian breeders & buyers, & he showed on the racetrack that he was among the best of his generation as a 3YO." Overall Wellbeing won 6 races, 2 at Gr3 level (the Gr3 St Simon Stakes at Newbury in England, defeating Prix de l'arc De Triomphe winner Marienbard, & the Gr3 Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville) plus a close 2nd in the Gr1 Coronation Cup (beaten a short head by Mutafaweq). Plantation Stud has an outstanding record as breeder of top-class racehorses who become leading & champion sires (including Kris, Slip Anchor, Diesis, Grand Lodge, Oncidium & Pursuit Of Love). Owner Lady Howard de Walden said Plantation is delighted to be standing its homebred stallion Wellbeing in association with Te Runga: "This new association will strengthen Plantation Stud's ties with NZ, which date back nearly 40 years to the exportation of our homebred Oncidium in 1964. It is to be hoped that with his magnificent pedigree Wellbeing could follow in his footsteps as a hugely influential stallion." Wellbeing's dam Charming Life has a yearling full-brother to him who will be offered at Tattersalls Houghton Sale later this year, & her foal of 2003 is an outstanding colt by Danehill. Charming Life is a sister to multiple Australasian champion sire & Gr1 winner Zabeel. Plantation Stud will be supporting Wellbeing with Laune (dam of this year's 2YO stakes performer Azure) & Celestia (a winning filly by Anabaa from the immediate family of Pursuit Of Love). (June 3)
1st Southern Winner For Sire Generous
Meanwhile NZ Glenmorgan Farm’s Generous, hero of the 1991 English & Irish Derbies, sired his 1st winner from his 1st southern hemisphere crop when Max Lees-trained 2YO Ron Jon won the Mullane Maintenance Plate (1200m) at Newcastle on the weekend, reported racenet.com.au. An $85,000 purchase at the 2001 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Ron Jon is the 1st foal of Sydney winning Centaine mare Done That (a half-sister to Gr2 Reisling Slipper trial winner Star Of Nouvelle & South African Gr2 winner Double Reef); Done That’s granddam Nouvelle Star (by Luskin Star) won 6 races, including the Gr2 Linlithgow Stakes in course record time, as well as finishing runner-up in the Gr1 Newmarket Handicap, Gr1 AJC The Galaxy & Gr1 VRC Marlboro Cup. Outstanding racehorse Generous won 6 of his 11 starts, including the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes, Gr1 Epsom Derby, Gr1 Irish Derby and Gr1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Initially retired to stud in England before his sale to Japan, Generous shuttled to Glenmorgan Farm before being purchased by the NZ-based outfit. Generous now spends the northern hemishere season at Plantation Stud in England. (June 3)
Prince of War’s South African Stud Career
Australian Group winner Prince Of War “has emerged as a candidate for the S$800,000 (A$720,000) Singapore Derby over 2000m on July 18, just 9 months after his life was on the line,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Prince Of War (a Royal Academy entire who won the Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill when trained by Graeme Rogerson) was struck down with a serious bout of colic after having his 1st Singapore start last August. Trainer Patrick Shaw paid tribute to Singapore’s chief veterinary surgeon Eugene Reynders after Prince Of War completed his comeback with victory in a Class One event over 1800m at the expense of former Melbourne middle-distance performer Evenpsalm: “It was brilliant to see a horse that was on his death bed not so long ago come out & win. He has now earned a tilt at the Singapore Derby & will have his lead-up in the Singapore Derby Trial.” Following his racing assignments in Singapore, Prince Of War will head to South Africa to begin a stud career. (June 3)
1st US Win For Top Japanese Sire Brian’s Time
Multiple Gr1 winner & leading Japanese sire Brian’s Time recorded his 1st US winner when 2YO filly Schedule won on debut over 5 furlongs at Belmont Park reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Brian’s Time, an 18-year-old Kentucky-bred son of Roberto, won the 1988 Gr1 Florida Derby before competing in all 3 of that year’s Triple Crown races for trainer John Veitch, finishing 6th in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby (G1), 2nd in the Gr1 Preakness Stakes & 3rd in the Gr1 Belmont Stakes. Brian’s Time also won the 1988 Gr1 Pegasus Handicap at Meadowlands & recorded 5 career wins in 21 starts overall. Brian’s Time retired in 1989 & was sent to Japan, where he has been among the leading sires 9 times; he stands at C.B.Stud on the island of Hokkaido. From 626 foals in 11 crops of racing age, Brian’s Time has sired 303 winners & 28 stakes winners from 530 starters. His leading earner is 1994 Japanese Triple Crown winner & Horse-Of-The-Year Narita Brian, who ranks among the world’s Top 10 earners with a career bankroll of US$9,296,552. Brian’s Time’s progeny account for purse earnings of US$155,131,076. Brian’s Time is out of winning Graustark mare Kelley’s Day, a full sister to Gr3 winner Java Moon & Gr1-placed stakes winner Sylvan Place. (June 3)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Baquero
US freshman sire Baquero (a son of Forty Niner) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Classa Red Wine won on debut at Stampede Park in Calgary in Canada, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Baquero (who stands at Oakhurst Thoroughbreds in Oregon) is an 8YO out of multiple Gr2 winner Fit For A Queen (by Fit To Fight); he won 2 of 19 career starts & placed 10 times. Purchased by Demi O’Byrne at the 1996 Keeneland July selected yearling sale for US$500,000, Baquero won as a 3YO by a massive 18 lengths at Keeneland Race Course (followed by another win & a 2nd) to encourage leading US trainer D. Wayne Lukas to take a shot at the 1998 Gr1 Preakness Stakes for prominent owners Bob & Beverly Lewis; but Baquero finished 7th of the 10 runners behind winner Real Quiet. Classa Red Wine is the 2nd foal to start from Baquero’s initial crop of 42 2YOs. Baquero also has 30 yearlings. (June 3)
1st Stakes Winner For US Sire Bahhare
US sire Bahhare recorded his 1st stakes winner when 3YO filly Katdogawn won the Manhattan Beach Stakes at Hollywood Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The victory was the 3rd in 10 career starts for Katdogawn, the only foal to race out of winning Trempolino mare Trempkate. (June 3)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Rubiyat
US freshman sire Rubiyat recorded his 1st winner when Rubi Echo won on debut at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A son of Rubiano, Rubiyat finished 2nd in both the Gr2 Withers Stakes & Gr2 Peter Pan Stakes as a 3YO (as well as 2 wins from just 6 starts) in his brief career. Rubiyat stands at Summer Wind Farm in Maryland & has 19 foals from 2 crops, including 8 2YOs. (June 3)
1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Emerald Creme
US freshman sire Emerald Creme recorded his 1st winner when Bolted Heart won in the US on the weekend, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Emerald Creme, a 9YO son of In Excess, has 2 starters & 11 foals in his 1st crop of racing age. He stands at Hedrick Ranch in California. (June 3)
US Champion Xtra Heat In Foal To Gone West
Champion US mare Xtra Heat (a 5YO daughter of Dixieland Heat) has been retired after being confirmed in foal to Kentucky stallion Gone West. Nick Plummer, thoroughbred manager for owner ClassicStar, told thoroughbredtimes.com: "We’re real excited about her. We think it will be a good cross. She’s 5 years old, so she’s probably worth more as a broodmare than she would be on the racetrack. She didn’t have anything left to prove there." Xtra Heat set a North American distaff record with 26 stakes wins in her 35 career starts (including the 2001 Gr1 Prioress Stakes at Belmont Park plus a 2nd in the 2001 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Belmont before earning an Eclipse Award as champion 3YO filly). Xtra Heat won US$2,389,635 prize-money. ClassicStar purchased Xtra Heat privately for US$1.5 million last November. Bred in Kentucky, Xtra Heat is out of stakes-placed Hatchet Man mare Begin & is a half-sister to Gr2-placed winner Bless Our Home & stakes-placed winner Fit And Ready. (June 3)
Amonita Returns To France In Foal To Kingmambo
Amonita, the French Gr1 winner who won the Gr3 Suwannee River Handicap at Gulfstream Park in the US in March, has returned to owner Haras du Mezeray in France “confirmed in foal to Kingmambo,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Amonita raced her initial 2 seasons in France, winning 3 of 9 starts (including the 2000 Gr1 Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches & 2001 Prix du Pin at Longchamp for trainer Pascal Bary); in 2002, Amonita was sent to the US, where trainer Christophe Clement sent her out to win the 2002 Snazzle Dazzle Handicap at Calder Race Course & 2003 Suwannee River Handicap at Gulfstream, plus a 2nd in the Gr3 Noble Damsel Handicap at Belmont Park. Overall she recorded 6 wins in 15 starts. Bred by Ship Commodities International in England, Amonita is a 5YO by Anabaa out of multiple group stakes-winning Spectacular Bid mare Spectacular Joke; Amonita is a half-sister to Cox Orange (who also won the Suwannee River as well as 4 other Gr3 races). (June 3)
Half-Sister To Toccet Born In Washington
Cozzene’s Angel, whose 1st foal Toccet was a multiple US Gr1 winner last year, has produced a filly by Liberty Gold at Griffin Place in Washington, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The mare & foal have been sent to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Kentucky & Cozzene’s Angel will now be bred to Deputy Minister, who stands at Brookdale Farm in Kentucky for US$100,000. Gr3 winner Liberty Gold stands at El Dorado Farm in Washington. Buzz Chace (agent for Toccet’s high-profile owner Dan Borislow) purchased Cozzene’s Angel in foal to Awesome Again for US$200,000 at the 1999 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale. Grange Stud ‘UK’ bred Cozzene’s Angel in Kentucky; the 9YO is by Cozzene out of winning Trepan mare Charming Pan & is a half-sister to stakes winners Courtly Candor, Carson Bay & Miss Walkie Talkie, & Gr3-placed stakes winner Canaletto (who has produced 4 stakes winners). Toccet has won 6 of 8 starts, including the 2002 Gr1 Champagne Stakes & Gr1 Hollywood Futurity for US$755,610 prize-money. (June 3)
Canadian Champion Summer Mood Dead
Summer Mood, Canada's champion sprinter of 1985 as a homebred for Kinghaven Farms, has died “from hemorrhaging about a month before she was due to foal,” reported bloodhorse.com. The 22-year-old daughter of Raja Baba was in foal to Alydeed & also lost that offspring. Summer Mood won 8 races in her championship season & notched 17 victories overall. Produced from the Vice Regal mare Fairly Regal, Summer Mood foaled 10 offspring, 3 of whom have won (including Japanese graded stakes winner Sugino Cutie, by Majestic Light). (June 3)
Chilean Champion Derby Lodge Dies
Derby Lodge, Chile’s champion 3YO colt in 2001-02 & winner of the last 2 runnings of the Gr1 Gran Premio Hipodromo Chile, has died “after suffering from colic,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Vice Regent stallion Great Regent won 11 of 30 starts for trainer Juan Cavieres. His other victories included the 2002 Gr3 Clasico Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, 2001 Gr3 Clasico Paddock & Gr3 Cotejo de Portillos. Bred by Haras Figuron & owned by Stud Agilucho, Derby Lodge was produced from unraced Roy mare Royal Story & was a full brother to group stakes-placed Villa d’Este. (June 3)
Irish High-Weight Alrassaam To Argentina
Alrassaam, a group winner in Ireland & France, will stand the Southern Hemisphere season at Haras Caryjuan in Argentina, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 7YO son of Gone West stallion Zafonic, Alrassaam won the 1999 French Gr3 Prix Daphnis & 2000 Irish Gr2 Budweiser International Stakes en route to being high-weighted older horse on the Irish Free Handicap from 7-9.5 furlongs. Overall he won 4 races in 12 starts for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid al Maktoum. Alrassaam is 1 of 4 stakes winners out of Irish high-weight Lady Blackfoot (by Prince Tenderfoot). He is a half-brother to Gr1 winner Labeeb, multiple graded stakes winner Fanmore & stakes winner Madame L’Enjoleur. Darley Stud Management purchased him for US$450,348 at the 1997 Tattersalls September yearling sale from the Brick Kiln Stud consignment. (June 3)
Paul Goode Quits Britain To Ride In Aust
Paul Goode, who made a name for himself in Australia last summer, is to quit Britain to continue his riding career down under. Goode, 25, has struggled to re-establish himself on home soil this year & leaves on Friday to rejoin Canberra-based trainer Barbara Joseph. The jockey rode out his claim while attached to her stable, with 13 winners from 75 mounts. He told racingpost.co.uk: "Originally I planned to return in November, but my career is going nowhere here. Despite riding out for a number of trainers, it's just not happening & I'm living off the money I earned in Australia. I made such a good impression down under & the Joseph stable are keen to have me back. So I'd be foolish not to grab the opportunity. They have about 45 horses & I've been offered the bulk of the rides. I'm sad to leave because England still offers the best racing in the world, but I just can't survive as a jockey here." Goode needs 1 more winner to reach his 1st century of winners; formerly with Patrick Haslam, Goode's best season in England was in 2000 with 25 wins. (June 3)
Voting Begins For ‘Aust’s Most Popular Horse'
Public voting for the 2003 Magic Millions Bloodstock ‘Australia's Most Popular Racehorse’ award has begun. Following lodgement of over 200 nominations by members of the Australian racing public, the Top 5 contenders (in alphabetical order) are: Belle Du Jour, Dash For Cash, Lonhro, Mr Trickster & Northerly. Members of the public can now vote for their choice by telephoning 1900 957 377 (call cost 55¢), with all callers going into a draw for the chance to attend the Australia's Racing Champions function at Palladium at Crown in Melbourne on Thursday July 3, which also features the announcement of the 2003 Australian Champion Racehorse-Of-The-Year. (June 3)
Sunday Silence Final Crop Foals In JRHA Sale
The Japan Racing Horse Association has cataloged 302 Japanese-bred thoroughbreds, including several from Sunday Silence’s final crop, for its select foal sale on July 7-8 at Northern Horse Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The sale also features the last crop of horses by notable sires End Sweep & El Condor Pasa, as well as 1st crops from sires Fantastic Light, Galileo, Giant’s Causeway & Captain Steve. (June 3)
Fasig-Tipton 900 Yearlings For Summer Sales
Fasig-Tipton will catalogue approximately 890 yearlings for its 3 selected summer yearling sales: 460 for Lexington on July 16-17; 220 at Saratoga on August 5-7; & about 210 for its preferred sale of New York-breds on August 10-11. Fasig-Tipton president Walt Robertson told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Our Kentucky sale will be smaller than last year, while the total for our 2 Saratoga sales balance out pretty much the same." (June 3)
Inglis Melb June Weanling & Thoroughbred Sale
Melbourne’s 2003 Inglis June Weanling & Thoroughbred Sale (over 3 days on Sunday June 22, Tuesday June 24 & Wednesday June 25) will be the largest bloodstock sale ever held in Victoria, with 950 lots, including: 378 broodmares, 351 weanlings, 50 yearlings & a large selection of tried racehorses. (June 3)
Inglis Melbourne Weanling Sale Preview
Popular sires represented in the June Weanling Sale include: Belong To Me, Bianconi, Canny Lad, Catbird, Dangerous, Danzero, Desert Sun, El Moxie, Encosta de Lago, Favorite Trick, General Nediym, Grand Lodge, Hurricane Sky, Jetball, Jeune, King’s Best, Last Tycoon, Made Of Gold, Marju, Perugino, Redoute’s Choice, Rory’s Jester, Rubiton, Spinning World, Strategic, Success Express, Testa Rossa, Thunder Gulch, Umatilla, Xaar & Zeditave. Of particular note are:
- a Northern Hemisphere conceived colt by Breeders’ Cup Mile winner War Chant, whose oldest progeny are yearlings; offered by Collingrove Stud, the colt is a half-brother to French Gr3 winner Russian Revival, from Memories, a Gr2-winning half-sister to outstanding racemare Memories Of Silver (winner of the Gr1 Arlington Beverly D Stakes). War Chant stands at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky at a fee of US$US60,000; an immensely talented racehorse, with 5 wins from 7 starts, he is by Danzig from former champion 3YO filly Hollywood Wildcat.
- a half-brother to Caulfield Cup winner Arctic Scent by superbly bred 1st season sire Esperero (a son of Forty Niner).
- a colt by Jade Robbery from Kiwi Gr1 winner Love To Dance;
- a chestnut colt by Made Of Gold from Gr1 winner Trappings.
(June 3)
Inglis Melbourne Broodmare Sale Preview
The broodmare section features a vast array of quality matrons, covered by stallions including: Belong To Me, Bianconi, Black Hawk, Canny Lad, Carnegie, Commands, Danehill Dancer, Danzero, Dehere, Desert Sun, Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, Galileo, General Nediym, Indian Danehill, King Charlemagne, King Cugat, Marauding, Peintre Celebre, Perugino, Quest For Fame, Red Ransom, Rory’s Jester, Royal Academy, Rubiton, Secret Savings, Strategic, Success Express, Testa Rossa, Val Royal, Viscount & Zeditave. Highlights include:
- Adulate, half-sister by Flying Spur to Spargo (winner of the VRC Gr2 Ascot Vale Stakes) from Gr2 winner Adraanito; served by Rubiton in her 2nd season at stud.
- Alstomeria, half-sister to stakes-winner Tantum Ergo & stakes-placed Benediction (dam of champion Might And Power); served by Galileo.
- Be My Princess, stakes-winner of 6 races; by Chief’s Crown from the family of Gr1 winner St Clemens Belle & served by Red Ransom in her 1st season at stud.
- Caledonia Rose, half-sister by Woodman to Lady Of The Pines (winner of the VATC Gr1 1000 Guineas); served by Val Royal in her 2nd season at stud.
- Export Gold, winner of the VATC Listed Debutante Stakes & sister to stakes-winner Follow Gold; served by Encosta de Lago.
- Bayremah, Gr2 winner from a great family; served by Flying Spur.
- La Mookta, stakes-placed racemare, winner of 10 races; has not been to stud.
- Lady Acumen, dam of The A Train (winner of the SAJC Gr1 Adelaide Cup); also stakes-placed Instantly; served by Pentire.
- Livid, stakes-placed daughter of Luskin Star; served by Rubiton in her 2nd season at stud.
- Park City, winning half-sister by Marauding to Gr2 winner Spurn; served by Distant Music in her 1st season at stud.
- Peppie, placed daughter of Danehill from SW Pepite D’or, a sister to Gold Ace & half-sister to Final Card; served by Quest For Fame.
- Rough Reality, dam of Gr2 winner Blazing Reality; served by General Nediym.
- Shana, well-related daughter of champion broodmare sire Darshaan; served by Carnegie.
- Spurring, half-sister by Flying Spur to Gr2 winner Ascorbic; served by Val Royal in her 1st season at stud.
- Undercover, half-sister to stakes-winner Ain’t Seen Nothin & three-quarter sister to the dam of Golden Slipper winner Polar Success; served by Dolphin Street in her 1st season at stud.
- Other stakes-winning mares & proven producers include: Bella Nova, Belle Ball, Bluebell Dancer, Church Social, Hello Gigi, In The Bahamas, Joy Tripper, Leeuwin Concert, Lemonade Lucy, Radiant Dancer, Rockettes, Rockets Galore, Sound Gold, Storming Bai, Surfside Lady & Trappings.
(June 3)
Inglis Melboure Yearling Sale Preview
The yearling section features 50 youngsters by a range of popular sires including: Canny Lad, Catbird, Desert Sun, Distorted Humor, General Nediym, Gilded Time, Hurricane Sky, Keltrice, Palace Music, Rubiton & Way Of Light. (June 3)
Inglis Melbourne Racehorse Sale Preview
The racehorse section is highlighted by stakes-winning mare Liberty Rose, an easy winner at Sandown on the weekend. She is by Royal Academy from Sir Tristram mare Cherry Garden, a grand-daughter of SAJC Oaks winner Lady Liberty. Other smart performers include Magic Bird, Moon Magic, Mr Donizetti, Princess Dehere, Grand Falls & Dodger. Also on the list is well-related filly Carbonated (a half-sister to stakes-winners Intelligent Star & Blaze The Turf) from the family of Bint Marscay. (June 3)
Inglis Melbourne Sale Sire Prospects
Four nicely bred young stallions are bound to add interest to the Inglis June Sale bumper catalogue:
- Kingmaker: Lightly raced, with 2 wins & a 2nd from just 3 starts; full brother to Gr1 winning sprinter & leading NZ stallion O’Reilly; by Last Tycoon from champion 2YO Courtza (winner of the GR1 STC Golden Slipper & Gr1 VATC Blue Diamond Stakes).
- Musee D’orsay: unraced 4YO by super sire Danehill from stakes-winner Pepite D’or (a full sister to record breaking sprinter Gold Ace); grand-dam Coup de Chance was an exceptional broodmare, with 6 stakes performers to her credit, highlighted by Gold Ace & Final Card (winner of the Gr1 VRC Gadsden Stakes in course record time).
- Oamaru Force: brilliant stakes-winning speedster by highly successful sire Geiger Counter (now deceased) from a daughter of Vain; won 6 races from 14 starts, highlighted by wins in the Gr3 AJC The Shorts & Listed STC Starlight Stakes (in which he defeated champion sprinter Mistegic).
- Ruby’s Jester: stakes-placed half-brother to outstanding racehorse & sire Rubiton, also Gr1 winner & sire Euclase; by champion sire Rory’s Jester from superb producer Ruby (dam of 9 winners, including 5 stakes performers).
(June 3)
Selangor Turf Club Betting Turnover Up 51%
Selangor Turf Club chairman YAM Tunku Dato’ Seri Shahabuddin Tunku Besar Burhanuddin has announced “healthy growth” for the financial year ended 31 December 2002. He told the annual general meeting that STC betting turnover showed “a record earning of RM240 million (A$100 million) against RM158.6 million (A$66.6 million) for year 2001, an increase of 51%. Day Members attendance also showed an improvement of 117,402 or 26% from 455,899 members in 2001 to 573,301 members in 2002.” He noted “this positive upward trend augurs well not only for the Club, but the future growth of the racing industry as a whole.” (June 3)
Malaysia Aims At International Races
Among a number of developments highlighted at the Selangor Turf Club annual general meeting were:
- reconstruction on the main track: “replacing the old Bermuda grass with a more hardy & stronger Zoysia El-Toro turf”;
- “the rest of the main track will be up-graded in the near future in stages”;
- the Club successfully launched the Triple Crown Series with the running of the Tunku Gold Cup in February 2003 with prize-money of RM500,000 (A$210,000) & the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor in March with prize-money of RM750,000 (A$315,000); preparations are in top gear for June’s last leg, the Selangor Gold Cup, with stake-money of RM1.5 million (A$630,000), the richest race in Malaysia.
- The Club “is also working towards participating in International Horse Racing, starting probably with Gr3 races & graduating eventually towards Gr1 races.”
(June 3)
Selangor Turf Club’s 2003-04 Committee Elected
And finally the Selangor Turf Club annual general meeting also saw Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim & Mr Anantham Kasinather “retaining their position on the Committee unopposed”. YAM Tunku Shahabuddin & Datuk Richard Cham “retained their positions as Chairman & Deputy Chairman respectively.” The STC’s Committee for the year 2003-04 season is as follows:
- YAM Tunku Dato’ Seri Shahabuddin Tunku Besar Burhanuddin
- Datuk Richard Cham Hak Lim
- Mr Anantham Kasinather
- Mr Rick Loh Lap Sang
- Dr Chan Lam Kong
- Mr Freddie Yow Tian Sak
- Dato’ Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani
- Mr Lai Kuai Weng
(June 3)
Zagalia Wins Gr1 Queensland Oaks
John Singleton & Gerry Rose’s 3YO filly Zagalia (Zabeel-Snow Quill, by Bluebird) survived a protest to win the $325,000 Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm for jockey Chris Munce & trainer Clarry Conners. Zagalia started at 20-1 & defeated the unlucky NZ filly The Jewel (O'Reilly-The Grin, by Grosvenor) & Penny Gem (Pentire-Gemscay, by Maizcay). “Zagalia will head straight to the spelling paddocks to prepare for a Caulfield & Melbourne Cups campaign,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Trainer Mike Moroney was happy with 3rd place-getter Penny Gem's performance & still holds out hope she'll be invited for the American Oaks in July, noting: "Hopefully she'll still get an invite & we'd go if she does." (June 2)
Zabeel Sires 24th Gr1 winner
NZ Cambridge Stud’s champion stallion Zabeel sired his 24th Gr1 winner with Zagalia’s victory in the Queensland Oaks, reported racenet.com.au. She is the 1st foal of imported Bluebird mare Snow Quill, who was “consigned by Robert Sangster to the 1998 Easter Broodmare sale where she was purchased by Auckland businessman Terry Jarvis, then owner of The Oaks Stud, for $330,000.” Meanwhile Zabeel has now sired 65 stakes winners that have earned over $65 million, “the leading source of classic horses available at stud in Australasia.” (June 2)
5th Oaks Winner in 1 Season for MM 2001 Sale
Zagalia is the 2nd Gr1 Oaks winner this season for high-profile owner John Singleton, following the Australian Oaks success of fellow Magic Millions sale graduate Sunday Joy. Zagalia was knocked down to Sydney trainer Clarry Conners for Singleton for $250,000 at the 2001 MM Gold Coast Yearling sale; her win made her the 5th Oaks winner this season sold at that sale, following in the footsteps of Bulla Borghese (VRC Oaks), Superior Star (WA Oaks), Ribe (MV Oaks) & Sunday Joy (AJC Oaks). who were all sold at the same sale. MM managing director David Chester commented: “It’s an amazing achievement for one sale. To win 5 feature Oaks’ around Australia with 5 different horses, it could be a first.” (June 2)
Zagalia Used Hypoxicator To Aid Fitness
Of particular interest is Max Presnell’s revelation in The Sydney Morning Herald this morning that Zagalia “had the benefit of a hypoxicator” before winning the Queensland Oaks. Part-owner Gerry Rose confirmed: “I’m sure it helped by getting her so fit without extra stress on her legs.” The hypoxicator is the high-altitude treatment regulated through a mask which grabbed attention after Rose’s Gr1-winning sprinter Bell Du Jour was reported to have benefited from using it. “In fact, when we sent a hypoxicator overseas with the mare (Belle Du Jour), we got another one for Zagalia,” said Rose. (June 2)
Ambulance Wins Gr1 QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes
Jockey Scott Galloway landed his 1st Gr1 winner when 25-1 shot Ambulance (Grand-Lodge-Emergency, by Marauding) came from last at the 600m to grab the $250,000 QTC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. Ambulance (a 2YO colt trained by John Hawkes) won from geldings Sir Dex (Dexter-Amwaj, by Marscay) & Bushland (Quest For Fame-Terrain, by Scenic); the winner now has 2 wins & 2 2nds from 6 starts. (June 2)
8th Gr1 Winner For Grand Lodge
The win by Ambulance in the Gr1 QTC Sires’ Produce Stakes was the 8th Gr1 winner worldwide (& 4th Australian-bred Gr1 winner) for Woodlands Stud’s Grand Lodge (Chief’s Crown-La Papagena, by Habitat), “unquestionably one of the most successful of all shuttle stallions,” reported racenet.com.au. Owned jointly by Coolmore & Woodlands, Grand Lodge covers a large number of mares in both hemispheres each season. His offspring include: Sinndar (Gr1 English Epsom Derby, Gr1 Irish Derby, Gr1 UK National Stakes & French Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe); Shogun Lodge (Gr1 AJC George Main Stakes, Gr1 Epsom Handicap & Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes); Freemason (Gr1 STC The BMW, Gr1 Queensland Derby & Gr1 T.J.Smith Stakes); Grandera (Gr1 Prince Of Wales Stakes, Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes & Gr1 Singapore Airlines International Cup); Indian Lodge (French Gr1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp & Gr1 Prix de la Foret); Queen’s Logic (UK Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes); & Lovelorn (Gr1 VRC Oaks). On the track, Grand Lodge was Champion European 2YO with wins in 3 of his 4 starts (including the UK Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes); then as a 3YO he added the Gr1 St James’s Palace Stakes & was runner-up in the Gr1 English 2,000 Guineas & Gr1 Dubai Champion Stakes. Retired to stud in Ireland & Australia in 1995, Grand Lodge has 588 runners for 311 winners, 28 stakes-winners & 24 stakes-placed for earnings of $36.6 million. With 1st Australian crop sons Shogun Lodge & Freemason followed by 2nd European crop star Sinndar, Grand Lodge served 146 mares in Australia & 133 in Ireland in 1998 & in 1999 took the title from Danehill as “hardest working shuttle stallion” by covering 165 mares in Australia & 167 in Ireland. He held the honour again in 2000 with 166 mares covered in Australia & 179 in Ireland. In 2001 he was 5th in popularity (behind Thunder Gulch, Spectrum, Fuji Kiseki & Honour And Glory) with 134 mares served in Australia & 150 in Ireland & last year he was 6th in Australia with 102 mares covered compared to the 183 served in Ireland. (June 2)
Weekend Stakes Double For Casual Lies
Windsor Park Stud’s Casual Lies sired a weekend stakes double: Maguire (Casual Lies-Dragon Pearl, by Ahonoora) took the weight-for-age Gr2 O'Shea Stakes (2400m) at Eagle Farm in Brisbane; & Silent Impact (Casual Lies-Kendall, by Racing Is Fun) landed the Listed McKell Cup (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney. Both are 6YO geldings from their sire’s 2nd crop: Maguire now has 9 wins & 5 placings from 39 starts (including the Gr1 Auckland Cup); Silent Impact has 8 wins & 5 placings from 63 starts (including the Gr3 Gosford Cup); & the crop also includes Gr1 AJC Australian Oaks & Gr1 Metropolitan Handicap winner Coco Cabanna. Casual Lies also sired Gr1 NZ Derby winner So Casual from his 1st crop. A son of Roberto stallion Lear Fan, “Casual Lies has been a consistent source of high-class stayers,” noted racenet.com.au, “which is not surprising considering his race record.” A bargain US$7,500 purchase, Casual Lies (Lear Fan-Morna, by Blakeney) started 18 times for 6 wins & $US795,991 prize-money; as well as winning the Gr3 Bay Meadow El Camino Real Derby, he ran 2nd in the Gr1 Kentucky Derby & 3rd in both the Gr1 Preakness Stakes & Gr1 Hollywood Futurity (won by A.P.Indy). (June 2)
Prebble Guides Precision To HK Gr1 C&C Cup Victory
Expatriarte Melbourne jockey Brett Prebble rode Precision to win the final Gr1 race of the current Hong Kong season, yesterday’s HK$8 million (A$1.6 million) Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin, for the David Oughton stable. The 5YO gelding Precision (Anabaa-Stop Fiddling, by Welsh Term) defeated former Melbourne mare & HK Derby heroine Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick, by Clever Trick) who is trained by expatriate Australian David Hayes & remains a possible candidate for the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October. The victory was Prebble’s 119th Group or Listed winner, but his 1st outside Australia; he told aapracingandsports.com.au: “In terms of value, this is the biggest race I’ve ever won & I can’t tell you what a thrill it has been. I let out a real scream when we hit the line. It was just a fabulous feeling & a great relief.” The win was Precision’s 2nd Gr1 for the season, following his defeat of Paolini in the HK International Cup in December; Precision has now started 22 times for 5 wins & 7 placings, totalling HK$26.4 million (A$5.3 million) for owner Wu Sai Wing. (June 2)
Sunday Silence Quinella In Gr1 Japanese Derby
It was a Sunday Silence quinella when Shadai Farm’s 3YO home-bred favourite Neo Universe (Sunday Silence-Pointed Path, by Kris) won yesterday’s Gr1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) over 2400m at Tokyo racecourse, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sunday Silence was sire of 6 of the 18 runners. Neo Universe (now with 6 wins in 7 starts) defeated Zenno Rob Roy (Sunday Silence-Romain Rachel, by Mining) & That's The Plenty (Dance In The Dark-Bubble Prospector, by Miswaki). In his previous start, Neo Universe won the Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas) in April. Trained by Tsutomu Setoguchi, Neo Universe is 1 of 6 winners from 8 starters out of Kris mare Pointed Path & is a half-brother to Gr3 winner Fairy Path. (June 2)
Unbeaten Dalakhani Adds Gr1 French Derby
The Aga Khan’s unbeaten 3YO colt Dalakhani (Darshaan-Daltawa, by Miswaki) “staked his claim to be Europe's leading 3YO with an electrifying victory” in yesterday's €1.1 milion (A$1.96 million) French Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club (2400m) at Chantilly, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Dalakhani recorded his 6th successive win by defeating Ecurie Wildenstein’s Super Celebre (Peintre Celebre-Supergirl, by Woodman) & Coroner (Mtoto-Tamnia, by Green Desert). It also marked a 5th Jockey-Club victory for the present Aga Khan & the 4th for trainer Alain Royer-Dupre. (June 2)
Dalakhani Boasts Classic Pedigree
Yesterday’s Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club winner Dalakhani “certainly has a Classic pedigree,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. Bred in Ireland, his sire Darshaan won the Jockey-Club in 1984 in the Aga Khan's colours, while his dam Daltawa (a Listed winner herself on the racetrack) has excelled at stud. Her 1st foal, classic winner Daylami, won 7 Gr1 races (from 1-1.5 miles); her 2nd foal Daymarti won at Listed level & placed at Gr1 twice; & now Dalakhani, already a Gr1 winner as a 2YO, has “a glittering career beckoning.” Daltawa won the Listed Prix Ronde de Nuit (2100m) & her sire Miswaki “has emerged as a pre-eminent broodmare sire recently courtesy of Galileo, Daylami, Hernando, Landseer & Black Sam Bellamy.” Daltawa's Listed placed dam Damana is by 1977 Prix du Jockey-Club winner Crystal Palace out of Listed winner Denia (a three-quarter sister to Prix de Diane winner Crepellana). This is the immediate family of Gr1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Behera, as well as Group-winning stayers Rifapour, Arzanni & Rayseka. (June 2)
Vespone Wins French Gr1 Prix Jean Prat
Meanwhile 3YO colt Vespone, “born in Ireland but raised in Switzerland by breeder Stall Sohrenhof,” took the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat (1800m) by 3 lengths at Chantilly yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Christophe Lemaire for trainer Nicolas Clement, Vespone (Llandaff-Vanishing Prairie, by Alysheba) defeated Italian raider Prince Kirk & Tashkandi (Polish Precedent-Tashiriya, by Kenmare). Vespone (who now has 3 wins in 5 starts) is 1 of 6 starters (all winners) out of winning Alysheba mare Vanishing Prairie & is a half-brother to Gr3 winner La Sylphide (by Barathea). Notable family members include Gr2 winner & sire Vacarme, European high-weight Vetheuil & Gr3 winner Volga. (June 2)
Al Nitak Wins South African Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint
The victory by 5YO Al Nitak & jockey Lisa Prestwood in the Gr1 Golden Horse Sprint (6 furlongs) at Scottsville in Natal yesterday “marked the 2nd straight major win for the pair, who made history on April 26 at Turffontein racecourse when Prestwood became the 1st South African woman to ride a Gr1 winner,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Al Nitak defeated champion sprinter National Currency (the odds-odd favorite who is nicknamed “Ferrari”) in the final strides to grab South Africa's biggest sprint handicap by 1.25 lengths, with the winner’s 10-year-old stablemate Golden Loom (South Africa's winningest sprinter) 3rd. Al Nitak completed the 6-furlong trip in 1min 8.05sec. Al Nitak, trained by ‘Buddy’ Maroun, is a son of Roberto stallion Al Mufti (South Africa's champion sire in 2000). Bred in South Africa by Dr Marian Thomson’s Ambiance Stud & racing in the colors of Shalita Nassif, Al Nitak is 1 of 3 winners from 4 foals of racing age for multiple group winning Del Sarto mare Jessamine; Al Nitak is a full brother to multiple Gr1 winner The Sheik (who will begin his stallion career when the breeding season begins in August). (June 2)
Enchantress Takes Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint
Enchantress finished a “comfortable winner” of the Gr1 South African Fillies Sprint (6 furlongs) at Scottsville yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Glen Hatt, Enchantress defeated Sunset Glow & Tara's Touch in 1min 8.39sec. Enchantress is a daughter of leading South African sire National Assembly (an unraced son of Danzig who stands at Graham Beck's Highlands Stud). National Assembly is averaging around 70% winners-to-foals with more than 10 crops racing. Enchantress was bred at Highlands & raced by Beck until last year, when Lammerskraal Stud owner Mike Rattray bought her with a future stud career in mind. She is out of Gr1-winning Jungle Cove mare Enchanting, who has also produced champion sprinter Harry's Charm (by Harry Hotspur). Enchanting spent her early stud career on Beck's Gainesway Farm in Lexington, where she conceived Enchanted Dollar (dam of South African champion sprinter National Currency, also by National Assembly). (June 2)
Ice Cube Wins South African Gr1 Gold Medallion
Odds-on favorite Ice Cube “turned in a red-hot performance in the Gr1 Gold Medallion (6 furlongs) at Scottsville yesterday, lowering the stakes record for the event, the most important sprint for 2YOs in South Africa,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Piere Strydom, Ice Cube defeated Golden Care, Groundsman & Justking in 1min 8.27sec. Owned by US residents Robert Muir & his son, Ice Cube is the 2nd big race winner in South Africa for his owners; they also campaigned The Sheik, winner of the 2000 Gr1 Cape Of Good Hope Derby at Kenilworth racecourse. Ice Cube is the 10th group winner this season for champion sire-elect Western Winter, a son of Gone West who stands at Lammerskraal Stud & whose oldest progeny are now 4YOs. Bred in South Africa by Lammerskraal, Ice Cube is the 1st foal of Gr3-winning Trigger Finger mare Annie, a half-sister to A Song Is Born (dam of South African champion Whistling Dixie & Gr3 winner Singing Mountain. (June 2)
Silver Arc Wins South African Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Stakes
Unbeaten Silver Arc returned from a 5-month lay-off (following a serious attack of colic) to win “the biggest sprint race for 2YO fillies on the South African calendar,” the Gr1 Allan Robertson Fillies Stakes (6 furlongs) at Scottsville racecourse in Natal yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Silver Arc (who completed the trip in 1min 8.22sec) is 1 of 5 foals from the 8th crop of Our Native stallion Silvino, who has since been pensioned. “She races in the colors of Fred Crabbia, who not only has dozens of horses in training all over South Africa, but also in Sinagpore where he was leading owner in 2002.” Bred by Ascot Stud, Silver Arc is 1 of 3 winners from winning Mullineaux mare Lightning Sands; notable family members include champion Della Scala. (June 2)
Crisantemo Wins Chile’s Gr1 Clasico Club Hipico De Santiago
Chilean 2002 Horse-Of-The-Year & champion grass male Ballistic (Barkerville-Balladry, by In Reality) failed in his attempt to notch his 11th consecutive victory, when 5YO rival Crisantemo (Fapavalley-Cristal, by Semenenko) won the Gr1 Clasico Club Hipico de Santiago (2000m), reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Crisantemo defeated Great Brother by 3.5 lengths, with 6YO gelding Ballistic finishing strongly for 3rd. Champion 3YO of Chile in 2001, Crisantemo has now won 7 of 27 starts. Ballistic had won 19 of his previous 23 starts for owner Stud El Cedro. (June 2)
Halo Ola Wins Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio De Potrancas
Halo Ola (a 2YO daughter of Southern Halo) won Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio de Potrancas (1 mile on turf) by 4 lengths at San Isidro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Halo Olda defeated Dale Lunfa & Joying in 1min 33.65sec; she had previously won the Gr1 Gran Premio Eliseo Ramirez in April. Bred & owned by Juan Carlos Bago’s Stud-Haras Firmamento, Halo Ola now has 3 victories in 5 starts. She was produced by Gr3 winner Esnaola (by Ringaro) & is a full sister to Gr2 winner Sebi Halo & Gr3-placed winner Jacky Halo. (June 2)
1st Winner For Freshman Sire El Compinche
Champion El Compinche (who holds the record for most prize-money won by a horse in Argentine history at US$752,370) recorded his 1st winner as a sire when 2YO Medal Of Honor won by 7 lengths over 7 furlongs at Palermo in Argentina, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. El Compinche (a son of champion sire Southern Halo out of stakes-winning Good Manners mare La Copera) won 13 races alternating between Argentina´s 2 most important tracks, San Isidro & Palermo, including the Gr1 Gran Premio Carreras de las Estrellas Classic twice (1996 & 1998), Gr1 Palermo twice (1996 & 1997), Gr1 De las Américas OSAF & Gr1 General San Martín. Overall, he won 13 races & placed 8 times in 24 starts; he was voted Argentina’s champion miler in 1997 & champion older horse in 1998. Bred by Haras La Quebrada (where he now stands), El Compinche has 39 foals in his 1st crop of racing age & 7 starters. (June 2)
Danehill Star At Tariqa Park Stud
Excitingly well bred Danehill Star (Danehill-Princess Tracy) will stand his 1st breeding season this year at Tariqa Park Stud in NSW. Owner Cathy Cattel confirmed: "There are 6 shares left in him at only $8,500 each & he will stand his debut season at $5,500." Danehill Star boasts not only multiple city winning form, but a pedigree analysts would call top-shelf. As well as Danehill, his dam Princess Tracy is, in turn, the dam of: Champion & multiple Gr 1 winner Tracy's Element; Champion sire, full-brother & Gr 1 winner Danasinga; British Gr2 winner Topasannah; full-brother, Gr3 winner & Gr1 place-getter Cullen; Gr1 placegetter, Gr3 winner & successful sire Towkay; plus useful runner Urge To Merge who produced South African Champion Suntagonal. (June 2)
Danetree Also At Tariqa Park
Danehill Star will stand this year alongside fellow Tariqa new-comer Danetree (Danehill-Instinctive Move), who owner Cathy Cattell claims is “the cheapest winning son of Danehill at stud in NSW”. His fee is $2,750 & his dam is by proven Champion broodmare getter Nijinsky. (June 2)
Court Action Starts Over Bob’s Boy Sale Dispute
Legal moves “are expected to begin today over the disputed sale of Bob’s Boy & his place in the $575,000 Queensland Derby field next Saturday,” reported this morning’s The Australian newspaper. The dispute between Bob’s Boy’s trainer & part-owner Andrew Campbell & would-be buyer, HK-based expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes, “was no closer to resolution last night.” Melbourne bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington, acting for Hayes, “arrived in Brisbane on Saturday to prepare his case & declared: “I will be pressing for an injunction that will either order that the horse be submitted to a veterinary examination and/or to prevent the horse running in the Queensland Derby.” Campbell said his solicitors were “prepared to fight any action.” (June 2)
Dr Treve Williams Elected AJC Chairman
Dr Treve Williams has been elected new chairman of the Australian Jockey Club, with Noel Bracks elected vice chairman. Williams replaces Bill Rutledge, who stood down as his maximum allowable tenure of 15 years with the AJC Committee draws to a close. AJC chief executive Tony King said Rutledge’s contribution could not be underestimated: “During Bill’s tenure, the club has undergone considerable building works & upgrades, including the Randwick Pavilion, vehicular & pedestrian tunnels, course proper, Kensington track & infield development. This has been possible, in no small part, due to the vision & diligence of the chairman. Bill is one of the most professional, level-headed & friendly administrators I have ever had the pleasure of working with & I know he leaves the post with the gratitude & best wishes of the Committee & all AJC members. His contribution to the AJC has been immense.” Dr Williams, a veterinary surgeon, was elected to the Committee in 1990 & honorary treasurer in 2000, before becoming vice chairman in February 2002. He is managing director of the Randwick Equine Centre, a racehorse owner & former breeder. Bracks is a Sydney solicitor who was elected to the Committee in 1998; he is a former president of the NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association. (June 2)
Nash Rawiller Lands 1,000th Winner
Victorian jockey Nash Rawiller, 28, landed his 1,000th career winner when Bird Dancer won over 1400m at the Sandown-Hillside circuit in Melbourne yesterday. Rawiller won his 1st race on a horse named Mac Cheval at St Arnaud in September 1990 & his subsequent record includes 70 Listed or Group winners. Rawiller told aapracingandsports.com.au that he regarded his best win as the 2002 Gr1 Salinger Stakes on Rubitano. (June 2)
First Aust Win for Towkay
NZ’s Central Districts-based 1st season sire Towkay recorded his 1st winner in Australia when 2YO Pretentious won over 1000m in Western Australia. The son of Last Tycoon has already sired 3 individual winners in NZ,” including the very smart Rapid Kay who has recorded a win & a stakes placing in her only 2 races to date,” noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Towkay stands at Little Avondale Stud near Masterton. He was a Gr3 winner & Gr1 placed performer in Melbourne, during a racing career in which 20 of his 23 starts were in group or listed company. (June 2)
Champagne’s 1st Foal Appears At Sydney Barrier Trials
Warwick Farm barrier trials in Sydney featured the initial public appearance of the 1st foal of multiple Gr1 winning mare Champagne, when 2YO Danehill filly Martique (trained by Gai Waterhouse for owner Bob Emery) finished 3rd over 800m, reported racenet.com.au. (June 2)
Strides Wins 2 Races & Sets Track Record In an Hour
On the NSW country track at Brewarrina on the weekend, 7YO gelding Strides (trained by John Lundholm at Coonamble) burst out of the starting gates at 3.20pm in a Class 2 Handicap (1400m) & recorded a nice win. “He then had enough time to get back to his stall, be freshened up, re-saddled & head out for a Class 4 Handicap (1600m) an hour & 20 minutes later,” reported racenet.com.au. Not only did he win again, but recorded a new track record for the distance. Strides (Procol Harum-Sorority Belle) was bred by Woodlands Stud & has had 69 starts for 5 wins & 9 placings. (June 2)
US$1 Million Keeneland Colt Wins UK Stakes Debut
Frankie Dettori rode Godolphin Racing's Kentucky-bred Sabre d'Argent (purchased for US$1,000,000 by John Ferguson Bloodstock at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale) to victory in his stakes debut in the UK Fairway Stakes for 3YOs at Newmarket, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Trainer David Loder will now point the son of deceased stallion Kris S toward another stakes race at Royal Ascot later this month. Bred in Kentucky by Philip Freedman, Sabre d'Argent (who now has 2 wins & a placing from 3 starts) is 1 of 2 winners from 3 starters out of Gr3 winner Sterling Pound (by Seeking The Gold). He is a half-brother to Gr3 stakes-placed stakes winner Exchange Rate & notable family members include English high-weight & sire Ajdal, Gr1 winner & sire Flying Partner, Gr1 winner & sire Formidable, & Gr1 winner Link River. (June 2)
US$2.5 Million Colt 3rd In UK Debut
Meanwhile the Aidan O’Brien-trained 2YO Kentucky-bred colt Old Deuteronomy (Storm Cat-Jewel In The Crown, by Seeking The Gold) downed an even more expensive rival (& stable-mate) when he blitzed the field to win by 5 lengths over 6 furlongs on debut at Newmarket in England, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Old Deuteronomy (owned by Susan Magnier) defeated Divine Gift (by Groom Dancer) & last year’s US$2.5 million Keeneland September Yearling Sale-topper The Mighty Tiger (Storm Cat-Clear Mandate, by Deputy Minister). Old Deuteronomy is the 1st foal out of winning Seeking The Gold mare Jewel In The Crown; notable family members include European champions Commander In Chief & Warning, & top English & French performer & leading sire Rainbow Quest. Meanwhile Kentucky-bred The Mighty Tiger is 1 of 3 foals to race out of multiple Gr1 winner Clear Mandate; he is a half-brother to stakes winner Full Mandate & a full brother to winner Newfoundland (who was purchased for US$3.3 million by Demi ’Byrne from Lane’s End Farm, as agent, at the 2001 Keeneland September sale). (June 2)
1st Winner For Japanese-Based Freshman Sire Croco Rouge
Japanese-based freshman sire Croco Rouge recorded his 1st winner when Annabel Girl won on debut over 7 furlongs in Milan, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Croco Rouge (who won 3 group stakes in France including the 1998 Gr1 Prix Lupin & 1999 Gr1 Prix d’Ispahan) has had 3 starters from 70 foals in his 1st crop. Bred in Ireland, Croco Rouge stands at JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station near Hokkaido in Japan. (June 2)
Indygo Shiner To Stand At Argentina’s Haras La Quebrada
US Gr3 winner Indygo Shiner “has been purchased by breeder Hernan Ceriani Cernadas & will stand at his Argentine-based Haras La Quebrada beginning in August during the Southern Hemisphere breeding season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Indygo Shiner, the 1st son of A.P Indy to be imported to stand in Argentina, won 4 of 12 starts (including the 2001 Gr3 Jefferson Cup Stakes at Churchill Downs, plus 2nds in the 2000 Gr1 Grey Breeders' Cup Stakes at Woodbine & 2001 Gr2 Del Mar Derby & Gr2 Arlington Classic Stakes). Bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Farm, Indygo Shiner is out of Gr3-winning El Gran Senor mare Navarra, a full sister to Broodmare-Of-The-Year Toussaud (dam of Gr1 winner & current Belmont Gr1 Stakes hopeful Empire Maker & 3 other Gr1 winners). (June 2)
Mule Is 1st Cloned Member Of Horse Family
Monday Odd Spot: A healthy & energetic mule named Idaho Gem is the 1st member of the horse family to be cloned. Researchers at the University of Idaho cloned the mule using a cell from a mule fetus & an egg from a horse. The cloning was particularly unusual because mules (the hybrid from a donkey & a horse) are almost without exception sterile & unable to produce their own young. Cloning team leader Professor Gordon Woods told bloodhorse.com: "The same sort of advances that we had to make to produce this cloned mule are important for cloning horses.” (June 2)
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Japan Horses Cleared For Melb Cup Return
