NEWS UPDATES Cox Plate Star El Segundo Returns In Cranbourne Trial Aust 2YO Champ Sebring Returns In Friday Trial Gr3-Winning Filly Stripper Retired South Aust Breeder Jim O'Connor Dies Aged 80 Vic Jockey Ben Smith 6-Months Ban For Facial Attack Vic Jocks Sam Hyland & Dale Smith Also Banned After Clash Racing Vic Extends Deadline For Directions Paper Feedback NZ Gr1 Star Princess Coup Retired NZ Shuttler Elusive City 1st-Season Champ In Europe Darley Sire Librettist Moves To Logis In France (more>>) Take a minute to visit our new Luxury Leisure & Lifestyle portal, the complete guide to all things luxury. 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