|
|
INDUSTRY NEWS — MARCH 2003
Aust’s Belle Du Jour 4th In Dubai
Australia’s 5YO mare Belle Du Jour finished 4th in the Gr1 US$2 million Golden Shaheen (1200m on dirt) at the Dubai World Cup meeting at Nad Al Sheba, 4 lengths behind the winner State City (Carson City-Wajna, by Nureyev). Avanzado (Luhuk-Avian Eden, by Storm Bird) finished 2nd & Captain Squire (Flying Chevron-Dolly’s Back, by At The Threshold) 3rd, with the winning time of 1min 9.95sec considered very fast for the Dubai dirt track. Jockey Len Beasley told racenet.com.au: "That was a super effort from her, really really good. She ran a terrific race. At the 400m I thought I had them covered, but they just quickened again. If I could have the ride again, I would just let her go. She would have been even better with the benefit of a run on the dirt prior to this, but she did run very well." Part-owner John Singleton added: "It was a terrific run. I have no regrets at all about bringing her here. She did her best & so did Lenny." Trainer Clarry Conners summed up: “She's not that far behind the winner & she tried her heart out." Winner State City is trained by Dubai-based Paddy Rudkin, former head man to Henry Cecil at Newmarket in England before setting up in Dubai 10 years ago. (March 31)
Dettori Lands Godolphin Treble
Star of the Dubai World Cup meeting (the richest in the world) was Frankie Dettori, head jockey for Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum’s Godolphin stable. Dettori landed a remarkable treble: the US$6 million Gr1 Dubai World Cup (2000m on dirt) on Moon Ballad; the US$2 million Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2400m on turf) on Sulamani: & the US$1 million Gr2 Godolphin Mile on Firebreak (Charnwood Forest-Breakaway, by Song). (March 31)
Moon Ballad Takes Gr1 Dubai World Cup
In the World Cup (2000m on dirt), Frankie Dettori took Moon Ballad (Singspiel-Velvet Moon, by Shaadi) straight to the lead from his extreme outside barrier 11 & simply ran his rivals off their legs. Moon Ballad scored by 5 lengths from US entry Harlan's Holiday (Harlan-Christmas In Aiken, by Affirmed) with multiple UK Gr1-winner Nayef (Gulch-Height Of Fashion, by Bustino) a further length away 3rd, followed by Grandera, State Shinto & Grundlefoot. The winning time was 2min 0.48sec & Moon Ballad’s scintillating performance drew comparisons from Dettori to his awesome 2000 World Cup success on Dubai Millennium: "I got the same feeling as I had when riding Dubai Millennium because when I turned for home, I couldn't see the other horses. All I could hear was the crowd cheering. I knew then that we were going to win, as he had plenty left & was enjoying it. When we drew 11, I knew it would be ideal, as we would be able to do our own thing & it worked perfectly." Dettori summed up: "He is a truly wonderful horse. The sky is now the limit for him." Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said Moon Ballad's ultimate aim will be the US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic (a race Godolphin has never won): “He has made a lot of improvement from 3YO to 4YO – mentally & physically." Moon Ballad, a 4YO Irish-bred chestnut son of Singspiel, became the first son of a Dubai World Cup winner to take the planet's richest horse race. Singspiel won in 1997. It was the 5th World Cup victory for the Dubai-based Godolphin team: besides Singspiel, it also won with Almutawakel (1999), Dubai Millennium (2000) & Street Cry (2002). Moon Ballad’s 1st Gr1 triumph, worth US$3.6 million, gives him 5 wins in 10 career starts (with 3 2nds & a 3rd) & career earnings of US$4.3 million. Runner-up Harlan's Holiday rider John Velazquez said: "He ran a great race & we are very pleased with him. He was beaten by a better horse on the night." The Gr1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga is Harlan's Holiday's next probable target, although trainer Todd Pletcher noted he is more likely to be retired to stud than have another crack at the World Cup next year. (March 31)
Moon Ballad Rated 129 In World Cup Victory
Moon Ballad “has to improve by another 5lb to be the equal of Dubai Millennium, the 2000 World Cup winner, & he is probably capable of doing so.” That was the considered opinion from Melvin Day, Emirates Racing Association official handicapper, after he had “chewed over the figures behind the facts of the weekend events with his international colleagues Nigel Gray (Britain), Ciaran Kennelly (Hong Kong) & Mike Wanklin (Singapore),” reported racingpost.co.uk. Dubai Millennium went into the World Cup on 127, & his win rated 134, which he carried through to the end of the season to emerge world champion. Moon Ballad, 120 in the International Classification on his turf form, will go into Day's file on 129 after the weekend, which puts him ahead of the world so far. Day explained: “We worked around the runner-up Harlans Holiday (120) & Grundlefoot (113), who finished 6th, & allowed Moon Ballad 9lb for his 5-length win. You couldn’t fail to be impressed by Moon Ballad, & I wouldn't be surprised if he improved further. Id love to see him take on the Americans over there.” Grandera & Sulamani were bracketed on 126 with High Chaparral before the World Cup as the world's best horses still in training. And while the handicappers reckoned Grandera fell below his peak in finishing 4th to Moon Ballad, they took Sulamani as running up to his Arc form in winning the Sheema Classic. (March 31)
Sulamani Wins Gr1 Sheema Classic
After the running of the Sheema Classic, Frankie Dettori was ecstatic about Sulamani's (Hernando-Soul Dream, by Alleged) effort: "Absolutely awesome! He actually didn't feel right & I wasn't happy with him in the early stages of the race. But he still made 3 runs. Awesome, that's all I can say about him. It is unbelievable. I thought it was impossible to win. This was a performance out of the top draw.” Sulamani (who won last year’s French Derby) came from 3rd last, & 12 lengths behind the leaders, on the turn to swamp the Sheema field, prompting Dettori to declare: “Turning for home, I still thought we had no chance, but he quickened 3 times & he took my breath away. I have never ridden a mile & a half horse like him before." Godolphin’s Simon Crisford emphasised: "He has the potential to be Godolphin's best horse. He has great acceleration & hopefully he can go on from this. He will be entered in all the best races in the world." The French-trained mare Ange Gabriel (Kaldounevees-Mount Gable, by Head For Heights) finished 2nd & jockey Thierry Jarnet said: "He ran a very good race. I had a nice run throughout & it is no disgrace to be beaten by a champion." British hope Ekraar (Red Ransom-Sacahuista, by Raja Baba) was 4 lengths behind the winner in 3rd. (March 31)
Ipi Tombe Scores In Gr1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes
Zimbabwean-bred & South African-based 4YO mare Ipi Tombe (Manshood-Carnet De Danse, by Dance In Time) established her claim as the best female racehorse in the world when she scored a decisive 3-length victory over German-trained Paolini (Lando-Prairie Darling, by Stanford) & Royal Tryst (Kingmambo-In On The Secret, by Secretariat) in the US$2 million Gr1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes (1777m on turf). Jockey Kevin Shea said: “I allowed her plenty of time to settle & I switched her off. But when I asked her for her effort, the hairs went up on the back of my neck. She was absolutely awesome." Ipi Tombe is unbeaten in her 7 starts for South African trainer Mike de Kock. (March 31)
Victory Moon Takes UAE Derby & Cox Plate May Follow
Ipi Tombe was just 1 of 2 winners for South African trainer Mike de Kock. He also landed the US$2 million UAE Derby (2000m on dirt) with Victory Moon (Al Mufti-Dancing Flower, by Dancing Champ), who beat the Godolphin pair Songlark (Singspiel-Negligent, by Ahonoora) ridden by Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy & Inamorato (Tale Of The Cat-Be My Sweetheart, by No Robbery). De Kock is unsure whether Victory Moon will stay with him in South Africa or be switched to Europe or Australia, although he will be trained for next year's World Cup. He summed up: "There are so many plans for him. We have thought about Australia & the Cox Plate or taking him to Europe for a summer campaign. But his ultimate target will be the Dubai World Cup next year.” Meanwhile Inamorato's trainer Saaed bin Suroor commented: "I still believe the horse is good enough to win big races & maybe we will still run in the Kentucky Derby. The horse just didn't have any luck. Frankie Dettori said he was stopped more than once." (March 31)
Dubai Winners Ipi Tombe & State City Due In US
Although American horses drew a blank at the US$15.2 million Dubai World Cup races, 2 of the winners - Ipi Tombe (South African-based winner of the Dubai Duty Free Stakes) & State City (locally trained winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen) - “are due to switch to training in the US,” reported bloodhorse.com. Barry Irwin, manager of Team Valor which has bought a substantial stake in Ipi Tombe, announced immediately after her triumph that she would join Elliott Walden to be prepared for the US Gr1 Arlington Million (where she may clash with US Horse-Of-The-Year Azeri). And State City’s trainer Paddy Rudkin revealed State City will now move to the US to join an as yet unnamed trainer. (March 31)
NZ-Bred Stuttgart Sets North American Record For 4.5 Furlongs
Meanwhile in the US on the weekend, 6YO NZ-bred gelding Stuttgart set a North American record for 4.5 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields when he stopped the clock in 49.86sec, reported thoroughbredtimes.com.
The previous record was set in 1993 by Cake N’ Steak, who ran 4.5 furlongs in 50sec at Mountaineer Park. Owned by Grand Lodge Thoroughbreds & trained by Jeff Bonde, NZ-bred Stuttgart posted fractions of 20.59sec & 43.33sec on the way to an 11.5-length win – the 7th in his 15 starts. (March 31)
Believe Beats Males In Japan’s Takamatsunomiya Kinen
And in Japan, Believe (a 5YO daughter of Sunday Silence) defeated her male rivals in the US$1.4 million Takamatsunomiya Kinen on the turf at Chukyo racecourse yesterday, reported thoroughbredtimes.com, leaving in her wake defending champ Shonan Kampf (7th) & American representatives Disturbingthepeace (13th) & Echo Eddie (17th). The California-bred US stakes winners, trained by Darrell Vienna, were the first foreign horses to participate in the race, which was only opened to international runners in 2001. Believe is owned by Koji Maeda, who also races Sunday Break (3rd in last year’s US Gr1 Belmont Stakes). Believe has now won 9 of 23 career starts. Bred in Japan by Uemizu Bokujo, Believe is out of winning Danzig mare Great Christine, half-sister to 1986 Horse-Of-The-Year Lady’s Secret. (March 31)
Bollinger Wins Gr1 Coolmore Classic
And back in Australia . . . At only her 6th start, 3YO filly Bollinger (unbeaten in 3 starts this preparation) won the $500,000 Gr1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens. The Coolmore Classic is Australia’s only Gr1 race restricted to fillies & mares. Bollinger (Dehere-Bint Marscay) beat Lovely Jubly (Lion Hunter-Jaboulet) & Galapagos Girl (Dehere-Reigntaine). Bollinger joins Defier & Belle Du Jour as Arrowfield Stud’s sire-of-the-moment Dehere’s southern hemisphere Gr1 winners. (March 31)
Dehere’s 7-Week Stakes Run
The Stakes wins just keep on rolling for Arrowfield Stud boss John Messarsa & Dehere, the stallion he resurrected from Japan. And along the way, noted racenet.com.au, Dehere “looks to have a decent shot of emerging as Australia’s champion sire this season.” (Northerly’s narrow defeat in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes may have opened the door for Dehere & Danehill to make a late charge for the title.) Bollinger became the third Gr1 winner for Dehere this season & he remains the only stallion to sire more that one Gr1 winner. And Bollinger’s victory makes it 7 consecutive weeks that Dehere has sired at least one stakes winner:
- On February 23, Galapagos Girl won the Gr3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield.
- On March 1, Natural Blitz won the Gr2 Shannons Classic (1800m) at Caulfield, with Glefti making it a Dehere quinella.
- On March 8, Belle Du Jour took the Gr1 Newmarket Hcp (1200m) at Flemington.
- On March 10, Galapagos Girl added the Gr3 Tooheys New Plate (1400m), with Special Grange making it another Dehere quinella.
- On March 15, Bollinger won the Gr2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm.
- On March 22, Defier won the Gr2 Canterbury Stakes (1200m) in course record time & on the same program Dehero won the Listed Eskimo Prince Quality (1100m).
(March 31)
Marscay’s Broodmare Sires Title Tilt
Widden Stud’s former star stallion Marscay “is closing on his 3rd Australian broodmare sires title after the win of Bint Marscay’s daughter Bollinger in the Gr1 Coolmore Classic” noted racenet.com.au. It was a Marscay mare’s 3rd Gr1 winner of the season (Defier, Bollinger & Scenic Peak). “With a little more luck Marscay may have had an even better day at Rosehill. The $950,000 Danehill colt Untouchable, a son of Marscay mare Canny Miss (a three-quarter-sister-in-blood to triple Gr1 winner Canny Lass & Golden Slipper winner Canny Lad) raced very greenly before going down to Exceed And Excel in the Gr2 Todman Stakes.” And Into The Night (a 4YO son of Rhythm out of Marscay mare Marshow) finished 2nd in the Gr3 Star Kingdom Stakes. However, with earnings of $4.4 million for the season, Marscay is still $1 million behind Bellwater (whose $5.36 million has come almost entirely from Northerly, which has contributed $5.1 million of the total). (March 31)
Republic Lass Pips Northerly In Gr1 Ranvet Stakes
Meanwhile Australia’s weight-for-age champion Northerly failed narrowly in his attempt to notch his 10th Gr1 victory when pipped by 4YO mare (& last year’s Gr1 AJC Oaks winner) Republic Lass in the $400,000 Gr1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens. It was Northerly’s 1st race in Sydney, where he had to race clock-wise (opposite to his usual anti-clockwise direction), prompting trainer Fred Kersley to note the “home ground advantage” for Republic Lass was a bonus, adding he is looking forward to “a return bout” in The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill in a fortnight. Northerly’s jockey Patrick Payne told Kersley the horse (who has won $8.6 million) “lost a bit of concentration” on the bend, but declared the effort was still “very good.” He told The Sun-Herald: “This way of going was still a bit foreign. He got a bit lost out on his own, but he hasn’t lost any caste with me. It’s only going to improve him for his next run here.” Republic Lass had run 3rd last spring behind Northerly in the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Republic Lass (Canny Lad-Swift Seasons) beat Northerly (Serheed-North Bell) & Freemason (Grand Lodge-Sashed). She has now earned $1,301,190 prize-money with 6 wins & 5 thirds from 20 starts. (March 31)
Over 300 Winners From 444 Runners For Canny Lad
When Republic Lass won the AJC Oaks last year, she became the 6th Gr1 winner for 1990 Golden Slipper champion Canny Lad (by Bletchingly), who retired to Woodlands Stud in 1991. To date Canny Lad has sired over 300 winners from 444 runners who have earned over $21.7 million, noted racenet.com.au.
Canny Lad’s previous Gr1 winners include: Accomplice 8 wins & $782,959 (including Gr1 AJC The Galaxy & Gr1 BATC Doomben 10,000); Dodge 7 wins & $998,714 (including Gr1 QTC Derby & Gr1 AJC Epsom Handicap); Cannsea 6 wins & $242,542 (including Gr1 Railway Handicap); Preserve 4 wins & $599,425 (including Gr1 VRC Sires' Produce Stakes); Allez Suez 4 wins & $597,100 (including Gr1 AJC Epsom Handicap). Republic Lass is the 3rd foal of Swift Seasons, exported back to the US after missing to her 1998 service by Flying Spur. A daughter of former outstanding Claiborne-based stallion Cox’s Ridge, Swift Seasons is out of the champion mare Cascapedia (by Chieftain), winner of 10 of her 19 starts including the Gr1 Vanity Handicap. Cascapedia’s grand-dam Princess Matoaka (by Princequillo) is a half-sister to Tulle (by War Admiral), dam of US Broodmare-Of-The-Year Courtly Dee (by Never Bend), dam of Champion US 2YO filly Althea (Alydar), Champion Japanese 2YO Yamanin Paradise, Vinery stallion Twining (by Forty Niner) & Middlebrook Valley Lodge stallion Press Card (by Fappiano). (March 31)
Serheed & Danehill Continue Sires Battle
The difference between 1st & 2nd place prize-money in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes was $180,000 ($260,000 compared to $80,000). That would have been useful to Northerly’s sire Serheed in his race to hold-off Dehere & Danehill on the 2003 Australian Sires premiership. On the same day Danehill nabbed: a quinella in the Todman Stakes at Rosehill with Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona) & Untouchable (Danehill-Canny Miss) worth a combined $127,000; plus a 3rd in the final event at Rosehill with Shovoff (Danehill-Startling Lass) and a 3rd (relegated from 1st) at Doomben with Cuphill (Danehill-Loving Cup; & a winner in the 1st event at Sandown in Melbourne with Specular (Danehill-Spyglass). (March 31)
Aust Derby Winner Don Eduardo Retired To Stud
After the Ravnet Stakes, trainer Lee Freedman advised stewards that AJC Australian Derby winner & record-priced yearling Don Eduardo “will be retired to stud”, reported The Sun-Herald. Don Eduardo (Zabeel-Diamond Lover) finished last, 11.5 lengths behind winner Republic Lass. Overall Don Eduardo won 5 of his 18 career starts & $1.6 million prize-money. Yesterday Andrew Baddock (bloodstock manager for Don Eduardo’s owner Eduardo Cojuangco) confirmed to aapracingandsports.com.au that the Zabeel stallion will be retired to stand at a “yet to be decided New Zealand stud.” Baddock said the game Don Eduardo pulled up with aggravated leg problems: “He got down on his front bumpers under the fetlocks in the Ranvet Stakes. It is another aggravation for the horse, after the joint problems he suffered in the spring, & we have decided not to persevere with his racing career. We are now negotiating with several studs & it seems likely he will be standing in New Zealand. An agreement should be finalised before Easter & we feel he will prove very popular in NZ on several counts. He was sold at Karaka for an Australasian record price as a yearling & as he is a three-quarter brother to Octagonal, we are certain he will be strongly supported by NZ breeders.” A product of the great Eight Carat family from the Sticks And Stones mare Diamond Lover (who also produced Group winners Tristalove, Peruzzi & Antwerp), Don Eduardo was purchased by Cojuangco under his Gooree Pastoral Company banner at Karaka in 2000 for an Australasian record yearling price of NZ$3.6 million. (March 31)
Boom 2YO Season For Success Express
When Express Force won at Toowoomba last Thursday, racenet.com.au reported he became the 14th 2YO winner for Success Express this season. On the weekend he followed up with a 2YO stakes winner: the Graeme Rogerson-trained Polar Success at Rosehill Gardens in the $300,000 Gr2 Reisling Stakes (1200m). Polar Success has never finished worse than 2nd in her 5-start career, for an overall record of 3 wins & 2 seconds & prize-money of $307,375. Rogerson purchased Polar Success for $32,000 at the 2002 Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale; he previously trained the top-class Success Express mare Savannah Success (winner of the 1999 Gr1 NZ Oaks & Gr1 STC Ansett Australia Stakes). Polar Success is the 1st foal of Covetous mare Patou (which failed to make her tiny reserve of $6,000 at the 1996 Sydney Summer Yearling sale, but went on to tally 8 wins, including 3 on metropolitan tracks & a 2nd in the Listed AJC Angst Quality Handicap, for earnings of $185,798). Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud purchased Patou for $70,000 at the 2000 Australian Broodmare sale with the Reisling Stakes winner in utero. Meanwhile Success Express is a mile in front in the race for the title of leading 2YO sire by number of winners: his 14 individual winners is double that of his nearest rivals El Moxie & Rory’s Jester. Success Express returns to owner Peter Moran’s Noble Park Stud in Queensland for the 2003 season. (March 31)
Invincible Spirit To Shuttle To Chatswood Stud
Last year's UK Gr1 Haydock Sprint Cup winner Invincible Spirit (Green Desert-Rafha, by Kris) is to shuttle to Chatswood Stud in Victoria for the 2003 Southern Hemisphere season, where his fee will be $12,000, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Bred & raced by Prince Faisal, Invincible Spirit (who stands at the Irish National Stud) won 7 races overall (also including the Gr3 Duke Of York Stakes, Gr3 MacDonagh Boland Stakes & 2 Listed events). His sire Green Desert has already had 3 sons sire Group winners in Australia & NZ: Desert Sun, Volksraad & his Irish National Stud stable-mate Desert Prince (who has 2 Group winners from his 1st crop of runners in Australia this season). Invincible Spirit is a half-brother to staying Group winners Sadian & Aquarius (their dam Rafha won the 1990 Prix de Diane). (March 31)
Saratoga Springs Moves To Lindsay Park
Darley’s UK Gr1-winner Saratoga Springs (El Gran Senor-Population, by General Assembly) is to stand at Lindsay Park Stud at Angaston in South Australia. Saratoga Springs first went to stud in 2000 & is relocating to Lindsay Park from Milluna Stud (which is dispersing its bloodstock interests). As a UK 2YO he won the Gr1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster & as a 3YO added the prestigious Gr2 Dante Stakes at York. The move from Milluna for Saratoga Springs follows agreement between Darley & Lindsay Park, who have had a long association via Darley’s horses-in-training at the famous property. Darley manager Oliver Tait said: "Darley is delighted that Saratoga Springs will be standing at Lindsay Park. His pedigree & race performance suggest he could be a successful stallion & his 1st crop of yearlings have certainly impressed." Lindsay Park’s Arthur Dabernig added: "We are very excited that Saratoga Springs is moving to Lindsay Park. He offers breeders outstanding Gr1 juvenile race form, as well as a strong international pedigree, & he is a very good looking horse. He has all the ingredients to be a top class stallion." Saratoga Springs will stand alongside Jeune, Indian Danehill & Alannan at Lindsay Park. (March 31)
Adam First Stallion For Revised NSW BOBS
Gr1 winner Adam is the first stallion paid-up for the revised NSW Breeder Owner Bonus Scheme, which commences on August 1. Adam’s part-owner Ken Page told aapracingandsports.com.au: “For the equivalent of just one service fee, we see the new BOBS scheme as an exciting initiative. Adam has now served 2 seasons & we see BOBS as an opportunity to really get him out into the market-place. We believe by paying up for Adam, we give ourselves a much better chance of attracting good bloodlines – we can only see the BOBS scheme as a win-win situation for the stallion.” Adam (by Rubiton) retired to Cedar Brush Farm with 12 wins & 17 placings & prize-money just under $2 million. His major victories came in the Gr1 George Main Stakes, Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap & Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes. Sire Contribution Fees are due by May 1 to ensure the stallion’s progeny are eligible for BOBS. After that date, the entrance fee for a stallion is double its advertised service fee. (March 31)
NSW TAB Betting Markets On Major Sydney Races
With the Sydney Autumn Carnival in full swing, these are the latest NSW TAB ‘fixed odds’ for 4 of the major up-coming races:
- Golden Slipper: Legally Bay $7; Niello $7; Polar Success $7; Kusi $7.50; Exceed And Excel $9; Hasna $9; Untouchable $9; Secret Land $9; Dorky $13; How Funny $17.
- Doncaster Handicap: Defier $4.25; Lonhro $4.25; Thorn Park $6.50; Gordo $8; Excellerator $10; Shogun Lodge $13; Grand Armee $15; Dash For Cash $15.
- AJC Derby: Fine Society $5; Helenus $5; Hydrometer $6; Platinum Scissors $6; Natural Blitz $7.50; St Reims $7.50; Sunray $11; Converge $13; Beaver $17; Strasbourg $17; Shower of Roses $17.
- Sydney Cup: Carnegie Express $5; National Treasure $5; Republic Lass $6.50; County Tyrone $10; Platinum Scissors $10; Mr Prudent $10; Dress Circle $13; Zafar $13; Honor Babe $15; Grey Song $15.
(March 31)
Price Confirms Roedean’s Gr1 Swab Details
Melbourne trainer Mick Price confirmed the post-race “swab irregularity” taken from his filly Roedean after her win in last month’s Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield involves the banned substance lignocaine (used as a local anaesthetic on wounds). Price told The Australian newspaper Roedean had been treated with an ointment containing lignocaine for a “nick on her heel sustained 5 days before” the Blue Diamond, explaining: “She had a jump-out (barrier trail) on the Tuesday before the Blue Diamond & gave herself a little nick. A senior member of my staff applied Neocort, an ointment used for wounds. The stewards have advised me this ointment contains lignocaine.” Australia’s drug-free racing rules require that treatments must clear the horse’s system by race-day. The Blue Diamond winner’s prize-money of $650,000 has not been distributed. (March 31)
NSW Bookmaker Fined $56,500
Bookmaker Wayne McDonald has been fined $56,500 by Racing NSW stewards following “charges of lodging a string of bets off-course with an unlicensed person,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. McDonald’s activities “centered around betting-back with an unlicensed person off-course on non-licensed mobiles” at Hawkesbury on February 27. McDonald pleaded guilty to 6 charges, including “improper practice, placing bets with an unlicensed person, possession of mobile phone not licensed by the Department of Gaming & Racing, & failure to record his bet-backs in authorised betting records.” McDonald was given 6 months to pay the fine & his clerk Kim Scott was disqualified for 6 months for “being a party to McDonald’s back betting activities & giving false evidence during the inquiry.” (March 31)
Former Top NZ Trainer Ray Verner Dies
Former great Takanini trainer Ray Verner has died, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Verner, 85, trained a host of top gallopers through the 1960s, 1970s & 1980s, & was a member of the exclusive 1000-plus winners club. His top horses included Prince Majestic, Turfcutter, Good Lord, Gold Hope, Soliloquy, The Gentry & Blue Blood. (March 31)
Zabeel Sires Gr3 Winner in Australia
The resurgence of Cambridge Stud’s super sire Zabeel continued in Australia when his son Zabarra won the $120,000 Gr3 Newmarket Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle. Across the Tasman, Zabeel has had a string of exciting gallopers emerge this season, including NZ Derby winner St Reims, Lafleur, Zafar & Sunray – a quartet all due in Sydney for major autumn carnival races. (March 31)
Red Ransom’s 5th Stakes Winner For 2003
Fairly Ransom (Red Ransom-Fairly Grey, by Linamix) won the Listed Prix de Courcelles (2100m) at Longchamp on the weekend, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Bred by the late Jean-Luc Lagardere & now raced by his family, Fairly Ransom is highly regarded by trainer Andre Fabre & won his last 2 starts last season at Maisons-Laffitte & Longchamp (both over 1600m). Fairly Ransom is one of 5 stakes horses sired in 2003 by Red Ransom (by Roberto), who shuttles between Vinery in Kentucky & Australia. (March 31)
New Autumn Sale Day At Karaka
A new sale day has been created on the NZ Bloodstock Sales calendar with the introduction of the Autumn Yearling Sale & Autumn 2YO Breeze-Up Sale at Karaka on Friday May 9. NZ Thoroughbred Marketing announced: “In previous years, sessions for yearlings & 2YOs have been included in the mixed bloodstock section of the National Weanling & Broodmare Sale, held annually in May. This year an increase in demand from vendors for a further opportunity to prepare & market yearlings after the major National Yearling Sales in January, together with the development of a 2YO Breeze-Up Sale for autumn, has enabled NZ Bloodstock to offer a stand-alone catalogue & sale day for these events. The Autumn Yearling Sale provides an excellent opportunity for later maturing types, later foals or those that missed the January sales for other reasons, to be presented to the market at a later sale, while still enjoying the benefits of NZ Bloodstock’s extensive marketing & world class selling venue at Karaka.” Soon after the National Yearling Sales concluded in early February, NZ Bloodstock announced it would offer free entry to the Autumn Yearling Sale for yearlings which were passed-in at the National Yearling Sales. "We want to help those vendors who invested in getting their yearlings to the National Sales, but ended up with the disappointment of passing them in, to have another opportunity to offer their yearlings without a further entry fee," explained general manager, bloodstock & marketing, Julia Naismith. "We really had to wait & see just how many entries we received for the Autumn Yearling Sale before we could confirm whether it would be viable to run it as a stand-alone day, or within the National Weanling & Broodmare Sale. We have been delighted by the response & have put together a very nice catalogue of 112 yearlings." (March 31)
NZ Autumn 2YO Breeze-Up Sale
Also in February, NZ Bloodstock announced that the 2YO category of the National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale in May would include a Breeze-Up section for the first time. "The encouraging response from vendors to both the Autumn Yearling Sale option & this new 2YO Sale option, meant that we were able to put these 2 sessions together to create an interesting new sale day on Friday May 9," said Julia Naismith. The catalyst for creating the Autumn 2YO Breeze-Up Sale was the decision by NZ Bloodstock not to conduct its annual Singapore Ready-To-Run Sale this year. Naismith commented: "No doubt the sale will continue to produce great results & to prosper in the future, however we believe that this year, the sale would not be a viable proposition for us to conduct in Singapore in the current economic climate." As the decision not to run the sale in Singapore was made just recently, NZ Bloodstock had already purchased a number of horses in anticipation of the sale. The horses were all purchased as yearlings at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sales (with the exception of one
lot purchased last year as an untried 2YO). Naismith explained: "These horses were all carefully selected on the basis of their likely appeal & suitability for racing in Asia. The 18 horses were broken-in & have been educated & pre-training under the expert care of Dean Hawthorne at Anzac Lodge in Cambridge."
The 18 NZ Bloodstock-owned 2YOs will be complemented by 17 other Breeze-Up 2YOs being offered by a range of vendors. They will each complete official Breeze-Ups at Cambridge Jockey Club’s Training Centre this Friday (April 4) from 1pm. (March 31)
Laugh At Racing: Exhibition Of Racing-Inspired Cartoons
Monday Odd Spot: From tomorrow (April 1) through to May 5, the Australian Racing Museum at Caulfield will host a cartoon exhibition Laugh at Racing. It features sketches with racing-inspired themes from some of Australia’s best known cartoonists; WEG, Peter Player, Jeff Hook, David (Macca) McArthur, Andrew Dyson, Paul Harvey, Peter Nicholson, Stuart Roth & Mark Knight. (March 31)
Roedean’s Shock ‘Swab Irregularity’ After Gr1 Blue Diamond Win
Melbourne 2YO filly Roedean has returned a “swab irregularity” after winning the recent Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, reported Channel Ten. The filly is due to run in tomorrow’s Gr2 Reisling Slipper Stakes at Rosehill & a potential loss of Blue Diamond prize-money ($665,000) will mean she must win tomorrow to ensure a Golden Slipper start. Melbourne chairman of stewards Des Gleeson told The Daily Telegraph that testing from the Blue Diamond Stakes meeting had “yet to be completed”, that any irregularity is subjected to a 2nd test (or B sample) & that he expected the result of the B sample next week. Trainer Mick Price said: “Until we have more information from stewards there is no point talking about it.” (March 28)
Aust Horses Top International Poll
Australian horses are gaining increasing recognition overseas. According to leading American thoroughbred industry website letitride.com, Northerly & Lonhro are among the current top 5 international horses. Each week 42 racing journalists (from all over the world) compile their individual Top 10 List of horses racing around the globe. Of that 42, only 3 are Australian - so for Northerly to be currently ranked Number 1 & Lonhro Number 5 is a remarkable achievement. This week's letitride.com Top 10 is:
- 1: Northerly (remains 1)
- 2: Azeri (remains 2)
- 3: High Chaparral (remains 3)
- 4: Medaglia d'Oro (remains 4)
- 5: Lonhro (up from 6)
- 6: Congaree (down from 5)
- 7: Grandera (remains 7)
- 8: Milwaukee Brew (remains 8)
- 9: Sulamani (remains 9)
- 10: Xtra Heat (remains 10)
Others receiving votes (listed in order of votes received): Empire Maker, Defier, Media Puzzle, Harlan's Holiday, Symboli Kris S, Agnes Digital, Best Mate, Aquarelliste, Storm Flag Flying, Fine Motion, Yell, Ipi Tombe, Volponi, Nayef, Grand Delight, Kona Gold, With Anticipation, Falbrav, Sunrise Pegasus, Ocean Terrace, The Tin Man, Starrer, Eishin Preston, Lion Tamer, Gold Allure, Eagle Café, Octennial, Colorful Tour, Moon Ballad, Tomahawk. (March 28)
Belle Du Jour 7-1 In Dubai Sprint
Following the official barrier draw, William Hill Betting Shop in the UK has released its market for the 1200m Golden Shaheen at Dubai tomorrow. And it seems the efforts of Falvelon, All Thrills Too, Grand Delight & North Boy on international sprint stages over recent years have laid the platform for Belle Du Jour. She rates 4th favourite at 7-1. Full market: Xtra Heat 7-4; Captain Squire 5-1; Crystal Castle 6-1; Belle Du Jour 7-1; Avanzado 8-1; Conroy 10-1; My Cousin Matt 10-1; Conflict 14-1; Persuasivo Fitz 16-1; State City 16-1; Mugharreb 20-1; Abreeze 33-1; Nobel Prize 33-1. (March 28)
Xtra Heat’s 2nd Tilt At Golden Shaheen
Hot favourite in Belle Du Jour’s 6-furlong race is 5YO US mare Xtra Heat (by Dixieland Heat). If Xtra Heat wins the Gr1 Golden Shaheen & its US$1.2 million first prize, she will become North America’s top money-earning female (surpassing Spain). Xtra Heat, a bargain US$5,000 purchase, has won 26 of 35 career starts & earned US$2,389,635 to date. David Plummer bought the 2001 champion US filly for US$1.5 million last year as a broodmare prospect. She finished 3rd in the 2002 Golden Shaheen for her previous owners. (March 28)
Singleton Says Northerly Should be In Dubai
Belle Du Jour’s high-profile & often provocative owner John Singleton says Australian weight-for-age champion Northerly (competing in the Gr1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill tomorrow) should be taking on the international stars in the Dubai World Cup. The man who took Strawberry Road to campaign successfully in Europe in the 1980s told The Sydney Morning Herald: For the general good of Australian racing, we’ve got to take our best horses overseas. This is what I can’t get: we are trying to prove how good our horses are, but no-one is game enough to head overseas. We flog them overseas & they’ll say: ‘Gee, these Aussies are all right. We did it with Strawberry Road 20 years ago.” (March 28)
Singleton Also Slams Melbourne Cup Criteria
John Singleton has really sounded-off on the subject of overseas raiders & the Melbourne Cup. He told The Sydney Morning Herald: “The Melbourne Cup is the biggest picnic race meeting & part of our own heritage. What are we doing giving that away to foreigners? Well f*x@&d if I know. We are idiots! What we did, to the great amusement of the Irish, who think we are mugs, was set up a criteria to run in the Cup & you need an IQ of 400 to understand it. The Irish worked out they could qualify their horses at home & race here with light weights & take all our prize-money home. Why wouldn’t we invite horses only for weight-for-age races? They can send their best horses here & we’ll send them home beaten up.” (March 28)
And On The Subject Of 2 Sydney Race-Clubs . . .
And finally John Singleton’s latest thoughts on Sydney racing administration in The Sydney Morning Herald interview: “It’s silly having 2 race-club administrations running racing in a city like Sydney. The only thing stopping the AJC & STC from merging is some committeemen & directors. If you are going to have 2 clubs, why not have them do all the administration, carve-up the administration of the country clubs between them? Leave people in country clubs to get on with marketing & promotion of their meetings. There is too much duplication & it’s all coming out of prize-money. You’ve got to win a Saturday race in the city to pay a year’s training costs for a racehorse.” (March 28)
Dubai Highlights Potential Shuttle Stallions
Meanwhile tomorrow's big Dubai World Cup meeting could seriously impact the stallion landscape in Australia next year. At least 4 potential shuttlers to Australia in 2004 could emerge if they win their races. Grandera, Moon Ballad, Naheef & Essence Of Dubai will earn the ‘life of leisure’ ticket as visiting sultans here, if they run as expected in their respective races. Grandera is already a certainty to be here as part of the burgeoning Darley roster in 2004, while Moon Ballad looks a strong chance too. Grandera (Dubai World Cup) is by Grand Lodge, Moon Ballad (Dubai World Cup) is by Singspiel, Naheef (Dubai Duty Free) is by Marju & Essence Of Dubai (Golden Mile) is by Pulpit. (March 28)
Westbury Stud Announces 2003 Stallion Fees
Auckland-based Westbury Stud has announced its 2003 stallion fees:
- Faltaat (NZ15,000+GST): the son of Mr Prospector has enjoyed major recent success with: Tit For Taat ( 3 Gr1 wins this season & strong contender for NZ Mercedes Horse-Of-The-Year); Sedecrem (Gr2 winner); Rosina Lad (Listed winner & Gr1-placed); Gwen’s Rules (Gr1-placed). These come from only 2 crops totalling just 17 foals in the 1st crop & 25 foals in the 2nd. Overall 20% of Faltaat’s runners to date have earned Black Type. At Karaka this year, his only Premier Sale yearling fetched NZ$80,000 & his top Select Colts lot reached NZ$100,000; by averages, he finished 2nd on the Sire’s List in the Select Colts session to former ‘stablemate’ Gold Brose; in the Select Fillies Sale he had a top price of NZ$77,500.
- Pyrus (NZ$8,000+GST): Another stakes-winning son of Mr Prospector, out of stakes-winning Nureyev mare Most Precious. Pyrus is a half-brother to 3 stakes winners, including the dual Gr1 winner Matiara (French 1000 Guineas).
- Elnadim (NZ$17,500+GST): Shuttle stallion Elnadim (by Danzig from a daughter of Fall Aspen) is standing his 3rd Southern Hemisphere season. His first yearlings will sell at Karaka next January.
- Cullen (NZ$7,000+GST): Also has his first foals going to the sales next year.
- Desert Fox (NZ$5,500+GST): Similarly has his first foals going to the sales next year.
- Kilimanjaro (NZ$5,000+GST): His 2YOs are impressing trainers, with his 4 youngsters to trial resulting in a winner, 2 2nds & a 4th.
- Zerpour (NZ$5,000+GST): His first progeny sold strongly at Karaka in January, with his Select Colts averaging NZ$35,500 (7 times his service fee) & his Select Fillies averaging NZ$25,000 (5 times his service fee).
(March 28)
Coolmore Classic Continues ‘Queen Of The Autumn’ Series
Tomorrow’s $500,000 Gr1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill Gardens will have an important influence on who will be crowned ‘Queen Of The Autumn’, with 40 series points up for grabs. The Coolmore Classic is the 7th race in the 17-race championship series for Fillies & Mares during Sydney’s STC & AJC Autumn carnival. Current point score: Bumptious (G.Waterhouse) 14; Only Glory (J.O’Shea) 10; Bollinger (G.Waterhouse) 10; Chuckle (G.Waterhouse) 8; Sunday Joy (G.Waterhouse) 6; Oomph (K.Jordan) 4; Miss Helterskelter (D.Payne) 4; Gentle Genius (A.Wildman) 4; Forum Floozie (J.Hawkes) 4; Lady Cay (G.Begg) 2; Hosannah (J.Hawkes) 2; Snow Hero (C.Conners) 2; Size Her Up (G.Neale) 2; Hoeberg (D.Payne) 1; Ritual (P.Perry) 1; Ancient Song (R.Boljun) 1; Brecon Rose (G.Waterhouse) 1. (March 28)
Golden Whip Award
Meanwhile all jockeys who compete during the Sydney Turf Club’s Golden Slipper Festival are eligible to win the De Bortoli Golden Whip Award. Points are accrued per race & current standings after Day 1 (last Saturday night at Canterbury Park) are: Corey Brown 14; Glen Boss 9; Rod Quinn 6; Darren Beadman 6;
Chris Munce 5; Hugh Bowman 5; Darryl McLellan 3; Lenny Beasley 2; Allan Robinson 2; Lane Moloney 2; Danny Beasley 1; Damien Oliver 1. (March 28)
Canberra Track Up-Grade
Canberra Racing Club chairman Howard Powell yesterday announced the CRC would soon commence Stage 1 of a 2-Stage major track & facilities up-grade at Thoroughbred Park (Canberra Racecourse). Powell explained: “Approximately $5 million will be spent on the 1st Stage, which will see the creation of an inner race track to complement the existing course proper & major up-grade of existing training facilities. This is a very exciting initiative, which will well & truly place Thoroughbred Park right up there with the best of the non-metropolitan training & racing facilities. This major project has 4 main objectives: significantly improve the racing surface at Canberra; significantly improve the training facilities at Canberra; allow for more than the current 24 meetings to be staged per annum; & to carry out the construction work in a way that does not disrupt racing & training.” (March 28)
Danehill’s 2nd Last Southern Hemisphere Crop
The big pre-sale debate in the lead-up to this year’s Inglis Easter Yearling auction is whether Danehill or Sunday Silence will provide the sale-topper. Danehill has provided the top-priced lot for each of the past 3 years: in 2002 a Danehill-Sommes Sound filly (a half-sister to Assertive Lad) consigned by Stratheden Stud & purchased by Irish agent Demi O’Byrne for $1.5 million; in 2001 a Danehille-Rossignol colt at $1.1 million; & in 2000 a Danehill-Tristalove colt at $1.5 million. This year Danehill has 42 lots catalogued, including progeny from outstanding Gr1 winners Bonanova, Champagne, Kenbelle, Foxwood, Savana City, Shindig & Cansea, as well as half or full relations to Gr1 winners Laisserfaire, Platinum Scissors, Redoute’s Choice & Sydney’s Dream. Sunday Silence has 3 lots entered: a filly from Felicitation; a filly from Sensation; & a colt from Phantom Creek. (March 28)
Race Results Enhance Easter Prospects
A number of lots in the Inglis Easter catalogue had their prospects enhanced by last weekend’s results on the track:
- A Red Ransom colt from Motto Farm will draw plenty of interest from Hong Kong buyers, being a half-brother to last weekend’s HK Derby runner up Self Flit;
- Vinery Stud has also consigned a Red Ransom full brother to Brisbane colt Face Value, who lost narrowly to Kusi in the Gr3 STC Skyline Stakes at Canterbury; positive vibes surrounding Red Ransom’s progeny gathered momentum at the weekend, when the colt Handsome Ransom won the Gr3 Canberra Black Opal Stakes;
- Exceed And Excel finished 2nd in the Black Opal, & his three-quarter sister by Redoute’s Choice is being offered by Kia-Ora Stud.
- Bedouin’s victory in the Gr3 STC Canterbury Cup (his first stakes win, lifting his prize-money over $300,000) provided a great boost for his half-brother by Flying Spur, prepared by Ashleigh Thoroughbreds.
- 4YO Danehill gelding Strategy’s 4-length win in the Macau Guineas was good news for Edinglassie Stud, which is presenting a three-quarter brother to Strategy (by Danzero from Fleet Marguerite).
- Marscay filly Fine Society, winner of the Gr1 STC Canterbury Guineas, is from Early Song (a daughter of English Gr1 winner Magic Flute); this is the family of sire Grand Lodge & is represented at Easter through a Zeditave filly from La Papaya (a half-sister to Grand Lodge) offered by Newhaven Park Stud.
- Brilliant filly Legally Bay won the Gr3 STC Sweet Embrace Stakes; the daughter of Snippets is a half-sister to former smart juvenile Time Out & the latest stakes-winner to emerge from the prolific Gypsy Moss family, which appears 3 times - the first foal (a colt) from Gr3 winner Vestey, by Favorite Trick; a half-brother to stakes-winner Purple Groove by Carnegie; & a half-brother by Peintre Celebre to metropolitan winner Super Groove (who most recently won at Moonee Valley last weekend).
- And Arrowfield Stud has consigned an End Sweep colt, whose half-brother Quest Star added another US Gr2 win to his tally when leading throughout to take the Pan American Handicap at Gulfstream Park; the 4YO now has 4 wins & 8 placings in 16 starts.
(March 28)
Filly Foal For Happyanunoit
NZ bloodstock consultant Paul Moroney has received news from England that his former top filly Happyanunoit has produced her first foal, a filly by Giant's Causeway. He told thoroughbrednews.co.nz:
"I got an e-mail from her owners at Newsells Stud that she foaled a filly in Ireland last weekend. She's at Coolmore Stud to be covered by Danehill." Happyanunoit won the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes as a 2YO before her sale to the US, where she won another 6 races, including 3 at Gr1 level. The Yachtie mare was sold at auction in Kentucky last November for US$1.4 million. (March 28)
US Champion Beautiful Pleasure Produces First Foal
Beautiful Pleasure (Maudlin-Beautiful Bid, by Baldski), champion US older mare of 1999, has produced her 1st foal, a colt by Thunder Gulch, at owner John Oxley's Fawn Leap Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. The 8-year-old mare will be bred back to Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, who also raced for Oxley. Beautiful Pleasure won 10 of 25 starts (including 6 Gr1 events) & earned US$2,734,078. (March 28)
Mullins Family Selling Doninga Farm
David & Ginger Mullins, who consigned the top-priced yearling filly in the US last year, are selling their 113-acre Doninga Farm at Lexington in Kentucky. A nephew of legendary UK jumps trainer Paddy Mullins, David Mullins left Ireland for Kentucky 27 years ago & established Doninga Farm in 1986. Selling agent Bill Justice told thoroughbredtimes.com: "David & Ginger have decided to concentrate on their successes as selling agents & have turned over day-to-day operation of the farm to their long-time manager Jody Sparks until the farm sells. This is an exceptional parcel of land, with a long history of raising top-class racehorses, including 2 champions & numerous Gr1 winners." The 2002 top-priced yearling filly was Platinum Heights (a daughter of Storm Cat out of Bold Hour mare Amelia Bearhart, making her a half-sister to Gr1 Breeders' Cup Turf winner Chief Bearheart & 7 other winners) purchased by Canadian pharmaceuticals entrepreneur Eugene Melnyk for US$2.8 million at the Keeneland July sale. They also sold Canadian champion Saoirse in-foal to Seeking The Gold for US$2.2 million at the 2001 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. (March 28)
Thunders On To Stud At Walnut Lane Farm In Ohio
Thunders On, a winning son of Thunder Gulch, has entered stud at Walnut Lane Farm in Ohio for Czyzewski Racing Stable. The 6YO chestnut (out of the Caerleon mare First Amendment) won 2 of 14 starts, but was injured during his final race. Owner Joe Czyzewski told thoroughbredtimes.com: "He's well bred & looks just like his daddy. He was honest & he tried. I think he'll progress well in Ohio." (March 28)
Shock Heroin Result In HK Post-Race Sample
Hong Kong officials have found traces of heroin in a urine sample taken in a routine post-race test from Cupid, who finished 2nd in a handicap at Happy Valley. All HK horses finishing 1st & 2nd have to provide post-race blood & urine samples. (Samples are taken pre-race as well.) Analysis of Cupid’s post-race urine test was found to contain “morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) & codeine.” The presence of 6-MAM is evidence Cupid had been exposed to heroin. But the post-race blood sample did not meet the criteria for reporting a positive finding, while the pre-race blood test was negative. The result was revealed to trainer David Hill during a visit to his stables by senior HK racing officials, including chief stipendiary steward Jamie Stier. Hill requested the B sample be sent to a laboratory in France for independent analysis & the case has been adjourned. The unique case has triggered interest among racing officials around the globe, & racingpost.co.uk reported: “In Europe there has never been a case of a horse testing positive for heroin, according to UK Jockey Club director of veterinary science & welfare Dr Peter Webbon. A possible explanation is that the drug was being used by people who came into contact with the horse.” Dr Webbon noted: “We’ve never had such a finding in any of the 5 major European racing countries. With drugs which are misused or abused by people, they can be given to the horse on purpose to try to influence it or they can become contaminated by a drug as a result of its misuse by a person. I wouldn’t wish to speculate which of the 2 this is. But I’d be very surprised if heroin made a horse go any faster. With a lot of these opiates like heroin, the effect they do have depends very much on the amount that was administered.” (March 28)
US EPO Revelations Trigger Call To ‘Suspend The Horses’
Meanwhile in the US, following recent headline-grabbing revelations of widespread use of the drug EPO (revealed via new technology-enabled tests), leading American industry magazine The Blood-Horse commissioned Gary West from the Dallas Morning News to analyse the impact. His hard-hitting call to “Suspend The Horses” has triggered a lively debate across the US industry. In his controversial report West declared: “For a few years, the good guys have suspected something foul. They watched, their jaws slack & their eyebrows arched, as horses improved not just dramatically but almost miraculously. They watched as their own horses chased home rivals that ran through the lane as though super-charged, turning in performances 5, maybe 10 lengths better than anything their histories even hinted might be possible. Yes, the good guys, the men & women who wear the metaphorically white hats & play the game squarely, were growing more & more suspicious with each racing day. And now their suspicions have been confirmed. Something is indeed foul. If those miraculously improving horses run as though super-charged, they quite possibly are supercharged. Test results in Texas, New York & Louisiana have confirmed the alarming, & perhaps widespread, use of erythropoietin, commonly known as EPO. The results have left the sport & its regulators reeling as they try to determine an appropriate response. And circumstances demand a quick response. With the integrity of the game being questioned, this is no time for hesitation or appeasement: The horses must be suspended.” West warned readers: “This is far graver than the Breeders' Cup Ultra-Pick-6 scam . . . The EPO threat could touch every major racing jurisdiction in the land. The unscrupulous persons willing not just to cheat, but also to jeopardize the health of their animals & the future of the sport, are the very persons that bettors trust whenever they shove a couple bucks through the wickets. The Ultra-Pick-6 scam was ‘Revenge of the Nerds’. The EPO threat is ‘War of the Worlds’. And it's a war horse racing absolutely must win.” Stay tuned! (March 28)
What is EPO?
EPO is a synthetic human hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen. As The Blood-Horse magazine sums up: “In other words, EPO can potentially enhance stamina. It won't make a horse run faster, but it might enable a horse to run fast longer. And when it comes to winning races, that distribution of energy, that extension of speed, is just as important as the speed itself.” (March 28)
Aust TABs Plan Own Defensive Betting Exchange
TAB agencies are considering “creating their own betting exchange system to combat overseas operators such as English-based Betfair,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “This is seen as a last-resort option from TABs, who are concerned that the likes of Betfair could drain wagering turn-over & decimate the Australian racing industry. Interstate TAB wagering chief executives have drawn up a plan to protect wagering turn-over & racing industry revenues.” The plan includes “investigating the feasibility of all Australian TABs jointly setting up a betting exchange & ascertaining the most appropriate jurisdiction in which to establish.” (March 27)
Aust Jockey’s 4 Rides At Dubai World Cup
Visiting young Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy relaxed with a round of golf at Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba yesterday in the count-down to Saturday’s Dubai World Cup meeting. He told DWC media officer Martin Talty: "To have 4 rides for the world's most powerful stable (Godolphin) at the world's richest race meeting is like a dream. It has to be the most exciting day of my career." McEvoy's 4 rides are: Naheef in the $US2 million Dubai Duty Free; Songlark in the $US2 million UAE Derby; Essence Of Dubai in the $US1 million Godolphin Mile; & Pugin in the $US2 million Dubai Sheema Classic. He rode Naheef & Songlark in track-work at yesterday's media morning at Godolphin's Al Quoz stables & noted: "Naheef is a quality racehorse & he felt bright in his gallop. Songlark is an ideal Derby colt, as he is a genuine stayer." (March 27)
McEvoy’s Bright Future With Godolphin
Already Kerrin McEvoy “knows his stint in Dubai for the Godolphin stable has been the best career move he has made,” noted Dubai World Cup media officer Martin Talty. McEvoy, 22, from the sleepy rural fishing hamlet of Streaky Bay in South Australia, won the 2000 Melbourne Cup aboard Brew & is the nephew of Victoria & SA’s current leading trainer Tony McEvoy. He arrived in Dubai 2 months ago & has ridden 7 winners from 50 rides & Talty noted: “The cherub-faced kid from Down Under has made a big impression in Dubai with his riding skills & his modest demeanour.” Dubai’s chief stipendiary steward Fin Powrie added he had watched McEvoy make minor changes to his riding style to adapt to dirt racing, a surface restricted to minor or parched tracks in sunburnt Australia: “Kerrin is a mature professional. He belies his age.” And Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said his stable already had promised McEvoy rides when it took its team to Australia for the Melbourne Cup carnival, emphasising: "We will use him as much as possible." Last year McEvoy rode Godolphin stayer Beekeeper into 3rd place in the Melbourne Cup. He is currently due to return to Melbourne on April 7. (March 27)
Godolphin Aims At 100th Gr1 Victory
Meanwhile yesterday morning the Maktoum family’s Godolphin Racing opened the doors to its private Al Quoz training center in Dubai to 50 of the world’s racing media & revealed a special goal for 2003, the 10th year of the global stable’s operation. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford declared: "Our priority is to maximise the potential of each individual horse & to compete in the top international Gr1 races. We want to get that magic 100th Gr1 win. It would be nice in our 10th year. (Godolphin has notched 95 Gr1 wins to date.) I had no idea it would develop like this. It’s been a roller-coaster ride of thrills & excitement the whole way. It’s gone by like the crack of the fingers." Crisford nominated Dubai Millennium’s awesome victory in the 2000 World Cup as the stable’s highest point, & his tragic death during his first year at stud in 2001 (due to grass sickness) as the lowest point. He noted future goals include winning the US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic & Gr1 Kentucky Derby. And Crisford told thoroughbredtimes.com that Godolphin will adjust its program slightly this year by allowing American-based juvenile trainer Eoin Harty to oversee a group of about 20 older horses, primarily 3YOs: “Those horses will race under the colors of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum unless they prove good enough to merit campaigning as Godolphin runners.” (March 27)
Northerly Unlikely To Race In Britain
Connections of Australia's leading horse Northerly “appear to have turned down Ascot's overtures for the dual Cox Plate winner to run in Britain this summer,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Ascot's clerk of the course Nick Cheyne travelled to Australia earlier in the year in an effort to tempt the owners of the 6YO to run at the course in races like the Prince Of Wales's Stakes & King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. Officials in Singapore & Hong Kong have also been attempting to attract Northerly for their big races, but breeder & part-owner Neville Duncan told the US Thoroughbred Daily News: "I've given a lot of thought to overseas. I've read what the papers say & how we should throw caution to the wind. But it is not their horse, it is not their risk & I won't risk the horse's well-being. We're happy on our own ground. He can get quite agitated. Dubai would be fantastic and he would love it there but I don't feel it is worth the risk." Meanwhile Cheyne told racingpost.co.uk that he is “set to speak to Northerly's trainer Fred Kersley soon to discuss their latest plans. It may be that they have made their decision, but I am due to speak to Fred Kersley in the next couple of days, so we should get something concrete." Cheyne added he has been in contact with other owners & trainers in Australia “about the possibility of some of their other leading horses running at Ascot this season. Hopefully we have some irons in the fire. We will have to wait & see." (March 27)
US$240,000 Indian Charlie Colt Tops Texas Sale
Bwana Charlie, a colt by young sire Indian Charlie, sold for US$240,000 (A$410,000) by trainer Ted Keefer (bidding on behalf of prominent Texas owner William Heiligbrodt) to top the Fasig-Tipton Texas sale of 2YOs-In-Training. The colt (out of Shahalo, by Halo) was consigned by Safari Bloodstock. Charles Weston (owner of Safari Bloodstock in partnership with Susan Moulton) told thoroughbredtimes.com: "We certainly didn't expect that. We put in a reserve of US$49,900.” Although the top price was the highest since 2000, overall figures for the sale dipped sharply compared with last year: 152 horses sold for gross receipts of US $2,477,500 (down 33.4%), with an average US$16,299 (down 23.4%); buy-backs declined slightly from 47.6% in 2002 to 42.6% this year. Fasig-Tipton Texas director of sales Tim Boyce summed up: "Given the economy & the war, I guess they really dampened the market. Some people who were supposed to come didn't, because they didn't want to get on a plane. Some of them bid by phone, but you won't bid as much by phone as if you're actually here." (March 27)
Japan’s Owner-Breeder Yoshida Buys 50% In Falbrav
Japan’s leading owner-breeder Teruya Yoshida has bought a 50% stake in 2002 Japan Cup winner Falbrav, currently in the care of trainer Luca Cumani at Newmarket in England. “The deal, understood to have cost Yoshida (from Shadai Stallion Station) just short of £1 million (A$2.6 million), is not expected to result in a change in the colt’s program & he will continue to race in Europe in the colours of Scuderia Rencati,” reported racingpost.com.uk. Falbrav was ridden by Frankie Dettori to gain a historic international success for Italy in the Japan Cup last year, when trained by Luciano d’Auria. The triple Gr1 winner was subsequently switched to Newmarket when the owners fell out with their handler. Under Cumani, Falbrav is expected to tackle France’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (in which he finished 9th to Marienbardlast year) & the 2003 Japan Cup. Cumani commented: “As far as I know, the sale will have no effect on present running plans. The idea is to go for European, mainly English, French or Irish Gr1 races. The starting point of his campaign will be some time in May, but where has not quite been decided yet.” (March 27)
Magic Millions Appoints Tony Williams
Magic Millions Sales has appointed Tony Williams as the company’s Private Sales Co-ordinator, effective from April 3. Williams has 28 years experience in the thoroughbred industry in private sales, auctioneering, racing, breeding & yearling selections. He also managed his own Victorian-based bloodstock agency A.G.Williams Bloodstock for 15 years & from 1992-1999 was a partner in the Victorian Bloodstock Sales in Melbourne. Wiliams worked with Dalgety Bloodstock International & Queensland Bloodstock Sales in the 1980s & over the last 3 years assisted Dr Bill Burns in his purchase of yearlings for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Based on the Gold Coast, Williams will also conduct yearling inspections for all Magic Millions auctions in Australia. Magic Millions managing director David Chester said: “We are very fortunate to have appointed a person of Tony’s knowledge & character to fulfill such an important role in the company. Tony is a highly regarded bloodstock agent, both in Australia & overseas, & will prove a great asset in the private sale & inspections area of the company.” (March 27)
Promising Sire Armidale Dies
Former multiple Group winner Armidale, one of Australia's leading winner-getting stallions, passed away yesterday following an operation for a twisted bowl. His loss devastated Riverdene Studmaster Kevin Pendergast, who said: "It is just sheer bloody bad luck - just when he was hitting his straps. He had 2 2YO stakes horses this year alone & we were expecting a book of over 100 mares for him. I guess the only thing to do now is move on, but it is a tragedy." Pendergast noted he is keen to replace Armidale (Rory's Jester-Love Bird): "I'm on the market to buy a stallion now. Anyone who has a horse that has performed as a 2YO can contact me. I have about 100 mares who were going to Armidale that now need a new stallion." Armidale stood 5 seasons at stud & served 385 mares. One of his current juveniles, the country trained Hipwell, is stakes placed & headed toward the Golden Slipper; sold for $30,000 in a private sale, Hipwell is aimed at the Gr2 Pago Pago Staks on 5 April as his final Slipper lead-up. (Armidale himself finished 6th in the 1996 Slipper.) Wagga-based Riverdene Stud's 2003 roster, now Armidale is gone, is: High Rolling (by Snippets); Marwina (by Marscay); Zariz (by Mukaddamah); & Sports Works (by Bluebird). (March 27)
Mossman Filly Excites Interest
Lot 18 at this year's Inglis Easter Sale is going to be pulled out of its box many times. It’s the only yearling by freshman sire Mossman (Success Express-Lichen Lady) in the sale & that alone will trigger some buyer interest. But what appeals more about this chestnut filly is her pedigree on the dam's side. Her mum is Cinerama (by Best Western) & she has thrown 4 winners to date from 5 to race. Collectively those winners have earned $1.6 million in stakes with the 2 best, Staging & Dashing Image, netting $1.45 million of that. Staging & Dashing Image are by Success Express (a perennial producer of winners), so this filly, offered by Queensland's Noble Park Stud, is a 3/4 relative. And she is a picture-perfect looking individual too. Noble Park studmaster Peter Moran commented: "I think $175,000 would be about what she'll fetch, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if she topped the $200,000 mark. She is that good a sort." Staging won 10 races (4 at Gr2 level) & was a multiple Gr1 place-getter. Incidentally, the first foal of Mossman ever to be registered with a racing name is a yearling daughter of Melody Road (by Whiskey Road) & was named Mossman's Melody just yesterday. (March 27)
Perth Jockey Ponders NZ Transfer
Perth jockey Lucas Camilleri arrives in New Zealand today “with a view to transferring to NZ permanently,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Camilleri will be based at Pukekohe for Westbury Stud's private trainer David Walsh & “is available for rides at the important Racing Tauranga race meeting on Saturday.” Camilleri finished his apprenticeship 6 weeks ago after riding more than 100 winners (including 55 metropolitan victories) & “comes highly recommended by former top Australian jockey (& now NZ SKY Racing presenter) Alf Mathews to Westbury Stud chief executive Russell Warwick.” Warwick commented: "With David Walsh's stable growing very quickly (it is anticipated having 40 horses in work by August), the appeal of having a lightweight rider at Pukekohe is very attractive to us in the scheme of things. During his apprenticeship in Victoria, Camilleri has had the opportunity to ride against some of Australia's best riders, while the recommendations he brings with him should allow him to fit in well to the NZ scene.” Camilleri began his apprenticeship with Victorian trainer Lee Hope & moved to Perth approximately 12 months ago. He hopes to get a feel for NZ racing over the next 10 days & will then decide whether he will return to NZ on a permanent basis. (March 27)
Singapore Riding Extension For Cooklsey
The Singapore Turf Club has extended the riding permit of expatriate jockey Grant Cooksley (expires on March 31) for another 6 months, from April 1-September 30. Cooksley is currently in 4th place on the jockeys' table with 8 winners & is sponsored by trainer Mohd Yusof. (March 27)
HKJC Confirms 4 Aust Trainers For 2003-2004
Meanwhile the Hong Kong Jockey Club Licensing Committee yesterday granted training licences for the 2003-2004 season to 24 trainers, including 4 expatriate Australians: John Size, David Hayes, John Moore & Geoff Lane. (March 27)
$240,000 Hennessy Filly Wins On Debut
Impeccably-bred 2YO Miss Hennessy lived up to her pedigree with a winning debut over 1000m at Sandown yesterday for Rick Hore-Lacy. The trainer paid $240,000 for the filly at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales & she is owned by His Excellency Nasser Abdullah Hussain. Miss Hennessy is not only a daughter of Hennessy; her granddam La Brillante is a sister to Gr1 winner Kaapstad & half-sister to 10-time Gr1 champion Octagonal. Hore-Lacy told aapracingandsports.com.au: "She doesn't know a lot, but won like a good filly. She'd only had 2 little jump-outs at Caulfield & has done a good job to win. She finished off nicely & seemed to go pretty straight." Jockey Dan Nikolic added: "The way she pulled up, she's well above average. She's a lovely filly, but she's not fit yet & she's going to improve a lot. She got to the front a bit early, but her class got her through." (March 27)
Kingfisher Mill’s First Success In NZ
Across the Tasman, NZ’s Ashwell Farm stallion Kingfisher Mill received a timely boost at Paeroa yesterday when first crop juvenile filly Azure beat a tidy field over 1150m, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Azure is one of only 2 starters so far for her sire (who won the prestigious Gr2 Cumberland Lodge at Royal Ascot in England). Azure is owned by her breeder Lady Howard de Walden (of UK’s Plantation Stud) & is out of the winning Kenmare mare Laune (a half sister to Hockney, John Hawkes trained winner of the Gr2 Expressway Stakes & Gr3 Star Kingdom Stakes). Kingfisher Mill (Riverman-Charming Life, by Sir Tristram) was raced by the late Lord Howard de Walden, who earlier raced champion NZ sire Oncidium. His dam Charming Life is a full sister to Cambridge Stud's perennial champion sire Zabeel. Kingfisher Mill has been strongly supported by NZ Breeders & Azure is from his first 2YO crop. He stands (for NZ$5,500+GST) at Ashwell Farm alongside Shinko King (NZ's leading 2nd season sire), D'Cash & Painted Black. (March 27)
First Winner For Latarmiss
And at Townsville in northern Queensland, Latarmiss sired his first winner when 2YO filly Erotica (ex Dawn Treader, by Daybreak Lover) raced away to a 5-length win over 1200m, reported racenet.com.au. A son of champion sire Sadler’s Wells, Latarmiss is a 3/4-brother-in-blood to the influential stallion Green Desert (by Danzig). Bred by Gainsborough Stud, Latarmiss won over 1600m at Fontainbleau in France as a 2YO & over 2400m at Saint-Cloud as a 3YO. He originally stood at Fairview Thoroughbreds in Queensland, before moving to Vatana Farms where he stood the 2002 season for $3,850. (March 27)
NSW Racing Academy Begins Operation
A group of youngsters is currently making history as the first participants at Racing NSW’s initial ‘academy style’ training camp at Horsley Park. The up-and-comers were welcomed yesterday to the Sydney Equestrian Centre, home of the 2000 Olympics. Over the next few weeks this facility will be the centre for Racing NSW’s Industry Training. Prospective apprentices applied to Racing NSW and were interviewed before undergoing a ‘talent identification’ phase prior to being chosen. Racing NSW’s Industry Training Manager Marianne Chaffe said: “There is clear evidence to suggest that intensive initial training affords better riders. The students will be signed up as trainees only upon completion of the 3-week intensive training block. At this stage, it is envisaged that riders will have become competent in basic horse handling practices, riding & stabling skills.” NSW Jockeys Association president Lee Ann Olsen added: “I only wish we had something like this when we were apprentices. It’s really going to help the young kids.” Many of the young hopefuls are already based & working for prominent trainers like Guy Walter, Noel Mayfield-Smith, Steve Englebrecht & Bede Murray. Racing NSW chief executive Merv Hill said:
“This world-class facility will be entirely appropriate for the higher level of training delivery which Racing NSW is trying to achieve. The professional infrastructure will immediately inspire young people coming into the industry to positive learning experiences & provide them with safe horse working areas.” (March 27)
Singapore Turf Club Appointments
The Singapore Totalisator Board yesterday announced the appointment of 2 new Members, Kwah Thiam Hock & Cheah Kim Teck, to the Management Committee of the Singapore Turf Club from April 1. Kwah Thiam Hock (president & CEO of ECICS Holdings) first served as an STC Racing Steward from April 1998, then as a Senior Racing Steward since October 2001; Cheah Kim Teck (managing director of Cycle & Carriage) has been a Racing Steward since August 1999. (March 27)
Nuns Scoop $130,000 On Pick-6 Bet
Thursday Odd Spot: Punters who rely on divine intervention in their quest for winners “can draw strength from the success of an American school run by an Order of Nuns that has won more than A$130,000 on the horses,” reported racingppost.co.uk. “The prayers of Sister Mary Catherine Antczak, principal of St Michael’s Elementary School in Los Angeles, were answered when she & about 100 school supporters struck it rich after each contributed around A$40 towards the Pick-6 wager at Santa Anita racecourse. It must have been heaven on earth when, having cheered home the winners of all 6 races, they discovered their reward was a A$260,000 jackpot.” Sister Mary told the Los Angeles Times newspaper: “I thought we might win a little something, but this was just extraordinary. Everybody pulled out their calculators & just started adding it up.” After taxes, the school gets half the A$260,000, with the supporters sharing the rest. St Michael’s Elementary School was established in south-central Los Angeles by the Order of Dominican Sisters exactly 100 years ago. Before the race meeting, Sister Mary & her fellow sisters knelt in the convent’s modest chapel & prayed for a good day at the track. Supporters believe the prayers, & beginners luck, combined to give the school an extra edge. “Some would call it luck,” said Sister Mary, “but I call it a blessing.” (March 27)
$30 Million War Emblem Has Problems In Breeding Shed
War Emblem, North America's champion 3YO male of 2002 who was sold to Japan's Shadai Stallion Station for nearly US$18 million (A$30 million) last September, “is having difficulties covering mares in his first year at stud & his owners are negotiating a settlement with an insurance company,” reported bloodhorse.com. “The problem with War Emblem does not involve his fertility, sources close to Shadai said, but with his willingness or interest to breed mares.” His first cover came on March 9, after he was not willing to cover mares when the breeding season opened. He successfully covered 5 mares by March 13, then regressed again. Shadai has sent the son of Our Emblem various types of mares from among the 200 that were booked to him, from maidens to older, more experienced mares. The farm also tried mares that were grey, bay, chestnut & nearly all black (similar to his coat) to no avail. (March 26)
Shadai’s Shocking 12-Month Run
War Emblem's breeding difficulty is the latest in a series of blows to the Yoshida family's Shadai Stallion Station operation, which lost 3 major stallions last year. Sunday Silence, the 1989 North American Horse-Of-The-Year who became the most successful stallion in Japanese history, died in August from an infection to his leg. One month earlier, the farm lost the promising El Condor Pasa, a Gr1-winning son of Kingmambo, due to colic. And in the same month, the dual hemisphere stallion End Sweep (who shuttled to Shadai from Australia's Arrowfield Stud) died at Shadai after he flipped over & suffered an injury. (March 26)
WA Sire Magic Of Money Sold To Malaysia
The National Stud of Malaysia has purchased Australian Gr1-winning sprinter Magic Of Money (Last Tycoon-Ngaiamban, by Kaoru Star). Winner of 6 races (including the 1995 Gr1 AJC Galaxy Stakes at Randwick), Magic Of Money retired to WA’s Evergreen Lodge in 1996 for a syndicate of six Perth owners. He boasts a better than 60% ratio of winners-to-runners, top Perth 3YO The Right Money (Gr2 WA Guineas) & Money Is Magic (last week’s Gr3 Bunbury Cup). Syndicate manager Brian Davis told aapracingandsports.com.au the Malaysian National Stud had made several offers to buy Magic Of Money since last year & the stallion will be flown to Malaysia next month. (March 26)
Belle Du Jour Firing In Dubai
Belle De Jour, Australia's sole representative at the Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday night, passed her first test on the dirt track at Nad Al Sheba yesterday. DWC media officer Martin Talty reported: “The Sydney mare scorched in a dirt debut gallop, rounding off her trackwork with a last 800 metres in 46.91 seconds - the second quickest time of the morning's gallops.” Trainer Clarrie Connors worked Belle De Jour at 4.20am to give the mare her first taste of racing under lights, as she will on Saturday night in the US$2 million (A$3.4 million) Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Belle De Jour has now been in Dubai for 9 days & galloped with a companion from the Oasis 1 Stables of Australian expatriate trainer John Sadler. Race jockey Len Beasley flew in from Sydney to partner Belle De Jour in her first serious gallop, after being restricted to pace-work since her arrival. It was also the first dirt track experience for Beasley, who has ridden only on turf surfaces. Talty noted: “Both trainer & jockey gave Belle Du Jour a high pass mark. Connors said the mare was 100% & she had bloomed since arriving in Dubai. He added Belle De Jour thrived on attention & she was getting plenty, as the only Australian thoroughbred here for the world's richest race meeting. Beasley said Belle De Jour handled the dirt track comfortably & he could feel the mare stretching into the different surface.” (March 26)
Connors Names Americans ‘Hardest To Beat’
Trainer Clarry Connors has done his video homework on the test ahead for Belle De Jour in Dubai & nominated the American sprinters as the toughest competition. He told Dubai World Cup media officer Martin Talty: "They go so hard & mostly they keep going. We will give them a start & I hope the mare can avoid the back-wash of the dirt kicked up by the leaders." (March 26)
Kendel Park On Slipper Tenterhooks
For all the punters who’ve backed ruling favourite Niello to win the $3 million Gr1 STC Golden Slipper Stakes, it's doubtful that anyone is as keenly on tenterhooks as the connections of NSW stud farm Kendel Park Stud. Kendel Park stands Sedaka, a Danehill half-brother to both Niello & also Lonhro (who ranks among Australia's top 3 horses currently racing). Sedaka stood for $5,500 last season & served 70 mares. Kendel Park also stands well performed former juvenile Pauillac. (March 26)
Dexter Off The Mark For Emirates
Emirates Park Stud’s Dexter (Green Dancer-Korveya, by Riverman) sired his first Australian metropolitan winner when the Greg Hickman-trained Sir Dex (ex Amwaj by Marscay) raced away to a 3-length win in a 1300m 2YO handicap at Warwick Farm yesterday. Earlier this month Dexter had logged his first Australian winner when Noongar (ex Mayo by Tipperary Fixer) won a 2YO handicap at Orange. Sir Dex, a $12,000 bargain purchase by his astute trainer at the 2002 Inglis Classic Sale, is the 4th foal & 3rd winner out of the Marscay mare Amwaj (a half-sister to the grand old stayer Donegal Mist, winner of 10 races & $1,172,568 prize-money, including the 1990 Gr1 AJC Metropoltan Hcp, 1992 Gr2 Moonee valley Gold Cup & 1992 Gr2 Gold Coast Prime Ministers Cup); 3rd dam An Illusion is the stakes-winning dam of Gr1 AJC The Galaxy & Gr1 VATC Oakleigh Plate winner Mr Illusion. Racenet.com.au reported: “Dexter took a most unusual route to Australia. After failing to run a place in 4 starts in England, Dexter stood at stud in Pakistan where he had 2 small crops of runners. He made an immediate impact by siring Shah The Great (9 wins including The Pakistan 2000 Guineas & The Derby Trial), Princess Ruckhjaas (8 wins including the Nursery Cup, 1000 Guineas & Pakistan Derby) & King Fisher (winner of the Pakistan Derby).” Dexter also boasts an impressive pedigree: his sire Green Dancer was one of the leading sire sons of Nijinsky & his dam, the Gr3 Prix Chloe winner Korveya, produced Gr1 winners Hector Protector, Bosra Sham & Shanghai. In addition, Korveya’s daughter Gioconda has produced Gr1 winner Ciro. (March 26)
Big Month For Emirates Park
Yesterday’s Sydney success for its stallion Dexter “has topped off a remarkable month for Emirates Park sired runners,” noted racenet.com.au. Danzig’s son Snaadee had a double at last weekend’s Canterbury Park night meeting: Bedouin took his earnings over $300,000 with victory in the Gr3 Canterbury Cup (1900m); & home-bred Fatoon notched an all-the-way win in a filiies & mares handicap over 1200m. (Fatoon won the Gr2 STC Reisling Slipper Trial last season & was 3rd in the Gr2 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley, a race won by her sister Adeewin in 1997.) Meanwhile Emirates stallion El Moxie (a son of Conquistador Cielo) sired his 3rd Gr1 winner when Winestock triumphed in the VRC Sires Produce Stakes. El Moxie’s amazing 2YO season includes 7 winners from just 10 starters for $935,000 earnings, placing him 2nd on the 2YO sires list behind General Nediym. And Emirates’ Doncaster Handicap winning sire Secret Savings: had Dash For Cash fly home for 2nd behind Yell in the Gr1 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on the weekend; & has 2YO Secret Land still sitting 13th on the Golden Slipper order-of-entry. Emirates Park will offer a full brother to Dash For Cash & a half-sister to Secret Land (by Carnegie) at the Inglis Easter Yearling sale. (March 26)
Aust-Bred 7-From-10 HK Blitz
The triumph by expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes with former top Australian mare Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick, by Clever Trick) in the HK$14 million (A$2.95 million) Gr1 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin was only the tip of the ‘good news’ iceberg, noted Aushorse spokesperson Bronwyn Farr. In fact, Australian-bred racehorses dominated the prestigious HK Derby Day program, winning 7 of the 10 races – & that followed Australian-breds sweeping half the program (5 out of 10 races) a week earlier.
- The Derby Day 7-out-of-10 blitz involved: Elegant Fashion taking the HK Derby (offered by Emirates Park at the 2000 Inglis Easter sale & sold to Gene Tsoi for $95,000, she has now collected nearly $3 million in prize-money); Porter Ricks winning the 1st race; unbeaten Silent Witness winning the 2nd race; Grand Delight won the Centenary Sprint Cup for expatriate trainer John Size & jockey Shane Dye, beating Flying Spur’s northern hemisphere bred Firebolt & All Thrills Too (by St Covet); Danehill griffin Floral Dynamite (a $650,000 Easter graduate for the Hong Kong Jockey Club who subsequently fetched $1.1 million at the Piaget International Sale) also notched a win (his sister, a Danehill–Caraniya filly, will be offered at the Inglis Easter sale by Coolmore Australia); & finally Clement Supreme (who raced in Australia as Gr1-placed Neptune’s Journey) completed Australia’s domination of the day.
- The March 15 Australian-bred 5-out-of-10 involved: Laser Glory (Danehill-Mer du Sud); Pretty Trio (from Crystal Palace, herself a Gr1 Queensland Oaks winner & full sister to multiple Gr1 winner Naturalism); Winning Sunshine (Danehill–Sea Almond), a $425,000 Inglis Easterby Danehill).
(March 26)
Unbeaten 3YO Proves Blue-Chip Investment
Meanwhile unbeaten 3YO Silent Witness made it 4 wins from as many starts when he graduated to Class 1 company with another stylish performance at Sha Tin on the weekend. The Tony Cruz-trained gelding now ranks among the most exciting young sprinters in Hong Kong. He was purchased by bloodstock agent John Foote at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for just $55,000 - a bargain given the gelding’s potential & current earnings of $477,109. Silent Witness is another star for his sire El Moxie, who is enjoying a purple patch through smart Australian juveniles Winestock & Dress Code. Silent Witness is the 1st foal from Bureaucracy mare Jade Tiara & was bred & offered for sale by Ian Smith’s Edinburgh Park Stud at Taree. Edinburgh Park will make their Easter Sale debut this year with 2 yearlings: a colt by Woodman from Review (dam of stakes-winners Marrok & Appeal Process); and a filly by Bianconi from Ancient Lights (a full sister to brilliant sprinting mare Ancient Song). (March 26)
Tickle My Victory Highlights Perugino
Dashing mare Tickle My (Perugino-Mere Fancy, by Noalcoholic) avenged her narrow defeat in last year's Gr2 MVRC Sunline Stakes (1600m) with a decisive victory in this year's running last weekend. In the process, the 6YO mare “highlighted the adaptability, durability & undeniable prepotency of her sire,” declared Collingrove Stud's Jenny McAlpine. “Having now collected 11 wins (5 stakes wins) & more than $772,000 in stakes, Tickle My has also shown tremendous athletic flair, her victories ranging from 1200-2100m.” Perugino (Danzig-Fairy Bridge) is a 3/4 brother to breed-shaping Sadler’s Wells & is also in the upper echelon of 2YO sires for the current season. (March 26)
Rory’s Jester Continues Australia-Wide Performance
Meanwhile fellow Collingrove Stud sire Rory’s Jester “is still an Australia-wide stallion phenomenon,” enthused Jenny McAlpine. “He boasts the exceptional career figures of 69 individual stakes-winners, including 48 individual 2YO stakes-winners.” Rory’s Jester’s current 2YO crop includes: the filly How Funny (ex Intertwined) who finished 2nd in last weekend’s Gr3 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Canterbury, following a 2nd in the Gold Coast 2YO Magic Millions & victory in the Listed Tommy Smith Stakes in Brisbane; & Fashion Victim (ex Add Tinsel), winner of the Listed Maribyrnong Trial. Also on the weekend, Rory’s Jester came to the fore with the win by his 3YO filly Toast Of The Coast (ex Solo Show) over 1000m at Moonee Valley & the 3rd in the Canberra Guineas by another of his 3YO fillies Jesterette (ex Dalmatinska). And McAlpine noted: “Although an older statesman, Rory’s Jester’s fertility continues to remain strong with a 79% on-farm in-foal figure last season.” (March 26)
Inglis Graduates Notch 6 Stakes Successes Across Aust
Inglis Sale graduates took the honours in 6 stakes events across Australia last weekend, advised Inglis marketing manager Melissa O’Gorman:
- Class Melbourne 3YO Titanic Jack ($75,000 at 2001 Autumn sale) landed the Gr2 MVRC Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley;
- 2YO Handsome Ransom ($110,000 at 2002 Easter sale) won the Gr3 Black Opal Stakes in Canberra;
- Johnny Reb ($20,000 at 1999 Classic sale) took the Listed National Sprint also in Canberra;
- 2YO filly Legally Bay ($220,000 at 2002 Easter sale) won the Gr3 STC Sweet Embrace Stakes at Canterbury;
- Developing sprinter Dehero ($20,000 at 2000 Select Weanling sale) took the Listed STC Eskimo Prince Stakes at Canterbury;
- Smart stayer Bedouin ($26,000 at 1998 Easter Weanling sale) grabbed victory in the Gr3 STC Canterbury Cup.
(March 26)
Inglis Select Weanling Sale Preview
Both Dehero & Bedouin are Select Weanling Sale graduates, “a timely reminder of the great value & quality offered by our weanling market,” said Inglis bloodstock consultant Tara Madgwick. Catalogues for the 2003 Australian Select Weanling Sale (with 300 lots on April 28) are due out later this week. Madgwick noted: “Sires with strong representation include several of this year’s gun first season stallions, including Arena (6), Catbird (13), Commands (7) & Fasliyev (12). The Fasliyev draft features 2 outstanding colts from Gabbing Gloria (dam of Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe) & prolific broodmare All Sold (dam of Gr1 winners All Our Mob & All Time High).” Other lots to shine on paper include:
- Half-brother by Zeditave to Gr2 winner Quays, from Pontal Lass (winner of the Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes);
- Colt by Quest For Fame from Beam (an unraced half-sister to stakes-winners Bollinger, Mannington & Sheraton, from Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay);
- Half-brother by Marju to Starstruck (winner of the Gr1 VRC Australian Cup);
- Danehill colt from the Shirley Heights mare One To One;
- Thunder Gulch colt from Comely Girl (winner of Gr1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes);
- Octagonal colt from Gr3-winning Snippets mare Speedy Kids;
- Half-brother by Fasliyev to Gr3 winner Vestey;
- Half-brother by More Than Ready to Solar Circle (winner of Gr1 STC Rosehill Guineas);
- Half-sister to champion sprinter Isca, by US Horse-Of-The-Year Favorite Trick from top producer My First Star (whose earlier foals include stakes-winners Star Alight & Slapstick);
- Half-sister by Jade Robbery to Gr1-winning millionaire March Hare;
- Half-sister by Red Ransom to Angst (ill-fated winner of the Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes);
- First foal (filly) of stakes-winner Minerva, by Redoute’s Choice;
- Filly with an international flavour, by Phone Trick from South Sea Storm;
- Half-sister by Honour And Glory to Royal Purler (winner of Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes);
- Half-sister by Catbird to Quick Star (winner of the Gr1 AJC Champagne Stakes);
- Half-sister by Flying Spur to stakes-winner Barawin;
- Filly by Danehill from Opera Etoile, representing superb international Black Type family;
- Filly by Danehill from Moonstruck, also representing superb international Black Type family;
- Filly by Jade Robbery from Gr3 winner Sonata;
- Half-sister by Commands to stakes-winner Kincourt;
- Filly by Snippets from Gr3 winner Flapper.
(March 26)
New Dates For 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale & Race-Day
Magic Millions Sales & the South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders have set the 2004 dates for the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale & Race-day. The Magic Millions Adelaide Select Yearling Sale runs from Tuesday 10 February-Friday 13 February. South Australia’s richest race, the $400,000 Channel Seven Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic, will be run on Wednesday 11 February. Magic Millions marketing & media manager Annie McDonald noted: “Magic Millions director John Singleton has recently returned from Adelaide, where discussions with South Australian Premier Mike Wran & leading South Australian racing & business identities took place.” Magic Millions managing director David Chester summed up: “Magic Millions aims to develop a major event in South Australia in February.” (March 26)
Mizzen Mast’s Blue-Chip Matings For Juddmonte Farm
In the international world of thoroughbred breeding, Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farm rates among the leaders. Just last season in the US, Juddmonte collected the coveted Eclipse Award yet again for best breeder, producing the winners of US$5,526,006 (A$9.4 million). Abdullah has farms in the US, England & Ireland. And his recently retired Champion Gr1 Sprinter Mizzen Mast has started serving an enviable batch of broodmares, including:
- Delicate Vine (by Knights Choice): Gr1 Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes winner & dam of Gr2 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes winner Altazarr, stakes-winner Rayelle & stakes-placed Babeinthewoods.
- Lotka (by Danzig): Gr1 Acorn Stakes winner & dam of Gr3 stakes-winner Lotta Dancing, stakes-winner Mambo Twist & stakes-placed Esperence.
- Proflare (by Mr Prospector): dam of Gr2 winner True Flare, Gr2 winner Apple Of Kent & Gr3 winner War Zone.
- Gilded Connection (by Gilded Age): dam of Gr3 winner Connecting Terms & stakes-winner P Day.
- Nomo Robbery (by No Robbery): placed in the Listed Thelma Stakes & dam of Gr3 winner Chorwon, stakes-winner Yukon Robbery & stakes-winner Kumhwa.
- Regal Princess (by Royal And Regal): placed in the Listed My Dear Girl Stakes & dam of stakes-winner Regal Approval.
- Interim (by Sadler’s Wells): winner of Gr2 La Prevoyante Handicap & dam of group-placed Staging Post.
- Sea Ditty (by Afleet): winner of Gr3 Affectionately Handicap & dam of stakes-placed M B Sea.
- Stars Knockout (by Two Punch): winner of Listed Geisha Handicap & dam of stakes-placed Twinkle Twinkle.
- Bold Threat (by Bold Ruckus): dam of stakes-winner Classic Threat.
- Dangora (by Sovereign Dancer): placed in the Gr2 Lowther Stakes & dam of stakes-winner Danzari & stakes-placed Delegate.
- Choice Comment (by Rich Cream): dam of stakes-winner Rideouts.
(March 26)
Hasten To Add Moving To Illinois
Hasten To Add, who has been standing in California, has been purchased by Gary Shultz to stand in Illinois, reported bloodhorse.com. No stud fee was announced for the 13-year-old son of Cozzene. A Canadian champion, Hasten To Add stood in 1997 & 1998 at Rancho del Charro; he subsequently took up residence at California’s Black Oak Farm & has 52 named foals in crops.
Hasten To Add won 5 of 21 starts while racing, including the 1995 Gr3 Laurel Turf Cup Stakes.
Bred & raced by Pin Oak Farm, he is out of the Cougar II mare Beau Cougar & a half-brother to Selene Stakes winner See How She Runs. (March 26)
West Nile Virus Study Provides Important Clues
Colorado State University has released results of a survey of owners of 493 horses that were confirmed cases of West Nile virus from September 1-December 31 in Colorado & Nebraska. It found failure to properly inoculate horses against the disease was a crucial factor in development & severity of the disease, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Of the 493 horses, only 13 received proper vaccination — 2 doses, 3-6 weeks apart, with the 2nd dose administered at least 4 weeks before exposure. (Of these 13 horses, 12 were known to have survived, with one horse unaccounted for.) The clinical signs most commonly seen by owners were unco-ordination (73%), weakness (69%), lethargy or depression (61%) & muscle twitching, especially of the face & fore-quarters (60%); other symptoms included inability to rise, prolonged lying down, fever & droopy ears, lips & muzzle. Horses that lay down & were unable to rise were more likely to die or be euthanised, making the use of a sling to keep them on their feet crucial for recovery. Most commonly used treatments were: anti-inflammatory drugs such as Banamine (73%) & phenylbutazone (22%); oral or intravenous dimethylsulfoxide (52%); oral or intravenous fluids (39%); & vitamins (12%). Mortality rate among the surveyed group was 28.6%, with older horses being more likely to die or be euthanised. Of surviving animals, 82% were considered fully recovered by their owners. Decreased stamina was the most commonly reported residual sign of the infection, followed by weight loss & loss of condition. (March 26)
US Sports Poll Records Major Rise For Horse Racing
Further to our 2 recent items recording major increases in horse-racing TV program audiences in both the US & UK: For the 3rd straight year, American sports fan interest in horse racing has increased from the previous year, with a reported fan base in 2002 of 35% of the US population - a 3.6% increase from the previous season & a 12.2% increase from 1999, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. TNS Intersearch, ESPN Sports Poll & the US National Thoroughbred Racing Association combined on the poll, which found horse racing was the America’s 11th most popular sport out of 28. National Football League football led the way with a 66.2% fan base in 2002. Horse racing moved ahead of the National Hockey League, the World Tennis Association & Women’s National Basketball Association. NTRA senior vice president Keith Chamblin commented: "Several factors contributed to keeping horse racing top of mind in 2002, including War Emblem’s pursuit of the Triple Crown & the success of the best-selling book Seabiscuit. This helped lead to across-the-board increases in TV ratings last year & in the first 3 months of 2003. Drilling down a little farther, we’re seeing the increase in interest is from the infrequent, casual fan. Our collective challenge as an industry is to find ways to turn increased interest into increased participation.” (March 26)
Latest $3 Million Golden Slipper Order-Of-Entry
1: Kusi (J.Hawkes) $324,700
2: Hasna (G.Waterhouse) $239,625
3: Legally Bay (J.Hawkes) $125,150
4: Roedean (M.Price) $694,450
5: Winestock (T.O’Sullivan) $295,050
6: Halibery (M.Price) $263,300
7: Hammerbeam (J.Hawkes) $164,250
8: Snip Attack (P.Moody) $126,500
9: How Funny (G.Waterhouse) $121,250
10: Handsome Ransom (P.Sutherland) $120,550
11: Polar Success (G.Rogerson) $110,750
12: Dorky (J.Hawkes) $108,500
13: Secret Land (G.Waterhouse) $80,100
14: Niello (J.Hawkes) $74,000
15: Face Value (B.Laming) $72,363
16: Syrinx (J.Hawkes) $71,800
17: Fragmentation (T.McEvoy) $67,610
18: Frasassas (J.Hawkes) $65,300
19: Spurcent (T.Karakatsanis) $62,350
20: Best Northern (T.Hoare) $53,500
21: Miss Terrain (M.Price) $51,250
22: Spur Me On (G.Waterhouse) $45,000
23: Exceed And Excel (T.Martin) $44,950
24: Shamekha (G.Waterhouse) $38,250
25: Olympus (C.Conners) $38,100
26: Bella Corona (R.Pearse) $36,650
27: Danbird (G.Ryan) $36,050
28: Hipwell (N.Godbolt) $35,570
29: Untouchable (G.Waterhouse) $32,500
30: Aracena (G.Waterhouse) $31,050
31: Resistor (R.Thomsen) $13,520
(March 26)
Can’t Always Bet On A Bay
Wednesday Odd Spot: In 46 runnings of the world’s richest 2YO event, the $3 million AAMI Golden Slipper, the race has been won 17 times by chestnuts, 16 by bays, 10 times by browns & twice by greys. Eskimo Prince (1964) is the only black winner. Last year’s winner Calaway Gal, a brown, broke an 8-year winning streak for the bays: Danzero (1994), Flying Spur (1995), Merlene (1996), Guineas (1997), Prowl (1998), Catbird (1999), Belle Du Jour (2000) & Ha Ha (2001). (March 26)
Newlands Announces Jeune King Prawn Coup
Multi-millionaire & Gr1-winning sprinter-miler Jeune King Prawn will stand at Newlands Thoroughbreds Farm in central Victoria for a minimum of 4 breeding seasons. Jeune King Prawn, a son of Danehill out of the Gr3 winner Western Chorus (by Western Symphony), notched 8 wins & 2 placings from his 12 starts & totalled $2.3 million prize-money. He was born & bred in Australia by Tremon Thoroughbreds & sold as a yearling at the 1999 Magic Millions Sale for $275,000. Jeune King Prawn excelled at distances between 1000-1600m, recording smart times of 57.2sec over 1000m, 1min 21.9sec over 1400m & won a Gr1 over 1600m. Having received proposals from many reputable studs across Australia & NZ for the up-coming breeding season, Jeune King Prawn’s owner Philip Lau has put his faith in the Alteri family at Newlands Thoroughbreds Farm, where Walter Alteri confirmed the new stallion will stand for $10,000+GST. (March 25)
Good Journey Syndicate Buys Top Mares
The syndicate bringing Gr1 winner Good Journey to Australia “has begun securing top class mares to support the young stallion,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. As noted yesterday, Good Journey (who was beaten a nose by Rock Of Gibraltar for 2nd place behind Domedriver in last year’s Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile) is to retire to stud in Australia. The Written Bloodstock Limited syndicate, headed by harness racing figure Mark Peters, has purchased NZ Gr1 winner My Egyptian Raine (for $900,000) & classy Sydney filly Lady Cay. My Egyptian Raine finished 5th behind Yell in last weekend’s Gr1 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley & will remain with her current Kiwi trainer Ken Rae until after the Sydney autumn carnival. Lady Cay (formerly trained by Ron Quinton) is now under the care of Graham Begg at Randwick & will race for her new owners in the Gr1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill on Saturday. (March 25)
Schreck Joins Inglis As Asian Conduit
One of Australian racing’s most respected representatives in Southeast Asian racing, former Australian Jockey Club & Hong Kong Jockey Club chief steward John Schreck, has linked up with the William Inglis sale company. Schreck, 62, confirmed yesterday: “I will act as liaison between Asian buyers & Inglis. I will be the go-between, responsible for attracting Asian buyers, finding accommodation, entertainment & trainers for them, that sort of thing. It's a great challenge & I'm looking forward to it." With 51% of all HK winners this season (including recent Gr1 success stories Elegant Fashion & Grand Delight) bred in Australia, there has been a growing stream of traffic between Australian sales & Asia, with Malaysian & Singapore buyers also looking to our
breeding fields as a source of winners. (March 25)
Flying Spur & Hurricane Sky Continue Sprint Success
Australian stallions Flying Spur & Hurricane Sky are dominating the Champion Sprint Series in Hong Kong. Their sons Grand Delight (by Hurricane Sky) & Firebolt (a UK-bred son of Flying Spur) have filled the quinella in both legs of the Series to date. As in the 1st leg, Grand Delight again prevailed over Firebolt in the Gr1 Champion Sprint Series (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Last month Grand Delight (who raced in Australia as Desert Eagle & won the Gr1 Emirates Stakes over 1600m) won the 1st leg of the Champion Sprint Series, the Gr1 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. Hurricane Sky & Flying Spur are both enjoying excellent domestic seasons, with the Arrowfield Stud pair both siring 2003 Gr1 winners: Hurricane Sky produced Oakleigh Plate winner River Dove & Flying Spur produced Blue Diamond Stakes winner Roedean. (March 25)
Hussonet’s 2YOs Quinella Stakes Race
Meanwhile Arrowfield stallion Hussonet has produced the best 2YO on the turf this season in Chile after his son Host dominated the Listed Luis Subercaseaux Stakes at Club Hipico de Santiago on the weekend. Host (who ran 1min 8.4sec for the 1200m) defeated Mar Hondo, another son of Hussonet, giving the Champion stallion the quinella in the race. Host was sent out a very short-priced favourite, following his 5-length demolition of the El Debut Stakes field back in January. Hussonet, a son of Mr Prospector whose stud record includes an amazing 24% stakes-winners-to-runners, has been Champion General Sire of Chile for the past 3 years & is currently the leading General & 2YO Sire. Regally bred, Hussonet has sired 38 stakes-winners (including 12 G1 winners) to date. (March 25)
Hayes Stable Followers In The Money
We noted yesterday the triumph by expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes with former top Australian mare Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick, by Clever Trick) in the weekend’s HK$14 million (A$2.95 million) Gr1 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin. However his stable punters also had an amazing day. In the Derby, Elegant Fashion’s stable-mate Beverly Green finished 3rd & paid HK$121 (for HK$5) for the place. And on the same program, another Hayes runner Prime Witness paid HK$520 (again for HK$5) for a major upset win. (March 25)
First Northern Hemisphere Winner for Danzero
Australian-bred sire Danzero has logged a winner from his first northern hemisphere runner, after La Puce won a 5-furlong maiden at Wolverhampton in England reported racenet.com.au. Danzero shuttled to one of England’s leading thoroughbred nurseries Cheveley Park Stud at Newmarket for the 2000 & 2001 seasons. La Puce is the 3d foal from winning Don’t Forget Me mare Verbena (a three-quarter sister to Gr3 Tetrarch Stakes winner Irish Memory & a half-sister to Lupe Stakes 2nd Priena). On the opposite side of the globe, Don’t Tell Tom made it an international double for Danzero by winning his first city race over 1000m at last weekend’s Moonee Valley night meeting. A fortnight earlier Don’t Tell Tom’s half-brother The Mooksta also won over the Moonee Valley 1000m. (March 25)
Danehill Dancer’s Full Brother Starts Irish Flat Season With A Win
And leading trainer Aidan O'Brien won the opening race of the Irish flat season at the Curragh on Sunday with boom Danehill 2YO colt Colossus, a full-brother to Coolmore stallion Danehill Dancer. O’Brien told Irish Thoroughbred Marketing: “He has not done an awful lot at home, but we thought he was ready for a run. There should be plenty of options for him later.” (March 25)
First Crop Winners For Daggers Drawn & Intikhab
Meanwhile Derrinstown Stud stallion Intikhab had a notable winner with his first runner when Red Power won the Ballyhane Stud Brocklesby Conditions Stakes on the opening day of the British Flat season at Doncaster. And Ballyhane Stud stallion Daggers Drawn also got off the mark with his 1st crop when Mac The Knife won a 2YO maiden at Doncaster over the weekend. Daggers Drawn stands in the southern hemisphere at NZ’s Curraghmore Stud & his progeny have received favourable reaction from yearling buyers over the past 2 sales seasons. (March 25)
Top Sprinter In Demand At Oaklands
Here's a quick trivia question. Who is the fastest horse ever to have raced in Australia over 1,200m? Vain, Schillaci, Star Of Florida, Manikato, Special Girl, Falvelon, Luskin Star perhaps? No. It’s the gloriously bred Iglesia (Last Tycoon-Yodells) who ran an unbelievable 1min 7.16sec when he won the Gr2 Standish Handicap at Flemington. He earned $472,500 during his 22-start career (which also included a win in the Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill). Well, he's proving just as slick in the serving barn. Breed to speed is certainly a catch-cry of most breeders & they haven't missed 'Iggy'. He served 112 mares in his 2001 debut season & improved on that to 127 last year. He had a 91% fertility rate on debut & those babies are weanlings now. Iglesia's obvious speed is a real draw card, but even more than that is his family. Since retiring, his father has turned into one of the top shelf sire-makers with the rise to prominance of O'Reilly, Knowledge, the late Just Awesome, Bigstone, Poliuto & internationally acclaimed Marju (sire of Godolphin's multiple Group winner Naheef, who is strongly fancied to win the US$2 million Dubai Duty Free on Saturday in Dubai). Iglesia's mother is Yodells, who threw the millionaire Yippyio (2nd in the Melb Cup) as well as Listed winner & 5-times Group placed Tyrolean. Iglesia, who stands for $6,000 (inc GST) at Oaklands Stud outside Toowoomba on the Queensland Darling Downs, is 16.2hh & about that wide in the chest too. No wonder broodmare owners want him. (March 25)
Marechal Attracts Easter Attention
Speaking of weanlings for new boys, the gifted but injury-troubled Marechal boasts 23 weaners on deck at present. And while that doesn't seem many for this exceptionally fast Gr2-winning son of Danzero & Gourette, next year it will snowball. He served 106 mares last season once the world knew he was available at stud. What makes him interesting leading into the Inglis Easter Sales are 2 factors: (a) his full-sister is listed in the Easter Catalogue & should be in great demand (estimates place her at around $125,000: & (b) 2 broodmares carrying Marechal foals will be offered by Oakley Park Stud, home of Marechal, at the Inglis Broodmare Sale (April 29-30 & May 1). Oakley Park studmaster Rebecca Creer noted: "We are testing the market to see how well he is received by offering those mares for sale. But given the demand by breeders last year & the boom on him at present, they should go for good prices to good homes.” Marechal raced just 6 times and during his short career beat: Align, Easy Rocking, Getty, Commands, Dangerous & Whistler. Four of those are at stud with bigger fees than him! (March 25)
Ribe Boosts Kaapstad’s Broodmare Sire Reputation
The fast-growing reputation of NZ stallion Kaapstad as a broodmare sire “was underlined again through the win by Ribe in the Gr2 Moonee Valley Oaks,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. “Ribe is an example of a pattern to emerge from Kaapstad’s huge success as a broodmare sire, being a result of the successful cross of his mares with Northern Dancer-line sires.” Ribe is a daughter of Danehill from Kaapstad mare Kapeskin. Kaapstad has now produced 12 stakes winners as a broodmare sire, including last season’s dual NZ Gr1 2YO winner Grout. Grout’s success in the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes emulated wins in that event by 2 other horses from Kaapstad mares, Kapiston & Winged Foot. Another Gr1 winner which boasts Kaapstad as a dam-sire is Star Satire. Other stakes winners to come from Kaapstad mares are Grey Song, Miss Power Bird, Tokyo Beau, Dreamworks, Sky Frontier & Perlin. (March 25)
$20,000 Bargain Wins 5 From 6
NSW south coast trainer Barbara Joseph certainly picked a bargain-priced winner when she paid just $20,000 at the Sydney Inglis Classic sale for last weekend’s Canberra Guineas winner Ain’t Seen Nothin’. Bred by Fran & John Ovenstone at Little Wych Stud near Bathurst, Ain’t Seen Nothin’ has now run 6 times for 5 wins. She is from the 2nd crop of Danehill’s Sydney staying star Nothin’ Leica Dane (winner of the Victoria Derby, Spring Champion Stakes & Hobartville Stakes, & 2nd in the 1995 Melbourne Cup) & is from Icecapade (by Sir Ivor sire Genghiz out of Polar Maid, also the mother of Patou). “Now breeding for Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud, Patou has Success Express filly Polar Express in the Graeme Rogerson stable, who is doing fine work on the training track at Randwick & who could give the Golden Slipper a shake,” noted racenet.com.au. Nothin’ Leica Dane (by Danehill from the Sir Tristram mare Leica Pretender) is now resident at Martin Hawcroft’s Byerley Stud at Sandy Hollow in the NSW Hunter Valley. (March 25)
Cutbacks At US On-Line Auction Company
Keeneland & its partners have “made major cutbacks & changes in the operation of Equine Spectrum, an on-line auction company,” reported bloodhorse.com. Executive director Dan Kelliher & several other Equine Spectrum staff have been dismissed & “the company will be managed more directly by Keeneland. In addition, Equine Spectrum's office was moved to Keeneland from an off-site location.” Keeneland spokeswoman Julie Balog said: "All the partners in Equine Spectrum remain committed to the concept. We're going to take the next few weeks to make decisions on how we will move forward & make it successful. Members of Keeneland's sales staff are assuming a more active day-to-day management role in the company." However there are no auctions scheduled in "the near future" she confirmed. Equine Spectrum was founded in 2000 by 5 prominent consignors: Ashford Stud (Coolmore Stud's Kentucky division), Eaton Sales, Lane's End Farm, Taylor Made Farms & Three Chimneys Farm. Keeneland purchased a 25% interest in the company in March of 2001. Mark Taylor, vice president of public sales for Taylor Made, said the costs of operating Equine Spectrum were not justified by its revenue, noting the company failed to sell a high percentage of the horses it offered. (March 25)
Dubai World Cup Betting Markets
British bookmaker Coral has framed the following markets on the weekend's Dubai World Cup meeting (note: Coral has not yet framed a market on Belle Du Jour’s race, the Golden Shaheen):
- Dubai World Cup: 2-1 Nayef; 10-3 Moon Ballad; 4-1 Grandera; 5-1 Aquarelliste; 6-1 Sulamani; 8-1 Harlan’s Holiday; 14-1 Gold Allure; 25-1 Grundlefoot; 28-1 Blue Burner; 40-1 Sei Mi & Hans Anderson.
- Dubai Sheema Classic: 6-4 Sulamani; 4-1 Ange Gabriel; 7-1 Califet; 8-1 Zindabad; 10-1 Polish Summer & Highest; 14-1 Media Puzzle & Pugin; 20-1 Dano-Mast, Ekraar & Well Made; 25-1 Grand Ekinoks; 33-1 Morshdi; 50-1 Perfect Sunday.
- Dubai Duty Free: 5-4 Ipi Tombe; 10-3 Imtiyaz; 6-1 Paolini; 7-1 King Of Happiness; 10-1 Sights On Gold; 12-1 St Expedit; 14-1 Naheef; Masterful; 25-1 Eventuail & Itaquere Power; 40-1 Blizz Bless.
- Dubai Godolphin Mile: 7-2 Easyfromthegitgo; 4-1 Cayoke & Firebreak; 6-1 Grey Memo; 7-1 Essence Of Dubai; 10-1 Mr John; 12-1 Lusty Latin; 14-1 Equerry, Love Regardless & Aramram; 20-1 Skoozi & Estimraar; 33-1 Fabria; 40-1 Que Expresion.
(March 25)
World Cup Trebles For State Shinto & Sei Mi
The John Sadler-trained State Shinto & Jerry Barton-trained Sei Mi will make Dubai World Cup history on Saturday when they become the first horses to compete in 3 successive Dubai World Cups. State Shinto was 4th & Sei Mi 5th behind Captain Steve in 2001, & last year State Shinto was 10th & Sei Mi 2nd behind Street Cry. (March 25)
Stanzaic’s New Career In Dubai
Australian galloper Stanzaic, who won $491,760 before being forced into premature retirement earlier this year following a 2nd bleeding attack, has turned up in Dubai. The 7YO Stanzaic is now prepared by Kiaran McLaughlin in Dubai & “was used as a working partner for Dubai World Cup hope Harlan's Holiday last Saturday,” reported racenet.com.au. (March 25)
Zabeel Mare Produces Japanese Classic Hope
Progressive filly Meine Nouvelle “shapes as a live chance in the Japanese fillies Classics” following her win in the A$557,000 Gr3 Flower Cup (1800m) at Nakayama Racecourse, reported racenet.com.au. A daughter of perennial premiership runner-up Brian’s Time, Meine Nouvelle is the 1st foal of unraced Zabeel mare Meine Pretender. Following a first up 3rd at Nakayama in November, Meine Nouvelle rounded out her 2YO season with wins at Nakayama over 1800m & then 2000m. Meine Pretender, dam of Meine Nouvelle, is a daughter of imported Mill Reef mare Giladah - the 1st foal of the 1986 Gr2 VRC Linthlithgow Stakes (1400m) winner Nouvelle Star (Luskin Star-Bonne Nouvelle, by be Friendly) who also finished runner-up in 3 Gr1 races (AJC Galaxy Stakes, VRC Newmarket & VATC Marlboro Cup). Racing in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum Nouvelle Star was sent to England “where she was assured of receiving only the best of mates” - including Mill Reef, Kris, Dancing Brave & Unfuwain. Several of Nouvelle Star’s daughters have found their way to Australasia, with the most successful being Meine Pretender’s dam Giladah. The first foal produced by Giladah was STC Gr2 Reisling Slipper Trial winner Star Of Nouvelle (by Star Watch); she followed up with high-class South African galloper Double Reef (by Last Tycoon), successful in 2 Gr2 events & twice placed at Gr1 level. (March 25)
Brazilian Stallion Ghadeer Sires 75th Stakes Winner
Ghadeer was represented by his 75th stakes winner when his 2YO son Nessus captured the Gr3 Grande Premio Mario de Azevedo Ribeiro at Hipodromo Gavea in Rio de Jane | |
NZB 2YOs Day-1: NZ$400k Red Ransom Colt
