INDUSTRY NEWS — NOVEMBER 2002
Oliver To Represent Aust in International Jockeys' Championship
Recent Melbourne Cup winner Damien Oliver will represent Australia in the fifth International Jockeys' Championship on December 11 at Hong Kong's Happy Valley racecourse. Frankie Dettori (winner in 1999 & 2001) has been invited back to represent the United Arab Emirates, along with Olivier Peslier (inaugural winner in 1992) representing France. Other jockeys selected were: Edgar Prado (USA), Andreas Suborics (Germany), Kieren Fallon (Great Britain), Michael Kinane (Ireland), Mirco Demuro (Italy), Yutaka Take (Japan), Shane Dye (New Zealand) & Doug Whyte (Hong Kong). The jockeys are randomly allocated mounts for three races (a Class 3 over 1650m, a Class 4 over the same distance & Class 4 over 1800m) with the winner of each race awarded 12 points, 6 to the runner-up, 4 to third, 3 to fourth & 2 for fifth. (Nov 30)
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Inglis Xmas Thoroughbred Sale
Top price of $48,000 was paid for the stakes-placed 3YO colt Bullala (a son of Lion Hunter out of Bare Elegance) at the Inglis Christmas Thoroughbred Sale at Newmarket in Sydney. Strong competition on all horses yielded a high clearance rate of 90%, with 126 lots selling for a gross $464,100. The tried racehorse section attracted buyers from across Australia, resulting in keen competition on the more appealing horses. Counter Depiction, an unraced Geiger Counter 3YO gelding, was purchased by clients of Warwick Farm trainer Paul Cave for $26,000. (Nov 30)
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Day 2 Average Up 37% At Tattersalls December Foal Sale
Prices at UK Tattersalls December Foal Sale continued to massively outstrip last year's
corresponding Second Session. The 17,278 guineas average was up 37% & the 3,006,500 guineas total (for 174 lots)
up 40%. In similar vein, 9 lots sold for over 50,000 guineas compared with only 2 on the Second Day last year.
Boom stallion Pivotal again provided the top sale: 75,000 guineas for a filly out of the In The Wings mare Heckle
(consigned from Lady Nelson's Tibthorpe Stud in Yorkshire). Cheveley Park Stud Manager Chris Richardson saw off a
strong challenge from Irishman Gerry Burke, and later revealed the filly was likely to be retained to race for
Cheveley Park Stud rather than re-offered next year. First crop sires were prominent throughout the day, with a
handsome son of Diktat fetching second highest price of 72,000 guineas; the colt from Jack Panos' Theobalds Stud
(out of Gulch mare Apennina) was purchased by Rathbarry Stud's Liam Cashman & will be resubmitted as a yearling
next year. Diktat (a dual Gr1-winning son of Warning) stands at Dalham Hall Stud outside Newmarket, and his 8
lots to sell over the first two days also include a 45,000 guineas colt of out Saphire & a 30,000 guineas colt
out of Petriece. Another first season sire to make an immediate impact was dual Derby & Arc winner Sinndar, whose
first foal to be sold at Tattersalls' Park Paddocks attracted 70,000 guineas, third highest price of the day. The
chesnut son of Lycius mare Crimson Glory (herself a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Crimplene) was purchased
by Irish bloodstock agent Aiden Murphy, after he beat off spirited opposition from Jessica Foster (standing with
trainer James Given). The colt (consigned from Gerry O'Sullivan's Cooneen Stud in Ireland) represented an
immediate return on the 130,000 guineas paid for Crimson Glory carrying the Sinndar colt at last year's
Tattersalls December Sales & is likely to reappear at the yearling sales next year. (Nov 29)
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Leading International Horses Confirmed For Hong Kong
The four Gr1 Hong Kong International Races, worth a combined US$7.18 million at Sha Tin on
December 15, have attracted some of the world's leading horses, trainers & owners. In all 37 international horses,
including 18 individual Gr1 winners from 11 different racing jurisdictions, will participate in the third richest day in
horseracing. They include: Grandera (triple Gr1-winner in 2002, who'll be crowned winner of the World Series Racing
Championship after the HK Cup); Domedriver (first reigning Breeders' Cup champion to race in HK); Eishin Preston (winner
of both HK Mile & Audemars Piguet QEII Cup last season); Aquarelliste (Classic winner, triple Gr1-winner & Prix de l'Arc
runner-up); Sarafan (Gr1 winner denied victory by a nose in 2002 Japan Cup); Continent, Malhub, Falvelon & Mistegic
(winners of 2002 Gr1 sprints in England, France & Australia). The day will also include, for the first time, horses from
Denmark (Gr2 winner Dano-Mast) Italy (speedy Slap Shot) & Macau (2002 Macau Derby-winner Royal Treasure). (Nov
29)
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NSW Barrier Trials Under Scrutiny
The excessive number of horses starting in barrier trials in NSW will come under official
scrutiny, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The review follows concerns raised at a Racing NSW Review Panel
meeting over the excessive number of horses starting in trials in the metropolitan & provincial areas. (In a recent
8-day period, more than 300 horses trialled in the metropolitan & provincial areas.) Racing NSW general manager of
racing services Keith Bulloch has been appointed to investigate the issue & report to the Racing NSW Board. Bulloch said
he will gather trial statistics for the last five years, before preparing a document & circulating it to relevant
parties. "I will then conduct a forum inviting a group of trainers, racing managers & stewards to review the number of
trials, and/or number of starters," he said. Bulloch believes there are some obvious reasons for the imbalance between
race starters & horses appearing in trials. They include: NSW punters expect more exposed form; trainers trial horses on
a number of occasions prior to, or during campaigns, a method promoted by former Randwick trainer John Size & now copied
by many others & race programming. "I'm not suggesting we race horses half-fit, but we need to explore the reasons why
so many horses barrier trial," Bulloch said. "There is obviously a need for unraced and young horses to trial —
or those with bad manners - but why experienced horses or those mid-preparation? We will conduct the forum in the next
few weeks when all relevant parties will be able to voice their opinions." (Nov 29)
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La Jolla Sold To Singapore
Promising New Zealand 3YO gelding La Jolla leaves for Singapore on December 22, following sale of
50% to a client of leading Kranji trainer Malcolm Thwaites, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. La Jolla,
purchased by high-profile owner & Auckland Racing Club committeeman Rob McAnulty at the 2001 Magic Millions Gold Coast
sale, has won 2 of his 4 NZ starts, & finished just behind subsequent NZ 2000 Guineas winner Hustler in a Listed race at
Rangiora at his latest start. "La Jolla is a very nice horse of enormous potential," McAnulty said. "I have every
confidence that he would have measured up in Group races here in the autumn, so he's going to make a very nice horse for
Singapore." Horses selected & raced by McAnulty have won 27 Gr1 races, including Mouawad, Tristalove, Our Tristalight,
St Covet & Mr Vitality. (Nov 29)
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Auckland Launches Summer Carnival
Auckland Racing Club launched its 2002-03 summer carnival, with feature races including: NZ$500,000 Mercedes Derby (2400m) on Boxing Day; NZ$350,000 Lion Red Auckland Cup (3200m) on New Year's Day; & NZ$250,000 Sky City Railway Stakes (1200m) also on 1 January. New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing reported a strong Australian presence booked for the 4-day carnival. For the Derby, trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson nominated Fawaz (a recent place-getter in Sydney) & Oliver Koolman has entered Addendum. Rogerson has also nominated Prime Century & Fair Embrace from his Australian stables for the Railway Stakes. Last year's Railway runner-up Super Impressive (a recent Melbourne winner) is likely to again represent trainer Lee Freedman. Likely contenders for the Auckland Cup include Henderson Bay (2002 Sydney Cup winner) & the Ron Hutchinson-trained Old Tawny. Among the high-profile Australian jockeys expected are Scott Seamer, Steven King, Rhys McLeod & Danny Beasley. (Nov 29)
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Pivotal Colt Tops Strong Opening Day At Tattersalls Foal Sale
A son of Pivotal sold for 60,000 guineas as the UK Tattersalls December Foal Sale (Europe's premier foal sale) began with major increases across the board. The aggregate rose 210% to 716,700 guineas, with the average 7,096 guineas up 47% on last year's corresponding session. Pivotal, who stands at historic Cheveley Park Stud outside Newmarket, has established himself among the top British-based sires following a swathe of Group & Stakes performers including Gr1 winners Golden Apples, Megahertz, Silvester Lady & this year's Nunthorpe Stakes winner Kyllachy. The 60,000-guineas Pivotal colt (from Paul & Sara Thorman's Trickledown Stud, out of the Persian Bold mare Persian Air) was purchased by Margaret O'Toole, buying on behalf of Irishman Eddie O'Leary; underbidder was Japanese trainer Masamaichi Wada (bidding on behalf of leading Japanese owner Koji Maeda's North Hills Management) with keen
interest also from bloodstock agent Peter Doyle & Rathbarry Stud's Liam Cashman. "I saw him a couple of days ago & thought he was the standout lot today," said O'Toole. "The sire has had a fantastic year and I imagine Eddie will re-sell this colt next year." Barely 30 minutes earlier, another Pivotal colt (out of Last Tycoon mare Isla Negra) attracted third highest price for the day when sold to Peter Molony of Rathmore Stud for 28,000 guineas. The colt (from Patrick Churchward's Westerlands Stud) will be resubmitted as a yearling next year. The other big price came when Joss Collins of Blandford Bloodstock paid 34,000 guineas for a son of Mark Of Esteem (out of Royal Academy mare Triple Tricks) on behalf of James Egan's Corduff Stud. (Nov 28)
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Sir Patrick Hogan Stirs Controversy Over New NZ Track
Leading New Zealand breeding identity & boss of Cambridge Stud, Sir Patrick Hogan, has triggered a storm in NZ racing circles by writing to the chairman & Board of Directors of the Auckland Racing Club criticising its proposed Price's Road Training Track Development. Sir Patrick's letter notes he is writing as "a major investor in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Industry" & "a member of the Auckland Racing Club, a prominent breeder, the owner of many racehorses, and a serious contributor in the form of
sponsorship to Racing Clubs," reports thoroughbrednews.co.nz. He emphasises his opinions are "based on a lifetime
of experience in the thoroughbred industry." Sir Patrick then declares he has "grave concerns over the erection of a new
training facility at Price's Road. The two fundamental considerations that must be at the forefront of your decision
must be: (a) Is Price's Road environmentally suitable for the erection of a Training Facility? (b) Is the Price's Road
project a financially sound investment for the Auckland Racing Club, in that it will generate significant levels of
income for reinvestment into stake-money in future years? In my opinion the answer to both these questions is NO. I
believe New Zealand is currently inundated with racetracks and training facilities which consume an enormous amount of
capital in these properties not to mention the cost of running individual establishments. To build another track would
be totally irresponsible in my view and commit a large proportion of the club's equity to a facility that has poor
prospects of becoming a significant profit-earner for the members and supporters of the Auckland Racing Club.
Prize-money is a primary concern to the industry.s stakeholders and should it be necessary to sell the Takanini property
it is imperative to see the proceeds from such a sale, used in a positive - constructive - and business like manner.
Invested wisely, these proceeds should provide a substantial return to the Auckland Racing Club, in turn allowing the
club an opportunity to increase prize-money in the immediate future and lead other clubs in New Zealand towards a
brighter and more prosperous future. The Auckland Racing Club has been the 'flagship' for all other racing clubs in New
Zealand and should you decide to proceed with the Price's Road project I believe you will accelerate the decline in
which New Zealand racing currently finds itself, while the club's membership also continue to decline and become
increasingly negative towards racing in New Zealand." (Nov 28)
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Sunline Booked To Storm Cat
Champion mare Sunline has been booked to be served by the world's most expensive stallion Storm
Cat in America in January. Sunline's major part-owner Trevor McKee "has confirmed an application to have the mare served
by Storm Cat has been accepted by Kentucky's Overbrook Farm," reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Storm Cat
stands for an advertised service fee of US$500,000. However McKee also said "it is not definite that Sunline will fill
the booking as several other northern hemisphere stallion options remained under consideration." But the Storm Cat
booking "indicates that McKee & his partners are proceeding to finalise their breeding plans for Sunline, due to the
delay in her proposed sale to northern hemisphere interests. McKee said no sale arrangements have been finalised,
although negotiations are still in the hands of bloodstock agents." It had been reported McKee & his partners had
received "seven expressions of interest from parties interested in buying Sunline outright or entering into a
partnership with the existing syndicate." However it is "now believed only two parties from the US & England are showing
firm interest." Storm Cat has been leading US sire for the last two years, with more than 60 stakes-winners & almost 400
individual winners; his progeny have won US$70 million & include Giant's Causeway, Cat Thief, Sharp Cat, Catrail,
Tabasco Cat, High Yield, Hennessy & Black Minnaloushe. (Nov 27)
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Japan's Hayata Group Bankrupt
Yuki & Koichiro Hayata's high-profile Hayata Group has petitioned for bankruptcy in Japan. The
Hayatas operate both Hayata Farm & CB Farm on the island of Hokkaido, where they stand 11 leading stallions - including
Brian's Time, one of the top sires in Japan since 1996. According to both reports published in Japan &
bloodhorse.com, "Hayata received an adjudication of bankruptcy on November 25. Total liabilities were ¥5.81
billion (US$47,736,420)." Hayata Farm was founded in June 1973; annual sales were ¥2.8 billion (US$23,005,504) in 1999,
but declined to ¥1.7 billion (US$13,967,628) in 2001. The Hayatas, both veterinarians, were among Japan's leading buyers
in the US during the 1990s. They originally purchased Brian's Time (winner of US Gr1 Florida Derby & Pegasus Handicap)
in 1989 for stud duty, and he has since regularly ranked only behind Sunday Silence on Japan's leading sire lists. In
2000 the Hayatas opened the Narita Brian Memorial Museum, a monument to their 1994 Japanese Triple Crown winner Narita
Brian. The tribute reportedly cost ¥100 million. (Nov 27)
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New Racetrack Planned In Malaysia
Construction on a new US$98-million Penang International Equestrian Centre in Malaysia at
Batu Kawan is scheduled to begin next year & be completed by 2008. The track will replace the Penang Turf Club's
64-year-old racecourse at Jalan Batu Gantong, reported TheStar.com.my. (Nov 27)
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Changes To Moonee Valley Committee
Don Abell has been elected chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club, replacing Geoff
Torney. Abell has been Vice-Chairman since February 2002 & Treasurer since August 2000. Torney, a MVRC Committee for
14 years including 5 as chairman, resigned his position of chairman & also as member of the committee. He will
continue to hold his place on the Racing Victoria Limited Board. Geoffrey Webb will take on the role of Vice
Chairman & Martin Ralston the position of Treasurer. Craig Opie is a new face on the MVRC committee. Existing
Committee members Emma Boling & Geoffrey Webb were both re-elected for a 3-year term. (Nov 27)
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BMW Prize-money Raised To $2 million
The Sydney Turf Club has raised prize-money for Sydney's premier weight-for-age staying event The
BMW - run on AAMI Golden Slipper Day (12 April 2003) - from $1.25 million to $2 million. The BMW, first run in 1963, is
Australia's only Gr1 weight-for-age 2400m race. STC chairman Bruce McHugh said: "The BMW is undoubtedly the Club.s most
significant race next to the AAMI Golden Slipper, & this timely decision confirms this Club.s commitment to quality
staying races in Sydney. We are certain this considerable increase will ensure The BMW will become an even more powerful
drawcard for owners & trainers, attracting the most elite stayers to Rosehill Gardens on Golden Slipper Day. With a $2
million prize attached, not only will it continue to attract the best Australian & New Zealand competitors, it will most
certainly pave the way to opening discussions with overseas owners & trainers about this attractive Sydney race. We look
forward to more high quality clashes of the kind that were witnessed last season between Ethereal & Universal Prince."
Previous winners include: Apollo Eleven, Kingston Town, Bonecrusher, Beau Zam, Our Poetic Prince, Octagonal, Might And
Power, Tie The Knot & Ethereal. Dr Franz Sauter, managing director of BMW Group Australia, added: "This significant
increase in prize-money reflects the stature of The BMW both within Australia and internationally. The BMW is an event
that now challenges the world.s thoroughbred elite, & mirrors the values of quality & performance for which BMW is
renowned." (Nov 26)
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Records Shattered At Tattersalls December Yearling Sale
UK Tattersalls December Yearling Sale saw records shattered across the board. The 3,293,400
guineas aggregate bettered the 6-year-old old record set in 1996, and was a staggering a 88% rise on last year. The new
record average of 20,204 guineas represented a jump of 19% on last year. Significantly, six yearlings sold for six
figures sums compared to only two in 2001. A new record price for a yearling at the December Sales was set when Irish
veterinarian Demi O'Byrne outbid bloodstock agents Joss Collins, Anthony Stroud & Peter Doyle to bid 360,000 guineas for
a Spectrum filly out of Gay Hellene. She was part of a consignment of high class yearling fillies from Kildaragh Stud
(on behalf of the late Lord Weinstock's Ballymacoll Stud). The filly comes from one of the most sought after families in
the Stud Book, which includes champion galloper Pilsudski & this year's unbeaten Gr1-winning Japanese filly Fine Motion.
Three lots later a Singspiel colt out of the Artaius mare Nekhbet became the fourth-highest priced lot ever at the
December Yearling Sale when first season trainer Harvey Cyzer went to 200,000 guineas (on behalf of Colin Davey) to
secure the half-brother to multiple Group winner Right Wing & Listed winner Tarquina. London based bloodstock agent
Charlie Gordon-Watson made his presence felt by purchasing a Selkirk filly out of Listed winning Royal Academy mare Sea
Spray, on behalf of leading owner Jaber Abdullah; the filly will go into training with Mick Channon, who trained
Abdullah's 2001 Champion 2YO filly Queen's Logic. Twelve times Champion Sire Sadler's Wells was responsible for two of
the six figure transactions: a colt out of Ocean View (150,000 guineas) purchased by Anthony Stroud Bloodstock to go
into training in England; & a colt out of Photographie (120,000 guineas) also purchased by Demi O'Byrne. (Nov 26)
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Danehill Beats Sadler's Wells In European Group Wins
Danehill has taken the title as leading sire of Group winners in Europe from the great Sadler's
Wells, reported aapracingandsports.com.au - the first time in six years that Sadler's Wells has not won the
title. Danehill's progeny won 24 Group races, led by his champion 3YO Rock Of Gibraltar (five Gr1 wins). However
Sadler's Wells will still be crowned champion sire of individual Group winners for the 12th time. His 16 winners
included seven at G1: High Chaparral, Gossamer, Black Sam Bellamy, Islington, Refuse To Bend, Alberto Giacometti & Brian
Boru. (Nov 25)
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Ethereal Successfully Served At Aust Stud
Multiple Gr1-winning mare Ethereal has returned to New Zealand's Pencarrow Stud from Australia,
where she was successfully served by Coolmore Stud stallion Giant's Causeway, reported New Zealand Thoroughbred
Marketing. Ethereal's 4 Gr1 victories were the 2001 Caulfield & Melbourne Cup double, as well as the Queensland Oaks &
BMW Stakes. (Nov 25)
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Italian Wins Controversial Japan Cup
Italian horse Falbrav, a son of Fairy King, survived both a photo-finish & and controversial
protest to win the US$4 million Japan Cup at Nakayama racetrack. Connections of US runner-up Sarafan claimed their horse
had been hindered by the winner in a bumping duel as the pair went stride-for-stride over the final stages of the 2,200
metre event. Falbrav was ridden by champion Italian-born jockey Frankie Dettori, who 24 hours earlier won the Japan Cup
Dirt on Japanese-owned & American-bred Eagle Cafe. (Nov 25)
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Hayes Grabs Both Features In Hong Kong Treble
David Hayes' Hong Kong winning streak continued at Sha Tin when he trained 3 winners, including
the 2 feature events. Top sprinter All Thrills Too (son former Queensland-based sire St Covet) won the HK$2.3 million
Gr3 International Sprint Trial. Consistent Snippets galloper Super Molly proved his outside barrier no hurdle in taking
the HK$2.3 million Gr3 Chevalier Cup; among the beaten brigade was reigning Hong Kong Horse-Of-The-Year Electronic
Unicorn. And the beautifully bred Planet Ruler (by champion sire Danehill) won the HK$570,000 Class 4 Handicap. All
three Hayes winners were ridden by top South African jockey Gerald Mosse. (Nov 25)
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Green Desert Filly Tops Goffs November Foal Sale
A Green Desert filly attracted top price of 300,000 euros (US$300,390) at Ireland's 4-day Goffs
November Foal Sale. Richard O'Gorman Bloodstock purchased the bay filly from Cloncahir House Stud, agent for Dr Peter
Harms. The filly's dam, 13-year-old Glint Of Gold mare Sister Golden Hair, finished second in the 1991 Alexander
Rennen-Valentin Seibert Memorial in Germany. Sister Golden Hair's offspring include: Alexis (2001 Dance Smartly Handicap
Gr 3, 1999 River Memories Stakes at Woodbine, & 1999 Prix d'Angerville in France); Freshwater Pearl (2000 Silver Flash
2YO Fillies Stakes in Ireland); & Miss Helga (2002 Gerrardstown House Stud Silken Gilder Stakes in Ireland). In all, 610
weanlings were sold during the Goffs auction for 10,474,200 euros (US$10,487,816), at an average 17,171 euros
(US$17,193). (Nov 25)
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Australian-Bred Stayer Adds To US Reputation
Australian-bred entire Delta Form added to his standing in the US with a third placing in the Gr1
Hollywood Turf Cup at Hollywood Park in California - behind Sligo Bay & Grammarian (the horse entered for this year.s
Melbourne Cup) - reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Delta Form is by former champion sire Marscay from the
Australian Gr1 winner Arborea (the Newhaven Park-bred daughter of Imperial Prince). Delta Form is now ranked among the
best turf stayers in the US, having won a Gr2 event before his Hollywood Park third as favourite. Sligo Bay is an
Irish-bred son of champion sire Sadler's Wells, out of the Halo mare Angelic Song (a full sister to champions Devil's
Bag & Glorious Song, and to renowned late sire Saint Ballado). It was Sligo Bay's first Gr1 success, after placings in
the Gr1 Hollywood Derby, Gr1 Grand Criterium de Saint-Cloud, Gr2 Oak Tree Derby & Gr2 San Gabriel Handicap. (Nov
25)
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US Training Prize-money Record Under Threat
Bobby Frankel is closing on Wayne Lukas's all-time North American record for prize-money won in a
single season, reported The Australian newspaper. Lukas holds the record at US$17,842,358 (A$31, 652 270).
But with 6 weeks still to go, Frankel's horses have won US$16,408,174 this season - including 14 Gr1 wins (most recently
Starine in the US$2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf) & 53 Stakes race victories. (Nov 25)
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Sixty Seconds To Race In US
Trans-Tasman stakes-winning mare Sixty Seconds will continue her racing career in America,
reported The Australian newspaper. Sixty Seconds bled during the Gr3 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington in
October. Owned by the estate of the late British owner-breeder Gerald Leigh, Sixty Seconds - which won 3 races in New
Zealand & the Gr1 Arrowfield Stakes in Australia — is now in Florida. (Nov 25)
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Magic Millions Catalogue Launched
The 2003 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale catalogue was launched at Sydney's Fox
Studios by Magic Millions directors John Singleton, Gerry Harvey & Rob Ferguson. Nearly 1,000 yearlings will go under
the hammer at the 5-session Gold Coast sale (Thursday 9 January-Tuesday 14 January). Keen interest will surround the
first yearlings auctioned in Australia by first season sires Stravinsky, Xaar, Catbird, Redoute's Choice, Shinko Forest,
Fasliyev & Jade Robbery. Highlights of the catalogue include: a full sister to Gr1-winning young sire Keeper (by
Danehill); a three-quarter brother to Ha Ha (by Golden Slipper winner Catbird); a full sister to Gr2 winner Star Of
Florida; a half-brother to Gr1 Oaks winner La Volta (by Desert King); a half-sister to Al Khawaaneeg (by Belong To Me);
the first foal of Gr2 winner Adeewin, a filly by former American Horse-Of-The-Year at two Favorite Trick; a half-sister
to Hasna (by Gilded Time); a three-quarter brother to Testa Rossa (by Perugino); a full sister to Civics (by Danehill);
a half-brother to Gr1 winner Kenwood Melody (by Danehill's Gr1-winning son Johan Cruyff); a full brother to Inaflury (by
Zabeel); a half-brother to Catango (by Octagonal); a full brother to Black Opal Stakes winner Coral Saulte; a
half-sister to Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal; a half-brother to Fappiano's Son (by Last Tycoon); a half-sister Brave
Prince (by Dr Fong); the first foal of Gr1-winning filly Isca (by Danehill); a half-brother to Zabeel & Baryshnikov (by
Redoute's Choice); a three-quarter brother to Springsteen (by Danehill); a half-brother to multiple Gr1-winner Carnegie
Express (by Canny Lad; a half-brother to Fair Embrace (by Desert King); a three-quarter sister to Nothin' Leica Dane; a
three-quarter brother to Gr2-winner Langoustine (by Danehill); a bay colt from Millrich (by Favorite Trick); a
half-sister to Love Of Mary (by Desert Sun); a full sister to Gr1 Doomben Cup winner Akhenaton (by Snippets); a
half-sister to General Nediym (by Redoute's Choice); a half-sister to Makybe Diva (by Jade Robbery); a half-sister to
Make Mine Magic (by Danzero); a half-brother to Unison (by Zabeel); a half-brother to Lady Dehere (by Stavinsky); a bay
colt by Golden Slipper winner Danzero out of Magic Millions heroine Catnipped; a three-quarter sister to Shot Of Thunder
(by Thunder Gulch); and a half sister to Chading (by Favorite Trick). (Nov 23)
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Sarasola Dispersal At Deauville
Triumph Hurdle winner Snow Drop & Hidalguia (a Gr3 winner in foal to Rainbow Quest) are among the
horses to be offered as part of a dispersal of bloodstock owned by the late Enrique Sarasola at France's 3-day L'Agence
Francaise Deauville mixed sale beginning on 7 December. The Sarasola dispersal, to be held during the opening session,
will include 8 broodmares, 9 weanlings, 5 yearlings, 6 2YOs, & two horses-in-training. Several of the offerings are by
Helissio, who won the 1996 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr1) for Sarasola. (Nov 22)
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Horse-Doping Trainer Banned For 20 years
Self-confessed horse-doper, trainer & former jockey Dermot Browne has been banned from British
horseracing for 20 years, after a lengthy hearing of the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee formally warned him off UK
racetracks until 2022. But racingpost.co.uk reported Browne caused a sensation at the end of the inquiry, by
declaring to the media that some of his fellow conspirators remain active within the sport — and revealing he had
left a letter, containing many of racing's darkest secrets, for the attention of Jockey Club executive director
Christopher Foster. The inquiry followed Browne's recent revelations in court cases that he had taken part in the doping
of 23 horses between August 2 & September 20. "I will be 61 when I come back," Browne joked. "Maybe I could come back
in a veterans' race!" The only previous punishment on this scale in the UK came in 1984 when owner Ken Richardson was
banned for 25 years for his part in the Flockton Grey 'ring-in' scandal. (Nov 22)
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Torryburn Sold For $2.55 Million
Historic NSW Hunter Valley stud Torryburn has been purchased at auction for $2.55 million,
reported The Australian newspaper. Torryburn, sold by Magic Millions part-owner & former Bankers Trust chief
executive Rob Ferguson & wife Jenny, had been home to both racing stars including 2001 Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha, and
previously to poet Dorothea Mackellar who wrote her famous poem My Country there. (Nov 22)
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Second Day Surge At NZ Ready-To-Run Sale
A remarkable clearance rate of 80% - a level virtually unheard of in the world of 2YO sales - was achieved at
the second day's Select & General Session of New Zealand's Ready-To-Run Sale at Karaka in Auckland. Buyers from Australia (NZ Bloodstock recorded more Buyer Registrations from Australia than ever), Macau, Hong Kong & New Zealand all featured strongly. Highlight of the sale was Lot 137: a half-brother to top NZ 3YO galloper Vinaka. Offered by Jim & Ann Gibbs of Parkvale Farm, Matamata, the gelding by Gold Brose-Shepherd's Delight attracted an opening bid of NZ$100,000 from Sydney trainer Graeme Rogerson, and was finally secured for NZ$240,000 by Queensland-based former top jockey Mick Dittman. Other major sales included: Lot 86 Tale Of The Cat-Merry Maiden (purchased by Joe Barnes) NZ$160,000; Lot 89 Desert Prince-Miss Michelle (NZ Bloodstock) NZ$150,000; Lot 85 Desert Prince-Melrose (Joe Barnes) NZ$145,000; Lot 92 Snippets-Mrs Peron (R.C.Y Hui) NZ$140,000; Lot 30 Deputy Governor-Faithful Thought (NZ Bloodstock) NZ$115,000; Lot 35
Snippets-Financial Rescue (Equine & Livestock) NZ$100,000; Lot 39 Hurricane Sky-Folio (Willie Leung) NZ$100,000; Lot 170
Snippets-Velvet Storm (B.Mayfield-Smith) NZ$90,000; Lot 50 Scenic-Island Delight (Henry Plumptre) NZ$85,000; Lot 55
Langfuhr-Kalinka (Tim Martin) NZ$85,000; Lot 136 Geiger Counter-Sequita (Alliance Bloodstock) NZ$85,000; Lot 14 End
Sweep-Dance The Dance (Tim Martin) NZ$80,000; Lot 153 Tale Of The Cat-Sustaad (Willie Leung) NZ$75,000; Lot 155 Thunder
Gulch-Sweetliner (Tony Wildman) NZ$75,000; Lot 157 Tale Of The Cat-Talaga (Tim Martin) NZ$75,000; Lot 174 Tale Of The
Cat-Vintage Belle (N.G.McBurney) NZ$75,000; Lot 188 Danewin-Amalee (Ron Cook) NZ$75,000; Lot 83 Centaine-Meach (Joe
Barnes) NZ$72,500; Lot 84 Tale Of The Cat-Melody Fox (Rogerson Bloodstock) NZ$72,500. (Nov 21)
TOC
Success For NZ Auction's First Voluntary X-Ray Repository
NZ Bloodstock reports "introduction of the first ever voluntary X-ray Repository at a New Zealand
auction was achieved in a relatively smooth and efficient fashion" at Karaka's Ready-To-Run Sale. Participation rate by
vendors was a high 85% of Select horses. "Vets were kept very busy throughout the sale, recording around 200 viewings.
While there is still a learning curve on the issue for participants in this part of the world, introduction of the
system was very much vindicated by the fact a number of buyers made their decision to attend the sale, based on knowing
they would have the opportunity to obtain pre-sale X-ray reports." (Nov 21)
TOC
Golden Slipper Winner & Leading Sire Marauding Put Down
1987 Golden Slipper winner & subsequent leading sire Marauding has been put down at age 18,
reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Marauding dislocated a pastern in his yard at the Kelly family's Newhaven
Park Stud at Boorowa in southern NSW, his home since retiring from racing as a 3YO in 1998. By legendary sire Sir
Tristram from Biscay mare Biscalowe, Marauding raced 5 times as a 2YO for 3 wins in the G1 Golden Slipper, G2 Todman
Slipper Trial & Newcastle Penfolds Classic, plus placings in the G1 AJC Sires' Produce Stakes & G2 Silver Slipper
Stakes. At stud he produced Golden Slipper winners Burst (1992) & Prowl (1998). Marauding was Australia's leading first
season sire in 1991-92, and subsequently produced winners of over $24 million prizemoney including 28 stakeswinners
among over 330 individual winners. His other notable Group performers include King Marauding, Pillaging, Pontal Lass,
Euphoria, Drum, Zeya, Pembleton, Marlina, Tripping, Cohort & Watch. (Nov 21)
TOC
Dubai World Cup Nominations
First round nominations for the 2003 Dubai World Cup meeting (on 29 March 2003 at Nad Al Sheba) closed with 810 runners representing 23 countries nominated for the seven races - an 11% increase over first round nominations & 18%
above 2001. Australasia's prominent nominations include: Caulfield Cup & dual Cox Plate winner Northerly; Defier;
Lonhro; and Victoria Derby winner Helenus. Among the US nominations are: 2002 Breeders' Cup Distaff (Gr 1) winner Azeri;
Volponi & Medaglia d'Oro, first & second in the Breeders' Cup Classic (Gr 1); and Belmont Stakes (Gr 1) winner Sarava.
Leading European nominations include: Nayef, Where Or When and French filly Aquarelliste. South Africa's representative
is Ipi Tombe. The Dubai World Cup (UAE-1) received 114 nominations, a 22% increase over last year. (Nov
21)
TOC
Champion Sprinter Rubiano Euthanized
Rubiano, champion US sprinter of 1992, was euthanized following complications from laminitis, according
to a release from William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm, where the stallion stood since his retirement. Rubiano won
13 of his 28 races, including three Grade 1 events (NYRA Mile, Carter Handicap & Vosburgh Stakes), and earned
US$1,252,817. He was the son of leading sire Fappiano, and was produced from the Nijinsky II mare Ruby Slippers.
Fifteen-year-old Rubiano was the sire of 21 stakes winners from seven crops of racing age, including Grade 1
winners Burning Roma & Impression, and to date his runners have earned more than US $21 million.(Nov
21)
TOC
Brother To Sunline Foaled At Inverness
A full-brother to Sunline has been foaled at Inverness Stud outside Bowral in NSW. The chestnut colt (by Desert Song out of Songline) was bred by Dr Jack Woolridge and wife Sue. "Everything is pretty good with him," stud manager
Ross Bone told The Sydney Morning Herald. "He's nice and straight in his conformation. He will go to either the
Magic Millions or Easter Inglis sale in 2004". (Nov 20)
TOC
Possible Sunline Sale To US Breeder
Sunline's trainer & co-owner Trevor McKee has denied media reports Australasia's greatest stakes winner has
been sold to US breeding interests, but confirmed negotiations are still under way. "There are a few things developing,
but nothing has been decided," McKee told Melbourne newspaper The Age. McKee insisted offers to buy Sunline as a
racing prospect had been rejected, and she will definitely never race again. But he confirmed talks are continuing with
undisclosed parties concerning a partial sale as a broodmare - with McKee and Sunline's other owners Thayne Green and
Helen Lusty retaining an interest. If a sale goes ahead, The Thoroughbred Times has speculated it is likely
Sunline will leave New Zealand in time for the Northern Hemisphere breeding season. (Nov 19)
TOC
Irish Stallion Tax Exemption Under Threat
Ireland's thriving bloodstock industry would be dealt a huge blow if attempts to remove the tax-free
status of fees earned by stallions standing in the country were successful, reports bloodhorse.com. The tax
exemption, introduced in 1969, has enabled the Irish bloodstock industry to "enjoy unparalleled prosperity,
especially for the major players like Coolmore". Current Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern has announced
the tax-free status of stallion fees is to be examined ahead of Irish budget day (4 December), following
criticism from opposition politicians that "wealthy stallion owners are getting even richer at a time when
Ireland has a substantial budget deficit and increased borrowings, with public services being cut". Irish Labour
Party leader Pat Rabbitte asked recently: "Why should an incentive considered necessary for a fledgling industry
back in the 1960s be continued when such huge profits are being made?" Rabbitte called the exemption scandalous,
and claimed it costs 100 million euros a year. But the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association immediately
issued a statement in defence of the tax concession, noting that "if the income from stallion fees was taxed,
Ireland would inevitably lose its competitive advantage and stallions could be moved to other countries around
the world". The ITBA emphasised that "the US is the premium breeding market, and stud fees are 50% higher there
than those achievable in Ireland. Without the Irish tax incentive, business considerations would dictate that
many Irish-based stallions would move to the US. Broodmares will follow the stallions, and within five years,
bloodstock breeding will be as moribund as in Great Britain or France. Without the tax exemption - and the edge
it gives the Irish industry - there is no reason that the Irish Thoroughbred breeding industry will not regress
to the cottage industry it once was." Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, added: "Everybody
agrees the tax exemption on stallion fees has been an outstanding success. Ireland is a world leader in racing
and bloodstock. As a result of the exemption, a large number of foreign investors have bought land in Ireland and
their bloodstock here. They have access to the best stallions in the world, and that gives rise to employment." (Nov
19)
TOC
Brother To Aust Record Priced Yearling Filly
A brother to Australia's record-priced yearling filly was foaled at Stratheden Stud outside Tamworth in
northern NSW, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The bay colt, by Danehill from imported US mare Sommes Sound
(by French & Irish Derby winner Assert), is a brother to the filly Stratheden sold for an Australian record $1.5million
at Sydney's Inglis Easter sale in April. He is also a brother to the yearling colt Stratheden will offer at next
year's Easter sale. The youngsters are half-brother to Zeditave.s G1 Doncaster Handicap winner Assertive Lad and his
full sister Assertive Lass, winner of the G1 Flight Stakes & G1 Coolmore Classic and second in the G1 AJC Oaks. (Nov
18)
TOC
Inglis December Thoroughbred Sale
The Inglis December Thoroughbred Sale (Friday 6 December at Oaklands in Melbourne) will feature 179
mixed lots: 37 broodmares; 18 yearlings; 4 unbroken stock; 1 stallion; and 119 tried racehorses. The broodmare
section includes daughters of At Talaq (USA), Flying Spur, Kaapstad, Palace Music (USA), Rory's Jester &
Snippets. Tried racehorses include prominent stayer Maguire (winner of $400,000 & 8 races including this year's
Group 1 Auckland Cup) and stakes performers Slipstream & Kel Power. (Nov 18)
TOC
Sister To Lonhro Foaled At Woodlands
A sister to top galloper Lonhro was born at NSW Hunter Valley's Woodlands Stud, reported
aapracingandsports.com.au. The foal is the first filly produced by Shadea from four matings with former champion
racehorse Octagonal. Lonhro was Shadea's first foal; her subsequent colt foals by Octagonal are unraced 2YO Nielo and a
yearling. (Nov 18)
TOC
South African Champ Wolf Power Dies At 24
Former South African Horse-Of-The-Year Wolf Power, sire of 38 stakes winners including Grade 1 winner
Freedom Cry, died at Gainesway Farm near Lexington in America. The 24-year-old Wolf Power sired 384 winners,
including seven graded stakes winners from 500 starters in 16 crops of racing age. His foals, many sporting the gray
or roan color of their sire (a son of Round Table stallion Flirting Around) earned US$23,351,313 prizemoney.
Gainesway spokesman Michael Hernon told thoroughbredtimes.com Wolf Power died from a ruptured aorta while in his
stall. In South Africa, Wolf Power had been Horse Of The Year in 1984, champion older horse in 1983, & champion 2YO
colt in 1981. Wolf Power won back-to-back Queen.s Plates (SAf-G1) in 1983-84, and also scored in the 1981
Administrators Champion Juvenile Stakes (SAf-G1) & 1984 Metropolitan Stakes (SAf-G1). He set four course records and
equaled another in four seasons of racing. In the 1983 Germiston November Handicap (SAf-G2), he became the first
horse in South Africa to complete one mile in less than 1min 34sec. Overall, he won 18 of 31 career starts & earned
US$758,071 - which made him all-time leading earner in South Africa at the time of his retirement. (Nov
17)
TOC
Hong Kong Victory For Golden Years
The Ivan Allan-trained Golden Years took his winnings to over A$800,000 in scoring his 5th win at Hong
Kong's Sha Tin track on Saturday 16 November. The 4-year-old gelding - by Desert Style (IRE) from the Grosvenor
mare Durga Mai (NZ) - was bred and sold by the NSW Hunter Valley's Yarraman Park. Golden Years has collected prizemoney
at every one of his 12 starts. (Nov 16)
TOC
Keeneland Ends With 9.9% Average Rise
Keeneland's 10-day November breeding stock sale ended with gross revenue up 4.3% and average price up 9.9%. A
total 2,377 horses were sold for a gross US$187,230,000 — with an average US$78,767. One of the most encouraging
developments was a decline in the buy-back rate from 26% last year to 20.3% this year. "This sale has outperformed our
expectations," said Geoffrey Russel, Keeneland's director of sales. "In a readjusting market, we lose the speculators
and get back to professional people who evaluate their horses and evaluate the market. That is why the 'not sold' rate
decreased significantly. What surprised me was mares selling as well as they did. That showed buyers had confidence in
long-term investments. The foal market was also very strong. Good-looking, well-conformed weanlings brought more than
premium." (Nov 14)
TOC
"The Rock" Retires To Coolmore
Despite intense pressure from breeders all over the globe, particularly in the wake of his excellent Breeders' Cup Mile run, Rock Of Gibraltar will retire to Coolmore's Irish base in Fethard, County Tipperary. Rock Of Gibreltar will stand the 2003 season alongside his sire Danehill. Owned in partnership between Sir Alex Ferguson and Mrs Susan Magnier, Rock Of Gibraltar won 7 consecutive Group 1 races — bettering the long-standing record held by the great Mill Reef. (Nov 12)
TOC
If you have an item of Industry News which the racing community should know about, contact Gary Knowles on:
Email: gary@gadfly.net.au
Phone: (02) 9281 7523
Fax: (02) 9281 7529
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Japan Horses Cleared For Melb Cup Return
