NEWS UPDATES AJC Prizemoney Slashed 1: Gr1 Races Bare The Brunt AJC Prizemoney Slashed 2: Corporates Refute "Leakage" Allegation Victorian Breeders Introduce Leasing Scheme Nominations For Inglis $100K Bonus Close On Monday Eagle Park Stud Appoints Marketing Manager Encosta Leads Redoute's & Scenic On Aust Sires Table Volksraad Leads Pentire & Pins On NZ Sires Table Aust-Bred More Than Ready Daughter Wins In New Zealand Little Avondale Stud Stallion Parade On July 12 HKJC Chief Appeals For Government Flexibility (more>>) Take a minute to visit our new Luxury Leisure & Lifestyle portal, the complete guide to all things luxury. INDUSTRY NEWS — SEPTEMBER 2003 Paraca Arrives For Cox Plate Argentinian-bred international mare Paraca arrives today for a tilt at winning the $3 million weight-for-age Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25. Paraca (Kitwood-Paraguaya, by Country Doctor) was sold to South African interests as a yearling; she was subsequently voted SA’s champion 2YO & overall won 6 of her 9 starts there (including her last 2 victories, both over 1600m, in the Gr1 Majorca Stakes & Gr1 Triple Tiara). She is now in the care of English trainer Andrew Balding (son of Mill Reef’s trainer Ian Balding from the famous Kingsclere stables). Local rider Nash Rawiller has been booked to ride the 4YO mare in her Australian campaign. (Sep 30) Melb Cup Update: In Time’s Eye Meanwhile dual Melbourne Cup winning Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s latest hope In Time’s Eye also arrives from Britain today “with the Caulfield Cup (October 18) his 1st likely objective as Weld attempts to qualify the Royal Ascot Listed race winner for the $4.6 million Melbourne Cup (November 4),” reported racingpost.co.uk. The 4YO needs to earn prize-money by finishing in the top 5 in a race run over 2300m or more to avoid being eliminated from the Melbourne Cup if there are more than 24 horses left in the big race. Weld confirmed: “The Caulfield Cup is likely to be his 1st target in Australia. But it's not certain that he will run in that race, as he will be entered for a few other races that same week. Once he finishes in the 1st 5 in a race over the required distance, we will be in business as far as the Melbourne Cup is concerned. One More Round is going with In Time's Eye. It doesn't cost that much more to send 2 instead of 1 & there will be opportunities for him in races over 7 furlongs or a mile." (Sep 30) Flying Spur Adds European Stakes Win Arrowfield Stud stallion Flying Spur added another stakes winner to his burgeoning sire record when his 3YO filly Rue la Fayette won the Listed Europa Sprint (1000m) at Cologne in Germany. The win brought her record to 8 wins & 8 placings from 18 starts. Rue La Fayette (out of Bluebird mare Rue Pigalle) becomes Flying Spur's 23rd stakes winner & 46th stakes performer. Arrowfield's Byron Rogers said: “He is doing a fantastic job at stud. This year alone in Australia, Flying Spur has sired the likes of Spurcent, Arena Valadora, Roedean, La Reata & Annie La Vie. He's thoroughly proven on the racetrack & accepted in the sales market, which a lot of stallions can't boast. How many stallions in this country have sired as many stakes winners as he has & have their yearlings sell across all sales at an average of $100,000 like Flying Spur did this year? You can count them on one hand!" (Sep 30) NZ Trainer O’Sullivan Closes Sydney Stable Top Kiwi trainer Paul O’Sullivan has closed his Sydney satellite stable at Royal Randwick, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. O’Sullivan confirmed to the Waikato Times: "I felt I couldn't quite do it justice, considering the size of my team in NZ. It just wasn't working & I couldn't get over there often enough. To be fair to my clients on both sides of the Tasman, I needed to be hands-on & it's just a reflection on the time I spend in each stable. In future, if we want to chase a race in Australia we'll do it the old traditional way. If we get one good enough, we can put it on the plane on Tuesday to race on Saturday." O'Sullivan said most of the horses in his Randwick stable would be relocated to other Sydney trainers. (Sep 30) Thurston Owners Sue WATC The long-running Thurston saga in Western Australia “has taken a dramatic twist with the owners of the stayer issuing a writ against the WA Turf Club,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Thurston was disqualified from 2nd place in the 2001 Perth Cup & the writ served on the WATC alleges a positive swab taken from Thurston after the Perth Cup “was fraudulently obtained because the sample had been tampered with while under official custody”. Thurston was trained by former champion jockey John Miller when he ran 2nd in the Perth Cup; Miller was disqualified from training for 6 months by WATC stewards in May last year (at the conclusion of their Perth Cup inquiry), but the ban was later quashed by the WA Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal. During Miller’s appeal, biochemist John Cochrane claimed the substance found in Thurston's swab (the stomach ulcer treatment cimetidine) had not passed through the horse's digestive system; Cochrane stated in evidence the match of the sample & reference sample indicated the specimen was not of biological origin & was highly critical of the Australian Forensic Racing Laboratory & the WATC. (Sep 30) Crime Commission Probes Queensland Stewards Meanwhile “a new investigation into the activities of Queensland stewards is being conducted by the Crime & Misconduct Commission,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. A “possible case of misconduct by a member of the Queensland Racing Board stewards' panel has sparked the CMC probe”. QRB Integrity Manager Dr Bob Mason confirmed: "A matter has been reported & the proper processes under the CMC Act need to be observed. There is no timetable for an outcome & we have to wait for these things to run their course." (Sep 30) South Australia’s $1 Million Carnival Adelaide’s Magic Millions Carnival has received a major boost with new sponsors lifting total prize-money to over $1 million. And with the addition of 2 new races, the Magic Millions race day (already featuring South Australia’s richest race, the $400,000 Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO Classic) will become Australia’s biggest Wednesday race meeting. Along with the MM 2YO Classic & $250,000 Swettenham Stud stakes, Coolmore Stud will sponsor a $60,000 fillies & mares race over 1600m, while the SAJC has re-scheduled the $75,000 Tokyo City Cup to be run on the Wednesday. Magic Millions Carnival chairman Sam Hayes summed up: “It is going to be a very exciting week for Adelaide, with not only great racing but also glamorous cocktail parties, fashion parades, yearling sales & golfing tournaments.” Magic Millions proprietor John Singleton added: “We have a million dollars up for grabs over the 2 days of racing, but the Wednesday alone is already close to $900,000. With the help of another major sponsor, we want to put on a $100,000 3YO sprint race to make it a million dollar day & South Australia’s biggest day of racing.” The Adelaide Magic Millions Carnival begins in the 2nd last week of February, with the feature race day on Wednesday 25 February followed by Balcrest Stakes Day on Saturday 28 February. (Sep 30) Gold Coast Prize-Money Up $1 Million Meanwhile the Gold Coast Turf Club has announced prize-money increases totalling over $1 million. From January 17, Class One races will offer prize pools of $8,000 (up from $7,000 this year); Class Two & upwards races will be worth a minimum $10,000. Queensland Racing & the GCTC have also boosted their ‘target race’ pool: 25 races to be run over the next 6 months, previously announced at $12,000, have been lifted to $15,000; & 8 scheduled $17,000 ‘target’ events have been increased to $18,000. (Sep 30) NZ Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes Up To $1 Million And across the Tasman, Kelt Capital principal Sam Kelt has announced that next year's Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes (NZ’s richest race) will have a stake of NZ$1 million. This year’s event (won by top stayer Distinctly Secret over 2040m at Hastings last weekend) was worth NZ$750,000. Kelt told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "We need the public support to get behind this wonderful race." (Sep 30) Matamata Winner Heading To HK The weekend’s debut win at Matamata by the Brian Jenkins-trained Green Treasure (by Danehill) “was a huge result for his Hong Kong owners,” noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. The Danehill 3YO is now eligible to race in HK. He was purchased for NZ$450,000 at the Karaka yearling sales, but before he could race in HK he had to win a race worth at least NZ$6,000 (the amount on offer in Saturday’s 1100m race). (Sep 30) 1st Winner For NZ Sire Germano NZ’s Fayette Park stallion Germano (by Generous) recorded his 1st race track success when 3YO gelding Ista Kareem won over 1300m at Bordertown in South Australia on Sunday. Ista Kareem (from Germano's 1st crop) is from Touching Wood mare Princess Touching. (Sep 30) Pedigree Page Success Links Kempinsky & Lucida One studbook family “adding further chapters to the pedigree page” last weekend was NZ Cambridge Stud’s Tristalove (by Sir Tristram) & her half-sister Peruzzi (by Zabeel), noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. At Mornington in Victoria, Tristalove’s 3YO Danehill colt Kempinsky won his 1st race (a 1500m handicap); Kempinsky (a NZ$800,000 yearling purchase at NZ Bloodstock’s Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka in 2002 by Victorian Walter Alteri’s Newlands Farm) is the full brother to Cambridge’s 1st season sire & Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Viking Ruler. On the same afternoon at Royal Randwick in Sydney, 4YO mare Lucida (Danehill-Peruzzi, by Zabeel) won the $75,000 Listed Moet & Chandon Nivison (1200m); her dam Peruzzi won 7 times (including the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes), her half-brother Don Eduardo (by Zabeel) won the Gr1 AJC Derby & has commenced a career as a sire this season at Fayette Park, & her half-sister Antwerp (by Sir Tristram) is the dam of sires Viscount & Dangerous. (Sep 30) Inglis Graduates Win 4 In HK Inglis sale graduates have continued their recent success in HK: Exciting Zabeel 4YO Beethoven (a $260,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) won at Sha Tin for the David Hayes stable & now has 2 wins & a 2nd from just 3 starts for $160,000 prize-money. At Happy Valley, 4YO Snippets-Jade Court (by Bletchingly) gelding Supreme Molly (a $45,000 purchase at the 2000 Inglis Select Weanling Sale) dashed away in the straight to win by over 2 lengths. Also at Happy Valley, promising 3YO Namjong Treasure (a $65,000 buy at the 2002 Inglis Breeze-Up Sale) scored his 2nd victory. And hardy campaigner Grand Fighter (a $34,000 investment at the 1999 Inglis Classic Sale) took out Happy Valley’s feature HK Country Club Challenge Cup. (Sep 30) Roosevelt Sold To Race In HK Meanwhile the Danehill-colt Roosevelt (who finished 3rd in the Irish Derby) has been purchased to continue his career in Hong Kong, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. A Leopardstown maiden winner early in the season, Roosevelt finished only 4 lengths behind stars Alamshar & Dalakhani in the Irish Derby at The Curragh in June & has been bought by Dr Fuk To Chang. The deal was brokered by bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson, who confirmed: “The same owner bought Bowman’s Crossing 2 years ago & Roosevelt has gone out there to join trainer David Oughton.” (Sep 30) Falbrav To Stud At Japan’s Shadai Farm Falbrav, the 5YO whom trainer Luca Cumani asserted “is probably the best horse in the world from a mile to a mile & a quarter on turf” after his weekend victory in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1 mile) at Ascot in England, will retire to stud next year at Shadai Farm in Japan reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Falbrav (Fairy King-Gift Of The Night, by Slewpy) recorded his 7th Gr1 win & now has 12 wins in 24 starts for over £2.7 million prize-money. Part-owner Teruya Yoshida's European representative Patrick Barbe confirmed: "According to Mr Yoshida, the horse definitely goes to stud next year & will stand at Shadai.” (Sep 30) Bollin Eric To Stand At UK National Stud Meanwhile top UK stayer Bollin Eric (a possible starter in Sunday's Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France) “is to stand at the National Stud in Newmarket next year,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Bollin Eric (Shaamit-Bollin Zola, by Alzao) won the 2002 English St Leger & Charles Wilson, chairman of the National Hunt Committee of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, confirmed: "We have had our eye on Bollin Eric for a long time & we are very pleased that his services have been retained for British breeders." Bollin Eric has won or been placed in all of his 17 starts, winning over £500,000 in prize-money. (Sep 30) Where Or When Retires To Cheveley Park Stud John Humphreys’s Gr1 winner Where Or When has been retired following his 6th behind Falbrav in England’s Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the weekend, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 4YO son of Danehill Dancer (out of winning Super Concorde mare Future Past) will stand at Cheveley Park Stud in Newmarket. Where Or When notched 5 wins (including the 2002 Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes defeating Hawk Wing) & a 2nd in 18 starts for US$523,281 prize-money. Bred in Ireland, Where Or When hails from the family of Gr1 winner The Groom Is Red. (Sep 30) De Burgh & De Chambure Join Forces After departing from his long-term post in charge of Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Derrinstown Stud in Ireland last year, “the energetic Hubie de Burgh has wasted no time setting up a thriving bloodstock agency & has unveiled an ambitious new string to his bow,” reported racingpost.co.uk. De Burgh has teamed with leading French breeder Marc de Chambure (of Haras d’Etreham) “to build an entirely new 240-acre stud operation a few miles from Goffs at Straffan” in Ireland’s County Kildare. The new venture is called Huma Park Stud (an amalgamation of their christian names) & De Burgh revealed: “There was nothing there before we bought the land except an old cattle farm. It’s completely fresh land. We’ve completely rebuilt it from the ground up. Everything has had to be fenced & we will initially have 120 boxes designed in American barns. But it’s great land, in a good location, close to a lot of big farms, as well as the sales & airport.” Huma Park’s 1st stallion is French Gr1-winning juvenile Okawango & De Burgh added: “I’m excited by him as, not only is he an unbeaten champion 2YO, but he comes from an exceptional female line containing proven stallions including Alhaarth & Green Dancer. We’ve got to have 3 stallions to be commercial, but we have to be very selective about what we stand.” Willie McCreery has left Sheikh Mohammed’s Kildangan Stud to manage the new venture on a day-to-day basis. (Sep 30) Storming Home To UK Shadwell Stud Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Gainsborough Farm 5YO triple Gr1 winner Storming Home (who added the US Gr1 Hirsch Memorial Stakes at Santa Anita on the weekend) “will retire at the end of this season & stand at Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud near Norfolk in England,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gainsborough stud manager Michael Goodbody noted: "It’s very difficult for grass horses to do well in the US at stud. Storming Home is by Machiavellian, who’s a very good sire but an unknown quality in America." Storming Home is out of winning Shareef Dancer mare Try To Catch Me, who is out of champion foundation mare It’s In The Air. Goodbody added: "We purchased In The Air about 16 years ago & her daughters have done very well. She’s helped build a great family & I’m glad we kept a stranglehold on it. If he’s priced right, then he’ll attract a lot of mares." Storming Home has 8 wins & 7 placings in 23 career starts for US$1,536,704 prize-money. (Sep 30) Tates Creek Wins US Gr1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes Juddmonte Farms’ homebred 5YO mare Tates Creek (Rahy-Viviana, by Nureyev) won her 2nd US Gr1 race with victory in the US$500,000 Yellow Ribbon Stakes (10 furlongs on turf) at Santa Anita Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Tates Creek (ridden by Pat Valenzuela for trainer Bobby Frankel) defeated Musical Chimes & Crazy Ensign. Tate’s Creek’s victory gave Frankel his 22nd Gr1 victory of the season, tying him with D. Wayne Lukas for the American single-season record. (Aidan O’Brien holds the world record with 23.) Tates Creek has won 5 of her last 6 starts, & now has 11 wins (also including the Gr1 Gamely Breeders’ Cup Handicap in May) & 3 2nds from 16 career starts for US$1,471,674 prize-money. (Sep 30) Perfect Drift Wins US Hawthorne Gold Cup Expatriate Australian trainer Murray Johnson’s Perfect Drift (Dynaformer-Nice Gal, by Naskra) “remained undefeated on dirt this season, winning his 4th race on the surface” by taking the US$750,000 Gr2 Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap at Hawthorne Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Perfect Drift (ridden by Pat Day) has now won 5 of his past 7 starts. (Sep 30) Empire Maker Heading To Stud This year’s US Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker (Unbridled-Toussaud) “probably has run his last race,” reported bloodhorse.com. Trainer Bobby Frankel confirmed Empire Maker “is doubtful for the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic on October 25, in what would have been the 3YO colt's final race before being retired to stud”. Frankel told Associated Press: “It doesn't look like he'll make the Breeders' Cup. There's a good chance he won't run again, in my opinion.'' Empire Maker was withdrawn from last weekend’s US Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park with a recurrence of a front hoof injury that initially flared before the Gr1 Kentucky Derby. Frankel summed up: “It's a shame. He's probably the best horse I ever trained, but we'll never really get to see his true brilliance.'' Owned by Saudi Prince Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms, Empire Maker won 4 of 8 career starts (also including the Gr1 Wood Memorial & Gr1 Florida Derby, plus 3 2nds including the Gr1 Kentucky Derby). (Sep 30) Macho Uno Retired Meanwhile US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner & 2000 Champion Juvenile Macho Uno (Holy Bull-Primal Force, by Blushing Groom) has been retired to owner Frank Stronach's Adena Springs South in Florida, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. In his Breeders’ Cup victory, Macho Uno defeated eventual Horse-Of-The-Year & dual classic winner Point Given, as well as eventual Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry. Overall Macho Uno won 6 of 14 starts for US$1,851,803 prize-money. His dam Primal Force was 2000 Broodmare-Of-The-Year & also dam of Gr1 Queen’s Plate Stakes & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Awesome Again. Macho Uno will join 2000 Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner Red Bullet at Adena Springs South; Red Bullet stood his 1st season for US$30,000 & “a strong response to the son of Unbridled encouraged Adena Springs officials to send Macho Uno to that facility. Stronach noted: "We are 100% committed to bringing the very best in racing & breeding to Florida. Macho Uno fits our program to a 'T.' Here is a champion 2YO with the great Florida-bred Holy Bull as his sire. We will strongly support Macho Uno with our own mares & feel confident other horsemen will as well, especially with the advent of the Sunshine Millions Series & other lucrative opportunities for Florida-breds." (Sep 30) Lake William Retired To Pepper Oaks Farm Lake William (winner of the 2001 Gr3 San Simeon Handicap at Santa Anita Park) has been retired & will stand in 2004 at Pepper Oaks Farm in California, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred by Overbrook Farm in Kentucky, Lake William (a 7YO son of Salt Lake) retires with 7 wins in 21 career starts & US$320,091 prize-money. Pepper Oaks Farm manager Jim Wilson said: "Lake William not only has speed, but he is 1 of the best conformed horses I have seen. We are looking forward to having a Deputy Minister line stallion at Pepper Oaks & believe this stallion will provide breeders good value for their money." Lake William is out of Mr Prospector mare Sol de Terre (a full sister to 1982 Horse-Of-The-Year Conquistador Cielo). (Sep 30) Dollar Bill Retired To Stud US Gr2 winner Dollar Bill has been retired “due to arthritis in an ankle”, but stud plans have not been confirmed, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Peaks And Valleys finished 3rd to Mineshaft in the Gr1 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park on July 5 in his only start this year. Dollar Bill won the 2000 Gr2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs as a 2YO & the 2001 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds as a 3YO; he placed in 9 graded stakes including 5 Gr1 races & retires with US$1,225,546 prize-money. Bred in Kentucky, Dollar Bill is out of stakes winner Saratoga Dame (by Saratoga Six). (Sep 30) Multiple Gr1 Winner Tinners Way Moves To Texas Tinners Way (who won back-to-back US Gr1 Pacific Classic Stakes in 1994-95) has been acquired by Phil Leckinger & Jerry Hardin & will stand at Key Ranch in Texas, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A son of Secretariat (out of winning The Minstrel mare Devon Diva), Tinners Way previously stood at Harris Farms in California. Key Ranch’s Joe Kerby said: "He’s a great addition to our group. He is really put together right; he’s the complete package. I think he’ll do very well here, because people are already familiar with him. With the speed-oriented mares we have in Texas, it should be a perfect fit." After establishing himself as a stakes winner in England, Tinners Way emerged among the top handicap horses in the US with his victories in the Gr1 Pacific Classic & the 1996 Gr1 Californian Stakes. Bred in Kentucky by Juddmonte Farms, Tinners Way won 7 races & placed 10 times in 27 starts for US$1,846,546 prize-money. From 147 foals in 4 crops of racing age, Tinners Way has sired 79 starters & 40 winners. (Sep 30) Mighty Acres Farm Adds Burbank & Kipling Multiple stakes winner Burbank & regally bred winner Kipling “have been acquired by George Brennan’s Mighty Acres Farm” in Oklahoma for the 2004 season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Burbank previously stood at Tooth-Acres Farm in Arkansas, while Kipling comes from Champion Horse Park in Oklahoma. Bred & campaigned by Burbank Stables, Kentucky-bred Burbank captured 7 stakes races during his 5 years on the track; overall the 10-year-old son of Wild Again (out of Gr2-winning Exuberant mare Cagey Exuberance) won 14 of 46 career starts & retired with US$746,126 prize-money. Kipling won 5 of 28 starts, after making headlines as the sale topper of the 1997 Fasig-Tipton August select yearling sale (where the son of Gulch was purchased for US$1.4 million by Demi O’Bryne on behalf of Michael Tabor & Susan Magnier). Bred in Kentucky by William Farish, Kipling is out of Storm Bird mare Weekend Storm (a full sister to 1990 Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner Summer Squall & a half-sister to 1992 Horse-Of-The-Year A.P.Indy & Gr3 winner Welcome Surprise). Mighty Acres Farm manager Randy Blair said: "The bloodlines for Kipling are just fabulous & Burbank’s race record & durability speak for themselves." Both Kipling’s & Burbank’s 1st crop foals will be 2YOs next season. (Sep 30) Gold Mover Retired To Spring Hill Farm US multiple Gr2 winner Gold Mover has retired to owner Edward Evans’ Spring Hill Farm in Virginia, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO daughter of Gold Fever (out of winning Tentam mare Intentional Move) finished a game 3rd to Harmony Lodge in her final start, the Gr1 Ballerina Handicap at Saratoga Race Course on August 24. Trainer Mark Hennig said: "She’s perfectly sound. It was 1 of those things where she’d been with us for 4 years & never had a day where she didn’t enjoy doing her job & training. She’d had a few of those days recently, where she wasn’t 100%, & rather than take any chances, she doesn’t need to be out there if she’s not 100%. She’s done enough for us." Hennig added multiple Gr1 winner (& soon-to-be Lane’s End stallion) Mineshaft “has been mentioned as a possible mating prospect for Gold Mover, but nothing has been confirmed”. Homebred in Kentucky by Evans, Gold Mover was a graded stakes winner in every year she raced, beginning with her victories in the 2000 editions of the Gr2 Schuylerville, Gr3 Kentucky Breeders’ Cup & Gr3 Debutante Stakes. The chestnut mare won 13 of 31 starts overall for US$1,523,010 prize-money. (Sep 30) Skip To The Stone To Florida Stud Skip To The Stone (a 2-time US Gr3 winner as a 3YO) will stand in 2004 at Lou-Roe Farm in Florida, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Skip Trial finished his career with 4 wins from 18 starts. Bred in Florida, Skip To The Stone is out of winning Jolie’s Halo mare Winner’s Ticket. (Sep 30) Unloosened Moves From Indiana To Illinois Unloosened (the 8YO son of Unbridled whose 1st foals were born this year) is relocating from Swifty Farms in Indiana to Leroy Bormet’s B&B Farm in Illinois for the 2004 season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Unloosened is out of winning Giboulee mare Flying Loose (a half sister to champion & sire Fly So Free). Kentucky-bred Unloosened won 6 of 28 races. (Sep 30) Lure Pensioned To Claiborne Farm Kentucky’s Ashford Stud has retired 2-time Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Lure & the 14-year-old son of Danzig “will be pensioned at Claiborne Farm,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A Claiborne homebred, Lure won the 1992 & 1993 Breeders’ Cup Mile & retired in 1994 with 14 wins (including 10 stakes victories & 3 track records) in 25 starts for US$2,515,289 prize-money. Lure stood his 1st season at Claiborne, but an infertility claim put him in the hands of Lloyds Of London, which then sold the horse to Coolmore for the 1996 season; Lure stood for Coolmore through 2003. Lure sired 6 crops of racing age (including 10 juveniles this year): he has 51 winners (including 6 stakes winners) & US$3,008,375 in progeny earnings from 78 starters; his offspring include 1998 Irish high-weight & freshman stallion Orpen & 2001 US Gr1 Beverly D Stakes winner England’s Legend. (Sep 30) A.P.Assay Killed In Lightning Storm Promising broodmare A.P.Assay (Gr2-winning dam of a Gone West filly sold for US$1.6million at this year's Keeneland September Yearing Sale) has been euthanised at William Farish’s Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky “after suffering a broken neck during a lightning storm,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 9YO daughter of A.P.Indy (out of Gr3 winning Clever Trick mare Nice Assay, who also produced 3-time Gr1 winner Came Home) had produced 3 foals: her 1st is an unraced 2YO filly by Kingmambo named Prissy Britches; her 2nd is the Gone West filly; & her last foal is a weanling daughter of Unbridled’s Song. A.P.Assay won 5 of 14 career starts (including the 1998 Gr2 A Gleam Handicap & 1999 Desert Stormer Handicap) for US$381,691 prize-money. (Sep 30) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Awesome Cat Unraced US freshman sire Awesome Cat recorded his 1st winner when his 1st starter Ricco Cat “soared to a 9.5 lengths win” over 6 furlongs at Fairmount Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Awesome Cat (a 7YO son of Storm Cat out of stakes-winning Miswaki mare Pookette) stands at B&B Farm in Illinois. Awesome Cat was purchased by Chester Broman for US$1 million at the 1998 Fasig-Tipton Florida select sale of 2YOs in training; he is a half-brother to Canadian champion & Gr2 winner Talkin Man. The 2YO gelding Ricco Cat is the only starter from 20 foals in Awesome Cat’s 1st crop of racing age; he also has 14 yearlings. (Sep 30) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Canyon Run Illinois-based freshman sire Canyon Run recorded his 1st winner when his 1st starter Canyon’s First won on debut over 6 furlongs at Hawthorne Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A winner of 3 stakes races, Canyon Run stands at Horizon Farms in Illinois; 2YO Canyon’s First is his 1st starter among 10 foals of racing age & 6 yearlings. Bred in Illinois, Canyon Run won 8 of 20 starts (including victory in the 1996 Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park, 1997 Illinois Coronet Handicap at Hawthorne Race Course & 1997 My Trip Stakes at Arlington Park). A 10-year-old son of Dixieland Band, Canyon Run is out of stakes-winning Red Ryder mare Miss Creeker. (Sep 30) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Old Chapel US freshman sire Old Chapel recorded his 1st winner when his 1st starter Chapel Gold won over 4.5 furlongs at Sunray Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 10-year-old son of Dynaformer, Gr3 winner Old Chapel stands in New Mexico. He won 6 of 41 starts during his 5-year career & earned US$371,086. Old Chapel is 1 of 5 winners from 9 starters out of Monteverdi mare Rondonia. (Sep 30) 1st Winner For US Sire Kingdom City US sire Kingdom City recorded his 1st winner when Pizza Boy won at Hoosier Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. An 11-year-old son of Cryptoclearance (out of winning Blade mare Suite Sixty), Kingdom City stands at Cedar Brook Farm in Ohio. Kingdom City won 8 of 35 career starts (including the 1995 Gr3 Round Table Stakes). Kingdom City has 11 foals of racing age. (Sep 30) US Jockey Jeff Faul Suspended 6 Years Jockey Jeff Faul was suspended for 6 years by stewards at Great Lakes Downs after the 3-member ruling body “determined he was in possession of an electronic device during a race,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Faul’s mount Run for You originally won a 6-furlong race on August 24; but according to stewards, “the device was recovered from the track surface on August 25 & evidence was brought forth showing Faul discarding the device after the race”. (Sep 30) First One Wins Argentine Gr1 Gran Premio Maipu The 5YO mare First One (by Southern Halo) won Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Maipu (5 furlongs) at Palermo, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. First One (ridden by Jacinto Herrera for trainer Carlos Zarlengo) defeated Ultimo Aviso & Adriano II Capo in 54.87sec to register her 9th victory in 15 career starts. First One is out of multiple Gr1-winning Babor mare Fontemar, currently a broodmare in the US. (Sep 30) Top Argentine Broodmare Azalita Dies Azalita (dam of 1992 Argentine Horse-Of-The-Year & Gr1-winning sire Potrillon) has died aged 20 at Arnaldo Martinenghi's Haras La Madrugada while in foal to Flag Down, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The unraced daughter of Galisteo (out of Tropical Sun mare Azalee) also produced Gr1 winner Azagal, Gr2 winner Potrillona & stakes winner Azatin. (Sep 30) Melb Cup Update: Mamool Wins German Gr1 Godolphin's 4YO Mamool (In The Wings-Genovefa, by Woodman) confirmed his Melbourne Cup favouritism with his 2nd Gr1 win in 3 weeks in yesterday's German Gr1 Preis von Europa (2400m) at Colgne, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Mamool (ridden by Frankie Dettori for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) defeated Albanova (by Alzao) & Well Made (by Mondrian). Irish-bred Mamool has now won 6 of his 14 starts for earnings of £632,890 & enters quarantine next week in England in preparation for his trip to Australia for the Gr1 Melbourne Cup on November 4. (Sep 29) Melb Cup Update: Betting Plunge On Mamool Prior to Mamool’s German Gr1 victory yesterday, an Australia-wide Melbourne Cup plunge on the Godolphin-trained horse saw him firm from $9 to $7 “after an astutely-timed rush of money,” reported racenet.com.au. Sydney-based Bill Hurley’s Australian Sportsbook was hit with 2 bets of $180,000 to $20,000 from Australian clients: “by far the biggest movement on the Cup since betting began in July.” Importantly Mamool carried 60.5kg yesterday, but drops to 55.5kg in the Melbourne Cup. (Sep 29) Melb Cup Update: Distinctly Secret Wins NZ Gr1 And across the Tasman, Matamata-trained 5YO gelding Distinctly Secret (Distinctly North-Te Akau Secret, by Lord Ballina) “lived right up to his favouritism with a runaway win” in NZ’s richest race, the NZ$750,000 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Distinctly Secret (ridden by Opie Bosson for trainer Mark Walker) won by 3.75 lengths from Hail & Irish Rover. Distinctly Secret was bred by part-owner David Ellis of Te Akau Stud. After the race Distinctly Secret shortened from 14-1 to 11-1 (2nd favourite with Mummify & Pentastic) for the $4.6 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4. And Hail firmed from 50-1 to 25-1. (Sep 29) Melb Cup Update: US Puerto Banus Out Meanwhile US Gr2 Sunset Handicap winner Puerto Banus (6th in the Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap on August 9 at Saratoga in his most recent start) “will not compete in the Gr1 Melbourne Cup on November 4, according to co-owner Neil Papiano,” reported thoroughbredtimes. Papiano explained: "We thought he would be suitable for the 2-mile distance. He could run all day, but we don’t want to make those kinds of travel arrangements with him, so we’ll keep him here. We have a few graded stakes in mind." And thoroughbredinternet.com had noted Puerto Banus (Supremo-Drina, by Regal And Royal) would not be making the trip to Australia because “under Australian Racing Rules the 4YO will not be able to race with the assistance of Lasix, a banned medication in Australia.” (Sep 29) Falbrav Wins UK Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Trainer Luca Cumani asserted his 5YO Falbrav is “probably the best horse in the world from a mile to a mile & a quarter on turf” after his victory in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (1 mile) at Ascot in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Falbrav (Fairy King-Gift Of The Night, by Slewpy) recorded his 7th Gr1 win in defeating Russian Rhythm (by Kingmambo) & Tillerman (by In The Wings). Falbrav has now won 12 of his 24 starts for over £2.7 million prize-money. (Sep 29) Red Bloom Wins UK Gr1 Fillies Mile Cheveley Park’s 2YO homebred filly Red Bloom (Selkirk-Red Camellia, by Polar Falcon) set a 1 mile record for juveniles at Ascot in winning the UK Gr1 Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Red Bloom defeated Sundrop (by Sunday Silence) & Punctilious (by Danehill). The win by Red Bloom makes her the 2nd Gr1 winner in 2003 by Selkirk (Britain's Champion Sire in 2002) & his 6th Gr1 winner overall. (Sep 29) Mineshaft Wins US Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup William Farish’s multiple Gr1-winning 4YO Mineshaft (A.P.Indy-Prospectors Delite, by Mr Prospector) “toyed with the field during his 4.25 length victory” in the US$1 million Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup (10 furlongs) at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Mineshaft (ridden by Robby Albarado for trainer Neil Howard) defeated Quest (by Seeking The Gold) & Evening Attire (by Black Tie Affair) for his 3rd consecutive Gr1 win & 4th of the season. Bred in Kentucky, Mineshaft now has 10 wins from 18 starts overall for US$2,283,402 prize-money; he is due to run his last race in the US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic (October 25) before retiring to stud at Lane's End Farm. (Sep 29) Dimitrova Wins US Gr1 Flower Bowl Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s 3YO filly Dimitrova (who was “flown from her home base at The Curragh to capture the American Oaks at Hollywood Park in July”) snatched another of America’s most prestigious races for fillies & mares on turf when she won the US$750,000 Gr1 Flower Bowl Invitational (10 furlongs) at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The win also marked US Racing-Hall-Of-Fame jockey Jerry Bailey’s 21st Gr1 victory of the year, surpassing Mike Smith’s record of 20 set in 1994. Dimitrova (by Swain) defeated Walzerkoenigin (by Kingmambo) & Heat Haze (by Green Desert). (Sep 29) Sulamani Wins US Gr1 Turf Classic Godolphin's 4YO Sulamani (Hernando-Soul Dream, by Alleged) made it 2 American starts for 2 wins with victory in the US$750,000 Gr1 Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (12 furlongs on turf) at Belmont, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sulamani (ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) defeated Deeliteful Irving (by Afternoon Deelites) & Balto Star (by Glitterman). Bred in Ireland by the Niarchos family, Sulamani (who won the Gr1 Arlington Million on August 16 at his previous start) now has 7 wins from 11 starts for US$3,577,245 prize-money; he has also won Gr1 races in the United Arab Emirates (the Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad al Sheba in March) & France (the Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club last season). (Sep 29) Ghostzapper Wins US Gr1 Vosburgh Stakes Frank Stronach's 3YO homebred colt Ghostzapper (Awesome Again-Baby Zip, by Relaunch) blitzed his rivals by 6.5 lengths to win the US$500,000 Gr1 Vosburgh Stakes (6.5 furlongs) at Belmont, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ghostzapper (ridden by Javier Castellano for trainer Bobby Frankel) defeated Aggadan (by Carnivalay) & Posse (by Silver Deputy). Bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, Ghostzapper now has 4 wins from 6 starts for US$406,120 prize-money. (Sep 29) Storming Home Wins US Gr1 Hirsch Memorial Following his sensational last-start disqualification (after being 1st across the line) in the Gr1 Arlington Million Stakes, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum’s 5YO Storming Home (Machiavellian-Try To Catch Me, by Shareef Dancer) “ran straight & true” to win yesterday’s US$245,000 Gr1 Clement Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship Stakes (10 furlongs on turf) at Santa Anita Park, “maintaining his record of crossing the wire 1st in each of the 4 races he has run since coming to the US from England,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Great Britain by Gainsborough Stud Management, Storming Home (ridden by Gary Stevens for trainer Neil Drysdale) now has 8 wins & 7 placings in 23 career starts for US$1,536,704 prize-money. (Sep 29) Got Koko Defeats Azeri In US Lady's Secret Handicap Reigning US Horse-Of-The-Year Azeri “tasted defeat for the 1st time this season & just the 2nd time in her 16-start career” yesterday when fellow Gr1 winner Got Koko (by Signal Tap) pulled off an upset in the US$300,000 Gr2 Lady's Secret Breeders' Cup Handicap (8.5 furlongs) at Santa Anita, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Azeri (who carried 128 pounds, 10 more than Got Koko) was 3rd across the line, but was placed 2nd when Elloluv was disqualified to 4th; prior to this race 5YO mare Azeri had won 11 in succession. Got Koko (ridden by Alex Solis for trainer Bruce Headley) now has 7 wins from 13 starts, including a victory in the US Gr1 La Brea Stakes last season. (Sep 29) Lonhro Wins Gr1 George Main Stakes Australia’s current weight-for-age star Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) added another Gr1 to his record when he effortlessly cruised past his rivals in the straight to win the $350,000 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney. The 5YO Lonhro (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John Hawkes) defeated 5YO gelding Grand Armee (Hennessy-Tambour, by Marauding) & 6YO gelding Defier (Dehere-Lilande, by Marscay). Lonhro now has 21 wins & 3 placings in 28 starts for $3,869,980 prize-money. (Sep 29) Ambulance Wins Stan Fox Stakes Woodlands Stud Syndicate also took the $200,000 Gr2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Randwick, when classy gelding Ambulance (Grand Lodge-Emergency, by Marauding) finished powerfully to defeated the fillies Classy Dane (Danewin-Ranzest, by Rancher) & Hasna (Snippets-They Say, by Thirty Six Red). Ambulance (ridden by Rod Quinn for trainer John Hawkes) now has 3 wins & 4 placings in 9 starts for $419,150 prize-money. (Sep 29) Outlaws Wins Colin Stephen Quality And Woodlands Stud Syndicate continued its amazing afternoon with victory by 6YO gelding Outlaws (Brocco-Balmeressa, by Balmerino) in the $150,000 Gr3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Randwick. Outlaws (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John Hawkes) defeated 4YO gelding Fawaz (Secret Savings-Gulab, by Marscay) & 6YO gelding Dashing Away (Vice Regal-Miss Marple, by March Hywel). Outlaws now has 7 wins & 3 placings in 26 starts for $227,370 prize-money. (Sep 29) Zabarra Wins Bill Ritchie Handicap The 5YO gelding Zabarra (Zabeel-Vaindarra, by Vain) sustained a strong run in the straight to win the $100,000 Gr3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) at Randwick. Zabarra (ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Jack Denham) defeated 5YO gelding Britt’s Best (Danehill-Bal Des Sirenes, by Warning) & 5YO mare Forum Floozie (Danasinga-Flying Floozie, by Pompeii Court). Zabarra now has 7 wins & 3 placings in 21 starts for $352,600 prize-money. (Sep 29) Al Jameel Wins Dulcify Quality Nasser Lootah’s colt Al Jameel (Tale Of The Cat-Canny Asset, by Marscay) won the $75,000 Listed Dulcify Quality (2000m) for 3YOs at Randwick. Al Jameel (ridden by Danny Beasley for trainer Graeme Rogerson) defeated fellow colts L’Espalier (Marscay-Pretty Buttons, by Danehill) & Superior Sateen (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad). Al Jameel now has 2 wins & 5 placings in 14 starts for $181,630 prize-money. (Sep 29) Lucida Wins Moet & Chandon Nivison The 4YO mare Lucida (Danehill-Peruzzi, by Zabeel) won the $75,000 Listed Moet & Chandon Nivison (1200m) for mares at Randwick. Lucida (ridden by Chris Munce for trainer Kris Lees) defeated 5YO Fair Embrace (Strategic-Janelle Again, by Indian Ore) & 4YO Fatoon (Snaadee-Elated Lady, by Vain). Lucida now has 3 wins & 3 placings in 14 starts for $108,700 prize-money. (Sep 29) Santissima Wins Reginald Allen Quality Woodlands Stud Syndicate also took the $70,000 Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) for 3YO fillies at Randwick, when Santissima (Quest For Fame-Sashed, by Sir Tristram) defeated Touched By God (Sunday Silence-Sally Klaire, by Salieri) & Aim For Gold (End Sweep-Young Vic, by Old Vic). Santissima (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John Hawkes) now has 3 wins & a placing in 6 starts for $92,500 prize-money. (Sep 29) Casual Pass Wins Bill Stutt Stakes In Melbourne, 3YO gelding Casual Pass (Snippets-Raami's Magic, by Raami) won the $150,000 Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) for 3YOs at Moonee Valley. Casual Pass defeated Special Harmony (by Spinning World) & Face Value (by Red Ransom). Casual Pass now has 3 wins in 12 starts; he is the 1st living foal out of Tasmanian St Leger winner Raami's Magic. (Sep 29) Legible Lands Ansett Classic And at Mornington in Victoria, the 4YO mare Legible (Zabeel-Waihora’s Lass) won the $100,000 Ansett Classic (2000m). Legible (ridden by Dan Nikolic for trainer Brad Marzarto) defeated Price Benbara & Flying Chance. (Sep 29) MM Gold Coast Sale: $160,000 Fasliyev 2YOs Three 2YOs from the 1st Australian crop by Europe’s 1st season sire sensation Fasliyev recorded the top 3 prices of the day (including 2 at $160,000) during yesterday’s Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale on the Gold Coast. The Top 10 prices were: $160,000 Fasliyev-Bella Claudia filly (Raymond Isaac) $160,000 Fasliyev-Sillusion filly (Magic Millions as agent) $145,000 Fasliyev-Reem Albaraari colt (K.L.Tan) $110,000 Woodman-Kasimova colt (Magic Millions as agent) $95,000 Peintre Celebre-Best Effort filly (World Wide Bloodstock) $90,000 Woodman-La Volta colt (Magic Millions as agent) $80,000 Redoute’s Choice-Shigeru Fuji colt (Magic Millions as agent) $70,000 Lion Cavern-Razor Edge filly (Malcolm Thwaites) $70,000 Xaar-Tennis filly (Magic Millions as agent) $70,000 Victory Note-La Cauchemard colt (Magic Millions as agent) (Sep 29) MM Gold Coast Sale: Average Up 60% Overall 97 2YOs were sold at yesterday’s MM Gold Coast sale for a record aggregate of $3,042,000 & a record average of $31,360 (up 60.85% on last year); the clearance rate of 76.38% was up from last year’s 69.69%. Magic Millions managing director David Chester summed up: “What a brilliant sale. We could never have wished for better results.” (Sep 29) Racing NSW Stewards Probe New Drug Racing NSW stewards “are concerned a vaccine registered specifically for use on mares to halt the reproductive cycle is being used to calm down highly strung thoroughbred colts,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. The “temporary drug-induced castration of the male thoroughbred” had prompted chief steward Ray Murrihy to “raise concerns with the National Equine Integrity & Welfare Advisory Group, asking the body of respected veterinarians for their thoughts on a vaccine known as Equity.” Murrihy explained: “We’ve asked for the matter to be put on the table, & some advice be given as to the way in which this drug should be approached in racing.” (Sep 29) Stardane Wins Hawkes Bay Guineas Last start Wanganui Guineas winner Stardane (Soviet Star-Astradane, by Danehill) led all-the-way to win NZ’s Gr3 Hawkes Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings. Stardane (a 3YO gelding) defeated Penitentiary (by Pentire) & Eftee One (by Volksraad). Gr1 winning sire Soviet Star (Nureyev-Veruschka, by Venture ) shuttles between Ireland’s Ballylinch Stud & NZ. (Sep 29) King's Chapel Blitzes NZ Rivals Boom NZ colt King's Chapel (King Of Kings-Lower Chapel, by Sharpo) made his keenly awaited 3YO debut “with a runaway 4.5 lengths win in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. King's Chapel defeated Personal Column (by Personal Escort) & Carlisle Bay (by Bahhare). The Mark Walker-trained colt “had undergone 3 trials as he waited for northern tracks to dry, but was eventually sent south to Te Akau Stables' Rangiora base”. King's Chapel (who took his record to 4 wins from 5 starts) will remain in the South Island to continue his preparation for the NZ Two Thousand Guineas on November 12. (Sep 29) NZ Delegation Returns From Korea A New Zealand delegation has visited South Korea, including NZ Bloodstock representatives Andrew Seabrook & John Cameron plus Central Districts bloodstock agent Phil Cataldo & Palmerston North-based agent Chan-sig Kim (a former Korea Racing Association vet). Joining them in Seoul were Tradenz representatives, along with the NZ Ambassador to North & South Korea. Seabrook said the visit was “to further promote the NZ thoroughbred racing & breeding industry in Korea. Two functions were held in Seoul (hosted by the NZ delegation): a luncheon for trainers & assistant trainers from Seoul & Pusan (where the new racecourse is being built 300 miles south of the capital); & a dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for owners & Korean Racing Association delegates. Seabrook noted: “The current top 5 horses in Korea on stake-money won were all bred in NZ. In a country dominated by American & local breeds, NZ horses are more than holding their own. This is likely to improve as better quality horses are now being exported to Korea. It is imperative that good horses continue to go to Korea, as they are continuing to buy expensive horses from the US. Horses purchases for amounts as high as US$100,000 have been imported there from the States in recent months.” Seabrook also noted that, from 2004 onwards, only unraced horses will be able to be imported into Korea: “That augurs well for the yearling & 2YO sales & of course trials performers. At present, the 2 owners associations are allowed to import a maximum of 160 horses each year, as they are still trying to protect their local industry to some degree. It is hoped Korean owners will be attending this year’s Ready-To-Run Sale at Karaka on November 18.” (Sep 29) Arkadian Hero Parades At Paramount Lodge NZ’s Paramount Lodge studmaster Norm Hawthorne paraded Arkadian Hero (the son of French Gr1 Arc de Triomphe winner Trempolino) for broodmare owners at his Matamata stud yesterday. Arkadian Hero is shuttling to NZ for his 1st southern hemisphere season this spring, after retiring to stud in England last year. Hawthorne told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: "People need to realise what a good racehorse he was, as well as what an outstanding individual he is. I've had some glowing reports on his 1st crop of foals up there (in the northern hemisphere)." Arkadian Hero paraded alongside Paramount’s resident sires Spectacular Love, Mellifont, Hunza Court & Colombia. (Sep 29) Montjeu-Grand Echezeaux Foal At Pencarrow A well-bred filly by Montjeu from Gr1 winner Grand Echezeaux (by Zabeel) has been born at NZ’s Pencarrow Stud, advised NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Grand Echezeaux won the Gr1 Australasian Oaks & is a 3/4 sister to HK Cup winner Romanee Conti (by Sir Tristram), the dam of Caulfield-Melbourne Cups winner Ethereal (by Rhythm). Grand Echezeaux will visit NZ’s Cambridge Stud shuttle stallion Stravinsky this year. (Sep 29) NZ Foaling News: Waikato Stud Danasinga-Impassive Lady colt Zabeel-Foreign Copy colt Postponed-Comely Girl colt Montjeu-Somehow filly Danasinga-Zephyr O' colt O'Reilly-Classic Peerage filly O'Reilly-Cazuleigh filly Pins-You Dreamer filly O'Reilly-Rationable filly Spinning World-Novotaine colt (Sep 29) NZ Foaling News: Westbury Stud Faltaat-Divinity colt Postponed-Singing Angel colt Minardi-Gem Dancer filly Minardi-Miss Pollyanna colt Cullen-Haughty Miss colt Faltaat-Clear Advantage colt Kilimanjaro-Kessem's Jewel colt (Sep 29) NZ Foaling News: Cambridge Stud Keeper-Forever Dancing filly Align-Sea Island filly Bertolini-Eulogize colt Zabeel-Cannyanna colt Fantastic Light-Kerkira colt Danske-Krystal Magic filly Elnadim-No Hula No Dance colt Cape Cross-Addiction filly Keeper-Ivory filly Stravinsky-Trisynd filly Keeper-Woodwind colt Cape Cross-Dee Kay filly Stravinsky-Mardayin colt Pentire-One Good Reason colt Kashani-Miss Presto colt Stravinsky-Princess Michelle colt Stravinsky-Gypsy Moth colt (Sep 29) Goffs Ireland Day-3: $270,000 Intikhab Filly Meanwhile in Ireland, Skymarc Farm paid top price of €160,000 (A$270,000) for a filly by Irish-based freshman sire Intikhab at the Goffs Challenge Yearling Sale (which immediately followed Ireland’s 2-day Goffs Orby Sale), reported bloodhorse.com. The bay filly (consigned by Victor Stud) was produced from 9YO Be My Guest mare Ribot's Guest, a half-sister to Italian stakes winner Raysiza (by Alzao). (Sep 29) Goffs Ireland Day-3: Summary Figures Overall, 231 yearlings sold at the Goffs Challenge Sale for €5,577,400 (A$9.48m), up 12.4% on last year, at an average €24,145 (A$41,000), up 11% on last year. Buy-backs dropped to 5.3% this year, compared with 6.9% last year. (Sep 29) California Freshman Sire Surachai Moves To Ballena Vista US stakes winner & California freshman sire Surachai has been moved to Ballena Vista Farm, where he will stand the 2004 season reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A California-bred 10-year-old son of Slewpy (out of Corvettin), Surachai stood this year at Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm. From 25 foals of racing age, Surachai has 1 winner from 2 starters. Surachai won 7 of 30 career starts (including 4 stakes victories) & earned US$680,963. (Sep 29) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Miswaki Bandit Indiana-based freshman sire Miswaki Bandit recorded his 1st winner when Miswaki Babe romped home by 6.25 lengths over 5.5 furlongs at Hoosier Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Miswaki Bandit stands at Wayne Conrad’s farm in Indiana; the 9YO bay son of Miswaki has 9 foals of racing age & 3 yearlings from 2 crops. Miswaki Bandit won 5 times & placed on 8 other occasions in 29 starts. Bred in Florida, Miswaki Bandit is 1 of 5 winners from as many starters out of multiple stakes-winning No Robbery mare Articulate Robbery. (Sep 29) 1st Winner For US Sire Judge Vonsteubon And fellow Indiana-based sire Judge Vonsteubon also recorded his 1st winner when Angels Surprise scored by 2.75 lengths at Hoosier Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky, Judge Vonsteubon stands at Melissa Brunton’s farm in Indiana. The 12-year-old son of Judge Smells has 4 foals of racing age. Judge Vonsteubon won 4 times & had 5 placings from 21 career starts; he is 1 of 9 winners (from 11 starters) out of multiple stakes-winning Cloudy Dawn mare Grey Reliance. (Sep 29) Private Steer Out Of Aust Spring Racing Gr1 winning mare Private Steer is out of contention for Australia’s feature spring racing events. The 4YO mare was yesterday “found to have an elevated temperature by trainer John O'Shea &, after earlier leg injury worries, he decided the mare would spell,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Private Steer (Danehill Dancer-Lisheenowen, by Semipalatinsk) won the 2003 Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm on June 7 & had previously won 3 Listed races at Royal Randwick in Sydney. She returned to Sydney for victory in the Gr3 Concorde Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on August 30. Private Steer was aiming at the Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 4. (Sep 26) Melb Cup Update: Mamool Chasing German Gr1 Godolphin’s Melbourne Cup favourite Mamool is seeking his 2nd German Gr1 success this season (following his win in the Gr1 Grosser Bugatti Preis at Baden- Baden earlier this month) when he starts in the 41st Gr1 Preis von Europa in Cologne on Sunday. Godolphin spokesman Simon Crisford told racingpost.co.uk that Mamool will then fly to Australia for his “main objective”, the $4.6 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4. Crisford noted: "We opted to run Mamool there (in Germany) instead of the Arc (in France on Sunday October 5) because the Melbourne Cup is the big target for him & therefore we felt the German race was the right launching pad rather than the Arc. We did not see him as a realistic contender in the Arc. We've taken the view that to win the Melbourne Cup you need a rock-solid mile & a half horse. He does stay 2 miles - he won the Queen's Vase last year - but he is probably better over a mile & a half than extended distances." (Sep 26) Melb Cup Update: 3 Racing At Ascot And 3 other Melbourne Cup 1st acceptors are racing at Ascot in England this weekend, noted aapracingandsports.com.au. Swing Wing (trained by Paul Cole) & Supremacy (trained by Sir Michael Stoute) are both entered for a Listed Race over 2 miles on Sunday. And Distinction (also trained by Stoute) is entered for a 12-furlong handicap on the same program. (Sep 26) Northern Raiders On Plane To Melbourne Meanwhile the initial 4 “northern hemisphere raiders” heading south for the Victorian Spring Carnival “are scheduled to land in Melbourne on Tuesday,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Dermot Weld’s stable-mates In Time’s Eye & One More Round “are being joined on the flight by Caulfield Cup entry Hugs Dancer & Cox Plate plunge horse Paraca”. Weld is sending sprinter-miler One More Round “as a companion for new Caulfield Cup top-weight In Time's Eye”. (Sep 26) German Contender Into Quarantine And German Cox Plate entry Paolini “has gone into quarantine & is due to arrive in Melbourne on October 7,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. (Sep 26) Sunline Returning To Rock Of Gibraltar Champion racemare Sunline has failed to get in foal with Coolmore Stud’s Rock of Gibraltar, reported The Daily Telegraph. “A new mating is being arranged in the next couple of weeks” at Coolmore’s NSW Hunter Valley property. (Sep 26) Magical Miss Going To Giant’s Causeway Meanwhile owner Bill Wylie has chosen Coolmore shuttle stallion Giant’s Causeway (a son of Storm Cat) as “the first stud partner” for his brilliant 5YO mare Magical Miss (Danehill-Hooked Bid, by Spectacular Bid), reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Trainer Bart Cummings was forced to end Magical Miss’s racing career a fortnight ago due to “an on-going injury”; she recorded 4 wins (including the Gr1 VRC Oaks & Gr1 Thousand Guineas) & 5 placings in 16 starts for $1,039,750 prize-money. (Sep 26) Sadler’s Wells Serves Belle Du Jour & Ha Ha And at Coolmore’s Irish stud, Gr1 Golden Slipper winners Belle Du Jour & Ha Ha have both been served by world champion stallion Sadler’s Wells, reported The Daily Telegraph. Ha Ha “has been confirmed in foal, but the stud is hoping tests on Belle Du Jour will soon show she is pregnant.” Both the John Singleton-owned mares have been bred to southern hemisphere time & “are due to return to Australian in December.” (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $890,000 Grand Lodge Filly Bloodstock agent Anthony Stroud paid €525,000 (A$890,000) for a Grand Lodge filly to top Day-2 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale in Ireland, reported racingpost.co.uk. Stroud confirmed the bay filly (consigned by The Curragh’s Loughbrown Stud) will go to trainer “Michael Jarvis & is for 1 of his long-standing clients." The filly is from Indian Ridge mare Zooming, who is a half-sister to French Gr2 winner Zipping (by Zafonic) & French Gr3 winner Zelding (by Warning). (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $800,000 Sinndar Filly County Durham trainer Howard Johnson & Newcastle computer multi-millionaire Graham Wylie (founder of software company Sage) “took the Goffs Orby Sale by storm” reported racingpost.co.uk when they bought 4 yearlings on Day-2 to add to the 2 they’d purchased on Day-1, “taking their total spend to over €2 million (A$3.4m)”. Most expensive of the 6 was a €470,000 (A$800,000) filly from the 1st crop of dual-Gr1 English Derby & French Arc winner Sinndar from Jim Murphy’s Redpender Stud; the bay filly (with 4 white socks & a white face) is a half-sister to this year’s American Derby runner-up Californian. Johnson noted: “I’m a jumping trainer, but we are buying 6 or 8 Flat horses for a bit of fun during the summer.” Wylie (the son of a miner) is reported to be worth around £100m, is an avid Newcastle United soccer fan & grabbed headlines across Britain when he paid £175,000 hiring Ronan Keating to sing to his new bride at what was described as “north east England’s wedding of the decade”. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $710,000 Xaar Colt Johnson & Wylie employed local agent Bobby O’Ryan “to help them pick out the right yearlings”, noted racingpost.co.uk, & and they outbid Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson at €420,000 (A$710,000) for a Xaar colt from Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $680,000 Sadler’s Wells Filly Johnson & Wylie also paid €400,000 (A$680,000) for a Sadler’s Wells half-sister to French Gr2 winner Crimson Quest from Timmy Hyde’s Camas Park Stud. Johnson described the filly to racingpost.co.uk as “a lovely pedigree & a lovely article.” (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $510,000 Sadler’s Wells Filly And Johnson & Wylie paid €300,000 (A$510,000) for a Halling colt (out of German Listed winner Emma Peel), reported racingpost.co.uk. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $640,000 Indian Ridge Filly Meanwhile Oussama Abou Ghazale & his fellow Chilean-based partner in International Equities Holdings paid €380,000 (A$640,000) for Eyrefield Lodge Stud’s Indian Ridge filly (out of a winning daughter of multiple Gr1 winner Marling). Ghazale told racingpost.co.uk: “It’s the first time we have bought here & the filly will go into training in England. We are trying to put Chile on the racing map. We also own Wild Spirit, who was bred in Chile & won a Gr1 race for Bobby Frankel in America last week.” (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $610,000 Grand Lodge Colt John Ferguson (accompanied by David Loder & buying for Sheikh Mohammed) paid €360,000 (A$610,000) for a Grand Lodge half-brother to 1993 Fillies’ Mile winner Fairy Heights (consigned by Ashtown House Stud), reported racingpost.co.uk. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $575,000 Sadler’s Wells Filly BBA Ireland boss Adrian Nicoll paid €340,000 (A$575,000) for a Sadler’s Wells filly (consigned by Airlie Stud). Nicoll told racingpost.co.uk: “We were at our last endeavour at that price. She was a beautiful filly & quite good value. She goes to Michael Bell.” (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: $540,000 In The Wings Colt And dual Melbourne Cup winning Irishman Dermot Weld will train the In The Wings colt (from the Smurfit family’s Forenaghts Stud) bought for €320,000 (A$540,000) by Richard Galpin & Jean-Louis Branere of France Pur Sang. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: HKJC Buys Another Danehill The Hong Kong Jockey Club paid €240,000 (A$408,000) for its 2nd Danehill colt in successive days, again for resale at the 2004 Hong Kong International Sale. The yearling will be prepared in England before shipping to HK for presentation at the HK auction in December 2004. The Danehill–Escape To Victory (by Salse) colt boasts a dam who won twice as a juvenile & her only foal to race, Benbaun (by Stravinsky), has also won twice in recent weeks over sprint trips in England. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: Cumulative Summary After 2 sessions of the Orby Sale, 332 horses had been sold for a gross €31,656,000 (A$53.8m) at an average €95,349 (A$162,000) & median €65,000 (A$110,000). Last year's comparable figures were 350 sold for a gross €35,978,000 (A$61m) at an average €102,794 (A$174,000) & a median €62,000 (A$105,000). Goffs managing director Matt Mitchell summed: “Purchases here were very selective & what seemed to be missing was a bottom to the market. There was no solid base: people either wanted your horse or they didn’t.” (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-2: Shuttle Sire Summary Among the shuttle sire averages (with 3 or more yearlings sold over the 2 days) at the Goffs Orby Sale, aapracingandsports.com.au reported: Danehill Dancer (4 lots sold) average price €143750 (A$244,000) Grand Lodge (12 lots sold) average price €131000 (A$222,000) Giant's Causeway (11 lots sold) average price €119545 (A$203,000) King's Best (14 lots sold) average price €116214 (A$197,000) Fasliyev (16 lots sold) average price €113125 (A$192,000) Xaar (6 lots sold) average price €108667 (A$184,000) Cape Cross (3 lots sold) average price €90667 (A$154,000) Desert Prince (8 lots sold) average price €89500 (A$152,000) Stravinsky (3 lots sold) average price €80000 (A$136,000) Marju (6 lots sold) average price €75000 (A$127,000) Anabaa (3 lots sold) average price €45000 (A$76,000) King Of Kings (9 lots sold) average price €23667 (A$40,000) (Sep 26) Keeneland November 1: Schettine Cancels Dispersal In America, Florida-based breeder William Schettine has canceled the scheduled dispersal of his breeding stock at the Keeneland November sale (which begins on November 2), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Schettine (breeder of multiple Gr1 stakes winner Take Charge Lady) “has decided to retain his broodmare band at the current time”. Take Charge Lady’s dam Felicita (who is in foal to A.P.Indy) had been included in the original dispersal plans. Schettine explained: "With all my other business endeavors, I was experiencing a time management crunch & had decided to sell my breeding stock. But the more I thought about it, I really hated letting those mares leave Florida. I am a big supporter of the Florida breeding program & decided to cancel the dispersal." The majority of the 58 broodmares & weanlings set for sale are boarded in Florida, where Schettine leases a portion of Good Chance Farm in Ocala. Schettine also stands 3 stallions at his Signature Stallions in nearby Reddick. (Sep 26) Keeneland November 2: Point Given’s Dam Meanwhile the Mill Ridge Sales Company’s consignment at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale totals 87 mares & 31 weanlings including, noted thoroughbredtimes, “3 mares who have produced performers at the highest levels: Turko’s Turn, Banshee Winds & Drina. Turko’s Turn is the dam of US 2001 Horse-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO male Point Given, as well as stakes-placed winners Deher’s Turn & Point Gained. The 11-year-old daughter of Turkoman will be represented in the sale by a full brother to Point Given who is by Thunder Gulch. Banshee Winds produced 1998 champion 3YO filly Banshee Breeze, stakes-winner Unbridled Wind & stakes-placed winner Charm. The 13-year-old daughter of Known Fact came up barren this year after being bred to Gone West. Drina is a 15-year-old Regal And Royal mare who produced 2000 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Spain (racing’s all-time leading distaff money earner). Drina also is the dam of this year’s Gr2 Sunset Handicap winner Puerto Banus & Path Of Thunder (a full sister to Spain bought for US$1.2 million by Demi O’Byrne at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale). (Sep 26) Keeneland November 3: Sharp Cat Sale Multiple US Gr1 winner Sharp Cat (owned by The Thoroughbred Corporation) is also part of the Mill Ridge consignment to the Keeneland November sale, as is her 2003 foal (a filly by Point Given), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sharp Cat is a half-sister to 3-time Gr1 winner Royal Anthem & multiple Gr3 winner Star Recruit. Mill Ridge director Bayne Welker declared: "This is truly a 1st-class group of horses, both in terms of breeding stock & future racing stock. The private breeders who have asked us to sell in November have spent many years acquiring & cultivating these bloodlines, & these horses are the fruits of those labors. The market is very favorable toward a true quality-type mare. Several of these mares produced million-dollar yearlings in 2003. This is why our clients have elected to make these closely-held lines available to the public now." (Sep 26) Keeneland November 4: Habibti & Windsharp Sale Multiple Gr1 winner Habibti is also among horses owned by The Thoroughbred Corporation to be offered at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, noted bloodhorse.com. Formerly headed by the late Prince Ahmed Salman of Saudia Arabia, The Thoroughbred Corporation also plans to sell Canadian champion Windsharp (who produced Gr1 winners Dessert & Johar). Thoroughbred Corporation’s Terence Collier noted: "This is not a dispersal, but the continuation of the orderly reduction of his (Prince Ahmed's) Thoroughbred assets. A substantial number of yearlings were sold at Keeneland in September. A majority of his mares will be sold in November." (Sep 26) Barretts Catalogues 782 Horses For October Mixed Sale Meanwhile the Barretts October Mixed Sale (October 27-28 at Fairplex Park) “will be the largest in the Southern California sale company's history, with 782 horses catalogued,” reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 26) Barretts Changes January Sale Dates And Barretts Equine has moved the dates of its 2004 January mixed sale to January 26-27, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The sale had been scheduled for January 20-21. (Sep 26) Hunter Valley Sire Rigoletto Dies Back in Australia, successful NSW Hunter Valley sire Rigoletto has died aged 19 reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The son of Bletchingly was standing at Baerami Creek Stud, after originally beginning his stud career at Baramul Stud (when owned by his breeder Sir Tristan Antico, who raced Rigoletto under trainer Bart Cummings). The stallion moved to Baerami after he was sold to local breeder & pecan nut farmer Bruce MacPherson. Rigoletto was bred at Baramul Stud from top Showdown mare Verdi (a Gr3 winner & placed in the Gr1 AJC Champagne Stakes, Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, Gr1 1000 Guineas, Gr1 VRC Oaks & Gr2 Wakeful Stakes). Overall Rigoletto produced 77 winners from only 124 runners (including Group winners Pasta Express & Ken's Joy). (Sep 26) Grand Lodge Recovering At Woodlands Meanwhile at Woodlands Stud, Grand Lodge (sire of Shogun Lodge, Freemason & Ambulance) is recovering after breaking his knee in a paddock accident earlier this month. Bob Ingham told The Daily Telegraph: “He’s been a great patient. He’ll make it. We are pretty confident of that now & hopefully he can serve mares again next spring.” (Sep 26) Treloar Appointed Trainer At Macedon Lodge Former leading Melbourne jockey Wayne ‘Smokey’ Treloar has been appointed resident trainer at prominent Victorian stable Macedon Lodge. Treloar (who won the Victorian apprenticeship title 4 times between 1974 & 1978) retired from the saddle at the end of the last racing season; his 20 Gr1 victories include the AJC Derby (Tristarc), Caulfield Cup (Tristarc), Caulfield Stakes (Tristarc), Underwood Stakes (Tristarc), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Tristarc), SA Derby (Brewery Boy), Victoria Derby (Brewery Boy), Newmarket Handicap (Toy Show), Toorak Handicap (Visit), Craven A Stakes (Galway Bay), Fruit 'N' Veg Stakes (Bar Landy) & Blue Diamond Stakes (Bel Esprit). Macedon Lodge currently has 19 young horses in work, including progeny by Zabeel, Rory's Jester, Pentire, Bubble Gum Fellow, Made Of Gold, Medaaly & Ali Royal. (Sep 26) NSW Raceclubs’ United Response To Rationalisation NSW metropolitan, provincial & country raceclubs have met “to form a united front to respond to calls to rationalise the industry,” reported The Daily Telegraph. The meeting followed the recent release of the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board’s ‘Key Issues’ paper (which included discussion of possible mergers). Sydney Turf Club chief executive Michael Kenny confirmed: “It was decided we will put together a common response to the draft strategic plan for a meeting with the TRB next month.” (Sep 26) Aust Racing Museum’s Historic Photo Exhibition During the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival, the Australian Racing Museum is presenting The Racing Game (a free exhibition featuring 60 of Bruce Postle’s best photographs) in central Melbourne’s new Cathedral Room of the ANZ Gothic Bank on Collins Street. The multi-award winning sport & news photographer’s images capture historic sporting events featuring famous racing identities, punters, supporters & champion horses in their moments of glory, humour, exhilaration & sometimes pain. (Sep 26) Coolmore Freshman Second Empire Adds 4 Winners Coolmore Ireland’s 1st season sire Second Empire is enjoying a purple patch, with 4 winners in Italy, France & Ireland in the past week: Clasem di San Jore won by 3.5 lengths in Milan; Le Duanier won his 2nd race by 2.5 lengths in France; Miss Misson recorded her 3rd victory with a 2-length win also in France; & yesterday at Fairyhouse in Ireland, Malibu won by 2.5 lengths over 7 furlongs. Second Empire has now sired 6 individual winners (& 12 others have been placed) from just 25 runners. (Sep 26) Magnier Sells Chevalier To Tally-Ho Stud Chevalier (who finished 2nd to Dalakhani in the Gr1 Gran Criterium last November) has been sold to stand as a stallion at Tally-Ho Stud in Mullingar, reported racingpost.co.uk. The son of Danehill & Sadler’s Wells mare Legend Maker (a half-sister to Royal Ascot winner Amfortas) joins a roster at Tally-Ho Stud that includes Beckett, Danetime & Indian Rocket. John Magnier (who sold Chevalier) explained: “He was a talented horse but, unfortunately, picked up an injury which ruled him out of action. We sold him because you can’t keep them all & must make way for new faces.” (Sep 26) UK Jockey Club Investigates ‘Strong-Arm Tactics’ With the headline-generating disputes over both prize-money cuts & jockey restrictions on mobile phone use “reaching a fever pitch”, the security department of the British Jockey Club “will conduct an investigation into intimidatory tactics used by parties in both cases,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Last weekend, owners & trainers protested against the recent purse reductions by withdrawing 32 of the 74 horses entered on the Wolverhampton card; as a result of the boycott, 28 connections (including 12 trainers) were fined, but the drama continued when trainer Norma Mccauley told the UK Racing Post that 1 of her owners “had received a phone call suggesting he not run 1 of his horses”. Meanwhile jockeys protesting against official restrictions of their mobile phone use refused to ride at Sandown, forcing the track to cancel its entire card. Senior steward Julian Richmond-Watson told Reuters: "We are very concerned about reports we have received from our own officials, as well as those reproduced in the press, about pressure being placed on individuals in relation to the recent disputes. While everyone is entitled to their opinion on these hotly debated issues, it is unacceptable for pressure to be applied to jockeys, trainers or owners to give up opportunities to earn their living or compete for prize-money." (Sep 26) UK Trainer ‘Warned Off’ For 10 Years Former British trainer Kamil Mahdi was ‘warned off’ for 10 years yesterday when he appeared before the UK Jockey Club’s Disciplinary Panel over cruelty charges, reported racingpost.co.uk. The penalty followed Mahdi’s conviction earlier this year for “causing unnecessary suffering to 5 horses which resulted in magistrates banning him from keeping horses for life”. Mahdi (also found in breach for attending a Nottingham meeting last October while disqualified for non-payment of debts) had pleaded guilty to the cruelty charges, admitting the horses had been shut in their boxes for “at least“ 5 days & were “forced to stand & lie in their faeces & urine”. The horses were subsequently removed by the RSPCA, but “because of malnourished condition” 1 collapsed soon afterwards & had to be put down; RSPCA inspector Chris Nice (who led the investigation) said the horses' neglect "was among the worst I’ve ever seen”. (Sep 26) German Oaks Switched To Hamburg Hamburg will host both Germany’s premier Classics next year, after it was announced Mulheim is giving up both its Pattern races, including the Gr1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks), “owing to financial problems,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The Diana “will become the feature of a new 2-day weekend fixture at Hamburg on June 5-6”; the fillies’ classic (which has already closed & currently has 213 entries) “will thus be run on the same course as the German Derby” (on July 4). The Gr3 Preis der Winterkonigin (Mulheim’s other Pattern prize) will be staged there for the final time next month (October 3) before moving to Baden-Baden in 2004 (where it will become the centre-piece of a new autumn Baden-Baden meeting, scheduled to coincide with the BBAG Mixed Sale). (Sep 26) Sky Mesa Retired To Three Chimneys John Oxley’s US Gr1 winner Sky Mesa (hampered by injuries at the end of his 2YO season & throughout this year’s 3YO campaign) has been retired to stud, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Pulpit will stand his initial season in 2004 at Robert & Blythe Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky for US$30,000. Sky Mesa was undefeated in 3 starts as a 2YO last year, including the Gr1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga & Gr2 Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland Race Course. Robert Clay said Sky Mesa’s 1st book of mares would include champions Hidden Lake & Beautiful Pleasure, as well as Gr1 winner Golden Bri, & noted: "Breeders will be very impressed when they see how good-looking he is. He really is an outstanding individual." Purchased for US$750,000 at the 2001 Keeneland September yearling sale, Sky Mesa (out of Gr3-winning Storm Cat mare Caress, whose dam La Affirmed is a half-sister to 1984 champion filly Outstandingly) retires with 3 wins in 6 career starts & US$633,076 prize-money. (Sep 26) US Millionaire Gold Mover Retired Edward Evans' US home-bred millionaire Gold Mover has retired to her owner's Spring Hill Farm in Virginia, reported bloodhorse.com. The 5YO daughter of Gold Fever (from Tentam mare Intentional Move) finished 3rd in the Gr1 Ballerina Handicap at Saratoga on August 24 to conclude her career with 13 wins from 31 starts & $1,523,010 prize-money. Trainer Mark Hennig summed up: "There was nothing major, just something nagging her. She's done enough & retires sound." Gold Mover was a graded stakes winner all 4 years she raced, including the Gr2 Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga & consecutive runnings of the Gr2 Princess Rooney at Calder Race Course (in the 2002 Princes Rooney she beat champion Xtra Heat). Millionaire Mineshaft (who is scheduled to enter stud in 2004) “is under consideration as a mate for Gold Mover next year”. (Sep 26) Storm Creek Relocates To California Kentucky sire Storm Creek will move to Rancho San Miguel in California “to stand the 2004 season as the property of Rancho San Miguel & Taylor Made Farm,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 10-year-old son of Storm Cat (out of stakes-winning Mr Prospector mare Shawnee Creek), Storm Creek stood for US$10,000 this year at Taylor Made in Kentucky. With 186 starters in 4 crops of racing age, Storm Creek has sired 112 winners (with 6 stakes-winners, including Stormy Pick who captured the 2000 Gr1 Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga Race Course); his progeny have earned US$7,303,356. Storm Creek entered stud at Mockingbird Farm in Florida & ranked 2nd among freshman sires by progeny earnings in 2000 (with runners earning US$1,044,203). Taylor Made purchased Storm Creek (in partnership with Aaron & Marie Jones) & moved him to Kentucky prior to the 2001 season. On the track, Storm Creek won 4 of 14 career starts (including the 1996 Gr3 Sheridan Stakes at Arlington Park). (Sep 26) 1st Winner for US Sire Stosky US sire Stosky recorded his 1st winner when Donald Horrell‘s homebred filly Stosky And Hutch won by 10 lengths in her 3rd race start, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Stosky (a 9YO son of Vice Regent who won over 6 furlongs at Calder in 1997) has 7 foals in his initial 2 crops of racing age. He is 1 of 7 winners (from 8 starters) out of stakes-winning Nashua mare Stoshka. (Sep 26) Team Valor Buys Half-Sister To Gr1 Star Trademark Team Valor has bought South African Gr3 winner Super Brand (half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Trademark) “for an undisclosed fee in an effort to shore-up their arsenal for the 2004 United Arab Emirates meeting in Dubai,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 4YO daughter of Royal Prerogative stallion Royal Chalice (out of Elliodor mare Popular), Super Brand has been placed in the care of trainer Mike de Kock “where she will spend 45 days in quarantine in the Western Cape, along with fellow recent Team Valor purchase & Gr1 winner Crimson Palace”. Team Valor president Barry Irwin commented: "The form, class & durability of these South African horses is mighty impressive. We haven’t come across 1 yet that can’t run at the highest level." In her most recent start, Super Brand captured the Gr3 Final Fling Stakes at Kenilworth on August 10 & has won 4 of her previous 7 outings. After racing in Dubai, “the bay filly will be sent to the US in April where she will be trained by Kiaran McLaughlin”. Team Valor plans to “race Super Brand for the next 2 seasons in America, breed her in 2006 & offer her for sale in the Keeneland November breeding stock sale”. (Sep 26) Goffs Ireland Day-1: $2.04m Dubai Millennium Colt Sheikh Mohammed's John Ferguson paid €1.2million (A$2.04m) for a colt by 2000 European Horse-Of-The-Year Dubai Millennium (out of Spirit Of Tara, by Sadler's Wells) to top Day-1 at Ireland’s Goffs Orby Yearling Sale at Kildare Paddocks outside Dublin, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Consigned by Kilcarn Stud, the bay colt is a brother to UK Diadem Stakes runner-up Multazem; & dam Spirit Of Tara is a full sister to Irish & English classic winner (& 5-time Gr1 victor) Salsabil & stakes winner & Aussie stallion Song Of Tara, & is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Marju. “Few offspring of the late Dubai Millennium have been available at public auction since the Maktoum family retained most of the sire’s only crop,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 25) Goffs Ireland Day-1: $710,000 Nureyev Colt Pat O’Kelly’s Kilcarn Stud also provided the 2nd top price when Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Estate paid €420,000 (A$710,000) for a son from the final crop of the late Nureyev (believed to be the last yearling by the great US sire ever to be offered). The colt is out of Nuts In May (by A.P.Indy), who in turn is out of Gr1 winner Regal State. (Sep 25) Goffs Ireland Day-1: Top 10 Lots €1,200,000 (A$2.04m) paid by John Ferguson for a Dubai Millennium-Spirit Of Tara colt €420,000 (A$710,000) paid by Shadwell Estate for a Nureyev-Nuts In May colt €360,0000 (A$610,000) paid by James Delahooke for a Darshaan-Star Crystal filly €300,000 (A$510,000) paid by Howard Johnson for a Montjeu-Opari colt €300,000 (A$510,000) paid by John Warren for a Desert Prince-Moy Water colt €300,000 (A$510,000) paid by Cheveley Park Stud for a King's Best-Marlene D filly €290,000 (A$490,000) paid by R.Fahey for a Sinndar-Style Of Life filly €280,000 (A$475,000) paid by Demi O’Byrne for a Fasliyev-Rahika Rose filly €260,000 (A$440,000) paid by Demi O’Byrne for a Danehill Dancer-Miss Kinabalu colt €260,000 (A$440,000) paid by John Ferguson for a Pivotal-Triple Tie colt (Sep 25) Goffs Ireland Day-1: Gross Down 8.3% Over 50 horses at Day-1 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale sold in excess of €100,000 (A$170,000). Overall 161 horses sold (from 180 offered) for gross receipts of €16,275,000 (A$27,660,00), an 8.3% decline from the corresponding session last year, when 183 horses sold for €20,146,000 (A$34,240,000) reported bloodhorse.com. The session average was €101,087 (A$171,000). (Sep 25) Goffs Ireland Day-1: HKJC Buys 2 Colts The Hong Kong Jockey Club purchased 2 well-bred yearling colts at Goffs Day-1 for resale at its 2004 Hong Kong International Sale. The yearlings (to be prepared in England before shipping to HK for presentation at the December 2004 auction) are: €150,000 (A$255,000) Danehill–Moon Drop (by Dominion) colt: 7-time Australian champion sire Danehill has sired 54 individual Gr1 winners in both hemispheres; the dam Moon Drop was a Listed winner in England & twice 2nd in similar events in Germany at distances up to 1400m; of her 7 foals to race, all have won. €110,000 (A$187,000) Green Desert –Royale (by Royal Academy) colt: Gr1 winning sprinter Green Desert (like Danehill, a son of Danzig) is a champion sire & sire of sires; the dam Royale was twice a winner in Ireland up to 1600m & has 1 winner from 2 foals to race. (Sep 25) Perth MM Sale: $43,000 Grand Lodge Colt Meanwhile in Australia, Malaysian-based horseman K.C.Tiang paid $43,000 for a chestnut colt by international siring star Grand Lodge to top the Perth Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale. The colt (offered by Coranderrk Grazing Company as agent) is from an unplaced Sir Tristram 3/4 sister to Gr1-performed sire Tristram & a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner Aerosmith; he is also from the family of multiple Gr2 winner Delightful Belle (dam of dual-Gr1 Golden Slipper & Newmarket Handicap winner Belle Du Jour). (Sep 25) Perth MM Sale: $42,000 Scenic Colt Colin & Jenny Smith paid $42,000 for a 2YO colt by local sire star Scenic (offered by Melody Park) at the Perth MM Sale. The bay colt is from the 3-time winning Danzatore mare Jive Dancer (whose only runner to the track Ovrejive is a multiple winner); Jive Dancer herself is a daughter of multiple stakes-winning NZ juvenile Crystal Brook. (Sep 25) Perth MM Sale: Summary Figures Overall, the Perth Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale recorded an aggregate $557,350 with a $19,905 average price. (Sep 25) Magic Millions Boasts Bargain Winners Meanwhile a number of ‘bargain’ Magic Millions sale offerings won around Australia yesterday: In Flames (Spectrum-Canny), a $13,000 buy at the 2002 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast, won at Canterbury Park in Sydney. Galactic Warrior (Admiralty-Bay Of Pearls), a $5,000 buy at the 2002 Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast, won at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. Nediym’s Image (Nediym-Picnic Party), a $5,500 buy at the 2002 Magic Millions Tawmorth Prime Yearling Sale, also won at Eagle Farm. Sunblitza (Keltrice-Almudita), passed-in for $13,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Summer Yearling Sale, won at Murray Bridge in South Australia. Glory Blazer (Stargazer-De Lante), a $5,250 buy at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Cup Yearling Sale, also won at Murray Bridge. (Sep 25) Octagonal Progeny On Winning Streak Progeny by Woodlands Stud sire Octagonal have begun the new racing season full of running. Impressive early winners include Lonhro, Bellow, Day In, Donington, Jeremiad, Odd Man Out & Polygogonal. Among the last week’s victors were 2 particularly well-related winners: bred & raced by Mudgee’s Gooree Stud, Day In (who led all the way over 1410m at Werribee in Victoria) is out of Mr Prospector mare Daily & is closely related to former champion racehorse Lure; & Bellow (who scored an authoritative win at Canterbury Park in Sydney, defeating fellow Octagonal son Luhaif) is a half-brother to Yell, last season’s Australian Sprinter-Of-The-Year. (Sep 25) Desert Prince Adds To 1st Crop Winners Fellow Woodlands sire Desert Prince notched another 1st crop winner when Sandy River (out of Missing Sheets by Western Symphony) scored at Warwick Farm in Sydney. Desert Prince’s 1st crop now includes stakes-winners Kusi (Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes), Syrinx, Kalamata & Al Samoud, plus impressive winners Fellaheen, Saddiki & Jewel Of The Nile. And Desert Prince looks set to continue his success with his 2nd crop, with recent trial winner Negev qualifying for the early 2YO races. (Sep 25) Versatile Treble To Secret Savings The versatility of Emirates Park’s Mr Prospector-line stallion Secret Savings was emphasised with his weekend treble over distances ranging from 1110-2000m: His Excellency Nasser Lootah’s home-bred 3YO filly Shamekha won the Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens; 4YO gelding Fawaz ran a class record in winning an open handicap (2000m) at Rosehill; & fellow 4YO gelding Algorithm set a new Gold Coast course record for 1110m in blitzing the field by 6.75 lengths in 1m 3.66sec (last 600m in 33.59sec). (Sep 25) Full Brother To Shamekha Born At Emirates Meanwhile a striking full-brother to multiple Group winner Shamekha has been born at Emirates Park Stud. (Sep 25) Freedman’s Magic Adelaide Investment Victorian trainer Lee Freedman bought 7 yearlings at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale for a combined total of $276,000. That group have now collectively won just short of $1.5 million. The group (who are now new season 4YOs & many still have their best racing ahead of them) already includes 2 Group winners & 3 other Melbourne metropolitan performers. And on Sunday the brilliant Jeune gelding Mummify (ex Cleopatra’s Girl) raced into outright favouritism for the Caulfield Cup when he won the Gr1 Underwood Stakes; Mummify (a $41,000 purchase) had previously also won the Gr1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville in May. The “magical seven” also includes: $40,000 buy & dual stakes winner True Glo; last weekend’s Sandown winner Sweet Corn (a $28,000 investment); recent Flemington-placed & multiple winner Kalera King; & now Macau-based sensation Elegance Champion (who raced in Australia as Tomakomai), winner of 4 of his last 5 starts. (Sep 25) Magic Millions 4 Winners In HK Magic Millions sale graduates grabbed 4 wins in Hong Kong’s weekend racing: Anabatik (Anabaa-Key Satellite): Widden Stud offering (at the 2001 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast) Anabatik led the way in the Ash Handicap (1000m), a race carrying a purse of HK$1.6 million (A$320,000). Dragon Win (Danehill-Comely Lass): Dragon Win won over 1400m; sold by Stratheden Stud at the 1999 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, he is a full brother to Group winner Vigil. Top Dancer (Danehill Dancer-Classy Poppy): Gelding Top Dancer (previously named Top Mind in Australia) is a half-brother to Adelaide stakes winning juvenile Preponderate & was sold by Bahram Stud Farm at the 2000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Miracles (Dolphin Street-Honoress): Gelding Miracles was a $32,500 bargain buy from the Independent Stallion Station draft at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Select Yearling Sale at Morphettville; he is a half-brother to dual Macau Gold Cup winner Storming Force & multiple winners Silk Degrees, Breed To Glory & Prince Bard. (Sep 25) Say Florida Sandy Retired To Stud The 8-year racing career of US multiple graded stakes winner & New York record setter Say Florida Sandy “has finally come to an end as the son of Personal Flag has been retired to enter stud for the upcoming season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Owner John Rotella confirmed he is “close to a deal to sell the 9YO New York-bred warrior to a New York farm”, telling US Daily Racing Form: "He’s ready. Whenever we sent him to the farm before, he was ready to come back to the track right away. Now, he is happy standing there by himself in the paddock. He’s been so good to me. I wanted to retire him 100% sound & he is." Say Florida Sandy (out of winning Sweet Candy mare Lolli Lucka Lolli) retires just 2 starts shy of 100 races; he became the 1st New York-bred to reach the US$2 million prize-money mark in January’s Paumonok Handicap. Say Florida Sandy retires with 33 wins (including 19 stakes victories) & 29 placings from 98 starts with US$2,085,408 in earnings. (Sep 25) Ommadon To Metropolitan Stud Ommadon (winner of the US Gr3 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct) will stand the 2004 season at the newly formed Metropolitan Stud near Pine Plains in New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sorin Stables will retain ownership of its 5YO homebred Grindstone colt (out of Gr3-winning Turkoman mare Missymooiloveyou), who has won 4 of 14 starts. (Sep 25) US Gr1 Winner Ms Eloise Dead US Gr1 winner Ms Eloise (whose initial 4 foals won or placed in stakes) has died at Lochness Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. The 20-year-old mare (bred in Florida) was a model of consistency on the track, finishing 1st or 2nd in 27 of 36 starts (19 of them stakes); overall she retired with 16 wins & US$870,982 prize-money. Her initial 2 foals Daybreak Express & Bibury Court won stakes; her 3rd foal Ms Isadora was graded stakes-placed; & 4th foal Princess Eloise was also a stakes winner. Ms Eloise (Nasty And Bold-Belle Noel, by Tom Rolfe) produced 10 named foals in all (7 of whom have won), including additional stakes-placed runners Sweet Eloise & Chuckler. (Sep 25) Canadian Stallion Semi Northern Dead Semi Northern (a 25-year-old son of Northern Dancer) has died at Big Curve Acres Farm in Ontario in Canada, where he’d stood since 1996, reported bloodhorse.com. Bred by Spendthrift Farm, Semi Northern was bought by Moyglare Stud Farm for US$125,000 at the Keeneland July yearling sale & sent to France where he ran placings in 4 of 5 races (including the Prix du Bel Air). Semi Northern returned to North America & sired 4 stakes winners (including Semi Vicious, who set 3 track records & equaled the 1-mile record at Turf Paradise). (Sep 25) 22 Juddmonte Mares With Gr1 Winners Under the headline ‘Make way for the Juddernaut’, thoroughbredtimes.com notes Khalid Abdullah’s international empire Juddmonte Farms owns at least 22 broodmares with foals of 2002 and/or 2003 that have already produced Gr1 winners: “That means Juddmonte bred each of these Gr1 winners, which at last count numbered 30.” Among Juddmonte’s 2003 stars are: 6 Gr1 homebred winners, including classic winners Empire Maker in the US & Nebraska Tornado in France; Europe’s top-rated sprinter & multiple Gr1 winner Oasis Dream; US Gr1-winning half sisters Tates Creek & Sightseek; & Heat Haze (a Green Desert half-sister to 2001 Eclipse champion turf female Banks Hill), who won the US Gr1 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park. (Sep 25) Market Racing To Sport Fans, Not Gamblers The producer, director & screenwriter of hit movie Seabiscuit believes horse racing is “ripe for growth, if it focuses on the characters in the game rather than the gambling aspects of it,” reported bloodhorse.com. Gary Ross (keynote speaker at the US National Thoroughbred Racing Association Annual Meeting & Marketing Summit in Las Vegas) offered his thoughts on “how racing might grow, given the opportunity Seabiscuit has created”. (The movie has grossed US$115 million in less than 60 days.) Ross summed up: "If you sell to the fan & not to the gambler, the sport could have a huge resurgence." Ross also suggested: Camera angles: televised coverage of racing needs to resemble the racing footage in Seabiscuit, including close-up angles that show “the drama of a race”. Less racing: There is a "great blur" in the sport accentuated by the proliferation of satellite wagering; hence "most of horse racing just blends together. No other fan base supports a sport 52-weeks-a-year." Empower the jockeys: "The jockeys are the only athletes in a race that can talk." Celebrate tradition: Ross questioned whether slot machines & card rooms do much to enhance the racing experience. (Sep 25) 2004 Equine Veterinary Symposium In Panana Kentucky-based veterinarian group Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Associates is to host the 2004 International Bluegrass Equine Veterinary Symposium in Panama City from January 7–10, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The program will include lectures on recent diagnostic & treatment techniques in reproduction, ophthalmology & lameness, as well as programs on nutrition & vaccination. (Sep 25) 13-Year-Old Leaping Plum Approved To Race Thursday Odd Spot: US stakes-winning veteran Leaping Plum “will be allowed to race as a 13-year-old at Fonner Park next (northern hemisphere) spring,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Nebraska State Racing Commission approved a request to allow 12-year-old Leaping Plum to race at Fonner Park in Nebraska next year. (Horses in Nebraska are supposed to face mandatory retirement at age 12.) Leaping Plum (who has won 17 stakes races & earned US$371,048 prize-money) has developed a cult following of fans who wear T-shirts displaying his picture by winning the 4-furlong Grasmick Handicap in 8 of the last 9 years (7 times in succession from 1995-2001, then again this year). The gelded Kentucky-bred son of Lightning Leap (out of Dr Blum mare Velvet Plum) has won 19 of 31 career starts at Fonner Park’s 5-furlong oval. (Sep 25) Official Demand To Inspect Fallon's Phone Records The English Jockey Club has presented leading jockey Kieren Fallon with a written demand to inspect his telephone records “as part of the continuing investigation into the controversial substitution of the champion jockey for little-known apprentice Karl Bowman aboard gambled-on winner Hanton at Brighton in July,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Meanwhile Hanton’s trainer Mark Wallace admitted he has provided his phone records “having also been approached for the information last week”. Hanton (a 2YO daughter of Orpen having her 1st start) was quoted at 14-1 in the Racing Post betting forecast, but started 7-4 favourite “after strong off-course support from early shows of 5-1”. The filly, who the previous evening “was backed on betting exchanges at odds as high as 14.5-1”, scored by a neck “& needed all the strength of Fallon, who was booked minutes before the race when Bowman failed to arrive in time”. It was later reported the 7lb claimer “was late because Wallace’s secretary Sam Wallim, who was driving him from Newmarket, got caught in a traffic jam”. (Sep 24) Caulfield Cup Update: In Time’s Eye New Top-Weight The Dermot Weld-trained In Time’s Eye is the new top-weight for the $2.5 million Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, following yesterday’s close of 2nd Declarations. In Time’s Eye’s 55kg will necessitate all weights being raised by 0.5kg at Final Declaration time to satisfy the regulation governing the minimum top-weight requirement of 55.5kg for Gr1 events in Victoria. Original top-weight Mubtaker was missing from yesterday’s entries, along with other international hopefuls Mamool, Millstreet & Beekeeper. However James Given’s Hugs Dancer remains in the race & will arrive with In Time’s Eye at Melbourne Airport next Tuesday (September 30) for the required quarantine period. (Sep 24) Caulfield Cup Update: 7 Waterhouse Contenders Overall, 69 horses remain in contention for a place in the Caulfield Cup. Gai Waterhouse leads the domestic entries with 7 potential runners (Grand Armee, Platinum Scissors, Sunday Joy, Shower Of Roses, So Assertive, Who Did It & National Treasure). Bart Cummings & David Hall follow each have 5 remaining entries. (Sep 24) Caulfield Cup Update: Rose Archway Penalised Rose Archway has been re-handicapped half a kilogram to 49.5kg for the Caulfield Cup following her win in the Listed Dubai International Racing Carnival Handicap at Caulfield last weekend. She now takes the full 2.5kg ballot allowance, thus elevating her to equal 21st in the revised order after yesterday’s acceptances. Third declarations close on Tuesday October 7. (Sep 24) Melb Cup Update: Rain Gauge Doubts Meanwhile Rain Gauge’s 3rd Melbourne Cup campaign is in doubt after “he went home sore” following Sunday's Caulfield meeting, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Trainer Gary Hanlon confirmed Rain Gauge (6th & 8th in the last 2 Melbourne Cups) was “short in his action” after finishing 10th to Rose Archway in the Listed Dubai International Racing Carnival Handicap (2000m). However, Hanlon “played down the setback & said it was too early to presume the 6YO's spring was over, noting: "He ran home well & was only beaten 4 lengths, so it was pretty good run. He pulled up a bit short, but he ate up that night & the following morning he was free in his action." Hanlon confirmed he would “talk to the owners & monitor Rain Gauge this week” before making any decisions. (Sep 24) Harris Plans Training Career Former champion jockey Wayne Harris has outlined plans to begin a training career, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Recurring health complications (the result of a brain tumor that afflicted Harris during his 20s) forced the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey into a premature retirement from the saddle in 1998 after riding almost 2,000 winners. Harris, now 42, confirmed: “I have had a meeting with Ray Murrihy (Sydney’s chief steward) & I am in the process of completing my application to Racing NSW for a training licence. I want to keep up my media commitments, but I also want to work with horses again, as I think I have enough knowledge stored away to make a go of training. I am not rushing into it overnight, but a few friends have been at me for a while to train for them. I will be looking to start off with just a small team of horses & will take it from there.” Harris added the training success of his former jockey rivals & close friends Ron Quinton, Malcolm Johnston & Kevin Moses had also encouraged him to apply for a training permit, but noted: “There are never many boxes available for new trainers at Randwick (close to his home), so maybe I will have to look elsewhere. The Illawarra Turf Club has offered to support me, so maybe I will rent some boxes at Kembla Grange.” (Sep 24) Sport Betting Restrictions Illegal Australia’s gambling industry “faces a major upheaval” after the Federal Court “struck down state laws that restrict the operations of corporate bookmakers,” reported The Australian Financial Review. The decision “clears the way for corporate betting shops from other states to operate in NSW” (Australia’s gambling capital) & bookmakers around the nation “may be about to face a new era of competition.” Until the court decision, corporate bookmakers wanting to operate in NSW & most other states faced state licensing laws “preventing them from retaining operations in other jurisdictions”. The Federal Court found the NSW legislation imposing this requirement was invalid “because it discriminated against out-of-state parties”. The challenge was brought by ACT betting operator Sportodds, whose chief executive Con Kafataris declared: “The TAB might have something to worry about!” (Sep 24) Sydney Spring Carnival Tipping Competition The Australian Jockey Club has announced a Sydney Spring Carnival Tipping Competition with free entry (simply log on to www.ajc.org.au) & $10,000 worth of prizes. Entrants pick 1 horse in the 3 races nominated on each day of the AJC Spring Carnival (September 27, October 4 & October 6), with the selections earning points according to their performances; tipsters can then monitor their progress in the competition after each race day. First prize (valued at $7,700) includes: airfares & 5 nights accommodation for 2 people at the Marriott Hotel in Surfers Paradise; a race day package for 10 people (including food & beverages) to San Miguel Doncaster/Derby Day; a Longines watch; 2 pairs of Gucci sunglasses; & a case of Seppelt wine. (Sep 24) Yearling Inspections At Twin Palms & Kia Ora The Inglis bloodstock teams have been out in force, surveying potential 2004 Easter Sale offerings: Ian MacPherson & Hugh Rainger ventured northwards to Singleton, Maitland & Lochinvar where they inspected an outstanding draft of youngsters at Twin Palms Stud for next year’s Easter Sale, including: an athletic colt by Redoute’s Choice from Itaquere Keeneland; & a well-balanced colt by More Than Ready from stakes-winning Zabeel mare For The Moment. Jonathan D’Arcy & Dean Harvey concentrated on the central Scone area, visiting major vendors including Arrowfield Stud, where the stellar draft includes a half-brother by Redoute’s Choice to last year’s record breaking Sunday Silence colt from Phantom Creek. At nearby Kia-Ora Stud, the impressive Easter entries included: an athletic 3/4 brother to Exceed And Excel, by Redoute’s Choice from Patrona; an Anabaa colt from Melbourne Cup place-getter Zazabelle: & a filly by Fusaichi Pegasus from stakes-placed Darmala. (Sep 24) Stone Rose In Foal To Golan The 1st southern hemisphere mare to be served by exciting 1st-season shuttle stallion Golan has already been tested in foal. Stakes-winner Stone Rose (a leading 2YO of her year in NZ) was covered by the English 2000 Guineas winner at the commencement of his current NZ stud season at Windsor Park Stud. A delighted Ric Wylie, stud manager of Bloomsbury Stud, confirmed Stone Rose had returned a positive test. (Sep 24) Lane's End Sets US$100,000 Mineshaft Fee US multiple Gr1 winner Mineshaft will begin his stallion career in 2004 at William Farish's Lane's End Farm in Kentucky for US$100,000, twice that of Vindication (last year's champion 2YO male), reported bloodhorse.com. Mineshaft (a 4YO son of A.P.Indy out of Mr Prospector mare Prospectors Delight) is scheduled to contest this weekend’s Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, followed by the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic (October 25). He currently boasts a career record of 9 wins from 17 starts for US$1,683,402 prize-money. (Sep 24) US$300,000 A.P.Indy Stud Fee Meanwhile Mineshaft’s sire A.P.Indy (whose 2003 fee of US$300,000 was below only that of Storm Cat's US$500,000) will stand for the same amount in 2004 at Lane's End, confirmed bloodhorse.com. By Seattle Slew, A.P.Indy tops this year's sire list with US$6.6 million in progeny earnings. (Sep 24) US$225,000 Kingmambo Fee Lane's End Farm has also announced a 2004 service fee of US$225,000 for Kingmambo (up US$25,000 from 2003), reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 24) Lane’s End Kentucky 2004 Fees Among its other 2004 stallion fees, Lane’s End announced it will “set a private fee for 16-year-old Summer Squall,” reported bloodhorse.com. And the fee for in-coming stallion Toccet “will be set at a later date”. Fees for other Lane's End stallions are: US$50,000 for Dixieland Band, Gulch & Lemon Drop Kid; US$40,000 for Came Home; US$30,000 for Dixie Union; US$25,000 for Belong To Me & Smart Strike; US$15,000 for Pleasant Tap; US$12,500 for Stephen Got Even; US$10,000 for Lil's Lad, Pine Bluff & Silver Ghost; US$7,500 for King Cugat; US$5,000 for Fit To Fight & Parade Ground. (Sep 24) Lane’s End Texas 2004 Fees And the Lane's End Texas division also announced fees of: US$12,500 for Valid Expectations; US$7,500 for Open Forum; US$5,000 for Exciting Story; US$3,500 for Dove Hunt; Fashion Find's fee is private. (Sep 24) US$125,000 Gone West Fee Meanwhile Gone West (whose yearling colt out of Touch Of Greatness brought the top price of US$3.8 million at the Keeneland September sale) will stand again in 2004 for US$125,000 reported bloodhorse.com. Gone West (a 19-year-old son of Mr Prospector) has sired 71 stakes-winners while standing at Mill Ridge Farm in Kentucky (owned by Alice Chandler & her husband Dr John Chandler). (Sep 24) No Excuse Needed In Tara Stud Deal Dual Gr2 winner No Excuse Needed will join Bold Fact, Dilshaan, Key Of Luck, Petorius & Simply Great at Tara Stud in Ireland’s County Meath for the 2004 season, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 5YO son of Machiavellian (out of Zilzal mare Nawaiet) is currently standing his 1st season at NZ’s Waikato Stud, where his book includes Romanee Conti (dam of Melbourne & Caulfield Cup-winning champion Ethereal) along with champion 2YO filly Sandsend & several Gr1 winners. Bred by Gainsborough Stud Management & trained in Britain by Sir Michael Stoute for Maktoum Al Maktoum, No Excuse Needed won his initial 2 starts as a 2YO (including the Gr3 Vintage Stakes); he returned to finish 5th behind Black Minnaloushe in the St James’s Palace Stakes & runner-up to Noverre in the Sussex Stakes, before winning the Gr2 Celebration Mile. He subsequently ran 4th to Keltos in the Lockinge, before beating a strong field of milers in the Gr2 Queen Anne Stakes. (Sep 24) Rouvres To Stand At Irish Stud French group winner Rouvres (Anabaa-Riziere, by Groom Dancer) “has been sold privately & will stand at Greentree Stud in Ireland’s County Tyrone upon retirement,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The 4YO will continue to race in breeder Alec Head’s colours until the end of the year. Currently in North America, Rouvres has been placed 3 times at Gr2 level this year; last year in France his wins included the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat & Prix de Guiche. ”Rouvres’ sire Anabaa is a son of Danzig, thus making him heir to arguably the most popular sire line in Europe & Australia,” noted racingpost.co.uk. (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 1: Flooding The Yearling Market Meanwhile at Ireland’s recent National Breeders’ Seminar, trans-Atlantic sales consignor Ted Voute spoke about “the effects of flooding the yearling market with more sellers than buyers,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Voute noted: “In the select part of the market, we’ve got some pretty big stud fees. I’m not as worried about over-production in itself, as I am about it at the top-end of stud fees. When the big books were introduced, there were only a few studs that had over-production at the top & the market could stand it. Now you’ve got every big commercial stallion with books of over 100; & therefore commercially you’ve got a whole lot of yearlings at the top end & not enough people to buy them.” Referring to the Tattersalls October Sale catalogue he noted: “There’s a period there in the 1st day where there are 9 Giant’s Causeway yearlings going through the sale in only about an hour & a half. That’s about a million pounds in stud fees. It will be interesting to see whether that may be a contributor to a lot more people not making much money. That is coupled with the fact that several big mare owners have bought a lot of mares recently, particularly in England, coming in this year & next year with their big purchases, & it has flooded the market with more sellers than buyers. I’m just trying to work out whether the market will be able to sustain that. I think those are the reasons we should put more efforts into getting new owners in.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 2: Fragility Of Modern Horses Veteran horseman Ian Balding (trainer of 1971 English Derby winner Mill Reef) addressed the Irish National Breeders’ Seminar on “the increasing fragility of the modern thoroughbred,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Balding noted: “In the last 10 years, the gloomy phone calls to owners have increased. There is no doubt the current racehorse is much more fragile than it used to be. In the 1970s, 90-95% of our 2YOs actually made the racecourse in their 1st season; by the 1980s that dropped to about 75-80%; & in the 1990s just 65-70% were actually getting a run in their 2YO seasons. Also we have a diminished resistance to disease. That has got worse rather than better, in spite of the advances in veterinary science. Mentally as well as physically, these young horses are not nearly as tough as they used to be. They will sweat & worry & they won’t eat, & consequently you can’t train them.” Balding blamed trainers in part for these results: citing shorter hours that horses are actually trained, in part due to staff shortages: “Training has altered dramatically over the years. We used to ride 2 lots & the horses were always out for an hour & a half. Due to labour shortages, that is now 3 or 4 lots.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 3: Medicine Aids Unsound Horses At Sales Trainer Ian Balding added: “A 2nd problem is this. There’s no doubt advances in surgical technique have meant there are more corrective treatments, & so many more basically unsound horses make it not only to the sales, but actually into training. The main culprit in this situation is the breeder. The foals & yearlings are more pampered than they used to be &, not surprisingly, in the sales ring these horses look absolutely at their best. And we trainers have no chance of improving on them, really. They look magnificent at the sales. We buy them, we get them home, & as soon as we get to March & start trying to do a little with them, we can’t train them.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 4: Major Thoroughbred Industry Changes Bill Oppenheim (“market analyst of the breeding sector”) spoke at the Irish National Breeders’ Seminar about “changes in the horse business over the last 50 years,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Oppenheim declared: “Things aren’t what they used to be. And they’re not going to be like they used to be again. What has happened in the horse business over the last 50 years? It’s changed an awful lot. For 1 thing, all these great theories that people came up with in the 1930s & 1940s were based on foal crops & stallion populations roughly a 5th the size of the foal crops & stallion populations we’re talking about now. The most significant change is that Paul Mellon (who bred Mill Reef) & all his contemporaries unfortunately have passed away, & have not been replaced by private breeders who could afford to raise horses in the way that Ian Balding was lucky enough to have. There aren’t the great private breeders there were in the 1950s & all the way into the 1970s & 1980s. Certainly not in America – there’s a few over here & the Aga Khan is the most obvious one. But even the big broodmare bands that exist now in Europe, & the big private breeders – Khalid Abdullah, the Maktoum brothers & John Magnier – are really 1st-generation breeders of this magnitude. The private breeder has been replaced by the commercial breeder. One effect of this is what I call the democratisation of money. More people like you & me actually have a chance to make money in this game, to survive, to prosper. But here’s a side-effect that hasn’t been so good: We talk about all the great families; you’re lucky if somebody keeps a mare for 3 years now, much less 3 generations. So, consequently, the families don’t develop.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 5: Northern Dancer In-Breeding Benefits Bill Oppenheim also “differed from a number of his colleagues” in speaking about “the substantial benefits of in-breeding to Northern Dancer,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Citing Hernando, a horse with stamina who is in-bred to Northern Dancer, Oppenheim said: “He crosses best with staying mares by Northern Dancer-line stallions. He loves a 3rd cross of Northern Dancer. And he gets stayers. And when Group winner after Group winner has Danzig on top & Nijinsky on the bottom, & more recently Danehill on Sadler’s Wells . . . I disagree that too much Northern Dancer is a bad thing. Most people who breed horses don’t really plan the implications in the long term. The horse has got to be cheap, he’s got to be a 1st year sire, he has to have speed – & if there happen to be 3 crosses of Northern Dancer, who cares? The breeder just goes & does it because the breeder’s got to make money in this very difficult & financially challenging industry.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 6: Class Breeds Class But Bill Oppenheim noted “things can be more simple than they appear,” reported racingpost.co.uk. He summed up: “For all the things that have changed in the industry, there’s 1 thing that hasn’t changed. And that is that the most important decision-making tool you have to deal with is this: read the form. Understand the form. Because even though there’s no guarantee the best racehorses make the best sires, there is still a correlation. And it is still true that the most important single thing to determine whether an individual can transmit class, is did they have class themselves? Because it’s a lot easier to transmit if you had it yourself.” (Sep 24) Irish Breeders 7: Stamina Rather Than Speed Trainer Arthur Moore spoke at the Irish National Breeders’ Seminar about “the increasing emphasis on speed & neglect of stamina in the National Hunt arena,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Moore (a former leading jump jockey in Ireland & trainer for the last 28 years) spoke “passionately for a return to stamina & durability, rather than speed & precocity, as the traits breeders should aim for”. In answer to the question ‘What do National Hunt trainers want?’, Moore answered simply: “Staying chasers.” He noted: “We must not allow courage & stamina to be sacrificed for precocity & speed. We need tough staying horses from other bloodlines. It is surely significant that the French have imported German stallions in recent years for their National Hunt mares. Breeders should concentrate on quality, not quantity. Too many of our well-bred mares have been sold abroad, & too many of the low achievers have been sent to stud as a refuge from their unworthiness on the racecourse, without giving their pedigrees enough consideration. Sadly, at the moment there are far too many stallions, especially from the Northern Dancer sire line; 70 of the stallions represented at the National Hunt November Foal Sales in 2002 came from the Northern Dancer line; 50 of the first 100 foals catalogued had Northern Dancer in their blood. That may be sensible for this generation, but when they go to stud, we’ll need new bloodlines to offer a fresh out-cross. The racecourse is the 1st indispensable guide to successful breeding value. The prime requirement is to avoid hasty judgements & the illogical swings of fashion to which the bloodstock market is prone. Selection should not be based on a single quality to the exclusion of all others, but rather a combination of qualities. This includes speed, stamina, temperament, conformation, pedigree & constitution. It is up to the breeders & stallion owners to improve the quality of the breed.” (Sep 24) Exceed And Excel Invited To Dubai Exciting Sydney 3YO Exceed And Excel “has been invited to run in the US$2 million (A$3.7 million) Golden Shaheen (1200m) at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, following his record-breaking win in the $350,000 Dubai Racing Club Cup (1400m) at Caulfield,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The Danehill 3YO led throughout in a course record 1min 21.2sec & is now being aimed at the $1 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11. Owner Nick Moraitis told The Daily Telegraph he is keen to start Exceed And Excel in the Dubai race: “If he won in Dubai, can you imagine what he would be worth then? Look what they sold Choisir for after he won in England.” (Sep 23) Owner Offered $5 Million For Boom 3YO Meanwhile owner Nick Moraitis (who raced former Australian champion Might And Power) “has rejected a massive offer of $5 million to sell” Exceed And Excel, reported The Daily Telegraph. Moraitis revealed he has been “inundated” by prospective buyers: “I have got about 5 offers on the table & the highest is now $5 million. At this stage he’s not for sale. But who knows what might happen down the track?” (Sep 23) Pincay To Sue Santa Anita & Medical Staff In a move with potentially major ramifications for the American racing industry, US Racing Hall-Of-Fame jockey Laffit Pincay junior “plans to file a lawsuit against Santa Anita Park & various members of its medical staff this week in California Superior Court in Los Angeles, according to his attorney Neil Papiano,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The suit alleges there were “several instances of negligence regarding Pincay’s care following his accident at Santa Anita on March 1, which left him with 2 fractures in his neck & led to his retirement,” revealed US Daily Racing Form. (Sep 23) Danzero’s Big Week Continues Arrowfield Stud’s Danzero (the Gr1 Golden Slipper-winning sire son of Danehill) has had an exciting 48 hours. On Sunday his 3YO daughter Hinting (Danzero-Won’t Tell, by Rory’s Jester) won the $150,000 Gr3 Jumeirah International Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in Melbourne; she now has 3 wins & 2 placings from just 6 starts. And yesterday at Randwick in Sydney, unraced 2YO Dance Hero (Danzero-Gypsy Dancer, by Dance Floor) ran the fastest time of the day (47.71sec) to win his official 2YO trial; that effort followed his recent win in an official trial at Canterbury; Dance Hero is now aiming at the Listed Breeders’ Plate at Royal Randwick on October 4 (traditionally the 1st race of the season for Sydney 2YOs). Danzero stands at Arrowfield this season for $26,400 (including GST). (Sep 23) Danehill Dancer Adds Irish Stakes Meanwhile Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer received a timely boost when his 2YO filly Venturi won Ireland’s Gr3 Park Stakes (7 furlongs) at The Curragh, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Venturi (ridden by Richard Hughes) defeated Misty Heights & Opera Comique; she had won her previous start by 9 lengths at The Curragh on August 31. Venturi (out of Old Vic mare Zagreb Flyer) was bred in Great Britain by Lloyd Farm Stud; notable immediate family members include English & Irish high-weight, Gr1 winner & sire To-Agori-Mou. (Sep 23) NSW Trainer’s $14,000 Drug Fine Trainer Kevin Mcleod has been fined $14,000 following an inquiry by Racing NSW stewards “into the analyst's findings of prohibited substances xylazine & tramadol in urine samples taken from the mare Southern Sal following its wins at Goulburn on 31 January & 16 February,” reported racenet.com.au. (Sep 23) Caulfield Cup Betting Moves The main Caulfield Cup (2400m) betting market moves, following weekend racing, from Victorian bookmaker Michael Eskander are: Mummify $9 into $8 outright favourite; Grey Song $51 into $26; Pentastic $13 into $11; & Rose Archway $34 into $26. The overall market now is: $8 Mummify; $11 Makybe Diva & Pentastic; $13 Distinctly Secret; $ 15 Grand Armee & Sunday Joy; $17 In Time's Eye; $21 Ain't Seen Nothin', Half Hennessy, Strasbourg & Zagalia. (Sep 23) Melbourne Cup Betting Moves The main Melbourne Cup (3200m) betting market moves, following weekend racing, from Victorian bookmaker Michael Eskander are: Pentastic $13 into $11; Grey Song $34 into $21; Mummify; $15 into $13; & Vicksburg $67 into $51. The overall market now is: $9 Mamool; $11 Pentastic; $13 Mummify; $15 Makybe Diva; $17 Strasbourg; $21 Distinctly Secret, Grey Song, Honor Babe & Vinnie Roe; $25 In Time's Eye, Mr American Gothic, Oarsman, Platinum Scissors, Sunday Joy & Zagalia. (Sep 23) Cox Plate Betting Moves The main Cox Plate (2040m) betting market moves, following weekend racing, from Victorian bookmaker Michael Eskander are: Defier $10 into $7; Elvstroem $401 into $41; & Paraca $34 into $17. The overall market now is: $3 Lonhro; $7 Defier; $8 Grand Armee; $11 Natural Blitz; $13 Private Steer; $17 In Time's Eye & Paraca; $21 Paolini; $26 Black Sam Bellamy, Clangalang, Falbrav & Helenus; $34 Ambulance, Excellerator, Fields Of Omagh, Sunday Joy & Thorn Park. (Sep 23) Aust Weekend Listed Race Results Further to yesterday’s lengthy summary of weekend Group race results (& associated breeding) from around Australia, there were also several significant Listed races over the weekend: Larneuk Stud stallion Archway continued his recent winning run when his Gr1-winning 6YO mare Rose Archway (Archway-Nazaan, by Zamazaan) won the $100,000 Listed Dubai International Racing Council Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield in Melbourne, defeating 5YO horse Another Warrior (Brave Warrior-Kate Be Good, by Semipalatinsk) & 4YO gelding Vicksburg (Thunder Gulch-Free Success, by Success Express). Rose Archway (purchased by Vern Raynor’s Classic bloodstock for just $12,000 at the Inglis Victorian Autumn yearling sale) now has 5 wins (including the Gr1 AJC Oaks) & 3 placings from 23 starts for $943,010 prize-money: a 7,700% return on investment. 4YO mare Lovely Jubly (Lion Hunter-Jaboulet, by Vice Regal) won the $75,000 Listed Emirates Racing Association Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, defeating Infinite Grace (Prince Of Birds-Infinite Charm, by Tristino) & Ashtaroth (Ashkalani-Make The Grade, by Canonise). Lovely Jubly (from the 1st crop by Oakland Stud’s Lion Hunter) originally cost $36,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions January sale at the Gold Coast; she now has 7 wins & 5 placings from 17 starts for $1,478,000 prize-money. Star 3YO filly Hasna (Snippets-They Say, by Thirty Six Red) won the $120,000 Listed Heritage Stakes (1200m) for 3YOs at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney, defeating another filly La Reata (Flying Spur-Quetta, by Raise a Cup) & the gelding Sticks ‘N’ Stones (Bigstone-Bon Matin, by St. Jude). Last season’s champion Australian 2YO (a $160,000 purchase at the 2002 Magic Millions sale) now has 7 wins (including the Gr1 AJC Sires Produce Stakes, Gr1 AJC Champagne Stakes & Gr2 STC Silver Slipper Stakes) & 4 placings (including the Gr1 STC Golden Slipper Stakes, Gr2 STC Reisling Slipper Trial & Listed AJC Widden Stakes) in 12 starts for $1,307,995 prize-money. 4YO gelding speed machine Star Of Florida (Telesto-Try It On, by Snaadee) recorded a race record to win the $100,000 Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens, defeating 5YO geldings Academe (Royal Academy-Vionnet, by Prego) & Empire (St Covet-Lowan's Image, by Bletchingly). Star Of Florida (a $51,000 investment at the 2001 Magic Millions January Gold Coast yearling sale) now has 6 wins & 4 placings in 11 starts & $529,550 prize-money. (Sep 23) Early 2YOs Hit The Track And in the 1st 2YO races of the new Australian & NZ season: At Cheltenham in Adelaide, filly Fraar’s Salome (Fraar-Danger Girl, by Citidancer) won the Carlton Draught Plate (900m); she’s a $15,000 weanling graduate from the 2002 Magic Millions Lindsay Park Classic Collection Sale at Angaston And in NZ, Cambridge Stud’s boom sire Stravinsky had his 1st 2YO to the track successful when Alinsky (Stravinsky-Alynda, by Nassau) won the New Plymouth Dash (400m). (Sep 23) Gold Brose’s Triple NZ Legacy The “significance of the premature death of stallion Gold Brose was clearly felt in NZ racing” on the weekend, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Gold Brose was lost to the NZ breeding industry in December 2000, when he died suddenly “at the prime of his stallion career”; he had stood at Westbury Stud since 1995, following a successful racing career which saw him win 5 races (including the Gr2 Linlithgow Stakes & Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes). On the weekend: 3YO filly Montreal Gold (by Gold Brose) won the Listed Lindauer Guineas Trial (1400m) at Ellerslie; another 3YO filly Classic Clare (by Gold Brose) won the Listed NZ Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton; & 3YO gelding Forrest (by Gold Brose) also won at Riccarton. (Sep 23) Winning Treble For NZ Sire Generous And NZ’s Glenmorgan Farm shuttle sire Generous (by Caerleon) recorded his 3rd southern hemisphere winner for the week when Natural Woman (Generous–Pan For Glitter, by Crafty Prospector) won over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Natural Woman’s victory followed wins by filly Generosa at Canterbury in Sydney & colt Legend at Avondale in NZ. (Sep 23) Honor Bound To Stud With Montjeu Waikato breeders Vicki & Terry Pascoe have decided to send their outstanding racemare Honor Bound (by Honor Grades) to Montjeu (6-time Gr1-winning son of Sadler's Wells). Honor Bound herself won the Gr1 Easter Handicap at Ellerslie last year before being retired to stud. Vicki Pascoe (president of the Waikato branch of the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Association) told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing she had considered a number of stallions “on both sides of the Tasman” for Honour Bound (who recently produced her 1st foal, a filly by Galileo, who is also a son of Sadler's Wells): "I inspected 25 of Montjeu's yearlings & was totally impressed by them. I just could not fault them. They were exceptional types with perfect temperament. The other thing which swayed me to Montjeu was his exceptional performance as a racehorse & the fact that his progeny are going to be commercially attractive to buyers." The Pascoes have had a 25-year long association with NZ's Windsor Park Stud (which stands Montjeu during his southern hemisphere seasons) & sent their 1st-ever broodmare to the stud's foundation stallion Silver Dream. (Sep 23) Nimue Foal By Black Minnaloushe Meanwhile joint NZ Filly-Of-The-Year Nimue (by Star Way) has produced a “cracking Black Minnaloushe colt” at Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Dual Gr1 winner Nimue was victorious in both the Gr1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas & Gr1 Bayer Classic. And Black Minnaloushe “is receiving plenty of accolades for his 1st southern hemisphere foals born this spring with size, strength & good conformation”. (Sep 23) Sarwatch Foal By Montjeu And the 1999-2000 NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Sarwatch (by Jetball) has produced a magnificent bay filly by Europe's 6-time Gr1 winner Montjeu at Pencarrow Stud near Hamilton, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. It is Sarwatch's 2nd foal, following a Grand Lodge filly born last year which has been retained by Pencarrow Stud. Sarwatch is returning to Montjeu at stud this year. (Sep 23) Victory Smile Confirmed For Gr1 Metropolitan Ruakaka-trained NZ stayer Victory Smile (by Victory Dance) is a confirmed starter in the $600,000 Gr1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 6, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. The gelding won The Metropolitan last year. Co-trainer Donna Logan said Victory Smile's unplaced run over 2000m at Ellerslie on Saturday was not a concern: "He cannot handle the heavy track conditions like he struck. He was unplaced in the same race last year before he went over to Sydney & won." Stablemate Jetski (by Jetball) will also head to Sydney to tackle the $600,000 Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 4. (Sep 23) Distinctly Secret Heads Gr1 Kelt Betting Leading Caulfield & Melbourne Cup contender Distinctly Secret (by Distinctly North) is also pre-post favourite for this weekend’s NZ$750,000 Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings. Distinctly Secret (runner-up in last year's Kelt, before a 4th in the Caulfield Cup & 6th in the Melbourne Cup) heads the 2003 Kelt market at $3.75, followed by: $5.50 Hail & St Reims; $7 El Duce; $8 Irish Rover; $18 Cent Home, Miss Potential & Tit For Taat; $20 Penny Gem; $25 Hello Dolly & Raspberry Ripple. (Sep 23) Inglis Graduates Win In HK Inglis Sale graduates collected 4 of the 8 races on offer at HK’s Happy Valley night meeting (Sight First, Speedy Express, Highland Dawn & Winning Sunshine) & followed up with a weekend double at Sha Tin (Salut Beaute & Master Marauder). (Sep 23) Goffs France Arc Sale Catalogue Catalogues for Goffs France's Arc Sale on October 4 at Saint-Cloud are now available, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. A high-class offering includes 2003 stakes performers: 3YO colt Ridaar (Starborough-Ridiyara, by Persian Bold) 6YO horse Diamante (Acatenango-Dawn Side, by Bold Forbes) 3YO colt Star Valley (Starborough-Valleyrose, by Royal Academy) 3YO colt Maxwell (Anabaa-Malaisie, by Bering) 3YO colt Gript (First Trump-Needwood Epic, by Midyan) 3YO filly Aifa (Johann Quatz-Innocentines, by Linamix) 3YO filly Traou Mad (Barathea-Pont Aven, by Try My Best) 3YO filly Garlinote (Poliglote-Garling, by Garde Royale) 3YO filly Commercante (Marchand De Sable-Deception, by Tropular) 3YO filly Whortleberry (Starborough-Rotina, by Crystal Glitters) 3YO colt Cartier Opera (Zilzal-Slipper, by Suave Dancer) 4YO horse Night Bokbel (Night Shift-Liu, by Top Ville) (Sep 23) Darley’s Halling To Stud In Dubai Darley’s multiple Gr1-winning sire Halling (Diesis-Dance Machine, by Green Dancer) will relocate from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Dalham Hall Stud near Newmarket in England to his Emirates Farm in the United Arab Emirates for the 2004 season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “His fee will be the same £30,000 (A$73,000) as at Dalham Hall at Newmarket in England,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com, “& Darley will pay the expenses of mares travelling to the UAE”. A Kentucky-bred 12-year-old, Halling retired to stud in 1997 & has 84 winners (including 14 stakes-winners) from 127 starters in 4 crops of racing age; his best runners to date include Italian Gr2 winners Giovane Imperatore & Fisich, English Gr2 winners Dandoun & Chancellor, & Norse Dancer (who finished 3rd in this year’s English Gr1 Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket). This season Halling has a Gr2 winner & 6 Listed winners in Europe. Darley’s marketing director Jocelyn Targett told racingpost.co.uk: "Halling has done fantastically well so far. He’s a horse that Sheikh Mohammed wants to have 60 foals from — that tells you how highly he thinks of him. We’re convinced he’s a star in the making." Trained by Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin Racing, Halling won 12 of his 18 career starts & was England’s high-weighted older horse from 9.5-11 furlongs in both 1995 & 1996, when he won back-to-back editions of both the Gr1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York & Gr1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown; he also won the 1996 Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp. Emirates Farm has also stood Timber Country & Jade Robbery (both leased from Shadai Farm in Japan). (Sep 23) Essence Of Dubai To US Stud Godolphin's 4YO stallion Essence Of Dubai (Pulpit-Epitome, by Summing) has been retired & will enter stud in 2004 at Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds in Florida “as the property of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Darley”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky by Jonabell Farm & a Gr2 winner in Dubai & the US, Essence Of Dubai won 5 of his 13 races for US$2,001,058 prize-money. (Sep 23) Sunday Break At Stud For US$10,000 Sunday Break will stand at stud for US$10,000 at Graham Beck's Gainesway Farm in Kentucky in 2004, reported bloodhorse.com. Sunday Break (bred in Japan by North Hill Management) is a 4YO son of Forty Niner out of Storm Cat mare Catequil. On the track, Sunday Break won 4 of 13 starts (including last year’s Gr2 Peter Pan Stakes, plus 5 placings including 3rds in both the Gr1 Belmont Stakes & Gr1 Wood Memorial). Sunday Break is a half-brother to Phalaenopsis (2-time champion in her native Japan who won 3 Gr1 races & earned US$3,825,449 prize-money). Sunday Break’s sire Forty Niner (who now stands in Japan) was champion 2YO in 1987 & currently 3 of his sons are among the Top 20 sires in North America: Distorted Humor (sire of Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide, & leading 1st-crop sire of 2002); End Sweep; & the late Jules (sire of 2-time Gr1-winning 3YO Peace Rules). (Sep 23) Valley Crossing Moves To Iowa Stud Fred & Wade Feuring have purchased millionaire Valley Crossing for stallion duty at their Rockin' River Ranch in Iowa, reported bloodhorse.com. A 15-year-old son of Private Account (out of His Majesty mare Chic And Sassy), Valley Crossing has sired 9 stakes winners & also is represented by multiple Gr1 stakes-placed Slew Valley (who ran second in the Gr1 Man O' War Stakes on September 8). Valley Crossing formerly stood at Tooth-Acres Farm in Arkansas. (Sep 23) Ubetshedid Euthanised At 23 Ubetshedid (dam of multiple US Gr1 winner Best Pal) has been euthanised at Golden Eagle Farm in California, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 23-year-old daughter of King Pellinore (out of Gr2-placed Ubetido, by Sir Wiggle) was unplaced in 1 career start as a 3YO in 1983. Her 4th foal Best Pal won 6 Gr1 races & earned US$5,668,245; other progeny include Gr3-placed winner American Day (a son of Nureyev who stands at Golden Eagle) & stakes-placed winners Prosperous Bid & Best Mate. Overall, Ubetshedid produced 11 foals, of which 6 were winners. (Sep 23) 1st Stakes Winner For US Sire Exploit Kentucky-based sire Exploit recorded his 1st stakes winner when his 2YO filly Marina de Chavon (who had won her previous start by 11.5 lengths) took the US$100,000 Brave Raj Stakes (1 mile & 70 yards) at Calder Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gr2 stakes winner Exploit (a 7YO son of Storm Cat) stands for US$25,000 at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky; he is the sire of 7 winners & 29 starters from 84 foals in his 1st crop of racing age & also has 75 yearlings. Exploit retired with 5 wins in 6 career starts (including the 1998 Gr2 Brown & Williamson Jockey Club Stakes & Gr3 Iroquois Stakes, both at Churchill Downs, & 1999 Gr2 San Vincente Stakes at Santa Anita Park). Bred in Kentucky, Exploit is out of My Dad George mare My Turbulent Miss & is a half-brother to 1989 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner & sire Prized, & Argentine Gr2 winner Machikane Allegro. (Sep 23) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Western Borders New York-based freshman sire Western Borders recorded his 1st winner when Chocolate Sox won over 5 furlongs at Fort Erie, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Western Borders stands at McMahon Of Saratoga Thoroughbreds near Saratoga Springs in New York. The 9YO son of Gone West has sired 8 starters from 30 foals of racing age & also has 14 yearlings. Western Borders won the 1998 Hialeah Sprint Championship Handicap & twice finished 3rd in the Gr1 Carter Handicap; overall he notched 6 wins & 7 placings from 20 starts. Western Borders is a half-brother to stakes-winner Gervazy, out of winning J.O.Tobin mare Ruby Green. (Sep 23) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Halos And Horns Florida-based freshman sire Halos And Horns recorded his 1st winner when his 2YO gelding All American Ernie won over 5 furlongs at Calder Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Halos And Horns (an 8YO son of Saint Ballado) stands at Rising Hill Farm in Florida. He has 6 starters from 15 foals in his 1st crop of racing age & 13 yearlings. Halos And Horns recorded 4 wins & 7 placings in 18 career starts. He is 1 of 4 winners out of multiple stakes-winning Flip Sal mare Flip For Luck. (Sep 23) 1st Winner For Canadian Freshman Sire Valid Trefaire Canadian-based freshman sire Valid Trefaire recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Need A Light led all the way to score by 3 lengths over 7 furlongs at Calder Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 7YO son of Valid Appeal, Valid Trefaire stands at Colebrook Farms in Ontario & has sired 2 starters from 6 foals of racing age. Valid Trefaire compiled 6 wins & 10 placings in 26 career starts. (Sep 23) 1st UK 2YO Winner For Erhaab The 1994 Gr1 English Derby winner Erhaab (initially sent to stud in Japan) recorded his 1st British 2YO winner when his colt Tafaahum (Erhaab-Makadir, by Woodman) won the James Barr Stakes (7 furlongs) at Ayr. ”It was fitting that Shadwell Farm was the breeder of the stallion’s 1st local winner, as Sheikh Hamdan’s stud also bred & raced Erhaab,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The 12-year-old (whose runners have won over 100 races world-wide this season) now stands at Beech House Stud for £5,000. (Sep 23) Ayr’s £12m Redevelopment Scheme Meanwhile Ayr is on course to become Britain's 1st multi-purpose "leisure arena" race track, under a £12 million redevelopment scheme, reported racingpost.co.uk. The “bold initiative drawn up by Ayr's new owners Pacific Shelf (created by companies run by local businessmen Alan Macdonald & Richard Johnstone who bought the site for £9.3m in May) is intended to be in place for 2007, the course's centenary year”. On the racing side, it involves moving the parade ring & winner's enclosure nearer to the track, building new, 2-storey racegoers' facilities on the space made available & moving the winning post farther down the straight. Use of Western House will be extended to more corporate customers & an under-pass will take traffic into the centre of the course, where new stabling & a family enclosure will be created, along with an all-weather gallop track. The in-field is also expected to be used as a venue for pop concerts. The rundown Carrick Stand will be demolished & replaced with a hotel & conference centre, casino, multiplex cinema & retail outlets. The new owners also intend to build housing near the track. Alan Macdonald summed up: "We will return Ayr to its natural place as the jewel in the crown of Scottish racing." (Sep 23) Jockey Loses Leg In Adelaide Race Fall South Australian jockey Cheree Buchiw has had her leg amputated below the knee following a horror fall in the last event at Cheltenham in Adelaide on Saturday. Buchiw was riding 3YO filly Flaxen Fury, who crashed through the running rail. In the last 12 months Buchiw had ridden in over 500 races for more than 30 winners & 80 minor placings, reported racenet.com.au. (Sep 22) Melb Cup Update: Sound Action Out Australasian Oaks winner Sound Action “has joined the list of horses who will miss the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups through injury, in her case a lingering foot abscess,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Birregurra trainer Roberta Maguire said the Vettori 4YO had an abscess on the sole of her foot which forced her to miss the Craiglee Stakes & yesterday’s Underwood Stakes. Maguire summed up: "We're hoping to run her during the spring, but the Cups are out the window. We're waiting for the foot to heal & can't plan too far ahead at this stage." Sound Action won her initial 7 starts, including the Gr1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville, before finishing 4th behind Larrocha in the SA Oaks (2500m); she resumed with a slashing 4th to Super Elegant in the Liston Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 23. (Sep 22) Aust Doubles In HK Hong Kong’s Australian contingent of trainers & jockeys “went on a doubles rampage at Sha Tin” yesterday, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Expatriate trainers David Hayes, John Size & John Moore each notched doubles, while jockeys Shane Dye & Dwayne Dunn each rode 2 winners. Moore’s double with Anabatik & Master Marauder (a half-brother to Australian Gr1 winner Isca) took his tally from the initial 6 meetings of the season to 10 winners from 37 runners (a 29.4% strike rate); he is a clear early leader in the training premiership, with Size & Hayes sharing 2nd place with 4 wins each. (Sep 22) Keeneland Summary: Record Average & Median The 12-day Keeneland September Yearling Sale concluded on the weekend with new records for both average & median prices, & the 2nd highest gross in the sale’s history. Overall 2,968 lots sold for US$273,925,300 (up 29.9% from US$210,809,000 last year) at an average US$92,293 (up 28.3% from US$71,850 last year) & median US$34,000 (up 13.3%); 27 yearlings sold for US$1 million or more. John Ferguson (buying on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) finished as the sale’s leading buyer, spending nearly US$21 million to purchase 28 yearlings, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Lane’s End finished as leading consigner at US$32.9 million with 157 yearlings sold. (Sep 22) Keeneland Day-12: US$55,000 Kissin Kris Filly Fred Edick paid US$55,000 for a bay filly by Kissin Kris out of Herat’s Goldengirl (by Gold Alert) to top Day-12 at Keeneland, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Oak Lawn Farm as agent sold the filly. (Sep 22) Keeneland Day-11: US$72,000 Honour And Glory Colt Keith Asmussen paid US$72,000 for a bay colt by former Coolmore shuttler Honour And Glory to top Day-11 at Keeneland, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (consigned by Eaton Sales as agent for Diamond A Racing Corp) is out of winning Theatrical mare Izana (a daughter of European high-weight & French Gr1 winner Tersa, who is a half-sister to Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Gato Del Sol); the colt is also a half-brother to Puerto Rican champion Mi Amigo Gu (by Dehere). (Sep 22) Keeneland Day-10: US$155,000 Prized Colt Blandford Bloodstock paid Day-10’s top price of US$155,000 for a son of 1989 US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner & former NZ shuttler Prized at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The colt (consigned by Bruce Kline’s Spendthrift Farm as agent) is out of Gr1-placed winner Crazee Mental (by Magic Ring). Harvey Clarke paid US$110,000 for the highest-priced filly, a daughter of Salt Lake (out of Trempolino mare Toy Symphony) consigned by Nardelli Sales as agent. (Sep 22) Keeneland Top 10 Prices US$3.8m paid by John Ferguson for a Gone West-Touch of Greatness filly US$3.6m paid by Demi O’Byrne for a Danzig–Queena colt US$2.8m paid by Eugene Melnyk for an Unbridled-Serena’s Song colt US$2.6m paid by Demi O’Byrne for a Storm Cat–Bluemamba colt US$2.4m paid by Demi O’Byrne for an Unbridled-Evil Elaine filly US$1.85m paid by Mark Reid for an A.P.Indy–Adoradancer colt US$1.8m paid by John Ferguson for a Lemon Drop Kid-Snow Forest filly US$1.8m paid by Brushwood Stable for an Unbridled-Storm Alert colt US$1.75m paid by Eugene Melnyk for a Storm Cat-Exing colt US$1.7m paid by John Ferguson for a Kingmambo-Fantastic Ways colt (Sep 22) Keeneland Top Sire Averages US$956,667 Storm Cat (12 sold) US$873,571 Danzig (7 sold) US$543,400 A P Indy (25 sold) US$508,214 Gone West (14 sold) US$461,052 Kingmambo (19 sold) US$318,750 Cee's Tizzy (4 sold) US$295,611 Fusaichi Pegasus (36 sold) US$284,235 Giant's Causeway (17 sold) US$277,631 Deputy Minister (19 sold) (Sep 22) Keeneland November Catalogue 4,059 Lots Keeneland will catalogue 4,059 horses for the 60th annual November Breeding Stock Sale (over 12 days from Sunday November 2), reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The sale includes 2,163 broodmares, 242 broodmare prospects, 1,588 weanlings & 66 horses of various other ages & types. (Sep 22) Canadian Sale Posts Big Increases Meanwhile gross revenue & average price both increased significantly at the British Columbia division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s Yearling & Mixed Sale at the Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, reported bloodhorse.com. Overall 114 horses sold for a gross C$1,210,400 (US$889,547) at an average C$10,618 (US$7,803); compared to a year ago, the gross grew 37.3% while the average advanced 33.7%. "It was a very strong sale, with good, positive action on quality horses," said Mel Snow, a local executive of the Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. "People are anticipating the industry moving in an upward direction in the future & are willing to invest again." A yearling Doneraile Court-Aly's Dearest filly brought the top price of C$55,000 (US$40,668); a half-sister to stakes-winner Hammersmith (by On Target), she was purchased by Ralph Bodine from Tod Mountain Thoroughbreds. (Sep 22) Milan Day-1: $425,000 Montjeu Colt In Europe, Vincenzo Covone paid €250,000 (A$425,000) for a colt by 1st season shuttle sire Montjeu (Sadler's Wells-Floripedes, by Top Ville) to top Day-1 at the SGA Select Yearling Sale in Milan, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The colt is the 2nd foal of Germignaga (winner of the 1996 Oaks d'Italia). Top-priced filly was a daughter of Fasliyev sold to La Nuova Sbarra for €200,000 (A$340,000). At the end of the Select Day-1, the average €54,370 (A$92,000) was well up on last year's €38,553 (A$65,000). (Sep 22) Milan Day-1: Top 5 Lots €250,000 (A$425,000) paid by Vincenzo Covone for a Montjeu-Germignaga colt €200,000 (A$340,000) paid by La Nuovo Sbarra for a Fasliyev-Nomothetis filly €180,000 (A$306,000) paid by Anthony Stroud for a Grand Lodge-Spa filly €110,000 (A$187,000) paid by La Nuovo Sbarra for a Fasliyev-Akamantis filly €110,000 (A$187,000) paid by Luca Cumani for a Cape Cross-Tatanka colt. (Sep 22) Tatts Ireland Day-3: Prices Fall For Poor Stock But the message “was painfully rammed home that if you are selling at the bottom end of the market, you are going to sink,” reported racingpost.co.uk, as prices at Tattersalls Ireland Open Yearling Sale fell dramatically. After a 15% rise over the 2 days of the Breeders’ Sale, the average on Day-3 fell by 12% to a mere €5,503 (A$9,000) “& many horses failed to make anywhere near their production costs. With a few notable exceptions, these were the yearlings that nobody really wanted. There were as many horses as people for much of the day.” The Day-3 aggregate fell by 18% to €864,000 (A$1.47m). Top price was €19,000 (A$32,000) paid by Pat Power for a Monashee Mountain filly consigned by Castletown Stud. (Sep 22) Inglis Sydney: $68,000 Marscay’s Image Top Lot Meanwhile in Sydney, George Ziade paid $68,000 for 3YO gelding Marscay’s Image (Marscay-Miss Java) to top the Inglis Spring Thoroughbred Sale. Marscay’s Image has won his last 2 starts (at Newcastle & Kembla Grange). Overall 105 lots were sold for $491,050 at an average $4,677. (Sep 22) Magic Millions Gold Coast: $110,000 Blu Tusmani Gelding And in Queensland, Glenlogan Park Stud paid $110,000 for lightly-raced NZ winner Blu Sky Mining (a gelding by Blu Tusmani) to top the Magic Millions September Sale on the Gold Coast. Blu Tusmani (best known in Australia as sire of last season’s boom 2YO Murphy’s Blu Boy) won up to Gr2 level himself & was voted Champion 2YO of his year in Italy. Overall 78 horses sold for just under $300,000 at an average just below $4,000 (with 82.11% clearance rate). (Sep 22) Newcastle Boost For Gold Coast Sale The very 1st lot at Sunday’s Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale on the Gold Coast (September 28) is a 2YO half-sister to last week’s Gr3 Newcastle Gold Cup runner-up My Tally. The QTIS-qualified filly (by Murphy’s Blu Boy’s sire Blu Tusmani from Travolta mare Fabuleux) is from the family of local stakes winners Spargo, Celestial Show, Fashion Victim, Adraanito & champion How Now. The filly’s dam Fabuleux is already responsible for 7 winners, including Tally Ho & Wembley (who have 12 wins each). The September 2001 foaling is among a 26-strong draft from Wadham Park, which is also offering fillies by Strategic, Desert King, Clang, Zeditave, Bite The Bullet, Lion Hunter, Honour And Glory, Xaar & Fasliyev, as well as colts by Bubble Gum Fellow, Flying Spur, Quest For Fame, Gilded Time, Desert King, Clang, Bite The Bullet, Soviet Lad, Spectrum, Woodman, Victory Note, Greenlander, Redoute’s Choice & Xaar. (Sep 22) Magic Millions Passes 400 Season Winners One of the cheapest horses ever sold by Magic Millions, $800 steal Clairside (from the MM Perth August Monthly Sale in 1999), notched win number 400 (in Australian TAB races only) for Magic Millions for the 2003-04 season with victory at Northam in Western Australia. (Sep 22) Ten Most Wanted Wins US Super Derby In the main US race of the weekend, 3YO colt Ten Most Wanted (Deputy Commander-Wanted Again, by Criminal Type) emulated his sire with victory in the US$500,000 Gr2 Super Derby (9 furlongs) at Louisiana Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ten Most Wanted (ridden by Pat Day for trainer Wally Dollase) defeated previously unbeaten Soto (by Dehere) & Crowned King (by Barkerville). Like his sire, Kentucky-bred Ten Most Wanted has now won the Gr1 Travers Stakes & a Super Derby to boast 4 wins (also including the Gr2 Illinois Derby) from 10 starts overall (plus 2nds in both the Gr1 Belmont Stakes & Gr2 Swaps Stakes) for US$1,553,460 prize-money. His sire & Gr1 winner Deputy Commander (Deputy Minister-Anka Germania, by Malinowski) stands at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky. (Sep 22) Deputy Minister’s Winning Influence Ten Most Wanted's win in the US Super Derby “reinforces the impact his grandsire Deputy Minister is having at stud in 2003,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Ten Most Wanted is a son of Deputy Commander (also a winner of the Gr1 Travers Stakes & a Super Derby) who, along with Dehere, French Deputy, Salt Lake & Silver Deputy “are sons of Deputy Minister that have sired Group/Graded winners this year & all are in the Top 75 by earnings on the North American Sires List this year. Add to these the likes of Touch Gold, Awesome Again, Open Forum, Yarrow Brae, Defrere & Victory Speech (all sons of Deputy Minister that have sired stakes-winners in 2003) & the Champion Sire son of Vice Regent is establishing his own branch of the Northern Dancer line.” Silver Deputy (highest placed by earnings) has 12 stakes-winners, the same number as Dehere (who shuttles between Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan & Arrowfield Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley). French Deputy also shuttles to Arrowfield from Japan, having commenced his career at Three Chimneys in the US. And Walmac resident Salt Lake “has the nominal Champion 3YO Filly in Argentina, in the shape of Salt Champ from his shuttle seasons there”. Deputy Commander has produced Ten Most Wanted in his 1st crop. Meanwhile 24-year-old Deputy Minister (who stood his 1st season in 1984) is still active at Brookdale Farm in Kentucky, where his son Silver Deputy also holds court. (Sep 22) Mummify Wins Gr1 Underwood Stakes In Australia, 4YO gelding Mummify (Jeune-Cleopatra's Girl, by At Talaq) won yesterday’s $350,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in Melbourne. Mummify (ridden by Danny Nikolic for trainer Lee Freedman) narrowly defeated both 5YO gelding Grey Song (by Unbridled's Song-Tonzazip, by Kaapstad) & 4YO mare Ain't Seen Nothin (by Nothin Leica Dane-Icecapade, by Genghiz). It was the 2nd Gr1 victory for Mummify (following the South Australian Derby on May 10), who cost $41,000 as a yearling at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide sale & now has 4 wins & 10 placings (including 2nd in the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas & 3rd in the Gr1 AJC Australian Derby) in 19 starts for $880,200 prize-money. (Sep 22) Exceed And Excel Wins Gr1 Dubai Racing Club Cup Exciting 3YO colt Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona by Lomond) broke the course record in winning yesterday’s $350,000 Gr1 Dubai Racing Club Cup (1400m) at Caulfield in 1min 21.2sec. Exceed And Excel (ridden by Corey Brown for trainer Tim Martin) led all the way to defeat 5YO mare Reactive (Geiger Counter-Victory River, by Salieri) & 4YO gelding Titanic Jack (Encosta de Lago-Gold Tunic, by Stage Door Johnny). Exceed and Excel (a $375,000 buy at the Inglis 2002 Australian Easter Yearling sale) now has 5 wins (also including the Gr2 Todman Stakes, Gr2 Up And Coming Stakes & Gr3 Roman Consul Stakes) & a 2nd in 8 starts for $530,975 prize-money. (Sep 22) Excellerator Wins Gr2 Hill Stakes Excellerator (Marscay-Artless, by Dahar) won the $140,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney. The 5YO gelding (ridden by Jim Cassidy for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 4YO horse Platinum Scissors (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) & 5YO gelding Carnegie Express (Carnegie-Honeymoon Express by Star Way). Excellerator (a $50,000 purchase at the 2000 Magic Millions Yearling sale) now has 8 wins (including the Gr1 AJC Epsom Handicap) & 11 placings (including 2nd in the Gr1 Golden Slipper & Gr1 George Main Stakes) in 26 starts for $2,174,995 prize-money. (Sep 22) Shamekha Wins Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes Trainer Gai Waterhouse also took the $140,000 Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) for 3YO fillies at Rosehill Gardens with Shamekha (Secret Savings-Lifetime Story, by Don't Say Halo). Shamekha (also ridden by Jim Cassidy) defeated Unearthly (Zabeel-Snippets' Crown, by Snippets) & Miss Ivy (Gold Brose-Midori Splice, by Last Tycoon). A $70,000 buy at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Shamekha races in the colours of Emirates Park principal His Excellency Nasser Abdullah Hussain Lootah. She now has 5 wins & 2 2nds in 9 starts for $545,550 prize-money. (Sep 22) Sportsman Wins Gr2 Shannon Stakes Sportsman (Supremo-Professionelle, by Centaine) recorded his 3rd successive win since returning from a spell with victory in the $140,000 Gr2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens. The 4YO gelding (ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Greg Hickman) survived a protest from the runner-up to defeat fellow 4YO geldings Amex (Success Express-Spriggy, by Zoning) & Nips (Snippets-No Finer, by Kaoru Star). Sportsman (an $8,000 bargain purchase by Hickman at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale) is from the 1st Australian-born crop of Supremo, who shuttled for 3 seasons from Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky to Wakefield Stud at Scone in the NSW Hunter Valley. Sportsman now has 7 wins & 4 placings in 20 starts for $527,150 prize-money. (Sep 22) Tsuimai Wins Gr2 Gloaming Stakes Former Coolmore shuttler & Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch added a significant victory to his trophy record when his 3YO colt Tsuimai (Thunder Gulch-Triscay, by Marscay) led all the way to win the $140,000 Gr2 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) for 3YOs at Rosehill Gardens. Tsuimai (ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Jack Denham) defeated 3YO geldings Terracotta Bay (Langfuhr-Helen's Bay, by Star Way) & Square One (Lake Coniston-Bering Strait, by Beaufort Sea) in race record time. Tsuimai now has 4 wins & a 2nd from 9 starts for $210,200 prize-money. Tsuimai is the 5th winner & 2nd stakes winner out of top mare Triscay (winner of 5 Gr1 races & just under $2 million prize-money). (Sep 22) Hinting Wins Gr3 Jumeirah International Stakes Arrowfield shuttler Danzero received a timely boost when his 3YO filly Hinting (Danzero-Won't Tell, by Rory's Jester) won yesterday’s $150,000 Gr3 Jumeirah International Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Hinting (ridden by Brett Prebble for trainer Bill Mitchell) defeated Ashenti (Ashkalani-Toneya, by Blazing Saddles) & Portland Damask (Peintre Celebre-Rose Of Portland, by Seattle Slew). Hinting (a $32,000 purchase at the 2002 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale) now has 3 wins & 2 placings in 6 starts for $216,850 prize-money. (Sep 22) Elvstroem Wins Gr3 Guineas Prelude Regally-bred 3YO colt Elvstroem (Danehill-Circles Of Gold, by Marscay) won yesterday’s $200,000 Gr3 Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield. Elvstroem (ridden by Brett Prebble for trainer Tony Vasil) defeated In Top Swing (Beautiful Crown-Holbrook Lass, by Rory's Jester) & Dance Up (Anabaa-Party Dancer, by Party Leader). Elvstroem (passed-in at the Inglis 2002 Australian Easter Yearling sale when bidding fell short of his $400,000 reserve) now has 2 wins & a 2nd in 4 starts for $140,100 prize-money. (Sep 22) Classic Clare Takes 1st Points In NZ Southern Series Classic Clare collected 1st points in the NZ Bloodstock Southern Filly-Of-The-Year series with a narrow win in the Canterbury Belle Stakes at Riccarton, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Classic Clare (trained on the course by Shane Kennedy) defeated fellow Cantabrians Lady Libertine & Danamac. The Gold Brose filly had shown her ability in 2 earlier wins. (Sep 22) Luscilla Adds NZ Stakes Win Luscilla (Entrepreneur-Madam Valeta, by Palace Music) recorded an easy 3.75-length win in NZ’s Listed Mason Appliances 4YO Stakes (1400m) reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Luscilla defeated Wairau Lass (by Victory Dance) & favourite Balmuse. Luscilla (who has now won 3 of her 6 races) is a half-sister to multiple stakes-winner Mulan Princess (who won the Gr2 Hill Stakes in 2001); their dam Madam Valeta won the Gr3 Lion Brown Stakes in NZ & a Listed race in Australia & is a half-sister to 1993 Gr1 Epsom Handicap winner Sword & Australian stakes-winners Greta Hall & Balmoral Keep. (Sep 22) Fogoso Nov Wins Argentine Gr1 Two Thousand Guineas In South America, Fogoso Nov (a son of Romanov) won the Gr1 Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (Argentine Two Thousand Guineas & 1st leg of the Argentine Triple Crown) over 1600m on the Hipodromo Palermo dirt course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Fogoso Nov (ridden by Argentina’s leading jockey Pablo Falero for trainer Oscar Mansilla) defeated Mr Nancho (a full brother to Argentine champion & Gr1 winner Miss Linda) & Mr Abdul. Multiple Gr1 winner & hot pre-race favourite Little Jim was a surprise late scratching. Argentine-bred Fogoso Nov (who now has 2 wins in 6 starts) is out of winning Verbatim mare Fog; he is owned by Stud Tano de Ley & was bred by Juan Carlos Bago’s Haras Firmamento (Argentina’s leading breeder for the past 3 seasons). With the classic victory, Fogoso Nov became the 1st group winner for Romanov (a 9YO son of Nureyev who stood at John Jones’ Walmac International in Kentucky in 2003). Romanov is currently standing at Haras Firmamento, which recently purchased a majority interest in the multiple group winner & half-brother to champion Balachine. (Sep 22) Argentine Star Little Jim To US Buyer Meanwhile Little Jim was scratched just hours before the Argentine Two Thousand Guineas, “after it was announced the talented multiple Gr1-winning son of Roar had been purchased for an undisclosed sum by an undisclosed North American buyer,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “He is expected to resume his career in the US, with the possibility of being targeted for the US$2 million Gr2 United Arab Emirates Derby on the Dubai World Cup program on March 27.” (Sep 22) Guambia Bo Wins 1st Leg Of Uruguay Triple Crown In neighbouring Uruguay, Argentine-bred 3YO Guambia Bo set a track record in winning the Clasico Polla de Potrillos (1st leg of the Uruguayan Triple Crown) over 1600m at Hipodromo Maronas, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Poliglote (ridden by Osvaldo Davila for trainer Sergio Cajal) won narrowly in a 3-way photo from local Irrespetuoso GG & Don Laguna. Guambia Bo is owned by Stud FBF & was bred at the Argentine-based Haras Firmamento; he is out of Laramie Trail winning mare Song Of Love. (Sep 22) De Kock Sending ‘Large String’ To Dubai Leading South African trainer Mike de Kock “plans to send a large string of horses to compete in next year’s US$21 million Dubai International Racing Carnival,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. De Kock had significant success with his stable of 5 horses this year, including Gr1 Dubai Duty Free winner Ipi Tombe & Gr2 UAE Derby winner Victory Moon. De Kock will return with Victory Moon to compete in the US$6 million Gr1 Dubai World Cup, along with Surveyor (a dual South African Gr1 winner on turf). De Kock said: "With the US$21 million Dubai International Racing Carnival, the new highlight of a season that already boasts prize-money comparable with anywhere else in the world, there has never been a better time to have a horse in Dubai. We are bringing an exciting team from South Africa to Dubai this winter, & I am keen to add to them with other horses from around the world." De Kock is hoping to secure horses from other owners & trainers to condition in Dubai; last season, de Kock’s 5 runners earned US$2.5 million. (Sep 22) Beck Sends 12 Fillies To South Africa Meanwhile Graham Beck (owner of Kentucky’s Gainesway Farm) has sent 12 3YO fillies from the US & UK to race in South Africa “with future hopes of building up his broodmare division at Highlands Stud near Robertson in the Western Cape,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The contingent includes: Overarching (a promising Kentucky-bred daughter of Arch who is unbeaten in 2 starts in South Africa); Kentucky-breds Singing Miss Lass (by Unbridled’s Song), Demanding Damsel (by Deputy Commander), Code Eleven (by Cryptoclearance), Balabos (by Theatrical) & Wine Dark Sea (by Touch Gold); Pennsylvania-bred Silvery Wave (by Touch Gold); & Maryland-bred Brandy Moon (by Hennessy). (Sep 22) US Gr1 Star Raging Fever Retired To Stud US multiple Gr1 winner Raging Fever “has been retired to owner-breeder Edward Evans' Spring Hill Farm in Virginia”, reported bloodhorse.com. Trainer Mark Hennig told US Daily Racing Form the 5YO daughter of Storm Cat “doesn’t look as good as she did. She’s kind of heavier. She seems ready for her next occupation. We hope she does as well as she did in this one." Bred in Kentucky, Raging Fever won 5 of 6 starts in her 2YO campaign (including the Gr1 Frizette Stakes & Gr1 Matron Stakes); she subsequently also won the 2002 Gr1 Ogden Phipps Handicap & retires with 11 wins from 26 starts for US$1,458,198 prize-money. A half-sister to Gr3 winner Stormin Fever, Raging Fever is out of winning Gr3-placed winner Pennant Fever (by Seattle Slew) whose dam Letty’s Pennant is a half-sister to champion Sacahuista. (Sep 22) Modigliani Retired To Ireland’s Hyde Park Stud Modigliani (winner of Ireland’s 2001 Gr3 Tetrarch Stakes & 3/4 brother to English & Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Rodrigo de Triano) has been retired to John Bourke’s newly acquired Hyde Park Stud in Kinnegad in Ireland’s County Westmeath, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 5YO son of Danzig (out of Listed winner Hot Princess) was bred by Swettenham Stud. Bourke said: “Modigliani is an outstanding individual who, during his racing career, defeated some high-class performers & I am very excited to stand this horse, who shares his sire with Danehill.” (Sep 22) Clangalang Back In Spring Gr1 Markets Trainer Gerald Ryan made his 2nd shock announcement of the week when he advised that Gr1 AJC Derby winning 4YO Clangalang (who had been declared likely to miss all Australia’s major Spring feature races due to injury) “will now press on towards the Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m)” at Royal Randwick on October 4, reported racenet.com.au. Clangalang (Clang-Little Recruit, by Staff Sergeant) has been “cleared of any ligament damage” & x-ray results “have now shown that he has only twisted his off-fore leg joint”. The horse “will continue with swimming exercise in the lead-up to a serious hit-out on the track next Wednesday”. Ryan will then make a decision whether he is 100% fit to continue his preparation. (Sep 19) Melb Cup Update: US Entry Puerto Banus On Track Meanwhile US Gr2 winner Puerto Banus “could be the 1st runner trained in the US to start in Australia’s premier event”, the Gr1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Puerto Banus (trained in California by Kristin Mulhall) is currently 25th in the Victoria Racing Club’s official order-of-entry. Puerto Banus won the Gr2 Sunset Handicap (12 furlongs) at Hollywood Park on July 20 & has 4 wins in 14 career starts; at his most recent start the 4YO Kentucky-bred son of Supremo finished 6th to Whitmore’s Conn in the Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap (12 furlongs) on August 28 at Saratoga Race Course. Racing Victoria’s Mark Player confirmed he is very hopeful Puerto Banus will make the trip for the Melbourne Cup: "I am in constant touch with his trainer & 1 of the part-owners, & everyone is taking a very positive attitude. We are doing everything possible to get him here. Puerto Banus is qualified in the elimination order as a winner; he’s won over 12 furlongs & is a turf specialist who can stay all day. We are very, very hopeful he will be the 1st US-trained horse to start in the Melbourne Cup." (Sep 19) Falbrav Unlikely For Cox Plate Meanwhile the chances of Japan Cup winner Falbrav tackling the Cox Plate have “drifted” according to Racing Victoria’s Mark Player, who told The Sydney Morning Herald: “If he was going to come down (from Europe), he will have to be in quarantine by Sunday.” (Sep 19) Aust Trainer Out For 11 Years In Malaysia Australian trainer Graham Jordan has been disqualified for 11 years by Malayan Racing Association stewards, now under the chairmanship of former Sydney steward Phil Dingwall, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Dingwall disqualified former Perth trainer Jordan, 60, on 6 charges related to “an attempt to prevent a horse from running on its merits”. The inquiry also resulted in the disqualification of owner Khoo Hock Eng for 3 years & jockey Marcus Au for 3 months. Jordan’s disqualification is effective world-wide & means he cannot train horses or enter any licensed premises. (Sep 19) World Series In Danger of Collapse The World Series of Racing (which includes Australia’s W.S.Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 25) “is in danger of collapsing at the end of this year with organisers still scouring the world for a sponsor to replace Emirates Airlines,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. “Emirates pulled the pin last year as a result of the Singapore Airlines International Cup being introduced to the series.” The Emirates withdrawal was followed by Dubai’s World Cup also withdrawing from the series earlier this year. (Sep 19) Plan For Asian Championship Series However there is a “growing possibility of an Asian racing series being set up from next year,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. “With Hong Kong now a steering force in the Asian Racing Federation under Lawrence Wong's chairmanship, the Asian series idea has gained renewed strength & was part of the behind-the-scenes discussion” during the Good Neighbour Policy signing 2 weeks ago. (Sep 19) Shuttle Stallion Covers Giant’s Causeway heads the list for “total mares covered” by 2002 Dual Hemisphere Stallions, reported thoroughbredinternet.com: 321: GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (Aus 108 & US 213) 318: FUJI KISEKI (Aus 105 & Japan 213) 311: DANEHILL DANCER (Aus 115 & Ire 196) 298: GALILEO (Aus 141 & Ire 157) 286: HIGH YIELD (Aus 102 & US 184) 285: GRAND LODGE (Aus 102 & Ire 183) 282: ORPEN (Aus 88 & Ire 194) 281: FUSAICHI PEGASUS (Aus 112 & US 169) 279: ROYAL ACADEMY (Aus 141 & US 138) 275: DESERT KING (Aus 127 & Japan 148) 270: BLACK HAWK (Aus 103 & Japan 167) 269: MULL OF KINTYRE (Aus 101 & Ire 168) 266: LANGFUHR (Aus 157 & US 109) 262: FANTASTIC LIGHT (Aus 124 & UK 138) 262: FASLIYEV (Aus 115 & Ire 147) 259: DESERT PRINCE (Aus 125 & Ire 134) 251: THUNDER GULCH (Aus 106 & US 145) 245: XAAR (Aus 109 & Ire 136) 230: KING OF KINGS (Aus 103 & US 127) 225: SPECTRUM (Aus 52 & Ire 173) 220: KING CHARLEMAGNE (Aus 65 & Ire 155) (Sep 19) Keeneland Day-9: US$260,000 Fusaichi Pegasus Filly Lake View Farm paid US$260,000 for a filly by Coolmore’s 2000 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus (out of stakes-winner Bet Twice Princess) to top Day-9 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The chestnut filly (consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency) is “from the family of Sydney Cup winner Azzaam (by Chief’s Crown), as well as Eldon Park Stud’s Press Card (by Fapianno) & Vinery Stud’s Twining (by Forty Niner),” noted racenet.com.au. (Sep 19) Keeneland Day-9: US$180,000 Vicar Colt Trainer Bob Baffert purchased the highest-priced colt at Keeneland Day-9, a dark bay or brown son of Gr1 winner Vicar out of unraced Wavering Monarch mare Singing Bird for US$180,000 from consignor Forbush Farm, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 19) Keeneland Day-9: US$170,000 Yankee Victor Colt The other top lots at Keeneland Day-9, reported racenet.com.au, were: US$170,000 paid by Sabine Stable for a Yankee Victor-Lahaina Lass colt; US$155,000 paid by Monet Stables for a Stormy Atlantic-War Goddess filly; US$140,000 paid by Alan Booge Racing for a Lil’s Lad-Hunter’s Gold colt. (Sep 19) Keeneland Day-9: Average Up 23% Overall on Day-9, Keeneland sold 277 horses for US$7,515,800 (up 19.2% from last year’s corresponding session where 286 horses sold for US$6,304,600). The Day-9 average was US$27,133 (up 23.1% on last year’s US$22,044) & the median rose to US$18,000 (20% higher than last year’s US$15,000). (Sep 19) Keeneland Day-9: Cumulative Gross Up 30% And Keeneland’s cumulative 9-day gross is US$264,796,800 for 2,281 horses sold (up 30.5% on last year’s US$202,984,100 for 2,287 sold) at an average US$116,088 (up 30.8% on last year’s US$88,756) & a median US$50,000 (up 19% on last year’s US$42,000). (Sep 19) HKJC Buys 2 Keeneland Colts For Resale Meanwhile the Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed it has purchased a pair of well bred yearling colts at Keeneland for resale at the HK International Sale in December 2004. The yearlings will be prepared in the US before shipping to HK for presentation at the sale. The 2 colts are: US$120,000 Gone West–Performing Arts (by The Minstrel) colt: Gone West is a US Gr1 winner & sire of 13 crops of racing age, including champions Zafonic (4-time Gr1 winner including the 1993 2000 Guineas & successful sire), Da Hoss (dual US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile winner), Came Home (triple US Gr1 winner) & Royal Abjar (German 2000 Guineas winner & successful sire); Performing Arts was Classic-placed (3rd in the 1990 Gr1 Irish 1000 Guineas); this colt's full brother Performing Magic won twice as a juvenile in England & subsequently added a string of US stakes (including the Gr2 Illinois Derby plus 2 wins at Gr3 level & 4 placed runs in Pattern events); the colt's half-brother Woodborough (a sire of winners in HK) was a Gr3 winner & 3-times Gr1-placed; & Performing Arts' full brother The Noble Player was placed in Gr1 races on both sides of the Atlantic. US$85,000 Lear Fan–Elle Meme (by Zilzal) colt: top class miler Lear Fan was a Gr1 winner in France, ran 3rd in the 1984 2000 Guineas & is the sire of 16 crops of racing age, including Ryafan (1997 US Eclipse Awawd winner as champion female turf horse), Gr1-winner Sarafan (4th in the 2002 HK Cup), plus other Gr1-winners Windsharp, Sikeston, Loup Solitaire & Verveine (runner-up in the 1993 HK International Cup); this is the 3rd foal out of Elle Meme (a 2YO & 3YO winner in France) who is from the family of champion racemare & broodmare Miesque (dual US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile winner & herself the dam of Classic winners East Of The Moon & sire Kingmambo); the damside family also includes this year's star French 3YO filly Six Perfections (winner of the Gr1 Prix Jacques-le-Marois in Deauville & runner-up in both the English & Irish 1,000 Guineas). (Sep 19) Tatts Ireland Day-2: Abdullah Buy-Back Top Lot The highest-priced lot at Day-2 of the Tattersalls Ireland Yearling Sale was a €58,000 (A$99,000) buy-back, triggered by the fact “every yearling in the catalogue is eligible for the €300,000 (A$510,000) Tattersalls Ireland Breeders’ Stakes at The Curragh next August” reported racingpost.co.uk. Having won last month’s running with Majestic Desert, Jaber Abdullah “has set his heart on winning next year’s race with the filly’s half-sister by Gimcrack winner Josr Algarhoud”; hence Abdullah engaged Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud to prepare the filly for the sale & Gill Richardson to buy her back. (Sep 19) Tatts Ireland Day-2: Cape Canaveral, Orpen & Rossini Among other top lots at Tattersalls Ireland Day-2, reported racingpost.co.uk, were: €55,000 (A$94,000) paid by David McGreavy for a Cape Canaveral colt out of Railway Stakes runner-up Danyross (consigned by Burtree Farm Stud); €52,000 (A$88,000) paid by Amanda Skiffington (on behalf of Jamie Osborne) for an Orpen colt out of a full-sister to Sandown National Stakes winner Princess Taufan; €40,000 (A$68,000) paid by Amanda Skiffington for a half-sister to black-type winner Sand Partridge by 1st-season sire Rossini. (Sep 19) Tatts Houghton Sale Boasts ‘Group Winner Bargains’ And with just a fortnight until the Tattersalls Houghton Sale (Europe’s Premier Yearling Sale), organisers have reminded potential buyers of both “Houghton’s record as the Northern Hemisphere’s best source of Gr1 winners” & “the sale’s outstanding record for producing Group & Listed winners for 100,000 guineas or less”. Since 1998 Houghton’s boasts 61 individual Group/Listed winners sold for 100,000 guineas or less (including 11 individual Gr1 or Classic winners in 5 different countries). (Sep 19) Trainers Call For Drug Rule Review Australian Trainers Association president Colin Alderson told Melbourne radio listeners current rules governing levels of therapeutic drugs in racing should be relaxed, reported The Daily Telegraph. Alderson noted: “Racing wants to be seen to be squeaky clean & we have no argument with that. But it’s not practical from a participant’s point of view. The industry should be coming up with ideas to keep our stars on the track, not penalise them.” Alderson called for a tribunal of stewards & analysts to determine whether the detection of a therapeutic drug should be equated to a positive test. (Sep 19) Hawkes Calls For Provincial Saturday Racedays Leading trainer John Hawkes believes the time has come for NSW provincial race clubs “to be given stand-alone Saturday race dates,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Hawkes raised the issue after the Sydney Turf Club received just 71 acceptors for tomorrow’s Hill Stakes meeting at Rosehill Gardens. Hawkes noted this week’s 2-day Newcastle Gold Cup meeting has obviously impacted on the Rosehill program & declared: “The Newcastle club should be given a chance to combine its 2-day carnival & have 1 super Saturday. For that matter, Hawkesbury & Gosford should be able to run their Cup meetings on a Saturday. It would help add a bit of variety to the racing calendar & I reckon those clubs would attract huge crowds with a feature Saturday meeting. It works at places like Ipswich & the Gold Coast, & we saw how successful Newcastle was when it was the Saturday meeting during the Olympics.” (Sep 19) NSWROA Seeks Programming Review Meanwhile the NSW Racehorse Owners Association has made a submission to the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Board “requesting a comprehensive review of race programming”. NSWROA president Rob Albon said the review “should cover not only metropolitan, but include provincial & country racing”. He said responses to the ROA’s recent survey of members, “together with the outcome of discussions with trainers & other industry participants, have demonstrated there is a clear need for a review of NSW Race Programming”. Albon said 3 principle issues have emerged: a too rapid progress to open company/Saturday racing (brought about by current policies, including the scrapping of the Class system); a need for more races for fillies & mares (including at black-type level); & a need for more staying races (including specifically for 3YOs & in country racing in general). Albon noted an “overwhelming number of owners support a return to the full class system. Opportunities have been significantly reduced by the introduction of the streamlined system. This has effectively shortened a horse’s racing life & the opportunity for owners to receive a return on their investment. The objective should be to increase the horse pool, by encouraging existing owners to stay in the game & new ones to come in.” (Sep 19) Full Sister To Thorn Park Born At Wakefield A full sister to star Sydney 4YO Thorn Park (Spinning World-Joy, by Bluebird) has been born at Scone’s Wakefield Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. The mare Joy will now be sent to Coolmore Stud shuttler Rock Of Gibraltar. (Sep 19) Listed Boost For Larneuk Sire Archway Archave’s win in the Listed Cameron Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle provided a timely boost for sire Archway, who makes his debut at Victoria’s Larneuk Stud this year at a $5,500 fee. Archave has now won 6 of his 15 starts & earned over $200,000 – a 6,500 % return on the $3,000 paid by trainer David Reid when he purchased the now 5YO out of the paddock as a weanling. Archave is the 12th stakes-winner (& 3rd this season) for Archway, who also sired recent Listed winners Roman Arch (who broke a weight-carrying record in the Balaklava Cup) & Aldarch. Already this season, sons & daughters of Archway (who boasts a 61.9% winners-to-runners strike rate) have won 15 races & he is currently Australia's equal leading sire of stakes-winners with Encosta de Lago. (Sep 19) 1st Stakes Winner For Haayil Meanwhile Allgunadoit became the 1st stakes winner for his sire Haayil (by Danehill) when he ran a course record to win the $150,000 Gr3 Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle’s Broadmeadow track yesterday. Allgunadoit (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer Kevin Moses) defeated Niello (by Octagonal) & Danbird (by Danehill) now has 3 wins & 3 placings in 8 starts for $167,000 prize-money; he is from the 3rd crop of Haayil, who stands at Hallmark Stud in New Zealand for NZ$4,000+GST. (Sep 19) 8th 2003 Stakes Winner For Night Shift And Woodlands Stud homebred Comforts (Night Shift-Cushy, by Pine Circle) also ran a course record in winning the Gr3 Newcastle Cup (2300m). Comforts defeated My Tally (by Johann Quatz) & Daneborogh (by Danehill). Comforts “is the 2nd foal from Cushy, who won the 1994 Tasmanian Oaks & is a half-sister to Gr3 Queensland Tattersalls Cup winner Luther & Gr3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes winner Cushion,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. Comforts is the 8th stakes-winner sired in 2003 by Night Shift (Northern Dancer-Ciboulette, by Chop Chop), who stands at Coolmore in Ireland & formerly shuttled to Woodlands in NSW. (Sep 19) Free Rosehill Entry To Sydney Swans Supporters To celebrate tomorrow’s Tea Rose Day (3rd & final day of the 2003 Golden Rose Spring Carnival), the Sydney Turf Club is offering all Sydney Swans AFL semi-final ticket holders free entry to Rosehill Gardens (by simply showing the Swans semi-final ticket at the gate). And to ensure speedy transport direct to the football match after the races, shuttle buses will run from Rosehill Gardens to Telstra Stadium after the last race. (Sep 19) NZ Southern Filly Series Begins The 2003-04 NZ Bloodstock Southern Filly-Of-The-Year Series begins tomorrow with a field of 15 accepting for the Listed NZ Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at the Canterbury Jockey Club. The Southern Filly-Of-The-Year Series comprises 4 Listed races for 3YO fillies, run from September through to May. (Sep 19) 1st NZ Cape Cross & Stravinsky Runners Meanwhile, following their outstanding Northern Hemisphere success, Cambridge Stud shuttle stallions Cape Cross & Stravinsky will have their first NZ 2YO runners at tomorrow’s New Plymouth meeting. Cape Cross (who has sired 20 individual Northern Hemisphere winners this year) will be represented by Akicita (Cape Cross-Cramoisy); Stravinsky (who has sired 19 individual European winners & 14 US wiinners) will be represented by Alinsky (Stravinsky-Alynda). (Sep 19) 1st Foal From Starina Wellington & Sydney Cups place-getter Starina has delivered her 1st foal, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The Sir Tristram mare produced a colt by NZ’s champion sire Volksraad at Mary Kenny's Meadowlands Stud in South Auckland. Starina is booked to re-visit Volksraad this spring & “this cross has already worked well for Kenny, being identical to that which produced last season's champion NZ 2YO filly Katana, who is to do her future racing in the US”. (Sep 19) UK Double For Daggers Drawn NZ Curraghmore Stud-based sire Daggers Drawn “has produced another winning double in Europe to take his number of individual winners in the Northern Hemisphere to 18 this year,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Go Between led throughout to score over 6 furlongs at Yarmouth in England & Spring Goddess won over 7.5 furlongs at Beverley. (Sep 19) Baertschiger On Singapore Winning Streak Former Melbourne trainer Don Baertschiger “enjoyed a memorable night at Kranji last Friday by preparing 4 winners on the trot,” noted aapracingandsports.com.au. Tonight he will saddle up his highest-rated horse Moon Shadow (by Bellotto) at Kranji “as the entire begins a campaign aimed at the remaining 2 Gr1 races for the year”: the Raffles Cup (1800m) on October 18 & Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on November 9. (Sep 19) UK Black Type For Coolmore’s Spinning World Coolmore shuttler Spinning World added more black type when Godolphin's 3YO filly Echoes In Eternity (Spinning World-Magnificient Style, by Silver Hawk) won the Listed John Musker Stakes at Yarmouth in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Echoes In Eternity is a Swettenham Stud-bred daughter of Gr3 Musidora Stakes winner Magnificent Style. (Sep 19) UK Saddle Legend Eddery Bows Out In Mauritius British jockey legend Pat Eddery will end his illustrious career in the saddle at the International Jockeys' Challenge in Mauritius on December 7, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 11-time UK champion jockey confirmed: "I have been invited to ride in Mauritius & that will be my final day's riding as a professional jockey. Finding the right moment to retire was always going to be difficult, but what better setting could there be to go out?” (Sep 19) US Gr1 Star Whitmore’s Conn Heads To Stud Whitmore’s Conn (winner of last month’s US Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap) has been retired “with a bowed tendon in his left foreleg,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Trainer Randy Schulhofer said stud plans have not been finalised for the 5YO son of Kris S, including whether Whitmore’s Conn will stay in New York where he was bred: "We have no idea at this time. We have a lot of sorting out to do." Whitmore’s Conn won 7 of 28 career starts (also including the 2002 & 2003 Gr2 Bowling Green Handicap) & earned US$740,426. Whitmore’s Conn is out of winning Deputed Testamony mare Albonita (a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Au Printemps, dam of Canadian champion grass horse Charlie Barley, 1987 US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner & sire Success Express, & Gr1 winner Greenwood Lake. (Sep 19) Belmont Stakes Winner Summing Pensioned Meanwhile Summing (who spoiled Pleasant Colony’s bid for the US 3YO Triple Crown by winning the 1981 Gr1 Belmont Stakes & later sired champion Epitome) “has been pensioned from stud duty at Getaway Thoroughbred Farms in California,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 25-year-old son of Verbatim covered 4 mares during the 2003 season. Summing stood from 1982-91 at Jonabell Farm in Kentucky & subsequently in California since 1992. He has sired 5 group/graded stakes winners & 17 overall stakes winners from his 19 crops to race (including 7 2YOs this season). Summing sired US Gr1 winners Epitome (US 1987 champion 2YO filly) & Sumptious, Mexican champion Brazilian Beat, HK stakes winner Benjamin’s Delight, Gr2 winner Sum Runner & Gr3 winner Summer Matinee; his progeny earnings total US$9,998,563. Among his offspring: Epitome (who won the 1987 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Hollywood Park & Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs) recorded 5 wins in 14 starts & earnings of US$631,755 & later at stud produced multiple Gr2 winner Essence Of Dubai, stakes-winner & sire Danjur, & UAE high-weight & dual hemisphere stallion Faltaat; & Sumptious won 8 of 64 career starts (including the 1986 Gr1 Arlington Classic) & earned US$383,524. Summing himself won 7 of 23 career starts (including the Gr1 Belmont Stakes, Gr3 Hill Prince Stakes at Belmont Park, Gr3 Pennsylvania Derby at Keystone Park & Pegasus Handicap at Meadowlands) for US$615,096 prize-money. (Sep 19) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Minister’s Mark Unraced US freshman sire Minister’s Mark recorded his 1st winner when Fancy Ways blitzed the field by 9.25 lengths at Penn National Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Minister’s Mark (who stands at Walmac International in Kentucky) is 1 of 12 foals out of Gr1-placed winning Queen City Lad mare Take Lady Anne. He has 11 foals of racing age & 8 yearlings in 2 crops. (Sep 19) Smurfit Buys In Time's Eye To Chase Melb Cup Michael Smurfit (who has already won Melbourne Cups with Vintage Crop & Media Puzzle) “is buying In Time’s Eye to have another crack at Australia’s most famous race,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The 4YO went into quarantine at Ireland’s The Curragh on Sunday evening & “is likely to be the only runner in the race for Dermot Weld, who trained both of Smurfit's previous winners”. In Time’s Eye (Singspiel-Irish Edition, by Alleged) won the 10-furlong Wolferton Stakes at England’s Royal Ascot in June, but has not raced beyond 12 furlongs; however he ran High Chaparral to a length in last year’s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial & was 3rd to Aidan O’Brien’s dual Derby winner in last month’s Royal Whip Stakes. In Time’s Eye was bred & raced by Walter Haefner’s Moyglare Stud Farm (which also sold Media Puzzle to Smurfit). Moyglare manager Stan Cosgrove confirmed: “The deal is going ahead because Mr Haefner isn’t interested in running In Time’s Eye in Melbourne. I know the prize-money is good, but Mr Haefner is not interested in winning 2-mile races.” Smurfit’s stud manager Dermot Cantillon added: “The deal hasn’t been completed yet, but we are working on it. The idea is to go for the Melbourne Cup with him.” (Sep 18) Moon Rocket To Stand At Vatana Farm Moon Rocket (a Japanese-bred winning son of Zabeel) has been acquired by Vatana Farm at Wyreema in Queensland. Studmaster Wes Hutchins confirmed Moon Rocket will stand the 2003 season for $4,400 (including GST). Moon Rocket won 1 of 3 starts in Japan (by 9 lengths at Niigata in September 2002) before retiring due to injury. Bred by Northern Farm, Moon Rocket is out of multiple stakes-winning Danehill mare Skyrocket (whose dam Annie Belle is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Casey Belle & Gr2 winner Tristabelle). (Sep 18) Sunline’s Dam To Visit Desert Sun Champion racemare Sunline’s dam Songline is to be served by Eliza Park stallion Desert Sun this season. Songline is currently in foal to Coolmore’s Galileo & will proceed to Eliza Park in Victoria after foaling. Desert Sun (who will serve a limited book of 85 mares this season) has enjoyed recent local success with colts Great Is Great & Abdullah, while his 3YO filly Song Of The Sun finished 2nd in the weekend’s Listed Morphettville Guineas in Adelaide. And in the northern hemisphere, Desert Sun’s 1st season crop of European 2YOs include 9 individual winners so far. (Sep 18) Thoroughbred Breeders Aust Onto IRPAC Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has been appointed to the International Grading & Race Planning Advisory Committee, the newly formed group taking over from the International Cataloguing Standards Committee. IRPAC has overall authority for listings of black type races world-wide & positioning of black type races into Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3 of the world listings. Only races in Part 1 receive full recognition of their black type in a pedigree. (All black type races in Australia are in Part 1.) The Australian Group & Listed Races Advisory Group together with the TBA have been lobbying for several years to have Australia on the International Committee (which has nearly always had a total representation from the Northern Hemisphere). (Sep 18) US Foals 1: Numbers Up 2.8% North American mares have produced 35,588 foals to date this season (up 2.84% on last year, when the total was the lowest since 1997 due in large part to Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 18) US Foals 2: Giant’s Causeway Top Sire Stallions standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky topped the list of sires of live foals: Ashford stands the top 4 stallions & 10 of the top 11, including leader Giant’s Causeway (who covered 213 mares in 2002 that produced 154 live foals). Stablemate Grand Slam led all North American stallions in mares bred with 215 & has 149 live foals reported this year. Ashford’s Black Minnaloushe (who ranked 10th overall by live foals) led all 1st-year stallions with 102 live foals from 160 mares bred. Other Ashford stallions in the top 11 are: Louis Quatorze with 121 live foals; High Yield 120; Tale Of The Cat 115; Thunder Gulch 110; Fusaichi Pegasus 107; Stravinsky 105; & Honour And Glory 101. (Sep 18) US Foals 3: Bertrando Among Top 10 California-based stallion Bertrando (who stands at River Edge Farm) “prevented Ashford from sweeping the Top 10 spots on the list of stallions with the most live foals” with 119 after covering 135 mares, noted thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 18) US Foals 4: Storm Cat & A.P.Indy North America’s most expensive stallion Storm Cat (standing for US$500,000 at Overbrook Farm in Kentucky) covered 123 mares who produced 90 live foals, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. And A.P.Indy (who stands at Lane’s End Farm & ranks as Kentucky’s 2nd-most expensive stallion with a US$300,000 fee) covered 96 mares who produced 80 live foals. (Sep 18) US Foals 5: Kentucky Foals Up 7.6% By state, Kentucky sires have the most live foals with 12,582 (a 7.6% increase from 11,697 last year) followed by Florida with 4,358 & California with 3,752 reported thoroughbredtimes.com. New York sire totals showed the biggest increase with 1,459 live foals representing a 10.8% increase compared with 1,317 in 2002. Florida figures were up 2.6% & Maryland up 4.3%. Washington posted the largest decline, down 17.5% from 738 last year to 609 this year; other declines were: California down 1.4% with 3,752 live foals; Texas down 5% to 1,618; Louisiana down 1.3% to 1,185; Oklahoma down 4.2% to 747; & Illinois down 7.4% to 550 live foals. (Sep 18) Keeneland Day-8: US$230,000 Silver Charm Colt Robert & Beverly Lewis paid US$230,000 for a colt by dual classic winner Silver Charm (out of stakes-winning Rare Brick mare Extra Rare) to top Day-8 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (consigned by James Keogh’s Grovendale as agent) is the 1st foal produced by Extra Rare. (Sep 18) Keeneland Day-8: Gross Up 20% Numbers at Keeneland continued to climb through Day-8, with gross, average & median all substantially above the same session last year. Overall 356 yearlings went through the ring, with 314 sold for US$9,510,500 (up 20.7% on last year’s US$7,878,400 for 291 sold) at an average US$30,288 (up 11.9% on last year’s US$27,074) & median US$21,500 (up 7.5% on last year’s $20,000). (Sep 18) Keeneland Day-8: Cumulative Average Up 30% Keeneland’s 8-day cumulative gross is US$257,281,000 (last year US$196,679,500) for 2,004 horses sold (2,001 last year). The average is US$128,384 (up 30.6% on last year’s US$98,291) & the median is US$60,000 (up 20% on last year’s US$50,000). (Sep 18) Tatts Ireland Day-1: $187,000 Fasliyev Colt Across the Atlantic, agent John O’Byrne paid €110,000 (A$187,000) - the highest price at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale for 4 years - for a colt by dual Gr1-winner & boom 1st season sire Fasliyev (out of Gr3-winner Clare Bridge, by Little Current) to top Day-1 at Fairyhouse. The colt (consigned by Elton Lodge Stud) is a half-brother to German Gr3-winner Wessam Prince. O'Byrne told racingpost.co.uk: "The colt is for a syndicate who needed a horse with pedigree by an upmarket stallion. He has a nice family that goes back a long way (it includes St Leger winner Silver Patriarch & American champions Fort Marcy & Key To The Mint). Fasliyev is flying & this is 1 of the better-looking horses I've seen by him." (Sep 18) Tatts Ireland Day-1: Gross & Average Up Day-1 figures at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale “stood up well, showing improvements in all sectors on 2002,” summarised thoroughbredinternet.com. Overall 198 yearlings were sold for €4,495,500 (A$7,640,000) at an average €22,705 (A$38,600). (Sep 18) Tatts Ireland Day-1: Top 10 Prices €110,000 (A$187,000) Fasliyev-Clare Bridge colt (John O'Byrne) €105,000 (A$178,000) In The Wings-Cathy Garcia filly (Gill Richardson) €80,000 (A$136,000) Goofalik-Annaberta filly (Skymarc/Castlemartin) €77,000 (A$131,000) Trans Island-Poker Dice colt (Frank Barry) €76,000 (A$129,000) Key Of Luck-Doo Han filly (Amanda Skiffington) €75,000 (A$127,000) Celtic Swing-Karachi colt (Quadra Otta) €72,000 (A$122,000) Danehill Dancer-Floria colt (David Wachman) €70,000 (A$119,000) King's Theatre-Indian Express filly (Dwayne Woods) €65,000 (A$110,000) Pivotal-Polish Descent filly (Martin Cullinane) €65,000 (A$110,000) Night Shift-Kirri filly (BBA Ireland) (Sep 18) Ocala Pushes Back January Sale Meanwhile “in an effort to avoid conflicting with Keeneland’s January Horses-Of-All-Ages Sale” (January 12), the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company has moved its 2004 Winter Mixed Sale to January 19-22, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Ocala sale was originally scheduled to begin a week earlier, but the adjustment was made when Keeneland shifted its original starting date from January 5 to January 12. The closing date for OBSC sale entries remains November 14. (Sep 18) Eydon Hall Dispersal At UK Tattersalls December Sale And the executors of the late Gerald Leigh have announced the sale of “ the vast majority of Eydon Hall Farm’s breeding stock” at this year’s UK Tattersalls December Sales. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: “We are naturally delighted to have been asked to handle the Eydon Hall Farm dispersal, but above all, we feel honoured. The band of broodmares so carefully assembled by the late Gerald Leigh made him 1 of the most globally respected figures in the world of thoroughbred breeding, & the dispersal will be a massive tribute to 3 decades of achievement by a man admired not only by all at Tattersalls, but by an entire industry.” (Sep 18) Widden’s Filante Attracts Attention Widden Stud’s Australian-bred sire Filante (by Star Way) recorded his 2nd stakes winner when Ariante captured the Gr3 Kingston Town Stakes at Rosehill Gardens. Ariante (a $24,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale) now has $259,380 prize-money. And Filante now has 22 individual winners (including 2002 Gr1 Thousand Guineas victor Macedon Lady). Dual Gr1-winner Filante set a record 1min 33.31sec (with a sensational final 800m in 43.64sec) in winning the Gr1 AJC Epsom Handicap (1600m) by 4 lengths at Royal Randwick; the son of champion broodmare Eau D'Etoile was also twice runner-up in Australia’s weight-for-age championship Cox Plate at Moonee Valley (to Saintly by a nose in 1996 & to Dane Ripper in 1997) before retiring with 7 wins & 12 placings in 25 starts (including 13 races at Gr1 level) for $1,814,938 prize-money. Filante's 3rd crop of yearlings fetched up to $105,000 at the major 2003 Australian sales & last spring he covered mares by prominent sires such as Marscay, Canny Lad, Snippets, Luskin Star, Zeditave, Al Hareb & Zoffany. (Sep 18) Squillani Win Highlights Emirates Sire Shagny And the first-up win by 5YO gelding Squillani (Shagny-Zephyr Note) in the weight-for-age Gr3 SAJC Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in Adelaide (following his last-start 2nd in the Gr1 SAJC Goodwood Handicap over 1200m in May) is a major boost for his Emirates Park-owned sire Shagny. The well-bred son of Blushing Groom (out of South Sea Dancer, by Northern Dancer) stands for just $1,650 (including GST) at Emirates’ Victorian property & Squillani (who now has 8 wins & 4 placings in 14 starts for $223,000 prize-money) is 1 of only 120 foals sired by Shagny in 7 seasons at stud. Squillani is 1 of 2 open-class stakes-winning sprinters sired by Shagny, whose progeny also include Sex Machine (a Listed winner in Sydney last autumn). A handsome bay stallion closely related to champion sire Storm Bird, Shagny enjoyed 100% fertility in seasons 1998 & 2001. (Sep 18) Spring Begins At Classic Caulfield The build-up to Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival has begun with the launch of ‘Spring At Classic Caulfield’. Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Dillon noted: “The new Top 20 format at Classic Caulfield has seen gross attendances at the comparative meetings last season increased by over 14% on the previous season, with members’ attendances up by more than 16%. Additionally, on-course tote investment was up by more than 18% & bookmaker turnover 25% greater.” MRC chief executive Peter Sweeney added that, while everyone is looking forward to the 3 premier fixtures (Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas Day on October 11, Vinery Stud Thousand Guineas Day on October 15 & Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Day on October 18), the Spring will get off to an exciting start this Sunday with the Dubai Racing Club Cup meeting. (Sep 18) Northerly Crowned ‘King Of Caulfield’ Meanwhile Australia’s recently retired champion racehorse Northerly was named 2003 ‘King Of Caulfield’ at the Melbourne Racing Club’s ‘Spring At Classic Caulfield’ launch. Racegoers will have the opportunity to say farewell to Northerly (winner of the 2002 Caulfield Cup) when he parades for the final time on this year’s Caulfield Cup Day (October 18). MRC chairman John Dillon noted: "Northerly’s Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup win last year was his 4th win from 4 Spring Gr1 starts at Classic Caulfield.” Northerly was undefeated in all his Spring appearances at Classic Caulfield & won $2,587,000 in prizemoney at the course. (Sep 18) Style & Glamour in Classic Caulfield’s Fashion Pavilion Melbourne’s 2003 Spring Racing Carnival (beginning at Classic Caulfield next month with the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup Carnival on 11, 15 & 18 October) includes a series of fashion activities in the Classic Caulfield Fashion Pavilion. The Chadstone Fashion Stakes will feature fashion parades & the Fashions On The Field competition (with over $130,000 in prizes). Classic Caulfield’s Official Fashion Ambassador is tennis champion Pat Rafter’s model wife Lara Feltham. Australian actress Jane Hall will host the Chadstone Fashion Stakes (running over 2 days: Caulfield Guineas on Saturday 11 October & Caulfield Cup on Saturday 18 October) which boasts a $60,000 major prize (including a 14-night holiday for 2, flying business class, at the Chiva-Som Luxury Health Resort in Thailand). TV personality Jennifer Keyte will host the Caulfield Fashion Pavilion Luncheon on Thousand Guineas Day (Wednesday 15 October) with Symantha Perkins (wife of Olympic swimming star Kieran Perkins), TV & radio personality Jo Stanley, former Miss World Belinda Green & fashion designer John Cavill forming a guest panel of speakers. (Sep 18) Marcia Hines For Cox Plate Meanwhile Melbourne’s Moonee Valley Racing Club has engaged Australia’s ‘Queen of Song’ Marcia Hines to feature during its show-piece Cox Plate week. Hines will perform at the World Series Dinner at Crown Casino on Wednesday 22 October. The next day she will be a special guest at the Dr LeWinns’ Ladies Lunch (featuring a Spring fashion parade) in the Celebrity Room at Moonee Valley. (Sep 18) 17 Horses Killed In Japanese Typhoon A typhoon that ripped through Japan’s Hidaka region “wreaked havoc with the area’s thoroughbred breeding industry, claiming the lives of 17 horses & causing damage to about 140 farms,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Over 320 horses were evacuated during the storm due to massive flooding; 60 farms located along the Atsubetsu River were hit hardest, with a yearling by Brian’s Time sold not long before the storm for US$419,674 among 5 horses drowned at a farm in Niikappu after a bank of the Appetsugawa river collapsed. (Sep 18) Shock Death Of Chilean Horse-Of-The-Year Ballistic And the South American thoroughbred community “is in shock after learning of the sudden death of Ballistic” (Chile’s Horse-Of-The-Year & 2002 champion grass male) “after falling in his stall & suffering an irreparable spinal injury” at his Club Hipico de Santiago stable, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Veterinarian Dr Carlos Rodriguez confirmed: "Trying to save him was useless. We would only have caused him more pain." Born & bred at Haras Carioca, 7YO gelding Ballistic (Barkerville-Balladry, by In Reality) won 15 stakes races (10 consecutively) at distances from 6-10 furlongs. (Sep 18) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Reality Road Deceased US freshman sire Reality Road recorded his 1st winner when Tracy’s Reality won by 4 lengths over 8.5 furlongs at Fairplex Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A multiple graded stakes winner, Reality Road was 1 of 5 stallions killed in May during a barn fire at Meadowbrook Farm at the Ocala Jockey Club in Florida, where he stood. Bred in Kentucky, Reality Road won 12 of 47 starts (including the 1998 Gr2 San Carlos Handicap, 1998 Gr3 Tanforan Handicap, 1997 Morvich Handicap & 1997 Ack Ack Stakes). Reality Road is 1 of 6 winners (from 8 starters) out of Rollicking mare Rollicking Road & was a half-brother to Gr1-placed stakes winner Brac Drifter. Reality Road has 9 foals in his 1st crop of racing age & 6 yearlings. (Sep 18) California Sire Truckee Relocates To Magali Farms US 2nd-crop sire & stakes winner Truckee has been relocated to stand the 2004 season at Magali Farms in California, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 11-year-old son of Danzig out of Seattle Slew mare Embellished (a daughter of 1983 Broodmare-Of-The-Year Courtly Dee & a half-sister to champion Althea) previously stood at Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm in California. Truckee has sired 8 winners from 16 starters in his initial 2 crops (including stakes-winner Appealing Wayz). A half-brother to multiple graded stakes-winner Seattle Dawn & stakes-winner Island Of Silver, Truckee won 6 of his 24 career starts. (Sep 18) No Armistice To Stand At Country Life Farm Meanwhile, after being hit with the loss of 2 stallions (including the sudden death of leading Maryland sire Allen’s Prospect) in the past fortnight, the Pons family’s Country Life Farm in the US state of Maryland “has taken a step toward filling some of the void with the addition of graded stakes-placed winner No Armistice for the 2004 season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A 6YO son of Unbridled, No Armistice finished 3rd in the Gr3 El Conejo Handicap (won by 2000 champion sprinter Kona Gold) at Santa Anita Park on January 1; last year No Armistice finished 2nd to Kona Gold in the Gr3 Los Angeles Handicap at Hollywood Park & 3rd to 2002 champion sprinter Orientate in the Gr3 Aristides Handicap at Churchill Downs. Country Life manager Josh Pons said: "He’s the right kind of horse for Maryland & we’ve done well with California speed horses.” Bred in Kentucky, No Armistice won 4 of 14 career starts overall. He is out of multiple stakes-winning Hold Your Peace mare Ataentsic. (Sep 18) Leading US Owner Gill To Stay In Racing Leading US owner Michael Gill, who publicly declared his intention to disperse his stable earlier this year, “now plans to delve even deeper into racing,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gill told the Palm Beach Post newspaper: "The ultimate goal is to go as far as my ego can take me." But Gill “does not expect to race anytime soon at Gulfstream Park, where his trainer Mark Shuman shattered the track record for wins last year while ruffling feathers with aggressive claiming tactics”. Gill has a pending lawsuit against Gulfstream for what he claims was “improper handling of an investigation into the death of Casual Conflict, a 9YO gelding who broke down there on February 3; an investigation was launched following the amputation of Casual Conflict’s leg without the authority of state regulators. Gill noted to the Palm Beach Post: "I will not run horses at Gulfstream. I’d be foolish to support a program that tried to hurt me." Gill also has a lawsuit pending against Delaware Park for banning him from the track grounds & not allowing his horses to race there. Gill confirmed he would send 80 horses to Fair Grounds this northern winter, while maintaining his presence on the Maryland circuit. He currently owns about 340 horses & plans to expand to nearly 500 by the end of the year. Gill leads the 2003 US owner tables in both wins & earnings, with 292 victories & US$6,473,139 prize-money to last weekend. (Sep 18) NY Racing Association ‘Out Of Control’ Calling the New York Racing Association “out of control without appropriate oversight,” NY State Comptroller Alan Hevesi released an audit “outlining mismanagement of the organisation & made a number of recommendations,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The audit found the NYRA “underpaid its franchise fee for 2000 & 2001 by as much as US$15.3 million”. It also recommended implementing an independent private sector inspector general to monitor NYRA’s operations, as well as steps to ensure that video lottery terminals will be installed & operating at Aqueduct "no matter what happens to NYRA" to guarantee revenue to the state. The audit also found the NYRA “continues to lose money despite a rapid increase in betting & revenues” & that it “does not follow the law on its budgeting”. (Sep 18) Full-Scale Casinos Proposed For Kentucky Tracks We-Have-Seen-The-Future Update: Former Kentucky Governor & thoroughbred owner-breeder Brereton Jones announced “he & others plan to propose a constitutional amendment allowing legalised casino games, in addition to video lottery terminals, at Kentucky's 8 racetracks,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Jones (owner of Kentucky’s Airdrie Stud) said although he is opposed to gambling in principle, he cannot disregard the fact many Kentuckians spend millions of dollars on casino-style gaming in neighboring states. He told the Kentucky Post newspaper: "I think I join most Kentuckians in saying that I don’t want a proliferation of gambling in Kentucky. But neither do I want 90-year-old people kicked out of nursing homes because we don’t have enough money. I think logic & reason dictate to me that we can’t keep our head in the sand on gambling." (Sep 18) US TV Series On Racing Industry Thursday Odd Spot: Bruce Romans (son of the late US trainer Jerry Romans & brother of leading Churchill Downs trainer Dale Romans) is writing a pilot for a TV series about a family in the racing industry, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The series (to be produced by Twentieth Century Fox & air on ABC network) is tentatively titled The Track & set in Louisville in Kentucky. Romans told the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper: "It’s a Cain-&-Abel drama about 2 brothers who inherit their father’s stable." (Sep 18) Cups Shock 1: Magical Miss Retired To Stud Bart Cummings-trained Magical Miss (among the early favourites for the Caulfield & Melbourne Cups) has broken down with “hairline fractures to both knees” & been retired from racing, reported racenet.com.au. The 5YO Danehill-Hooked Bid mare (who notched 4 wins & 5 placings in 16 starts for $1,039,750 prize-money) will now head to stud. Her major wins included the Gr1 VATC One Thousand Guineas (1600m), Gr1 VRC Oaks (2500m) & Gr2 MRC Memsie Stakes (1410m). (Sep 17) Cups Shock 2: Clangalang To Miss Spring Carnival And the Gerald Ryan-trained Clangalang will miss the spring carnival “after suffering a suspensory ligament injury to his off-side front leg,” reported racenet.com.au. Ryan explained: "We won't know the full extent of the damage until we have him scanned. I don't think it's a long-term serious injury, but we won't be taking any risks with him & he will miss the spring racing." The Gr1 AJC Derby winner (who was the early Caulfield Cup favourite) will also have his front joint scanned, though Ryan noted: "I don't think there's a problem there though. It's all to do with the ligament damage." (Sep 17) Private Steer Cleared To Continue Campaign Meanwhile the John O'Shea-trained Private Steer “has been cleared of any serious injury” following her run in the Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill last weekend. O'Shea told The Sydney Morning Herald: "The x-ray revealed there was no fracture, which was good. We will give her a week to get over it, then get her back into full training next week. I'll look to give her a gallop on the course proper at Randwick in the next 2 weeks & if everything goes right, then she will head straight into the Epsom (1600m). If she re-aggravates the bone again after the gallop, then we are obviously out of play; but it doesn't look too bad at this stage." (Sep 17) Keeneland Day-7: US$270,000 Silver Charm Colt Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey paid US$270,000 for a son of 1997 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner Silver Charm to top Day-7 of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (consigned by Stonereath Farm as agent) is out of Majestic Light mare Pub Crawler & is a half-brother to stakes winner Co Twining Niner; the colt’s 3rd dam is 1975 champion 2YO filly Dearly Precious. Silver Charm's 1st foals are 2YOs this year. (Sep 17) Keeneland Day-7: US$250,000 Stormy Atlantic Colt Bruce Headley paid the session’s 2nd top price of US$250,000 for a son of Stormy Atlantic out of winning Glitterman mare Patty All Mine (from the consignment of Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 17) Keeneland Day-7: Other Top Lots The other top lots at Keeneland Day-7 noted by racenet.com.au were: US$230,000 paid by Jay Em Ess Stable for a Way West-Conchita Villa colt US$175,000 paid by Twin Spires for a Stormin Fever-Restraint colt US$155,000 paid by Centreville STB for a More Than Ready-Precious One colt US$150,000 paid by Mike Orman for a Cape Town-Key Flight filly US$150,000 paid by Bruce Headley for a Siphon-Psychic Spirit filly US$150,000 paid by Ben Glass for a Cat Thief-Sultry Allure filly (Sep 17) Keeneland Day-7: Average Up 13% The Keeneland yearling sale “continued to post strong numbers” noted thoroughbredtimes.com, with the Day-7 average US$43,175 (up 13.2 % compared with last year’s US$38,146) as 285 yearlings sold for US$12,305,000 (last year 276 yearlings sold for US$10,528,400). The Day-7 median remained steady at US$30,000. (Sep 17) Keeneland Day-7: Cumulative Gross Up 31% Overall the cumulative 7-session totals reported by thoroughbredtimes.com are: 1,690 horses sold for US$247,770,500 (up 31.2% compared with last year’s 1,710 yearlings sold for US$188,801,100; the average is US$146,610 (up 32.8% from last year’s US$110,410); & the median is US$75,000 (last year US$60,000). (Sep 17) Notable Foalings From Coolmore Among recent foalings at Coolmore Australia are: Fusaichi Pegasus-Allez France colt; Fusaichi Pegasus-Mohave Dancer filly; Fusaichi Pegasus-Rose Of Dane filly; Fusaichi Pegasus-Western Chorus filly; Fasliyev-Dane Ripper filly; Fasliyev-Untapped colt; Giant’s Causeway-Bespoken filly; Giant’s Causeway-Devil’s Lair filly; Giant’s Causeway-Canny Lass filly; Giant’s Causeway-Shelbourne Lass colt; Galileo-Ginzano colt; Galileo-Soda Watch filly; Galileo-Tanith filly; Royal Academy-Napping colt; Zabeel-On Type filly. (Sep 17) Merlene Produces Carnegie Colt Meanwhile former dual Gr1-winning 2YO (STC Golden Slipper Stakes & AJC Sires Produce Stakes) Merlene has produced a bay Carnegie colt at NZ’s Cambridge Stud for new owner John Singleton, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Merlene (Danehill–Bold Promise, by Luskin Star) will now be covered by Cambridge Stud’s Champion sire Zabeel. Merlene was retained as a broodmare by her racetrack owners Lloyd Willliams & Kerry Packer, before being sold to Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud. Merlene has produced 5 foals since retiring to stud: 5YO Post (by Octagonal) has 3 wins at Caulfield, Flemington & Bendigo; 4YO Par (by Octagonal) has only raced once for an unplaced effort at Flemington; 3YO Partnership (by Zabeel) finished 4th at his only start at Sandown; & 2YO Convention (by Zabeel) is yet to appear in public. (Sep 17) Widden’s Winner-Laden Weekend Every Widden Stud stallion with progeny old enough to race sired a stakes performer or a winner over the weekend: Shovhog: won the Listed Lindsay Park Guineas with Harley Ma. Filante: won the Gr3 Kingston Town Stakes with Ariante; plus Detail won over 1000m in Perth & Zimstar won over 1200m. Belong To Me: US Gr2 placing at Belmont Park with Tafaseel; plus 4YO Atin was placed in the Listed JRA Cup over 2040m at Moonee Valley; plus filly I’m Yours (a half-sister to stakes winner Fragmentation) won over 1200m at Eagle Farm. Anabaa: US Gr2 placing at Belmont Park with Rouvres; plus 2YO Anabaa Republic was placed over 1600m in a Gr3 event at Longchamp in France. Helissio: sired a 2YO winner in Japan. (Sep 17) Rosehill Winner In-Bred To Bernborough Vinery shuttler Langfuhr’s mare Durrah (who made it 3 wins & 2 placings from just 6 starts with her weekend victory at Rosehill Gardens) “may have made history as the 1st Australian winner in-bred to the legendary champion Bernborough,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Bernborough became a national hero when he won 15 races in succession in 1945-46; he later “stood successfully at stud in America, but very little of his blood returned here”. However he appears on both sides in the pedigree of Durrah through his US Gr1 sprint-winning daughter Parading Lady. Parading Lady was mated with Round Table to produce Sweet Lady Briar (a course record holder at 1400m in Canada), dam of winners Briartic (sire of the dam of Langfuhr) & Lady Delia (dam of Durrah). Lady Delia was a winner in Canada & Briartic (a son of Northern Dancer’s sire Nearctic) won 19 races including 8 stakes events. (Sep 17) Emirates Park Stars Aim At Gr1 Flight Stakes Next month’s Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes (1600m) is shaping as an exciting confrontation for the top 3YO daughters of Emirates Park stallions Secret Savings & Danewin. A week after His Excellency Nasser Lootah’s home-bred Shamekha (by Secret Savings) won the Gr3 Furious Stakes, Classy Dane (by Danewin) produced an equally impressive display to take the Gr3 Research Stakes (1200m). Notably, among the beaten division behind Classy Dane were previous stakes-winners (& all seasoned older racemares) Forum Floozie, Gold Lottey, Faith Hill, Fair Embrace & Oomph. (Sep 17) Danewin’s Growing Record For Quality Fillies Meanwhile Classy Dane became the latest in an increasing number of quality fillies sired by Danewin to win at stakes level. She follows the likes of Elegant Fashion (Gr1 HK Derby), Haste Ye Back (Gr3 VATC Tranquil Star Stakes), Shouq (Listed Gosford Slipper) & Trail Of Gold (Listed AJC James Carr Stakes) to become her sire’s 5th female black-type winner & 9th overall Group/Listed winner. Danewin now has 70 individual winners from 111 runners (63% winners-to-runners) produced from just 150 named foals (46.6% winners-to-named foals). Classy Dane is from Danewin’s 4th foal crop, which also includes last season’s 2YO stakes-placegetters Danish Magic, Lord Danelee & Dane Belltar. And last weekend’s Gr3 victory by Classy Dane gave her sire his 4th individual stakes horse from a year 2000 foal crop which numbered 45. (Sep 17) Danewin’s 2003 Mare Bookings Danewin’s 2003 book of mares features a number of familiar names: visiting the sire-son of Danehill again this year are Wily Trader & Belle Desire, replicating the matings which produced Elegant Fashion & Danish Magic respectively. Also visiting Danewin this season is stakes-winning mare Barawin (the recently retired daughter of Barathea). (Sep 17) Magic Millions ‘Bargain Buy’ City Winners Among the metropolitan winners around Australia last weekend were several recent Magic Millions sale ‘bargain buys’: Perth’s Belmont winner She’s Captivating (Regal Classic-Repeat After Me), a $17,500 purchase at the 1999 Magic Millions Adelaide Select Yearling Sale, now has 8 wins & 15 placings in 41 starts (including 3 victories in his last 4 outings) for $143,197 prize-money; Another Belmont winner Fort Lavinia (Brief Truce-Portview), a $27,500 investment at the 1999 Magic Millions January Gold Coast Yearling Sale, now has 6 wins & 10 placings in 33 starts for $108,165 prize-money; And Belmont winner Ice Magic (Magic Of Money-Ice Maiden), passed-in for just $12,000 at the 2000 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, now has 5 wins & 10 placings in 32 starts for $57,050 prize-money; Brisbane’s Eagle Farm winner Sir Bisc (Sir Laurence-Melange), a $4,000 buy at the 2002 Magic Millions Tamworth Premier Yearling Sale, now has 4 wins & 3 placings in 12 starts for $39,635 prize-money; Fellow Eagle Farm winner Sea Artist (Sea Road-Stringers Creek), passed-in for just $3,500 at the 2001 Magic Millions Gold Coast Winter Yearling Sale, now has 3 wins & 5 placings in 14 starts for $35,226 prize-money. (Sep 17) Half-Brothers To Fiery Venture & Ariante At Gold Coast Sale Meanwhile half-brothers to weekend Sydney Group winners Ariante & Fiery Venture will go under the hammer during January’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. Fiery Venture (himself a graduate of the 2001 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast) upset proven Gr1 winners Grand Armee, Defier & Private Steer in the Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes. Benmatt Park will present the half-brother to Fiery Venture; by exciting young international stallion Shinko Forest, the colt is from unraced Flight Bijou mare Flying Venture (a half-sister to former top sprinter Cangronde). Ariante won the Gr3 Kingston Town Stakes & Ron Moclair has confirmed he will be sending a half-brother to the Gold Coast Sale: a yearling colt from his promising young broodmare Arietta by proven Gr1 sire Spectrum. (Sep 17) Supplementary Entries For September Gold Coast Sale And this month’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses-In-Training Sale (September 28) has received 4 quality 2YO supplementary entries by sires Honour And Glory, Thunder Gulch, Real Quiet & Fuji Kiseki. The Fuji Kiseki gelding (named Moshi Moshi) is a full brother to last season’s multiple winner Conquest & a half-brother to Sydney winner Specified; the grandson of Sunday Silence is from the family of proven stakes-winners Invade, Real Force, Nitrogen, Specify & Nassa Rocket. The Real Quiet colt (named Santiago De Cuba) is from the family of champion galloper & sire Luskin Star; he is out of winning Turf Ruler mare Midnight Kiss (already the dam of 4 winners including Brisbane winner Oranjestad), a half-sister to the dam of South Australian sprinter Roman Arch. The Thunder Gulch gelding is from Group-winning Bestebreuje mare Bionic Bess (7-time winner who earned over $373,000 including a win in the Tristarc Stakes & 2nd in the Gr1 Coolmore Classic); the gelding’s family is also that of stakes gallopers Gielette, Scarlet Rhythm & Wise Scarlet. The Honour And Glory gelding is from proven Noalcoholic producer Port (a dual winner & half-sister to stakes winner Trig) who has already produced 6 winners, including city galloper Royalsyn & HK victor Gifted Runner. (Sep 17) Asian Wins Boost MM Perth Sale Next week’s Perth Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale (September 23) received a major boost on the weekend with 5 winners at the initial 2 days of the Penang Sprint Trophy meeting coming from Western Australia & a further 3 winners in Singapore also bred or sold in WA. At Malaysia’s Penang Sprint Meeting the winners were: July In Gold; Perfect Return; Truly Serious; Wonderful Day; & Tin Pan Alley. And in Singapore: 2001 Perth Horse-In-Training Sale graduate Tian Poh won over 1200m; Faithful Falcon (a Palace Reign gelding who only cost $8,000 as a yearling in Perth) scored over 1400m; & 5YO Laranto gelding Special Marco (a Perth 2000 sale graduate) also won over 1400m. (Sep 17) Inglis Yearling Sale Inspections Inglis bloodstock staff have been out ‘in the field’ inspecting future sale offerings: Ian McPherson & Barry Bowditch ventured down the Hume Highway, visiting Peter Stewart & Bridget Woodford-Smith’s Huntworth Stud at Coolac in southern NSW where they earmarked youngsters for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne, including: a half-brother to top class mare Vocabulary by young stallion Orpen (whose 1st European crop has come out firing & new season Australian 2YOs include Gerald Ryan’s exciting filly Penor, a 7-length winner at the recent Canterbury trials; a colt by Strategic from Nijinsky mare More Happiness; & a filly by Encosta de Lago from Marauding mare Final Question. Meanwhile Jonathan D’Arcy, Richard Haynes & Hugh Rainger spent a day at John Muir’s Nepean Stud Farm (Muir sells under the Milburn Creek Thoroughbreds banner) & reported a draft of athletic youngsters “sure to win admirers” at the Classic Yearling Sale, including: a Desert Prince filly from metropolitan winner House Of Chimes (family of Snippets); a Canny Lad colt, the 1st foal of Run For Cover (grand-daughter of Verdi); & a colt by Snippets from stakes-winning juvenile Shadowy Outline. They also reported an appealing pair of Inglis Easter Sale entries: a well-grown colt by Redoute’s Choice from former slick racemare All The Rave; & an ‘Oaks’ type filly by Octagonal from Moonlight Heights (closely related to Caulfield Cup winner Sky Heights & bred on a similar cross to Lonhro). (Sep 17) Victorian Trainer Out 3 Months For Stomach Tube Victoria's leading country trainer Darren Weir has been suspended for 3 months “for having stomach-tubed a horse on the way to Murtoa races last month,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Weir (based at Ballarat) trained 96 winners last season to win his 1st country title & was in the top 5 trainers statewide. Registered stablehand Greg Reynolds was suspended for 2 months for assisting Weir in the stomach-tubing of the Weir-trained galloper Kinther King. (Sep 17) Sunshine Coast Turf Club Election Well-known Queensland businessman & sports enthusiast Don Jackson has been elected to the management committee of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club to fill the seat vacated by long serving committee member Jan McMillan, who decided not to seek re-election this year. The 4 sitting members of the management committee, who stood down by rotation, were re-elected: they are Neil Mansell, Tom Blacklaw, Mick Mair & Bill Wendt. The remaining 4 committee members (chairman Les Geeves, Mary Henzell, Don Moffatt Dr Bernie Spillsbury) were not required to stand & remain on the management committee. (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 1: Pedigree Selection Completed NZ Bloodstock has completed pedigree-based selections for January’s National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. With 2,034 nominations (2,031 last year), NZ Bloodstock co-general manager Julia Naismith summed up: “The quantity is slightly higher, but even more important is the apparent advance in quality & appeal of the pedigrees & sires right across the board. We are thrilled with the quality of yearlings heading to our Premier Sale & most appreciative of the fantastic level of support that major vendors, including Cambridge Stud, have shown in nominating the cream of their crop for Karaka this year. We have proven we can attract the world’s leading buyers to Karaka, so long as NZ’s best product is on offer here. Having the strongest possible Premier catalogue really does create a positive flow-on effect through each of the following sessions also, helping to benefit vendors right throughout the series.” (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 2: Tough Competition For Premier Day Julia Naismith also noted: “Of course such a lift in quality of nominations makes it that much more competitive for yearlings to secure a place in the 1st sessions. There are some mares whose progeny have made Premier in the past & are now in Select, & similarly those who have previously made Select are now in Festival. Looking at the bigger picture though, this can only be viewed as positive for the industry when such growth in quality occurs. All 3 sales sessions (Premier, Select & Festival) will end up with very appealing catalogues.” (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 3: Stravinsky & Cape Cross Shine NZ’s 2004 sales will attract particular interest thanks to the exciting northern hemisphere starts to the stud careers of Stravinsky & Cape Cross. Both sires will be extensively represented at Karaka. (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 4: Montjeu & Elnadim 1st Crops A highlight at Karaka will be the offerings from standout 1st-crop sire Montjeu (among the world’s best racehorses), who has combined pedigree with a top class book of mares. In addition will be 1st crop yearlings by champion sprinter Elnadim; progeny from Kentucky Derby hero Fusaichi Pegasus; the 1st southern crop of Japan Cup winner Singspiel; offerings from Dubai World Cup winner Almutawakel; leading 1st crop sire at France’s recent Deauville sales King’s Best; & progeny from multiple champion racehorse Chief Bearhart. (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 5: Premier Session Sires Among the sires currently with yearlings selected for Karaka’s Premier Sale: Align, Almutawakel, Anabaa, Canny Lad, Cadeaux Genereux, Cape Cross, Carnegie, Catbird, Centaine, Chief Bearhart, City On A Hill, Cullen, Danasinga, Danehill, Danske, Deputy Governor, Desert Fox, Elnadim, Faltaat, Fasliyev, Flying Spur, Fusaichi Pegasus, Generous, Gilded Time, Grand Lodge, Hennessy, High Yield, Howbaddouwantit, Kaapstad, King’s Best, Marauding, Marju, Montjeu, More Than Ready, Octagonal, O’Reilly, Orpen, Peintre Celebre, Pentire, Pins, Quest For Fame, Red Ransom, Redoute’s Choice, Singspiel, Snippets, Spinning World, Stark South, Stravinsky, Testa Rossa, Thunder Gulch, Volksraad, Xaar, Zerpour & Zabeel. (Sep 17) Karaka Sale 6: Star Lots Among the top prospects at Karaka are: a colt by Danehill out of great mare Champagne; a colt by Danehill out of Grand Echezeaux (Gr1 Australasian Oaks winning half-sister to Romanee Conti, dam of Ethereal); a colt by Danehill out of Scribbling (half-sister to Danasinga, Cullen, Towkay & Tracey’s Element); a half-brother to Pure Theatre (from A Goodlookin’ Broad by Fusaichi Pegasus); a colt by Elnadim out of Grand Archway. (Sep 17) Piccolo Gelding Wins Malaysian Magic Millions Royal Diamond created a huge impression at his 1st race start when he led throughout for a 3-length victory in the RM$325,000 (A$130,000) Malaysian Magic Millions Classic (1200m) in Penang. Royal Diamond (by the former Eureka-based Piccolo) is a $20,000 graduate from the 2002 Magic Millions Perth Select Yearling Sale at Belmont. The placings proved an amazing result for former Malaysian trainer Dato Teh Choon Beng; now a committeeman of the Penang Turf Club, Beng purchased all 3 place-getters on behalf of their current owners. Royal Diamond defeated Mr Good (Bletchley Park-Miss Haymaker) & Olympic Success (Hennessy-Cara Bambina). (Sep 17) Flying Ace Just Misses In Gr1 Sprint Meanwhile Magic Millions Adelaide graduate Flying Ace ran a bold race in the Gr1 RM$1 million (A$400,000) Astro Wah Lai Toi Sprint Trophy (1400m) sprint, only to be run down in the final furlong by top local performer Confluence. Previously unbeaten in 4 starts, Flying Ace (by Rory’s Jester out of former John Hawkes-trained mare Magpies, by Bluebird) was unsuited by the rain-soaked track; 3rd home was Perth Magic Millions graduate Greg Is Great. (Sep 17) 5 Magic Millions Victories In Malaysia And 4 other Magic Millions Sale graduates joined Royal Diamond as winners on the Malaysian feature meeting program: Cheers Cheers (Statoblest-Pago Love), Brandavino (Marscay-Sacred Habit), Jimmy Express (Clay Hero-Rose Of Oakbank) & Gonna Be First (Magic Of Money-Satan’s Sequel). (Sep 17) Inglis Graduates Win 6 In HK Meanwhile Inglis Sale graduates had a successful week in HK: Highly promising 4YO stallion Lucky Owners (a $350,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) returned to the track at Sha Tin, where the son of Danehill won easily in his 1st attempt at Class 1 company. Lucky Owners was bred at NZ’s Cambridge Stud & is from Kaapstad mare Miss Priority, a 3/4 sister to champion racehorse Might And Power. Lucky Owners won on debut in January & now has 4 wins & 2 2nds in 7 starts for prize-money in excess of $500,000. 7YO Danehill gelding Monards (a $290,000 buy at the 1998 Inglis Easter Sale) won a Class 2 event to take his record to 4 wins & 9 placings for prize-money now over $1 million. 5YO Snaadee gelding Fantastic Horse (a $32,000 purchase at the 2000 Inglis Classic Sale) led all the way to score an easy win on the all-weather Sha Tin track; bred at Emirates Park, he is closely related to former good galloper Lawyer (being from that horse’s grand-dam Proud Vain). At Happy Valley, Dashing Champion (a $9,000 bargain buy at the 2001 Scone Inglis Sale) scored his 4th win in 13 starts; bred at Lucernevale Stud near Dubbo in central-western NSW, he’s by Carry The Crown from Lots Of Humour (a full sister to former smart sprinter Top Comedian). Also victorious at Happy Valley were Engineering Wonder (a $190,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) & French Connection (a $14,000 bargain at the 2000 Scone Inglis Sale). (Sep 17) Zindabad Retired To Stud England’s Royal Ascot-winner Zindabad (Shirley Heights-Miznah, by Sadler's Wells) has been purchased by Crandon Park Stud “to stand alongside their other stallion Classic Cliche at Bill Bromley's Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The winner of 9 races & £524,000 prize-money raced in the colours of Abdulla BuHaleeba, whose horses are managed by the Gainsborough Stud banner. Racing manager Joe Mercer commented: "Zindabad is a terrific horse, a wonderfully sound & genuine animal. I am pleased he is staying in Britain. His Royal Ascot win was a fantastic performance & he was also very unlucky not to win the Gr1 Canadian International." (Sep 17) UK Sire Pivotal Grabbing Attention English stallion Pivotal is grabbing plenty of attention in the northern hemisphere: not only has he sired Gr1 winners Somnus & Megahertz, he is also “the leading British-based sire by stakes-winners in 2003 with 11 from only 4 crops of racing age,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. A Gr1 winner himself, Pivotal has sired 6 Group/Graded winners alone this year, with stakes wins in England, Ireland, North America, HK, Italy, France & the UAE. His best runner last year was Gr1 winner Kyllachy (who stood his 1st English stud season alongside his sire at Cheveley Park Stud in Newmarket this year). To date in 2003, Pivotal has sired 5 individual Gr1 winners & his total of stakes-winners is only 1 less than the leading North American-based sire of stakes-winners El Prado. Pivotal's sire Polar Falcon was a late-devoloping, sprinting son of Nureyev who died young; Polar Falcon traced directly to Schiaparelli (whose son Masthead sired Champion Australian Sire Matrice). Other successful stallions descended from Schiaparelli include Shantung, Roi Dagobert, Sassafras & Dogger Bank. Pivotal started his career at a relatively low fee, but his success has seen his fee nearly treble to £25,000 - at which he has been fully booked. (Sep 17) Cadeaux Genereux’s Big Week Meanwhile Cadeaux Genereux (Young Generation–Smarten Up, by Sharpen Up) is on a hot streak in Europe & North America, noted aapracingandsports.com.au. At Woodbine his son Touch The Blues (ex Silabteni by Nureyev) won Canada’s Gr1 C$1 million Atto Mile & now has 7 wins & 10 placing in 32 starts for over $1.27 million prize-money. And in Ireland, 2YO Wathab (Cadeaux Genereux-Bally Souza by Alzao) was runner up in the Gr1 National Stakes (7 furlongs) behind US$3.1 million Keeneland purchase One Cool Cat. Meanwhile in Germany, Toylsome (Cadeaux Genereux-Treasure Trove, by The Minstrel) nothced his 5th win in 14 starts in the Listed Grosser Fleigerpreis Der Bayerischen Hausbau (1300m) in Munich. Overall Cadeaux Genereux has sired 6 individual Gr1 winners & his progeny have been victorious in the UK Middle Park Stakes, St James Palace Stakes & Cheveley Park Stakes, France’s Prix Morny twice & Prix Maurice de Gheest , & now Canada’s Woodine Atto Mile. In Australasia, Cadeaux Genereux has been represented at stud by 2 Gr1-winning sons: Bahamian Bounty (at Eliza Park in Victoria) & Bijou D’Inde (at Glenmorgan Farm in NZ). Despite leaving only 72 live southern crop foals, Bahamian Bounty has 17 winners from 31 runners (54.8% winners-to-runners including stakes-placed filly Bella Vichy). Bijou D’Inde’s oldest progeny are now 3YOs, with only 4 making the racetrack. Cadeaux Genereux also shares the same second dam as Sunline’s sire Desert Sun (Green Desert) in L’Anguissola. Part of a Gainsborough stallion line-up which includes Green Desert & Fantastic Light, Cadeaux Genereux stands at Britain’s Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire. (Sep 17) UK Jockeys Seek To Resolve Mobile Phone Dispute In the aftermath of UK jockeys refusing to ride at Sandown Park last weekend, in protest against new restrictions on mobile phone use, the British Jockeys Association “has urged the British Jockey Club to resume talks in an attempt to settle the long-running feud,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sandown was forced to cancel its meeting “after jockeys boycotted the measure prohibiting jockeys from using their cell phones a half-hour before the 1st race”. The ban (which took effect on September 1 & is supported by the UK Jockey Club) was instituted as a means of “preventing jockeys from breaching integrity measures by conveying information for bettor purposes”. (Sep 17) 5-Furlong Track Record At Pimlico Crossing Point has set a new 5-furlongs track record of 56.71 sec at Pimlico Race Course, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ridden by Mario Pino, the Maryland-bred son of Allen’s Prospect eclipsed the previous mark of 56.80sec set by Goldminer’s Dream in May 1993. Crossing Point (a 6YO gelding) was using his latest victory as a tune-up for the Maryland Million Sprint Stakes at Laurel Park on October 11; he had won the 6-furlong Dave’s Friend Handicap at Laurel on August 9 in his previous start. Trained by Ben Feliciano, Crossing Point set a track record at Laurel in November last year by covering 5.5 furlongs in 1min 2.45sec. Overall he has now won 11 of 27 career starts & earned US$320,904. Crossing Point is 1 of 4 winners out of unraced Greinton mare Clap Happy; he is a half-brother to stakes-winners Love Happy & My Boy Kyle & stakes-placed winner Echo Canyon. (Sep 17) Bop Retired To Stud Meanwhile Folly Quarter Stable’s Bop (who set 3 individual 5-furlong course records sprinting on the turf) has been retired & will enter stud next year at Legacy Farm in Virginia, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO Virginia-bred son of Rahy (out of Fappiano mare Golden Guinea) won 12 of 23 career starts (competing at 10 different racetracks over 5 seasons) & earned US$365,766; he won 6 stakes events (including the Yankee Affair Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap at Penn National Race Course & 3 consecutive runnings of the Punch Line Stakes at Colonial Downs). Bop set a Gulfstream Park 5-furlong record of 55.10sec in the 2003 Yankee Affair; he ran a 5-furlong course record of 54.61sec in the 2002 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup; & he set a 5-furlong course record of 55.85sec in the 2002 Punch Line. Legacy Farm’s Larry Johnson commented: "Bop will fit very well in this regional market. He was a world-class sprinter & he is by a highly successful sire, out of a stakes-placed Fappiano mare." (Sep 17) Ghostly Minister Retired To Stud Ghostly Minister (1 of 2 winners out of US Gr1 victor Lunar Spook) has been retired & will stand his 1st season at Charles Woodson’s Buckstud in West Virginia, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO son of Deputy Minister was bred in Kentucky & won 3 of 27 career starts (plus 10 placings). Ghostly Minister is the 1st foal out of Lunar Spook (a 13-year-old daughter of Silver Ghost who won the 1993 Gr1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Race Course & Gr3 Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park; her 2nd foal is Broadway Moon (a Gr3-placed son of Theatrical). (Sep 17) US Freshman Sire Bandit Relocated US freshman sire & multiple Gr3 winner Time Bandit (sire of multiple US stakes winner Next Bandit) has been relocated to stand the 2004 season at Camelot Farm in Louisiana, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 7YO son of Time For A Change (out of La Voyageuse, by Tentam) stood his initial 3 seasons at Walmac South in Florida & the 2003 season at Ryder River Ridge Farm in Louisiana. He has sired 2 winners from 6 starters (including Next Bandit, who has 3 wins in 5 starts for US$146,238 earnings so far). Time Bandit himself won 3 of 13 career starts (including the Gr3 Sanford Stakes & Gr3 Bashford Manor Stakes). (Sep 17) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Surachai California-based freshman sire Surachai recorded his 1st winner when Mental Floss “led gate-to-wire to win her career debut” over 6.5 furlongs at Fairplex Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Surachai (who won the 1997 & 1998 Dayjur Handicap at Hollywood Park) stands at Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm in California. In his 1st crop of racing age, Surachai has had 2 starters & 1 winner from 25 foals; he also has 22 yearlings. On the track, Surachai won 7 times (including 4 stakes) in 30 starts (& finished 2nd in the 1997 Gr2 Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile Stakes on the turf at Hollywood Park). Bred in California, Surachai is out of multiple stakes-winning Don B mare Corvettin. (Sep 17) Trainer Sought For US$2.79m Sunday Silence Colt Japanese owner Fusao Sekiguchi (well-known for his international success with US Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus) has offered “trainers on all continents” the opportunity to stable his US$2.79 million Sunday Silence-Seto Flowerian colt (from the last crop of Japan’s reigning champion sire). Sekiguchi summed up: "I am seeking a trainer who is not afraid to take risks to make this endeavour a success. I want a trainer who will not be intimidated by the circumstances, but to put in his best to train the colt. Whoever feels confident to take up the task will be welcomed." Sekiguchi bought the Sunday Silence foal for the sale-topping US$2.79 million (330,000,000 yen) at July’s Select Foal Sale in Hokkaido; it was the 3rd highest price in Japan's foal sale history. The colt’s dam Seto Flowerian (Bellotto-Yeatsina, by Yeats) won 5 races in Australia, including the Gr3 AJC Adrian Knox Stakes, as well as finishing 2nd in the Gr1 AJC Oaks; she is also the dam of Tiger Cafe (by Sunday Silence) who has 2 wins plus a 2nd in the Japanese 2000 Guinneas. (Sep 16) Sheikh Mohammed Buys Refuse To Bend Meanwhile Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Darley stable has purchased 3YO Gr1 English 2000 Guineas winner Refuse To Bend (Sadler's Wells- Market Slide, by Gulch) from Walter Haefner’s Moyglare Stud Farm, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Refuse To Bend will be aimed at the US Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita Park on October 25. Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock adviser John Ferguson said: "We are delighted to have secured Refuse To Bend as a future Darley stallion. Sheikh Mohammed has kindly agreed to lease Refuse To Bend back to Mr Haefner so that the horse can run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in the Moyglare colours." Bred in Ireland by Moyglare, Refuse To Bend has 5 wins from 7 starts for US$573,751 prize-money; he was undefeated in his initial 4 starts, including victories in English Gr1 Two Thousand Guineas & Irish Gr1 National Stakes. (Sep 16) Keeneland Day-6: US$400,000 Siphon Colt California-based trainer Bruce Headley paid US$400,000 for a bay son of Brazilian-bred stallion Siphon (consigned by Brereton Jones’s Airdrie Stud as agent) to top Day-6 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt is out of unraced Regal Classic mare Classical Dance, who is a half-sister to Irish champion 2YO & former Cambridge Stud stallion Danzatore & stakes-winner Vaguely Modest (dam of Australian Gr1 AJC Flight Stakes winner Danarani). From 3 crops of racing age, Siphon has sired more than 50 winners (including Gr1 winner Siphonic). (Sep 16) Keeneland Day-6: Top Lots Among Keeneland’s other top prices on Day-6, reported racenet.com.au, were: US$385,000 Runaway Groom-Sabu colt US$380,000 Silver Charm-Silver Spool colt US$360,000 Silver Charm-Belle du Bois colt US$250,000 Deputy Commander-Rebel Account colt US$245,000 Honour And Glory-Irish Coco colt US$240,000 More Than Ready-Laday colt US$220,000 High Yield-Rhodesia colt US$210,000 Royal Anthem-Widady colt (Sep 16) Keeneland Day-6: Gross Up 26% & Average Up 27% Overall at Keeneland’s Day-6: 275 yearlings sold for US$16,547,500 (up 26% compared with last year’s US$13,135,200 for 279 horses) at an average US$60,173 (up 27.8% from US$47,080 last year) & median US$45,000 (last year $37,000). (Sep 16) Keeneland Day-6: Cumulative Average Up 34% At the halfway point of the 12-day Keeneland September yearling sale, the 6-day cumulative average shows: overall average is US$167,591 (up 34.8% from US$124,318 last year); overall median is US$85,000 (up 21.4% from last year’s US$70,000); & 1,405 yearlings have sold for a total US$235,465,500 (up 32.1% compared with last year’s US$178,272,700). (Sep 16) Barretts Offers Online Interactive Bidding At Auctions Meanwhile Barretts Equine Limited has reached an agreement with Live Global Bid to offer online interactive bidding for the Barretts Autumn Mixed Sale (October 27-28) & Barretts Winter Mixed Sale (January 20-21) in Southern California. Online bidders “will hear all audio real-time, will see the current auctioneer ask price in real-time, & be able to offer bids on all offered lots, simultaneously with the live auction crowd,” reported bloodhorse.com. “Barretts auctioneers will be notified of all active bids being offered online.” (Sep 16) Dolphin Street 1: Aust-NZ Gr1 Double The victory by Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street-Incline, by Century) in the weight-for-age Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne capped a major double for Victorian-based sire Dolphin Street, following the win by Miss Potential (Dolphin Street-Richfield Rose, by Crested Wave) in the NZ weight-for-age Gr1 Mudgway Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui. It means daughters of Dolphin Street have won the 1st Gr1 events of the new seasons in both Australia & NZ. Dolphin Street (Bluebird-Or Vision, by Irish River) stands for $5,500 at The Independent Stallion Station at Toolern Vale. But despite the twin Gr1 success, TISS “is under mounting pressure to retain” Dolphin Street “whose owners have been fielding enquiries from NSW & NZ”, reported Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria. “The owners have been disappointed by the lack of support for Dolphin Street, who is still a long way short of a full book of mares for the current season, despite siring the winners of more than $5 million last season.” (Sep 16) Dolphin Street 2: Becker Blasts Vic Breeders Ironically, Victoria’s “likely loss of Dolphin Street” follows a call by The Independent Stallion Station’s manager & Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria president Mike Becker for breeders in that State to “recognise the value of stallions they are offered locally”. Becker told the inaugural TBV Super VOBIS awards luncheon that Victoria had “consistently undersold its own strength”. He pointed to this lack of belief in Victorian breeding for the loss of the outstanding US sires Distorted Humor & Mr Greeley, who both stood in Victoria in their 1st seasons; Distorted Humor went on to become US Champion Freshman sire in the US & shares in the son of Forty Niner are now trading to US$500,000. Becker declared: “The continuing claim that Victoria lacks quality stallions carries no merit with me. We simply continue to underestimate what we have & what we have achieved. Because we price these horses at value fees, our industry wants to believe they are inferior. They are not given support from any sector of the industry.” (Sep 16) Dolphin Street 3: No Nominations From Agents TBV president Mike Becker said the case of Dolphin Street had been “particularly disappointing as the stallion had been seriously undervalued & his loss would not be recognised until after he moved”. Becker revealed no nominations had come from agents in the current season & 1 sales company had suggested to breeders consistently that Dolphin Street progeny “would find it difficult to make selected sales”. This was in spite of Dolphin Street’s record on the track & in the sales arena, where his yearlings sold to $200,000 this year. The last week has seen Dolphin Street represented by stakes performers in Australia, NZ & the US; he also finished among the leading sires in HK last season. (Sep 16) Dehere’s Son Slaughters Singapore Rivals More good news for Arrowfield stallion Dehere with his son First Touch returning after a 6-month absence to blitz the opposition by 10.5 lengths at Kranji in Singapore (& run just outside the track record for 1000m in recording 59sec on the fibresand). Bred in NZ, First Touch had bone chips removed from his fetlocks during his lengthy lay-off. (Sep 16) Anabaa 1: Catching Up At Widden After his southern hemisphere arrival was delayed a fortnight due to minor injury, shuttle sire Anabaa has arrived at Widden Stud for his 6th season & immediately began covering mares (at $40,000 including GST). Anabaa’s 2003 book includes mares of the calibre of the dam of HK International Sprint champion All Thrills Too & leading HK sprinter Anabatik, & Yell’s dam Vocalist will be covered again by Anabaa in October. (Sep 16) Anabaa 2: Leading Danzig Stakes-Winner Sire Meanwhile Anabaa enhanced his lead as Danzig's Number 1 sire of stakes-winners around the globe in 2003 when 2YO filly Villadolide (bred & raced by the Head family at Haras du Quesnay) became his 12th individual black type winner in the Gr3 Prix D'Arenberg (1100m) at Maisons-Lafitte in France. That success followed lightly-raced filly French Bid (Anabaa's 11th individual stakes winner this year) capturing the Listed Quezette Stakes at Caulfield; French Bid was offered by Widden Stud on behalf of Heytesbury at the 2002 Inglis Easter sale, where she was purchased by Vinery for $150,000. As a result, Anabaa is the most prolific sire of stakes-winners among 88 sons of Danzig at stud worldwide in 2003 & his yearlings were among the top sellers at the recent Deauville Yearling Sales in France: a colt from Woodman mare Supergirl sold for A$752,000; a full-sister to Gr1-winning filly Amonita fetched A$A535,000; & Anabaa averaged A$192,000 for 20 sold (compared to Deauville average of A$126,000). Anabaa was 2nd only to Danehill on the HK sires' table last season &, with stakes performers in 2003 in France, England, Ireland, Germany, Australia, HK & North America (including 2 champion horses in Precision & Yell), Anabaa has amassed overall progeny earnings of more than A$15 million. Overall, Anabaa has had 83 starters for 58 winners in Australia: a 70% winner-to-runner strike rate. (Sep 16) Chan Elected To International Owners Association NSW Racehorse Owners Association vice president Benedict Chan has been elected treasurer of the International Racehorse Owners Association at the annual general meeting held in Istanbul in Turkey. NSWROA president Rob Albon said Chan’s election “is a recognition of his role & that of NSWROA in getting the IROA off the ground since its formation last year.” He noted the IROA’s vision “is to be an integral part of the racing industry world-wide, with the objective of promoting racehorse ownership, protecting owners’ rights, privileges & returns, & facilitating communication among owners’ associations.” (Sep 16) 4 Legends Join SA Hall-Of-Fame Four “legends of the turf” - Comic Court, Grahame Heagney, Jim Johnson & David Coles - were inducted into the South Australian Racing Hall-Of-Fame as part of the South Australian Racing industry awards on September 13: Comic Court (who started 53 times for 28 wins & 15 placings) won the 1950 Melbourne Cup plus a host of other Gr1 races in his illustrious career. Grahame “Bluey” Heagney was best known for preparing Hall-Of-Fame galloper Tobin Bronze (winner of 2 Gr1 Cox Plates), but also prepared 1963 Melbourne Cup winner Gatum Gatum, 1957 Adelaide Cup winner Borgia & 1968 Adelaide Cup winner Rain Lover & consistent galloper Proud Miss. Jim Johnson won 125 feature races (including 36 at Gr1 level); he rode Tobin Bronze in his 2 Cox Plate successes, and won 3 Melbourne Cups on Gatum Gatum & Rain Lover twice; overall he rode 2,158 winners in a career spanning 32 years. David Coles began a career in racing in 1948 & was honoured for his outstanding services to racing, which continue today in his role in the Swettenham Stud organisation. (Sep 16) Lacey Morrison Heads To Sydney Brisbane's top female apprentice Lacey Morrison heads to Sydney today to start a 3-month stint with Warwick Farm trainers Clarry & Marc Conners, reported racenet.com.au. She said goodbye to Brisbane with a double at Eagle Farm last Saturday. (Sep 16) 1st Foal For NZ Gr2 Mare Paolino NZ group-winning mare Paolino (by Housebuster) has produced her 1st foal, a bay filly by Strategic, at Peter & Philip Vela’s Pencarrow Stud near Hamilton, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Paolino (who was trained by Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill at Takanini) won the Gr2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe 2 years ago. She is booked to visit Waikato Stud-based stallion O’Reilly (by Last Tycoon) this year. (Sep 16) 1st Winner For French Freshman Sire Limnos French-based freshman sire & multiple Gr2 winner Limnos recorded his 1st winner when 2YO colt Tonight won over 7.95 furlongs on debut at Maisons-Laffitte, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Limnos (who stands at Haras du Petit Tellier in France) was bred in Japan, but raced for Stavros Niarchos in France, where he won 4 of 9 starts. Limnos is by Hector Protector (out of Shirley Heights mare Lingerie) & is a full brother to 1999 multiple European high-weighted mare Shiva. Tonight is 1 of 21 foals (& 3 starters) in Limnos’s 1st crop. (Sep 16) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Lucayan Prince California-based freshman sire Lucayan Prince (a Gr3 winner & Gr1-placed 1996 European high-weight) recorded his 1st winner when Royal Photographer won at Fairplex Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Lucayan Prince (who stands at Old English Rancho in California) is a 10-year-old son of Gr1 winner Fast Play; he won 6 of 38 career starts (including the 1996 English Gr3 Jersey Stakes at Ascot, plus runner-ups in both the 1996 English Gr1 Darley July Cup & 1997 US Gr1 Cigar Mile Handicap) for US$400,000 prize-money. Bred in Kentucky, Lucayan Prince is 1 of 4 winners (from 7 starters) out of Saratoga Six mare Now That’s Funny. He has 4 starters out of 19 foals of racing age in 1 crop; he also has 1 crop of 16 yearlings. (Sep 16) 1st Winner For US Sire Strong Minded Arizona-based sire Strong Minded recorded his 1st winner when Big Sky River won on debut over 5.25 furlongs at Yellowstone Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Strong Minded (a 9YO son of Riverman who stands at Fleming Thoroughbred Farm in Arizona) now has 1 winner & 3 additional starters out of 25 foals of racing age. Strong Minded won 3 of 10 starts in his own career. He is out of Gr2 winner Surging (by Fappiano). (Sep 16) Singapore Win By 1-Eyed Horse Tuesday Odd Spot: The Malcolm Thwaites-trained Singapore racehorse Lord Nelson has shown having only 1 eye will not stop him being a successful racehorse, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Lord Nelson (a son of Unbridled's Song, named due to his impediment) won in a smart 1min 11.8sec for 1200m on the wet Kranji track. Thwaites expects Lord Nelson (raced by the Australian Racing Institute) to go right to the top & is setting him for the 3YO Triple Crown series in Singapore later in the year. (Sep 16) Dubai’s 9-week $32 Million International Carnival The Emirates Racing Association & Dubai Racing Club have announced the US$21 million (A$32 million) Dubai International Racing Carnival 2004, a 9-week program with 55 races peaking on Dubai World Cup day on March 27. The plan offers a pattern of races for the world’s best runners over 10 racing days at Nad al Sheba racecourse, beginning on January 29 & featuring 31 races on dirt & 18 on turf, plus the 6 World Cup day events. (Sep 15) Trainers & Owners Around Globe Invited The Dubai International Racing Carnival 2004 organisers say it represents a “giant leap forward” for “the internationalisation of horse racing”, with “massive prize-money & generous incentives designed to entice leading owners & trainers from around the world to Dubai for an unprecedented 9 weeks of international competition.” Emirates Racing Association director of racing Fin Powrie said he was confident global horseracing would only benefit from the concept: “Horse racing is currently in the international era & every major racing centre around the world currently has an event that attracts horses from abroad. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum felt the time was now right to build on the success of our Dubai World Cup meeting & expand on it by inviting trainers & owners from around the world to enjoy racing in Dubai, not just for 1 meeting, but for 10.” In coming weeks leading trainers & owners throughout the world will receive packages “detailing every aspect of the carnival & outlining the benefits of taking part”. (Sep 15) Vinnie Roe’s 3rd Successive Gr1 Irish St Leger Britain’s champion 5YO stayer Vinnie Roe (Definite Article-Kayu, by Tap On Wood) made history by winning his 3rd consecutive Gr1 Irish St Leger (14 furlongs) at The Curragh, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Vinnie Roe (ridden by Pat Smullen for trainer Dermot Weld) defeated Gamut & 3YO Powerscourt (by Sadler's Wells). Vinnie Roe now has 11 wins in 18 starts for £836,600 (A$2.03 million) prize-money. Weld summed up: "It was one of his easier performances. He is so laid-back, but he settled the issue very quickly, which is what impressed me. I'm sure there's more to come from this horse, as he has been working since he came back with more speed than ever. I felt all along this would be his year." (Sep 15) Vinnie Roe’s Priority French Arc Not Melb Cup After the Irish St Leger, trainer Dermot Weld confirmed Vinnie Roe’s immediate target is the French Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (at Longchamp on October 5). However he also indicated the stayer might go into quarantine for the Melbourne Cup, but is also entered for the Canadian International at Woodbine on October 19. Vinnie Roe (top-weight with 59kg) is currently 20-1 for the Melbourne Cup (in which he finished 4th behind stable-mate Media Puzzle last year). (Sep 15) Brian Boru Wins English Gr1 St Leger Meanwhile Juddmonte-bred 3YO colt Brian Boru (Sadler's Wells-Eva Luna, by Alleged) charged home from the tail of the field to grab victory in the 227th running of Britain’s oldest & longest classic English Gr1 St Leger Stakes (14.5 furlongs) at Doncaster, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Brian Boru (ridden by Jamie Spencer for trainer Aidan O'Brien) defeated High Accolade (by Mark Of Esteem) & Phoenix Reach (by Alhaarth). Brian Boru (named after a warrior king who united Ireland under 1 ruler) is 1 of 18 European Classic winners sired by Sadler's Wells (Northern Dancer-Fairy Bridge, by Bold Reason) who stands at Coolmore in Ireland. (Sep 15) Melb Cup Update: Maharib Another of Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s Melbourne Cup entries Maharib finished 4th in the English St Leger behind Brian Boru, after reaching the lead inside the last 2 furlongs. But “Maharib is likely to be reserved for the 2004 Melbourne Cup,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (Sep 15) Melb Cup Update: In Time’s Eye If Dermot Weld “is to have a runner at all for Australia it will be In Time's Eye”, who was due to go into Quarantine overnight “but who may stay (in the UK) & run in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (Sep 15) Melb Cup Update: Millstreet And the Godolphin Melbourne Cup entry Millstreet “did not enhance his chances of making the trip to Australia after he finished a poor 5th (beaten almost 13 lengths) in the Troy Stakes over 12 furlongs at Doncaster.” reported aapracingandsports.comn.au. (Sep 15) One Cool Cat Wins Irish Gr1 National Stakes Ballydoyle’s 2YO colt One Cool Cat (Storm Cat-Tacha, by Mr Prospector) won yesterday’s Irish Gr1 National Stakes (7 furlongs) at The Curragh, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. One Cool Cat defeated Wathab (by Cadeaux Genereux) & Pearl Of Love (by Peintre Celebre). One Cool Cat has now won 4 of his 5 starts. (Sep 15) Mezzo Soprano Wins French Gr1 Prix Vermeille Godolphin's 3YO filly Mezzo Soprano (Darshaan-Morn Of Song, by Blushing Groom) won yesterday’s French Gr1 Prix Vermeille (2400m) at Longchamp, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Mezzo Soprano defeated Yesterday (by Sadler's Wells) & Fidelite (by In The Wings). Mezzo Soprano’s dam is a winning sister to Gr2 winner & successful sire Rahy & a half-sister to multiple Gr1 winner & promising sire Singspiel. (Sep 15) Wild Spirit Wins US Gr1 Ruffian Handicap In the US, Arrowfield Stud’s boom South American sire Hussonet’s Chilean-bred 4YO mare Wild Spirit (Hussonet-Wild Princess, by Wild Again) cruised to victory by 3.5 lengths in the US$300,000 Gr1 Ruffian Handicap (8.5 furlongs) for fillies & mares at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Wild Spirit (ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Bobby Frankel) defeated stable-mate You (by You And I) & Passing Shot (A.P.Indy). Wild Spirit now has 9 wins (including 3 previous Gr1 events in Chile) & 4 placings in 14 starts for US$934,690 prize-money for owner-breeder Sumaya Us Stables. Sire Hussonet (Mr Prospector–Sacahuista, by Raja Baba) is currently covering his 1st Southern Hemisphere book at Arrowfield Stud at Scone in the NSW Hunter Valley at $24,750 (including GST). (Sep 15) Cuvee Wins US Gr1 Futurity Stakes Ron Winchell & Spendthrift Farm’s boom US juvenile colt Cuvee (by Carson City) thrashed his rivals by 8.25 lengths to record his 4th victory in 5 starts in winning the US$200,000 Gr1 Futurity Stakes (8 furlongs) for 2YOs at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cuvee (ridden by Jerry Bailey for trainer Steve Asmussen) defeated Value Plus & El Prado Rob. Cuvee has outdistanced his rivals by a combined 30.25 lengths in his 4 wins & already earned US$360,704. Bred in Kentucky, Cuvee is 1 of 2 starters (both winners) out of winning Star de Naskra mare Christmas Star (a half-sister to Gr1 winner Olympio & Gr2 winner Call Now). (Sep 15) Marylebone Wins US Gr1 Matron Stakes Meanwhile Michael Tabor’s Marylebone (a daughter of Unbridled’s Song) “edged her stable-mate Lokoya by a nose after a duel through the final furlong” to win the US$200,000 Matron Stakes (8 furlongs) for 2YO fillies at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Marylebone (ridden by Edgar Prado for trainer Todd Pletcher) defeated Lokoya (a daughter of Woodman) & Eye Dazzler; the winner now has 2 wins from 2 starts. Bred in Kentucky, Marylebone was produced by winning Wavering Monarch mare Desert Queen; agent Robert Scanlon purchased her for US$725,000 at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale. (Sep 15) Perfect Drift Wins US Gr2 For Aust Trainer Meanwhile Australian-born trainer Murray Johnson’s 4YO gelding Perfect Drift (Dynaformer-Nice Gal, by Naskra) won the US$350,000 Gr2 Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap (9 furlongs) at Turfway Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Stonecrest Farm’s Perfect Drift (ridden by Pat Day) nosed out Congaree (by Arazi) & Crafty Show (by Crafty Prospector). Perfect Drift now has 8 wins (also including the Gr1 Stephen Foster Handicap on June 14 at Churchill Downs) from 16 starts & US$1,771,368 prize-money. (Sep 15) Touch of The Blues Wins Canada’s Gr1 Atto Mile And in Canada, Gainsborough Farm's French-bred 6YO horse Touch Of The Blues “stormed 5-wide down the lane” to win the C$1 million Gr1 Atto Mile (8 furlongs on turf) at Woodbine overnight, reported bloodhorse.com. Touch Of The Blues (ridden by Kent Desormeaux for trainer Neil Drysdale) defeated 4YO gelding Soaring Free (by Smart Strike) & 5YO horse Perfect Soul (by Sadler’s Wells). Wando (the Canadian Triple Crown winner bidding to become the 1st 3YO winner of the Atto Mile) finished 4th as 3-1 favorite in the 11-horse field. Touch Of The Blues (Cadeaux Genereux-Silabteni, by Nureyev) now has 8 wins in 33 starts for C$1.2 million prize-money; he ran 5th in last year's Atto Mile. (Sep 15) Salt Champ Wins Argentine Gr1 Thousand Guineas Salt Champ (Salt Lake-Wandel, by Fitzcarraldo) “solidified her credentials as Argentina’s top 3YO filly” in winning in the Gr1 Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (Argentine One Thousand Guineas) over 1600m by 5 lengths at Hipodromo Palermo, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Salt Champ (trained by Carlos Maldotti) defeated Que Puntual (soon to race in the US) & Dona Deseada; the winner now has 3 wins (including 2 Gr1 events) in 4 starts for owner Stud EVG. (Sep 15) Melb Cup Update: Distinctly Secret In New Zealand, Mark Walker-trained 5YO stayer Distinctly Secret (ridden by Opie Bosson & carrying 59.5kg top-weight) “proved he is back to his best with a resounding win” over 1600m at Otaki, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Distinctly Secret is now heading for the NZ$750,000 Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings on September 27 (where he finished 2nd behind Prized Gem last year), followed by the major staying events over Melbourne’s Spring Carnival (where he finished 4th in the Caulfield Cup & 6th in the Melbourne Cup last year). Walker quipped: “That was just what I wanted to see. I wanted to give him as easy a preparation as possible in the lead-up to the Kelt, so let’s hope the weather clears & we can have a decent crack at that race in a fortnight.” Distinctly Secret firmed in Melbourne Cup betting markets from around 40-1 in to 20-1 & under after the win. (Sep 15) Taatletail Wins 1st Leg Of NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Meanwhile the Graeme Rogerson & Stephen Autridge-trained filly Taatletail (by Faltaat) maintained her unbeaten record (3 from 3) & picked up 1st points in the NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year series by winning the NZ$50,000 Gr3 Highview Stakes (1200m) at Otaki, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Taatletail (ridden by Michael Walker) defeated Rapid Kay & Pay My Bail. Rogerson summed up: "She could be the best filly I've had since Yir Tiz. She's something special & I'd love to see her over in Australia later in the season. Her 1st main target is the Gr1 NZ One Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November." (Sep 15) Keeneland Day-5: US$470,000 Unbridled's Song Colt Delaware’s Fox Hill Farm paid US$470,000 for a colt by former Arrowfield shuttle sire Unbridled's Song (out of Colleen Stakes winner Regal Miss Copelan, by Copelan) to top Day-5 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, reported bloodhorse.com. The colt was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency. (Sep 15) Keeneland Day-5: Top Lots Among the other top lots on Keeneland Day-5, reported racenet.com.au, were: US$400,000 paid by agent Bruce Headley for a Cat Thief-Miss L Attack colt; US$380,000 paid by William Clifton for a Cozzene–Turkappeal colt; US$325,000 paid by Mohammed Moubarak for an Unbridled’s Song-Adina filly; US$300,000 paid by agent Robert Scanlon for a Tale Of The Cat-Maryland Parkway colt. (Sep 15) Keeneland Day-5: Gross, Average & Median Up All major indicators (gross sales, average & median) “showed large increases over the corresponding session a year ago,” reported bloodhorse.com. Keeneland sold 274 horses during the Day-5 session for US$20,694,500 (27.1% up on last year’s US$15,093,500 for 276 horses) at an average US$75,527 (last year US$54,687) & a median US$50,000 (last year US$40,000). (Sep 15) Keeneland Day-5: Cumulative Average Up 35% Through 5 days of the 12-day auction, Keeneland sold 1,130 horses for US$218,918,000 (topping the gross sales of US$210.8 million for the entire 2002 September Sale). This year's average US$193,733 is up 35.5% from a year ago & the median US$100,000 is up 17.6% reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 15) Doncaster Sale: Xaar Colt Sets Record A colt from the 1st northern hemisphere crop of Darley shuttler & former Champion European 2YO Xaar set a new sale record at the final session of Doncaster Bloodstock's St Leger Yearling Sale in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Angus Gold of Shadwell Estates (buying for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum) paid 250,000 guineas for the half-brother to 2 Listed-placed runners (Ikan & Valjarv); the colt’s dam Iktidar is a 3/4 sister to triple Gr1-winning sprinter Sheikh Albadou. (Sep 15) Doncaster Sale: Average Up 26% Overall the Doncaster sale posted both record gross & average figures: with 499 of 518 lots sold, the gross was 8,510,100 guineas (up 30% on 2002) at an average 18,262 guineas (up 26%). Doncaster managing director Henry Beeby told thoroughbredinternet.com he was “absolutely ecstatic. Our reaction to this week’s trade can only be measured in superlatives, as we have been thrilled at the strength of trade from start to finish.” (Sep 15) Doncaster Sale: Top Colts 250,000 guineas paid by Shadwell Estate for a Xaar-Iktidar colt 105,000 guineas paid by Shadwell estate for a Pivotal-Pretty Poppy colt 100,000 guineas paid by Howard Johnson for a Singspiel-Hannalou colt 90,000 guineas paid by B.O’Ryan for a Royal Applause-Dust colt 88,000 guineas paid by W.Haggas for a Pivotal-Noor el Houdah colt 75,000 guineas paid by J.Fretwell for a Bluebird-Stellar Empress colt 60,000gns guineas paid by Havana Horse for a Monashee Mountain-Courtier colt 55,000 guineas paid by Shadwell Estate for a Intikhab-Sioux Chief colt 50,000 guineas paid by Blandford Bloodstock for a Namid-Lloc colt 50,000 guineas paid by McKeever St Lawrence for a Danetime-Clandolley colt. (Sep 15) Doncaster Sale: Top Fillies 120,000 guineas paid by BBA Ireland for an Efisio-Princess Athena filly 105,000 guineas paid by Shadwell Estate for a Pivotal-Princess Minnie filly 64,000 guineas paid by Will Edmeades Bloodstock for a Mujahid-Mrs Gray filly 58,000 guineas paid by Highflyer Bloodstock for a Danzero-Alzianah filly. (Sep 15) Spinning Hill Wins Aust Gr1 Manikato Stakes On the Australian scene, last year's winner Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street-Incline, by Century) made it successive victories in the $350,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne. Spinning Hill (ridden by Patrick Payne for trainer Guy Walter) defeated 4YO gelding True Glo (Brief Truce-Torelgo) & 5YO mare The Big Chill (O'Reilly-Icy Calm). Raced by her breeders Sandy Tait & Jill Nivison, Spinning Hill (now a 7YO mare) has 14 wins & 12 placings in 36 starts for $2,241,440 prize-money. Spinning Hill is the 2nd Gr1 winner in 2003 sired by Dolphin Street (Bluebird-Or Vision, by Irish River), who stands at The Independent Stallion Station in Victoria. (Sep 15) Natural Blitz Wins Gr2 Feehan Stakes Arrowfield shuttler Dehere’s 4YO son Natural Blitz (Dehere-Mohave Dancer) raced into Cox Plate contention when he won the $250,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley. Natural Blitz (ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for trainer Doug Harrison) defeated 4YO mare Vocabulary (Encosta de Lago-Lady Linguist) & 6YO gelding De Gaulle Lane (The Commander-D’Accord). Natural Blitz now has 5 wins & 5 placings in 21 starts for $725,830 prize-money; Harrison purchased Natural Blitz as a yearling for $85,000 at the 2001 Magic Millions Adelaide Select Yearling Sale. (Sep 15) Sunday Joy Wins Gr3 Stocks Stakes John Singleton’s 4YO mare Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence-Joie Denise) began her Melbourne spring campaign with victory in the $100,000 weight-for-age Gr3 Stocks Stakes (1600m) for mares at Moonee Valley. Sunday Joy (ridden by Damien Oliver for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 5YO mare Liberty Rose (Royal Academy-Cherry Garden) & 5YO mare Monde Special (Monde Bleu-Special Black). Sunday Joy now has 3 wins & 6 placings in 15 starts for $682,030 prize-money; Sunday Joy cost Singleton $1 million at the 2001 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. (Sep 15) Youth Wins Gr3 Hayes Stakes The 3YO gelding Youth (Quest For Fame-Versatile) won the $100,000 Gr3 Hayes Stakes (1200m) for 3YOs at Moonee Valley. Youth (ridden by Stephen Arnold for trainer John Hawkes) defeated 3YO filly Fragmentation (Snippets-Southern Sprinter) & 3YO gelding Happy Strike (Gold Fever-Rich Haul). Youth now has 3 wins in 5 starts for $136,500 prize-money. (Sep 15) General Booth Wins JRA Cup And 4YO gelding General Booth (Entrepreneur-War Cry) won the $120,000 Listed JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley. General Booth (ridden by Damien Oliver for trainer Tony Vasil) defeated 5YO gelding Flying Chance (Flying Spur-Random Chance) & 4YO horse Atin (Belong To Me-Navy Lemoore). General Booth now has 3 wins & 5 placings in 14 starts for $116,450 prize-money. (Sep 15) Fiery Venture Takes Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes In Sydney, former Coolmore shuttler Thunder Gulch’s 4YO gelding Fiery Venture (Thunder Gulch-Flying Venture) is aiming at the Gr1 Epsom Handicap after winning the $200,000 Gr2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens. Fiery Venture (ridden by Len Beasley for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 5YO gelding & Gr1-winning stablemate Grand Armee (Hennessy-Tambour) & 6YO gelding Osca Warrior (Zeditave-Fionian). Fiery Venture now has 6 wins & a 2nd in 9 starts for $379,900 prize-money; Waterhouse bought Fiery Venture for $110,000 as a yearling at the 2001 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. US Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch (Gulch-Line Of Thunder, by Storm Bird) stands at Ashford Stud in Kentucky. (Sep 15) Ariante Wins Gr3 Kingston Town Stakes Widden Stud stallion Filante recorded his 2nd stakes-winner when his 4YO gelding Ariante (Filante-Arietta) won the $100,000 Gr3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens. Ariante (ridden by Len Beasley for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 6YO gelding Dashing Away (Vice Regal-Miss Marple) & 6YO mare Mrs Tendulkar (Luskin Star-Saving). Ariante now has 6 wins & 3 placings in 12 starts for $258,180 prize-money; he was purchased by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds for just $24,000 at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. (Sep 15) Classy Dane Wins Gr3 Research Stakes Emirates Park Stud sire Danewin’s 3YO filly Classy Dane (Danewin-Ranzest) won the $100,000 Gr3 Research Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Classy Dane (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Peter Dombkins) defeated 5YO mare Forum Floozie (Danasinga-Flying Floozie) & 5YO mare Gold Lottey (Encosta de Lago-Lottey). Classy Dane now has 4 wins & a 2nd in 7 starts for $241,400; she was purchased for just $20,000 at the 2002 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale. (Sep 15) Squillani Wins Gr3 Spring Stakes And in Adelaide, Emirates Park Stud stallion Shagny’s 5YO gelding Squillani (Shagny-Zephyr Note) won the $60,000 Gr3 $60,000 Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. Squillani defeated 5YO mare Nadema (Blevic-Nema Daian) & 4YO gelding Lawson’s Storm (Bellotto-Poet's Breeze). Squillani (trained by Phillip Stokes) now has 8 wins & 4 placings in 14 starts for $223,000 prize-money. (Sep 15) Harley Ma Wins Morphettville Guineas Widden Stud sire Shovhog recorded his 1st stakes-winner when his 3YO filly Harley Ma (Shovhog-Marjoyan) survived a protest to win the $50,000 Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m). Harley Ma (ridden by Joe Bowditch for trainer Lee Freedman) defeated Song Of The Sun (Desert Sun-Song Of Norway) & Old Friends Gold (Fraar-New Gold Dream). Harley Ma now has 3 wins & 2 placings in 8 starts for $88,000 prize-money; Freedman purchased her for $100,000 at the 2002 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast. (Sep 15) Cox Plate Plunge On Paraca The English-trained mare Paraca (Kitwood-Paraguaya, by Country Doctor) has been the centre of a Cox Plate betting plunge, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Trained by Andrew Balding, Argentine-bred Paraca has won 6 of her 10 starts in South Africa (including 2 Gr1 events over 1600m last season). Bill Hurley’s Sportsbook accepted bets on Paraca at $67 & again at $51. Colin Tidy’s Horsebet firmed her into $21 & spokesman Mark Morrisey revealed: “Our first bet was from a fellow bookmaker who wanted to have $12,000 on it at $41; we could only oblige him for $80,000 to $2,000. Paraca was obviously over the odds, so a lot of people thought.” NSW TAB fixed odds spokesman Glenn Munsie said his agency accepted wagers of $51,000 to $1,000 on Paraca & another of $85,000 to $1,700. Paraca’s dam “is a half-sister to Argentine & North American Champion Gr1-winning mare Paseana,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (Sep 15) Rock Of Gibraltar’s 3/4 Brother Selling At Karaka NZ Bloodstock has confirmed a 3/4-brother to Rock Of Gibraltar will be offered at the 2004 National Yearling Sales at Karaka in January. He is by Danehill from Push A Venture, a Shirley Heights mare who is a half-sister to the dam of Rock of Gibraltar, the horse regarded by many as Danehill’s best ever son on the racetrack, where he captured 7 consecutive Gr1 wins before retiring to stud. The Danehill colt will be offered for sale by Hamilton’s Curraghmore Stud on behalf of an Australian client. (Sep 15) Magic Ring’s European Success NZ Haunui Stud’s shuttle stallion Magic Ring has received a double boost from his northern hemisphere progeny: Ring of Destiny won a 2400m handicap at Thirsk in Britain; Australian Dreams claimed the Listed Baden-Baden Cup (2000m) in Germany. Magic Ring has had 12 winners in the new season, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (Sep 15) NZ Westbury Stud’s Latest Foalings NZ’s Westbury Stud reports several significant foalings: Disco Doris (half-sister to Gr2 winner & Gr1 placed Hey Pronto) produced a filly by Faltaat; In Your Eyes (half-sister to HKJC Stewards Cup winner Billion Win) produced a colt by Mull Of Kintyre; Doduo (Danehill-Fayfa) produced a filly by Viscount; Keralia (by Doyoun ex a Storm Bird mare & a half-sister to English Stakes winner Kermiyana) produced a colt by Montjeu; Buncrana (by Woodman ex stakes-winning El Gran Senor mare Rua 'd Oro) produced a colt by Elnadim. (Sep 15) NZ Waikato Stud’s Latest Foalings NZ’s Waikato Stud reports several significant foalings: O’Reilly-Centimental colt; O’Reilly-Reputedly filly; Centaine-Sriwijaya colt; O’Reilly-She’s Heaven Cent filly; O’Reilly-Ever Clever filly; Danasinga-Nothing But Net filly; Danasinga-Gale filly; O’Reilly-Lodore Mystic filly; Centaine-Caught Kanudling filly; O’Reilly-Black Sugar filly; Faltaat-Recent Lady filly; Pentire-Cantante colt. (Sep 15) Taylor To Ride In Singapore Lightweight Australian jockey Jason Taylor “will head to Singapore next month to ride freelance for 3 months,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Taylor, 31 (whose biggest victory was the Gr1 Brisbane Cup on Star Covet 2 years ago) initially missed out on a freelance contract, but was snapped up by Singapore officials when a vacancy came up recently. Taylor said: "I've never ridden overseas before & I'm quite excited & looking forward to the experience." (Sep 15) Keeneland Day-4: US$950,000 Forestry Colt Bob & Beverly Lewis paid US$950,000 for a colt from the 2nd-crop of Forestry, reported bloodhorse.com. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, Forest Fighter is the 2nd foal out of Alydar mare Alyfair (a half-sister to graded stakes winners Advancing Star & Darby Fair). The colt is headed to the barn of trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who said: "We all cross check the ones we like & this one ended up on everyone's list. He's an exceptional individual & there is a lot to like about him.” Lukas also noted the initial 4 days at Keeneland have been “exceptionally strong & the money is available to be spent on quality offerings. Buyers are being very aggressive on these types of horses. With the Classic pedigrees & conformation the interest is very strong." (Sep 12) Keeneland Day-4: Lewis Buys 3 Of Top 10 Bob & Beverly Lewis bought 3 of the 10 highest priced lots during Keeneland Day-4, noted bloodhorse.com, also including a US$475,000 filly by Unbridled's Song out of Runaway Spy (consigned by Fred Seitz's Brookdale Farm as agent for Victor Divivo) & a US$450,000 filly by Golden Missile out of Gr3 stakes winner Arches Of Gold (consigned by Threave Main Stud). (Sep 12) Keeneland Day-4: US$800,000 Tale Of The Cat Colt Irish agent Demi O' Byrne paid US$800,000 for a colt by Tale Of The Cat out of Patchiano. Michael Byrne sold the yearling, which he purchased as a weanling for US$140,000 at the 2002 Keeneland November mixed sale for the Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency consignment. O'Byrne (seated with trainer Patrick Biancone during the bidding) told bloodhorse.com the colt resembles Whoopi Cat (a daughter of Tale Of The Cat trained by Biancone): "He was 1 of the best moving horses of the sale & he had a beautiful face. And I love the sire." (Sep 12) Keeneland Day-4: Gross Up 42% & Average Up 37% Overall Day-4 of the 20-day Keeneland September Yearling Sale again posted increases in every category, reported bloodhorse.com: 252 lots sold for US$31,809,500 (up 42.2% on last year) at an average US$126,228 (up 37.9%) & a median US$90,000 (up 25%). (Sep 12) Keeneland Day-4: Cumulative Gross Up 32% The 4-day cumulative total is now 856 sold (last year 879) for US$198,223,500 ( up 32% on last year’s US$150,044,000) at an average US$231,570 (up 35% on last year’s US$170,699) & a median US$140,000 (up 33% on last year’s US$105,000). Keeneland director of sales Geoffrey Russell told bloodhorse.com the initial 4 days have been “fantastic”, but added the market remains very selective: "The 1st 2 books have been fantastic, but this market is very selective & not every consignment is having a great sale. The healthy gains we experienced during the select sessions (days 1&2) have carried over to Wednesday & Thursday (days 3&4)." (Sep 12) Doncaster Day-3: Efisio Filly Breaks Record Meanwhile BBA Ireland’s Adrian Nicoll paid 120,000 guineas overnight for an Efisio filly to break the 21-year-old record for a filly & top Day-3 at England’s Doncaster's St Leger Yearling Sale, reported racingpost.co.uk. Consigned from David Powell’s Catridge Farm Stud (vendor of the last 3 St Leger Sale race winners) the April-born filly is a half-sister to both Nunthorpe Stakes 3rd Acclamation & to the dam of Never A Doubt (winner of last season’s Gr2 Prix Robert Papin). Nicoll (who flew in to Doncaster from Keeneland & had also bought at a Canadian sale in Toronto prior to Kentucky) noted: “It was a bit more than we wanted to pay but everything was right with her. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before Acclamation has a Group win, so she’ll always have salvage value.” (Sep 12) Doncaster Day-2: Monashee Mountain Colt Top Lot Willow Bend Stud’s shuttler Monashee Mountain (by Danzig) attracted plenty of attention when a colt (ex Courtier) from his 1st crop topped Day-2 at England’s Doncaster's St Leger Yearling Sale, reported racingpost.co.uk. Havanna Horse paid 60,000 guineas for the half-brother to Gr3 Solario Stakes winner Barbajuan (by Danehill Dancer). (Sep 12) Doncaster Day-2: Namid Colts In Demand Meanwhile Newmarket trainer James Toller (bidding through Blandford Bloodstock's Tom Goff) paid 50,000 guineas for a Trickledown Stud colt from the 1st crop of 2000 Prix de l'Abbaye winner Namid (out of Compton Place's half-sister Lloc), reported racingpost.co.uk. And Liam Cashman's Rathbarry Stud, where Namid (a son of Indian Ridge) stands, received 37,000 guineas from agent Will Edmeades for another Namid colt out of Persian Bold mare Cairo Lady. (Sep 12) Doncaster Day-2: Cape Cross Attracts Buyers Following this week’s European wins by Cape Cross 2YOs Mokabra (in Germany’s most prestigious juvenile race, the Gr2 Maurice Lacroix Trophy at Baden–Baden) & Cape Fear (in Europe's richest juvenile race, the £200,000 Doncaster St Leger Yearling Stakes in England) “it was no great surprise to see trainer Brian Meehan, fresh from his big race success (with Cape Fear), keen to get another product of the Darley stallion,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Meehan paid 35,000 guineas for a Cape Cross filly consigned from Ballymorris Stud. Shortly afterwards trainer Alan Jarvis paid 34,000 guineas for a Cape Cross colt, the 1st foal of Baalbek consigned by Genesis Green Stud. (Sep 12) Brilliant Stallion Start For Cape Cross And further to yesterday’s report re the win by NZ Cambridge Stud shuttler Cape Cross’s 2YO Cape Fear in the £200,000 St Leger Yearling Stakes at Doncaster in England: 1st prize of £142,400 was more than 6 times Cape Fear’s yearling purchase price of 22,000 guineas; Cape Cross’s outstanding start to his stallion career has seen him sire 20 winners this season (including 3 stakes-winners & 4 more stakes-placed). (Sep 12) 10-Year-Old Persian Punch Wins Doncaster Cup Evergreen former Melbourne Cup place-getter & veteran UK stayer Persian Punch (now a 10-year-old) blitzed the field by 7 lengths in yesterday’s marathon Gr2 Doncaster Cup (2.25 miles) in England, after 3 previous placings in the same race, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Persian Punch (ridden by Martin Dwyer for trainer David Elsworth) had finished 2nd in the Doncaster Cup in 1997 & 2002 & 3rd in 2000; & Australian fans fondly recall his gallant 3rds in both the 1998 & 2001 Melbourne Cups (3200m). Trainer Elsworth told UK Racing Post: "He’s just a joy to train. As long as the horse maintains this level of form, we are not going to contemplate retiring him." Current Melbourne Cup contender Hugs Dancer finished 3rd. Persian Punch now has 19 wins (including 15 stakes) in 60 career starts. (Sep 12) Melb Cup Favourite Coming Via German Gr1 Meanwhile Godolphin's Mamool (current Melbourne Cup favourite) “is on target for 1 more run before entering quarantine for Australia,” reported racenet.com.au. Godolphin's Simon Crisford advised 4YO Mamool is now unlikely to run in the Gr1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 5, but is being targeted for Germany’s Gr1 Preis Von Europa (2400m) on September 28 in Cologne; he noted Mamool will then enter quarantine on October 1. Mamool (In The Wings-Genovefa, by Woodman) has won 5 races from 1600-3200m. (Sep 12) Melb Cup Update: Fountain Abbey Dreams On And the Melbourne Cup dream continues for NZ trainer Bruce Wallace & his 4YO Kiwi stayer Fountain Abbey (Carnegie-Solano) after yesterday’s latest win over 1600m at Gosford. Despite the enormity of the jump from a Gosford Class 1 on a Thursday in September to the $4 million Gr1 Melbourne Cup on the 1st Tuesday in November, Wallace told The Sydney Morning Herald: “It sounds ridiculous, but he is in the Cup. I’ve got an opinion of the horse. I thought he could win the Queensland Derby through the winter, but everything that could go wrong did go wrong with the horse. I’m looking at The Metropolitan (at Royal Randwick on Monday 6 October) & we’ll take it from there.” (Sep 12) Republic Lass Goes To Danehill Dancer Dean Fleming, owner-breeder of retired Gr1 winner Republic Lass (by Canny Lad), has decided “the top mare’s 1st stallion partner” will be Choisir’s sire Danehill Dancer, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. (Sep 12) Oomph Off To Breeding Barn Trainer Chris Jordan confirmed 5YO sprinting mare Oomph will be sent to stud after tomorrow’s $100,000 Gr3 Research Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens, reported The Daily Telegraph. But Jordan noted it is still to be determined whether Oomph will continue racing in foal this spring: “I say this probably will be her last run, but a final decision hasn’t been made yet.” Oomph (Flying Spur-Nobellotto, by Bellotto) has 5 wins & 3 placings in 22 starts for $257,590 prize-money. (Sep 12) AJC Employs Frykberg For Sky Channel Renewal The Australian Jockey Club has enlisted Ian Frykberg (who helped resolve rugby league’s bitter Super League War) “to help with contract renewal talks with Sky Channel next year,” reported The Daily Telegraph. AJC chief executive Tony King noted in the AJC annual report: “The committee is mindful of the club’s need to optimise its commercial return from future arrangements. To this end, the committee has engaged My Frykberg to assist us in determining the ongoing value of AJC product & to develop appropriate strategies for the renegotiation of contracts.” (Sep 12) Jockey Kennedy Breaks Leg At Ipswich Leading Gold Coast jockey Aaron Kennedy broke his leg “in a fall coming out of the barriers” at Ipswich yesterday, reported racenet.com.au. Kennedy won last season’s Gold Coast jockeys premiership. (Sep 12) ‘Mad About The Hat Day’ At Rosehill The Sydney Turf Club’s 2003 Golden Rose Spring Carnival continues tomorrow at Rosehill Gardens with Mad About The Hat Race Day, where every patron wearing a dress hat will gain complimentary entry to the track (for a day featuring the G2 Theo Marks Stakes, G3 Kingston Town Stakes & G3 Research Stakes). In addition, the first 5,000 ladies on course will receive free Nivea Visage show bags. (Sep 12) Half-Price At Moonee Valley For AFL Members Meanwhile at Moonee Valley, all members of AFL clubs will receive half-price admission (on presentation of their membership ticket) as Gr1 racing returns to Melbourne with the $357,000 Manikato Stakes & Gr2 Group 2 $253,000 Feehan Stakes. (Sep 12) Westbury Sire Cullen Attracts Top Mares Speed machine Cullen (Danehill-Princess Tracy), entering his 3rd stud season at NZ’s Westbury Stud (after serving initial books of 81 & 65 mares), has attracted another strong line-up including stakes-winners Au Revoir, Du Bois, Chiffon (dam of stakes-earner War Dancer) & Elfonze. It follows a 2002 book which included: champion racemare Grand Archway (winner of 4 Gr1 races from 1200-2500m), whose 2001 yearling (by Zabeel) sold for NZ$625,000 at the NZB Premier sale in January this year; plus Princess Marengo, Bay Doll, Blue Paris, Celtic Swing, Kiwi Summer, Krissy Deming, Mayfair, Robinson Girl, Touching Grace & Bella's Habit (half-sister to Rough Habit). Trained by Graeme Rogerson, Cullen won the Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview as a 2YO (plus black-type placings in the Gr2 STC Pago Pago Stakes & Gr3 Blue Diamond Prelude); as a 3YO he was narrowly beaten in the Gr1 ARC Railway Handicap; & as a 4YO he won the Gr3 VATC Rubiton Stakes in 1min 2.5sec for the 1100m. A full brother to successful sire Danasinga (& half-brother to promising sire Towkay), Cullen will be represented with his 1st yearlings at the 2004 Sales Series; he stands this season at Westbury for NZ$7000+GST. (Sep 12) Aust Sprinter Wins In Singapore Former Australian sprinter Obsession (Last Tycoon-Lovey), now racing in Singapore as Super Racer, won again at Kranji to take his record to 2 wins from 4 starts in Singapore. Champion Singapore jockey Saimee Jumaat told aapracingandsports.com.au that the Charles Leck-trained 4YO “is improving nicely. I don’t think it will be a problem for him when he gets to Class 1 racing.” In his 2YO debut in Sydney, Obsession finished 2nd (at level weights) to Choisir in the Gr2 Breeders Plate at Warwick Farm with subsequent Gr1 winner Snowland 3rd. (Sep 12) UK’s Tiber Sold To Race In HK Highclere Thoroughbred Racing has sold Tiber (one of Britain's top-rated handicappers) to race in Hong Kong. The 3YO colt (unplaced only once in 9 starts) is on an official British Horseracing Board rating of 106 after a string of excellent performances this year (culminating in victory at Goodwood in August). Tiber (Titus Livius-Exciting, by Mill Reef) will now be aimed at next year's HK Derby. (Sep 12) South African Stud Manager Opportunity South Africa’s 2 traditional ‘Royal Families’ are the internationally famous Oppenheimers (diamonds) & Ruperts (Cartier, Dunhill, Rothmans & Rothschilds). The Ruperts have had horses at Summerhill Stud (at Mooi River in Kwa-Zulu Natal) for over 20 years & have decided to invest in a new breeding operation on 150 hectares at the L’Ormarins wine estate in Franshoek. They are currently seeking a stud manager (preferably with international experience) for the venture & Mick Goss at Summerhill Stud is the contact point. (Sep 12) Pilsudski & Tikkanen Leave Japan For Europe Pilsudski & Tikkanen, a pair of Gr1 Breeders' Cup Turf winners in the 1990s who were sent to Japan for stallion duty, “will be testing their siring skills on the Irish mainland,” reported bloodhorse.com. Pilsudski (Polish Precedent-Cocotte, by Troy) is now 11 & will stand at the Irish National Stud in County Kildare in Ireland; he stood at Japan’s Shizunai Stallion Station, but has yet to sire a stakes-winner. Tikkanen (Cozzene-Reiko, by Targowice) is now 12 & will hold court at Jeremy Maxwell's The Glebe House stud near Downpatrick in Northern Ireland; he stood at Japan’s Arrow Stud & his lone stakes-winner is Japanese group winner Success Strain. (Sep 12) Fleetwood To Stand At UK’s Wood Farm Stud Fleetwood (who has been standing at Lavington Stud for the late Fahd Salman) “has been purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock on behalf of a 3-man partnership to stand the 2004 season at Bill Bromley’s Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire” in England, reported racingpost.co.uk. The son of Groom Dancer & smart middle-distance mare Up Anchor was an impressive winner of his sole start as a 2YO for trainer Henry Cecil, after which he was among the early English Derby favourites, but had to be retired through injury. To date he has 17 winners. (Sep 12) Ladbrokes Heads For European Court Of Justice We-Have-Seen-The-Future Update: Britain’s Ladbrokes bookmaking firm “is likely to take its case to be allowed to operate cross-border internet betting to the European Court of Justice, after losing an appeal against a banning order in Holland,” reported racingpost.co.uk. A judge in Arnhem ruled against Ladbrokes (in a case brought by the Dutch state-owned lottery operator) preventing Ladbrokes from taking internet bets from residents of Holland. A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “We are disappointed, but not too surprised, to lose the appeal. We will now decide whether to appeal against the latest decision or go straight to the European Court of Justice - which is where we have always believed the case would end - so as to gain a much wider ruling on cross-border betting.” (Sep 12) Sheikh Mohammed Buys Undefeated Grand Hombre Undefeated Grand Hombre (who won the Gr3 Pennsylvania Derby by 5.25 lengths on September 1) “has been sold by owner Earle Mack to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Darley stable & will be trained by Tom Albertrani at Belmont Park,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “Terms of the sale were not released, but were believed to be in excess of US$1 million.” Grand Hombre is a gelded 3YO son from the 1st crop of Gr1 winner Grand Slam (out of 1997 Chilean champion Santona, by Winning) & Darley has nominated him for the US$500,000 Gr2 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on September 20. (Sep 12) Argentine Gr1 Star Bat Ruizero Heads To US Meanwhile Argentine Gr1 winner Bat Ruizero “will continue his campaign in the US under the care of Argentine-born trainer Ruben Monjes, who is based at Delaware Park” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Bat Atico returned after an 8-month lay-off to score a victory over Gr1 winner Genereux in Argentina’s Gr2 Clasico Chacabuco on July 18 at Hipodromo Palermo. Following that performance, he was sold at a public auction on August 26 & purchased for 102,000 Argentine pesos (US$34,000) by Osvaldo Pinto’s Stud Dona Ana (1 of Monjes’ top Argentine-based clients). Bat Ruizero has won 6 of 14 career starts (including the 2001 Gr1 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha & Gr2 Clasico Polla de Potrillos, plus a 2nd in South America’s most prestigious race, the Gr1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini). Monjes commented: "He will need 3-4 months to get acclimatised before making his US debut most likely at Gulfstream Park." (Sep 12) Optic Nerve To Shuttle To Chile For 3 Seasons Optic Nerve (a US Gr3 winner & half-brother to champion Meadow Star) will shuttle to Chile for the next 3 Southern Hemisphere seasons to stand at Haras Cordillera, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. He replaces Vice Regent stallion Great Regent, who died from colic in June aged 14. Optic Nerve (a 10-year-old son of Majestic Light) entered stud in 2001 & stood at Dutchess Views Farm in New York; his 1st foals are yearlings this year. Optic Nerve recorded 5 wins & 10 placings in 22 career starts (including victory in the 1996 Gr3 Hill Prince Stakes at Belmont Park & 2nd in the Gr2 Jersey Derby). Bred in Kentucky, Optic Nerve is out of winning In Reality mare Inreality Star (a full sister to Gr2 winner Par Flite & a half-sister to Gr1 winner & sire Fairway Phantom, Gr3 winner Marian Z & Grade 2-placed stakes-winner Spectacularphantom). (Sep 12) Catienus Moves To Highcliff Farm US stakes-winner Catienus will stand his 4th season at Highcliff Farm in New York in 2004, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 9YO son of Storm Cat previously stood at Ramsey Farm in Kentucky. Catienus (who has 46 yearlings in his 1st crop & covered 117 mares this year) retired following the 2000 season with 5 wins (including the 1999 Charles Staats Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park) in 22 starts. Bred in Kentucky by Darley Stud Management, Catienus is out of stakes-placed Mr Prospector mare Diamond City & is from the family of 1982 Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner & sire Aloma’s Ruler. (Sep 12) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Trail City California-based freshman sire Trail City recorded his 1st winner when Pepper Trail led all-the-way to win at Del Mar, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Trail City notched 6 wins (including the 1996 Gr2 Arlington Classic Stakes) & 10 placings (including the 1996 Gr1 Secretariat Stakes) in 25 starts for US$658,794 prize-money. Now a 10-year-old son of Red Ransom, Trail City is 1 of 6 winners out of winning Alydar mare Willow Runner (whose dam is multiple Venezuelan champion Gelinotte). Trail City stands at Pepper Oaks Farm in California & Pepper Trail is 1 of 23 foals from his 1st crop of racing age; Trail City is also represented by 34 yearlings from his 2nd crop. (Sep 12) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Classy Prospector Indiana-based freshman sire Classy Prospector recorded his 1st winner when 2YO colt Mr Classy won by 5.5 lengths at Hoosier Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Classy Prospector won 4 of 20 starts (including the 1997 Pleasanton Stakes at Pleasanton). The 9YO son of Mr Prospector retired to Swifty Farm in Indiana & has sired 10 foals of racing age & 10 yearlings in his initial 2 crops. Classy Prospector is 1 of 4 winners (from 7 starters) out of multiple graded stakes-winning Green Dancer mare Fantastic Look. (Sep 12) Magna Plans US$100 Million Detroit Track A year after Magna Entertainment filed paperwork with the Michigan Office Of Racing Commissioner to develop a racing facility in Romulus (near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport), the company has “unveiled plans for a US$100 million, 3-track operation that could open in 2004,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Magna Chief Operating Officer Don Amos told the Michigan Chronicle: "Our goal is to provide the metro Detroit region with a world-class entertainment facility that reflects Detroit’s status as a world-class city. This would give Michigan horse racing a big market & provide the exposure needed if the law permits us to begin." (Sep 12) Track Officials Doubt ‘Championship Tour’ Ready In 2004 Organisers & supporters of the US Thoroughbred Championship Tour “continue to shoot for a 2004 inauguration of their proposed series, but officials from several racetracks have expressed scepticism of participating in the plan because of its suggested race schedule.” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The series (proposed by the US Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association) is designed to link 30 major US summer & autumn stakes races at 10 racetracks with 6 divisions of the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. But Oak Tree Racing Association vice president Sherwood Chillingworth noted that, while he likes the idea of the Tour as a structured build-up to the Breeders’ Cup, he & others take issue “with plans calling for racetracks to surrender incremental handle for races & to rearrange the dates of races”. (The tentative Tour schedule calls for 24 of the 30 races to be moved from their current dates.) Chillingworth, who questioned whether details (including the changes of race dates related to the Tour) could be worked out with racetracks in time for the series to begin next June as planned, summed up: "It might work if it’s fine-tuned, but that’s going to take some time. You have a lot of prominent people, who know a lot about the horse racing business, who came up with this idea. So it has to have some merit. It’s just a question of taking some time, maybe even a year, to work all the ramifications out, the bugs out that bother people. As a racetrack, I think you have to accept the fact that some detriment is going to fall to some part of your program. The question is how large." TOBA President Dan Metzger commented: "We’re continuing discussions with all the different interests & trying to identify any areas that need to be addressed & get to a place where everyone is comfortable. That takes time. We’re aiming for 2004 & that’s every intention that we have. That’s not to say it will be abandoned, if we can’t pull everything together by then." (Sep 12) Keeneland Day-3: US$700,000 Capote Colt A colt by Capote (out of She's A Talent by Mr Prospector) brought top price of US$700,000 at Day-3 (the 1st non-select session) of Keeneland's September Yearling Sale, reported bloodhorse.com. Florida’s J.L.Gladwell III bought the colt (consigned by Woods Edge Farm as agent), who is a brother to Gr2 stakes-winner & Gr1 stakes-producer She's Tops, & a half-brother to stakes-winner Early Colony. (Sep 11) Keeneland Day-3: US$675,000 Distorted Humor Colt Tim McMurray (acting on behalf of Stan Fulton's Fleetwood/N.W.Management) paid equal 2nd-top price of US$675,000 for a Distorted Humor colt (out of Gr3 stakes-winner It's Personal) consigned by Woods Edge Farm as agent, reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 11) Keeneland Day-3: US$675,000 Silver Charm Colt Fleetwood/N.W.Management also paid equal 2nd-top price of US$675,000 for a Silver Charm colt (out of stakes-winner Proud Run) consigned by Carmichael Sales as agent for Aberdeen Partnership, reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 11) Keeneland Day-3: Statistical Summary At the Day-3 session, Keeneland sold 265 horses overall for US$35,164,000 at an average US$132,694 & median US$95,000. Through 3 days of the 12-day auction, 604 horses have now been sold for US$166,414,000 at an average US$275,520 & median US$170,000. (Sep 11) UK Doncaster Sale: Average Up 18% Meanwhile a clearance rate of 91% “helped ensure solid trade at the 1st day of Doncaster Bloodstock's St Leger Yearling Sale” in the UK, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. An average just over 13,000 guineas for the 177 sold lots represented an 18% increase on 2002. Peter Doyle secured the top lot, a colt by Forzando out of Digamist Girl for 35,000 guineas. (Sep 11) Goffs France Catalogues 71 For Arc Sale And Goffs France has catalogued 71 horses for its Arc sale of females “in & out of training” at Longchamp on October 4, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The catalogue includes: Commercante, who won the French Gr3 Prix de Psyche at Deauville on August 9, after finishing 6th to Nebraska Tornado in the Gr1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly on June 8; Whortleberry, winner of the French Gr3 Prix Minerve at Deauville on August 26; Stakes-winner Traou Mad, a half-sister to English & French high-weight Sainte Marine & Gr2 winner Josr Algarhoud. (Sep 11) Anabaa 2YO Wins In France Widden shuttler Anabaa received a boost overnight when his black daughter Villadolide won the Prix d’Arenberg (1100m) for 2YOs at Maisons-Laffitte in France, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Campaigned by co-breeder Ghislaine Head, Villadolide (ridden by Thierry Gillet for trainer Criquette Head-Maarek) is 1 of 3 starters (all winners) out of winning Machiavellian mare Vassia. (Sep 11) Cape Cross 2YO Wins In England And NZ’s Cambridge Stud shuttler Cape Cross also had good news when 2YO Cape Fear (ridden by Kieren Fallon for trainer Brian Meehan) won Europe's richest juvenile race, the £200,000 Doncaster St Leger Yearling Stakes (restricted to graduates of the St Leger Yearling Sale) in England, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The victory “has pitch-forked his sire Cape Cross to the top of the UK Juvenile Sires list by earnings & the £150,000 1st prize appears certain to play a crucial role in where the title ends up”. (Sep 11) Melb Cup Update: Tully Zeal Out Melbourne Cup plans for well-bred stayer Tully Zeal were dashed at Bendigo yesterday when the 5YO bowed a tendon during his win (carrying top weight of 57kg) over 2200m, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Cranbourne trainer Matthew Hyland said the Zabeel-Miltak stallion had previously broken down twice in the off-fore leg before he received the horse to train & the latest injury will mean the end to his racing career. Hyland summed up: "He's a big heavy horse, he weighs 580 kilograms. I paid up for him as a 1st declaration for the Melbourne Cup as he has the pedigree to stay 3200 metres. It is a shame, because I thought a race like the Queen Elizabeth Stakes would have suited him." (Sep 11) Blue-Blood Wins At Bendigo Meanwhile regally-bred filly Portland Damask (daughter of Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre & Seattle Slew mare Rose Of Portland) recorded her 1st win at Bendigo yesterday, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Portland Damask was having her 1st start for Tony McEvoy, after being transferred from the Leon Corstens stable. Racing in the gold, red striped sleeves & cap made famous by Kingston Town, Portland Damask won over 1400m. Cathy Hains, manager of the Kingston Park Stud Syndicate, said Corstens had a very high opinion of Portland Damask, who was having her 4th start . Dam Rose Of Portland (prematurely sent to stud after winning both the 1996 Hardy Brothers Classic & Let's Elope Stakes) was the only daughter of outstanding mare Rose Of Kingston & Hains noted: "Rose Of Portland could have been anything." (Sep 11) Secret Savings 58% Winner Ratio Nasser Lootah’s 3YO home-bred filly Shamekha (Secret Savings-Lifetime Story, by Don't Say Halo) boosted the growing reputation of Emirates Park sire Secret Savings with her race-record victory in the $100,000 Gr3 Tattersalls Furious Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in Sydney. Shamekha now has 4 wins & 2 2nds in 8 starts for $454,550 prize-money. Last season Secret Savings (by Seeking The Gold) was Australia’s leading Mr Prospector-sireline representative based on progeny earnings & has now produced 57 individual winners from 98 runners at 58.2% winners-to-runners. His stakes-winners include Dash For Cash, Salameh, Secret Land & Shamekha (plus stakes-placed Time Deposit, Rainfalls & Maybe McLaren). Secret Savings (winner of the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap at Randwick) covered 111 mares in 2000, 106 in 2001 & 118 in 2002. Emirates Park-owned stakes-winning mares booked to Secert Savings this spring include Faiza & Shouq, as well as proven producers Gulistan (dam of Dash For Cash), Nice Choice (dam of County Tyrone) & Lifetime Story (dam of Shamekha). (Sep 11) Queensland Racehorse Owners Association Officers The Queensland Racehorse Owners’ Association committee has elected the following office bearers for the 2003-04: President: Wayne Milner. Vice President:Paul Jones. Secretary: Paul Williams. Treasurer: Sue Cronan. Committee: Peter Bath, Greg Grant, Jon Haseler, Wayne Purchase, Adrian Mulhern, Robert Ross, Jan McMillan. (Sep 11) NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Series The NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Series begins for the 2003-04 season on Saturday with the Gr3 Highview Stakes (1200m) at Hawkes Bay Racing Club. The races for the 2003-04 Series are: 13 September: Gr3 NZ$50,000 Highview Stakes (1200m) Hawkes Bay 11 October: Gr3 NZ$40,000 Indian Danehill Lowland Stakes (1400m) Masterton 25 October: Listed NZ$30,000 Goldstar Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) Auckland 8 November: Gr1 NZ$275,000 NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) Canterbury 13 December: Gr3 NZ$40,000 Robertson Motors Eulogy Stakes (1600m) Manawatu 26 December: Gr2 NZ$100,000 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) Auckland 2 January: Gr2 NZ$120,000 Royal Stakes (2000m) Auckland 17 January: Gr1 NZ$300,000 NZ Oaks (2400m) Wellington 7 February: Gr2 NZ$100,000 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) Waikato 28 February: Gr2 NZ$100,000 Championship Stakes (2100m) Auckland (Sep 11) US Gr1 Star Mineshaft To Stud At Lane's End US 4YO multiple Gr1 winner Mineshaft (A.P.Indy-Prospectors Delite, by Mr Prospector) “is set to retire at the end of the year & will stand at co-owner Will Farish's Lane's End Farm next year,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Mineshaft is due to run next in the Jockey Club Gold Cup later this month, with an entry in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup classic in October “as a possible swan song”. Mineshaft has won 6 of his 8 starts this season (including the Gr1 Woodward Stakes, Gr1 Suburban Handicap & Gr1 Pimlico Special Handicap). (Sep 11) Impeachment To Stud At Cloverleaf Farms Impeachment (who ran 3rd in the 2000 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes) will stand the 2004 season at Cloverleaf Farms II in Florida, reported bloodhorse.com. The 6YO son of Deputy Minister had stood at Meadowbrook in Florida since entering stud in 2001. Impeachment’s dam Misconduct (by Criminal Type) is a half-sister to 5 stakes-winners (including champion sprinter Gold Beauty). (Sep 11) Malibu Moon Moves To Castleton Lyons US freshman sire Malibu Moon (sire of multiple graded stakes winner Perfect Moon in his 1st crop) has been relocated from Country Life stud in Maryland & will become the first stallion at Dr Tony Ryan’s Castleton Lyons Farm near Lexington in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 6YO son of A.P.Indy (out of Gr1 winner Macoumba, by Mr. Prospector) will stand under the ownership of B. Wayne Hughes, Country Life Farm & Castleton Lyons. Hughes noted: "In moving the stallion to the Bluegrass, we are happy to be associated with the historic Castleton Lyons. It is my intention to continue to strongly support Malibu Moon from my broodmare band." Castleton Lyons president Gabriel Duignan added: "We are delighted to welcome Malibu Moon to Castleton Lyons & he is back in Kentucky where he belongs. I believe in this regally bred son of A.P.Indy, who showed so much potential on the racetrack & has an impeccable pedigree. Malibu Moon is the full package." His dam Macoumba (who won France’s 1994 Gr1 Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches at Longchamp) is a daughter of Gr1-winning Green Dancer mare Maximova & a half-sister to Gr1 winner & sire Septieme Ciel. Malibu Moon currently ranks 6th on the world-wide freshman sire list, with 4 winners from 10 starters & progeny earnings of US$247,519. His son Perfect Moon (a gelding out of Parfaitement mare Perfectly) has won 3 of 7 starts this season (including the Gr2 Best Bal Stakes at Del Mar & Gr3 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes at Hollywood Park). (Sep 11) Desert Warrior To Stand In New York Desert Warrior (3rd in this year’s Gr3 Derby Trial Stakes at Churchill Downs & out of a full sister to the dam of Storm Cat) has been retired & will enter stud in 2004 at McMahon Of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in New York, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Bred in Kentucky by owner William Young’s Overbrook Farm & trained by D. Wayne Lukas, the 3YO son of Deputy Minister (out of Secretariat mare Navajo Pass) won 4 of 16 career starts, plus 3 placings. His dam Navajo Pass is a full sister to Gr2 winner & sire Pancho Villa & Terlingua (a Gr2 winner & dam of leading sire Storm Cat, who is also a half-sister to European high-weight & 1990 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner & leading international sire Royal Academy). Joe McMahon summed up: "Desert Warrior looks like an exceptional stallion prospect. He is an extremely athletic & well-balanced son of Deputy Minister, from the best stallion family in the book. He showed great speed & high class at an early age. Desert Warrior will receive heavy support from the partnership that owns him." (Sep 11) Glencrest Farm May Pension Clever Trick Clever Trick (who has stood at Kentucky’s Glencrest Farm since 1981 & sired 67 stakes-winners) could be pensioned next year. Glencrest owner John Greathouse told thoroughbredtimes.com: "We didn’t stop him from breeding this past season, but in all probability, we’ll pension him next year. The old horse actually looks very good & is doing very good, but he isn’t getting them in foal the way he used to. I’m going to give him a month & a half & test him again before making a final decision." Clever Trick has attained success as a sire, sire of sires & broodmare sire. The 27-year-old son of Icecapade has sired 608 winners (including 16 graded stakes winners) in 20 crops of racing age; his 812 starters have earned US$42,471,347 (led by Gr2 winner Anet who took 8 of 19 starts for US$1,189,873 & now also stands at Glencrest). Clever Trick also sired Phone Trick (multiple Gr2 winner from his 1st crop who went on to sire 1997 Horse-Of-The-Year Favorite Trick & 1993 champion juvenile filly Phone Chatter); Phone Trick’s leading earner is 2002 Gr1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Caller One (who also won the Golden Shaheen the previous year when it was a Gr3 contest & has US$3,184,500 prize-money). Six of Clever Trick’s daughters have produced US$1 million earners; Nice Assay tops the list with US$2,911,450 progeny earnings (she is the dam of multiple Gr1 winner Came Home & Gr2 winner A.P.Assay); & Clever Monique produced Gr1 winner & sire Yes It’s True. William Farish bred Clever Trick in Kentucky out of stakes-placed Better Bee mare Kankakee Miss. Clever Trick won 18 of 29 races (including 8 stakes races). (Sep 11) US Sire Danjur Dies Danjur (a stakes-winning 11-year-old son of Dayjur who stood his 6th season in 2003 at Oakhurst Thoroughbreds in Oregon) has died at the farm from what Oakhurst owner & vet Jack Root believes to be botulism. Root told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Danjur suddenly developed a neurological disorder & passed away on his own within 12 hours." Danjur started his stud career at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, before being relocated to Oakhurst midway through the 2000 season. Danjur sired 14 individual winners from 21 starters in his initial 3 crops; he also has 34 yearlings from his 1st full season in Oregon. Out of champion Epitome (& a half-brother to multiple Gr2 winner Essence Of Dubai and UAE high-weight Faltaat), Danjur was purchased by Aaron Jones for US$1 million at the 1993 Keeneland July yearling sale. Danjur was undefeated in 2 starts as a 2YO; he returned after a 7-month layoff & won the 5-furlong Churchill Downs Turf Sprint Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard in course-record time of 56.09sec. Danjur had only 1 more start, finishing 6th in the Gr3 Jaipur Handicap at Belmont Park, before retiring with 3 wins in 4 starts. (Sep 11) 1st Stakes Winner For US Sire Traitor US Gr1 winner Traitor (who died earlier this year in a barn fire at the Ocala Jockey Club’s Meadowbrook Farms in Florida) recorded his 1st stakes-winner when Megoman won the Paradise Creek Stakes (8.5 furlongs) for 3YOs on the turf at Arlington Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Megoman (who has now won 5 of 14 starts) is from the 1st of Traitor’s 2 crops of racing age. Traitor stood at 3 farms during his 5-year stud career: Margaux Farm in Kentucky, then DunHill Stud in Florida in 2000 & finally his 1st season at Meadowbrook in 2002. Traitor won 4 of 6 starts (including the 1996 Gr1 Futurity Stakes & 1997 OBS Championship Stakes & finished 2nd in the 1996 Gr1 Champagne Stakes). He has sired 13 winners from 31 starters. (Sep 11) 1st Winner For US Sire Flying With Eagles Washington-based sire Flying With Eagles recorded his 1st winner when Skyrider won on debut over 5.5 furlongs at Emerald Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Flying With Eagles (a 9YO son of Skywalker) had 6 wins (including the 1997 In Excess Stakes at Santa Anita Park & 1997 Tacoma Handicap at Emerald Downs) & 12 placings in 33 starts. Flying With Eagles stands at El Dorado Farms in Washington & has 10 foals in his 1st crop of racing age (Skyrider was his 2nd starter). (Sep 11) 1st Winner For US Sire Let Goodtimes Roll New York-based sire Let Goodtimes Roll recorded his 1st winner when Chowder’s First won by 4.25 lengths on debut over 5.5 furlongs at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred in Kentucky by August Moon Farm, Let Goodtimes Roll won 5 of his 26 starts (plus 3rds in both the 1998 Gr2 Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park & Gr2 Knickerbocker Handicap at Aqueduct). The 10-year-old son of Black Tie Affair (& 1 of 4 winners from as many starters out of stakes-winning Key To The Mint mare Recharged) stands at McMahon Of Saratoga Thorougbreds & has 5 foals of racing age. (Sep 11) UK Track Attendances Heading For Record In Britain, racecourse attendance “is heading for a record annual level, after reaching a total of more than 3.7 million in the 1st 7 months of the year, an 8.2% increase on the comparative figure in 2002, when 5.5 million visits created a modern-day best,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The daily average attendance this year (to the end of July) was 5,141 “more than 4% ahead of last year”. Racecourse Association chief executive Stephen Atkin commented: “We’re delighted by these encouraging attendance figures, which are a great credit to the efforts of the racecourses & their investment in marketing over recent years. We must also acknowledge the contribution of the British Horseracing Board’s marketing department in assisting with the growth in numbers.” While the overall figures show an extra 280,000 racecourse visits to the end of July, the BHB has revealed a 15% increase (to nearly 30,000) in the number of tickets booked through its call centre & website; & the value of the bookings has gone up by 57% (to over £500,000) with over a quarter sold to 1st-time racegoers. BHB marketing director Chris John said: “Racing is thriving & more accessible than it has ever been, & the results from the call centre & website are extremely encouraging.” (Sep 11) BHB Defends Industry Against Office Of Fair Trading Meanwhile the British Horseracing Board has launched a strong defence against the findings of a UK Office Of Fair Trading investigation into the sport. BHB chief executive Greg Nichols declared if the OFT "has its way & completely unravels the current system of governance & administration, the implications would be disastrous: Courses will close, jobs will be lost, National Hunt racing will be almost wiped out, overseas investment in our sport will be lost & the quality of racing will decline." The OFT (the main government-appointed competition authority in Britain) would like racecourses to have more power to determine when they stage racing & has called for deregulation of purses & race-type constraints imposed by the BHB, reported bloodhorse.com. But Nichols noted: "There is not another racing country in the world that operates the type of free-for-all system that the OFT wants to introduce in the UK. They all think we would be mad to go down that road because it will pit different parts of the sport against each other, trigger off a spiral of decline & damage the consumer interest." (Sep 11) Media Puzzle Out Of Melb Cup Last year’s winner Media Puzzle is out of the $4 million Melbourne Cup (at Flemington on November 4), reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Irish trainer Dermot Weld revealed “he had dropped plans to return to Australia with Media Puzzle after failing to declare the stayer as a final acceptor for Saturday’s Irish St Leger at The Curragh”. Media Puzzle has been troubled by fitness problems since he went to Dubai at the start of the year & Weld confirmed the 6YO will not race this year, telling racingpost.co.uk: "The horse is sound but I am not happy with him & we'll keep him for next year." (Sep 10) Godolphin Star Mamool Coming To Aust Meanwhile Godolphin star Mamool (a Gr1 winner in Germany last weekend) has been confirmed as a definite visitor for the Melbourne Cup, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The Godolphin website reported Mamool is set to return to Germany for Gr1 Grosser Preis Von Europa at Cologne on September 28, before entering quarantine in preparation for his trip to Australia. Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford explained: "The plan is that we will find a suitable race - probably the Preis Von Europa - for Mamool to run in prior to commencing quarantine for Australia, which starts on the 1st weekend in October." Godolphin also has Millstreet & last year’s 3rd-placed Beekeeper still in the Melbourne Cup after yesterday’s 1st Declarations & will make a decision about their participation in the next fortnight. (Sep 10) Melb Cup Update: 4 Ponder Arc Double A feature double of France’s $2.7 million Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe & Victoria’s $4 million Melbourne Cup “remained a possibility for 4 of Europe’s leading stayers last night after the 1st declarations for Australia’s premier race,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. The Dermot Weld-trained Vinnie Roe (4th to stablemate Media Puzzle in last year’s Melbourne Cup), the Aidan O’Brien-prepared Black Sam Bellamy, Godolphin’s Mamool & the Marcus Tregoning-trained Mubtaker were all paid-up for the Flemington 3200m event yesterday, while connections “are also eyeing off” the Arc in France. Racing Victoria’s Mark Player confirmed (after speaking with the trainers concerned) that the quartet “were keeping an open mind about a possible attempt at the double” with the Arc on October 5 & Melbourne Cup on November 4. Player noted: “It happens only every 4 or 5 years that the dates fall this way, but it is possible for a horse to race in the Arc, go into quarantine, come to Melbourne & then be out of quarantine by Cup morning. It is not an impossible task &, if it is ever going to be done, these trainers are the ones that are capable of achieving it.” The last horse to attempt the Arc-Melbourne Cup double was Irish-trained Oscar Schindler, which ran 3rd in the 1996 Arc before finishing 15th behind Saintly in the Melbourne Cup. (Sep 10) 22 Overseas Acceptors Left In Melb Cup The field for the $4 million Melbourne Cup (November 4) was reduced to 144 (from the 283 original nominations) when 1st Declarations were taken yesterday. Among those are 22 international entries (6 more than at the same stage last year); 2nd Declarations close on October 7. The overseas contenders include: Dermot Weld's Vinnie Roe, Media Puzzle (subsequently confirmed as a non-starter overnight), In Time’s Eye, Maharib & Lowlander; Godolphin’s Beekeeper, Millstreet & Mamool; Sir Michael Stoute’s Distinction & Supremacy. (Sep 10) 9 Internationals Remain In Cox Plate Meanwhile 9 overseas entries (5 from the UK), headed by the world’s highest-rated 10 furlong horse Falbrav, remained in the Cox Plate (2040m) after yesterday’s 1st Acceptances. Overall entries for the Cox Plate (at Melbourne’s Moonee Valley track on October 25) are now down to 69, headed by Sydney gallopers Lonhro & Defier. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$3.8 Million Gone West Filly Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum (attending his 1st American auction since the events of 11 September 2001) outbid American businessman Richard Santulli to acquire a Gone West filly for US$3.8 million & top Day-2 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. The filly (from Hero's Honor mare Touch Of Greatness) was consigned by Robert Clay's Three Chimneys Sales & is a full sister to stakes winners Rossini & Elusive Quality. "She was a very nice looking filly & very well bred," Sheikh Mohammed said, noting the success of Elusive Quality was a factor. "But she looked good as an individual, even without Elusive Quality. She was scopey, a very nice filly." Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock manager John Ferguson added: "I thought she was a splendidly athletic filly, with a great pedigree. As you know, Elusive Quality has had a fast start at stud. It's an outstanding family. Sheikh Mohammed is a seriously good horseman & he thought she was outstanding. We had a pretty good idea she would make that kind of money." (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$2.6 Million Storm Cat Colt Irish agent Demi O’Byrne (who acted on behalf of Michael Tabor & John Magnier when buying Day-1’s most expensive colt & filly) paid US$2.6 million for “a flashy chestnut colt by Storm Cat”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (consigned by Matagorda Farm as agent) is the 1st foal out of 2000 Gr1 Dubai Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas) winner Bluemamba (by Kingmambo) & is closely related to Coolmore shuttler Orpen (a Gr1-winning son of Lure campaigned by Tabor & Magnier). O’Byrne summed up: "He's a very good mover, a very nice horse. Yes, he has a stallion's pedigree." (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.85 Million A.P.Indy Colt Bloodstock agent Mark Reid paid US$1.85 million for a son of 1992 Horse-Of-The-Year & classic winner A.P.Indy, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt is out of Adoradancer (by Danzig Connection) & was consigned by Lane’s End Farm as agent. Reid declined to name the buyer, but said it was the same new client for whom he purchased yearlings at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July selected yearling sale, & noted: "He's a very nice colt & we like him a lot. I thought we'd get him for a little less than that. The fellow who hired me is looking to go to the Gr1 Kentucky Derby, so we're looking for distance colts. He looks to have everything you want for that in spades." (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.8 Million Lemon Drop Kid Filly Bloodstock agent John Ferguson (acting on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) paid US$1.8 million for a filly from the 1st-crop of champion & 1999 Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sold by Mt Brilliant Farm, the filly (out of stakes-placed Woodman mare Snow Forest) is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Snow Ridge (who won 10 of 21 career starts, including the 2002 Gr1 San Carlos Handicap at Santa Anita Park & earned US$711,989. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.7 Million Kingmambo Colt Agent John Ferguson (acting for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) also paid US$1.7 million for Kings Ex, a colt by Kingmambo out of stakes-winner & stakes-producer Fantastic Ways (by Secretariat), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Lane's End Farm, the colt is a half-brother to 2-time Gr3 winner & US$503,540-earner Worldly Ways & 2 other winners. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.6 Million Gone West Filly John Ferguson (again acting for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) paid US$1.6 million for a daughter of Gone West (closely related to multiple Gr1 winner & Kentucky stallion Came Home), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Lane’s End Farm as agent, the colt is out of A.P.Indy mare A.P.Assay (a Gr2-winning half-sister to Came Home). (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.6 Million Dubai Millennium Colt Palides Investments paid US$1.6 million for a chestnut Dubai Millennium Colt consigned by Lane’s End Farm, reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.5 Million Fusaichi Pegasus Colt Shadwell estate paid US$1.5 million for the 2nd foal out of 7-time Gr1 winner Sharp Cat, a colt from the 1st crop of Fusaichi Pegasus, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.5 Million Storm Cat Colt Irish agent Demi O’Byrne paid US$1.5million for a Storm Cat colt out of stakes-winning Royal Academy mare Heeremandi, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.4 Million Saint Ballado Filly Bob Lewis (accompanied by advisor John Moynihan & trainer Bob Baffert) paid US$1.4 million for a filly by Saint Ballado. Lewis told thoroughbredtimes.com: "All of our advisors loved her. She's a magnificent filly & there's a great residual value there. We think she's 1 of the top fillies in the sale." Moynihan added: "For me physically, she is the best horse in the sale the first 2 days.” Sold by Mulholland Springs, the filly is the 1st foal out of stakes-winning West By West mare West’s Secret (a half-sister to stakes-winners Top Secret & Tate). (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.4 Million Old Trieste Colt Agent Mike Ryan paid US$1.4 million for a son of Old Trieste (& half-brother to Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes winner Strong Hope & Gr3 winner Bahamian Pirate), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.25 Million Storm Cat Colt Trainer D. Wayne Lukas (acting on behalf of Robert & Beverly Lewis) paid US$1,250,000 for a colt by Storm Cat out of Good Example (by Crystal Glitters), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1.1 Million Rahy Colt John Ferguson (acting for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) paid US$1.1 million for a Rahy colt (a half-brother to English 2003 Gr1 One Thousand Guineas winner Russian Rhythm), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Eaton Sales as agent, the colt is out of Balistroika (by Nijinsky II). Russian Rhythm has won 6 of 7 career starts (also including England’s Gr1 Coronation Stakes & Gr1 Nassau Stakes & already earned US$921,271). (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: US$1 Million Cee’s Tizzy Filly Bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell (acting on behalf of Richard Santulli & George Prussin's Jayeff "B" Stable) paid US$1 million for a full sister to Horse-Of-The-Year Tiznow, multiple Gr2 winner Budroyale & promising 2YO filly Tizdubai, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Dromoland Farm as agent, the filly is by Cee's Tizzy out of Seattle Song mare Cee's Song (who has produced 6 winners from 9 foals to race. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: Gross Up 30% & Average Up 45% Overall “the bull market for well-bred yearlings continued” on Day-2 at Keeneland, reported bloodhorse.com. For the 2 select sessions so far, 339 horses sold for US$131,250,000 (up 30.5% on last year’s US$100,576,000 gross). The cumulative 2-day average of US$387,168 is up 45.1% & the median up 35.3% to US$230,000. The 136 horses that did not attain their reserves is 28.6% of those through the ring (compared with 29.1% in 2002). Keeneland sales director Geoffrey Russell summed up: "We're unbelievably happy; we're ecstatic. This surpassed our wildest expectations. To be up 30% is surreal." (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: Leading Buyers & Sires After 2 days, Sheikh Mohammed is the sale's leading buyer, with his agent John Ferguson buying 19 yearlings for US$19,025,000 so far, reported bloodhorse.com. Demi O'Byrne is 2nd-leading buyer, with 12 lots bought for US$15,525,000. Lane's End is the leading consignor during the 2 select sessions, with 40 horses sold for US$25,595,000. And Lane's End stallion A.P.Indy is leading sire, with 24 of his yearlings bringing US$13,225,000. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-2: Buyer & Seller Comments Buyers & consignors gave bloodhorse.com their impressions of the initial 2 days of the Keeneland September yearling sale: Steve Asmussen (trainer, buyer): "There are some excellent individuals here. The High Yields & Cat Thiefs have looked good, but we have already seen that at the earlier sales as well." Gary Biszantz (Cobra Farm) "The sale has a nice buoyancy to it. People are excited about investing & buying & the buy-backs are not much, which indicates a very good middle market. The combination of no Keeneland July sale & Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome & the shortage of horses have made the buyers very eager to buy." Cot Campbell (Dogwood Stable, buyer) "Overall, the sale seems staggering at the top end. I am not finding it very difficult to buy at my level of the market. You've been hearing for many, many months & years that the market is terrific at the top. There seem to be new players at the top of the market. Most people didn't get a chance to spend their money this summer & the horses & pedigrees are good here, so they are willing to spend the money." Paddy Costello (Paramount Sales, consignor): "The solid ones with good action are getting sold. If you aren't making it here, you can't make it anywhere." Tracy Farmer (buyer): "This is one of the best things that's ever happened to the industry, to sell them all in the same sale. Every buyer is here. You can't miss this sale." John Ferguson (buyer, Sheikh Mohammed); "This sale has held up very, very well, when you consider that 20% of the top horses are out (as a result of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome). I am thrilled with the horse he's bought. He is a horseman & it's good when he's here." Jerry Hollendorfer (trainer, buyer) "Overall the sale is going very good. The overall quality has been very good." Dr Gary Knapp (Monticule Farm, consignor) "The potential buyers were very active this year. We had a lot of lookers. We showed one horse over 120 times. We don't think about what specific horses will do; we generally think in terms of gross sales, & I don't think we're going to miss our gross sales (estimate)." Pope McLean (Crestwood Farm, consignor) "Overall, it seems like a super sale. It's still a little bit all or nothing. If you have something the people like, then they are willing to pay the price. There are so many horses for people to choose from. Right now everyone has just got to be pleased." Don Robinson (Winter Quarter Farm, consignor) "I thought it would be a good sale for a good individual & we were rewarded. My feeling is it's only for the right horse. It's a very disciplined market, but it's still a pretty damn good market, if you've got pedigree & the individual. All the right buyers have a serious eagerness in buying, they have a very healthy appetite. I feel its as good as you could ask for." Terry Oliver (buyer): "We have been looking for bargains to pin-hook and they haven't been there." Duncan Taylor (Taylor Made Sales, consignor): "I would say it's been a good, solid sale. We have probably had a few more bought back than I would like." (Sep 10) Woodlands Sires Successful Week Meanwhile around the globe Woodlands Stud sires have had a big week: Desert Prince’s boom 2YO filly Park Accord (ex Tiavanita by J O Tobin) won at Kempton Park in England & owner Seamus Burns, who outlaid €350,000 euro (A$595,000) for her at Goffs Orby Yearling sale, & trainer Jeremy Noseda are already planning her campaign toward next year’s Gr1 UK 1000 Guineas. Octagonal’s local star Lonhro (ex Shadea by Straight Strike) cruised home in the Gr2 AJC Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in Sydney, while his 4YO gelding Jeremiad (ex Lament by Mighty Avalanche) won over 1650m at Doomben in Brisbane &, in the Northern Hemisphere, his previously unbeaten 3YO filly Dossier (ex Papering by Shaadi) took on older horses for the 1st time & finished a close 3rd behind the very smart Favourable Terms in Ireland’s Gr2 Matron Stakes (1 mile) at Leopardstown. Grand Lodge mare Madeira Mist (ex Mountains of Mist by Shirley Heights) won the US Rosenberger Memorial Handicap (8 furlongs on turf) at Delaware Park. And Canny Lad notched his 29th stakes-winner when Play Around (ex Dancing Jester by Rory’s Jester) ran a new race record in winning in the Gr3 AJC Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Randwick. (Sep 10) International Boost For Arrowfield Stallions It’s also been a big week internationally for Arrowfield Stud sires: Chilean race-goers witnessed a colt described by local commentators as perhaps the best 3YO seen in that country for 20 years, when Hussonet’s son Host (ex Colonna Traiana by Roy) romped to a 6.25-length victory in the Gr1 Dos Mil Guineas (2000 Guineas) at Hipodromo Chile to take his record to 5 wins in 6 starts; Hussonet (by Mr Prospector) also sired 2 other winners on the same card, plus another 9 length winner on grass at Club Hipico de Santiago, & now boasts 23% stakes-winners-to-runners from his 1st 6 crops (including 44 stakes-winners, 13 Gr1 winners & 3 stakes-winners in North America in the last 12 months). French Deputy’s 3YO filly House Party (ex Bill Back by Relaunch) equalled the track record at Delaware Park in winning the US Gr3 Endine Handicap (6 furlongs) & now has 6 wins (including the Gr1 Prioress Stakes in July at Belmont Park) & 6 placings in 13 starts. And former US champion sprinter Orientate has been named joint Kentucky-based Horse-Of-The-Year for 2002. Orienate (a 4YO son of Mt Livermore) ended his career with a front-running victory in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint & raced 10 times in 2002 for 6 wins & a 2nd & US$1,412,970 prize-money. (Sep 10) Timely Pointers To King Of Prussia And the McCarthy family at Victoria’s Greta West Stud “had plenty to cheer about” following the weekend wins by Sportsman in the $100,000 Gr3 Tramway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick in Sydney & Dance Up in the $100,000 Drumstick Royal Plate (1400m) at Flemington in Melbourne, reported racenet.com.au. Greta West will launch the stud career this season of Sportman’s half-brother King Of Prussia (a talented son of Dance Up’s sire Anabaa). King Of Prussia is out of a winning daughter of top broodmare sire Centaine, while grand-dam Star Of The Knight is a stakes-winning daughter of Sir Tristram. King Of Prussia is standing for just $2,750 (including GST) at Greta West Stud alongside Toy Pindarri, Encores & Fraar. (Sep 10) Bargain Buys Metropolitan Trifecta The Magic Millions sales company notched several metropolitan wins by former bargain-buys at the weekend: Lady Knight (Ascot Knight-Swim) won over 1050m at Morphettville in Adelaide: the 3YO filly cost $1,300 at the 2001 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale on the Gold Coast & now has 2 wins in 6 starts for $17,920 prize-money (already a 1,200% return on investment). Out Yonder (Yonder-Oktoberfest) won over 2240m at Doomben in Brisbane: the 6YO gelding cost $1,250 at 1999 Magic Millions Tamworth Prime Yearling Sale & now has 9 wins & 15 placings in 45 starts for $113,825 prize-money (a 9,000% return). Lukaboom (Key Business-Ladieyre) won over 1400m at Belmont in Perth: the 3YO gelding cost $6,000 at the 2002 Magic Millions Perth Select Yearling Sale & now has 2 wins for $27,200 prize-money (a 350% return). (Sep 10) Ballooning Returns On Investment And the William Inglis sales company can also boast a couple of rapidly ballooning returns on investment: 4YO gelding Sportsman (Supremo-Professionelle, by Centaine) took his record to 6 wins & 4 placings in 19 starts when he won the $100,000 Gr3 Tattersalls Tramway Quality Handicap (1400m) at Randwick in Sydney; an $8,000 bargain at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale, Sportsman has now won $436,150 prize-money (a 5,300% return on investment). And 4YO Canberra mare Ain’t Seen Nothin’ (Nothin' Leica Dane-Icecapade, by Genghiz) won the $125,000 Listed Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in Melbourne; a $20,000 purchase by trainer Barbara Joseph at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Ain’t Seen Nothin’ has now recorded 7 wins & 3 placings from 11 starts for $341,200 prize-money (a 1,600% return on investment). (Sep 10) Yearling Inspections At Tyreel Stud Meanwhile the Inglis bloodstock team will spend the next 5 weeks covering the length & breadth of the countryside inspecting yearlings entered in the various sales for 2004. Managing director Reg Inglis was accompanied by Jonathan D’Arcy & Barry Bowditch on a trip to Agnes Banks to visit Jim Fleming’s Tyreel Stud late last week. Tyreel always boasts a magnificent draft of Easter Sale yearlings & several among the current crop are guaranteed to impress: a 1st-foal filly from multiple Gr1 winner Coco Cobanna by Danehill; a Danehill colt from Bonanova; a Fusaichi Pegasus colt from Dashing Eagle; a half-brother to King Of Danes by Fusaichi Pegasus; & a colt by Flying Spur from Temple Fire (dam of Stella Cadente). (Sep 10) Throat Operation For Murphy’s Blu Boy Star Queensland sprinter Murphy's Blu Boy “is out of the Melbourne spring carnival & will undergo a throat operation next week,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Goondiwindi trainer Mick Hicks said the 3YO had a 70% chance of making a full recovery after vets discovered he had a throat problem which could have threatened his career had it not been picked up early. Hicks explained: "We think the virus which forced him out of the San Domenico Stakes in Sydney last month affected some nerves in his throat. He's got a similar problem to what roarers get & he'll need an operation to tie back a flap in his throat.” (Sep 10) Johnson Caretaker For Suspended Karakatsanis Bruce Johnson has been given conditional approval by Racing NSW stewards & the Sydney Turf Club to take over as caretaker trainer for suspended Tony Karakatsanis’s 20-box Rosehill stable. Karakatsanis is serving a 6-month suspension following a positive swab returned by 1 of his horses in June; he is not due to resume training until February 28. (Sep 10) NSW Stable Foreman Disqualified Meanwhile Racing NSW Stewards yesterday conducted an inquiry into an incident at the Royal Randwick racecourse at 7.30am on Thursday 14 August. Evidence was taken from stable foremen Wayne Webster, Christopher Voigt & Steven Wilson. Webster pleaded guilty to a charge of improper conduct “in that he did punch licensed stable foreman Steven Wilson to the area of his left eye with his right fist with such force so as to cause multiple fractures to that area of Wilson's face”. In assessing the penalty of 2 months disqualification, stewards took into account that “there had been some provocation, in that immediately prior to this incident Webster had been contacted on the back by a lead rope flicked by Wilson”. Stewards also took into account that Webster had been penalised for a like offence in March 2002. (Sep 10) 12 Queensland $100,000 Race Dates The Queensland Racing Board has confirmed dates for a series of $100,000 races at Eagle Farm & Doomben next year: 3 $100,000 races for fillies & mares (at fortnightly intervals at Eagle Farm on January 31, Doomben on February 14 & Eagle Farm on February 28) will launch the Stakes Race Development Program in early 2004. A 2nd series of 4 $100,000 fillies & mares races (finalised when race dates for next season are confirmed) will be run at the 2 Brisbane tracks from late August to early October. Another 2 $100,000 races for fillies & mares will be held on April 24 at Doomben & a fortnight later at Eagle Farm leading into the Queensland winter carnival. And the 1st of 3 $100,000 open company sprints on March 6 at Doomben will become a lead-up to the Weetwood Hcp (1300m) at Toowoomba on March 25; there will be another $100,000 open company race at Eagle Farm in August, 11 days before the Goldmarket Handicap (1400m) at the Gold Coast; & in early November, the 3rd $100,000 race will be held at Doomben a fortnight before the Brisbane Handicap. (Sep 10) Queensland Racing Administrator Brawl Meanwhile a major brawl is developing in Queensland racing circles after Queensland Racing Board chairman Bob Bentley publicly told Townsville Turf Club president Alan Parry to “get his own house in order” before criticising the QRB. Bentley said it was disappointing Parry had used his annual report to attack Queensland Racing, rather than explain another dismal financial performance by the TTC, noting: “The TTC is in the most advantageous position of the northern clubs. Yet it is the worst performer of the major provincial clubs in the State. Indeed, the financial position of the TTC is such, that with a working capital of only $50,000, the club is reliant upon grants from Queensland Racing to maintain its facilities. The direction that the club is heading, under the leadership of Mr Parry, remains of extreme concern to the Board.” Bentley added the TTC president was apparently having a short-term memory lapse: “Just last month the Board, that is doing such a bad job in his eyes, approved a grant of $160,000 to the TTC for capital works for the renovation of the jockeys’ room at Cluden. The club’s finances were run down to such an extent that they were unable to finance this important capital works. It’s Queensland Racing’s commitment to North Queensland, not Mr Parry’s, that makes racing so successful in the region.” (Sep 10) All 12 Auckland Board Members Resign All 12 members of the Auckland Racing Club Board resigned en masse last night “to take effect from the club's annual meeting next month,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The AGM was scheduled for October 13 “but that could now be re-scheduled to a few weeks later”. The move follows Monday's 10-2 vote in favour of dropping the controversial Prices Road training complex proposal; the Pukekohe racecourse is now the preferred option to become the major training centre for the Auckland district. (Sep 10) King Of Them All Injured King Of Them All, “the horse labelled as NZ's most promising galloper”, has been sidelined with filling in a leg, reported The Dominion Post. Plans to run the 4YO in the Gr1 AJC Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick in Sydney “have been seriously jeopardised while the extent of the problem is evaluated”. Co-trainer Bruce Marsh confirmed: "He's not lame & we're hoping it's not too serious. We think he has just given it a bang, but we'll wait till the swelling goes down before we make any decisions." (Sep 10) Jungle Pocket & Japanese Mares At Rich Hill Japanese Horse-Of-The-Year Jungle Pocket has arrived at Rich Hill Stud for his 1st NZ season, accompanied by 5 beautifully bred mares (by top international sires Seeking The Gold, Jade Robbery, Northern Taste & Cox's Ridge) which the stallion’s owners have sent from Japan to be mated with him. Rich Hill manager John Thompson told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: “It’s a real vote of approval for our breeding industry that these mares have come to NZ. The Japanese have for some years recognised the merits of shuttling high profile stallions to NZ & this is a very worthwhile extension of that policy.” Among other notable early bookings to Jungle Pocket are top racemares Pravda, Miss Tessla, Lady Bay & Inshallah. (Sep 10) Sarwatch Booked To Montjeu Sarwatch (1999-20 NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year) will be mated with Sadler's Wells 6-time Gr1 winner Montjeu this spring, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Sarwatch (winner of the Gold Trail Stakes as a 3YO) is owned & raced by Pencarrow Stud's Peter & Philip Vela. Another high-class mare booked by Pencarrow Stud to Windsor Park Stud-based Montjeu is NZ Gr1 One Thousand Guineas winner Clear Rose. (Sep 10) NZ St James Lodge Sells Trial Winner To Aust St James Lodge (outside Hamilton in NZ) has sold an exciting Yamanin Vital-Anna gelding to Australia “for an undisclosed 6-figure sum,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Trained by St James Lodge’s Martin Cleland, the gelding had been purchased by Cleland as a yearling for just over NZ$6,000 & passed-in at the 2002 Ready-To-Run Sale without a bid. The gelding subsequently recorded 2 wins & a 3rd in 3 trial outings (the most recent at Taupo where he won by 2.5 lengths over handy horses including J-Lo & Gr1-placed Eftee One). This latest sale follows the earlier sale of a Desert Sun-Bequeath gelding (also now in Australia) from the same family as recent US Gr2 winner Whoopi Cat. Sir James Lodge also has 7 colts destined for November’s NZ Bloodstock Ready-To-Run Sale by sires including Faltaat, Volksraad, Centaine, O'Reilly & Danasinga. Meanwhile Yamanin Vital (Sir Tristram-She Might Hula) stands at NZ’s White Robe Lodge at Mosgiel for NZ$1,500+GST. (Sep 10) Vinaka Full Brother Born At Bloomsbury A full brother to Gr1-winning sprinter Vinaka (by Volksraad) has been born at Matamata's Bloomsbury Stud, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Vinaka's dam Shepherd's Delight is now owned by Ananda Krishnan of Wynyarra Stud. (Sep 10) Beaujolais Foal Born At Windsor Park NZ’s Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge reports the arrival of foals from top-class racemare Beaujolais & successful broodmares Satirical & Splash Of Beauty, noted thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Manawatu Cup winner Beaujolais has produced a Black Minnaloushe colt; Satirical (dam of Gr1 winner Star Satire) has also produced a Black Minnaloushe colt; & Splash Of Beauty (dam of Australian Gr2 winner Cheiron) has delivered a Fantastic Light colt. (Sep 10) NZ Waikato Stud New Foals Among the new foals born at NZ’s Waikato Stud, reported by NZ Thoroughbred Marketing, are: Pins-Aus Jewel chestnut colt (half-brother to recent Sydney winner Storm Buster, dam half-sister to Kinjite, Lake Lucerne & to the dam of Scaredee Cat); Shinko King-Risk Capital chestnut filly (dam is half-sister to dual stakes-winner Iced Gem); Pins-Opportune bay filly (dam is 3/4 sister to Gr1-placed Ambitious, from top filly Starcent); Hunza Court-Brilliant Moment chestnut colt (dam from family of stakes-winner & Gr1-placed Come Racing & St Leger winner Rum); Danasinga-Impian chestnut filly (dam is half-sister to Champion NZ 2YO Ballroom Babe & dam of last season's stakes-winner River Chant). (Sep 10) $30 Million Happy Valley Upgrade A massive upgrading plan at Happy Valley racecourse, at an estimated cost of HK$150 million (A$30 million) & including both the members & public areas, is underway “in direct response to Hong Kong Jockey Club customer surveys,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au. HKJC executive director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the club had extensively surveyed its customer base & “acted on the most significant & consistent items of feedback. Major improvements include: new public & members entrances; a covered walkway along Wang Nai Chung Road; a new ground floor betting lobby; & a multi-media presentation, featuring 8 sets of 42-inch Plasma television sets & a further 3 60-inch sets. The project is scheduled for completion by November. (Sep 10) Inglis Graduates Win In HK A trio of Inglis sale graduates recorded their 1st wins at HK’s Sha Tin on the weekend: 4YO gelding Beethoven (a $260,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) scored in just his 2nd race start & enthusiastic expatriate trainer David Hayes declared: “He is good enough to be thinking about the HK Derby & I think we’re looking at a horse who is going to go through his classes the way horses like All Thrills Too, Super Molly, Meridian Star & Charming City have done.” The brown son of Zabeel was bred by NZ’s Cambridge Stud & is a half-brother to stakes-winning mare Taimana (from Abbaye) a grand-daughter of Eight Carat & half-sister to champion racehorse & sire Danewin. Flying Spur gelding Happy Winning (a $230,000 purchase at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) finished powerfully to win despite covering extra ground all the way. The chestnut is the 1st foal of Indexed (an unraced sister to stakes-winner Unison) from the family of champion racehorse & sire Zeditave. And 4YO Dehere-Port chestnut Gifted Runner (a $105,000 investment at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale) zoomed over the straight 1000m to land a comfortable win. (Sep 10) South African Stakes Win For Skeaping And in South Africa, lightly raced 3YO colt Skeaping (a $150,000 buy at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) notched his 2nd win from 4 starts at Kenilworth. The handsome bay thrashed his opposition to win the Listed Sophomore Sprint by more than 5 lengths for prominent owner Laurie Jaffee. Skeaping is a half-brother to Racer’s Edge by Peintre Celebre, whose European progeny (oldest now 3YOs) are firing on all cylinders. Skeaping was bred by Victoria’s The Pines Stud & offered for sale by Collingrove Stud as agent. (Sep 10) US Jockey Amonte Winning At 68 US jockey Frank Amonte (who began race riding in 1951) celebrated his 68th birthday with a win on It’s A New Moon over 6.5 furlongs at Northamption Fair in Massachusetts. Amonte (who also trains & keeps a small stable at Suffolk Downs) told US Daily Racing Form: "This was a great day. My family was all here because of my birthday & I just picked up this ride, so it was a great surprise. I think I’ve still got plenty of wins in me. I know I can get the ones I have ready & I know I can win races anywhere I go." Amonte has been based in New England since 1993. (Sep 10) UK’s Hawk Flyer Euthanised Saeed Suhail's 3YO colt Hawk Flyer (Silver Hawk-Dawn's Curtsey, by Far North), a leading contender for Saturday's Gr1 St Leger at Doncaster in England, was euthanised yesterday after “breaking a pastern on the gallops at Newmarket” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (Sep 10) Keeneland Day-1: US$3.6 Million Danzig Colt Irish bloodstock agent Demi O’Byrne paid US$3.6 million for a Danzig colt (a full brother to 2000 Gr1 Hollywood Derby winner Brahms & promising 2YO filly La Reina) to top the opening session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale at Lexington in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The bay son of Danzig out of champion Queena (by Mr Prospector) was consigned by Helen Alexander’s Middlebrook Farm as agent. O’Byrne (who acts on behalf of Coolmore Stud & principals John Magnier, Michael Tabor & others) likened the colt to his older brother Brahms, who stood the 2003 northern hemisphere breeding season for US$10,000 at Vinery Kentucky & is currently standing the 2003 southern season at Vinery Australia for A$15,400. (Brahms retired with 5 wins including a Gr1 win plus 2 Gr1 placings in 17 starts & US$843,050 prize-money.) O’Byrne noted: "We had this colt’s full brother (Brahms) & he was a good horse, & this is arguably a better looking horse. He's bigger & scopier." And Queena is the dam of A.P.Indy filly La Reina (an impressive 5-length winner over 7 furlongs at Belmont Park last weekend). (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$2.8 Million Unbridled Colt Vet Robert McMartin (acting on behalf of Canadian pharmaceutical executive Eugene Melnyk) paid US$2.8 million for an Unbridled colt out of champion & 10-time Gr1 winner Serena’s Song, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. McMartin explained: “He was Eugene's choice & Alan Porter, who does our pedigrees, loved the pedigree. Equix (Biomechanics) & Phil Hronec (manager of Melnyk's Winding Oaks Farm in Florida) loved him too.” Hronec added: “He's a beautiful colt, put together really well, & the pedigree speaks for itself. He's as good a colt as I've seen in the sale." The colt is the 5th foal out of Serena’s Song (dam of Gr1 winner Sophisticat, a daughter of Storm Cat who won England’s 2002 Gr1 Coronation Stakes & sold as a yearling for US$3.4 million at the 2000 Keeneland July selected sale). Bred by Robert & Beverly Lewis (who campaigned Serena's Song), the colt was consigned by Craig Bandoroff's Denali Stud as agent. (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$2.4 Million Unbridled Filly Bloodstock agent Demi O’Byrne also paid US$2.4 million for an Unbridled filly who is a half sister to Horse-Of-The-Year Favorite Trick, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Consigned by Lane’s End as agent, the bay filly named Unbridled Evil is out of Evil Elaine (by Medieval Man) who is the dam of Gr1 winner Favorite Trick, stakes winner Cold N Calculating & stakes-placed winners Medievil Hero, Tricky Elaine & Crafty And Evil. O’Byrne commented: "She's a sister to a champion. She's very sound & very mature for an Unbridled. She's the 1st Unbridled I've ever bought, but I thought she was the best filly in the sale. He was a great horse who could get an absolute smasher & maybe she will be one." (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.75 Million Storm Cat Colt And vet Robert McMartin (again acting on behalf of Eugene Melynk) paid US$1.75 million for a Storm Cat colt who is a half-brother to Chilean Gr1 winner Mash One, Chilean Gr2 winner Reciclada & 2 other group winners. Consigned by Craig Bandoroff’s Denali Stud as agent, the colt is out of Exing (by Exceller). McMartin noted: "We were thinking he'd be about US$1.5 million, so we had to go a little more. He's 1 Eugene picked out & he passed the team of inspectors." (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.35 Million A.P.Indy Filly Bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell (acting on behalf of Richard Santulli’s & George Prussin’s Jayeff "B" Stable) paid US$1.35 million for a daughter of A.P.Indy out of Grade 3 winner At The Half (by Seeking The Gold), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly (consigned by Lane’s End as agent) is a full sister to multiple Gr2 winner Lu Ravi & also a half-sister to Half Queen (dam of recent Gr1 Del Mar Debutante Stakes winner Halfbridled). Lane’s End director of sales Bill Farish commented: "She's a very nice filly with a ‘now’ pedigree, with Halfbridled under the 1st dam. She sold well, but I thought she warranted it." Lane’s End owner Will Farish added: "The thing is, there haven't been many good fillies with that kind of pedigree for the last several years. So they're going to do well. People can't buy into that kind of family very often.” (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.1 Million Unbridled Filly Bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell (again acting on behalf of Jayeff "B" Stable) also paid US$1.1 million for a daughter of Unbridled out of stakes-placed Banshee Winds (by Known Fact), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly (consigned by Mill Ridge Sales as agent) is a full sister to 1998 champion 3YO filly & 5-time Gr1 winner Banshee Breeze. Banshee Winds is also the dam of stakes winner Unbridled Wind. Bell summed up the 2 buys: "Both those fillies were outstanding individuals. It was a combination of family & athlete." (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.15 Million Giant’s Causeway Colt Trainer Nick Zito (2-time winner of the Gr1 Kentucky Derby who conditions 2003 Gr1 Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town) paid US$1.15 million for a colt by multiple Gr1 winner Giant’s Causeway, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Zito declined to name the buyer of the colt (”purchased in the name My Meadow View Farm”), which is the 1st foal out of winning Seeking The Gold mare Mimi’s Golden Girl (who is out of Classy Cathy from the immediate family of Testy Trestle, Sports View, Ms Margi & Placerville). Zito said: "He's what everyone is looking for: the perfect athlete & there were a lot of people bidding on him. The pedigree is a little light up front, but we really wanted him." Consigned by Valkyre Stud (agent for Michael & Reiko Baum), the colt is from the 1st crop of Storm Cat’s son Giant’s Causeway (winner of 6 Gr1 events & runner-up in the 2000 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic). (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.6 Million Storm Cat Colt Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai “made his 1st appearance at an American thoroughbred auction since the September sale of 2001” (which was disrupted by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center & Pentagon), reported bloodhorse.com. John Ferguson (signing the tickets on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed) paid US$1.6 million for a chestnut Storm Cat-Seeking Regina colt consigned by Eaton Sales. (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1.2 Million Kingmambo Colt John Ferguson (again acting on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed) also paid US$1.2 million for a bay Kingmambo-Solar Bound colt consigned by Denali Stud, reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: US$1 Million Storm Cat Filly The other ‘7-figure’ lot on Day-1 at Keeneland was the US$1 million paid by agent Demi O’Byrne for a bay Storm Cat-Successfully filly, reported bloodhorse.com. (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: Average Up 41% Overall Keeneland recorded 166 horses sold for a gross US$60,555,000 at an average US$364,789 (up 41.1% on last year’s US$258,621 Day-1 average for 195 horses sold for US$50,431,000). The median of US$225,000 was up 32.4% (US$170,000 in 2002). The 70 horses that did not meet reserves represented 29.7% (compared with 28.3% in 2002 when 77 horses did not sell). (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: ‘Very Selective Market’ Keeneland sales director Geoffrey Russell attributed the strength of the sale to a combination of factors, including “the presence of horses that otherwise would have been offered at Keeneland's traditional July yearling sale (not held this year due to the effects of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome),” noted bloodhorse.com. But Russell added: “We had great build-up to this sale. People were happy with what they saw & were very keen to get into the game early in the session. I think it is a very selective market. When they liked one, it went through the roof. This crop is a solid group of individuals. I think when you have the principals here - the owners instead of just the agents - it helps tremendously." (Sep 9) Keeneland Day-1: Buyer Comments Keeneland sales director Geoffrey Russell also told bloodhorse.com: "I think the buyer of the 1st horse summed it up: old friends. It was the traditional yearling buyers at the top end." Among other prominent participant comments were: Dan Rosenberg, Three Chimneys Farm, consignor: "The strong ones are strong & the weak ones are weak. I think it is a selective market. I don't think there is huge demand (for the horses offered). You have to be realistic about your reserves. I don't think MRLS (Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome) has had any effect on the market, except that the horses affected by MRLS are not here & that is a loss. But the economy & the quality of the horses affect the market." Reiley McDonald, partner, Eaton Sales, consignor: "It's been a good sale. It's been good, fair trade for buyers & sellers. The market is solid. If you set your reserves fairly, you will get your horses sold. Consignors are being realistic." John Ward, trainer, buyer: "The horses in the 1st 2 days look pretty good. Of the ones we vetted, there were a higher percentage than usual that passed the vet exams. But of course, you can't say whether it was a good decision (not having a summer sale) or not until you see what the whole sale does. We have no historical comparison on selling our best foals late in the year, in the European fashion." Buzz Chace, buyer: "I thought it has been a great sale. I think there are as many nice horses here as there have been in the past." Catherine Parke, Valkyre Stud, consignor: "The market is fabulous for the good individual that is a good walker. For those yearlings, there is tremendous depth in the market." B. Wayne Hughes, buyer: "There are limits to what we will spend on each horse & we try to buy all the ones within our limits. It's a very good sale. The horses are well prepared." (Sep 9) Son Of Luhuk Tops Argentine Sale Meanwhile trainer Guillermo Frenkel Santillan paid 140,000 Argentine pesos (US$47,0000) for Auguri (a full brother to graded/group winner Avanzado) to top the Haras La Quebrada 2YO selected sale at Argentina’s Hipodromo San Isidro Tattersalls sales ring, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The son of Luhuk (out of Storm Bird mare Avian Eden) became the highest-priced colt sold this season at a public auction in Argentina, where a total 49 youngsters sold for an average US$13,333. (Sep 9) Son Of Abel Prospect Tops Peruvian Sale And Fernando del Mastro´s Stud Naplo paid US$8,400 for North Shore (a son of Abel Prospect) to top the 1st session at the Asociacion de Criadores de Caballos de Carrera del Peru’s sale of selected 2YOs at the Hipodromo Monterrico Adolfo Vasquez Pequeno sales ring in Lima, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred by Haras San Pablo, North Shore is out of unraced Shadeed mare Sleek Reina. Sire Abel Prospect (imported to Peru in 1999) stood at Eduardo Villaran´s Haras San Pablo, where he died last year in a freak accident. He has 1 crop of racing age in Peru, while his only other crop is currently being sold. The 39 youngsters offered sold for gross receipts of US$202,500 (at an average US$5,200). The 2nd session is schedule take place on September 10. (Sep 9) Melb Cup To Tour Australia The Victoria Racing Club will send the $80,000 gold Melbourne Cup trophy on a nationwide tour "to salute the tradition, prestige & legend that surrounds the world famous race". For the first time, the Cup will tour Australia, visiting towns, cities & outback centres that have a genuine link to the Cup, before arriving at Flemington for the running of the race on November 4. VRC chairman Rod Fitzroy said the tour will allow the nation to celebrate the Melbourne Cup as "the people's Cup" & relive the social & cultural tradition that has become part of the Australian psyche. The gold cup will start its 35-day tour in Brisbane on October 1 & then head for Uluru, Alice Springs, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart & Sydney, before visiting Geelong & Werribee on Werribee Cup day (October 29) & finally tour Melbourne from October 31. (Sep 9) Mamool Melb Cup Favourite After German Gr1 Win Meanwhile the weekend win by Godolphin stayer Mamool over Black Sam Bellamy in Germany’s Gr1 Grosser Bugatti Preis (2400m) at Baden-Baden has seen Victorian bookmaker Michael Eskander cut his Melbourne Cup price to $10 outright favourite (in from $15), reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Black Sam Bellamy also “firmed dramatically” from $101 to $21 for the $4 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4. Eskander’s latest market is: $10: Mamool $15: Media Puzzle $17: Honor Babe, Mummify & Pentastic $21: Black Sam Bellamy, Clangalang, Mr American Gothic, Oarsman & Strasbourg $26: Carnegie Express, Converge, Half Hennessy, Magical Miss, Platinum Scissors & Vinnie Roe $34: Flownaway, Hugs Dancer, Lowlander, Makybe Diva, Millstree, Mubtaker, Researched & Zagalia $41: Beekeeper, Bodie, Distinctly Secret, Grey Song & Jardines Lookout $51: Far Lane, Grand Armee, Hail, Helenus, In Times Eye, Legible, Maharib, Pole Star, Red Trinket, Rose Archway, Shower Of Roses, Sunday Joy & Tumeric $67: Ain’t Seen Nothin’, Contraband, County Tyrone, First Charter, Highest & Holy Orders (Sep 9) McDonald Takes Over Corstens Stable Caulfield trainer Ross McDonald will take over the training & running of Leon Corstens' stable & horses, while Corstens sits out a 3-month suspension. Son & racing manager Troy Corstens told racenet.com.au: "The application was approved by the Racing Victoria stewards, on the condition that Leon was to receive absolutely no financial gain from any of the horses formerly under his care.” McDonald won the 1985 AJC Derby with Tristarc & 1989 Golden Slipper with Courtza. (Sep 9) Les Benton Joins Emirates Park Les Benton has been appointed racing manager for His Excellency Nasser Lootah’s Emirates Park. Benton was previously racing manager for the Victoria Racing Club & more recently chief executive for the United Arab Emirates Racing Association. (Sep 9) With Class Lives Up To Pedigree Standing for $4,950 at Victoria’s Sanctuary Lodge, regally-bred With Class (Deputy Minister-Classy ‘N Smart) is by the same sire as top stallions Dehere & French Deputy, & is from Canadian Champion 3YO Filly Classy ‘N Smart; he is also a half-brother to champion Dance Smartly (who won the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff & was recently elected to the US Hall-Of-Fame). Progeny of With Class have hit a purple patch over recent days: Friday Sept 5: Mornington Race 5 1000m Chloe With Class, 3rd Friday Sept 5: Mornington Race 7 1000m Out To Lunch, 1st Sunday Sept 7: Hamilton Race 1 1300m Short Hand, 3rd Sunday Sept 7: Hamilton Race 3 1400m Foxes Folly, 1st Sunday Sept 7: Mildura Race 4 2007m Delabee, 1st Monday Sept 8: Moe Race 4 1200m Bohjass, 1st Monday Sept 8: Moe Race 5 1200m Classic Dancing, 1st (Sep 9) Group Winner In Every Crop For Canny Lad The race record win by Play Around (Canny Lady-Dancing Jester, by Rory’s Jester) in the Gr3 AJC Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Randwick marked the 29th stakes winner for Woodlands Stud sire Canny Lad (by Bletchingly). Former Golden Slipper winner Canny Lad has now produced a Group winner in all crops to hit the racetrack. (Sep 9) Orientate Wins Kentucky Horse-Of-The-Year Arrowfield Stud shuttle stallion & 2002 US champion sprinter Orientate (owned by Robert & Beverly Lewis) has been named joint Kentucky-based Horse-Of-The-Year for 2002, reported bloodhorse.com. Orienate shared the award with multiple Gr1-winning 3YO filly Take Charge Lady (a daughter of fellow Arrowfield sire Dehere). Orientate (the D. Wayne Lukas-trained 4YO son of Mt Livermore who ended his career with a front-running victory in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint) was selected as winner of the "Boston Harbor Award," which each year goes to the outstanding colt or gelding to race & train primarily in Kentucky last year. Orientate raced 10 times in 2002 for 6 wins & a 2nd & US$1,412,970 prize-money. (Sep 9) US Stallion Sandpit Dead Meanwhile Kentucky stallion Sandpit (a champion in his native Brazil & multiple Gr1 turf winner in the US) has “succumbed to a liver disease & a cancerous tumor” at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee equine clinic near Lexington, reported bloodhorse.com. The 14-year-old son of Baynoun (from the Green Dancer mare Sand Dancer) had begun his stallion career at Vinery in Kentucky & stood the past season at Spendthrift Farm. Sandpit won or placed in 31 of 40 starts & earned US$3,812,597. His 5 Gr1 turf wins included consecutive victories in the Gr1 Caesars Invitational Handicap at Atlantic City; he was also placed in 3 runnings of the Gr1 Arlington Million, plus 2nd in the Gr1 Santa Anita Handicap & 3rd in both the Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup & Gr1 Dubai World Cup. Sandpit, who shuttled to Vinery in Australia, has sired stakes winners Ashbecca, Bolaro & Sheza Nasty Lady, plus 5 stakes-placed runners; he is represented this year by 63 2YOs & 88 yearlings. (Sep 9) Auckland Prices Road Proposal Ends Auckland Racing Club’s Board last night “finally signed away the idea of a training facility at Prices Road,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The Board “voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Michael Stiassny report to explore the option of a joint venture with the Counties Racing Club on the development of an improved training complex at Pukekohe racecourse”. The Board also voted “to accept the offer of Hawkins Construction of NZ$11 million for the sale of the Takanini property where its current training facility is located. (Sep 9) Aust Gr2 Winner To South African Stud Former Australian Gr2 victor Prince Of War (prepared by Graeme Rogerson to win the Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill as a 3YO) farewelled Singapore racing with victory in a Class 1 event over 2000m in his final race at Kranji before going into quarantine last week, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. From there he flies to his new base in South Africa, where “his 1st assignment will be to run in the Gr1 Metropolitan Handicap (2000m) at Cape Town in January before beginning a career at stud”. The Royal Academy entire won 2 of 10 starts in Singapore, where he earned S$162,898 (A$150,000) to add to the A$232,250 he’d already totalled in Australia. (Sep 9) Meagher’s Singapore Winning Streak Meanwhile Sydney jockey Craig Carmody “wound up another successful Singapore stint” with 2 winners, noted aapracingandsports.com.au, while expatriate Australian trainer John Meagher continued his recent winning streak with a treble (& since the start of July he’s notched 18 winners to move to 4th on the premiership table with 34 victories, behind Charles Leck on 67, Malcolm Thwaites on 50 & Laurie Laxon on 39). (Sep 9) Victoria’s $5 Million Autumn Sprint Series Victoria is planning a “$5 million world series, in a bold attempt to give its flagging autumn carnival a lift,” reported The Australian newspaper. “To start in February-March 2005, the 4 major sprints (Lightning Stakes, Oakleigh Plate, Australia Stakes & Newmarket Handicap) would form the series, worth $5 million by 2008.” The committees of the Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club & Moonee Valley Racing Club “have not reviewed the draft paper sent to their offices on Friday, but they will be asked to move swiftly to give the series a green light. Racing Victoria is keen to announce the initiative next month at the height of the Melbourne spring carnival. Feeding off the success of Choisir . . . . Racing Victoria is keen to lure the best sprinters from Europe, the US & Asia to Victoria.” (Sep 8) Melb Cup Update 1: Mamool Wins German Gr1 Godolphin Racing’s top Melbourne Cup contender Mamool (who’s been on the 1st or 2nd line of betting with most Australian bookmakers in recent weeks) is sure to firm further following his overnight win in the German Gr1 Grosser Preis Von Baden (2400m), 6th leg of the 12-race 2003 World Series Racing Championship, at Baden-Baden. Mamool (a 4YO son of In The Wings ridden by Frankie Dettori) “prevailed in a thrilling duel with multiple Gr1 winner Black Sam Bellamy” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. French Gr2 winner Dano-Mast finished 3rd. Godolphin Racing manager Simon Crisford said a decision on Mamool’s next start would be made “in about a week”. Mamool now has 5 wins in 13 career starts. Bred in Ireland by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Mamool is out of Gr3-winning Woodman mare Genovefa. (Sep 8) Melb Cup Update 2: Mubtaker Firms With UK Win Meanwhile in England, Sheikh Hamdan's 6YO English stayer Mubtaker (Silver Hawk-Gazayil, by Irish River) was another “significant firmer” in Melbourne Cup betting, after his 5-length victory in the Gr3 Coral September Stakes (12 furlongs) at Kempton Park, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Leading Victorian bookmaker Michael Eskander “tightened Mubtaker from 33-1 to the 3rd line of betting at 16-1 even though trainer Marcus Tregonning is eyeing the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamps next month”. The weekend victory was Mubtaker’s 4th successive stakes win & he now has 8 wins & 8 placings in just 16 starts overall. (Sep 8) Melb Cup Update 3: Pentastic Into 2nd Favourite On the local front, Pentastic (Pentire-Miss Minden, by Bellotto) “firmed to 2nd favouritism for this year's $4 million Melbourne Cup following his determined win” in the $400,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Craiglee Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in Melbourne, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. The 5YO gelding (ridden by Steven Arnold for trainer David Hall) defeated 5YO gelding Walk On Air (Eire-Ride The Wind, by Zabeel) & 4YO gelding Mummify (Jeune-Cleopatra's Girl, by At Talaq). Pentastic (who finished 5th in last year’s Melbourne Cup) has run Gr1 placings in the Victoria Derby, Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, AJC Australian Derby (all as a 3YO) & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (as a 4YO); his 6 wins & 7 placings in 29 starts have now earned $1,152,200 prize-money. After the win (but before Mamool’s overnight victory), Pentastic firmed 2 points to 14-1 for the Melbourne Cup (3200m), behind last year's winner Media Puzzle at 12-1. (Sep 8) Melb Cup Update 4: Cummings To Train Helenus And ‘Cups King’ Bart Cummings has been announced as the new trainer for last season’s champion 3YO Helenus, reported racenet.com.au. Cummings will take over from Leon Corstens (a long-time Melbourne foreman for Cummings) who was recently suspended for 3 months. Helenus finished a close-up 6th behind Pentastic in the Gr2 Craiglee Stakes at Flemington. (Sep 8) Melb Cup Update 5: Other Betting Movers In other significant betting moves by bookmaker Michael Eskander for the Melbourne Cup, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz: Bart Cummings galloper Strasbourg firmed from $26 into $21 after running home will in the Gr2 Craiglee Stakes. Grey Song firmed from $51 into $41. Platinum Scissors firmed from $34 into $26 after a pleasing run behind Lonhro in the Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes. (Sep 8) Caulfield Cup Weekend Betting Moves Meanwhile in significant betting moves by bookmaker Michael Eskander for the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup, reported aapracingandsports.com.au: AJC Australian Derby winner Clangalang moved to outright 8-1 Caulfield Cup favouritism after a pleasing 4th behind weight-for-age star Lonhro in the Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in Sydney. Half Hennessy (who finished 6th in the Chelmsford) was eased out slightly from 8-1 to 10-1 2nd favourite. Mummify is steady at 12-1 following his 3rd in the Gr2 Craiglee Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. (Sep 8) Cox Plate Weekend Betting Moves And in significant betting moves by bookmaker Michael Eskander for the $3 million Cox Plate, reported aapracingandsports.com.au: Overseas galloper Falbrav has come in from 20-1 to 12-1 after finishing an unlucky 2nd in the Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes. Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad was a drifter from 9-1 to 11-1 after disappointing in the same weight-for-age race in Ireland. Sydney star Lonhro retains his place at the head of Cox Plate betting as 5-2 favourite, following his win in the Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes. (Sep 8) High Chaparral Wins Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes In a race “muddled with an objection & high drama” 4YO champion & dual classic winner High Chaparral (Sadler's Wells-Kasora by Darshaan) defeated international star Falbrav by a neck in the Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes (10 furlongs) at Leopardstown, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The race was a leg of the 2003 World Series Racing Championship. High Chaparral (ridden by Michael Kinane for trainer Aidan O’Brien) defeated Falbrav (by Fairy King) & Islington (by Sadler's Wells) after a protest by Falbrav’s jockey Darryll Holland was eventually dismissed. Among the beaten brigade were Alamshar & Moon Ballad. High Chaparral won both last year’s Gr1 English Derby & Gr1 Irish Derby, followed by the US Gr1 Breeders Cup Turf. (Sep 8) Octagonal Filly Placed In Gr2 Irish Stakes Meanwhile Octagonal’s 3YO filly Dossier lost her unbeaten record “when she stepped up to Gr2 class in the Matron Stakes (1 mile) at Leopardstown” in Ireland, reported racenet.com.au. Dossier (Octagonal-Papering by Shaadi) finished less than 0.75 of a length behind Favourable Terms (by Selkirk) & Perfect Touch (by Miswaki). (Sep 8) Somnus Wins UK Gr1 Sprint Cup Stakes In England, 3YO gelding Somnus (Pivotal-Midnight's Reward, by Night Shift) “upset the odds-on favourite Oasis Dream (by Green Desert) by 1.75 lengths” to win the Gr1 Sprint Cup Stakes (6 furlongs) amid heavy rain at Haydock Park, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Somnus (ridden by Ted Durcan for trainer Tim Easterby) defeated Oasis Dream & Airwave (by Air Express). Somnus cost only 13,500 guineas at the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sale & has now won 7 of his 12 races for £424,940 prize-money. His sire & Gr1 winner Pivotal (Polar Falcon-Fearless Revival, by Cozzene) stands at Cheveley Park Stud at Newmarket in England. (Sep 8) Nebraska Tornado Wins French Gr1 Prix de Moulin In France, Juddmonte’s 3YO homebred filly Nebraska Tornado (Storm Cat-Media Nox, by Lycius) won yesterday’s Gr1 Prix de Moulin (1600m) at Longchamp, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Nebraska Tornado defeated 4YO Japanese challenger Lohengrin (Singspiel-Carling, by Garde Royale) & 4YO Bright Sky (Wolfhound-Bright Moon, by Alysheba). Among the also-rans were Soviet Song, Clodovil, Domedriver, Refuse To Bend & Where Or When all behind. This was Nebraska Tornado’s 2nd Gr1 victory (having taken the Gr1 Prix de Diane in June). (Sep 8) 1st Group Winner For Cape Cross Meanwhile in Germany, NZ Cambridge Stud's stallion Cape Cross recorded his 1st Group winner (& 3rd stakes-winner) when 2YO colt Mokabra (Cape Cross-Pacific Grove, by Persian Bold) landed Germany’s most prestigious juvenile race, the Gr2 Maurice Lacroix Trophy at Baden–Baden, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Mokabra (trained by Mick Channon) is from the 1st crop of Gr1 winner Cape Cross (Green Desert-Park Appeal, by Ahonoora) who shuttles between Kildangan Stud in Ireland and Cambridge Stud. (Sep 8) Mineshaft Wins US Gr1 Woodward Stakes In the US, multiple Gr1-winning 4YO Mineshaft (A.P.Indy-Prospectors Delite, by Mr Prospector) cruised home by 4.25 lengths to win the US$500,000 Gr1 Woodward Stakes (9 furlongs) at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Mineshaft (ridden by Robby Abarado for trainer Neil Howard) defeated French Gr1 winner Hold That Tiger (by Storm Cat) & Puzzlement (by Pine Bluff). Kentucky-bred Mineshaft had been freshened-up after his last start win in the Gr1 Suburban Handicap 2 months ago (he also won the Gr1 Pimlico Special Handicap earlier this year) & now has 9 wins from 17 starts & US$1,683,402 prize-money for owner-breeders William Farish, James Elkins & Temple Webber. Mineshaft is now scheduled for starts in the Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at Belmont Park on September 27 & Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park on October 25. (Sep 8) Lunar Sovereign Wins US Gr1 Man O' War Stakes Darley’s 4YO Lunar Sovereign (Cobra King-January Moon, by Apalachee) won the US$500,000 Gr1 Man O’ War Stakes (11 furlongs on turf) at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Lunar Sovereign (ridden by Richard Migliore for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin) defeated Slew Valley & Denon. Bred in Kentucky, Lunar Sovereign has 5 wins in 14 career starts. (Sep 8) Buy The Sport Wins US Gr1 Gazelle Handicap English trained Buy The Sport (by Devil's Bag) “thrived in her US debut” & won the US$250,000 Gr1 Gazelle Handicap (9 furlongs) for 3YO fillies at Belmont Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A New York-bred previously based in England, Buy The Sport (ridden by Pat Day for trainer Brian Meehan) won a close finish from fancied trio (& all Gr1 winners) Lady Tak (by Mutakddim), Spoken Fur (by Notebook) & Island Fashion (by Petionville). Overall Buy The Sport has 3 wins in 9 career starts. (Sep 8) Indy Five Hundred Wins US Gr1 Garden City Handicap Peter Minikes’s Georgica Stable notched its 2nd Gr1 victory in 2 days yesterday when Indy Five Hundred (by A.P.Indy) won the US$250,000 Gr1 Garden City Breeders Cup Handicap (9 furlongs on turf) for 3YO fillies at Belmont Park by 4 lengths, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Indy Five Hundred (ridden by Pat Day for trainer trainer Bobby Barbara) defeated American Oaks winner Dimitrova (by Swain) & French-based invader Campsie Fells (by Indian Ridge). (Minikes had won the Gr1 Gazelle Handicap with Buy The Sport on Saturday.) Indy Five Hundred now has 3 wins in 9 career starts. Bred in Kentucky, she is out of Gr2 winning Lyphard mare Lyphard’s Delta (a daughter of Gr1 winner Proud Delta). (Sep 8) Vinery’s Red Ransom Adds Del Mar Derby Vinery shuttler Red Ransom added another stakes-winner when his son Fairly Ransom (a Kentucky-bred who began his career in France) won the US$300,000 Gr2 Del Mar Derby (9 furlongs on turf), “his 1st victory since being transferred to the US earlier this year,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Fairly Ransom (ridden by Alex Solis for trainer Ron McAnally) defeated Devious Boy & Sweet Return. Fairly Ransom (Red Ransom-Fairly Grey, by Linamix) has now won 4 of 8 career starts. “Red Ransom continues to make a world-wide impact in 2003,” noted racenet.com.au. “The son of Roberto has been responsible for the Gr1 Epsom Oaks winner Casual Look, Gr3 Musodora Stakes winner Cassis & Listed Sandringaham Stakes winner Hold To Ransom in England, Gr1 Grosser Dallmeyr-Preis winner Ransom o’ War in Germany, while his 1st Australian crop include Gr3 Black Opal Stakes winner Handsome Ransom & dual Gr3 winner & Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes runner-up Haliberry.” Red Ransom has been shuttling between Vinery Stud’s Kentucky & Scone in NSW divisions; however he will join the Darley Stud roster for the 2004 Northern Hemisphere season. (Sep 8) French Deputy Filly Equals US Track Record And Arrowfield Stud shuttler French Deputy’s 3YO filly House Party equalled the track record at Delaware Park (set by Damitrius in 1980) when capturing the US$200,000 Gr3 Endine Handicap (6 furlongs) for fillies & mares, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. House Party (French Deputy-Bill Back, by Relaunch) defeated 4YO Vision In Flight (Montbrook-Tales Of Long Ago) & Mooji Moo (Jeblar-Proud n' Precious) in 1min 08sec. House Party (ridden by Joey Santos for trainer Allen Jerkens) now has 6 wins (including the Gr1 Prioress Stakes in July at Belmont Park) & 6 placings in 13 starts. (Sep 8) Scaredee Cat Wins Ascot Vale Stakes On the local scene, NZ’s Waikato Stud principal Gary Chittick’s 3YO colt Scaredee Cat (Tale Of The Cat-Last Lady, by Centaine) won the $400,000 Gr2 Ascot Vale Stakes (1200m) for 3YOs at Flemington in Melbourne. Scaredee Cat (ridden by Steven Arnold for trainer Cliff Brown) defeated Lago Delight (Encosta de Lago-Sweet Delight, by Rancho Ruler) & Dilly Dally (Rubiton-Faricca, by Millionaire). Chittick originally sold Scaredee Cat to Aquanita Racing for $110,000 at the 2002 Karaka yearling sales, but the colt was returned following a failed vet examination; he has now earned over $342,000 from 2 wins & 2 placings in 5 starts. Scaredee Cat is 1 of 9 2003 stakes-winners by Tale Of The Cat (Storm Cat-Yarn, by Mr Prospector) who shuttles between Ashford Stud in Kentucky & Coolmore in Australia. (Sep 8) Encosta De Lago ‘Red Hot’ Blue Gum Farm’s “red-hot Encosta De Lago looks set to throw down the gauntlet to Danehill for champion sire honours this season,” declared racenet.com.au. While favourite Lago Delight was narrowly beaten in the Gr2 Ascot Vale Stakes, 4YO gelding Titanic Jack (Encosta de Lago-Gold Tunic, Stage Door Johnny) won the $150,000 Gr3 Bobbie Lewis Quality Handicap (1200m) at Flemington. Titanic Jack (ridden by Brett Prebble for trainer Tom Hughes) defeated 8YO gelding Bomber Bill (Air de France-Lady Special, by Alzao) & 5YO mare The Big Chill (O'Reilly-Icy Calm, by Western Symphony). (Sep 8) Lonhro Takes 20th Win At Randwick In Sydney, Woodlands Stud 5YO homebred Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) took his record to 20 wins (including 6 Gr1s & 19 stakes races) & 3 placings in 27 starts with victory in the $150,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Tattersalls Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick. Lonhro (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John Hawkes) defeated Platinum Scissors (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) & Excellerator (Marscay-Artless, by Dahar). He now has $3,642,480 prize-money. Lonhro’s sire & multiple Gr1 winner Octagonal (Zabeel-Eight Carat, by Pieces Of Eight) stands at Woodlands Stud in NSW. (Sep 8) Sportsman Wins Tramway Handicap The 4YO gelding Sportsman (Supremo-Professionelle, by Centaine) took his record to 6 wins & 4 placings in 19 starts when he won the $100,000 Gr3 Tattersalls Tramway Quality Handicap (1400m) at Randwick. Sportsman (ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Greg Hickman) defeated Britt’s Best (Danehill-Bal Des Sirenes, by Warning) & Boreale (Octagonal-Spring Thaw, by His Majesty). Sportsman (an $8,000 bargain at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale) has now won $436,150 prize-money. (Sep 8) Play Around Boosts Canny Lad Canny Lad’s 3YO gelding Play Around denied Vinnery shuttler Langfuhr his 1st stakes win in Australia when he edged out Terracotta Bay in the $100,000 Gr3 Ming Dynasty Quality Handicap (1400m) for 3YO colts & geldings at Randwick. Ridden by Hugh Bowman for trainer John O’Shea, Play Around (Canny Lad-Dancing Jester, by Rory's Jester) took his record to 3 wins and a placing in 4 starts by defeating Terracotta Bay (Langfuhr-Helen's Bay, by Star Way) & Allgunadoit (Haayil-Saving Grace, by Take Your Partner). (Sep 8) Shamekha Win For Secret Savings Emirates Park Stud’s Secret Savings further enhanced his growing reputation when his 3YO daughter Shamekha (Secret Savings-Lifetime Story, by Don't Say Halo) won the $100,000 Gr3 Furious Stakes (1400m) for 3YO fillies at Randwick. Shamekha (ridden by Jim Cassidy for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated boom sprinter Regimental Gal (General Nediym-Hallaya, by Yallah Prince) & Spurcent (Flying Spur-San Century, by Centaine). Shamekha now has 4 wins & 2 2nds in 8 starts for $454,550. (Sep 8) Victory For Danehill’s Exceed And Excel Danehill’s 3YO son Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona, by Lomond) survived a protest to win the $100,000 Gr3 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) for 3YOs at Royal Randwick. Exceed And Excel (ridden by Hugh Bowman for trainer Tim Martin) defeated Hasna (Snippets-They Say, by Thirty Six Red) & Ambulance (Grand Lodge-Emergency, by Marauding). Exceed And Excel (who won the Gr2 Up And Coming Stakes a fortnight ago) now has 4 wins & 1 2nd in 7 starts for $301,475. (Sep 8) Aust Weekend Listed Race Results In other Listed results around Australia, noted racenet.com.au: 4YO Canberra mare Ain’t Seen Nothin’ (Nothin' Leica Dane-Icecapade, by Genghiz) won the $125,000 Listed Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, from 5YO mares Classic Patches (My Patriarch- Classic Meeting, by Salmon Leap) & Reactive (Geiger Counter-Victory River, by Salieri). Grand Lodge’s 6YO gelded son Adolescence (Grand Lodge-Mademoiselle, by Our Poetic Prince) won the $100,000 Listed Teac-Digital Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in Melbourne, defeating 5YO gelding Arena Valadora (Flying Spur-Palm Beach, by Logical) & 5YO horse Another Warrior (Brave Warrior-Kate Be Good, by Semipalatinsk). Sunday Silence’s former Arrowfield shuttling son Fuji Kiseki recorded a winner when Hy Fuji (Fuji Kiseki-Hysterical, by Wolverton) won the $70,000 Listed Tattersalls Plate (2400m) at Randwick. Archway added another stakes winner when 6YO Victorian mare Aldarch (Archway-Estuary Lass, by True Version) won the $40,000 Listed Penny Edition Stakes (1600m) at Morphetville in Adelaide, defeating 5YO geldings Terminus Prince (Prince Of Birds-Flying Zone, by Zooming Zone) & Ottobello (Bellotto- Olivia's Delight, by Oenjay Star). (Sep 8) Grand Lodge Recovering From Surgery Shuttle stallion Grand Lodge is recovering from an operation to insert 24 screws & 2 plates in his knee following last week’s paddock accident at Woodlands Stud at Denman. Woodlands bloodstock manager Trevor Lobb told aapracingandsports.com.au: “The surgery could not have gone any better. He’s up & eating, but we won't really know for the next few days how his longer term future looks. Things are certainly looking a lot better than they did on Thursday.” (Sep 8) 2YO Trial Wins For Mossman & Orpen Sydney’s early season 2YO trials began at Canterbury, with wins to progeny of Mossman, Danehill, Orpen & Danzero, reported racenet.com.au: Heat 1: Noble Park Stud’s boom Gr1 winner Mossman’s 1st crop daughter Segments (Mossman-Madam Curie) won from Satay (Commands-Nachos) & Angels Star (King Of Kings-A Star Is Born). Segments’ dam Madam Curie (by Bletchingly) is out of Gr1 NZ 1000 Guineas winner Our Cure (by Sir Tristram). Heat 2: Dane Shadow (Danehill-Slight Chance) won from Digos (Flying Spur-Hacienda) & Audubon (Quest For Fame-Artistic Princess). Heat 3: The filly Penor (Orpen-Goodness, by Zoffany) won by 7.75 lengths from Kirribilli Dancer (Gilded Time-Masked Dancer) & Shania Dane (Danehill-Subterfuge) in the fastest time of the 4 trials. Penor is a member of the 1st southern hemisphere crop by Coolmore’s French Gr1 Prix Morny winner Orpen. Heat 4: Dance Hero (Danzero-Gypsy Dancer) finished 4.5 lengths ahead of Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success) & Monterrico (Danehill-Kimba). (Sep 8) NZ’s Coup D’Etat To Race In Macau Last season’s well-performed NZ 3YO Coup D’Etat (by I Conquer) will do his future racing in Hong Kong. Former trainer Ross Elliot confirmed to NZ Thoroughbred Marketing Coup D’Etat’s part-owner Bruce Sherwin has decided to take the gelding to Macau: “Bruce is a NZ commentator based in Macau. He has retained a half-interest in the horse & the other share has been taken up by a local person. The plan is to set the horse for next year’s Macau Derby.” Coup D’Etat won 2 races in NZ last season & was placed in a lead-up race to the Mercedes Derby. (Sep 8) German Sale Figures Down The Baden-Baden Jahrlings Auktion sold 163 of 248 lots for a gross €3,700,000 (A$6.29 million) down 11% on last year, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The average €22,699 (A$36,600) was down 4%. Top-priced lot was a Dashing Blade half-brother to Listed winner Baleno that sold for €165,000 (A$280,000) to Rudiger Alles's IVA (acting for Manfred Hellwig, recently appointed president of the German Racehorse Owners Association). The top 5 lots were: €165,000 (A$280,000) Dashing Blade-Blumme colt (bought by IVA) €150,000 (A$255,000) Dashing Blade-Suivez filly (bought by Haras St Martin) €130,000 (A$220,000) Monsun-Mandellicht colt (bought by IVA) €130,000 (A$220,000) Monsun-Reem Dubai filly (bought by Classic Breeding) €90,000 (A$150,000) Winged Love-Arpista filly (bought by IVA) (Sep 8) Keeneland September Yearling Sale Begins Today Meanwhile the 60th edition of the famed Keeneland September yearling sale begins today & runs for 12 days (through to September 20). Keeneland has cataloged 4,294 horses for this year’s sale & Keeneland’s director of sales Geoffrey Russell told thoroughbredtimes.com he is “optimistic” it could be among the most successful in recent history: "First & foremost, we have a quantity of quality. Also, the new tax law changes coupled with the upswing in the economy should make this sale very inviting to buyers. This year’s crop of freshmen sires offer the strongest combination of both pedigree & race performance in recent memory." (Last year 2,933 sold for US$210,802,500 at an average US$71,873 & a median US$30,000, with 15 above US$1 million.) Stallions with progeny in this year’s sale include A.P.Indy, Danzig, Fusaichi Pegasus, Giant’s Causeway, Kingmambo, Storm Cat & War Chant. (Sep 8) 1,237 Catalogued At OBS October Florida Sale The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company has catalogued 1,237 lots (down 13.1% from last) for its mixed sale in Florida from October 13-16, reported bloodhorse.com. The sale will be split into 2 consignor preferred sessions & 2 open sessions. (Sep 8) Dynasty Wins South Africa Horse-Of-The-Year Fieldspring Racing's 4YO Dynasty (Fort Wood-Blakes Affair, by Commodore Blake) was named South Africa’s 2002-03 Horse-Of-The-Year at the Western Cape Awards dinner, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. A winner of 4 Gr1 races in 2003, Dynasty was also named 3YO Male-Of-The-Year. Other winners included: Juvenile Male-Of-The-Year: Golden Corn Juvenile Filly-Of-The-Year: She’s A Charm 3YO Male-Of-The-Year: Dynasty 3YO Filly-Of-The-Year: Tara’s Touch Older Male-Of-The-Year: Angus Older Female-Of-The-Year: Enchantress (Sep 8) Sebi Halo Wins Argentina Gr1 Gran Premio Suipacha Sebi Halo “dethroned sprint king Asset & solidified his role as Argentina’s best sprinter by scoring a brilliant victory” in Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Suipacha (5 furlongs) at San Isidro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Southern Halo (ridden by Jacinto Herrera for trainer Ernesto Romero) was coming off an impressive victory in the Gr2 Clasico Pippermint on July 20 & now has 11 wins in 20 career starts. Bred by Ruben Sciacca, Sebi Halo is out of Gr3-winning Ringaro mare Esnaola & is a full brother to multiple Gr1 winner Halo Ola & stakes-placed Jacky Halo. (Sep 8) Arrowfield’s Hussonet Adds Chile Gr1 Arrowfield Stud’s boom Mr Prospector stallion Hussonet “extended his lead in the sires premiership in Chile when 3YO Host (ex Colonna Traiana by Roy) romped to a 6.25-length victory” in the Gr1 Dos Mil Guineas at Hipodromo Chile, reported racenet.com.au. Host now has 5 wins in 6 starts. (Sep 8) Kappa King To Stand In Chile Meanwhile Gr2-placed 6YO stallion Kappa King (Kingmambo-Charming Ballerina, by Caerleon) will stand at Chile’s Haras Puerta de Hierro for the 2003 season, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. A winner 4 times, Kappa King's dam is a stakes-winning half-sister to Hawaiian Sound. (Sep 8) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Event Of The Year US freshman sire & graded stakes winning millionaire Event Of The Year recorded his 1st winner when Seeyouattheevent won at Pimlico, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. An 8YO son of Seattle Slew, Event Of The Year won 5 of his 9 career starts (including the Gr2 Strub Stakes, Gr2 Jim Beam Stakes & Gr3 El Camino Real Derby) for US$1,095,200 prize-money. Bred in Kentucky by John Mabee, Event Of The Year stands for US$10,000 at Golden Eagle Farm. He is out of winning Mr Prospector mare Classic Event. Seeyouattheevent is 1 of 72 foals from Event Of The Year’s 1st crop of racing age. (Sep 8) 1st Winner For US Freshman Sire Intensity Deceased US freshman sire Intensity (by Gone West) recorded his 1st winner when Pointin West won over 6 furlongs at Monmouth Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Intensity (who died last year aged 8) was 1 of 8 winners out of 1983 champion older mare Ambassador Of Luck (by What Luck). Bred in Kentucky, Intensity won 4 of 15 career starts. Pointin West is the only starter from 9 foals of racing age in Intensity’s 1st crop of racing age. Before his death, Intensity stood at Sleeter Farm in New Jersey. (Sep 8) David Copperfield Retires To Kentucky Stud Dual US Gr3 winner David Copperfield (by Halo) has been retired to stud & will stand in 2004 at Rick Trontz’s Hopewell Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. David Copperfield notched 6 wins (including the 2000 Gr3 Cinema Handicap on turf at Hollywood Park) & 6 placings (including the Gr1 Hollywood Derby & Gr2 Oak Tree Derby) in 18 career starts. Bred in Kentucky by Jack Mandato, David Copperfield is out of stakes-winning Count Brook mare Bannockburn. (Sep 8) California Stallion Fighting Fit Pensioned Ballena Vista Farm in California has pensioned millionaire Fighting Fit from stallion duty, reported bloodhorse.com. The decision was made after the 24-year-old son of Full Pocket showed signs of acute joint arthritis during the 2003 breeding season. "Although he still impregnated mares this year, we feel it's our duty to give him the best life possible," said Ballena Vista director of operations Janine McCullough. "We have been milling over his retirement since the painful signs started in both hind ankles this year." Fighting Fit (produced from Nilo mare Napalm) sired 13 stakes winners, including graded winners Fighting Fantasy & Lady Sonata. His runners have earned US$10.4 million. As a racehorse, Fighting Fit won 3 graded stakes plus 9 stakes-placings (including 3rd in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Sprint). (Sep 8) Maryland Sire Allen’s Prospect Euthanised Allen’s Prospect (Mr Prospector-Change Water, by Swaps), a leading sire in Maryland throughout his stud career, has been euthanised at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center “after suffering complications from surgery to remove a tumor under his jaw,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 21-year-old son of Mr Prospector sired 57 stakes-winners & 565 individual winners from his 14 crops of racing age; his 696 individual starters have earned US$38,986,417. Allen’s Prospect stood his entire career at the Pons family’s Country Life Farm in Maryland & stood his 17th season in 2003 for US$15,000. As a freshman sire in 1990, he finished 5th on the North American freshman sire list; 12 years later, he was atop the Maryland sire list with 128 winners from 205 starters & progeny earnings of US$4,736,397. His leading earner is In C C’s Honor (a 5-time stakes winner with US$540,601 prize-money). Other notable winners include Gin Talking (who won the 2000 Gr3 Anne Arundel Stakes) & Secret Prospect (who won 11 stakes while earning US$520,269 over 4 seasons). (Sep 8) MRLS Study Finds Caterpillars Cause Fetal Loss In Pigs The University of Kentucky has reported that Eastern Tent Caterpillars “caused fetal loss in domestic pigs” in a new study, noted bloodhorse.com. The experiment “demonstrated for the first time that Eastern Tent Caterpillars could cause abortion in an animal other than the horse in a manner consistent with Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome. It also showed that the pig might be a useful model for studying the disease.” The project was the 4th in a series of studies designed to identify the factor or agent responsible for fetal losses due to MRLS. (Sep 8) Oscar Winners Succeed At Track Monday Odd Spot: Expatriate NZ trainer Laurie Laxon, whose latest star Dreyfuss has won 4 races in succession in Singapore in the last 2 months, is now aiming the 4YO Oregon gelding at the Gr1 Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on November 11, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. Dreyfuss is owned by the Oscar Racing Stable, which names all its horses after Academy award winners: other winners from the team include Streisand, Spielberg, Cage, Fonda, Abraham, Lancaster & Spacey. (Sep 8) Grand Lodge Serious Knee Injury Woodlands Stud’s 12-year-old Kentucky-bred shuttle stallion Grand Lodge (Chief's Crown-La Papagena, by Habitat) has suffered a “serious knee injury in a paddock accident” & will “undergo surgery today at Scone Veterinary Clinic” in a bid to save him, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Woodlands manager Peter Flynn confirmed: "He had a fall in the paddock & he cracked his knee. It’s a serious injury when you’re dealing with a stallion like that. I’m not exactly sure what they’ll have to do in the operation; probably insert some plates." Grand Lodge (winner of England’s 1993 Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket & 1994 Gr1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot) shuttles between Woodlands in NSW (where he stands for $38,500) & Coolmore at County Tipperary in Ireland. His star progeny include: Sinndar (winner of the 2000 Gr1 English Derby at Epsom, Gr1 Irish Derby at The Curragh & Gr1 French Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp); multiple international Gr1 winners Grandera & Indian Lodge; & Australian Gr1 winners Shogun Lodge, Freemason & Ambulance. Overall he has sired 344 winners (35 stakes-winners) from 638 starters. (Sep 5) Sunline Mated With Rock Of Gibraltar Champion NZ racemare, dual Cox Plate winner & former Horse-Of-The-Year Sunline (by Desert Sun) was mated with European champion Rock Of Gibraltar (by Danehill) at Coolmore Australia’s Hunter Valley base yesterday morning, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. (Sep 5) 2YO Trials: Fasliyev & Mossman In Spotlight At 9.30am this morning, the 1st of the major city 2YO barrier trials begin at Canterbury Park in Sydney, where significant interest will centre on the progeny of ‘boom’ freshman stallions Fasliyev & Mossman. Fasliyev (Nureyev-Mr P's Princess) is on track to break the world record for individual winners by a freshman sire, following the unbelievable start by his progeny in Europe (he already has 28 & the record is 33 set by End Sweep). At Canterbury, Fasliyev’s 1st southern hemisphere crop will be represented by Esther (from the Gai Waterhouse stable). Meanwhile local product Mossman (a Gr1-winning son of Champion Sire Success Express) will showcase his 1st 2 juveniles in the same trial: Amused (ex Hold That Smile) & Segments (ex Madam Curie). (Sep 5) 2YO Trials: Orpen & Danehill Youngsters Also of interest at this morning’s Canterbury 2YO trials (all over 850m) will be: 3 youngsters sired by Coolmore shuttler Orpen (currently 2nd to Fasliyev in Europe with his 1st crop) includes his boom filly Penor; 4 Danehill juveniles; 3 from Flying Spur; 2 from Snippets; & the regally bred Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success), who’s been turning clockers’ heads since he first appeared at Randwick for trackwork. (Sep 5) Melb Cup Update: Distinctly Secret Wins Trial Meanwhile across the Tasman, top NZ Caulfield-Melbourne Cups contender Distinctly Secret “took another big step towards his major spring goals with a stylish win” at yesterday's Te Aroha trials, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Ridden by Opie Bosson, 5YO gelding Distinctly Secret (Distinctly North-Te Akau Secret) won the open catch-weight 1200m heat in good style from Like The Wind. The Mark Walker-trained stayer is set for his next start on the 2nd day of the Hastings meeting on Saturday 13 September. From there, his 1st major target will be the NZ$750,000 Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) at Hastings on September 27. Distinctly Secret finished 4th in last year's Caulfield Cup & 6th in the Melbourne Cup. Distinctly Secret (who has 6 wins & 6 placings in 24 career starts) is currently listed at $17 in early betting markets for the Caulfield Cup (October 18) & $34 for the Melbourne Cup (November 4). (Sep 5) Melb Cup Update: In Times Eye’s UK Plunge If money talks, then Dermot Weld (Ireland's very own Melbourne Cup King) “may well have another live contender lined up for this year’s Aussie marathon in November,” reported Britain’s William Hill bookmaking firm overnight. Royal Ascot winner In Time's Eye “has been backed from 33-1 in to 20-1 with some sustained support on Wednesday night & Thursday, despite never having won over further than 10 furlongs to date!” (Sep 5) Royal Academy’s International Winners Amid all the excitement surrounding stud-mate Fasliyev, Coolmore’s proven shuttler Royal Academy continues his outstanding record around the globe. In Australia, he immediately rocketed to 2nd (behind Danehill) on the General Sires list by prize-money for the 1st month of the new season. And in recent weeks he has produced another 6 stakes horses: Oamaru Storm (winner of his last 4 starts, including last weekend’s Listed Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield in Melbourne); Consular (winner of the Listed Goldmarket Handicap in Brisbane, immediately followed by another victory at Doomben last weekend); Il Bacia (winner at Gr3 level in Japan); Royal Experiment (winner of a Gr3 race in Norway); Robert Sangster’s colt Fokine (2nd in the Gr2 Gimcrack Stakes in England); & Royal Sash (2nd in the Listed Cockram Stakes at Caulfield). In addition, other Royal Academy winners last weekend included: Royal Mask at Bendigo in Melbourne; Royal Remedy at Tauranga in NZ; Prince Of War in a Class 1 race in Singapore; & City Academy on turf in the US. (Sep 5) Spinning World Success Around The Globe Meanwhile Coolmore shuttler Spinning World is also ‘on a roll’ internationally. In the last week: 4YO filly Rose Bow won by 4 lengths at Sapporo in Japan; 3YO filly Changing World won on turf by 5 lengths at Saratoga in the US; 3YO filly Spinning Time won by 11 lengths (also on turf) in the US; 4YO Samer won by 2 lengths in Italy; All Over won by 5 lengths & set a new turf track record at Del Mar in the US; & Solar Echo finished a neck 2nd in the Gr1 Del Mar Oaks. (Sep 5) Danehill Dancer Adds To Record And Danehill Dancer continues to cement his claim as Danehill’s best international sire-son, with the last week bringing: Private Steer’s win in the Gr3 Concorde Stakes at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney; Robert Sangster’s 2YO colt Barbajuan’s victory in the Gr3 Solario Stakes at Sandown in England; 2YO Venturi’s 9-length win at The Curragh in Ireland; & Listed winner Daganya’s 2nd in the Gr2 Flying Five also at The Curragh. (Sep 5) 1st Winner For UK Freshman Sire Great Dane Meanwhile Eureka Stud shuttler, Irish high-weight & English freshman sire Great Dane recorded his 1st winner when Stylish Dane won over 7 furlongs at Limerick in Ireland, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Great Dane (an 8YO son of Danehill) concluded his 3-season career with 5 straight stakes wins (including the 1999 Gr2 International Stakes at The Curragh). He was Ireland’s high-weighted older horse between 7-9.5 furlongs for 1999 & overall won 7 of 10 career starts for trainer Henry Cecil. Great Dane is out of unraced Thatching mare Itching (a half-sister to Gr1 winner Croco Rouge & 1997 Irish & Italian Broodmare-Of-The-Year Alidiva, dam of English classic winner Sleepytime, English high-weight Ali-Royal & Gr1 winner Taipan). Great Dane stands at The National Stud near Newmarket in England & has 85 foals in his 1st crop of racing age (including 8 starters); he also has 55 yearlings. (Sep 5) Langfuhr Adds Canadian Stakes Win Vinery shuttler Langfuhr added another North American stakes win when his 3YO colt Mobil took the Canadian Halton Stakes at Woodbine, reported aapracingandsports,com.au. (Mobil is a stable-mate of Canadian Triple Crown winner & fellow Langfuhr 3YO Wando.) Mobil had already won both the Gr3 Toronto Cup & Listed Queenston Stakes. Langfuhr (by Danzig) has produced 8 stakes-winners & 7 stakes-placegetters from his 1st 3 Northern Hemisphere crops. In the Southern Hemisphere, he has produced stakes-placegetters in Shalang, Broadband & Bang Goes Lang. (Sep 5) Handicapping 1: New System For Victoria & NSW A new era in Australian handicapping begins next month when Racing Victoria & Racing NSW roll out their new Ratings-Based Handicapping system. It will provide each horse with a numeric rating directly following each racecourse performance, & owners & trainers will be made aware of their horse’s weight prior to nominating. Currently horses are weighted following receipt of a nomination for specific races (normally 5 working days prior to the race meeting concerned) & owners & trainers only know the allotted weight at this point. (Sep 5) Handicapping 2: How System Will Work Under the new Ratings-Based Handicapping system, initially when a horse is nominated it will be assessed by the handicapper & allocated a “rating”. That rating will relate to a ratings-to-weight template, which will be a ready-reference guide for trainers & owners, to determine a weight for their horse in any particular race. This template will define the weight differences between classes of competition. (Sep 5) Handicapping 3: Progressive Introduction Racing NSW chief handicapper Mark Webbey & Racing Victoria chief handicapper Jim Bowler agreed the new system is “a very exciting move that will provide the foundations for an advanced progression of ratings to nationally & internationally accepted ratings standards.” This progressive concept is the result of a joint project undertaken by Racing Victoria & Racing NSW. Both states will implement a parallel-phased introduction, commencing with Provincial races of Classes 1-4 on October 1. Then from December 1, the balance of restricted races will be introduced; & from February 1, open class, 2YOs & jumping events will be introduced to the ratings-based handicapping module. (Sep 5) Handicapping 4: Officials Support Changes Racing Victoria’s director of racing Stephen Allanson summed up: “The publishing of accurate ratings will give owners & trainers a greater insight into the handicapping system. By having a handicapping process open to public scrutiny, owners & trainers may be better informed as to the weight adjustment made after a particular performance.” And Racing NSW chief executive Merv Hill added: “The joint handicapping venture is another illustration of the close working relationship that exists between Racing NSW & Racing Victoria. We are pleased to hear that South Australia has also flagged its intention of looking closely at the model.” (Sep 5) Neville Fielke Leaving Racing Victoria Racing Victoria’s chief executive Neville Fielke is stepping down (following Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November) to accept a new appointment as senior vice president global strategy & business development for Foster's Group. RV chairman Graham Duff said: "Neville has made a great contribution to the important period of reform that has taken place since the change in the governance structure of Victorian racing in 2001. He leaves to join one of Australia’s icon international companies that has strong links with Australian sport." (Sep 5) Lonhro Doughnuts At Royal Ranwick Sign-Of-The-Times: Tomorrow at Royal Randwick, the Australian Jockey Club will salute “the people’s champion Lonhro with a culinary tribute for what is likely to be his final performance in Sydney this spring”. The club has arranged a special delivery of 6,000 ‘Little O-Nuts’ from Penrith’s Krispy Kreme doughnut franchise to accompany an on-course give-away of Lonhro posters & badges. The son of Woodlands Stud stallion Octagonal (known as ‘The Big O’ during his champion track career), Lonhro heads a quality field (also including Clangalang, Platinum Scissors, Half Hennessy & County Tyrone) for the Gr2 Tattersalls Club Chelmsford Stakes. (Sep 5) Brisbane Turf Club Election Nominations have closed for Board Member candidates for the Brisbane Turf Club election, with 7 contenders for the 4 vacancies. Among the current Board, chairman Ian Baxter, vice-chairman Ian McGrath & director Roy Beckerman are all seeking re-election; nominations have also been received from other racing identities Mary Collier, Greg Grant, Paul Jones & Kerrina King. In addition, for the 1st time the BTC is establishing a Young Members Committee “to advise the Board on how to attract young racegoers to the track”. (Sep 5) Gold Coast September Horses-In-Training Sale This month’s Magic Millions Horses-In-Training Sale on the Gold Coast (Sunday 28 September) boasts a catalogue of 147 2YOs who will gallop at the Gold Coast racetrack (between 9am-midday) before being put through the ring after lunch (from 2pm). Stallions represented include Bahhare, Bubble Gum Fellow, Clang, Danehill Dancer, Danewin, Desert King, Desert Sun, Distorted Humor, Fasliyev, Flying Spur, General Nediym, Gilded Time, Hennessy, Honour And Glory, King Of Kings, Last Tycoon, Lion Hunter, Peintre Celebre, Perugino, Piccolo, Quest For Fame, Redoute’s Choice, Spectrum, Strategic, Success Express, Umatilla, Woodman, Xaar & Zeditave. Magic Millions managing director David Chester summed up: “This year’s Gold Coast Horses-In-Training Sale will be our best. A number of top class entries have been received & buyers will appreciate the range of quality on offer.” (Sep 5) Sargent Delivers Auckland Ultimatum If NZ Thoroughbred Racing chairman Guy Sargent has his way “the Auckland Racing Club will have 1 last chance to resolve its Prices Road fiasco before club management is handed over to a higher authority,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Sargent arrived back in Auckland yesterday from NZTR business in Hong Kong “to the news that yet another ARC Board meeting was to take place to discuss & hopefully reach a decision on the much-publicised Stiassny report”. He “firmly requested” a meeting with the Board prior to its meeting & “pulled no punches in laying the feelings of both NZTR & the NZ Racing Board on the table." Sargeant declared in obvious frustration: “The whole issue has got well beyond a joke & it is now the biggest single problem facing not just Auckland but the whole racing industry. In fact it goes beyond NZ. It is doing enormous damage, not just domestically, but internationally. We cannot go forward while this issue continues to fester. Enough’s enough. We will be seeking legal advice in the meantime as to what powers we have to step in should a resolution not eventuate.” (Sep 5) ‘U-Turn’ On NZ Responsible Gambling Bill Meanwhile the NZ Government “has done a U-turn over the Responsible Gambling Bill & will allow racing clubs continued access to grants from gaming machine trusts,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Racing Minister Damien O'Connor said yesterday amendments to the final Supplementary Order Paper to the Gambling Bill contained “no change to the provisions around racing clubs access to gaming machine funds”. O’Connor noted: "The Government was fully aware of the industry's concerns about accessing revenue from gaming machine funds. We have ensured that racing will not be denied access to this important source of funding." The prospect of the funding source being lost to racing clubs was raised in June & the racing industry's own calculations of the level of funding which clubs were receiving from these gaming machine grants was estimated to be at least NZ$6 million; had this income been lost, it was felt some smaller clubs could be bankrupted & there would be “dramatic stakes cuts throughout the country”. (Sep 5) Singapore Trainer Disqualified After Injection Inquiry The Singapore Turf Club has concluded its inquiry into “a report from Koa Fung Chew, certified polygraph examiner, dated 18 july 2003 that trainer B.Chua had made admissions to him in regard to having injected his horses with Equigen”. Chua was found guilty of 3 charges & “disqualified for a period of 1 year under each charge with immediate effect & the penalties are to be served consecutively”. Chua has exercised his Right of Appeal & has been granted a Stay of Sentence. (Sep 5) US Jockey Suspended Over Electrical Device And Great Lakes Downs stewards in the US “have suspended Jeff Faul after gathering evidence that implicates the jockey allegedly carried an electrical device” when winning aboard Run For You on August 24, reported US Daily Racing Form. (Sep 5) US Gr1 Winner Harlan’s Holiday To Airdrie Stud US triple Gr1 winner Harlan’s Holiday (retired with a right hind suspensory ligament injury suffered in the Gr2 Saratoga Breeders’ Cup Handicap on August 16) will enter stud in 2004 at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 4YO son of Harlan (out of Affirmed mare Christmas In Aiken) will stand his 1st season for US$17,500 (joining a roster of 13 other stallions at Airdrie). Bred in Ohio, Harlan’s Holiday won 9 of 22 career starts (including the Gr1 Florida Derby, Gr1 Blue Grass Stakes & Gr1 Donn Handicap, plus a 2nd in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup) for US$3,632,664 prize-money. (Sep 5) World Series Racing Championship 4th Leg All European eyes will be on Leopardstown this weekend when The Aga Khan’s star home-bred Alamshar takes on High Chaparral, Falbrav, Islington, Moon Ballad & Refuse To Bend in what has turned out to be the highlight of the European summer racing season, the Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes (10 furlongs) which is also the 4th leg of the 2003 World Series Racing Championship. Alamshar is the winner of both the Gr1 Irish Derby & Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. His opponents include: last month’s Gr1 Juddmonte International Stakes champ & multiple Gr1 winner Falbrav; Godolphin’s Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad; & 2002 champion grass male High Chaparral. (Sep 5) Marju’s Son Sets German Sprint Record Further to yesterday’s report noting the win by former shuttle sire Marju’s (NZ in 2000 & Victoria’s Collingrove Stud in 2001) son Naheef in England’s Gr3 Strensall Stakes at York: Marju’s British-raider 3YO son Stormont (Marju-Legal Steps, by Law Society) has followed up with a course-record victory in Germany's most prestigious sprint race, the Fahrhof Goldene Peitsche (1200m) at Baden-Baden, reported bloodhorse.com. Stormont (ridden by Torsten Mundry for trainer Hugh Collingridge) defeated Soave (by Dashing Blade) & Lucky Strike (by Petong). (Sep 5) Racinos To Become Part Of UK Racing Arena Leisure (the UK company that owns 6 of Britain’s 59 racecourses) has started developing its controversial racetrack casino or "racino" at Wolverhampton & “expects it to be operational by December 2004,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The expansion at the all-weather racecourse will include a 35,000-square-foot gaming facility & a 110-room hotel. Arena Leisure managing director Ian Penrose told the Birmingham Post the company expects its opportunities to develop racinos to be high in coming months “as England moves toward deregulating its racing & gaming industries”. Arena’s racetrack holdings include Wolverhampton, Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Worcester, Southwell & Folkestone. (Sep 5) Leviathan UK Punter Terry Ramsden Returns To Track Terry Ramsden, who before his bankruptcy in the 1990s was described as “the biggest gambler in the history of the turf”, has made a shock comeback to British racing, reported racingpost.co.uk. The former tycoon (who at his peak had 76 horses in training & was listed as Britain’s 57th richest individual with a fortune estimated at £87-100m) is again a registered owner following an interview with the UK Jockey Club. Although Ramsden’s ownership is currently confined to unraced 2YO Jake The Snake, “a resurgence in fortunes has fuelled the ambition to make an even greater impact on the sport 2nd time around”. Ramsden, 51, who is still involved in the financial world, commented: “As a gesture of thanks to the Jockey Club’s Licensing Committee for their time & consideration, all proceeds from Jake The Snake’s 2YO career will be donated to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. In addition, I shall be matching up my charitable acts in the Newmarket locality in conjunction with my return & participation in the sport. Initially there is 1 specific charitable project in mind that I, together with a group of investors from my new business interest, will commit the necessary funding. I shall be leading my investors by example.” Ramsden, frequently accompanied by a giant minder, lost £57m to bookmakers over 3 years in the mid-1980s before being warned-off after Ladbrokes reported him to Tattersalls Committee for £2m he still owed. In 1987 his company Glen International collapsed with debts of £100m & he later served 10 months of a 21-month prison sentence for fraud, before being released in 1999. (Sep 5) Thoroughbred Corp Boss Named Al-Qaeda Sympathiser Friday Odd Spot: A new book (Why America Slept by high-profile journalist Gerald Posner) investigating the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US “alleges a captured al-Qaeda terrorist named the late Prince Ahmed bin Salman, former principal of The Thoroughbred Corporation, as an al-Qaeda sympathiser,” reported bloodhorse.com. It is also alleged Prince Ahmed & others “knew there was an attack on America scheduled for September 11, but they could not stop it because they did not know what or where the attack would be”. But Thoroughbred Corporation racing manager Richard Mulhall called the book's accusations "ridiculous" & said Prince Ahmed was in Lexington in Kentucky for the annual Keeneland sale on 11 September 2001. Prince Ahmed (who won 4 of the 6 classic races in 2001-02 with Point Given & War Emblem) was a graduate of the University of California at Irvine & publicly showed full support for the US up until his death in July 2002. The Thoroughbred Corporation is now headed by Prince Faisal Salman, Prince Ahmed's brother. Posner (a former Wall Street lawyer & author of 8 books) has previously ignited controversy with books that investigate the assassinations of John F. Kennedy & Martin Luther King Jr. (Sep 5) Storm Cat's Fee Remains At US$500,000 Storm Cat, the most expensive thoroughbred stallion in the world, will stand for a US$500,000 fee for the 3rd year in a row in 2004. Ric Waldman, consultant to W.T.Young's Overbrook Farm in Kentucky (where Storm Cat stands) told bloodhorse.com: "We're pleased be able to hold his fee at US$500,000 & continue to have more demand than the supply of services that are available to sell to that demand." The 20-year-old son of Storm Bird was North America's leading sire by progeny earnings in 1999 & 2000, ranked 16th in 2001, 5th in 2002 & is currently 17th this year. (Sep 4) Melb Cup Update: Holy Orders Coming Irish trainer Willie Mullins last night confirmed his 6YO Holy Orders will make the trip to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, after receiving 53kg when official weights were released earlier this week. At his most recent start, Holy Orders lumped 61kg into 6th place in the Tote Ebor Handicap (14 furlongs) at York in England a fortnight ago. Mullins told The Daily Telegraph: “I’m pleased with the weight Holy Orders has got. He will have his next run either in a listed race at Galway or the Doncaster Cup. Dave Condon, who knows him well, will ride him in all races.” Holy Orders has 10 wins (from 1400m to 4800m) in 24 career starts. (Sep 4) TABs Lobby Against Bet Exchanges Gaming companies have pointed to “new research showing TABs injected $1.25 billion a year into the economy” as they lobby the government to act against international betting exchanges, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. (Sep 4) Chatswood Awaits Hemingway & Diatribe Foals Victoria’s Chatswood Stud awaits the imminent birth of several exciting foals: Spectrum son & unbeaten UK 2YO Hemingway’s 1st foal is due any day. 2000 Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe awaits the birth of a foal from stakes-winning Gr1 Melbourne Cup place-getter Lahar. (Sep 4) Racer’s Edge Begins Season With A Bang Meanwhile Chatswood Stud stallion Racer’s Edge has begun the 2003-04 racing season the same way he finished the last: in barely 1 month Racer’s Edge has already sired 8 individual winners, ranging in distances between 1000m & 1850m. (Sep 4) 1st Dangerous 2YOs Hit The Track And the progeny of Chatswood’s most popular stallion of recent years Dangerous (the ‘value’ son of Danehill) will be noticed at the races shortly as his oldest crop are about to hit the track: among them are 11 in training with John Hawkes, 3 with Stuart Webb, plus others with Lee Freedman, John Symons, Rod Symons & Mick Hicks. Meanwhile Dangerous (for the 4th successive year) will again cover over 100 mares this season. (Sep 4) 1st Spectatorial Foals For NZ Hallmark Sire Australian Gr1 winner Spectatorial (Spectrum–Reign Of Honour) has his 1st foals on the ground in NZ. Hallmark Stud’s Denny Baker advised the initial 2 foals by the Gr1 VRC Sires Produce winner are: a bay filly from Mi Cafe (a Mi Preferido half-sister to Gr1 winner Oregon Power); & a colt from Suede Jacket. (Sep 4) NZ Gr1 Star Tapildo To Visit Sandtrap Meanwhile NZ Oaks winner Tapildo is to be mated with Java Lodge stallion Sandtrap this spring, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Tapildo (a daughter of ex-NZ shuttler Rhythm out of a Sir Tristram mare) has already won both the Gr1 New Zealand Oaks & Singapore’s Gr1 Raffles International Cup for owners Syd, Colleen & Ian Taplin; she is currently being set for the Gr1 NZ$750,000 Kelt Capital later this month & “will hopefully be in foal by then”. Sandtrap’s son Bunker won last year’s NZ Gr1 Bayer Classic (1600m) at Otaki. Now a 4YO, Bunker is from the 1st crop of turf sprinter Sandtrap (Irish River- Timely, by Nureyev) who stands at Java Lodge for NZ$6,500+GST. (Sep 4) Duke Remembered Via NZ Matamata Breeders' Stakes The Duke of Bedford’s close attachment to the NZ town of Matamata will continue after his death with his family’s decision to sponsor the Gr2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes “as a lasting memorial to him,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The Duke of Bedford (who died in England in June) was better known in NZ by his christian name Robin or “Lord T” (an abbreviation of his previous title Lord Tavistock). He & wife Henrietta had made Matamata (at the centre of NZ’s bloodstock industry) a “home-away-from-home in the last decade of his life”. They established NZ’s Bloomsbury Stud & the 1st horse to race in NZ in the family’s historic purple & white colours was Snap (winner of the Gr1 NZ Oaks); another to succeed at Gr1 level was Zola. The Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (NZ’s premier event for 2YO fillies) will now be known as the Robin, Duke of Bedford Matamata Breeders’ Stakes. (Sep 4) Singapore Permits To Aust Jockeys Price & Stanley The Singapore Turf Club has granted a 3-month visiting permit (to 27 November) to jockey Simon Price & extended the permit of Brent Stanley (to 1 December): Simon Price, 33, has had several riding stints in the Malaysian Racing Association circuit since 1993 (with major wins including the 1994 Penang Governor's Gold Cup on Noble Spirits, 1997 Penang Sprint Trophy on Confidence V & 1998 Singapore Gold Cup on Three Crowns); he finished 2nd in last season’s South Australian Jockeys' Premiership & 3rd in 2001-02; overall he has ridden more than 1,700 winners. Brent Stanley, 24, has won 3 local races recently, plus a 2nd on Kok Ann in the Juvenile Championship on July 25. (Sep 4) Fasig-Tipton Canada: Boundary Colt Top Lot Trainer Roger Attfield paid US$125,090 (C$175,000) for a Boundary colt (the 2nd foal out of Affirmed mare Affirmative Choice) to top the 1-day Select Session of the Fasig-Tipton Canadian-bred yearling sale at Woodbine racetrack, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt was consigned by Fred Seitz/Brookdale Farm; his dam is a half-sister to 1985 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year Imperial Choice, Canadian champion Golden Choice & Gr3 winner Shadow Miss. (Sep 4) Fasig-Tipton Canada: Top Filly By Carson City Top-priced filly of the Canadian Fasig-Tipton Select Session was the US$85,776 paid by BBA (Ireland) for a daughter of Carson City from the consignment of Windfields Farm; she is the 1st foal out of Wild Again mare Sweet Vale. (Sep 4) Fasig-Tipton Canada: Gross & Average Rise The 1-day Select Session of the Fasig-Tipton Canadian-bred yearling sale saw 152 lots sold (of 210 offered) for US$4,584,012 (up 13.9% compared with last year) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The average price jumped 13.1% to US$30,158. However the buy-back rate increased from 20.5% last year to 27.6% this year. (Sep 4) Washington TBA: Gross & Median Up Meanwhile across the border, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association's summer yearling sale recorded small increases in both gross revenue & median price, reported bloodhorse.com. Overall 160 horses were sold for a gross US$2,589,300 (up 4.4%) at an average US$16,183 (down 4.7%) with a median US$12,000 (up 6.7%). The buy-back rate was 19%. (Sep 4) Washington TBA: Honor Grades Colt Top Lot Eric Kruljac (agent for Mitchell Ranch) paid the Washington TBA Sale’s top price of US$105,000 for a Kentucky-bred son of Honor Grades (from stakes-winning mare Taj Aire) consigned by Sisimito (agent for Czech Mate Thoroughbreds), reported bloodhorse.com. In all, Kruljac bought 5 lots for US$163,500. (Sep 4) Washington TBA: Top Filly By Tale Of The Cat Highest-priced female at the Washington TBA Sale was a Kentucky-bred chestnut Tale Of The Cat-Jamaican Me Smile filly (consigned by Washington’s Northwest Farms) for which Robert Amendola paid US$75,000. Amendola was the sale’s biggest overall spender, purchasing 6 horses for US$169,000. (Sep 4) Top US Broodmare Fabuleux Jane Dies Fabuleux Jane (dam of the 4th most expensive yearling ever sold at public auction & of Gr1 winner Joyeux Danseur) has died of “infirmities caused by old age” at Graham Beck’s Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughhbredtimes.com. The 29-year-old daughter of Le Fabuleux (out of Raise A Native mare Native Partner) was also the dam of Danseur Fabuleux, Doubles Partner, Jareer & 9 other foals; her last off-spring was the Trempolino filly Jane’s The Name in 1998. Bred in Kentucky, Fabuleux Jane was a Gr3 winner in France & retired after her 4YO season with 4 wins in 20 starts; she was a half-sister to English champion sprinter Ajdal, 1982 Gr1 Fantasy Stakes winner Flying Partner & English 1977 Gr1 Middle Park Stakes winner Formidable. Of Fabuleux Jane’s 14 foals, 12 started & 9 were winners. Her 3rd foal, the Northern Dancer filly Danseur Fabuleux, was Gr3-placed in France & went on to produce both champion & 1991 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Arazi & English high-weight & Gr1 winner Noverre. Her 4th foal, the Northern Dancer colt Jareer, was purchased by Darley Stud Management for US$7.1 million at the 1984 Keeneland July selected yearling sale. Her 5th foal Doubles Partner (a daughter of Damascus) won the 1987 Gr3 Anne Arundel Handicap at Laurel Park & was sold in foal to Mr Prospector at the 1989 Keeneland November breeding stock sale for US$2.75 million. Fabuleux Jane was also the dam of Danzig colt Bound For Honor, who sold for US$1.4 million at the 1987 Keeneland July sale. And her foal Joyeux Danseur won the 1998 Gr1 Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs. (Sep 4) Nassau Hall To Stud In Illinois Nassau Hall, a winning son of Cox’s Ridge & full brother to Taianna (dam of Gr2 winner Hook And Ladder) has joined the stallion roster & will stand his 1st season in 2004 at Three Way Farm in Illinois, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Nassau Hall (a 10-year-old Kentucky-bred out of Prospector’s Fable, by Mr Prospector) notched 2 wins & 4 placings in 14 career starts. He is 1 of 3 winners produced by Prospector’s Fable. (Sep 4) US Jockey Theriot Lands 1,000th Winner US jockey Jamie Theriot landed his 1,000th career victory when he rode Quantis to victory at Louisiana Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Theriot rode his 1st winner in 1996 & his 1st stakes victory 4 years later on Miss Koda in the Camellia Stakes at Delta Downs. Overall Theriot’s mounts have earned US$11,455,028 & placed in 2,614 of the jockey’s 6,852 races. (Sep 4) Marju’s Son Naheef Adds UK Stakes Former shuttle sire Marju’s 4YO Godolphin-owned son Naheef (Marju-Golden Digger, by Mr Prospector) won England’s Gr3 Strensall Stakes (9 furlongs) at York overnight, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Naheef (ridden by Frankie Dettori for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) held off late challenges by Eventuail & Akshar. Naheef now has 5 wins in 13 career starts. His sire Marju (a 3/4 brother to European champion filly Salsabil) won the UK Gr1 St James’ Palace Stakes & was runner-up in the English Derby; he subsequently shuttled to NZ in 2000 & then Victoria’s Collingrove Stud in 2001. Naheef is of interest to Australians as he is a cousin to the boomed Sunday Silence - Duelling Girl 3YO Keep The Faith. (Sep 4) European Colt Sold To HK Meanwhile Marju’s 3YO colt & Highclere Thoroughbred's “one-time Guineas hope” Saturn (Marju-Delphinus, by Soviet Star) has been purchased by agent Andrew Sime “on behalf of a HK client for an undisclosed sum,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The French Gr2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano (10 furlongs) runner-up will now race in HK, with March’s HK Derby at Sha Tin “a principal target”. Saturn has had 9 starts for 2 wins, plus a 4th in the Gr1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas & 5th in the Gr1 English Two Thousand Guineas. (Sep 4) French Gr1 Star Alberto Giacometti Sold To US And US owner Sidney Port has purchased French 2002 Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Alberto Giacometti (Sadler's Wells-Sweeten Up, by Shirley Heights) from Susan Magnier. The 3YO colt has joined the California stable of trainer Laura de Seroux, where he will prepare for a start in the US$600,000 Gr1 Hollywood Derby on November 30 at Hollywood Park. De Seroux told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Compared to other Sadler’s Wells, he’s a little on the medium size with a shorter back than most. He is more of a middle-distance type than the typical Sadler’s Wells, who wants to go 12 furlongs or farther. I think he’ll be quite a good fit over here." Alberto Giacometti has not raced since June 22 when he finished 6th in the French Gr1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp; earlier this season, he finished 3rd in both the Irish Gr2 Ballysax Stakes & french Gr1 Prix Lupin. He has won 2 of six starts overall. (Sep 4) Ballingarry To Defend Canadian Title Last year Sidney Port purchased Irish-bred dual Gr1 winner Ballingarry (another son of Sadler’s Wells) also from Susan Magnier, following the horse’s triumph in the Gr1 Canadian International Stakes. Since joining de Seroux, Ballingarry has won 1 of six starts (the US$219,500 Gr3 Stars And Stripes Breeders’ Cup Turf Handicap at Arlington Park). Ballingarry finished 4th in his latest start, the Gr2 Del Mar Handicap last weekend. Ballingarry will try to defend his victory in the Canadian International Stakes on October 19 at Woodbine, “making a run in this year’s Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (6 days later at Santa Anita Park) unlikely” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. Overall 4YO Ballingarry has won 5 of 16 starts for US$1,543,975 prize-money. (Sep 4) UK Jockeys Met Secretly With Disqualified Trainer The UK Jockey Club’s security department “is investigating a report that disgraced former jockey & trainer Dermot Browne was seen in the company of several current riders during last week’s 3-day meeting at Chester,” reported racingpost.co.uk. “Any suggestion that Browne, who was warned off for 20 years last November having previously served a separate 10-year disqualification, is mixing with Flat jockeys looks sure to set alarm bells ringing at Portman Square.” The controversial meeting took place in a London hotel & Browne (the self-confessed ‘Needleman’ whose admission to doping 23 horses formed a key part of last year’s headline-hogging BBC TV Panorama expose) “is not thought to have visited the racecourse”. UK Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse commented: “I can confirm that 1 of our officials had it reported to them that Dermot Browne had been seen with some jockeys over the Chester meeting, in a hotel, not the racecourse. . . . Browne has not breached any rules, but the question is whether the jockeys who were liaising with him could be considered in breach of the code of conduct. It will be a matter for our security department to deal with as they see fit.” Stay tuned! (Sep 4) New Website For Classic Bloodlines A new website www.classicbloodlines.com provides a database for researching pedigrees & family lines of thoroughbreds who have won a Classic Race or in which a Classic winner appears in the bloodline. The site originates from Ulbrich’s Peerage Database: developed by historian Richard Ulbrich to catalogue all Classic-winning thoroughbreds using the female side of the pedigree. It lists over 47,000 Classic-winning thoroughbreds (the pedigrees of which can be searched without charge). (Sep 4) Seabiscuit Takings Pass US$100 Million Thursday Odd Spot: The movie Seabiscuit (starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper & jockey Gary Stevens) moved past the US$100 million revenue mark last weekend. Universal Pictures president of distribution Nikki Rocco told bloodhorse.com: "This has been an extraordinary summer for Universal (who also have Bruce Almighty, 2 Fast 2 Furious & The Hulk doing big business) but it is particularly thrilling & immensely gratifying for all of us to see a classy & beautifully-made film like Seabiscuit reach this milestone. And believe me, there's a lot of life still in it." (Sep 4) Gr1 Star Republic Lass Retired To Stud The Guy Walter trained Republic Lass (Canny Lad-Swift Seasons) broke down after a track gallop yesterday morning at Warwick Farm & was found to be lame on her return to the stables. Walter told racenet.com.au: "She pulled up a bit short in her action. Then we noticed there was thickening around the tendon & we had it scanned. She has a tear in the nearside foreleg & she will now be retired to stud.” Republic Lass earned $1,553,970 from 6 wins & 7 placings in 23 career starts; her victories included the Gr1 AJC Australian Oaks, Gr1 STC Ranvet Stakes & Gr3 AJC Adrian Knox Stakes. The mare had been among the early favourites for both this year’s Caulfield & Melbourne Cups. (Sep 3) Top NZ Filly Katana Sold To US Last season’s leading NZ 2YO filly Katana has been sold to race in the US. The Volksraad filly’s sale to Americans John & Jerry Amerman was negotiated by Matamata bloodstock consultant Paul Moroney, who had selected her as a NZ$52,500 yearling for her Tauranga owners Alan & Christine Abel. Katana won the Gr2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes in February & then pushed leading 2YO colt Maroofity close in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. Moroney told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “Only recently the Abels put a firm price on the filly & that was the signal for me to go ahead with negotiations.” The Americans previously bought another leading Ballymore Stables 2YO Happyanunoit through Moroney; that filly added another 6 US wins to her 3 NZ victories when trained in California by Bobby Frankel, including 3 Gr1 races for earnings of US$1.5 million. (Frankel is also expected to train Katana.) Moroney added: “With Happyanunoit, Final Destination & recently Sixty Seconds successful at grade level in North America, the demand for our best racemares will continue to increase. Katana will have every chance to add to that record.” (Sep 3) Melb Cup Update: Hug's Dancer Trip On Hugs Dancer’s challenge for the $4 million Melbourne Cup “could be back on track after UK Jockey Club tests on the Ebor flop returned negative, prompting connections to press on with the program mapped out for him,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The hero of this year's Tote Chester Cup “will be given a thorough workout to ensure he is fully recovered &, if there is no recurrence of the irregular heartbeat found after his York run, he will be aimed at the Doncaster Cup”. Hugs Dancer was allotted 52kg (8st 3lb) in the Melbourne Cup weights issued on Monday & “should he run well at Doncaster next week, he will head to Flemington on November 4, when he will be ridden by regular partner Dean McKeown”. Trainer James Given confirmed: “We will provoke him at home in a searching gallop. If he comes through that test he will probably go to the Doncaster Cup & if he runs well there, he will be off to Melbourne. He has a great racing weight. He will think that he’s free. Dean is the confirmed rider.” (Sep 3) Melb Cup Update: Weld’s 5 Uncertain Meanwhile Irish trainer Dermot Weld “indicated that his prospects of trying for a 3rd Melbourne Cup win are no more than 50-50,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Weld (who has 5 entries for the race) commented: “I haven't had time to fully assess