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