Taking on a dominant force at the height of its powers is rarely the obvious move, but ambition has never been lacking for a young Irish trainer determined to test his horses on the biggest stage. Donnacha O'Brien is fully aware of the magnitude of the task confronting Comanche Brave when the lightly raced colt lines up in the HK$24 million Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on FWD Champions Day. Standing in opposition is Ka Ying Rising, widely regarded as the world's leading sprinter and chasing a remarkable twentieth consecutive victory. Yet O'Brien, whose grounding among elite performers began in the saddle before transferring to the training ranks, is not one to be intimidated by reputation alone. The 27-year-old, son of Aidan and brother to Joseph, has already established a notable record, producing nine Group 1 winners since taking out his licence six years ago following a decorated career as champion jockey in Ireland. His operation, which numbers just under 100 horses, has increasingly taken on an international dimension. A landmark success in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar (see below) last year signalled that intent, while Comanche Brave's recent forays to the Middle East have formed part of a broader plan to develop the colt into a genuine global contender. "It's lovely to have had good success, and this is another step at the big international meetings, and I'm excited to see how it goes. Comanche Brave is a nice horse who seems to be improving," O'Brien said. There has been a measured recalibration with the son of Wootton Bassett, whose earlier performances over longer trips suggested versatility but perhaps masked his natural speed. "He was third in the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (Listed, 1600m) and then third in the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2, 1351m) but I've always wanted to have a go back at sprint trips with him. He shows a lot of pace at home but he kept running well at a mile. We've just got to bite the bullet now, come back to six furlongs (1200m), and see how we go." Respect for the reigning Hong Kong star is both evident and unqualified. "We are under no illusions; Ka Ying Rising is an absolute machine. He's done nothing but impress me in everything I've seen him do. He's so tactical; he just looks rock solid. He's got that early pace and then he relaxes, especially around a track he knows so well. There doesn't seem to be any chink in his armour. It's a big task we face to beat him, but it looks like it's not going to be a full field, and there's very good prizemoney in behind him. At the end of the day, they are all thoroughbreds; they can all have 'off' days. Sure, if you're not in it, you can't win." Now racing in the colours of Muhaideb A Almuhaideb after a recent sale from Sue Magnier and Annemarie O'Brien, Comanche Brave continues to build a progressive profile. With two wins from 11 starts and a placing in the Gr3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, his trajectory remains upward. O'Brien's closing assessment is measured but positive: "He's travelled well in his races, he's never looked like he's been lacking speed. And the form of that Saudi race now looks very strong."
Geisel Park's Myalup Farm on The Market
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A landmark decision in Western Australia's breeding landscape has set in motion the sale of one of the State's most storied thoroughbred properties, with Myalup Farm to change hands after nearly two decades under the stewardship of Geisel Park Stud. The coastal holding, established in 1846 by Sir William Bunbury, stands as one of the longest continuously farmed properties in the region and has become synonymous with the Geisel Park operation. The move reflects a broader strategic shift for stud principal Eddie Rigg, whose expanding commitments beyond racing and breeding have prompted a realignment of priorities. "Argonaut has expanded into Sydney and we have set ourselves ambitious targets for our funds management business. Salubris is on track to become WA's leading independent generator of Australian Carbon Credit Units and biodiversity offsets," Rigg said. "As Chairman and Co-Founder of both businesses, the time has come to focus my energy." As part of the transition, Geisel Park's stallion roster will be dispersed, with Aysar, Manhattan Rain and Winning Rupert all set to relocate ahead of the upcoming breeding season. Their future homes and service fees are expected to be confirmed in due course, marking the end of an era for a farm that has housed a mix of emerging and established sires. Aysar is a stakes-winning son of Deep Field and a half-brother to Home Affairs, while Winning Rupert, by Written Tycoon is popular, and blueblood Manhattan Rain, a Group 1-winning son of Encosta De Lago and a half-brother to Redoute's Choice, is having a strong racing season headlined by dual Gr1 winner Jigsaw. The sale of the property will be accompanied by a broader dispersal of breeding stock within Western Australia, excluding Rigg's retained interests in Aysar and Manhattan Rain. Despite the scale of the restructuring, he confirmed his ongoing involvement in the industry through both racing and selective breeding interests on the East Coast and in WA, with further details to be announced. Spanning approximately 100 hectares of irrigated coastal plains, Myalup Farm has been developed with a focus on both safety and efficiency, combining fertile soils with purpose-built facilities tailored to thoroughbred operations. Its sale, being managed by joint agents, signals a significant moment not only for Geisel Park but for the wider WA breeding community. Rigg also acknowledged the contribution of long-serving stud manager Conor Dunlop, whose tenure has been central to the farm's development. "Conor's dedication and knowledge have been integral to everything we have built at Myalup," he said, noting his ongoing role in overseeing both the property and stock sales.
Super Smink Joins Bumper Vinery MM National Draft
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A commanding late surge at Morphettville has not only reaffirmed elite credentials but also elevated a prized mare to centre stage ahead of one of the Southern Hemisphere's most significant breeding auctions. Super Smink, already a standout performer in Western Australia, will headline Vinery Stud's draft for the upcoming Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. Prepared by Dan Morton, the seven-time stakes winner has built a career defined by consistency and class, accumulating earnings of $1.65 million while capturing feature races across multiple seasons. Her latest triumph in the Gr3 RN Irwin Stakes, where she stormed from the tail of the field to score decisively, has only strengthened expectations ahead of a return to Morphettville for the Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m). Vinery's General Manager Adam White was effusive in his assessment following the weekend performance. "Super Smink was ultra impressive winning on Saturday," he said. "The way she rounded the field on the turn and then attacked the line is a real indication that she is going to be a force in the Robert Sangster in a couple of weeks time." Confidence in her next assignment is underpinned by the stable's proven ability to travel horses successfully. "Dan is an extremely talented trainer able to travel horses so he will have her peaking for that Group One target nicely. She is already a mare that will generate a lot of interest given her seven wins have all been at stakes level including the Group Two Karrakatta Plate as a juvenile." Her juvenile season remains a defining chapter. As a 2YO, she swept Western Australia's three premier juvenile events – the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic, the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate and the Gr3 WA Sires' Produce Stakes – a feat unmatched in the state. Subsequent campaigns delivered further black-type success in races such as the Gr2 Lee Steere Stakes, Gr3 Asian Beau Stakes and Listed Belgravia Stakes, while a narrow defeat in the Gr1 Railway Stakes, beaten less than a length after charging from last, highlighted her capacity at the highest level. Super Smink will be one of several headline acts in what is shaping as a deep and commercially appealing Vinery consignment. "We have a lovely draft of mares assembled for the National Sale," White said, noting that Aviatress is also targeting the Robert Sangster and will feature alongside her stablemate. Further depth is provided by Miss Celine, a stakes-winning juvenile with a strong pedigree as a half-sister to Gr2 winner Enbihaar, herself the dam of Too Darn Lizzie and a recent $2.2 million yearling. The broodmare offering extends to a quality group of in-foal mares, including Gr3 winner Amelita and proven producer Arctic Success, both carrying to Ole Kirk, while Bonvicini is in foal to Zoustar and Gr2 winner Love You Lucy is carrying to first-season sire Broadsiding. White added that further supplementary entries may yet enhance the draft.
Exciting broodmare prospect Super Smink (pic: Western Racepix)
ATC Confirms McMahon as Club's Permanent CEO
Thursday, 16th April 2026
Stability at the top has been locked in at a pivotal moment for Sydney racing, with the Australian Turf Club confirming Steve McMahon as its permanent chief executive following a demanding seven-month interim tenure. According to racingnsw.com.au, the appointment formalises a leadership role he stepped into during a period of significant upheaval and scrutiny for the organisation. Since taking over in mid-September after the departure of Matt Galanos, McMahon has been tasked with steadying the club through a complex landscape that has included the fallout from the abandoned Rosehill Gardens sale and an ongoing Supreme Court dispute with Racing NSW. Despite those challenges, his tenure has drawn sufficient confidence from key stakeholders, with Racing NSW understood to be supportive of the decision. Experience within the organisation has underpinned that confidence. Having spent more than a decade at the ATC, most recently as head of corporate affairs and government relations, McMahon brought a deep understanding of both internal operations and broader industry dynamics when he assumed the interim position. That familiarity has translated into a clear sense of direction, with the board now backing him to carry that vision forward. "It's a privilege to be appointed CEO of the Australian Turf Club,'' McMahon said, reflecting on the transition from caretaker to permanent leader. "These seven months have given me clarity and focus on financial performance while delivering long-term value for ATC members, owners and the broader racing industry." His personal connection to the sport remains a defining element of his outlook. "I've loved the races ever since Mum took me to the track as a kid, getting on the train, grabbing a racebook, the odd 50 cent each-way bet and watching the races." Under his guidance, three priority areas have been identified as central to the club's future: strengthening financial foundations, improving alignment across the racing ecosystem and enhancing the experience for members, owners and racegoers. The emphasis on these pillars reflects both immediate operational needs and longer-term strategic positioning. ATC chairman Tim Hale SC described the interim period as a "strong period of leadership" and endorsed the clarity McMahon has brought to the role. He pointed to a defined strategy and an understanding of the club's trajectory, while highlighting the breadth of experience McMahon offers across government, administration and the participant base. Hale added that McMahon has earned widespread respect within the organisation, positioning him well to lead into the next phase. The confirmation comes as the Sydney autumn carnival approaches its finale, with attention turning to All Aged Stakes day at Royal Randwick. In that context, the timing of the announcement provides a sense of continuity and direction for one of the country's most influential racing bodies as it navigates both present challenges and future opportunities.
Withdrawals Reshape Gr1 QEII Cup Variables
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A reshaped QEII Cup has emerged following a series of withdrawals, trimming the field to nine and subtly altering the complexion of one of Hong Kong’s richest races, yet the depth of talent ensures the HK$30 million feature remains a compelling centrepiece of FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin. Museum Mile’s late withdrawal was the most significant, with connections confirming he would not make the trip after concerns over his gait and the likelihood of passing a veterinary inspection. The decision followed reports out of Japan over the weekend, and his absence removes a dual Group 1 winner from the international mix. Local defections have also contributed to the reduced line-up, with Stormy Grove, winner of the Classic Cup, expected to come out, while Ensued, who finished fourth in last year’s edition, and the in-form Gentlemen’s Legacy were also withdrawn on Monday. The result is the smallest QEII Cup field since 2023, when Romantic Warrior comfortably accounted for six rivals in claiming the second of his three consecutive victories in the race. Despite the smaller field, the contest retains significant depth. Romantic Warrior will attempt to secure a record-extending fourth win, with key opposition coming from Japan’s Masquerade Ball, France’s Sosie and Britain’s Royal Champion. The champion gelding is set to trial over 1600m at Sha Tin as part of his final preparation, with international runners arriving later in the week. Recent editions of the QEII Cup have shown a trend toward smaller fields, with both Loves Only You and Exultant prevailing in races featuring just seven runners in 2021 and 2020 respectively, reinforcing that quality rather than quantity continues to define the race. Elsewhere on the Champions Day programme, jockey bookings have added further intrigue. Oisin Murphy has been confirmed for Royal Champion in the QEII Cup, maintaining his association with the Karl Burke-trained galloper following their Group 1 success in the Neom Turf Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. Murphy will also partner Comanche Brave in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, where the Irish-trained runner faces a daunting assignment against leading sprinters headed by Ka Ying Rising. Additional international representation includes Docklands in the Champions Mile, with Australian rider Mark Zahra booked for the Harry Eustace-trained contender, ensuring a strong global flavour across the meeting.
Romantic Warrior is expected to win again (pic: hkjc.com)
Praises Sung for Revamped Kembla Grange B Track
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A new chapter for racing on the South Coast is set to unfold at Kembla Grange, where an ambitious inner track project will step into the spotlight with its first official meeting on May 5. Known as the Illawarra Grange, the surface has been designed not simply as an addition, but as a potential game-changer for the region's racing calendar. Developed at a cost exceeding $8 million, the track measures 22 metres in width and spans 1980 metres in circumference, complemented by a 410m home straight. Its 4 per cent camber and advanced drainage profile are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining racing continuity through periods of heavy rain, an issue that has historically plagued the venue. Illawarra Turf Club CEO Steve Keene believes the investment signals a significant shift for both local and broader industry participants. "It's an amazing investment in not only Kembla Grange but the Illawarra from Racing NSW,'' Keene said. "The club is grateful for the funding Racing NSW has provided for the facility and not only will our trainers and local participants benefit but industry wide participants will benefit from this amazing track. The plan is that washouts will be a thing of the past at Kembla." Often referred to as the B Grass, the track has been rebuilt by Evergreen Turf alongside Abax Constructions and Elite Soil & Sand, with early feedback from those closest to the action overwhelmingly positive. Importantly, the surface has not been rushed into service. Trials and jump-outs have been conducted since March last year, allowing ample time for the track to settle and for supporting infrastructure to be completed. "The track has been performing exceptional during the trials and jump outs we've been having,'' Keene said. "All horses will get their chance, be able to swing off that turn and the jockeys have been raving about how smooth the bend is. It's a credit to the guys who have done the work to get it so right and there's no better time to open it up than now. From a practical perspective, the benefits extend beyond race day. Trainer Luke Price, who has ridden work on the surface, sees it as a valuable addition to daily operations as well as a safeguard for the broader racing program. "It's got a fantastic camber, it corners so well and I know Tommy (Berry) has said the same when he's ridden on it for me,'' Price said. "It can cop some rain so it's going to be a huge asset when we get those real wet periods." The inaugural seven-race meeting will feature distances ranging from 1150m to 1450m, with the track also capable of hosting races out to 2000m and 2200m. While further fixtures are yet to be locked in, confidence is high that a successful debut will quickly cement its place on the calendar. Keene is eager for the wider audience to judge for themselves. "We want to showcase the track and we want people to see what we've been seeing for the last little while,'' he said. "It'll be good to get it on TV for everyone to see and for people to come down and have a look."
New History is Possible in The Quokka
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A lucrative sprint at Ascot looms as the next proving ground for a talented three-year-old filly aiming to defy a brief but telling piece of history. Since the inception of The Quokka in 2023, no runner of her age has managed to land the $5 million feature, although Amelia’s Jewel came within a whisker when runner-up to Overpass in the inaugural running. Luana Miss now attempts to break that pattern, arriving at Saturday’s contest with a fitness edge following her return in the Roma Cup. While she finished fourth on that occasion, the performance carried more merit than the bare result suggested, particularly given the strength of the closing sectionals behind the winner Rope Them In. Trainer Trevor Andrews was left encouraged by what he saw and has reported steady progress since. “I couldn't have been happier with her run the other day and she's come through the run really well,” he said. “She went enormous and didn't have much luck at all but all of her work since has been really good and I'm pleased with how everything is going ahead of Saturday.” A recent gallop at Ascot has further reinforced that confidence. “She had a good gallop at Ascot this morning, pulled up well and that will be her final bit of work before the race.” The daughter of Bivouac is expected to adopt a familiar pattern, settling back before launching late, a strategy that Andrews believes aligns perfectly with the anticipated race shape. With a strong tempo likely, the emphasis will be on timing and clear running. “There is generally plenty of pressure in these big races and she's got a sharp turn of foot so it will certainly suit her,” he said. “We know she will be in the back half of the field and if she gets into the clear when they straighten, she will be doing her best work late.” Confidence in her long-term potential remains high, with Andrews convinced she has the attributes of a top-level performer. “She is a Group 1 winner in the making and it's just good we don't have to get on a plane to target the big races when we've got a $5 million race here.” Market expectations reflect the depth of the field, with Luana Miss rated an $8 chance behind favourite Caballus, while fellow local hope Smooth Chino and last-start winner Rope Them In add further intrigue. Against a strong line-up and under the weight of history, the task is significant, but her closing strength suggests she will be a major factor if conditions unfold in her favour.
Kingsclere Scouting Out Several Aussie Options
Thursday, 16th April 2026
Plans are taking shape on both sides of the Tasman for the Cambridge stable of Roger James and Robert Wellwood, with a series of targets across Australia and New Zealand reflecting the depth within their current team. A key focus this weekend is Randwick, where a recent Group 1 winner is set to test herself against seasoned opposition. She’s A Dealer arrives in Sydney in excellent order ahead of the Gr3 Japan Racing Association Plate over 2000m, having travelled smoothly and settled quickly into her surroundings. “She arrived last night about 10:30 pm, travelled well, settled in freakishly well and was very fresh this morning to the extent that we normally send them over there dead ready for their first run,” James said. The mare’s adaptability has opened the door to a short, targeted campaign. “It wouldn't surprise me if she does a little bit of work over there because she's just hit the ground running by the sound of it. This is a hit and run mission to target some Australian black-type and I think that'll be far enough this campaign. She's booked on the plane home on Sunday.” A last-start winner of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, she will carry 56.5kg against a field expected to include several hardened geldings, presenting a different challenge at weight-for-age conditions. Closer to home, Confesara remains on track for a potential Australasian Oaks tilt, with a recent trial providing reassurance after a minor setback. “Confesara had a little bit of a hiccup in her build-up towards the Australasian Oaks… but I think that gallop today would bring her right back on track,” James said. “She's looking to go 2000m now, so it was an ideal outing. If she comes through today ok, she'll be on a plane next Tuesday.” The filly, a winner on Champions Day, showed she was back on song when chasing home stablemate Dealt With in a solid trial. Dealt With himself continues to work through long-standing soundness issues, though his ability remains evident when fresh. “At his best, he's a very good galloper, and we saw that again today, especially in a fresh state,” James said, noting the gelding’s versatility and suitability to upcoming polytrack meetings. Further depth within the stable was evident at the trials, where unraced runner Pre Nup and promising filly Celebrate Now both impressed. The latter is being managed with a longer-term view after being unsuited by heavy ground earlier in the campaign. “She's always been a good galloper, but she'll probably only have two runs in the autumn and look towards next season,” James said. Attention also turns to Ellerslie, where Solid Gold and Waimea Bay will represent Waikato Stud in the Championship Stakes. “I thought Solid Gold’s work this morning was exceptional,” James said, adding that both runners would be worthy representatives provided they secure suitable footing.
More to Queen Elizabeth Than Meets the Eye
Thursday, 16th April 2026
A brutally run Queen Elizabeth Stakes has been dissected through the lens of performance ratings expert Daniel O’Sullivan, with the race shape and sustained pressure emerging as the defining factors behind both the winner’s excellence and the fortunes of several key contenders. According to The Ratings Bureau’s principal, Sir Delius produced a peak rating of 107.8 to claim the Group 1 over 2000m, a figure that underlines the merit of his performance given the extreme tempo set up front. Light Infantry Man drove the race at a pace measured at +22.9 lengths above standard to the 800m, placing it among the fastest early splits seen in comparable races in recent seasons. Tracking just three lengths off that speed, Sir Delius absorbed the pressure better than any rival and, despite all runners fading late, still recorded the strongest closing effort in the final 200m to secure victory. That figure surpassed his previous best of 106, recorded in the Turnbull Stakes, and pointed clearly toward further upside. The manner in which he sustained his run has fuelled discussion around a step to 2400m, with O’Sullivan noting that the stamina displayed here suggests he would relish the trip. With limited weight-for-age options beyond 2040m in Australia, the Hong Kong Vase in December looms as a logical long-range target, suggests O’Sullivan, particularly given a rating of this level would have comfortably won recent editions. Behind the winner, Lindermann once again performed to a high standard, matching his career peak of 104.5. His effort was shaped as much by tactics as ability, with Nash Rawiller opting to restrain rather than press forward into the fierce early tempo. That decision proved decisive as those engaged in the speed battle weakened, allowing Lindermann to produce another peak-level performance and underline his consistency, having now rated between 102.5 and 104.5 in six of his past eight starts. Understandably, given her growing cult status, there has been much discussion around the defeat of Autumn Glow, whose eleven-race winning streak came to an end. While the result may appear a setback on paper, the performance requires deeper context. Her rating of 104.1 sits only marginally below her established elite level, and the circumstances of the race played a significant role. Forced to travel at a far quicker tempo than she had previously experienced, and doing so without cover for much of the run, she still travelled like the winner before peaking late. Rather than exposing a limitation at 2000m, O’Sullivan’s analysis suggests the race instead defined the outer edge of her stamina under extreme pressure. In a more evenly run contest, where the balance between speed and endurance is less skewed, she shapes as capable of returning to her 107.5 peak. For now, her profile remains that of a top-class mare best suited up to a mile, though the prospect of revisiting 2000m under more favourable conditions remains an enticing future scenario.
