Expectations are being carefully balanced with ambition as Lady Of Camelot prepares to resume from an extended break, with her return in Saturday's Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm carrying implications well beyond the immediate result. While the temptation may be to forgive any signs of rust after more than a year away from racing, according to racing.com, connections are keen to see enough to justify a bold international campaign. The 2024 Golden Slipper winner has not been seen since completing a demanding three-year-old season, and trainer Adrian Bott is under no illusions about the challenge of returning at Group 2 level. Yet the assignment has been chosen deliberately, offering a platform to assess whether she remains on track for a tilt at the Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. For Bott, the run is as much about answers as outcome. "I think we'll get a very good gauge on Saturday," he said. "She'll answer a lot of questions for us." There is an acceptance that improvement will come with racing, but the initial performance still needs to meet a certain standard. "It will be really interesting to see what sort of benefit that long spell will give her. We know she'll improve off the run, but she needs to show us she's up and ready." The mare's profile suggests she is capable of measuring up. Despite not adding to her win tally since the Slipper, she has consistently held her own at the highest level, placing in five Group 1 races against elite opposition. Bott is quick to point out the breadth of her performances across distances and conditions. "She hasn't won since the Slipper, I don't think, but she's run some incredible races around the right horses in the biggest events since then – against her own age and at weight-for-age, over trips from 1100m to 1500m – so she's very versatile." A demanding early career ultimately prompted a rethink, with the decision made to give her a prolonged spell and map out a fresh campaign. "We were looking, when she went out for a spell 12 months ago, we wanted to give her that extra spell because she'd basically been up for her whole two and three-year-old seasons," Bott explained. It was during that period that the possibility of an overseas venture began to take shape. "So it was then that we floated the idea of going over to Europe with her. Given her value, that would be one way to get her to that next level." Preparation has been measured rather than rushed, with a focus on ensuring she returns in the right condition. "We've taken our time with her," Bott said. "It hasn't been a rush to get her here. The trials have been nicely spaced." Her recent travel north and final hit-out have also been encouraging, adding to confidence that she is ready to perform. Should she deliver as hoped, the path to Royal Ascot remains firmly in place. If not, a Queensland winter campaign offers a logical alternative before a return to the spring, ensuring that whichever direction is taken, her long-term prospects remain intact.
Golden Slipper heroine Lady of Camelot (pic: Steve Hart)
Hawkesbury is Coming of Age on The Weekend
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
A surge in interest around Big Dance qualification has added fresh intrigue to Hawkesbury's flagship meeting, with the Group 3 Gold Cup drawing a deeper and more competitive field for its 21st stand-alone metropolitan showcase this Saturday. The $250,000 mile feature anchors a 10-race program that has continued to grow in stature, reflected this year by a record 224 entries across the card. At the heart of that rise is the Gold Cup's link to the $3 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick, a pathway that has clearly resonated with trainers. Hawkesbury Race Club chief executive James Heddo believes the incentive has sharpened the race's appeal. "This is the third year our Gold Cup has carried Big Dance eligibility, and it is definitely an even bigger enticement for trainers with an eye on the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November," he said, noting the alignment in distance. "As with our race, the Big Dance is also at 1600m." The Cup has attracted 23 nominations, headlined by proven performers including Group 1 winner Royal Supremacy and Melbourne Cup placegetter Middle Earth, giving the race a quality edge befitting its position on the program. Heddo is confident the depth will translate on race day. "I'm very happy indeed with the overall quality of entries," he said, adding that the meeting continues to deliver strong pathways for horses at varying stages of their careers. Supporting the feature are three additional races at the $250,000 level, with the Hawkesbury Guineas for three-year-olds and the Hawkesbury Crown for fillies and mares offering key lead-ups into the Brisbane winter carnival, while the Listed Gold Rush provides a high-speed test over 1100m. "Again, it promises to be a terrific race, whilst the Guineas is a pre-cursor to Brisbane winter features for three-year-olds, and the Crown for the 'girls' is always keenly contested," Heddo said. Further depth is added by the Clarendon Stakes for two-year-olds, a race with a history of producing future stars. "And the 2YO Clarendon Stakes has shown in the past that it can throw up a top horse or two of the future," Heddo noted, with local trainer Brad Widdup among those represented through the promising Tenenbaum. Entry numbers across the meeting underline its competitive nature, with 19 in the Guineas, 28 in the Crown and 32 in the Gold Rush, while additional nominations remain open for selected events. Conditions are expected to play their part, though early indications are favourable, with the track currently rated a Good 4 and forecast to remain that way. Course manager Digby Nuthall is confident of delivering an ideal surface, saying it "will be presented in the best possible order on Saturday."
Supplementaries Bolster Elite Chairman's Sale
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Fresh additions have added further weight to an already elite offering for next week's Inglis Chairman's Sale, with 11 supplementary entries confirmed to lift the final catalogue to 115 lots. The late inclusions only deepen what was shaping as a standout edition, bringing together a concentration of race performance and commercial pedigree rarely assembled in one ring. Headlining the supplementaries is this season's Gr2 Reisling Stakes winner Chayan, whose presence provides a rare opportunity for buyers to secure a high-class two-year-old at the height of her profile. She is joined by dual Group-placed mare Vestas and two mares, Hazlebrook and Sizzlefly, both in foal to the highly sought-after Extreme Choice, a pairing that is expected to generate significant attention. Depth is a defining feature of the updated catalogue, with further supplementary entries including mares in foal to I Am Invincible, Harry Angel and Stay Inside, alongside Group-performed Brigidine Gal and the three-year-old Snitzel filly Southern Heiress. They slot seamlessly into a line-up that already boasts Group 1 winners and an array of black-type performers, ensuring buyers are presented with both immediate racetrack credentials and long-term breeding appeal. Among the broader catalogue are headline names such as Goodwood Handicap winner Benedetta and triple Group 1 winner Provence, alongside millionaire Arabian Summer and a host of quality mares including Philia, Ahha Ahha and Appin Girl. The strength extends through the pages, with families represented by close relations to leading performers and dams of recent elite juveniles, reinforcing the sale's reputation as a source of top-tier bloodstock. Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager Harry Bailey believes the composition of this year's offering sets a new benchmark. "Chairman's has a higher percentage of the commercially appealing mares that will go to market in 2026 than ever before," he said, highlighting the significance of the latest additions. "The addition of Chayan to the catalogue is particularly significant because you just never see the best 2YOs being sold at this stage of their career, and having two more mares in foal to Extreme Choice is also a huge opportunity for buyers to be able to access a stallion such as him." Anticipation is building ahead of the sale, which will take place at Riverside Stables next Thursday evening from 4pm, immediately following the Australian Weanling Sale earlier in the week. Bailey is expecting a vibrant atmosphere to match the quality on offer. "Next Thursday night is going to be a lot of fun, there will be plenty of action both in and out of the sales ring and we can't wait for what is hands down the most enjoyable sale anywhere in the world," he said. With inspections for the weanling sale beginning shortly, the stage is set for a week that will again place Inglis at the centre of the breeding and sales landscape.
Timeform Elevates Sprint Star to New KPI
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
A performance of rare authority at Sha Tin has elevated Ka Ying Rising into the upper reaches of sprinting history, with the latest Timeform assessment confirming what many already suspected. Awarded a rating of 137 after his commanding victory in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, where he was eased down in a contemptuous display, the David Hayes-trained gelding now stands alone as the highest-rated sprinter of the modern era and among the most accomplished since records began. Such a figure places him in exalted company. Only Abernant and Pappa Fourway, dominant figures of the mid-20th century, have been assessed higher by Timeform since its inception in 1948. To be mentioned alongside those names is to occupy a rarefied space, one reserved for horses whose brilliance transcends generations. Sunday’s display provided ample justification for that elevation. Settled comfortably before unleashing his trademark acceleration, Ka Ying Rising brushed aside Satono Reve by 4.5-lengths, in the process lowering his own track record. It was a performance that built on his victory in the same race 12 months earlier, when the margin had been narrower, and extended his winning sequence to 20. Timeform’s lead Flat analyst David Johnson was unequivocal in his assessment. “Ka Ying Rising, the world's best sprinter, has a new Timeform rating of 137 - that's an increase from his pre-race figure of 135,” he said on the Nick Luck Daily podcast, framing the rise as both deserved and significant. He pointed to the manner of the victory as much as the margin, noting, “We saw at the weekend he was eased down to win a second Chairman's Prize and extend that winning sequence to 20, beating Satono Reve by almost twice as far as he did last year.” The rating itself carries considerable historical weight. “That rating of 137 takes him above modern greats like Black Caviar and Battaash (both 136), and level with Dayjur and Moorestyle,” Johnson said, before placing the achievement in a broader context. “When looking at the list of Timeform's historic top sprinters, a rating of 137 has Ka Ying Rising joint third behind only Abernant, who was rated 142, and Pappa Fourway, who was rated 139.” For Johnson, the conclusion is clear: “What we're seeing from Ka Ying Rising is definitely putting him in that all-time great status.” Comparisons with current European sprinters further underline the gap. “Look at how he compares to the current European horses. Lazzat on 124 is the highest-rated European sprinter and he beat Satono Reve by just half a length in last year's Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes, so that just gives a bit of context to the different league that Ka Ying Rising is operating in,” Johnson added, dismissing any suggestion that international travel is required to validate his standing. Beyond the sprint ranks, Europe’s leading performers trail some way behind. Calandagan heads the continent on a mark of 133 following his Champion Stakes success, while Arc winner Daryz sits at 131 after his recent return in the Prix Ganay. Against that backdrop, Ka Ying Rising’s figure of 137 not only defines his division, but sets him apart across the global landscape.
Ka Ying Rising cruised home to another record (pic: hkjc.com)
Dual Queensland HOTY Antino Retired
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
The curtain has come down on one of Queensland racing’s modern flagbearers, with Antino retired following his final appearance in the Brisbane Handicap at Eagle Farm. The decision was made after the Tony Gollan-trained gelding was found to have heat and swelling in his right fore tendon, with further veterinary examinations confirming he had sustained an injury during the race. It brought an immediate halt to a career that had been defined by both brilliance and durability, the son of Redwood leaving the stage with a record of 13 wins and seven placings from 33 starts, and prizemoney of more than $3.4 million. Among those victories were two at the highest level, highlighted by his dominant Toorak Handicap success in 2024 and a commanding performance in last year’s Doomben Cup, achievements that underpinned consecutive Queensland Horse of the Year titles. Few horses captured the imagination quite like Antino, whose trademark mid-race surge became his calling card. Regularly partnered by Blake Shinn, he possessed the ability to sustain long, searching runs that often broke the resolve of his rivals, a style that endeared him to a wide following. Even in defeat, he remained competitive at the elite level, notably splitting Sir Delius and Via Sistina when runner-up in the Turnbull Stakes, a performance that saw him start among the leading chances in the Cox Plate. For Gollan, the decision to retire was not taken lightly. “It is with tremendous sadness we have had to make this decision given the thrills and excitement he has provided the racing industry from fans to our staff and owners,” he said, reflecting on a partnership that had flourished since the gelding joined his stable in 2022. Gratitude was extended to the ownership group and the wider team, with Gollan adding, “I wish to thank Jeetu Ramchandani and the ownership group for the opportunity to train Antino and my wider team who have contributed to his training and preparation since the gelding joined our stable in 2022.” From modest beginnings, Antino’s rise had been as compelling as his performances on the track. Purchased for $27,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale by Hong Kong-based owner Ramchandani, he developed into one of the most consistent and admired gallopers in the country. His early promise was quickly realised, and under Gollan’s guidance he became a central figure in Queensland’s racing narrative. As he now begins a quieter chapter, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and a well-earned retirement.
Newmarket Moves to Future Proof Its Heritage
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
A bold attempt to safeguard one of the sport's most iconic global centres has placed racing firmly at the core of a new long-term vision for Newmarket, as industry leaders respond to growing external pressures and shifting community sentiment. Unveiled last week, the strategy document titled A Case For Newmarket outlines a five-point plan aimed at preserving the town's global standing while addressing mounting concerns linked to the rapid expansion of nearby Cambridge. According to racingpost.com, increased housing development, infrastructure strain and the pull of a thriving tech and life sciences sector have all been identified as risks to Newmarket's identity as the heart of international racing and breeding. Those challenges are compounded by internal pressures, including declining foal crops, falling visitor numbers and a shortage of affordable housing for the workforce that underpins the industry. The report warns that without decisive action, the town's position could erode despite racing contributing an estimated £300 million annually to the local economy and supporting more than 1,000 jobs. The Newmarket Thoroughbred Racing & Breeding Industry Forum, established last year and led by Amy Starkey, has spent months consulting widely across the sector and local community. More than 100 meetings helped shape the findings, including a stark assessment of how racing is perceived locally. According to Starkey, feedback revealed that "people believed horseracing to be self-serving, lacking in trust and arrogant in our whole approach" and that "our relationship with local people was toxic and broken". From that starting point, the report sets out to rebuild trust while reinforcing the town's economic and cultural significance. Its five pillars focus on land use and transport, innovation, welfare and retraining, workforce development, and stronger community engagement. Practical measures include exploring equine waste as an energy source, establishing a Retraining of Racehorses centre, creating starter yards and potentially developing an all-weather track, alongside improving public access to training grounds. Starkey framed the strategy as both an opportunity and a call to action. "As an industry, we're wholly committed to the future of Newmarket – there's nowhere like it in the world. This is a significant opportunity and a call to policymakers to recognise the value of the sport and support it." Prominent figures within racing echoed that sentiment. John Gosden stressed the wider importance of the industry, saying, "I don't want you to underestimate our business cluster's importance to UK PLC, or to the region. I think with intelligent planning and the backing of local and national government, we can continue to lead, progress and innovate, and make our region proud of both its past and its future." Godolphin's Hugh Anderson reinforced Newmarket's global appeal, noting, "We're here because Sheikh Mohammed came here and realised this was the place to grow a huge racing and breeding empire… Newmarket is the jewel in the crown of British racing." There is also a strong social dimension underpinning the proposals. Andrew Braithwaite warned of the risks of losing a shared identity, stating, "When a shared purpose goes out of a community, it rarely goes well… If we have the best people here, the other competing racing centres internationally will struggle to better Newmarket." Taken together, the blueprint represents an effort not just to protect a historic centre, but to reposition it for a changing world while keeping racing firmly at its heart.
Unique Newmarket needs to be safeguarded
Littlefield May Have Another Bulletproof Runner
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Charlotte Littlefield is the trainer of talented Group-winning mare She’s Bulletproof (Shooting To Win), however she may just have unearthed one that’s potentially even better. According to racing.com, a performance that stopped seasoned judges in their tracks at Flemington has marked Concord Connie as a filly of rare promise, with early calls already placing her firmly on a Group 1 trajectory. What unfolded in a modest BM70 over 1400m quickly transcended its billing, the three-year-old delivering a display that resonated well beyond the confines of the race. Trained by Charlotte Littlefield, the daughter of Contributer overcame a significant early deficit before unleashing a sustained run that carried her past the field and into clear air. By the time she reached the line, the margin had stretched to six lengths, but it was the manner of the victory that left the deepest impression. Clocking the fastest final 200m of the meeting in 11.24 seconds, she combined acceleration with authority in a way rarely seen at that level. For respected analyst David Gately, the reaction was immediate and emphatic. “My first thought was – ‘that’s a Group 1 winner’,” he said on SEN’s Giddy Up, a view he quickly reinforced. “That’s too good an effort to not be a Group 1 horse. To win by six (lengths) after spotting them eight (lengths) adds merit to the performance. If she’s not Group 1 competitive, I’d be surprised.” The sentiment was echoed by Racing.com’s Clint Hutchison, who rated the performance among the best seen anywhere that day. “What a win, it was one of the wins of the whole day anywhere around the country,” he said. “It was exceptional. Her late sectionals were off the charts.” Historical comparisons are often made with caution, but Gately saw clear parallels with a familiar benchmark. Reflecting on the win, he noted, “My brain went straight to Espiona. Remember when she won that race at Flemington and we thought she would be a Group 1 horse? It turns out she was, she went on to win a Group 1,” referencing the Extreme Choice filly who later claimed the Coolmore Classic. Despite the rising hype, connections are intent on maintaining a measured approach. Littlefield outlined a path that prioritises development over haste, suggesting the filly will have one more outing this preparation before being set for the spring. “We’ve got a perfect carnival coming up in spring time to aim her for those bigger, loftier races,” she said, while cautioning against overreaching too soon. “We could get ahead of ourselves and head up to Brisbane for a Winx Guineas, but that would be doing the wrong thing by the horse... she’s quite sensitive and she’s still developing.” A return to Flemington over 1400m, this time against male opposition, is the preferred next step, with the longer-term goal to build confidence before a break. “We can build her confidence then give her a break and bring her back for the spring and let her rip,” Littlefield said.
Daryz Delivers Returning Shot Across the Bows
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
A measured tempo up front did little to dull the impact of a returning star at ParisLongchamp, where Daryz (Sea The Stars) confirmed he has lost none of the brilliance that defined his Arc triumph, reports TDN. Any suggestion he might need the outing was quickly dispelled as the 7-10 favourite travelled sweetly throughout the 10 1/2-furlong Gr1 Prix Ganay before asserting with authority when it mattered. Settled behind the leaders by Mickael Barzalona, the homebred moved into contention with ease and, once asked, produced a decisive turn to surge clear. At the line, Bright Picture was a distant 3.5-lengths away in second, with Aventure a further 1.75-lengths back in third. Barzalona's confidence in the closing stages told its own story, the rider content to bide his time before allowing the response to unfold. "He settled well, as they went very slow and showed that acceleration," he said. "I had plenty in my hands for the sprint and he did everything the right way. He's getting more mature and I wouldn't be surprised if he is better this year. Trip doesn't matter to him." It was a performance that spoke not only of raw ability, but of a horse beginning to furnish into a more complete racing package. Managing such talent presents its own challenges, and Francis Graffard was quick to highlight both the progression of Daryz and the delicate balance required within his yard. "Daryz has gained strength and maturity. Today we had the perfect race for his return–the pace wasn't very strong, but he has more power now and is more assertive in his behaviour," he explained, drawing a clear distinction between his stable stars. "Calandagan and Daryz are quite different. Calandagan builds his races, accelerates progressively and always finishes very strongly. Daryz, on the other hand, has a sharper, more explosive turn of foot. Both are high-quality horses, but with distinct profiles." Future plans already point to an ambitious path, with Royal Ascot looming as a central target. Graffard did not shy away from his admiration either, adding, "I'm lucky to work with very good horses, but he is truly exceptional–well-bred with a remarkable physique, especially a superb hindquarter. Looking ahead, the target is already set–the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Before that, he should run in the [May 21] Prix Aga Khan IV, if everything goes well after today." Connections of the placed runners were far from disheartened, with Pierre-Yves Bureau noting Bright Picture "confirms everything he has shown since the start of the year," while Christophe Ferland expects Aventure to improve and renew the rivalry next time.
Prominent Kiwi Partnership to be Dissolved
Wednesday, 29th April 2026
An enduring partnership that has delivered success on both the track and in the breeding barn will draw to a close next month, with three well-credentialled mares set to headline a Gavelhouse Plus offering. Rondinella, Sudbina and Tinnelly will be presented to the market by Haunui Farm in conjunction with Frantic Bloodstock, marking the end of a collaboration that dates back nearly two decades. The decision reflects a shift in focus for co-owner Cathy Franich, who will step away from breeding commitments while continuing her involvement in racing. "It's the end of an era," said Haunui Farm managing director Mark Chitty. "We're putting up three mares that we own in partnership with Cathy Franich from Frantic Bloodstock." That partnership has deep roots, tracing back to foundation mare Valpolicella and producing a stream of high-class performers and valuable broodmares. "We've had a really successful racing and breeding partnership that started all the way back in 2006 with Valpolicella," Chitty said. "We've raced a number of fantastic horses together over the years, like Floria, Misstrum, Rondinella and Sudbina. We've bred many others, including a NZB Filly of the Year in Fix." Commercial appeal is a key component of the offering, with both Rondinella and Sudbina in foal to emerging sire Super Seth at a time when his accessibility to New Zealand breeders has shifted following his relocation to Australia. "Rondinella brings an outstanding race record to the catalogue, having won four races and placed at stakes level on nine occasions, including Group 1 placings in the Tancred Stakes, New Zealand Stakes and Sydney Cup. Her early success as a broodmare has further elevated her profile. Her first foal, He Who Dares, realised $825,000 at Karaka and has already made an impression on the track. "The fillies have been dominant in New Zealand this season, but He Who Dares is arguably the best of the male three-year-olds in New Zealand," Chitty said. "He made significant money in the sale ring and has gone on to do a very good job on the track so far." Sudbina, a Group 3 winner, offers a similarly compelling pedigree. By Almanzor and out of Destined, she is a half-sister to Fix and from a family with strong international ties. Completing the trio, Tinnelly adds further depth as a half-sister to both Sudbina and Fix. While unraced, she has already made her mark as a producer, with Savabeel filly Chilling Out showing promise in early racing. The sale, to be conducted online from May 13 to 20, presents buyers with a rare opportunity to acquire mares from a proven and carefully managed breeding programme. As Chitty acknowledged, "There's obviously mixed feelings with it being the end of an era, but it gives buyers an exciting opportunity to secure these three lovely mares."
