With deceased Arrowfield sire Snitzel holding a massive lead on the Australian Black Type Stallion table, a powerful Sydney Autumn Carnival has provided the perfect backdrop for Arrowfield Stud to unveil its 2026 stallion roster, with ten Group 1 victories reinforcing the depth and upward trajectory of its sire line-up. Heading the roster for the first time is The Autumn Sun, whose fee rises to $137,500 inc. GST following the continued emergence of his early crops. With five Group 1 winners already on his record, including standout performers Autumn Glow and Autumn Boy, his profile continues to build both on the track and in the sales ring. Yearlings have sold strongly through 2026, highlighted by a $650,000 filly from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. Chairman John Messara was unequivocal in his assessment. “The arrival of Autumn Glow from his second crop, and Autumn Boy from his third crop confirm our assessment of The Autumn Sun as a very significant sire for this part of the world. He is likely to finish in the top three or four stallions on the General Sires’ Premiership this season with half the runners of his immediate competitors.” A notable addition to the roster is Lead Artist, a Group 1-winning miler by Dubawi, who will stand his first season at $27,500 inc. GST. Messara drew a rare comparison when outlining his enthusiasm. “I haven’t been this excited about a new stallion since we acquired Danehill from Juddmonte in 1989. Lead Artist fills the bill for me on every count, pedigree, performance and physique, and I know he is going to match what many other breeders are looking for too.” Among the established names, Dundeel continues to strengthen his standing, with 26 Group 1 performers placing him among the elite in Australasia. His 2026 fee is set at $66,000 inc. GST, supported by a pipeline of quality crops and ongoing racetrack success through horses such as Idle Flyer and Femminile. Maurice, another proven source of top-level performers, will stand at $44,000 inc. GST, buoyed by a consistent strike rate and strong representation from high-quality mares. Castelvecchio’s profile has also been enhanced by recent results, including the exploits of Aeliana and Verona Rose, while his yearlings have performed well in the marketplace, averaging $300,000 at Inglis Easter. His fee for 2026 is set at $60,500 inc. GST. Younger sires continue to gain traction. Vandeek, a champion two-year-old, returns for his second season at $22,000 inc. GST after covering a full book, while Hitotsu has made a promising start at stud, with his first yearlings well received and his fee set at $16,500 inc. GST. Messara believes the balance across the roster is key. “Dundeel and Maurice are both thoroughly proven Group 1 sires in the ‘sweet spot’ of their prime time, when research tells us they will leave most of their best performers. That makes them tempting value at their new fees, and we will certainly continue to support them ourselves.”
The Autumn Sun heads Arrowfield's 2026 roster (pic: Joan Faras)
NEWBenedetta Aiming for Second Gr1 Before Sale
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Proven at the venue and returning to a race long earmarked as a target, Benedetta shapes as a genuine contender when she lines up in Saturday’s Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. The mare’s previous success at the track, highlighted by her narrow victory in last year’s Goodwood, provides a solid platform as she looks to recapture top-level form. Her record at Morphettville reads well, with two wins from three appearances, including the RN Irwin Stakes, and a placing in the Sangster itself prior to her Goodwood triumph. Now in the care of Ciaron Maher, the daughter of Hellbent returns to familiar surroundings with a series of competitive performances against elite opposition this preparation. While she has yet to win this campaign, her form has been far from disappointing. A luckless third in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes was followed by credible efforts in both the Newmarket Handicap and the William Reid Stakes, races that tested her against the best sprinters in the country. Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes the drop back to mares’ company, combined with a freshened-up preparation, could prove decisive. “Benedetta has been racing in very good company, she's only been beaten a few small margins,” he said. “Getting her back to mare's grade (Saturday), at a track we know she's effective at – she's had a nice short period in-between. We've kept her fresh and it's been the main aim this whole preparation to focus on that race and try to get her back to the winner's stall.” Saturday’s run carries added significance with the Inglis Chairman’s Sale on the horizon, where Benedetta is set to go through the ring. A return to winning form would only enhance her already strong appeal as a broodmare prospect, with her race record and pedigree offering clear commercial value. The Maher stable will also have a presence elsewhere on the card, most notably in the Gr1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), where Salty Pearl enters as a leading chance following a narrow third in the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. Turnbull reported the filly had thrived since that performance. “She's in great form. She came back from her placing in the Vinery in Sydney in really good fashion,” he said. “She's a hardy filly, very resilient, she had a tick over jump out to prepare and we can't fault her, we're very much looking forward to the race.”
NEWAdmiration Express Tops MM Digital Sale
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A proven performer on the track has found a new chapter off it, with Admiration Express commanding top billing at the Magic Millions Digital Sale after changing hands for $280,000. The multiple stakes-winning grey, offered as a broodmare prospect by Jason Miller Racing, drew strong interest before Boomer Bloodstock joined forces with Greenfields Lodge to secure her. Her racetrack résumé underpinned the result. Out of the Verglas mare Comme Ci, she was one of three stakes performers from the family and amassed more than $966,000 in earnings. Feature victories in the WA Champion Fillies Stakes and Strickland Stakes, along with success in the Ascot One Thousand Guineas, highlighted her versatility, while a fast-finishing second in the Northerly Stakes behind Light Infantry Man showcased her ability at the elite Group 1 level. Purchased for $60,000 from Namerik Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, she has proven a lucrative investment for connections. Her consistency was reflected not only in her wins but also across six additional stakes placings, performances that steadily built her profile beyond Western Australia. For Miller, the sale was a blend of satisfaction and sentiment. “It is a great result,” he said. “We are obviously a bit sad because she was a very special horse for us.” While acknowledging the emotion of parting with a stable favourite, he took comfort in her future. “She is going to a good home and we wish her new owners the very best of luck.” The sale itself generated competitive bidding across a range of lots, with several unreserved offerings attracting notable interest. Smitten led that group after 48 bids to reach $35,000, while Fierce ’n Fabulous, Playing Quest, Zucchero and Zou Doll also sold strongly under active competition. Magic Millions’ Head of Digital Bryce Bevan credited both buyer demand and established relationships for the outcome. “First and foremost, we thank Jason Miller and connections for entrusting us with the sale of their special mare,” he said. He noted that although the mare initially passed in, a deal was finalised quickly after the auction. “I believe [that] is a reflection of the relationships Magic Millions has with clients on both sides of the transaction.” The result offers further validation of the digital platform’s capacity to deliver for premium stock, with Bevan adding that performances like this reinforce confidence in the format when quality horses are presented to the market. Attention now turns to the next Magic Millions Digital Sale, scheduled from May 1 to 6, with entries set to close on April 29.
Group 1 performed Admiration Express (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
NEW$85 million Preakness Play by Churchill Downs
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A significant shift in the landscape of American racing is taking shape, with the intellectual property behind one of its most storied events set to come under new ownership. Churchill Downs Incorporated has reached an agreement to acquire the trademarks and associated rights to the Preakness Stakes and its companion race, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, in a deal valued at $85 million. The move brings the second leg of the Triple Crown into the same corporate orbit as the Kentucky Derby, strengthening Churchill Downs’ hold on two of the sport’s most recognisable brands. Importantly, the transaction relates to intellectual property rather than the events themselves. Publication The Guardian reports that, through a separate licensing arrangement, the state of Maryland will retain the ability to stage both races, with Churchill Downs granting the necessary rights in exchange for an annual fee. The deal follows a restructuring of ownership around Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness has traditionally been run since 1873. Maryland acquired the venue from 1/ST Racing last year, though the company retained control of the race’s intellectual property at that time. That arrangement saw 1/ST continue to benefit from annual payments and a share of wagering revenue tied to the event. This year’s renewal will be staged away from Pimlico as redevelopment work begins on the historic track. Laurel Park will host the race under restricted conditions, with attendance limited to fewer than 5,000 spectators while construction is underway. Churchill Downs expects the acquisition to be finalised after the 2026 running, subject to standard conditions, and plans to fund the purchase through a combination of cash reserves and existing credit facilities. Chief executive Bill Carstanjen framed the move as part of a broader strategy to invest in premier racing assets. “This acquisition adds one of the most iconic brands in American sports to our portfolio and is consistent with our strategy of investing in premier Thoroughbred racing assets with long-term growth potential,” he said, adding that keeping ownership within the industry would help maximise the race’s future potential as redevelopment progresses. Beyond ownership, the Preakness also sits at the centre of ongoing discussions about the structure of the Triple Crown. The race has been run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby for more than seven decades, but that timing has come under scrutiny as leading contenders increasingly bypass the event. A shift to a three-week gap from 2027 has been floated as a way to encourage greater participation, a change that would likely prompt further adjustments to the Belmont Stakes. Media rights add another layer of uncertainty, with the current broadcast agreement expiring after this year’s running and multiple bidders reportedly interested in securing the next deal. Despite these evolving dynamics, the enduring challenge of the Triple Crown – three elite races across different distances and states within a compressed schedule – continues to define its place in American sport.
NEWUK Racing Black Eye At £1 billion Tipping Point
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Concerns are intensifying around the rapid expansion of illegal betting operators in the United Kingdom, with new analysis suggesting their advertising spend could surpass that of regulated firms within the next few years. The findings point to a significant shift in the market, one that is already drawing scrutiny from both industry leaders and policymakers. Research from the World Advertising Research Center indicates black market bookmakers are on track to spend £1 billion promoting their services by 2028, overtaking the combined outlay of licensed operators such as Coral and William Hill. The report describes a “two-speed market” developing, where overall advertising spend continues to rise but growth is being driven almost entirely by unregulated entities. In the short term, the trend is already evident. Unlicensed operators are projected to increase their advertising investment by 32 per cent to £845 million by October, contributing to a total UK gambling advertising market expected to reach £1.9 billion. In contrast, licensed firms are forecast to reduce their spend by more than nine per cent this year to around £1.1 billion, with their share of the market likely to fall below half by 2028. WARC’s analysis highlights the methods behind this expansion, noting that many illegal operators are based overseas and are directing significant resources toward online channels. “These operators are predominately based overseas and are paying ever-increasing amounts to reach UK consumers online via search and social media,” the report stated. Sponsorship is also becoming a key battleground, with unregulated firms expected to account for more than half of sponsorship-related advertising in the near future. The implications for racing and the broader betting ecosystem are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Recent warnings from leading trainer John Gosden and British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea have underscored concerns that further regulatory measures, particularly the introduction of affordability checks, could accelerate the shift toward unlicensed markets. Those concerns have been echoed by the Betting and Gaming Council, with chief executive Grainne Hurst urging government intervention. “This should ring alarm bells in Westminster,” she said. “The real question is whether advertising is coming from regulated operators, who are held to strict standards, or from the harmful illegal black market, which operates entirely outside the rules. Targeting licensed operators when their advertising spend is already falling will not reduce overall advertising, it will simply bolster the harmful illegal black market, which is aggressively targeting UK customers. The government must go further and faster to clamp down on the black market before it is too late.” Pressure on the regulated sector has been compounded by the recent increase in remote gaming duty to 40 per cent, alongside ongoing discussions around financial risk assessments. Meanwhile, enforcement challenges remain significant, with Google reporting the removal of more than 270 million gambling-related advertisements last year, including millions of violations linked to illegal content. As policymakers prepare to debate the issue, the trajectory of the market suggests a growing urgency to address the balance between regulation and unintended consequences.
NEWPrice is Right Ahead of Adelaide Group 1
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
History suggests a wide barrier need not be a disadvantage in the Robert Sangster Stakes, and that belief is underpinning confidence within the Price and Kent stable as Charm Stone prepares to defend her crown at Morphettville on Saturday. Drawn in gate 15 for the $1 million Gr1 sprint over 1200m, the mare faces a familiar scenario and one her trainer believes can again be overcome, reveals punters.com.au. Past editions of the race offer encouragement. Winners such as Snapdancer, Ruthless Dame and Climbing Star have all prevailed from double-figure draws in recent years, while Secret Agenda famously scored for the same stable from barrier 16. It is a pattern Mick Price is more than willing to lean on as he plots another success with his two-time Group 1 winner. “This time last year I think she drew 11 out of 14, was ridden cold and she finished off strongly,” Price said, reflecting on her 2024 triumph. “I think that the same thing can happen again. You'll get good tempo. She had a good run in the race this time last year, she's certainly good enough, and is going well enough – I'm happy with her preparation.” The expectation of a strong pace appears central to the plan, with tactics likely to mirror those employed last year. Price has already outlined that approach to connections. “I put some information out to the owners, which said, ‘it may not be ideal the gate, but you can guarantee there's going to be a healthy tempo’,” he said. With Mark Zahra booked to ride, confidence extends to the execution on race day. “I'm sure (Mark) Zahra – being Zahra – he will have the race worked out properly. At this stage I would think there's no intention to go forward on her. She's a versatile mare and should be working home strongly.” Charm Stone heads into the race as an $8 chance and is expected to be competitive if conditions unfold as anticipated. Beyond Saturday, a potential international assignment looms, with Royal Ascot’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in June under consideration. That decision will hinge largely on her performance this weekend. “This is the information that we need from Saturday, whether we go to Ascot or not,” Price said. “We are not absolutely locked in, we've done the feasibility of it, a lot of the details on it, and we just have to see how she pulls up – assuming she races well. She's had a good prep, she was a bit underdone first-up – she should run very well.” The stable will have further representation across the Adelaide program, with Space Rider and On Display set for Group 2 assignments, while Engine Of War will contest the Chairman’s Stakes as a lead-in to the South Australian Derby.
NEWFather and Son Anchor Little Avonodale Roster
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Consistency at the elite level and sustained commercial appeal continue to define Per Incanto’s standing, with the Little Avondale stalwart again commanding attention across Australasia and Asia both on the track and in the sales ring. The son of Street Cry, now a multiple champion sire, has produced nine individual Group 1 winners and will stand the 2026 season at a fee of $75,000 plus GST, serving a limited book. His influence remains widespread, underpinned by a blend of durability and performance that has kept him among the leading sires on both sides of the Tasman. Sam Williams highlighted the strength of his current season, noting, “Per Incanto is currently fifth on the Australian Sires’ Premiership and the only sire in the top 20 with a runner to winner percentage over 50 per cent.” His flagbearer Jimmysstar, a three-time Group 1 winner, continues to lead the charge, while the broader statistics underline the sire’s depth. “He’s had five stakes winners this season and another five stakes placed,” Williams added. His progeny have also made their presence felt in major feature races, with Gringotts claiming significant prize money through victories in both the Big Dance and The Gong. At the same time, his juveniles have shown early promise, an encouraging sign for breeders seeking both speed and precocity. “He’s had three individual black-type two-year-olds, Eurocanto won the first juvenile stakes race in Victoria when he claimed the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes,” Williams said. “Oak Lightning ran second in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes and Spellbound was third in the Listed Challenge Stakes.” That performance has translated strongly to the marketplace. Per Incanto’s yearlings averaged NZ$451,000 at the Inglis Easter Sale, while across all sales his 32 yearlings returned an average exceeding $200,000, reinforcing his commercial appeal. His legacy is also being extended through his son Little Brose, the Blue Diamond Stakes winner who retired to Little Avondale in 2025. Standing at an unchanged fee of $15,000 plus GST, he has made an immediate impression in his first season. “He covered 140 mares last year and is super fertile with 129 of them in foal,” Williams said, adding that the colt was widely supported by leading breeders and attracted a high-quality book. The broader strength of the Street Cry line continues to bolster confidence in both sire and son. “His Street Cry bloodline is dominant in Australia at the moment through Street Boss and Per Incanto,” Williams said, pointing to ongoing success at the highest level. With proven performance, strong sales results and a promising next generation already in place, Per Incanto’s influence shows little sign of waning as he heads into another important season at stud.
Little Brose kept turning up at Group level (pic: Mark Gatt)
Jolly Stable Set to Farewell Leading Mares
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A farewell tour of sorts will unfold through the Adelaide Carnival, with two accomplished mares set to bow out of the Richard Jolly stable, headlined by Aviatress as she prepares for a final crack at Group 1 level in Saturday's Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville. The five-year-old, a three-time stakes winner and consistent performer at a high level, faces a deep field that includes the likes of Point Barrow, Generosity, Skybird and Charm Stone. Despite being rated a $26 chance, she carries quiet support within the camp after an encouraging lead-in trial at Balaklava, where she defeated stablemate Losesomewinmore by three lengths. Jolly, who trains in partnership with his daughter Chantelle, is realistic about the scale of the challenge but satisfied with her condition heading into the race. "We go into it first-up, she's pretty effective first-up and usually runs really well," he said. "This race, she probably has to go to that next level, to be able to win this. Looking at the quality, you just hope you get a good barrier and get every chance." Her previous attempt at the race remains something of an anomaly. After entering last year's edition in strong form, she finished well down the field in a performance that left connections searching for answers. Jolly now believes there were underlying issues at play. "We were happy with her last year, but for whatever reason it was one of her worst runs. After the race she wasn't completely 100 per cent for awhile, it's like she had an underlying virus – we put that behind us," he said. "It was a poor run that day, but she's bounced back since and been very consistent." Saturday's assignment may not be her final appearance, with options remaining open for another Group 1 tilt in The Goodwood or a run in the Proud Miss Stakes later in the carnival. Either race would mark her last outing before heading to the Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale at the end of May, where her record of seven wins and more than $560,000 in earnings is expected to attract strong interest. "She's done well. She's always had a good level of ability. She won a Group 3 and a heap of (stakes) placings as well. She's raced the last couple of years at that level, she's got a good record for a prospective broodmare," Jolly said. Elsewhere, the stable will be represented across the meeting with several chances. Virtual Illusion is set to line up in the Tobin Bronze Stakes after an eye-catching fourth in the Redelva Stakes, while Losesomewinmore and Karavas will contest the John Hawkes Stakes, with the latter also a possible runner in the Proud Miss before joining Aviatress at the broodmare sale.
Money Doesn't Always Buy Happiness or Success
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A curious silence cut through the usual bustle of Newmarket's winner's enclosure last week, just as Kevin Philippart de Foy stepped forward to speak after Sovereign Spell's success on the opening day of the Craven meeting. Instead of outlining plans for the three-year-old, the Amo Racing trainer paused to ask a question of his own: was anyone present from the Racing Post? According to theguardian.com, the moment, brief but telling, hinted at a relationship currently on ice between Kia Joorabchian's ambitious operation and Britain's racing trade paper, adding another subplot to a story that rarely lacks intrigue. Few modern racing ventures have unfolded with quite the same blend of ambition and theatre. Joorabchian's entry into the sport has been marked by aggressive investment and a determination to fast-track his way into the upper echelon, a strategy that reached full expression at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale in October 2024. On that stage, Amo Racing went toe-to-toe with established powerhouses, committing 22.9 million guineas to a haul of yearlings intended to form the backbone of a future Classic assault. The spending did not end there. As the year drew to a close, another 13.7 million guineas was deployed at Book 1, followed by a further £4 million at Book 2, ensuring that Philippart de Foy and the wider team were armed with depth as well as headline acts for the 2026 season. Beyond the sales ring, the operation expanded rapidly. The historic Freemason Lodge yard in Newmarket was secured following Sir Michael Stoute's retirement, Frankie Dettori was enlisted as a global ambassador, and a landmark £40 million funding arrangement was struck with Apollo Global Management, secured against a broad suite of assets including bloodstock, facilities and intellectual property. For all the scale of that investment, the early returns from the much-vaunted 2024 intake have yet to match expectation. Those yearlings are now three-year-olds, theoretically poised to make their mark on the Classic stage, yet the betting markets paint a subdued picture. Power Blue, a Group 1 winner at two, sits at long odds for the 2,000 Guineas, while high-priced fillies such as Partying remain unraced. Others, including the expensively acquired Poker, have shown only modest promise so far, leaving the impression that the first wave may not deliver the immediate impact once envisaged. There remains time for that narrative to shift. Late-maturing types could yet emerge as the season unfolds, and attention is already turning toward the next intake of juveniles, with Royal Ascot looming as an obvious target. Activity in the two-year-old market continues, highlighted by a significant purchase at a recent American breeze-up sale, while further investment is expected closer to home in the coming weeks. Ultimately, the objective is a familiar one, even if the route taken has been anything but conventional. Like many well-funded entrants before him, Joorabchian is searching for the colt who can anchor a stallion career and begin to offset the considerable outlay. The template established by operations such as Coolmore was built over decades, underpinned by patience as much as capital. With external investment now part of the equation, the timeline for Amo Racing may be rather less forgiving, leaving the months ahead to carry more than their share of significance.
Sweynesse Making His Own Luck As a Miler
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
At one point, Hong Kong's leading sprinter, Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) took a giant step forward in his newfound calling as a sprinter-turned-miler last start, and this Sunday on FWD Champions Day, the four-time Group One winner is aiming to cement his status as one of Sha Tin's top performers over 1600m. Lucky Sweynesse is trained by Manfred Man and will be ridden by Derek Leung in the HK$24 million Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m). He is one of Hong Kong's most beloved horses, boasting 17 wins from 33 starts, including eight during a stellar 2022/23 campaign, when he was acclaimed as Hong Kong Champion Sprinter. Having raced exclusively over 1200m and 1400m prior to this season, a new-look Lucky Sweynesse has since flourished over the mile twice at Sha Tin. Firstly, when he was second to Romantic Warrior in January's HK$13 million Gr1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) and then victoriously in the Gr2 Chairman's Trophy (1600m) over My Wish on 6 April. Man, 68, has nurtured Lucky Sweynesse back to fitness after setbacks forced a 12-month absence upon the seven-year-old gelding. Leung, who has partnered the son of Sweynesse in each of his last eight starts, said: "It was good to win on Lucky Sweynesse, who had been waiting for a long time. "Every time he tries hard. He's been beaten by Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior (in his last two starts). He's very honest, and last time it was his turn to get a win. Lucky Sweynesse is one of five Group One winners selected for the FWD Champions Mile along with Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, last year's winner Red Lion, Jantar Mantar and Docklands. Leung, who has 20 wins this season, was aboard Lucky Sweynesse for his turf gallop at Sha Tin on Monday alongside five-time winning stablemate Patch Of Stars, clocking 54.4s (31.0, 23.4). "I'm very happy – I worked him yesterday and he's working well. The stable looks after him very well, and his form is very consistent," Leung said. "Manfred Man and his team have done a very good job to make him healthy again, and his form is back." The 37-year-old has four rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday at the season's 65th of 88 scheduled fixtures: Happy Boys, Star Elegance, Little Monster and E Ho Ho.
Godolphin has announced the retirement of Tentyris and Observer to the Darley stallion roster for the 2026 breeding season. Both played leading roles in a season that has so far delivered 30 Stakes wins, including 11 at Group 1 level. Tentyris (Street Boss) retires as the leading sprinting colt of his generation. Victorious in the Gr2 Todman Stakes at two and runner-up in the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes, he returned at three for dual successes at the highest level. He recorded the fastest time in the history of the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes before adding the Gr1 Lightning Stakes at weight-for-age. In doing so, he became only the fourth three-year-old colt to win the Lightning Stakes in the past 25 years. By Street Boss, out of an Exceed And Excel mare from the family of Divine Madonna, Tentyris is bred on a similar cross to Anamoe. He will stand at Kelvinside in New South Wales at a fee of $88,000 inc GST. Observer (Ghaiyyath) retires as a dual Group 1 winner of the Australian Guineas and Victoria Derby. A metropolitan winner as a two-year-old, he was also victorious in the Gr2 Moonee Valley Vase and Gr2 Autumn Stakes. A four-time Stakes winner from 1400m to 2500m, he retires with earnings of $2.7 million. He is the best-performed son of Ghaiyyath to retire to stud to date. Out of a full-sister to Champion racehorse and successful sire Pierro, Observer offers a strong outcross pedigree. He will stand at Northwood Park in Victoria at a fee of $33,000 inc GST. Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the results reflected the people behind the horses. "Tentyris and Observer are two of the best from our amazing three-year-old crop," Makiv said. "This season is a credit to everyone involved, from those on the farms to our people in the office, right through to the trainers and their staff. "To be so competitive on the racetrack this season and win races like the Coolmore, Lightning, Guineas and Derby is something everyone at Godolphin should be very proud of."
Tentyris will stand his first season for $88,000 (pic: Mark Gatt)
Ka Ying Rising Capable in the Wet Infers Hayes
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Unsettled weather in the lead-up has done little to dent confidence around one of the world’s premier sprinters, with Ka Ying Rising set to chase a record-extending twentieth consecutive victory in Sunday’s Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. According to scmp.com, rain is forecast across the week, but trainer David Hayes is comfortable that conditions will not hinder his star galloper. The Hong Kong Observatory has predicted showers and thunderstorms through Thursday and Friday, with further rain expected on Saturday before clearing on race day. Even if the track retains some give, Hayes believes his horse has already shown the versatility required to cope. Ka Ying Rising’s only start on a good-to-yielding surface resulted in a dominant win in the Chief Executive’s Cup in 2024, and he again handled rain-affected conditions earlier this season when prevailing on a wet opening day. “I’ve run him a couple times here in the wet and one time he nearly ran a track record,” Hayes said, pointing to prior evidence of adaptability. He recalled the conditions on that occasion, noting, “It was pouring on opening day [this season]. It came up as good, but the ground was wet.” His broader view of Sha Tin surfaces remains reassuring. “You know the tracks here – if it doesn’t rain on the day, the track runs fast.” While questions have occasionally been raised about how the champion might handle genuinely heavy ground in Australia, Hayes sees little comparison between jurisdictions. Champion jockey Zac Purton has previously voiced reservations about a wet Randwick surface, particularly in the context of races like The Everest, but Hayes is unconcerned within Hong Kong. “Zac’s got a theory on the Australian wet versus Hong Kong wet. That would concern me, but not in Hong Kong,” he said. The challenge on Sunday will come from a compact but international field of seven rivals, including Japan’s Satono Reve, Ireland’s Comanche Brave and local contenders Helios Express, Fast Network, Raging Blizzard, Beauty Waves and stablemate Tomodachi Kokoroe. Despite the quality opposition, Ka Ying Rising’s current standing at the top of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 underscores the level he brings into the race. Preparation has followed a familiar path, highlighted by a sharp piece of work on the Sha Tin turf last week. Final touches will be minimal as the race approaches. Meanwhile, Hayes will also have a presence in the Gr1 QEII Cup (2000m), where Rubylot is set to line up under Hugh Bowman. While expectations are more measured, the outing is viewed as a stepping stone. “Hopefully he can pick up some prize money and it will get him on song for the Queen Mother Memorial Cup,” Hayes said. “He needed a hard hit-out before that race.”
Home Where the Heart is for Antino
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A return to familiar surroundings could prove the catalyst for a high-class gelding looking to rediscover his best form, with Antino set to resume in Saturday’s Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm. The Queensland star, a dual Group 1 winner, has not visited the winner’s stall since his dominant Doomben Cup triumph last year, but confidence within the camp remains strong. Ben Thompson, who takes the ride this weekend, has been encouraged by what he has felt in recent weeks. Having partnered the seven-year-old in two official trials at Deagon, the Brisbane premiership leader believes the signs are all there for a competitive return. “I think visually he looks a treat,” Thompson said. “He feels great, both extending and just his demeanour. Without riding him until recent times, I can't fault him to be honest.” Saturday’s assignment is intended as a stepping stone toward more ambitious targets. Antino is scheduled to progress to the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast before attempting to defend his Doomben Cup crown over 2000m later in the carnival. Those races defined his 2024 campaign, and connections are hopeful that a similar trajectory can be mapped out this time around. Recent form figures may not immediately inspire, but they require context. Antino’s performances have come against elite opposition in both Sydney and Melbourne, including runs in the Apollo Stakes and the All-Star Mile earlier this year, as well as a spring campaign that featured a tilt at the Cox Plate. Thompson is quick to dismiss any concerns surrounding the absence of a recent win. “He's just a horse with a stack of talent,” he said. “He's very intelligent and at least we're back in his own backyard (for the winter carnival).” He also pointed to the level of competition faced since that last victory. “When you think he hasn't won since the Doomben Cup, you look at the opposition he's been up against and it doesn't get any tougher,” Thompson said. The opportunity represents a significant moment for Thompson, who has enjoyed a strong run of form and currently sits narrowly ahead in the Brisbane jockeys’ premiership. His recent five-win haul at Doomben underlined that momentum and secured him the chance to partner one of the state’s leading middle-distance performers. “It was an amazing day and a lot of fun,” he said. “Fortunately I had a nice book of rides, but I never could have expected to have the day that I did. Just everything came together and my horses were able to land in the right spots. I hope it's the start of a nice winter carnival.”
Antino is a serious force at his best (pic: Grant Peters)
Globally Significant Wagering Take Over in Play
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Pressure from tightening regulation continues to ripple through the United Kingdom's betting landscape, and the latest development signals a potentially significant shift among major operators. Evoke, the parent company of William Hill, has confirmed it is engaged in discussions with Greek-based Bally's Intralot regarding a possible £225 million takeover. The proposal, outlined on Monday, values the business at 50 pence per share and is expected to be structured as an all-share deal with a partial cash alternative. The move follows weekend speculation and arrives at a time when the industry is grappling with the impact of affordability checks and increased taxation. From Bally's Intralot's perspective, the appeal lies in the scope for expansion and operational alignment. The company said a combination "would have the potential to deliver substantial strategic and operational synergies, including enhanced scale, an expanded geographic footprint and opportunities for cost efficiencies." Chief executive Robeson Reeves expanded on that vision, highlighting what he sees as complementary strengths between the two groups. "We have built a business with a margin profile that stands out in this industry. Evoke has the scale. We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business, and the potential to transform its financial performance through massive synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with conviction." Under current rules, Bally's Intralot has until 5pm on May 18 to declare a firm intention to proceed with an offer or walk away. In the meantime, the discussions come against a backdrop of strategic reassessment within Evoke itself. The company, which also encompasses the 888 and Mr Green brands, has been reviewing its operations following last year's UK budget, which effectively doubled remote gaming duty to 40 per cent. While retail betting shops were not directly affected by the tax increase, the broader financial strain has prompted Evoke to announce plans to close around 200 outlets from May. The decision reflects the wider challenges facing operators as they adjust to a more demanding regulatory and economic environment. Market observers have viewed the potential deal as a logical response to those pressures. David Brohan, gaming and leisure analyst at Goodbody, suggested the development had been widely anticipated. He described the announcement as "no surprise" given recent speculation, and noted Bally's Intralot's strong position within the UK iGaming sector. Brohan added that the move could represent a calculated step to strengthen market presence in a climate shaped by higher taxes and evolving compliance requirements. For the racing industry, which remains closely tied to betting turnover, the outcome of these talks may carry broader implications, particularly as operators continue to navigate a shifting commercial landscape.
Sosie Up for the Romantic Fight at Sha Tin
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A carefully mapped international campaign will take another step forward at Sha Tin, where Sosie is set to begin his season in the HK$30 million Gr1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m). The race has long been on the radar for Andre Fabre, who holds the Hong Kong circuit in high regard and sees the contest as an ideal launching point for a horse whose versatility has become a defining trait. Success at the venue is already part of the five-year-old’s record. His victory in the Gr1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) last December, where he outstayed Giavellotto and Goliath, delivered Fabre a fourth success in the race and provided a fitting highlight in the trainer’s milestone 80th year. That performance capped a campaign that included three Group 1 wins and a placing in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, reinforcing Sosie’s standing among Europe’s leading middle-distance performers. The assignment this weekend, however, presents a different test. Dropping back to 2000m, he will meet a field headed by the formidable Romantic Warrior, alongside Masquerade Ball and Royal Champion. Fabre is under no illusions about the challenge but remains quietly confident in his runner’s preparation. “Romantic Warrior is a super horse. But Sosie is training well and he should run well. It’s his first run of the year and the race is pretty tough. In terms of ratings, we have the fourth (highest) chance, but Sosie adapted well to the course (in the Hong Kong Vase) last time,” he said. The decision to begin the campaign in Hong Kong reflects both tactical thinking and the philosophy of owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, who have long embraced international competition. “Maxime Guyon (his jockey) was keen to ride him despite there being a good meeting at Longchamp the same day. We’re happy to compete. The Wertheimer brothers, they like a challenge.” While Sosie’s ideal distance may lie over 2400m, his record at shorter trips provides confidence heading into the QEII Cup. Victories in the Prix Ganay and Prix d’Ispahan last season highlighted his adaptability, even if Fabre remains mindful of how best to utilise his strengths. “We ran him in the (G1) Eclipse (Stakes, 2000m) at Sandown in July, but the strategy didn’t work out. He was left in front and he didn’t like it (finishing last of six runners). I’d rather him in behind. He likes a good, strong pace because basically he’s a mile and a half horse.” Looking beyond this weekend, the plan is already taking shape. “We’re starting him in the QEII because we’re sure to get a good pace. After this, we’ll give him a break and probably go for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1, 2400m) at Ascot in July.” A return to the Arc remains a possibility later in the year, though for now the focus is firmly on Sha Tin, where another chapter in a carefully managed career is about to unfold.
Major NSW ANZAC Raceday Celebrations Primed
Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
A packed stretch of country racing is set to unfold across New South Wales, with Tamworth Cup Day launching four days that will feature 13 meetings and draw communities together in a celebration of the sport. Friday’s feature at Tamworth headlines the schedule, with strong interest building ahead of a meeting that blends racing with the social fabric of the region. At the centre of attention is the $200,000 Tamworth Cup (1400m), a race that carries Big Dance eligibility and offers a pathway to the $3 million final at Royal Randwick later in the year. Tamworth Jockey Club general manager Jack Penfold emphasised the significance of the day within the local calendar. “One of the most anticipated events on our city’s social calendar is Tamworth Cup Day,” he said, noting that adjustments to the broader racing program have strengthened the meeting. “And the date change of the Armidale Cup to mid-March has given local trainers a few more lead-in runs for other races on the day.” Crowds are expected to be strong, assisted by the ANZAC Day long weekend falling immediately after the meeting. “We’re expecting a large crowd on Cup Day due to the ANZAC Day being on the Saturday with a public holiday on Monday,” Penfold said. “It’s an iconic raceday that blends country racing excitement with fashion, friends and celebrating with an electric atmosphere.” Accessible ticketing, with pre-purchases available for $10, aims to encourage wide attendance. Saturday’s ANZAC Day program expands the focus across the state, with nine meetings scheduled, including Royal Randwick, Gosford and a host of regional venues such as Bathurst, Kempsey, Deniliquin, Armidale, Cootamundra, Murwillumbah and Nyngan. Bathurst will host the sole TAB meeting, headlined by the $36,000 Bathurst RSL Soldier’s Saddle and bolstered by a $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus attached to a maiden handicap. For Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing, the occasion represents a cornerstone of the season. “This annual event is the premier meeting on our racing calendar,” said Marianne Donnelly, who highlighted a day designed to cater to a broad audience. Trackside experiences range from the Racing Lounge to a VIP Trackside Marquee, supported by food offerings, live music and traditional ANZAC commemorations, including the Ode and Last Post. Courtesy buses and family-friendly activities further reinforce the inclusive nature of the event. Regional clubs are also embracing the significance of the day. Kempsey Race Club will stage a five-race card with themed races such as the Diggers Cup and Gallipoli Maiden, while offering free entry to returned and current service personnel. Secretary Daryl Smith noted the club’s efforts to honour the occasion through both racing and community engagement. At Deniliquin, another five-race meeting will feature the $16,000 Diggers Cup, supported by commemorative services and post-race traditions including two-up. Treasurer Col McMahon pointed to the combination of racing and social connection that defines the event, with patrons expected to continue celebrations at the local RSL Club after the final race.
