Friday, 17th April 2026
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  • Half Yours Tossed into All Aged Deep End

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    A testing return against elite sprinters at Royal Randwick will serve as the launching point for a Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign, with connections opting for a bold first-up assignment before shifting focus north, reports punters.com.au. The $1.5 million Group 1 All Aged Stakes over 1400m presents a sharp introduction for Cups hero Half Yours, particularly given the depth assembled for the weight-for-age contest. Among the opposition are four runners from last year's The Everest, including placegetter and reigning All Aged Stakes winner Jimmysstar, alongside Briasa, Angel Capital and Magic Time. They are joined by former Everest hero Giga Kick and high-class mare Fangirl, ensuring the near-capacity field will be run at a searching tempo that may not entirely suit a horse stepping out over a trip short of his optimum. Despite the challenge, Half Yours heads into the race in good order, with Tony and Calvin McEvoy using the event as a springboard rather than a grand final. The son of St Jean has already proven his quality at the highest level, capturing both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, and will again be partnered by Jamie Melham as he begins a carefully mapped preparation. "He would have needed it to be bottomless to give him a chance against those horses so they will be too nippy for him but he is really well and it is a nice little kick off race for him to clean him out," McEvoy said, tempering expectations for the return while emphasising the broader plan. That plan centres firmly on Queensland, where the gelding thrived last winter en route to his Cups double, including a Listed Caloundra Cup victory at the Sunshine Coast. A similar pathway has been plotted this year, beginning with the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes over 1800m at the Gold Coast on May 9, before progressing to the Group 1 Doomben Cup over 2000m a fortnight later. While acknowledging the suitability of those races in terms of distance, McEvoy noted that track configurations present their own challenges for a big-striding galloper. "He has to be a weight-for-age horse this campaign now and will be in for a little bit of a tough campaign because this one is short of his best distance, the Hollindale is a nice distance for him but probably the wrong track being the Gold Coast, being a big galloping horse," he said. Attention then turns to Eagle Farm, where the spacious layout offers a more suitable platform for his staying profile. "Then you go to a Doomben Cup and it is the right race but Doomben probably isn't ideal for him as well after that – (but) the Q22 is the perfect race at Eagle Farm over 2200m." With the Group 2 Q22 scheduled for June 13, the campaign is designed to build progressively, allowing the proven stayer to peak at the right time in conditions that play to his strengths.

    Half Yours

    Taking on WFA company is a different challenge for Half Yours (pic: Mark Gatt)
  • Cruizingthestars Faces Her Midway Challenge

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    Decisions about the future can often wait when a horse is winning, and that is the position facing connections of an unbeaten filly who has quickly risen through the grades, reports racingnsw.com.au. With three victories from as many starts, Cruizingthestars heads to Randwick on Saturday for her toughest test yet in the TAB Highway over 1400m, carrying both expectation and intrigue. Trainer Scott Collings believes the three-year-old's upside remains largely untapped, even as conversations begin to circle around potential long-term targets. Whether she ultimately fits the mould of a Country Championships contender or develops into a Kosciuszko prospect is still unclear, but her trajectory has already forced connections to weigh their options carefully. "We haven't got many wins left up our sleeve if we'd like to go down the Country Championships path. It's a long time to wait,'' Collings said, acknowledging the balancing act between preserving eligibility and capitalising on current form. He added that continued success would naturally broaden her horizons. "Horses in form like her, if she happened to win another couple her name might be up there for the Kosciuszko or even the Barn Dance might be a nice race for her." A granddaughter of Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal, the filly's progression has been managed with patience. Although she was initially brought into work during the spring, connections opted against racing her, instead allowing time for physical development. "She had a preparation where we didn't race her, we gave her a couple of nice trials and educated her then we felt she needed to go back to the paddock and mature more,'' Collings said, noting her scope and relatively lean frame. That decision has paid dividends. Since returning, she has stamped her authority at provincial level, beginning with a dominant maiden win on her home track before following up in Class 1 and Class 2 company, the latter at Canberra. Her most recent performance in particular suggested further improvement to come, displaying both determination and adaptability in running. Saturday's Highway marks the first of its kind for seven weeks, and the depth of nominations reflects pent-up demand among trainers. Among the opposition is Country Championships Final placegetter Micro Mikki, ensuring a searching contest for the lightly raced filly. Even so, Collings remains quietly confident she will measure up. "It's always hard going into the Highways, they are always competitive, but you've got to be reasonably confident and she's three from three and not too many horses do that," he said. Her versatility could prove a key asset. "She's got a great will to win, and we've learned a bit about her that we can ride her two different ways if we have to and she's effective both ways." With the step to 1400m unlikely to pose a problem, the result will help shape her immediate future before a likely break.
  • Extreme Choices Face Chairman’s Sale Investors

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    Few stallions have exerted such a grip on the market in recent seasons, and that influence was underlined again when buyers flocked to secure the progeny of Extreme Choice at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Against that backdrop, the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, on 7 May, has gained a timely boost, with two additional mares in foal to the sought-after sire adding further depth to an already elite catalogue. The arrival of Hazlebrook and Sizzlefly means there will now be three mares offered carrying what are widely considered among the most valuable pregnancies in the Australasian bloodstock market, joining fellow Newgate Farm headline act Kiki Express. In a landscape where access to Extreme Choice is tightly restricted, such opportunities are rarely presented, making their inclusion a significant development ahead of the Riverside auction. Hazlebrook, a daughter of Hinchinbrook, stands out as one of the most accomplished broodmares slated for sale this year. Her record already speaks with authority, having produced Group 3 winner Wollombi from her first mating with Extreme Choice, while a subsequent colt by the same sire realised $2 million at the yearling sales earlier this year. The consistency of that cross has not gone unnoticed. Newgate Farm’s Henry Field offered a strong endorsement of the mare’s credentials, recalling the regard in which she was held at purchase. “I remember when Matthew (Sandblom) bought Hazlebrook at the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale, she was the mare that Matthew picked out and was probably the mare he was most keen to buy at the sale, additionally Adam Cook thought she was the best value mare,” Field said. He added that “she has been a revelation, producing good looking stock that can run and clearly she has great chemistry with Extreme Choice,” before noting, “there is no such thing as a certainty in racing, but the likelihood of this mare producing a good foal that can run is about as close as you’ll get in a breeding sense.” Sizzlefly brings a complementary profile as a Stakes-performed mare with natural speed and a physique that aligns neatly with the commercial market. Field pointed to her physical appeal and production line, saying, “she is a very pretty mare that is getting good looking stock – her Home Affairs weanling would be one of the top-rated foals on the farm and physically I think she is a bullseye for Extreme Choice.” Inglis Bloodstock chief executive Sebastian Hutch emphasised the broader significance of securing multiple pregnancies by the stallion, noting that global demand continues to outstrip supply. “There can hardly be a hotter stallion in the world at the moment than Extreme Choice and there was recognition of that at the Easter Sale,” Hutch said. “People all around the world want exposure to him and understandably so, but circumstances mean opportunities are limited and not to be taken for granted.” With Extreme Choice’s fertility constraints limiting the number of mares he serves each season, the scarcity factor continues to drive demand. That was reflected at Easter, where nine yearlings by the sire averaged $1.56 million, with seven surpassing the million-dollar mark, reinforcing his standing at the very top of the market.

    Extreme Choice yearling

    Progeny by Extreme Choice are in high demand (pic: inglis.com.au)
  • Rugby, Racing and Beer Sale for Windsor Park

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    A unique blend of sport, bloodstock and philanthropy is set to return to Riccarton Park next week, where a boutique sale has carved out a distinctive place on the calendar, reports loveracing.nz. Windsor Park Stud's Rugby, Racing and Beer Sale will again bring together industry participants and rugby enthusiasts alike, with a full house already confirmed for the April 23 event in Christchurch. Limited to just 12 yearlings, the sale has quickly gained traction beyond its modest scale, offering a social occasion as much as a commercial platform. This year's gathering will feature guest appearances from former All Black Andy Ellis and Group 1-winning trainer Bjorn Baker, aligning with a weekend in which Christchurch hosts Super Rugby's Super Round at the new One New Zealand Stadium. "It's a concept I came up with five or six years ago," Windsor Park Stud's Rodney Schick said. "We all love rugby, we love our racing and we love our beer." What began as an informal idea has evolved into a well-supported fixture, with Schick noting the sale has now run for four years and achieved a perfect clearance rate across 40 horses offered to date. Graduates have ensured the concept is taken seriously on the track, with Group 3 winner Proved and stakes performer Collect Your Cash among those to emerge from previous editions. "It's just a great day to have a good lunch together, sell some horses and support the South Island," Schick said, emphasising both the atmosphere and the broader purpose behind the sale. Demand for tickets has underlined its popularity, with 280 attendees locked in for this year's function. Beyond the commercial aspect, the event continues to support key services, with a portion of proceeds directed to the Horse Ambulance and St John. "It's also a good fundraiser," Schick said. "We've supported charities right from the start, and this year we'd like to think there will be great support for two very worthy causes." Encouraging signs across the wider sales season have added to the optimism, with strong results at Karaka setting the tone. That confidence extends to the stud's stallion roster, which has been bolstered in recent years by the addition of internationally credentialled names such as Profondo, Paddington and Auguste Rodin, while Savaglee has already filled his book for the upcoming breeding season. "The response to Savaglee has been really good. His book is full now, so he's been very well sought after," Schick said. He added that Profondo's first crop had been well received, while anticipation is building around the first foals by Paddington and the early impact of Auguste Rodin, who covered 160 mares in his debut season. Circus Maximus has also provided encouragement, with his first crop already producing a Derby winner in Road To Paris alongside stakes performers, reinforcing the stud's strategy of sourcing elite international bloodlines. Even amid economic headwinds, Schick remains focused on the long game, recalling advice that preparation underpins success and pointing to the continued global impact of New Zealand-bred horses as justification for pressing ahead.

    Auguste Rodin

    Auguste Rodin covered 160 mares (pic: Ange Bridson)
  • Ben Thompson Throws Down Title Gauntlet

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    A return to familiar surroundings has quickly turned into a statement campaign, with one rider’s resurgence gathering pace in Brisbane’s competitive jockey ranks. Back in Australia after a stint in Hong Kong, where he won 15 times and placed in 41 races, Ben Thompson has wasted little time reasserting himself, climbing to the top of the metropolitan premiership on the back of a dominant midweek display at Doomben. Having resumed riding at Eagle Farm on 2 August 2025, the Queensland hoop made an immediate impression with five winners across his first weekend. That early success has since evolved into sustained form, culminating in a five-timer on Wednesday that propelled him to 65.5 wins for the season, edging three clear of Ryan Maloney. According to racenet.com.au, it marked his second metropolitan five-timer, the first coming at the same venue in March 2023, reinforcing his affinity with the Brisbane circuit. Support from local stables has been a key component in that rise, none more so than from emerging trainer Todd Pollard. Recently branching out on his own after time with Annabel and Rob Archibald, Pollard has quickly developed a productive association with Thompson, highlighted by victory aboard Valencia Roc in a 1200m maiden. “I think what sets him apart the most is his dedication,” Pollard said. “He’s had three rides in my colours and they’ve all won now so it’s a good little affiliation. He works so hard but he just does the form as well. When you’re throwing him on you hardly have to look at the race yourself because he knows every single horse he’s up against and where they’ll be in the run. He’s honest and he gives good feedback so he’s a great rider to have on when you can get him.” Wednesday’s haul came via Hidden Whisper, Vivika, Good Banter, Valencia Roc and Retainer, although the latter required a tense wait following a protest from the connections of Smart As Smart. Sunshine Coast trainer Stuart Kendrick, who prepared Retainer, was equally effusive in his assessment. “He’s just so professional with everything he does,” Kendrick said. “You’re always pretty confident when you put him on. He does the form and he instils confidence in you. If things go right, then he gets the job done.” With a full book of seven rides at Eagle Farm on Saturday, including key chances in both Listed features, Thompson’s momentum shows little sign of easing as the winter carnival approaches. 
  • Timing Perfect for Sledmere Bred HTBA Colt

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    An unusual but serendipitous twist awaits buyers at this weekend’s Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale, where a colt will go through the ring carrying a pedigree update rarely seen in real time. Offered just eight days after his half-sister finished runner-up in the Group 1 ATC Australian Oaks, the timing gives Lot 202 an immediate and compelling relevance, amplified further by his sire being a reigning Australian Horse of the Year. Bred and raised at Sledmere Stud, the colt is from the first crop of Anamoe, one of the most commercially anticipated stallions to retire to stud in recent seasons. His dam, Profound Wisdom, was already a proven producer when the catalogue was printed, having thrown the Group 3 MRC Chairman’s Stakes winner Sebonack. Since then, her standing has only strengthened through the emergence of Profoundly as one of the standout fillies of Sydney’s autumn. Across her past three runs in Pattern company, Profoundly has built an enviable profile. After an encouraging third in the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic over 1600m, she stepped up to claim the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes at 2000m on the opening day of The Championships. That performance was franked a week later when she stretched to 2400m and ran a determined second (see below) behind Ohope Wins in the ATC Australian Oaks, elevating the commercial appeal of her younger sibling overnight. Now a half-brother to two Group winners, the Anamoe colt will be presented by Riversdale Farm at Riverside Stables, following a late decision by his breeder to bypass earlier sales. That call, made after deadlines for both the Magic Millions Gold Coast and Inglis Classic had passed, may yet prove astute. The page is deep, tracing back to a black-type family that includes Fat Al, Mutawaajid, Fatoon, Adeewin and Santos, and it arrives at the sale with a freshness few can match after the latest renewal of the 3YO fillies’ showpiece.

  • Persian Caviar Elevates Her Growing Record

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    A breakthrough at metropolitan level carried added significance at Sandown on Wednesday, where a well-related mare delivered on her promise and provided a rising apprentice with a moment to savour. The National Apprentices Series again proved a fitting stage for emerging talent, both equine and human. Persian Caviar, the most accomplished progeny to date of the legendary Black Caviar, produced a polished performance to claim Heat 10 under Western Australian rider Holly Nottle, reports racing.com. Settling into an ideal box-seat position, she travelled comfortably throughout before accelerating decisively when a gap presented early in the straight. Once clear, the result was never in doubt, with the mare quickly asserting her superiority to record her second win from just four starts. The victory followed a solid return at the same track and confirmed the progression connections had been hoping to see this preparation. For Nottle, it was a milestone success, marking the 117th win of her career and one that carried both personal and team significance as it secured maximum points for Western Australia. “I can’t really describe the feeling I’m feeling now,” she said. “I was definitely very nervous coming here, but I was more excited for the experience and everything I was going to learn here today.” Her assessment of the race reflected the ease with which the mare travelled before being asked for an effort. “She began really well and was travelling pretty much straight away. We found a really nice position,” Nottle said, adding that there was still more to come despite a brief moment of hesitation in the straight. “She probably dropped the bridle a little bit at the 200m, but she picked it back up and carried on. It’s probably one of my favourite wins now.” Co-trainer Katherine Coleman, training partner of Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody, was equally encouraged by the performance, noting the patience required to bring her to this point. “It’s really special to get that city win on the board with her,” she said. “We’ve been really pleased with her this preparation. She’s come back bigger and more mature, physically and mentally.” Elsewhere in the series, Tasmania’s Jackson Radley claimed Heat 9 aboard Foire De Trone, producing a strong late surge to overhaul stablemate Cardi Bee in a tightly contested finish, adding further intrigue to the interstate battle within the competition.
  • Keeneland Celebrates Upcoming Breeders' Cup

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    Few venues in world racing carry the blend of heritage and modern spectacle quite like Keeneland, and the return of the Breeders' Cup World Championships to Lexington later this year is being framed as both a homecoming and a statement of intent. Set for October 30-31, the event will mark the fourth time the Bluegrass venue has hosted the global showpiece, according to bloodhorse.com. The announcement was celebrated in fitting style, with community leaders and industry figures gathering in Keeneland's historic 1936 Room to formally welcome the Championships back to what is widely regarded as the heart of horse country. Among those in attendance were Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin, Breeders' Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming, and Breeders' Cup Festival chair Kip Cornett, all of whom reflected on the significance of the occasion. Memories of past editions remain vivid. From Flightline's dominant display in the Breeders' Cup Classic to Cody's Wish capturing the Dirt Mile, Keeneland has already played host to moments that resonate well beyond the track. Its ability to stage the Championships safely during the global pandemic only added to its standing as a trusted venue on the international stage. For Fleming, the return carries a deeper resonance. "When the Breeders' Cup comes to Lexington, it truly feels like a homecoming," he said. "We're preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across the world and this country for a week-long celebration of the sport and the community that surrounds it, from the farms and the racetracks to the restaurants, businesses, and the people who make horse country such a special place. There is something truly special about hosting the World Championships in Lexington, the heart of horse country and the epicenter of Thoroughbred racing. The passion of this community, combined with Keeneland's world-class experience, ensures an unforgettable edition for fans, participants, and our global racing audience." This year's meeting will also showcase a reimagined paddock, designed to honour the track's storied past while elevating the on-course experience. Enhanced viewing areas and improved facilities are expected to provide patrons with a more immersive race-day atmosphere, aligning tradition with contemporary expectations. Civic pride is equally central to the narrative. Gorton highlighted Lexington's reputation as a destination, noting its recent recognition as the most tourist-friendly city in the United States. "There is nothing more uniquely Lexington than celebrating the Breeders' Cup right here in the horse capital of the world, a proud tradition with the best horses, the biggest moments, all on one global stage. The Breeders' Cup shines as an international spotlight on our city," she said. "People from all over the world will be coming. It gives us the opportunity to deliver the world to Lexington, as well as deliver Lexington to the world. We are ready to welcome our visitors."

  • Concella Flying For Leading Greyhound Trainer

    Friday, 17th April 2026
    An eye-catching performance in Hobart has elevated the profile of a lightly raced mare who is rapidly emerging as one of Tasmania’s more intriguing prospects. With only a handful of runs in the state, her latest effort suggested there may be more to come as she settles into her new surroundings. Flying Concello produced the standout run of the meeting when overcoming a wide passage to score convincingly in a class four handicap over 1100m. Never afforded cover and forced to race three-wide throughout, she still proved too strong late under David Pires, powering clear in the straight to underline her class. Now prepared at Seven Mile Beach by Jessie Bazan, the five-year-old arrived in Tasmania with solid credentials, having previously won in metropolitan company at Sandown as a two-year-old when trained by Ben and JD Hayes. Since crossing Bass Strait, she has quickly found her feet, winning first-up in Launceston before adding a placing over a slightly longer trip at the same venue. Her most recent victory, however, hinted at a sharper profile suited to sprint distances, with connections now considering loftier targets. Pires explained the thinking behind the ride, which proved decisive given the circumstances. “Mick (owner Mick Stringer) wanted me to go forward on her but from the sticky gate (eight) she was going to be pressured as the others would have kept kicking up on our inside so I elected to ride her like she was the best horse in the race and sit just off them but three-wide without cover,” he said. The confidence in the mare’s ability was rewarded when she quickened impressively. “She was absolutely smoking around the home turn and when she balanced up, she really hit the line hard.” A race such as the Lady Lynette Stakes has already been floated as a potential target next season, a reflection of the belief she can measure up beyond her current grade. Owner Mick Stringer, who secured the mare for a modest outlay, sees both immediate and long-term value. “I’m sure there are more wins in store for this mare but her real value will be in the breeding barn,” he said, noting her pedigree as a daughter of Trapeze Artist out of a Lonhro mare. Elsewhere on the programme, I’m a Machine justified strong market support with a commanding maiden win over 1400m. Despite again missing the start, the Drew Tyson-trained gelding showed determination to recover, work into contention and finish nearly two lengths clear. Tyson acknowledged the quirks but remains optimistic. “He is a bit of a bugger because he has a habit of missing the start as he did today but he is still learning and once he puts it all together, we’ll see another horse.” Jockey Erica Byrne Burke continued her remarkable run, extending her winning streak to six, a sequence that has further underlined her current form.

2025 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Acrobat Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 3rd Season
Anamoe 1st crop 2YOs
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric Established
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 1st crop 2YOs
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 1st crop 2YOs
Capitalist Established
Captivant Established
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 2nd Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware Established
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 3rd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 1st crop 2YOs
Encryption Established
Exceedance Established
Exosphere Established
Extreme Choice Established
Farnan Established
Flying Artie Established
Foxwedge Established
Frankel My Dear Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 3rd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 1st crop 2YOs
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 1st crop 2YOs
Ka Ying Master 1st crop 2YOs
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 3rd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 3rd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Mo'unga 3rd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 3rd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power Established
Prague Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
Private Life Established
Puissance De Lune Established
Rebel Dane Established
Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
Russian Camelot Established
Russian Revolution Established
Safeguard Established
Sandbar Established
Sessions Established
Shaft Established
Shalaa Established
Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
Shinzo Established
Shooting To Win Established
Sidestep Established
Sizzling Established
Skilled Established
Smart Missile Established
Snitzel Established
So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon 2nd Season
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
St Mark's Basilica Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear Established
Sweet Ride 3rd Season
Switzerland Established
The Autumn Sun Established
The Brothers War Established
Time To Reign Established
Too Darn Hot Established
Toorak Toff Established
Top Echelon Established
Toronado Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum Established
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded Established
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established