News that Far Too Easy’s retirement had finally arrived settled over the Gold Coast stables with a mix of pride and heartbreak, a moment every racing partnership dreads yet somehow expects, reveals punters.com.au. On a searing Saturday, after watching his stable star falter from heat stress in the $1 million Magic Millions Snippets, David McColm realised the chapter he’d shared with the seven-year-old All Too Hard gelding was closing for good. Nine wins and a glittering $2.4 million in prizemoney across 29 starts had already secured Far Too Easy’s place among country racing’s best-loved heroes, but the sight of the brave sprinter struggling past the post made the decision feel both sudden and inevitable. The formal farewell was held on Tuesday, when the McColm stable and their circle of loyal owners gathered to toast a horse whose journey had become their own. “It was distressing, he was pretty crook afterwards,” McColm confided to Punters, still raw from the emotion of the weekend. The call to retire him came late that evening, shared over drinks and memories with wife Jude and longtime friends Donald and Mary Wardlaw – an end marked not by racing’s roar, but by the quieter solidarity of those who’d travelled every step together. “For us being a small stable, it’s a little bit of an emotional decision and certainly not one that we’ve taken lightly,” McColm reflected. “But we’ve known for quite a while that he was closer to the end of his career than the beginning.” A lingering battle with foot problems had shadowed the campaign for the past year. “To see him under stress like that on Saturday was not nice. We are just so proud of him, he’s been tremendous to us.” Hints that retirement was looming had surfaced as far back as six months ago, and his recent second-up effort, a gritty fifth in the Falvelon Quality, suggested the spark was dimming despite flashes of former brilliance. “He is getting on and he’s done such a wonderful job for us,” McColm acknowedged. What set Far Too Easy apart wasn’t just the trophies or cheques, but a spirit that seemed incapable of giving less than everything. “Even when he was not at his best, he still put in 100 per cent and he just tried so hard. He’s been a dream to have around and in the stable. These types of horses don’t come around often so he’ll certainly be missed.” The ultimate high came in October 2024 when, after three near-misses, the gelding finally conquered The Kosciuszko under Craig Williams, a fitting reward for years of near-glory and heartbreaking close calls against rivals like Front Page. “Far Too Easy was a sectional star in every Kosciuszko – even when he ran second he was sensational. When he won it was definitely a career highlight and very emotional.”
NEWAl Quoz Sprint Litmus Test for Fast Network
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
A test against the reigning sprint star at Sha Tin this weekend may determine whether Dennis Yip maps out an international campaign for his stable’s in-form five-year-old. Fast Network, fresh off a sharp trial win at Conghua last Friday, is poised for another shot at Timeform Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), a race that scmp.com reports will likely decide if Dubai becomes the next stop for the talented gelding. Having finished third behind Ka Ying Rising in the recent Hong Kong Sprint, Fast Network (Wrote) continues to progress and is now edging closer to his first overseas assignment. The focus is squarely on how he shapes up against the world’s best sprinter, with his trainer carefully weighing up a possible tilt at the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai. “He’s in really good form. He trialled at Conghua and went really well,” Yip noted, pointing to the trial performance as an encouraging sign. Jockey James McDonald, who was aboard for the impressive runner-up finish to Ka Ying Rising in the Group 2 Sprint Cup in November and again in the Hong Kong Sprint, is set to partner the gelding once more. Connections are confident that a bold showing will confirm Fast Network’s readiness for a global test, especially with his proven record against elite company on home soil. Should plans progress, Fast Network would be aiming to become just the fourth Hong Kong-trained horse to claim the Al Quoz Sprint crown, joining the ranks of California Spangle (2024), Amber Sky (2014), and Joy And Fun (2010). The race, offering a prize pool of US$1.5 million, has grown in prestige and remains a coveted target for Hong Kong’s best speedsters. Meanwhile, the Dubai World Cup meeting is set to feature a strong Hong Kong presence across several dirt features. Mark Newnham’s Talents Ambition is among the Godolphin Mile hopefuls, while Manfred Man’s Self Improvement and Chris So’s Sing Dragon are both targeting the Golden Shaheen. Adding further intrigue, Lucky Sweynesse, one of the region’s most prolific Group One winners and a former superstar sprinter,will stretch out to a mile for the first time in Sunday’s Stewards’ Cup, underlining the ambition of Hong Kong trainers this season.
NEWThe Monarch is Gone, Long Live the Monarch
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
A seismic shift has rippled through the ranks of Australian racing with the retirement of 12-time Group 1 heroine Via Sistina, whose near-invincibility on the turf over the past two seasons has left a vacuum that contenders old and new now jostle to fill. In the wake of her departure, racing.com reports the landscape feels less predictable – an open invitation for a new standard-bearer to emerge, whether from familiar faces, up-and-comers, or the ever-intriguing overseas acquisitions waiting in the wings. The start of the year finds the hierarchy in flux, with the coveted title of Australia’s premier active galloper up for grabs as mid-season approaches. Within weeks, the top echelon has been further thinned by the news that Mr Brightside, himself an eight-year-old stalwart, will see his campaign halted by a season-ending injury. These twin departures have cracked the door for the next generation, hinting at a coming-of-age for a cluster of younger talent whose credentials have been partially masked by the enduring shadow cast by their elders. As a result, autumn looms as a proving ground for both the established five- and six-year-olds and a surging band of four-year-olds eager to force a ratings shake-up. Ceowulf currently leads the way among active horses with a 119 rating. Now five, he sits just ahead of six-year-old Jimmysstar, who holds a share of second on the rating table. Both retain plenty of racing ahead, yet the sense persists that the next leap in ratings is most likely to come from the emerging brigade – four-year-olds who have signalled their intentions late last year and now look primed to assert themselves. Autumn Glow, Lady Shenandoah, and Treasurethe Moment, each now rated 115 after strong late-season efforts, have put their names firmly in the frame. The possibilities extend further. Chris Waller’s high opinion of Aeliana, a four-year-old rated 112, is no secret, with the suggestion she could eventually inherit the crown vacated by Via Sistina. Trinity College, another four-year-old now in the Yulong colours and a multi-million dollar purchase after placing in a French Group 1, is expected to return with purpose. The likes of Ceowulf may face limitations in further boosting his credentials, with all four Group 1 wins coming at a mile. Meanwhile, Sir Delius (117) returns from a welfare-mandated spell just as Pride Of Jenni, Antino, and Fangirl – all members of the older brigade – resume campaigns with the hope of one more top-level highlight. Giga Kick’s resurgence as he targets the Lightning Stakes and TJ Smith only adds to the sense that, in the post–Via Sistina era, there are more questions than answers, and a rare opportunity for a new order to announce itself.
Autumn Glow (gold and black silks) is still untapped (pic: supplied)
NEWKey 4YOs Return Ahead of HKJC Classic Series
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Patience paid off across the board at Sha Tin on Sunday, as several promising four-year-olds returned from setbacks or signaled readiness for greater challenges ahead. According to racenet.com.au, amid the glare of the Hong Kong Classic Series build-up, Patch Of Cosmo’s fighting return from a tendon injury proved the day’s most compelling story, but there was no shortage of rising stars making their presence felt. After almost a year on the sidelines, Super Seth gelding Patch Of Cosmo had plenty of doubters to silence and a difficult draw to overcome. His neck victory in the Class 2 over Aerodynamics and Pope Cody, clocked in a smart 1:34.53, underscored both toughness and latent ability. Zac Purton, quick to credit Manfred Man’s handling of the horse’s rehabilitation, acknowledged just how difficult it is for a horse to step straight into the cauldron of Class 3 company, carrying weight, after a long injury layoff. “That’s not easy to do,” Purton remarked. Looking ahead, he felt Patch Of Cosmo deserved a shot at the Hong Kong Classic Mile, adding that for a lightly raced galloper, “there’s plenty more there.” David Hayes had every reason to be upbeat about Akashvani, whose emphatic front-running win in the second section of the Class 3 Fencing Handicap confirmed both talent and tactical speed. Avdulla had the 72-rater humming along, forging clear to score by three lengths, and Hayes expects a rating boost to put him firmly in Classic Mile calculations. “That was his best win in Hong Kong,” Hayes said, suggesting a mile will suit even better if the draw is kind. Earlier, Emblazon enhanced his own credentials for Cody Mo and Chau with a tenacious display in the first section of the Fencing Handicap, bringing up his third win from six attempts. Later in the day, Francis Lui continued a hot streak, saddling a treble thanks to Lucky Twin Stars, Hot Delight, and Amazing Partners. Vincent Ho, aboard Hot Delight, praised the young horse’s versatility after a tough run from a wide barrier. Lui himself noted the good judgment of owner Peter Law, who entrusted him with the progressive gelding. Jamie Richards joined the party with a double, courtesy of City Gold Banner’s patient, last-to-first win under Purton in the 1000m Medallists Cup, and Cool Boy’s gritty Class 4 Cycling Handicap success with James Orman. In the final event, Irishman Dylan Browne McMonagle broke his local duck, guiding Flow Water Flow home for John Size, and was quick to credit Size’s ongoing support. On a day rich in comebacks and breakout performances, Sha Tin’s Four-Year-Old Series picture became just that little bit clearer – while the road to March’s Derby now features a handful of fresh, determined faces.
Patch of Cosmo has returned in fine fettle from a tendon injury (pic: hkjc.com)
NEWForster Ready to Get Best Out of Bold Bidder
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
A reputation for getting the best out of tried horses is what sets Desleigh Forster apart in Queensland’s competitive training ranks, notes racingqueensland.com.au. The Eagle Farm horsewoman has built her career on patience, precise placement, and a hands-on approach that has seen her become one of the most respected conditioners in the state, with the crowning achievement of a Group 1 victory in the 2022 Kingsford Smith Cup with Apache Chase. That top sprinter delivered a string of high-level performances under Forster’s guidance, retiring with nine wins from 26 starts and banking over $2.1 million. Forster’s attention to detail and her reputation for individual care are central reasons why owners Ron and Judy Wanless have entrusted her with Bold Bidder, a former Sydney galloper looking for a fresh start. The four-year-old by Fastnet Rock has seen a succession of stables since beginning his career with Bjorn Baker, moving from Kembla Grange to the Eagle Farm set-up of Matthew Hoysted, then briefly to Toowoomba with Troy Pascoe. After three unplaced runs for Pascoe, the Wanlesses opted for another change, sending Bold Bidder to a trainer they’ve worked with before – and one who knows how to turn a horse around. A second at Lismore over 1120 metres marked Bold Bidder’s debut for Forster, who now lines him up from barrier seven in Wednesday’s Class 2 Handicap at Ipswich. There’s no grand plan for the gelding, but Forster sees reason for optimism. “He’s a nice horse and there’s nothing wrong with him,” she said. “He was entered for two races at Ipswich, but Ron only runs from good barriers. There are no big plans for him and we’ll just see how he goes but he’s been working well so I’m hopeful he’ll run well.” The mutual trust between Forster and her long-time clients is evident. “I’ve known Ron and Judy a long time and I’ve trained quite a few horses for them,” Forster added. “They’re wonderful people to train for.” The stable’s day at Ipswich will also feature Queen Of Light, a four-year-old So You Think mare previously prepared by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman in Victoria. She made her first start for Forster at Lismore earlier this month, finishing a close fourth in a maiden. With the move north and Forster’s steady hand, connections are hoping she, too, will soon find her feet in Queensland company.
NEWFroggy Newitt Dazzles on Hobart Feature Card
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Front-running tactics and expert timing proved decisive for Craig ‘Froggy’ Newitt on Sunday at Hobart, where the in-form jockey stamped his authority with a clean sweep of the card’s three feature races and four wins overall. According to tasracing.com.au, the track’s bias towards on-speed runners only sharpened Newitt’s advantage, and he made the most of every opportunity on a day that rewarded bold intent. Newitt’s feature-race roll began in the Kevin Sharkie Lady Lynette, a compact field but one boasting depth. Sanniya, heavily favoured for her first Hobart assignment and lumping topweight, showed no signs of hesitation, seizing the lead from the jump. Despite a late challenge from Press For Boom, the 3YO filly maintained her composure, pulling clear for a comfortable win as Zany Girl finished third after missing the start. Looking ahead, the bulk of this field, including Sanniya, is expected to progress to the Group 3 Mystic Journey Stakes, where the set weights will further tilt conditions in her favour. Trainer Barry Campbell, clearly delighted, quipped that a lighter impost next start was “just what we wanted.” A short time later, the Geard Family Blackflash Stakes delivered a test of nerves. Newitt’s mount, Swift Force, had things her own way in front but caught her jockey off guard by shying at a shadow late, still having enough in reserve to win by more than a length over Prince of Khatun and Geegees Missile. In just her second outing, the lightly raced filly underscored the potential that prompted her connections to invest at last year’s Tasmanian Magic Millions Sale. “She’s still learning and did that on raw ability – she just needs more racing to polish her manners,” Newitt reflected. Momentum continued in the day’s longest feature, the Aviso TAS Insurance Brokers Summer Cup, where Newitt again dictated terms from the front, this time on Victorian visitor Bank Maur. A strong, sustained gallop saw off all comers, with Devonport Cup winner Asva and the honest Wineglass Bay chasing in vain as heavily backed favourite Ziryab was posted wide and faded late. Trainer Richard Laming now sets his sights on the Gr3 Hobart Cup, with Bank Maur primed to shoulder a bigger weight against even stiffer opposition after this commanding display. The program closed with Newitt guiding First Line to a well-judged victory for John Keys, bookending a day when the veteran rider’s mastery was plain for all to see. If Sunday is any indication, the road to Tasmania’s autumn features will run straight through the hands of Craig Newitt.
Craig Newitt put on a riding clinic (pic: tasracing.com.au)
NEWBirchley Hoping Luck Strikes a Third Time
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Queensland trainer Liam Birchley is no stranger to Karaka Millions 2YO raids, having lifted the trophy with Sister Havana in 2010 and Hardline in 2015. Now, he returns to Ellerslie with Dream Roca and Vanzadee, both bringing recent wins and positive reports from their final jumpouts at the Sunshine Coast. Both fillies earned their places the hard way, each winning last start and pleasing their trainer with sharp 1200m work. Birchley says he doesn’t specifically target this race with yearling purchases, instead letting the horses show him they deserve the trip. “They’ve both put their hands up,” he explains. “They’ve done everything right at home and on the water walker, and then blew out the cobwebs at the Sunshine Coast last week. I’m delighted to bring them over.” Dream Roca, by El Roca, cost $75,000 from Westbury Stud’s Book 2 draft at Karaka. Vanzadee, by Vanbrugh, was a $26,000 buy from HGT Bloodstock. Birchley can’t split them on recent work or race form. “They both went over 1200m, kept a good gallop, and looked right on target for Ellerslie,” he says. On paper, neither filly looks a pure sprinter – Dream Roca’s out of a Redwood mare, and Vanzadee’s pedigree also suggests distance – but Birchley notes both show good early speed and can sustain it, a vital asset for the high-pressure Karaka Millions. “These races are often won by horses who are strong at the finish. Both fillies fit that profile.” Birchley’s confidence is buoyed by the form around both runners. Vanzadee, after a tongue tie resolved earlier issues, beat Double Cool, who went on to place in the Gold Coast 2YO Classic. Dream Roca defeated Rarotonga, a winner over Vanzadee previously. “Their form ties in well,” Birchley adds. The fillies and their trainer arrived in New Zealand the Sunday before the race, aiming to get a look at Ellerslie in open trackwork and hoping for favourable barriers. “You really want to draw inside – the first 400 metres can be frantic and a wide alley makes life difficult.” As well as preparing his two fillies, Birchley will be coordinating a large group of Australian owners, with more than forty involved in Vanzadee, including his sister Colleen. Dream Roca’s owners include Mark Baker and former Ellerslie chief executive Cameron George. “It’s a great week for clients; New Zealand Bloodstock always puts on a fantastic show, and people love the behind-the-scenes access.” With both fillies thriving and their form stacking up, Birchley hopes luck and a good draw are the final ingredients for another memorable Karaka Millions tilt.
NEWCurlin 4YO Looking to Rewrite Pecking Order
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
A welcome return to familiar surroundings has marked the next chapter for Journalism, the star colt whose dazzling 3-year-old campaign made him a household name on both US coasts last season, reports bloodhorse.com. Back at Santa Anita following a refreshing winter spell at Bridlewood Farm in Florida, the multiple Grade 1 winner was out on the main track Saturday morning, jogging for the first time since shipping west. Trainer Michael McCarthy was quick to note his charge’s wellbeing: “It seemed like the ship went fine – he’s full of himself,” McCarthy said, adding, “Happy he’s back.” Few in the country could match the breadth of Journalism’s achievements last year. Alongside victories in the Santa Anita Derby and the Preakness, he swept the GI Haskell at Monmouth Park and the GII San Felipe at his home track. The only thing missing from a perfect record was a major classic win—he ran gallant seconds in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and the GI Pacific Classic, before closing the year with a credible fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, competing gamely against older rivals. Recognition followed swiftly, with Journalism being named a finalist for the Eclipse Award as North America’s outstanding 3-year-old male of 2025. The divisional prize, however, is tipped to land with east-coast star Sovereignty, who bagged five of six starts, including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Travers. McCarthy revealed that Journalism did not miss a beat during his break, staying in light training at Bridlewood and primed to resume galloping at Santa Anita within days. Longer-term plans are still fluid, though the Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga in June looms as a tantalizing early-season goal. “We’ll see how it goes here over the next couple of months. But yeah, that’s certainly something to think about,” McCarthy said. Owned by an elite syndicate headed by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bridlewood Farm, as well as Coolmore’s Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, Journalism embarks on his four-year-old season with a record of 11: 6-3-1 and $4,348,880 in the bank.
Ka Ying Rising Raises His Personal Bar Again
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
In a season where new benchmarks seemed inevitable, the record-breaking Ka Ying Rising has been crowned Timeform’s Horse of the Year for 2025, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. Under the guidance of David Hayes, last year’s Hong Kong Horse of the Year added Timeform’s Champion Sprinter title to an already dazzling CV. This New Zealand-bred phenomenon has amassed HK$122.57 million and boasts a remarkable 17 wins from 19 career starts, 16 of those in succession – a sequence that matches the legendary Golden Sixty and sits just one shy of Silent Witness’ all-time Hong Kong record. According to Timeform, Ka Ying Rising produced five performances rated 130 or higher during the season, headlined by a run of five Group 1 victories and two Group 2 triumphs. His unbeaten stretch of 16 straight wins will be put to the test again in the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on 25 January. David Hayes has made no secret of his admiration for the gelding’s rare blend of high cruising speed and relentless finishing power, saying, “He’s the best horse I’ve trained and he’ll be the best horse I’ve seen if he keeps going the way he is.” It was a year studded with milestones: Ka Ying Rising’s HK$3.72 million Class 1 Chief Executive’s Cup victory at Sha Tin, under regular pilot Zac Purton, earned a Timeform rating of 135, unmatched by any other Hong Kong performance in 2025. The campaign included an extraordinary international raid, with Ka Ying Rising not only conceding significant weight to his rivals in Hong Kong, but then becoming the first overseas horse to capture the world’s richest turf sprint, the $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick in Sydney (see below). His exploits also saw him eclipse a 17-year Sha Tin track record, lowering the 1200-metre turf mark to 1:07.43 before later improving to a sensational 1:07.20 in his first 2025 triumph – the Centenary Sprint Cup, launching a sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series. By the close of his five-year-old season, Ka Ying Rising had secured the Speed Series and the HK$5 million bonus, alongside wins in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, completing an unbeaten Hong Kong campaign for 2024/25. Only a select group, comprising Mr Vitality, Grand Delight, Silent Witness, and Lucky Sweynesse, have previously achieved the Speed Series treble. Elsewhere on the Timeform honours list, Calandagan was named Champion Middle-Distance performer (133), Field Of Gold took Champion Miler (127), Minnie Hauk was recognised as Champion Filly/Mare (127), and Trawlerman was named Champion Stayer (127). Timeform, established in 1948 by Phil Bull in Halifax, England, remains a highly respected voice in international racing analytics.
Dubawi Selected for First Via Sistina Mating
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Following confirmation on Sunday by owner Yulong and trainer Chris Waller that 12‑time Group 1 star and reigning Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) has been retired, racing.com has revealed her first mating will be to Darley Stud superstar stallion Dubai. The reasons for his selection are plentiful. One of them, no doubt, is his age – he was born in 2002 – and the reality that she may not get too many opportunities to be bred to him. A dual Cox Plate heroine and now one of the most significant racemares seen in Australia, Via Sistina’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable racing era. For those less immersed in the world of thoroughbred breeding, Dubawi’s reputation as a stallion stands tall among the international elite – a status earned through sustained brilliance both on the track and at stud. Bred in Ireland in 2002, Dubawi is by legendary Dubai Millennium out of distinguished mare Zomaradah. He wasted no time impressing, making his winning debut over 1200 metres at Goodwood in 2004, before quickly notching his first Group 1 win in the National Stakes. As a three-year-old, Dubawi added further lustre with victories in the Irish 2000 Guineas and Prix Jacques le Marois, ultimately finishing his racing days with five wins, including three at the top level, from eight starts, and with a Timeform rating of 129. His final race came with a runner-up effort to Starcraft in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Since retiring to Dalham Hall at Darley in 2006, Dubawi’s influence has only grown. Originally standing at £25,000, his service fee now commands £350,000 – a reflection of his extraordinary global impact. Over two decades, he has produced a staggering 1,390 winners from 1,843 runners, with his progeny accumulating more than $391 million in earnings. His legacy includes 316 stakes winners and 148 stakes placegetters, with a remarkable 63 at Group/Grade 1 level across Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Dubawi’s impact in the southern hemisphere is substantial. Notable Australian and New Zealand progeny include Srikandi, Secret Admirer, Tiger Tees, Shamal Wind, Happy Archer, and Willow Magic. Other homegrown talents – Ball Of Muscle, Catkins, Jungle Edge, and Arabian Gold—have added further gloss to his reputation. As a sire of sires, Dubawi’s reach is now generational. Night Of Thunder, Makfi, Poet’s Voice, Ghaiyyath, and Too Darn Hot have all made significant marks in Australia and New Zealand, with their own Group 1 winners and emerging stars, such as Broadsiding and Observer. As Via Sistina returns to the UK for her new role as a broodmare, the decision to send her to Dubawi underlines Yulong’s ambition and the ongoing quest to blend the world’s finest bloodlines. It’s a union of two global greats, each leaving an indelible mark on the modern thoroughbred with the potential to produce an exceptional foal together. Below is a collection of Via Sistina's dozen Group 1 triumphs, headed by her incomparable Cox Plate success in 2024.
Snitzel’s Industry Influence Continues in Spades
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Nearly seven months since his passing, Arrowfield Stud’s multiple champion sire Snitzel’s enduring influence continues to shape the Australian thoroughbred landscape – his legacy visible both in the sales ring and on the track. That legacy was underlined in emphatic fashion at the Gold Coast when his progressive 4YO daughter Snitzanova surged to victory in the $1 million Subzero on Magic Millions Raceday, handling her first test over 2200 metres with a powerful finishing effort. The race was not without its drama: Private Legacy and rider Jason Collett came down heavily, but both fortunately escaped without serious injury. For Snitzel, the triumph capped a remarkable week. Just a day earlier, he topped the Magic Millions Book 1 Sires’ table by aggregate, with 29 yearlings from his penultimate crop selling for a combined $19.98 million and averaging $688,966 each. His name adorned six of the sale’s fifteen lots to crack the $1 million mark, more than any other stallion and a personal best for Snitzel at Magic Millions. The $1.6 million filly from Madame Andree, knocked down to Hermitage Thoroughbreds from the Arrowfield draft, set a new high as the top-priced filly of the sale. Snitzanova’s share of the Subzero purse, meanwhile – worth $572,100 – propelled Snitzel to the top of the current Australian General Sires’ Premiership, with earnings of $12.2 million and seven stakes-winners this season. Fellow Arrowfield stallion The Autumn Sun, alongside Fastnet Rock, Zoustar, and Per Incanto, round out the upper echelon, each surpassing $10 million in prizemoney. Bred by Pacific King Pty Ltd from the Galileo mare Albanilla, Snitzanova hails from a line steeped in European class, counting champions like Alborada, Alpinista, and Albanova among her extended family. She was reared at Arrowfield and secured by Bennett Racing for $200,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions, the same sale that produced Moir Stakes winner Baraqiel. As the 2025/26 season reaches its midpoint, Snitzel’s remarkable career shows no sign of fading. Indeed, the current reigning Australian Black Type Stallion Premiership Champion (for the 2024-25 season) is currently again the leading sire on the industry’s alternative points-based (from stakes races) ladder.
Super-sire Snitzel is leading across a plethora of categories (pic: Arrowfield Stud)
Richardson/Norvall Ebullient Ahead of Saturday
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Optimism abounds at the Matamata stable of Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall after an eye-catching exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Friday left both trainers satisfied with the progress of Lollapalooza and Fleeting Star ahead of Saturday’s Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). According to NZ Racing Desk, the stablemates impressed as they breezed through 1000m in 1:01.56 on a newly upgraded soft 6 surface, closing off the final 600m in 34.98 with something in hand. Richardson felt the workout confirmed both fillies are right where they need to be ahead of their Ellerslie assignment. “It was very good work and confirmed that they’re on target for Ellerslie,” he said. “They’re both really fit, but I guess they need to be for what’s coming up.” Lollapalooza, back for her first start since running second to Well Written in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, continued her strong summer form when again filling the runner-up spot behind Tellum in the Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “She has put together a very good record in all the big races but she’s still learning, so she’ll be wearing vizor blinkers on Saturday,” Richardson added. Fleeting Star, meanwhile, underlined her credentials with a decisive maiden win at Ellerslie in December before sticking on gamely for third behind Tellum and Lollapalooza in the Eight Carat Classic. “We’ve always rated Fleeting Star and just lately she has really come to it. Blinkers have worked well for her and she’ll have them on again,” Richardson noted. With Opie Bosson, who rode her last start, committed to He Who Dares, star Queensland jockey Angela Jones has been engaged for the ride, having already impressed with her first Ellerslie appearance on New Year’s Day. “We’re lucky to be able to engage Angela for such a big race, and Vinnie (Colgan) will stay with Lollapalooza.” The fixed odds market is headed by unbeaten Well Written at $1.50, with Lollapalooza rated an $11 chance and Fleeting Star longer at $31. Beyond the headline act, the stable is hoping for a Karaka Millions 2YO start for State The Obvious, who sits 17th in the order of entry with $11,285 – three spots outside the 14-horse cut. “She’s a smart filly, so we’ve kept her up to the mark in the hope that she makes the cut,” Richardson said. “It won’t be the end of the world if she doesn’t, but if things were to work out in her favour we would be keen to see her run.”
Flemington Carnival Economic Benefit Surges
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
A record-breaking economic windfall has been confirmed for Victoria, with the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Carnival delivering a Gross Economic Benefit of $533 million – an all-time high and a six percent increase on the previous year’s figures. The iconic Carnival, which remains the centrepiece of Victoria’s major events calendar, has once again proven its immense value not just to the thoroughbred racing sector, but to the broader state and national economy. 2025’s Uplift was fuelled by rising attendance and engagement across the board, notably with Lexus Melbourne Cup Day alone driving $848 million in national economic activity, another six percent jump year-on-year, according to independent analysis by both IER and Quantum. In total, 71,690 visitors made their way to Victoria specifically for the event, the highest number recorded since 2017, underscoring the Carnival’s ongoing drawing power both domestically and abroad. Interstate and international participation soared to new heights. New South Wales visitors reached 40,272, the largest influx in six years and just shy of the 2019 record. New Zealand contributed 12,375 attendees, a level unseen for fifteen years, while Melbourne played host to racing fans from 37 different nations, marking the most diverse international audience since 2014. The visitor boom translated to robust economic gains in numerous sectors. Accommodation revenue topped $46.6 million from 248,500 commercial bed nights, while food and beverage takings reached $35.9 million. Fashion, grooming, and retail spending amounted to $63.4 million, driven by more than 343,000 fashion transactions in Victoria alone. Crucially, it’s estimated that 81 cents of every dollar spent by Melbourne Cup Carnival visitors benefits the wider Victorian economy, further cementing the event’s status as a statewide economic engine. Lexus Melbourne Cup Day’s influence extended far beyond Flemington, with a record 7.4 million Australians – more than a third of the adult population – engaging with the event in some way, whether by attending, watching, listening, or celebrating. In total, 11.7 million people across the country marked Melbourne Cup Day in 2025, highlighting the event’s position as both a sporting and cultural touchstone. Notably, the 18 to 29-year-old demographic showed dramatic growth for the third consecutive year, with 68,288 attending across the Carnival week – a 24.8 percent jump since 2023 and a 49.5 percent surge since 2019, reaching levels not seen since 2015. This uptick speaks to the Carnival’s evolving appeal and its continued resonance with younger audiences. VRC CEO Kylie Rogers said, “These figures confirm the Melbourne Cup Carnival's position as one of Victoria's most valuable major events. A $533 million economic impact, our highest on record, demonstrates the Carnival's vital contribution to the state's economy.” Rogers also emphasised the event’s capacity to bring people together across Australia and the globe, generating significant commercial returns while transcending racing itself. VRC Chairman Neil Wilson echoed these sentiments, calling the Carnival “one of Australia’s premier major events,” and attributing its success to strategic focus and strong government and industry support. For Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, the $533 million economic contribution “highlights the strength and global standing of Victoria’s thoroughbred sector.” Meanwhile, Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos added, “These record results highlight the Melbourne Cup's ability to attract visitors from interstate and overseas, drive tourism and showcase Victoria on the world stage.” Watch the full suite of Melbourne Carnival Group 1 events below.
MMGC Book 2 Rockets Past 2025 KPIs
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Momentum built steadily through the final day of Book Two at Magic Millions, with over $9.2 million changing hands as 179 yearlings went through the ring. The average price per lot reached $51,466 (up 13% vs 2025), the median price reached $52,500 (up 18% vs 2025) and the clearance rate topped 84 percent, capping off an intense week of trading on the Gold Coast. Combined results from Book One and Book Two showed more than $212.8 million in gross sales, with 932 lots averaging just over $228,000 apiece. It marked a robust conclusion to one of the biggest weeks on the Australasian yearling calendar. Reflecting on the session, Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch felt the single-day format for Book Two had proved a resounding success. “I thought today for Book Two was a really solid day. The one-day format worked very well,” he said. “The vendors received it well. They all had their horses in to parade on Friday and Saturday and also this morning [Sunday].” Buyers and sellers alike noted the lively energy around the complex, with new faces among the crowd and a strong sense of support for the catalogue on offer. “The vibe and the new faces on the results sheet across the day was great – a new influx of buyers and they really supported the sale,” Bowditch observed. “The numbers today were great. We've got a gross over $9.2 million and a clearance over 84 percent.” Fewer horses catalogued this year did nothing to dampen the mood, and if anything, sharpened competition and helped the format deliver a strong result. “To have 140 less horses and have a really healthy and solid day, it's turned out a good format. It was really solid and ends the sale well,” Bowditch said. The broader Magic Millions carnival earned plenty of plaudits, with Bowditch declaring it “the most incredible carnival,” highlighting the vibrant atmosphere from the Gold Raceday and Polo, to the Barrier Draw and signature raceday itself. He also paid tribute to his staff whose input was invaluable at such a large and lengthy event: “My team at Magic Millions have worked tirelessly and helped deliver the most remarkable event – I am so proud of them all.”
Ottebre Play Snares Magics Book 2 Blueblood
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Sometimes it takes patience and a touch of nerve to secure the standout lot on a major sale day, and that was precisely the approach that paid off for Cape Schanck Stud on Sunday. The well-regarded Victorian operation, managed by the Ottobre family, landed the top seller of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale’s Book Two session with their successful bid of $270,000 for a filly by Blue Diamond Stakes winner Tagaloa. Offered as Lot 1113 by Yulong, the filly immediately drew attention thanks to both her physique and her pedigree. Not only is she by a stallion who himself was sourced from this very sale ring, but her dam is a winning full sister to Extreme Choice – a name that now resonates in the breeding world as one of Australia’s hottest sires and a fellow Blue Diamond and Moir Stakes winner. Extreme Choice’s influence was felt earlier in the week when one of his fillies from Kingstar Farm fetched $2 million in Book One. For Tony Ottobre, whose Jenni-branded runners have become a familiar sight at the top level, most notably with the dashing Pride of Jenni, securing the Tagaloa filly felt like smart business. “I was after some value,” Ottobre reflected after the purchase, “but obviously the other guys were on her as well. She’s a nice filly and I thought she was a strong enough horse to bid that high. I paid a fair price for her.” Meanwhile, local trainer Jay Bellamy also managed to strike late in the session, going to $200,000 for the full sister to last year’s Magic Millions National 2YO Classic winner Isti Star. The filly, catalogued as Lot 1077 and consigned by Yarramalong Park, is out of a Redoute’s Choice half-sister to Group 1 winner Rewaaya. Bellamy summed up the challenge succinctly: “It’s tougher for us little fellas, but we got lucky today and got one. That was our last bid, so we were lucky.”
Extreme Choice is a full-brother to the dam of the Tagaloa colt (pic: Mark Gatt)
Minervi Confident Ahead of Port Macquarie
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
There is a sense of purpose about the way preparations have come together for Newcastle trainer Mark Minervi’s team ahead of Friday’s Port Macquarie fixture, with several runners arriving at the meeting off carefully managed programs and strong recent work, reports racingnsw.com.au. The feature sprint headlines a day where opportunity presents itself more than once for a stable enjoying a productive run of form. Tickle Me Pink is set to contest the afternoon’s main event, the $65,000 Panthers Port Macquarie Queen of the North (1200m), marking a return for the Vancouver mare who has been seen only six times but already owns two wins and two placings. She resumes after a close-up third at Newcastle in August, and her trainer has been pleased with the way she has progressed through two gentle barrier trials. “She is a tough mare who loves her racing,” Mark Minervini said. “She wasn’t knocked about but is ready to go at Port Macquarie.” Eyes are also on the Provincial-Midway Championships later in the season, but Friday’s assignment is viewed as an ideal launching pad. “Luke Rolls has won on her twice and knows her well, so he’ll be riding her at Port,” Minervini revealed. In the Panthers Port Macquarie AFL Magpies Maiden Plate (1200m), unraced Graffiq Valley will step out for the first time. The Graff gelding has turned heads in his trials, flashing home from last to win his latest hit-out. “Christian Reith rode him and was very bullish about his future when he jumped off,” Minervini noted. The half-brother to Quick Tempo could be one to watch over time. Rose of Dubai, meanwhile, lines up in the Panthers Port Macquarie Sharks Rugby League Club Class 1 Handicap (1200m) after an uncharacteristic performance last start, prompting a change in routine. “We’ve taken her to the beach and that seems to have sharpened her up; she is in good order for Friday,” said Minervini. Castelle tackles the Panthers Group 3 Junior Rugby League Maiden Plate (1500m) following a much-improved effort at Taree, while Pratt brings speed and recent trial success to the Tapp Bar-Panthers Benchmark 66 Handicap (1100m). With five live chances, the stable is entitled to be bubbling with expectation.
Yarradale-Amelia Park Alliance on Point
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
Partnerships in racing often hinge on timing and trust, and the alliance between Yarradale Stud and Amelia Park is delivering in spades this season, according to tbwa.net.au. Their latest venture, a Pinatubo filly bought on Day 3 of the Gold Coast Magic Millions for $200,000, arrived with a wave of optimism – and the racing gods seemed to be smiling. Just hours after the hammer fell, her elder half-brother Hubble’s Dragon posted an impressive maiden win at Pinjarra, a result that only heightened expectations for what’s to come. Yarradale’s move into the major yearling market this year was deliberate, with owner Lyn Sayers and stud manager Davy Hanratty signaling their intent to remain active through the autumn, including at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. The Pinatubo–Longduan filly first caught the Hanrattys’ attention last month in the Hunter Valley, where Segenhoe Stud was preparing her on behalf of Amelia Park. “We both fell in love with her straightaway,” Hanratty recalled. “She’s a beautiful walking filly and presented perfectly in the sale-ring.” The subsequent win by Hubble’s Dragon later that same day only reinforced their sense of timing. “Then to have Hubble’s Dragon win his maiden like a very promising horse four hours later was a bonus.” The Pinjarra meeting proved fruitful for Yarradale bloodlines beyond Hubble’s Dragon. Mistress Of War, a six-year-old mare by War Chant, also saluted for the stud in the Peter McKean Handicap over 1700 metres, continuing a strong run of results that recently included victories for Playing God progeny Parish Prince and Vatican Storm. Hanratty was quick to emphasise the importance of the collaboration with Amelia Park’s Peter Walsh. “Peter is a Group 1 breeder and he kept a share in the Pinatubo filly,” he noted. “We’re also partners in Toropa, who won her first five at Belmont and the Jungle Dawn at Ascot last month.” Toropa, a Toronado mare bred and sold by Amelia Park for $230,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions, has now earned $354,000 on the track, with considerable residual value still to come for Walsh and his partners, including Brian Bradley, John Cipriani, Lyn Sayers, Dave Harris, Bill Willcox, Jeff Mouritz, Mark Wilson, and David Ryan.
The Pinatubo-Longduan filly was consigned (as agent) by Segenhoe (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
