Tuesday, 31st March 2026
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  • Too Darn Hot Colt Tops Easter Day Two

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    A remarkable close to the Easter Yearling Sale at Riverside has reinforced the strength of the global bloodstock market, with a Too Darn Hot colt commanding top billing on Day 2 amid a flurry of seven-figure transactions. Against a backdrop of broader economic uncertainty, the sale delivered a record-breaking average and a striking depth of international demand, underlining the resilience of elite stock at the very top end. The headline act came when Sir Andrew and Lady Madeleine Lloyd Webber’s Watership Down operation combined with Johnny McKeever and the Waterhouse/Bott partnership to secure the standout colt for $2.2 million from Widden Stud. The purchase capped a competitive bidding contest and reflected the colt’s standing as one of the most sought-after yearlings on the grounds. Widden’s Antony Thompson acknowledged both the intensity of the contest and the broader success of the sale. “It’s a lot of money, it’s fantastic, that was a wonderful result and to see the joy and delight for the Watership Down, Johnny McKeever and Gai and Adrian partnership to win that titanic bidding battle was really cool,” he said. “It’s been an incredible week, an amazing two days of selling.” Confidence from buyers was matched by satisfaction among vendors, many of whom arrived with some uncertainty given the global climate. Thompson noted those concerns were quickly dispelled. “We came here with what we thought was an incredible draft…we had some anxiousness with where the market might be at but it’s just been a stunning set of results right across the board. We’re so proud.” From the buyer’s side, the appeal of the colt was immediate. Watership Down’s Simon Marsh said, “To be honest with you, from the first time I saw him I said to Johnny ‘we’re going to have to have this horse’, he was just so exceptional.” McKeever echoed that sentiment, adding, “I just didn’t want to lose him because my whole week centred around him…he was simply the best yearling on the grounds I thought.” Beyond the headline lot, the broader statistics painted an equally compelling picture. A total of 26 yearlings sold for $1 million or more across the two days, surpassing last year’s mark, while the average climbed to a record $464,108. Buyers from across the globe were active, with participation spanning China, the United States, Europe, Asia and Australasia, reinforcing the sale’s international reach. Among the other highlights were two colts that each realised $2 million, including an Extreme Choice colt purchased by Yulong and trainer Matt Laurie, and a Snitzel colt closely related to a recent Group 1 star secured by a major ownership partnership. Across the board, demand remained focused on quality, with buyers prepared to compete strongly for the best individuals. As the curtain fell, Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch reflected on both the commercial success and the effort required to deliver it. He described the sale as a testament to the commitment of vendors, buyers and the Inglis team, noting that despite external pressures, the outcome would likely prove a significant source of future top-class performers.

    Enbihaar is the dam of Day 2's Too Darn Hot colt (pic: Mark Gatt)
  • Signiicant Depth the Key to Easter Success

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Depth rather than a single headline result defined the Easter Yearling Sale’s second day at Riverside, with a sustained run of high-end transactions reinforcing the strength of the market for elite bloodstock. While a Too Darn Hot colt set the tone as the leading lot (see above), the broader picture was one of consistency, competition and international engagement across the catalogue. A record average of $464,108 provided the clearest indicator of the sale’s strength, supported by an extraordinary 26 lots achieving seven-figure prices. Those horses were spread across 18 different buying entities, representing a wide geographic footprint that included investors from China, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and throughout Australia. Such diversity highlighted the depth of the buying bench and the enduring appeal of the Australian marketplace. At a stallion level, Snitzel once again asserted his commercial dominance, with 32 of his progeny generating more than $19 million in aggregate. However, it was Extreme Choice who led on average, with nine of his ten offerings selling at a remarkable $1,561,111, including seven individual million-dollar results. That concentration of quality underscored the premium placed on proven sires with elite performance credentials. Among the standout transactions was the Extreme Choice colt from Giza Goddess, purchased by Yulong and trainer Matt Laurie for $2 million. Breeder Steve O’Connor admitted the result exceeded expectations. “It’s nerve-racking but we thought this was the best place to advertise this colt and it couldn’t have worked out any better,” he said. “Extreme Choice is the top stallion and he just kept getting better and better and the stars aligned for this sale.” Yulong’s Jun Zhang outlined the appeal from a buyer’s perspective. “He’s the one we definitely had to buy. He ticked all the boxes, he moves well and has a very strong body and we believe he could be a very good racehorse in the future.” Another highlight came with the sale of a Snitzel colt closely related to a Group 1-winning performer, secured by a partnership involving James Harron. Harron was emphatic in his assessment. “Pedigree aside, we just thought he was an awesome horse and we’re delighted to get a horse of that calibre,” he said, adding that the overall strength of the sale reflected both quality stock and genuine buying depth. Leading vendor honours went to Arrowfield by gross, while Newgate achieved the highest average, and Andrew Williams Bloodstock topped the buyers’ list by spend. As the figures were tallied, the underlying message remained clear: when presented with the right product, the market continues to respond with conviction.
  • Streisand Could Be Singing in The Rain

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Not many  juvenile fillies in recent seasons have assembled a résumé as compelling as Streisand, and the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner may yet add another Group 1 target to her autumn campaign at Randwick this weekend. The daughter of deceased Widden Victoria sire Magnus has already stamped herself as the leading two-year-old on the Australian Black Type Premiership for 2025–26 after claiming the Blue Diamond and finishing runner-up in the Gr1 Golden Slipper behind Guest House. Originally set for the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes on Day 2 of The Championships, trainer Clinton McDonald is now weighing up a potential late switch to the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400m. Both races carry $1 million prizemoney, though the Percy Sykes is restricted to fillies, while the Sires’ offers a set weights contest against colts with a favourable allowance. McDonald said the final call would hinge on a key gallop. “Streisand is well. There’ll be a decision made tomorrow (Tuesday) on whether we go to the Sires’ Produce or whether we go to the Percy Sykes,” he told SEN’s Giddy Up With Gareth Hall. “Ben Melham’s coming up to gallop her in the morning and we’ll make a call after we watch her work.” The potential appeal of the Sires’ lies in both the race shape and the weights. “I do like the Sires’ because she gets a two-kilo weight allowance off the colts and I think it’ll only be a field of six or seven, so it could be a softly-run race,” McDonald said, pointing to the alternative scenario. “Whereas the Percy Sykes, she’s virtually got to carry 60 kilos – it’s a 55kg handicap base and she for her winning a Group 1, she carries a five-kilo penalty.” Streisand has remained in Sydney since her Golden Slipper effort on March 21 and has shown no signs of regression following that demanding run. “She’s been in Sydney the whole time,” McDonald said. “She’s in great order, you wouldn’t even know she had a hard run (in the Slipper), she hasn’t left an oat.” Should connections elect to take on the colts, McDonald is confident the filly will cope with both the rise to 1400m and the Randwick circuit. “I don’t think it’s an issue. I think everyone saw her run in the Slipper and how strong she was at the end of 1200 metres, going at that tempo. At 1400 metres around Randwick, going at a nice even tempo, I think she will be strong late.” A late entry fee of $22,000 on Tuesday will be required if she is redirected to the Sires’, adding another layer to a decision that will shape her autumn path. Rain is forecast for Saturday at Randwick, however given her Slipper performance (see below) on a soft track, whatever race she runs in connections at least know she will handle the surface.

  • Top Three Finish Non-Negotiable at Newcastle

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Another crack at the Provincial-Midway Championships Final is firmly on the agenda, with Lord Of Biscay being primed by Kris Lees to go one better than his gallant runner-up finish in last year's edition. However, before any thoughts of redemption at Randwick can take shape, racingnsw.com.au reports the six-year-old must first secure his place via Tuesday's $150,000 Wild Card at Newcastle, where a top-three finish over 1400m is required to progress. Lees is also looking to strengthen his hand beyond current representative Miss Busslinger, with stablemate Imposant set to have another opportunity to qualify. Lord Of Biscay has been tuned for the task following a solid return when charging home into third in a Newcastle qualifier last month. A gear adjustment has since been made, with a tongue tie applied in an effort to sharpen his finish. "He's appreciated it in trackwork, he can be a touch weak late so we thought it might be something to address," Lees said. He remains encouraged by the gelding's recent efforts and believes circumstances have previously worked against him. "I thought his return run was sound and he is a horse that didn't have a great deal of luck in a Big Dance so he could easily measure up." Conditions appear to be aligning more favourably this time, with the spacing between runs and the expansive Newcastle layout both expected to suit. Lees was direct in outlining the task ahead. "The gap between runs will suit him and I think the bigger track suits him. If he can't run one, two, three then he doesn't deserve to be there." A change in rider sees Dylan Gibbons take over from his father Andrew, although a wide draw presents another challenge to navigate. In contrast, Imposant has come up with the inside gate as she looks to build on her recent performances. The mare resumed with a fourth in a Hawkesbury qualifier before finishing fifth in the Group 3 Newcastle Stakes, and was deliberately kept fresh for this assignment. "I nearly ran Imposant on Saturday but the 20 alley as opposed to the one sways us," Lees said. "It's better than her being right out the back and maybe she can hold a midfield spot." Lees noted her closing effort last start was encouraging despite the race shape working against her. "She was out the back on a slow speed last start and still hit the line so with a nice gate she could be a sneaky chance there." With five wins in the race across its 11-year history, Lees knows exactly what is required, and with Matcha Latte again looming as the benchmark, the path to redemption begins at home.
  • Lindsay Park Filly Can Sting Again in Oaks

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Plans are taking shape for the Australasian Oaks next month, with Stung emerging as a leading contender after an authoritative display in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes at Morphettville. According to racenet.com.au, the Lindsay Park-trained filly produced a polished performance under Luke Currie, who kept her tucked away along the rail before easing into clear running at the 300m. From there she showed a sharp turn of foot, putting the race beyond doubt to score by 1.75-lengths over Oak Park Maddison. It was a performance that underlined both her raw ability and her continued development, particularly given her relative inexperience. "She's exciting. She was quite dynamic then, settled really well (and) was never going to get beat," Currie said. He noted the filly had shown signs of greenness earlier in her career, particularly around the start, but had taken another step forward. "She's only lightly raced and fairly inexperienced. She's been a bit sticky out (the gates) a couple of times, but she flew the machines today and could have put herself anywhere – she's learning. She looks like she's very progressive." The daughter of Arrowfield stallion Dundeel has now done enough to convince connections to press on toward the $1 million Australasian Oaks over 2000m, one of the highlights of the Adelaide Racing Carnival. Lindsay Park representative Jasmine Allen confirmed the filly would remain in South Australia in the lead-up, having settled in well since her arrival earlier in the week. "She's travelled down really well, done everything right so far and to see her come out and win like that was fantastic," Allen said. "That's the plan (the Oaks). We've got her rider coming across on Monday and she'll be staying here." Stung is currently based with local trainer Stuart Gower for her Adelaide stint, with Allen also acknowledging the support of the Rupert Legh group and wider connections. Her victory formed part of a broader Victorian presence across the stakes races on the program, with Shadhavar also making an impression in the Listed Matrice Stakes. Trained by Tom Dabernig, the mare was rated perfectly in front by Jacob Opperman before holding off Power Beau to score by a length, adding to her recent success in the Magic Millions SA 3&4YO Classic. Assistant trainer Dara O'Meara indicated further Adelaide targets were now under consideration. "It's every possible that we can see her back over here again, whether it's for the Sangster or the Proud Miss – it looks right up her street," she said, suggesting the carnival could provide additional opportunities for the stable.

  • Mind the Gap as Syndicator Rolls the Dice

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Few syndicators get a week like Roll The Dice Racing which now finds itself riding a wave that could yet grow even larger at Randwick on Saturday. Only days after Guest House delivered the group's biggest moment by capturing the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, the colt's future was further enhanced when Coolmore struck a multi-million-dollar deal to stand the son of Home Affairs at stud once his racing career ends. For Roll The Dice Racing director Steve Travaglia, it has been a validation of both judgment and persistence in a game where neither guarantees reward. "It's an exciting time for the business," Travaglia told racing.com. "They don't come around very often, but you need these things just to underline what you're doing and knowing that you're going to the sales and you're buying the right horses. It doesn't always work out, for one reason or another, and you need a lot of luck. It does give us the confidence to know that we're doing the right thing." Now the focus shifts to Wolf Gap, another promising juvenile carrying the syndicator's colours into elite company. The Palace Pier colt will attempt to follow Guest House's lead in the Group 1 Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m on the opening day of The Championships, with early markets placing him on the third line of betting at $8. "Two Group 1s in a fortnight would be something else, it would be awesome," Travaglia said. "He's going really well." Connections had initially considered the Baillieu Stakes at Rosehill as a lead-up, but the plan was altered in favour of a trial at Randwick on Friday. Handled by Mark Zahra over 1050m on a Heavy 8 surface, Wolf Gap closed off soundly behind the Group 3-winning filly Medicinal, convincing the team to head straight to the major target. "We're going to go straight into the Sires' with him," Travaglia said. "We think he likes a bit of give in the ground, but we were worried about Rosehill being Heavy on Saturday for the Baillieu." While the comparisons with Guest House are inevitable, Travaglia sees two very different colts taking shape. "They're different horses. You look at them and they're different, physically," he said. "The reports coming from the Freedmans are that he will eventually eat up a mile and he could be a Caulfield Guineas-type horse in the spring, whereas Guest House is probably going to be that Coolmore Stud Stakes-type horse, I'd be thinking. It's nice to have two horses that people are talking about." Bred by Arrowfield Stud and Cloros Bloodstock, Wolf Gap was purchased for $280,000 from Arrowfield's draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is out of the winning Snitzel mare Bandol and is a half-brother to Katsumi Orochi.
  • Newnham’s Run of Success is Not Abating

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    A further surge up the Hong Kong trainers’ premiership table gathered pace at Sha Tin on Sunday as Mark Newnham produced a treble to reclaim top spot during a remarkable March run. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, the Australian handler has enjoyed a breakthrough month, highlighted by his first victory in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby earlier in March and a five-timer at Happy Valley on March 18. Sunday’s trio of winners pushed his season tally to 45, giving him a two-win buffer over Caspar Fownes, with Danny Shum close behind on 41. Ace set the tone when finally breaking through in the Class 5 Chung Chi Alumni Handicap over 1400m under Jerry Chau, who would go on to complete a double on the card. The gelding had shown encouraging signs prior to the race and Newnham believes there is further upside to come. “I think he’s better than Class 5,” he said. “He galloped very well during the week. He drew a good gate, Jerry gave him an excellent ride, and I think that’ll help the horse’s confidence. He won with a bit of authority so I think there’s still improvement to come.” Max Que followed with a deserved first win in Class 2 company, taking out the Shaw Alumni Handicap over 1600m under Alexis Badel. The five-year-old has now won four races and finished in the placings in all nine starts this season, underlining his reliability. “The horse has been very consistent this season – he’s just a really solid horse,” Newnham said. “Today, with a nice light weight, and a good stalking ride from Alexis, it was a really good run. At the start of the season, I probably didn’t think it was going to be a Class 2 winner. So, I’m happy what he’s achieved so far. You can send him out there and know he’s going to do his best. If that’s good enough to keep winning, great, but he’s had a fantastic season.” Ever Luck completed the treble in the Class 4 Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap over 1000m, with the three-year-old son of Capitalist making full use of his natural speed under James Orman. The gelding has now won two of his five starts and appears best suited to sprint trips. “He’s always had natural speed, so with the blinkers back on and dropped to 1000m, we just decided to play to his asset,” Newnham said. “He’s struggled previously at 1200m carrying [weight], but I thought today, with the blinkers on, he just had to use the outside fence as his guide and use that speed. As a three-year-old, I think the 1000m trip is as far as he wants to go. He won’t have too many more runs this season.”

    Newnham's Treble

    A treble has given Newnham a two win buffer (pic: hkjc.com)
  • The World is Constitution Hill's Oyster

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    Plans are beginning to take shape for an ambitious campaign following a successful return to the Flat, with Constitution Hill firmly back in the spotlight after his latest appearance at Kempton, reports racingpost.com. The eight-time Grade 1 winner, best known for his exploits over hurdles, justified strong favouritism to claim a 1m4f novice stakes despite a steadily run race, prompting trainer Nicky Henderson to outline a potentially expansive autumn programme. A next step has already been identified, with the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury on April 18 emerging as the most likely target. Henderson confirmed discussions with Ryan Moore had reinforced that direction. "The John Porter would be the right race. We discussed it with Ryan Moore again on Thursday morning. The distance is good and we don't need to go up in trip, even though Ryan said we could go down. We don't need to go up at the moment and Newbury seems the natural place." Beyond that immediate assignment, options remain fluid, with Henderson open to opportunities across Europe. "The handicap option would be the Ebor but there's races in France, Ireland, Germany. We've got a programme book and a passport, they're the two essential ingredients. That's part of the fun. One career is over but we're going to enjoy this. A lot of people seem to be enjoying it too, which is terrific." Among the races under consideration are the Irish St Leger and the Prix Royal-Oak, underlining the flexibility now afforded to the horse following his switch in focus. A summer break is also under consideration, with Henderson mindful of the workload already placed on the horse since returning to training in October. "At some stage we'd definitely like to have a break. He was galloping in October to get ready for the Fighting Fifth so we need to space it out. He's not going to [Royal] Ascot so we might keep him fresh for an autumn campaign but where that's going to be I have no idea." That approach reflects a desire to manage him carefully after a sequence of jumping runs that culminated in falls, effectively closing that chapter of his career. His presence at Kempton drew an unusually strong midweek crowd of 1,477, a reflection of his popularity and the intrigue surrounding this new phase. Henderson was encouraged not just by the result, but by the horse's demeanour. "Wednesday was a great day and made you feel a lot of things. Everybody felt good and he's back and happy. He's got a great temperament, he eats, sleeps and is very straightforward like all the Blue Bresils." That adaptability was again evident on the track, with Henderson noting his tactical versatility. "You could make the running or put him away, he doesn't need the education because he knows more about racing than most of us do."

  • Kiwi Expatriate Hoop Ready for NSW Return

    Tuesday, 31st March 2026
    A return shaped by personal loss has become a rewarding chapter for Rory Hutchings, whose latest stint in New Zealand has blended healing with renewed success in the saddle, reports racingnews.co.nz. After losing his mother late last year, the Australian-based jockey returned home to spend time with family, extending his stay while continuing to ride. What began as a short visit soon took on deeper meaning. “I wasn’t initially coming out for as long as I did,” Hutchings said. “I only came over because of family reasons, we lost Mum before Christmas, and I thought I may as well stay for a little bit and ride. I thought it was quite important to come back and be around them (family), and it has helped me out as well.” The trip proved productive on the track as well. Hutchings added another elite race to his tally when guiding Kingswood to victory in the Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, a race that holds special significance for him. More than a decade earlier, he had claimed his first Group One in the same event aboard Soriano, making the return success all the more meaningful. “I was lucky to find Kingswood and get that Group 1,” he said. “That race holds a special place in my heart being my first Group 1 win all those years ago and it was good to do it again. It’s the day after Christmas so it is always a good time of year.” Hutchings maintained that momentum across the summer, finishing with 13 wins and adding a further stakes success aboard Geneva in the Manawatu Classic at Trentham. The result carried added weight as it delivered trainer Kylie Hoskin her first stakes victory. “He obviously had good form going into it and he was dominant yesterday,” Hutchings said. “It was really cool seeing the emotion on her. I didn’t know until after the race that it was her first stakes winner and she has done a great job with that horse.” A suspension delayed his return to Sydney riding, though the broader trip had already delivered its rewards. Beyond the results, Hutchings said the experience reinforced the appeal of New Zealand’s racing environment and lifestyle balance. Now preparing to re-establish himself in New South Wales, he remains open to future visits. “New South Wales has been my home for 11 years now,” he said. “I like the challenge of New South Wales racing and the money is second to none over there. We can ride just about every day if we want to, so it is a good lifestyle. I will play it by ear (summer), I am just focussed on New South Wales at this stage.”

    Rory Hutchings

    Rory Hutchings won a Group 3 aboard Geneva last Saturday (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)

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