Monday, 18th May 2026
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Global Breeding, Racing and Sales News

  • NEW Golden Slipper Heroine Lady of Camelot Retired

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    An injury sustained in freak circumstances has brought the racing career of Golden Slipper heroine Lady Of Camelot to an early conclusion, with connections confirming the talented Written Tycoon mare will now head to the breeding barn instead of pursuing ambitious winter and international targets. The four-year-old, prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock operation, had been set to contest Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000 before a possible campaign at Royal Ascot, but those plans were abandoned following a stingray incident earlier this month. According to racing.com, while connections initially indicated a final decision regarding her future would be delayed until her recovery progressed, it has now been confirmed the daughter of Written Tycoon has run her final race. Go Bloodstock director Steve O’Connor said the mare was recovering positively and should soon leave veterinary care, though the timing of the injury ultimately forced a broader reassessment of her future. “She is recovering well and we expect her to be released from the vet clinic in the coming days,” O’Connor said. “The injury rules her out of the Brisbane Winter Carnival and Ascot, which is a shame as she was well. “Ascot was the final frontier for her as a Slipper winner, so she will be retired from racing now.” Lady Of Camelot retires as one of the standout fillies of her generation after a career that yielded two victories from 14 starts and earnings just shy of $6 million. Both of her wins came during her juvenile season, highlighted by a brilliant triumph in the 2024 Golden Slipper at Rosehill and an earlier success in the Group 3 Widden Stakes. She also placed in several major Group 1 contests, including the Blue Diamond Stakes as a two-year-old before later filling placings in the Moir Stakes, Coolmore Stud Stakes, Surround Stakes and Coolmore Classic. Beyond her racetrack accomplishments, Lady Of Camelot possesses a pedigree that ensures she will command enormous interest as a broodmare prospect should Go Bloodstock decide to offer her for sale. She is out of the Listed-winning Fastnet Rock mare Miss Debutante, whose extraordinary production record already includes Group winners Queen Of The Ball and Platinum Jubilee. Platinum Jubilee was sold to Coolmore for $3.5 million at last year’s Magic Millions National Sale, while Queen Of The Ball remains within the Go Bloodstock broodmare band and already has an Extreme Choice colt on the ground. O’Connor said Sir Owen Glenn would determine over the coming weeks whether Lady Of Camelot remains within the operation or is offered commercially. He noted, “We of course would only consider a sale if the price was right, given we own all the immediate female family..."

    Lady of Camelot

    Lady of Camelot is worth a mint (pic: Steve Hart)

  • NEW Racing in SA Contributes $729m to Local Economy

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Fresh economic data has reinforced the enormous role racing continues to play across South Australia, with the combined thoroughbred, harness and greyhound industries now contributing $729.3 million annually to the state economy while supporting more than 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Detailed in the latest Economic, Social & Community Benefits of the South Australian Racing Industry report compiled by sports industry specialists IER, the findings paint a picture of an industry extending far beyond raceday activity, touching regional communities, employment, tourism and charitable support networks throughout the state. Commissioned jointly by South Australia's three racing codes, the 2024/25 report found the industry directly generated $589.1 million in expenditure, with wages, salaries and profits delivering a value-added impact of $294.7 million before indirect economic flow-on effects lifted the overall contribution to $729.3 million. Thoroughbred racing accounted for the lion's share at $519.1 million, while greyhound racing contributed $131.2 million and harness racing added a further $79 million. Employment figures also continued to trend upward, with direct full-time equivalent roles increasing by more than three per cent to 2,914 and total direct and indirect employment climbing to 5,041 positions. Participation across the industry also rose strongly, with 16,314 people now involved as employees, volunteers or participants, representing a 5.6 per cent increase on the previous year. More than 266,000 attendances were recorded across 805 race meetings statewide, while owners competed for in excess of $73 million in prizemoney across the three codes. Importantly, the report highlighted the significance of racing within regional South Australia, where 36 per cent of the industry's economic impact is generated and where more than half of all participants are based. The study also detailed the broader social footprint of racing, noting clubs across the state provide financial assistance, facilities and event support to more than 120 community organisations and charities. Racing SA chairman Rob Rorrison said the figures validated the industry's importance to both the state economy and community life. "This strength is being reflected at every level of thoroughbred racing in South Australia, including in our field sizes, which, at 10.8 starters per race, are the best in the nation," Rorrison said. "The strategic path we are taking to grow our industry is benefiting not only racing but also our state as a whole." Greyhound Racing SA chair David Lewis said the report underlined the often-under-appreciated reach of the industry across employment and local communities. "It makes us even more determined to ensure greyhound racing can continue to deliver these returns for our industry and for the communities that rely on us for the critical economic, employment and social outcomes that racing delivers," Lewis said. Harness Racing SA chair Carlo D'Ortenzio added that the findings strengthened confidence around the future sustainability of harness racing in the state and the next generation entering the sport.

  • NEW Age Not Wearying Evergreen Western Empire

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    A paucity of racehorses sustain relevance at the elite level deep into their veteran years, but Western Empire again underlined his durability and class with a first-up victory in Saturday's Group 3 Belmont Sprint at Belmont, pushing his earnings beyond $3.5 million and adding yet another feature success to an already decorated career. The now eight-year-old son of Iffraaj returned from a break dating back to December and produced the familiar fighting qualities that have defined his time in Western Australia, claiming the A$200,000 feature for a second time and recording the 11th black-type victory of his career. His résumé already included triumphs in the Group 1 Railway Stakes and Group 2 Western Australian Derby in 2021, along with multiple Group 3 and Listed wins, and despite advancing age, the Grant and Alana Williams-trained gelding showed he remains highly competitive against younger rivals. Sent out as favourite after strong late support pushed him ahead of emerging contender Smooth Chino in betting, Western Empire endured a far from comfortable passage in the early stages when the speed slackened abruptly, forcing regular rider William Pike to steady his mount sharply as the gelding briefly threw his head in the air. Pike was able to regroup quickly, settling one off the rail in sixth position before easing into the race approaching the home turn. Once balanced in the straight, Western Empire quickly reeled in Smooth Chino before setting out after the leader Rope Them In, gradually wearing him down to prevail by a neck in the final strides. "It was a scrappy sort of race," Pike said. "The leaders shot across and got their positions real quick and easy and then put the handbrake on. "But I was happy to bide my time, stay out of what was happening ahead of me and just get into the clear. "I always felt like I was going to win, but Rope Them In is a good horse and it's hard to pass him." Pike felt the moderate tempo ultimately played to Western Empire's strengths once the gelding found clear running and was able to build through his gears late. "Western Empire knows how to get the job done. With a run like that, with an economical first half, he was always going to be strong in the second half. "He's eight now and it's a few years since his Derby win. I dare say he takes a bit of management these days, but he's evergreen. He's still turning up and making me look good." Bred in New Zealand by Peters Investments, Western Empire is out of Group 2 Perth Cup winner Western Jewel and has now compiled 12 wins and 10 placings from 36 starts, with the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes over 1600m at Belmont on May 30 likely to be his next target.

    Western Empire

    Western Empire is as imposing as ever (pic: Western Racepix)

  • NEW Inglis Great Southern Weanlings Unveiled

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Strong representation from many of Australasia’s most fashionable young stallions is expected to drive keen interest in next month’s Great Southern Weanling Sale, with the catalogue for the Oaklands Junction auction now officially online. A total of 430 lots have been catalogued across the two-day sale, which will be held on June 11 and 12, with the opening session commencing at 1pm on the Thursday before the balance of the catalogue, along with supplementary entries, is offered from 10am the following morning. Buyers will be presented with progeny by 105 individual stallions, including some of the southern hemisphere’s most commercially appealing names such as Alabama Express, Anamoe, Castelvecchio, Ghaiyyath, Home Affairs, Ole Kirk, Savabeel, So You Think, Super Seth, Too Darn Hot, Toronado and Wootton Bassett. The catalogue also features a particularly intriguing crop of first-season sires, among them Benbatl, Chaldean, Cylinder, Generation, Gold Trip, Hawaii Five Oh, King’s Gambit, Mo’unga, Native Trail, Ozzmosis and Shinzo, giving buyers access to a broad range of emerging bloodlines. Many of Australia’s leading nurseries are represented among the 48 vendors with drafts catalogued, including Gilgai, Burnewang North, Widden, Rosemont, Twin Hills, Blue Gum, Three Bridges, Rushton Park, Bell River, Musk Creek and Middlebrook Valley Lodge. The Great Southern Weanling Sale has increasingly developed a reputation as a source of racetrack performers capable of competing at the elite level, a trend highlighted by the exploits of recent graduates Streisand and Well Written. Streisand was purchased for only $22,000 from the sale before progressing to Group 1 success in the Blue Diamond Stakes and a placing in the Golden Slipper, accumulating more than $2.4 million in prizemoney, while Well Written cost just $32,500 as a weanling and has since remained unbeaten through six starts, including victories at Group 1 level and in the lucrative $4 million Kiwi. Stakes performers such as Calamari Ring, Alibaba and Lassified have further strengthened the auction’s profile in recent seasons and reinforced its standing as a reliable source of quality horses capable of outperforming their purchase prices. The sale has also become increasingly attractive to pinhookers after producing several standout trading results over the past year, including horses that progressed from modest weanling purchases into seven-figure yearlings. Inglis Victorian Bloodstock Manager James Price said the breadth and quality of the catalogue offered opportunity for every level of buyer. “There are some excellent drafts and it is particularly exciting to have the whole of what is an outstanding offering from Catherine Hains and the team at Burnewang North showcased at the sale,” Price said. “Opportunity abounds at this sale, whether you are a trader, trainer, owner, agent or syndicator.” All weanlings purchased at the sale will be eligible for the $12 million Inglis Race Series, while supplementary entries remain open until June 3.

  • NEW Longines World Rating Franks Timeform Analysis

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    An extraordinary season that has elevated Hong Kong sprinting back into the global spotlight received further confirmation this week when Ka Ying Rising retained his position as the world's highest-rated horse in training in the latest LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings. The David Hayes-trained superstar rose two points to an imposing mark of 130 following a flawless April campaign, placing him four clear of his nearest rivals and cementing his standing as the dominant force in international sprinting. Remarkably, the son of Shamexpress has now strung together 20 consecutive victories, a sequence that has combined relentless speed with devastating consistency at the elite level. His latest ratings surge followed another pair of record-breaking performances at Sha Tin, where he lowered his own 1200m benchmark twice within the same month. Already the holder of the course standard with a 1m 07.20s performance earlier in the season, Ka Ying Rising stopped the clock in 1m 07.12s when winning the G2 Sprint Cup on 6 April before going even quicker with a blistering 1m 07.10s in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize on FWD Champions Day later that month. The now nine-time Group 1 winner also sealed a second straight Hong Kong Speed Series title after victories in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup, G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup and Chairman's Sprint Prize completed another unbeaten campaign. While Ka Ying Rising remains the benchmark, fellow Hong Kong marvel Romantic Warrior has climbed into equal second on 126 after securing his fourth G1 FWD QEII Cup. The Danny Shum-trained gelding shares that figure with emerging European stars Bow Echo and Daryz, further underlining the depth of world racing across multiple jurisdictions. Romantic Warrior's latest rise continues an extraordinary international campaign for owner Peter Lau's globetrotting champion, whose placing behind Forever Young in the Saudi Cup earlier this year earned a career-high dirt rating of 127. Now an eight-year-old, the Hong Kong International Sale graduate has amassed 23 victories and more than £2.59 million in prizemoney while continuing to compete at the highest level across varying surfaces and distances. His season may not yet be complete either, with Romantic Warrior chasing Hong Kong's Triple Crown in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup later this month, an achievement completed only by River Verdon in 1993/94 and Voyage Bubble last season. Elsewhere in the rankings, Charlie Appleby's Opera Ballo and American-trained White Abarrio sit on 124, while Saudi Cup hero Forever Young follows on 123 ahead of Croix du Nord, Magnitude, Masquerade Ball, Royal Champion and Sovereignty on 122. Voyage Bubble remains Hong Kong's next highest-rated horse on 119.

  • NEW Zakouma Bags Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    A daring Melbourne Cup dream gathered serious traction at Flemington on Saturday when Zakouma produced a powerful staying display to capture the Andrew Ramsden Stakes and secure a ballot-free passage into Australia's greatest race later this year. Lightly raced, modestly rated and tackling 2800m for the first time, the Grahame Begg-trained gelding defied several apparent disadvantages to reel in the leaders late and claim one of the most significant wins of his career. Carrying the same weight as far more accomplished rivals despite entering the race with only a rating of 78, Zakouma settled near the tail as the field stretched out under genuine staying pressure before unleashing a sustained finishing burst to overhaul Pounding and Sir Chartwell in the closing strides. The performance capped a remarkable rise for a horse that had been contesting benchmark company over 2000m only three weeks earlier after failing to gain a start in the Mornington Cup due to his low rating. "Full credit to the horse," Begg said after the victory. "He beat the weight scale today with his rating. "A great job and Trevor Delroy has been extremely patient all the way through and allowed us to do what we wanted to do with him so hopefully we'll be here on the first Tuesday." The Flemington trainer has endured heartbreak around the Melbourne Cup before after Lunar Flare won the same race two years ago only to miss the spring feature on fitness grounds, making Saturday's result particularly satisfying. Begg explained the stable had been forced to rethink Zakouma's preparation after the Mornington Cup setback, opting to drop him back in distance before taking another shot at qualifying for the Cup. "He missed the run in the Mornington Cup because his rating wasn't high enough and we had to take stock and drop him back to the 2000m race here last start," Begg said. "He didn't have a lot of luck and didn't get a chance to get any momentum in the race. "Then we thought, 'he's in really good order, he came through that race well so let's give it a go'." Begg was unconcerned when the pace intensified mid-race as Sydney Cup winner Changingoftheguard rolled forward and strung the field out, trusting Zakouma's stamina and aerobic strength would ultimately come into play. Jordan Childs executed those instructions perfectly, resisting the temptation to improve too early before allowing the gelding to gradually build through his gears late. "We just wanted to ride him nice and quiet to get that 2800," Childs said. "Once I presented him, he took a bit to wind-up but he just got stronger and stronger through the line so distance is no problem." The only issue now may be the Melbourne Cup weight scale, with Childs joking he may need to begin dieting after Zakouma's likely rise still leaves him near the minimum weight.

  • Notable Lockinge Stakes Success for Godolphin

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    An explosive late surge from now 5-time Group 1 winner Notable Speech reaffirmed his standing among Europe's elite milers at Newbury on Saturday, where the Godolphin star produced a devastating finishing burst to capture the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes and provide Charlie Appleby with another major success at the highest level. Sent out the heavily-supported 2-1 favourite after returning from an unlucky trip to Keeneland in the Maker's Mark Mile, the Dubawi entire settled off the speed under William Buick before unleashing the trademark acceleration that has become his hallmark. The performance saw the 2024 2000 Guineas winner overwhelm his rivals over the final stages of the one-mile feature and further strengthened his profile ahead of a likely return to Royal Ascot next month. Buick admitted the race did not unfold smoothly in the early part of the straight but always felt the gelding possessed the brilliance to overcome trouble once clear running appeared. "It was a great training performance by Charlie and to bring him back in this form is a credit to everyone at home," Buick said. "It was all falling apart in front of me, but he was explosive and is an absolutely top-class miler." The rider believes the colt's devastating turn of foot remains his greatest weapon, particularly when held together for as long as possible before producing one decisive run. "He has an explosive turn of foot and he comes on the scene late," Buick said. "I thought he was exceptional today and it felt amazing. We went to Keeneland last time thinking we would win and never got a fair crack at it at all and it was frustrating. We knew he was coming here in good shape and it's always nice to correct those frustrating losses." Appleby, who had already enjoyed success at Newmarket on Friday, was equally effusive in his praise, highlighting both the horse's natural acceleration and Buick's understanding of how best to ride him. "He's got some turn of foot and not many horses can quicken like he can," Appleby said. "If it turned into a burn up in the last couple of furlongs then William is on the right horse. William knows him and has the confidence on him and I have the confidence in both of them." Appleby revealed regular work rider Colm O'Donoghue had been adamant the horse was thriving leading into the race and suggested the latest Group 1 success could prove pivotal to Notable Speech's long-term stallion value. Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes now looms as the obvious next objective, with Appleby confident lessons learned from last season could make the horse even more effective there this time around. "All I wanted him to do was win another Group 1 in Europe and he's done that now," acknowledged Appleby.

  • One Step Back Two Steps Forward for King

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Meanwhile, a return to country grade after tackling Queensland's elite three-year-olds proved the perfect recipe for Autumn King, whose commanding victory in Saturday's Highway Handicap at Scone strengthened confidence that bigger targets remain well within reach later this year. Prepared locally by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, the progressive colt returned home after an honourable fifth placing in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas earlier this month, with the significant class drop back into Highway company impossible for markets to ignore as he was sent out the $2.30 favourite in the capacity field. Beautifully drawn in barrier four, according to punters.com.au, Autumn King enjoyed a soft run for Aaron Bullock just behind the speed before the race became more complicated approaching the home turn when the gelding lost his position and was forced wider than connections had anticipated. Despite covering additional ground and doing plenty of work in the straight, he still proved too strong late for the Matthew Dunn-trained Moon Sweeper, scoring with more authority than the official neck margin suggested. Messara felt the effort carried considerable merit given the circumstances. "It was a good win carrying 61kg," he said. "He lost his position at the 900m and got a couple of pairs further back then we wanted. "Aaron had to take him wide on the turn so he was covering a lot of extra ground then he had to work hard. "But I liked the way he hit the line. He is still learning his craft, this horse, but it was great to get the job done." The stable has long viewed the Winx Guineas as a suitable spring objective for the son of The Autumn Sun, whose pedigree and racing style suggest further improvement is still to come as he matures. "The Winx Guineas has been the long-term plan," Messara said. "We might give him another race over 1400m to sharpen him up." Saturday's success also continued a productive run for the Messara-Gavranich and Bullock partnership following feature victories earlier in the carnival with well-bred youngsters Cormier and Chains Of Love. For Bullock, the result carried extra significance given he only resumed riding at Mudgee six days earlier after an injury-enforced eight-week absence. The Highway victory was already his sixth winner since returning to the saddle. Autumn King himself is deeply tied to the Scone district, having been foaled and raised at nearby Arrowfield Stud. By The Autumn Sun and from a pedigree featuring Golden Slipper influences through Rory's Jester and Marscay as broodmare sires, the colt also traces directly back to celebrated mare Triscay, one of the Hunter Valley's finest racetrack exports.

  • HKJC Eligible Botanist Headlines MM Digital Sale

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    A diverse catalogue headlined by progressive racehorses, breeding prospects and racehorse shares has gone live for the latest Magic Millions Digital Sale, with strong interest expected in several lightly raced performers carrying significant upside. Almost half of the entries for the May 15-20 online auction consist of racehorses, race fillies and shares, with Coolmore and partners offering one of the standout lots in Botanist, a promising three-year-old colt with only five starts to his name. The son of leading sire Justify was a $900,000 yearling purchase and has already won at Warwick Farm while also placing at Kembla Grange. Importantly for prospective buyers, Botanist is being offered on an unreserved basis and remains eligible for Hong Kong, with veterinary material including x-rays to be uploaded into the Magic Millions repository for inspection. Another entry likely to attract close scrutiny is Crusader Voyage, the Chris Waller-trained son of Camelot and multiple Group 1-winning mare Sea Siren. Still lightly raced, the three-year-old has already placed six times from 10 starts, including multiple city placings, and has also competed at Group 1 level, suggesting there may still be substantial improvement to come with maturity and placement. The racehorse gelding and colt section also includes the unraced Fastnet Rock three-year-old Demon, who has won two of his three Sydney trials, while Viipuri joins the catalogue as a late entry after winning three of eight starts, including a last-start success at Goulburn earlier this month. Among the fillies and mares, city-winning New Zealand-bred mare Meadowbrook features prominently alongside an unnamed and unraced four-year-old mare who is a half-sister to Kiki Express, the mare who realised $1.2 million at last week's Chairman's Sale in Sydney. Buyers seeking smaller ownership opportunities are also catered for through a number of racehorse shares, including two unreserved 2.5 per cent shares in the progressive Loud Charlie, whose recent performances on the Caulfield Heath have hinted at further upside. Group One Thoroughbreds has meanwhile listed shares in Tassalina and Xerxes. Beyond the racing stock, the sale also includes a selection of breeding prospects, with weanlings and yearlings by sires such as Bivouac, Spirit Of Boom and Written By catalogued alongside broodmares from respected operations including Lyndhurst Stud Farm, Mill Park Stud and Yarraman Park. Bidding is now underway ahead of the sale's closing stages, which commence from 12pm AEST on May 20.

    Botanist

    Botanist was originally a $900k purchase (pic: magicmillions.com.au)

  • Concord Connie Tipped Out Until Spring

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Successive Flemington victories have opened the door to an ambitious spring campaign for Concord Connie, reports racenet.com.au, with trainer Charlotte Littlefield now weighing interstate options after the progressive filly again showcased her determination and versatility at headquarters. While her latest win lacked the breathtaking visual dominance of the six-length demolition she produced on Anzac Day, the daughter of the late stallion Contributer (High Chaparral) displayed a different quality when forced to work harder to reel in Flying Done in the 1400m Three-Year-Old Open Handicap. The victory further enhanced the growing reputation of a filly who continues to advertise the influence of her ill-fated sire, whose premature loss left a significant void in the Australasian breeding landscape. Littlefield believes one of Concord Connie's greatest assets is her competitive nature and genuine enthusiasm for racing. "She's a horse that enjoys being a racehorse," Littlefield said. "She enjoys that challenge." With the current campaign now complete, the stable intends to back off the filly and target higher-grade races in both Melbourne and Sydney later in the year, although Littlefield admitted a preference to keep her at Flemington where she has clearly thrived. "We'll put her on ice now and save her for the spring," she said. "There's a couple options here in Victoria and a couple up in Sydney too, but I'd love to keep her here. "She loves Flemington, long range goals, there's nice mares races, the Empire Rose and things like that, we're not going to aim for anything in particular. "We're going to give her a bit of time off in the paddock and let her tell us." Jockey Jett Stanley also came away convinced the performance carried plenty of merit despite the favourite being made to work much harder than she had at her previous outing. Stanley provided a lighter moment after the race when joking about discarding the whip near the 300m mark. "I've been getting fines and suspensions for whips, so I thought I'll throw it away at the 300m and get the job done easy!" he laughed. More seriously, the rider suggested the filly may have already reached the end of a demanding preparation and hinted that further improvement could come once she matures physically and steps up in distance. "I actually think this is just as good as her last win," Stanley said. "She was probably looking for the mile, too, today. "I had to ask her a little bit earlier than I did last time and it took a bit of that electric turn of foot away. "Next preparation you'll see a bigger, stronger, more robust horse." Concord Connie also continues the strong legacy of Contributer, whose best progeny include Group 1 winners Campionessa and Lion's Roar among a host of stakes performers on both sides of the Tasman.

  • Roth Fires in Biggest Performance of His Life

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Few moments in recent Queensland racing history have generated scenes quite like those witnessed at Doomben on Saturday, where Rothfire produced a stirring comeback victory in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 that left hardened racegoers openly emotional and delivered one of the most remarkable stories of the carnival season. Fifteen years after Black Caviar dazzled the same track in the BTC Cup, the crowd again erupted in disbelief as the eight-year-old Queensland warrior surged back to his best to claim a second Group 1 title, six years after his unforgettable JJ Atkins triumph as a two-year-old during the height of the Covid pandemic. Unlike the eerily empty grandstands at Eagle Farm on that occasion, Doomben was packed and roaring as the $61 outsider defied age, injury setbacks and widespread scepticism to defeat a high-class field. The fairytale carried even greater weight given Rothfire did not even have a jockey booked on Tuesday morning, prompting trainer Rob Heathcote to send out a late SOS to Brad Rawiller, who flew north for a single ride that would become one of the most emotional wins of his career. Rawiller's brother Nash watched from Sydney in tears after the result, while owners and supporters trackside were equally overwhelmed, including Lou Yates, the former actress who has been wheelchair-bound since a devastating spinal injury suffered in a car accident at 15. Rothfire himself has endured a career filled with adversity, battling through multiple serious injuries that would have retired many horses long ago, yet the gelding's determination and toughness have become central to his legend. Heathcote was deeply moved after the race, particularly following the recent loss of his older brother Wayne, the man who first introduced him to racing during his earlier life as a Contiki tour guide. "To all the Queenslanders out there who had faith in Rothy, this is for you," Heathcote said. "This horse has been an absolute trooper for Queensland for seven years now, this is his crowning glory. "I was here on Black Caviar Day and that was amazing but this is extraordinary for Rothfire to do what he has done today." Heathcote revealed the gelding's recent second placing in the Rockhampton slot race had tightened him up perfectly for Saturday's assignment despite many dismissing the run. "He got knocked down in the race in Rockhampton, although the form pundits obviously didn't see it," he said. "I was struggling for a jockey there for a while, no one really wanted to ride him." Queensland filled the first two placings through the brave effort of Spicy Martini for Toby Edmonds, while Napoleonic boxed on for third behind a horse many had long ago written off at the elite level. Instead, Rothfire delivered one of those rare sporting moments that transcended form guides and ratings, reminding a packed Doomben crowd that racing still has the capacity to produce raw, emotional theatre when least expected.

  • Inglis 2YOs Stake Claim for Higher Honours

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Emerging Inglis sales graduate juveniles on opposite sides of the eastern seaboard delivered breakout performances on Saturday, with Vantorix and Queen Regent stamping themselves as horses to follow through the remainder of the carnival season while also providing memorable moments for two trainers at very different stages of their careers. At Doomben, the unbeaten Vantorix maintained his perfect record with a commanding display in the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic, continuing the rapid rise of the Jenny Graham-trained son of Captivant, while at Scone, Queen Regent produced one of the shocks of the carnival by landing the Listed Woodlands Stakes at $201 to hand Blake Ryan his first black-type success as a trainer. Graham confirmed after the race that Vantorix would remain on the traditional Queensland juvenile path toward the Group 2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes and Group 1 JJ Atkins, with the colt now an $11 third favourite for the Sires' at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. The result carried enormous emotional significance for Graham, who purchased Vantorix for only $30,000 from breeder Dr Richard McClenahan's Mullaglass Stud draft at last year's Classic Yearling Sale after the colt had earlier sold for $40,000 as a weanling to Kiwi Bloodstock. Still visibly overwhelmed after the win, Graham admitted the magnitude of the moment had not fully sunk in. "I don't even know what to say, it's just so exciting," she said. "We're really quite excited by him, there's a lot of improvement still to come with him too. "We always felt that he had the ability to be competitive at Stakes level so we've been thinking about this race for a while now but we knew he had to step up. "The ownership group is like a big family, they're long-time owners so it's a big thrill." While Vantorix confirmed his standing among Queensland's leading juveniles, Queen Regent emerged as one of the stories of the Scone carnival after producing a remarkable upset for Ryan and connections. The daughter of Wild Ruler was bred by Geoff Wilson and initially purchased by Ryan for $40,000 at the HTBA Yearling Sale before later being reoffered through the Inglis Ready2Race Sale, where JCG Thoroughbreds secured her for $30,000. Ryan explained there was already sentiment attached to the filly before she ever reached the races. "Geoff asked me if the filly could race in the colours of his late great mate Rick Worthington which makes the win even more special," Ryan said. "I didn't think my first Stakes winner would come at $201 from number 20 but here we are. "We really just wanted to bring her for a trip away to educate her and I said to Jay that whatever he does, just get some cover because I didn't want her to be weak late like she was on debut." Queen Regent joins an increasingly impressive list of graduates from last year's Inglis Ready2Race Sale, alongside unbeaten Talindert Stakes winner Hard Kick and promising colt Tron Bolt.

  • Scrapper War Eternal Fights the Good Fight

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Persistence at stakes level is often spoken about more than it is rewarded, but years of consistency and resilience finally delivered a deserved breakthrough for War Eternal in Saturday's A$200,000 Listed Sky Racing Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding arrived in Queensland with a reputation as a reliable black-type performer without quite managing to land the defining victory his career arguably warranted, but the seven-year-old changed that narrative with a determined performance under Hong Kong superstar Zac Purton. A triple stakes placegetter earlier in his career and fourth behind Converge in the Gr1 Randwick Guineas as a three-year-old, War Eternal had spent much of his racing life measuring himself against quality opposition. His efforts included placings in the Gr3 Spring Stakes and Gr2 Alister Clark Stakes, while another honest campaign this season hinted that a feature-race breakthrough remained within reach. That impression strengthened at Hawkesbury earlier this month when he chased home Churchill's Choice and Palmetto for third in the Gr3 Hawkesbury Cup, and the confidence surrounding him at Doomben proved well founded. Drawn the inside barrier, Purton produced the sort of economical ride that has become his trademark, settling War Eternal in fourth before slicing through along the rails soon after straightening. Fellow New Zealand-bred galloper Kronenbourg refused to yield and Our Queen charged late out wider on the track, but War Eternal continued responding under pressure to score by half a length and push his career earnings to $934,925 from six wins and eight placings across 38 starts. "He's been a remarkable horse for the stable," Baker's stable representative Jim Clarke said. "He's been around for a long time now and he's nudging A$1 million in prize-money. "It's a well-deserved first stakes win, because he's hit the crossbar a few times now. He ran really well at Hawkesbury the other day and he enjoyed getting his toe in the ground here today. "It never hurts when you book a jockey like Zac on board. I don't think he's ridden too many times for the stable before, but I'm sure Bjorn will get a great kick out of it. "It's a great group of owners, and Carl Holt has been a big supporter of the stable for some time now. The horse has come back from injuries, so I'm really pleased for the whole group to get this win here today. "I don't remember the last time Bjorn put a last-start winner in the paddock, so I'd say he'll find another race for him." Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, War Eternal was purchased by Baker for $160,000 from the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale and has developed into an admirable advertisement for patience and durability. By Pierro from the Fastnet Rock mare Aleria, he is the first foal from a family that continues to build steadily, with younger relatives still emerging through the system.

    War Eternal earned a well deserved stakes victory (pic: Grant Peters Trackside Photography)

  • The Autumn Sun Has a Smart 2YO Filly

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    A patient ride, added race experience and a rise to a more suitable distance combined perfectly at Flemington, where Autumn Charm announced herself as a filly of genuine promise with an impressive victory in the TAB We're On Handicap (1400m). Prepared by the in-form Nick Ryan, the daughter of The Autumn Sun had hinted at ability in her first two starts over shorter trips, but looked far more comfortable once stretched to 1400m on Saturday. Settled quietly by Daniel Stackhouse, she unleashed a powerful finishing burst to score by a length and a quarter over Vertigo, with Centenary Florin further back in third. Ryan approached the race with confidence, believing the filly's experience edge over many of her rivals could prove decisive in a juvenile contest where racecraft often matters as much as raw ability. "She's had a run more than any of her rivals (having had two starts) which is a big benefit," Ryan said. "Being an Autumn Sun stepping up to 1400m was also an advantage." The trainer was equally pleased with the ride delivered by Stackhouse, who followed instructions to conserve the filly early before allowing her acceleration to take effect late in the race. Ryan said the jockey produced a beautifully patient ride and timed his challenge exactly as planned, enabling Autumn Charm to display the sharp sprint the stable had anticipated. The performance has encouraged Ryan to look toward Queensland features later in the season, with the Group 1 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 30 now firmly under consideration. Ryan won the same race last year with Highvol, who later proved competitive at Group level during the spring carnival, and Autumn Charm appears capable of following a similar path. Stackhouse was also upbeat about the filly's future prospects, suggesting there was plenty of substance behind the win and that she possessed the scope to continue improving as her distances increase. Elsewhere at Flemington, Matt Cumani maintained his productive run with staying types when Brave Danza claimed the Trevor Clarke Handicap over 2000m. While Brisbane had been floated as a possible option for the three-year-old, Cumani indicated the gelding would instead remain in Melbourne through winter and target races within the Mahogany Series.

  • Inglis Digital Sets New May Record KPI

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    Strong demand for quality bloodstock and in-form stallion coverings combined to produce a record-setting Inglis Digital May (Early) Online Sale, headlined by the broodmare Butter Blonde, whose $350,000 sale topped a lucrative Australian Broodmare Sale Session. Offered through Merricks Station and carrying a service to the highly sought-after Home Affairs, Butter Blonde was secured by Twin Hills Stud after spirited interest from buyers eager to capitalise on one of the hottest young stallions in the market. Her sale was one of 12 six-figure results during the session, which helped propel the overall May (Early) auction to a record gross of $5,604,750, the strongest result for the platform's May (Early) format. For Merricks Station's Ben Cooper, the outcome represented a milestone moment in his dealings with Inglis Digital and reinforced confidence in the online marketplace's growing strength at the top end of the broodmare sector. "She was a timely mating with Home Affairs being red hot at the moment and presented us with a good trade opportunity with Inglis Digital but if we didn't get what we wanted for her, we were more than happy to keep her with us but as I expected, there was significant interest in her and she sold accordingly,'' Cooper said. The flexibility of the digital platform was another factor Cooper highlighted, particularly when dealing with mares owners are content to retain if reserve expectations are not met. "Working with Inglis Digital makes it so easy, particularly with mares like her that you're happy to retain if you don't make your price, you don't have to shop them around anywhere, they can just stay in their paddock which makes life a whole lot easier. "[Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager] Will [Stott] was great through the whole process, the service was excellent and thus the experience a very positive one.'' Twin Hills Stud's Olly Tait said Butter Blonde had appealed strongly as both a commercial and long-term breeding proposition, particularly given her service to Home Affairs and the quality of her pedigree page. "We're delighted to get her. We had a group of us that owned a mare called Madame Cactus and she's finished her time and we thought we'd reinvest and this mare came up on our radar, with a nice covering to Home Affairs who looks very exciting and she comes from a fantastic family,'' Tait said. "We were prepared to pay the $350,000 only because mares like her with a nice covering, they have a value and that value is often quite a lot of money but we were prepared to pay it because she's a lovely package and one we really wanted.'' Second-top billing belonged to the six-year-old Bubba's Bay, purchased for $185,000 by CB Racing in conjunction with Portia Baronian. Owner Adrian Pazman indicated the mare would likely head to Coolmore's Super Seth following her retirement from racing. "I'm happy with that and I'm sure she'll make a really good mum,'' Pazman said. Godolphin also featured prominently throughout the session, selling 45 race fillies and broodmares for a combined $1,268,000, while Kinshachi topped its draft at $175,000 when knocked down to Boomer Bloodstock. Other notable six-figure results included Meseika, Smirnova, Influenza and Twilight Zone, with the Australian Broodmare Sale Session alone grossing more than $4 million.

    Super Seth

    Butter Blonde is in foal to Super Seth (pic: Waikato Stud)

  • Juddmonte Enters England's Classics Picture

    Weekend, 18th May 2026
    A dramatic swing in the Derby market unfolded at York when Juddmonte struck another significant blow against Ballydoyle's apparent grip on the Epsom Classics, this time through the rapidly emerging Item in the Gr2 Dante Stakes. Only a day after Legacy Link reshaped the Oaks picture in the Musidora Stakes, the famous owner-breeders returned with another major contender, and this one may have carried even greater authority. Trained by Andrew Balding, Item arrived at York with relatively modest credentials after winning a Kempton maiden and novice event at Bath as a juvenile, yet his performance in Britain's premier Derby trial suggested a colt capable of mixing it with the elite of his generation. Settled near the rear by Colin Keane, the son of Frankel travelled strongly before angling into clear running and sweeping past his rivals with an ease that contrasted sharply against the pressure surrounding the race. Long-time leader Action stuck on gamely, but Item surged clear late to score by two and three-quarter lengths, immediately forcing bookmakers into a dramatic reassessment of his Epsom credentials. Having opened at 33-1 for the Derby before the Dante, he was quickly slashed into 6-1 favouritism with some firms following the performance. For Juddmonte, whose colours have suddenly become a dominant presence in the Classic conversation, it continued a remarkable week. While the once-famous Epsom double-decker buses no longer line the inside rail in the same way they once did, the operation appears to be uncovering Derby and Oaks prospects with almost mechanical regularity. Despite the emphatic nature of the victory, the Balding camp admitted the colt had not shown extraordinary signs at home before his return. European racing manager Barry Mahon said the stable entered the race still searching for answers rather than certainty. "He's not very flash at home and we certainly came in here not really knowing where we're going, but that was a very good performance on his first start this year," Mahon said. "He travelled and picked up well and galloped out okay. It was a good performance and it feels like a horse that would get a little bit further, which is positive. "We'll talk to the owners to see what they want to do, but hopefully they'll want to roll the dice at Epsom." The race itself may yet become the subject of deeper scrutiny because of the role played by Ryan Moore aboard Christmas Day. Replays indicate the Ballydoyle rider shifted right in the straight, carrying several runners with him and potentially altering the complexion of the contest. While Item still looked the standout horse on the day, the incident arguably left parts of the field compromised, whereas Keane remained disciplined, avoided unnecessary ground loss and capitalised fully on the unfolding scenario.
Amarina Farm
Arrowfield Stud
Bell River Thoroughbreds
Berkeley Park Stud
Bhima Thoroughbreds
Blue Gum Farm
Bombora Downs
Clear Mountain Fairview
Coolmore Stud
Cressfield
Evergreen Stud
Kingstar Farm
Lime Country Thoroughbreds
Mill Park Stud
Murrulla Stud
Newhaven Park
Segenhoe Stud
Silverdale Farm
Sledmere Stud
Torryburn Stud
Tyreel Stud
Vinery Stud
Widden Stud
Willow Park Stud
Yarraman Park Stud

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
Lead Artist 1st Season
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
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Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
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Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
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Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
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Russian Revolution Established
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Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
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Shooting To Win Established
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So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon 2nd Season
Spirit Of Boom Established
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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
Topicus 1st Season
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