Wednesday, 22nd July 2026
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  • Hawaii Five Oh Progeny Make Early Mark

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    Strong commercial returns and enthusiastic breeder feedback have given Vinery Stud encouragement that Hawaii Five Oh is positioned to make an immediate impact when his first yearlings enter the sale ring in 2027. The Group 3-winning and Gr1-placed sprinter, a son of three-time Champion Sire I Am Invincible, has already attracted broad support from breeders seeking the speed and physical quality that have helped establish several young sons of his sire at stud. Offered from a relatively small representation at the 2026 weanling sales, Hawaii Five Oh's progeny sold for more than six times his service fee, providing an early indication of their appeal to commercial buyers. Among those to make an impression was the Hawaii Five Oh colt from Foxiest, bred by Rob Dunnett and sold through Emma McNamara of Noorilim Park for $80,000 at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. McNamara said the mare had returned to Hawaii Five Oh last spring in an effort to reproduce the result. "When you get something that is close to perfect, of course you want to recreate the product," she said. The colt's appearance and athleticism reminded her strongly of his sire, with McNamara describing him as a beautifully balanced individual possessing strength, class and an attractive overstep. Hall of Fame Bloodstock's Leo To was similarly impressed after paying $90,000 for the Hawaii Five Oh filly from Toomi, offered by Carramar Park. Having inspected all of the stallion's weanlings, To regarded the filly as the best representative of the sire and revealed he had supported Hawaii Five Oh during each of his first two seasons before committing mares to him again this year. Confidence has also come from breeders who have raised several members of the first crop. Middlebrook Valley Lodge's Bernie Kane said the five Hawaii Five Oh youngsters on the farm had displayed consistent quality from birth, combining correct conformation with good temperaments and a noticeably similar appearance. "We sent four mares back in his second season and we'll probably send another five or six this year," Kane said. That repeat patronage has helped Hawaii Five Oh cover 340 mares across his opening two seasons at Vinery, giving him a sizeable platform from which to establish his credentials. A prolific source of precocious speed, I Am Invincible has already produced successful young stallion prospects including Brazen Beau, Hellbent and Home Affairs, and Hawaii Five Oh enters the next phase of his career with a comparable profile as a fast, well-performed and strikingly bred son of the champion sire. His first weanlings have supplied encouraging evidence of physical quality and buyer demand, leaving the 2027 yearling sales as the next important test of whether those early impressions can develop into sustained commercial and racetrack success.

  • Victoria Unveils Major Racing Economic Impact

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A powerful measure of racing's reach beyond the racecourse has emerged from a new independent study showing Victoria's thoroughbred industry generated more than A$4 billion in economic value during the 2024-25 season while supporting almost 25,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. Released in Bendigo on Wednesday by Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, the Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report examined the combined contribution of the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes across economic activity, employment and community involvement. Together, the three sectors delivered A$5.54 billion in value-added contribution, an 18 per cent rise from 2018-19, and sustained 33,456 full-time-equivalent positions statewide. Thoroughbred racing was responsible for A$4.067 billion, or 73.4 per cent of the overall total, while producing A$2.862 billion in direct expenditure, more than A$2.1 billion in household income and 24,618 full-time-equivalent jobs. Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the findings illustrated how deeply racing was woven into the state's economy and regional communities. "The report findings reinforce that racing is much more than a sport – it is a major contributor to Victoria's economy, a significant employer and an important part of communities right across the state," Morrison said. He added that the industry's economic impact had continued to grow, particularly outside metropolitan Melbourne, where race clubs, trainers, breeders and supporting businesses remained important sources of work, investment and regular activity. Almost 100,000 participant, employee and volunteer roles were filled across Victorian racing during the season, with close to 80 per cent of those positions located in regional areas. Thoroughbred racing alone involved 12,865 horses in training, 785 trainers, 286 jockeys and apprentices, 1102 breeders and 3532 stable employees. The code also drew together 64,170 owners and syndicate members, 4383 volunteers and 73,149 racing club members, while 540 meetings staged 4333 races and attracted total attendances of 1,163,611. Those numbers demonstrated the breadth of the industry's workforce and the scale of the communities connected to racing through ownership, employment, administration, breeding and voluntary service. The Spring Racing Carnival remained one of the industry's strongest tourism and commercial assets, with the 2024 edition drawing almost 597,000 attendances and prompting more than 83,000 visitors to travel specifically to Victoria. Those visitors contributed to A$409.8 million in direct spending and almost 321,000 visitor nights, providing business for accommodation, hospitality, transport and related sectors. Morrison said the figures reflected the combined work of participants, clubs, employees, volunteers and the many businesses linked to racing, while underlining the importance of maintaining a sustainable industry capable of continuing to deliver employment, investment and social activity throughout Victoria.
  • Campbell Sticks to Tried and True Strategy

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A proven black type route will be revisited at Otaki on Saturday when lightly raced three-year-old Singletary begins his new campaign in the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes over 1200m. Trainer Andrew Campbell hopes the son of Satono Aladdin can follow the same path taken by Waldorf in 2017, when that galloper won both the Ryder Stakes and Listed Wanganui Guineas before being sold to Hong Kong and adding another six victories for Tony Cruz. Singletary will be given the opportunity to earn a similar progression, with next month's Wanganui Guineas over 1200m the immediate target if he performs to expectations on his home track. A longer-term possibility is the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas over 1600m, although Campbell stressed that the youngster must first establish his credentials against what appears to be an even Ryder Stakes field. "Providing he goes as well as hope, we'll do what we did with Waldorf and go to the Wanganui Guineas," Campbell said. Singletary showed ability in two starts during his first preparation, finishing second on debut at Ellerslie before returning there to run sixth in the Gr3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic over 1200m. Campbell felt the firm ground worked against him on that occasion and believes the gelding is better suited when there is some give in the track. Since his most recent appearance at the end of January, Singletary has been gelded and given a lengthy break, returning to work stronger and more physically mature. "He wasn't really colty but he had his moments and he's come back a lot stronger this time in," Campbell said. A recent Foxton trial pleased the stable, with Toni Davies aboard, and she retains the ride on Saturday. Davies will also partner Campbell's stablemates Cocobill and Perfect Pete on the Otaki card. Cocobill, a three-time Victorian winner for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young before transferring to Campbell, added another success at Woodville last preparation and resumes in the Uzabus Handicap over 1100m. With suitable Rating 75 opportunities over 1200m scarce, Campbell is prepared to test him in demanding conditions, expecting the race to be run on heavy ground. Cocobill has returned from a good spell and trialled strongly in readiness for the assignment. Perfect Pete contests the DG Farriers Handicap over 1200m after a freshen-up and enters the race as a dependable wet-track performer whose record of one win from 15 starts does not fully reflect his consistency. Campbell said the gelding had worked well on Tuesday and regarded the winter months as his best opportunity to add to his tally.

    Singletary

    Singletary swoops down the outside (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
  • BHA Successor Appears to Be a Done Deal

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A senior figure with extensive commercial experience and established connections across several areas of British racing is expected to become the next chair of the British Horseracing Authority, with owner-breeder Simon Cox understood to have been selected for the position. Cox, 58, is believed to have secured the role ahead of former British Horseracing Board chair Peter Savill and Minette Batters, the former National Farmers Union president who now leads British Racing's Horse Welfare Board and serves as a director of Salisbury. The vacancy arose when Lord Allen resigned in March after only six months, following the failure of the BHA's members to agree on proposed changes designed to create a more independent board and give the governing body a stronger commercial focus. Cox brings considerable executive experience from a 32-year career in the brewing industry, including senior roles with Carlsberg and Molson Coors. After joining Molson Coors in 2005, he progressed to become president and chief executive of the company's operations covering all markets outside the Americas. His involvement in racing stretches back almost 15 years as an owner, with horses trained in Britain by Ian Williams, while his interests have more recently expanded into thoroughbred breeding. Cox has broodmares based at Shade Oak Stud and is a shareholder in resident stallion Logician. In Between Days, bred by Cox from Logician's first crop and raced in his colours, won both starts at Auteuil during the spring, including a Listed hurdle on her latest appearance. Cox has also held positions with several of the sport's stakeholder organisations. He joined the Professional Jockeys Association as a non-executive director in 2021 during a restructuring of its board, but resigned two years later alongside former chair Jon Holmes and Mick Fitzgerald after members submitted a petition proposing an emergency general meeting primarily aimed at removing then chief executive Ian McMahon. In the same year, Cox became a trustee of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, where he chairs the National Hunt Committee. He also leads the BHA's Jumps Pattern Committee and sits on the High Quality Horse Group, giving him direct experience of racing's administrative and regulatory structures. Cox has previously spoken of combining his enthusiasm for National Hunt racing with the lessons gathered during a long corporate career, and his range of administrative positions has since broadened that grounding across breeding, regulation and stakeholder representation. Formal confirmation of the appointment is still pending, with the BHA maintaining that its recruitment process has not yet concluded. Further consultation with senior officials and industry participants will take place before the governing body publicly identifies Lord Allen's successor.
  • Slow and Steady for Topliner Ceolwulf

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A flexible spring campaign is being mapped out for Ceolwulf, with trainer Joe Pride unwilling to commit his stable star to a third successive King Charles III Stakes despite preparing him to be ready for the $5 million Group 1 feature at Royal Randwick on October 17. The dual King Charles winner is being aimed towards the Everest Day mile, but, according to racingnews.co.nz, Pride is mindful that Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi could alter the landscape if they dominate the lead-up races. “The plan is to have him ready to go for the King Charles,” Pride told Racing And Sports. “But there are a lot of different scenarios.” Should the two high-class mares prove clearly superior in the preceding weeks, Pride would consider bypassing the King Charles and sending Ceolwulf directly to the 6 million Gr1 Cox Plate seven days later, although the possibility of tackling both races remains open. Autumn Glow appears unlikely to be among the Cox Plate opposition, with her connections indicating she will not be asked to race over 2000m again after suffering the first defeat of her career when third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April. The three-time Group 1 winner could instead be directed towards the $20 million  Gr1 The TAB Everest, staged on the same program as the King Charles. Sheza Alibi also seems set to follow a different path after completing an outstanding autumn with victories in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile, her preparation now being geared around the $10 million Gr1 Golden Eagle over 1500m at Randwick on October 31. Early TAB Fixed Odds markets have Autumn Glow at $1.80 for the King Charles, ahead of Sheza Alibi at $3.50, while Ceolwulf shares the third line of betting with Pride Of Jenni at $8. A winner of four Group One races and almost $11 million in prizemoney, Ceolwulf began his return when finishing unplaced in a 740m Polytrack barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday, an exercise Pride described as an opportunity for the rising six-year-old to stretch his legs. His autumn campaign was curtailed after consecutive unplaced runs and the discovery of minor hoof problems, but Pride remains confident the gelding can regain his elite form. The trainer deliberately avoided a course-proper trial containing Group and Listed performers because Ceolwulf’s competitive nature might have encouraged him to chase the sharper sprinters too strongly. More searching trials are planned at Warwick Farm on August 4 and at Randwick eight days before the Winx Stakes on August 22, with Pride intent on allowing the horse ample time to build towards his principal targets. “He still is a long way off his goals this spring, it will be a slow and steady build-up for him,” Pride said, reinforcing that the opening trial was merely a preliminary step rather than any meaningful guide to Ceolwulf’s readiness for top-level competition.

  • Banned Currie Challenges QRIC Decision

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A renewed attempt to return to racing employment has taken former trainer Ben Currie before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where he is challenging the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s refusal to grant him a stablehand licence. In its report, punters.com.au revealed that Currie’s counsel, Jim Murdoch KC, told senior QCAT member Richard Oliver on Tuesday that his client had effectively been left outside the industry since February 2024, describing him as having been “held in the wilderness for two and a half years”. Murdoch argued that Currie had been caught by circumstances surrounding the positive swab returned by End Assembly after the Mark Currie-trained galloper won at Eagle Farm, saying, “He was in the chair when the music stopped.” The former trainer had previously served a lengthy disqualification arising from the administration of a “boost paste” to a horse under his care and the use of shockwave therapy within seven clear days of racing. An agreement with QRIC allowed him to resume work as a stablehand in 2022, but he was later disqualified for 18 months, reduced to nine months on appeal, after End Assembly tested positive to cocaine. Murdoch submitted that the result may have stemmed from a trackwork rider who later returned a positive cocaine test, while maintaining that Currie should now be permitted to regain a foothold in racing. Opposing the application, QRIC counsel Rob Anderson KC contended that Currie failed the “proper” element of the industry’s fit and proper person test. Anderson emphasised that Currie was no newcomer to racing, having worked in the family operation from the age of 14, and argued that character and reputation carried particular weight in determining whether a licence should be issued. Currie, now 35, had sought a stablehand licence after completing his latest ban but was refused. His father, Mark Currie, retired from training earlier this year, with several horses initially transferred to Sunshine Coast trainer Billy Healey. Ben Currie subsequently joined Healey’s operation as racing operations manager, although that association has since ended, leaving the tribunal appeal as the latest step in his bid to resume a formal role within Queensland racing.
  • Tough Task for Tassie Thoroughbred Judges

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    With less than two months remaining until Tasmania’s leading thoroughbred performers are recognised, voting is under way for the 2025/26 Tasmanian Horse of the Year awards and accompanying Hall of Fame inductions at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart on Friday, September 18. Ballots have been distributed to the judging panel, which faces a difficult assignment after a season containing strength across each age division and several significant mainland achievements. In the two-year-old category, Aristopolos, Buzzoffski, Momentslikethese, Sovereign Dash and Valley Star are among the principal contenders, although the contest appears to have narrowed as the season progressed. Leanne Gaffney’s Buzzoffski and Valley Star produced prominent performances during the later months, but Aristopolos is expected to command strong support after completing an unbeaten six-start campaign that included the Listed Elwick Stakes and Gold Sovereign. His success has also underlined the opportunities available through the Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale. The three-year-old division contains exceptional depth, with Crack the Shutters, Daytona Diva, Mazzini, Sanniya, Swift Force, Taroona and Zany Girl prominent among the eligible horses. Crack the Shutters defeated Sanniya and Mazzini in the 3YO Cup early in the summer, before Barry Campbell’s pair responded with multiple feature victories as the carnival developed. Sanniya completed her campaign in particularly distinguished fashion, following the example set by Geegees Mistruth a season earlier by defeating older rivals in the Gr3 Mystic Journey Stakes and Gr3 Vamos Stakes. Swift Force emerged later than several of her contemporaries but strengthened her claims by adding a Victorian metropolitan victory at Caulfield in May, reinforcing the belief that this crop could remain influential for seasons to come. The Ladbrokes Horse of the Year field is equally compelling, with Aristopolos, Asva, Blonde Star, Cartoon Graveyard, Durazzo, Geegees Mistruth, Mazzini, Sanniya, Swift Force and Zulu Angel among the headline candidates. Tasmanian-trained horses dominated the state’s major summer events and also secured important mainland victories, while all three principal thoroughbred cups remained at home. Asva claimed both the Devonport and Launceston Cups, with Blonde Star prevailing in the Hobart Cup. The leading three-year-olds add further depth, while reigning Horse of the Year Geegees Mistruth remains eligible despite not racing in Tasmania during the season after achieving a landmark Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes victory in April. This year’s presentation will return to a sit-down three-course dinner format, with the ceremony beginning at 7pm and bringing together the season’s strongest local performers, industry participants and the newest members of Tasmanian racing’s Hall of Fame.

    Aristopolos

    Aristopolos is amongst the HOTY contenders (pic: tasracing.com.au)
  • They’reallsisters Delivers Another Splintex Boost

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    A determined first-up victory at Belmont has capped an encouraging debut season for Darling View Thoroughbreds stallion Splintex, with talented filly They’reallsisters overcoming a difficult draw and inexperience to underline both her own promise and the growing influence of her sire. Resuming in Saturday’s Quayclean Plate (1200m), the David Harrison-trained two-year-old faced an immediate challenge after jumping from the outside barrier in a capacity field of 14, forcing Paul Harvey to settle her near the tail rather than risk covering extra ground early. Although still learning her craft and racing greenly when placed under pressure in the straight, the filly responded when it mattered most, finishing over the top of favourite Godspeed during the final 100 metres to score an impressive victory. The daughter of Splintex had already displayed above-average ability during her juvenile campaign, breaking through at Ascot over the Australia Day weekend before producing another bold effort when beaten just three-quarters of a length by Maria Lucia in the RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic at Pinjarra in February. Harrison said the result reflected the progress the filly had made since her spell and admitted the awkward barrier had tempered expectations beforehand. “She’s strengthened while spelling and has been working a treat but it was hard to get too confident from that gate,” Harrison said. “We added blinkers today and she travelled into the race beautifully.” He believes there is still significant improvement to come, noting the youngster had resumed without the benefit of a public trial. “She didn’t trial so will keep improving. She’s a carnival horse for sure and we will give her another couple of starts before a break.” Bred by Ridgeport Farm manager Marge Ojapold, They’reallsisters was offered through the 2025 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, where she realised $90,000 to a partnership comprising Harrison, Ryan Fuller, Brad Willison and Grant Burns, while Ojapold retained an ownership interest. The filly is a younger half-sister to multiple metropolitan winner Bold Hero and is the latest successful produce of River Hussy, who delivered another Splintex colt for Ojapold at Ridgeport Farm in Waroona last October. Harvey was equally encouraged after partnering the youngster for the first time, explaining that patience proved decisive. “I didn’t want to go forward and then get posted wide. They can take time to recover from a gut-buster on a soft track. We took our chances and she chased and kicked but it nearly went pear-shaped when she laid in halfway down the straight. She can do things wrong but, to her credit, she got the job done.” The success further strengthens Splintex’s impressive first crop, with the son of Snitzel on track to finish third on Western Australia’s 2YO Sires’ Premiership behind Rommel and Gingerbread Man while also sitting comfortably among Australia’s top 10 first-season sires with progeny earnings exceeding $470,000.
  • Hot Sprinter Adonius Targets Breeders' Cup

    Thursday, 23rd July 2026
    An unbeaten juvenile bought for only £32,000 could carry Rebecca Menzies to the Breeders' Cup after the Howe Hills trainer revealed she is working backwards from the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland with Adonius. The chestnut son of Soldier's Call has won each of his three starts, beginning with a five-furlong Musselburgh debut victory on April 4 before returning under a penalty only eight days later to win again at the same track. He then produced his most impressive performance in the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at Chester's May Festival, using his natural pace to dominate from the front and establish himself among Britain's more exciting early-season two-year-olds. Menzies deliberately resisted the temptation to run him at Royal Ascot, believing that a demanding appearance at the meeting could compromise his development and reduce the likelihood of maintaining form into the autumn. Subsequent juvenile results have strengthened her conviction that Ascot may have left a mark on several young horses, while Adonius has been given time to strengthen and recover. Retaining the colt has also been unusual for a stable accustomed to selling promising juveniles after maiden or novice victories. Existing owners agreed not to cash in completely, although half of Adonius has been sold to American interests Riverdee and West Paces. Their involvement fits naturally with the proposed Breeders' Cup campaign and gives the colt connections familiar with racing in the United States. Menzies hopes he can provide a significant international advertisement for her dual-purpose operation, which is based near Sedgefield and has developed its reputation through both Flat and National Hunt racing. The Juvenile Turf Sprint is scheduled for October 30, giving Adonius sufficient time to return through an appropriate European preparation. He currently holds the only early-closing entry for the Listed Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar on October 3, a race that could serve as his final domestic test before travelling. The trainer remains conscious that several months separate promise from execution and will proceed only if the colt continues to develop physically and maintain his unbeaten profile. Soldier's Call has supplied Adonius with abundant speed, but his professionalism has been equally important, allowing him to race prominently without expending unnecessary energy. Menzies believes patient ownership has also improved the depth of her young team, with several unraced juveniles being given time rather than pushed into unsuitable early contests. For now, Adonius is the standard-bearer: inexpensive, undefeated and potentially capable of placing a relatively small northern stable on one of racing's largest international stages.

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
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
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
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power 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
Tropicus 1st Season
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