Annabel Neasham has been announced as the new trainer for star mare Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni-Bumbasina, by Canford Cliffs), reports racing.com. Amelia's Jewel will head to the Gr1 Goodwood Handicap at Morphettville on May 11 for trainer Simon Miller before heading to Neasham. "We'll probably only do the one run," owner Peter Walsh said. "I talked to Simon yesterday and it's a little bit hard to get the transport from Adelaide to the Gold Coast, so we'll look at it, but I don't think we'll be going there. We want to make sure we've got a fresh horse for Annabel and then when she's finished in Adelaide, she'll go to Segenhoe (where she was reared) for a break and then when Annabel thinks she needs to come in, she will." Walsh stipulated, "We can't overcook her. We have to make sure Annabel gets a fresh horse." Amelia's Jewel is the winner of nine of her 15 starts with four second placings, including twice runner-up in The Quokka in both 2023 and 2024. One of the most valuable mares in training, she also won the 2022 Gr1 Northerly Stakes and has earnings over $3.4 million.
Annabel Neasham will train Amelia's Jewel after Adelaide (pic: Mark Gatt)
Three Strong Runners for Godolphin at Newcastle
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Off the back of claiming last Saturday's Gr1 Champagne Stakes with exciting 3YO prospect Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot), trainer James Cummings will take three gallopers to Newcastle on Wednesday with stable apprentice Zac Lloyd riding two while Rachel King is booked for the other, according to racingnsw.com.au. Lloyd will ride 3YO gelding Royal Standard (Dundeel-Darousha, by Redoute's Choice) in the first and Voile (Exceed and Excel-Organza, by Street Cry) in the 2YO race. King rides Glorioso (Epaulette-Gloriette, by Lonhro) in the 2YO race. Royal Standard has had three starts to date for two fourths and a last start third. Godolphin purchased him from Arrowfield at the 2022 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $300,000. Of the 2YOs, Voile has had two starts including running seventh on debut in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes. Glorioso has placed in all her three starts to date.
McDonald To Ride Romantic Warrior In Japan
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Jockey James McDonald will head over to Hong Kong for Sunday's Gr1 QE II Cup aboard Romantic Warrior (Acclamation-Folk Melody, by Street Cry) as the horse aims for a third win in the race in succession, reports scmp.com. The pair will then head to Japan for the Gr1 Yasuda Kinen in June. "Yes [I'll be going to Japan], it will be my second time there," McDonald said. "But, I'd love to win the QE II first." Romantic Warrior has won 13 of his 18 starts including a last start win in the Gr1 Hong Kong Gold Cup, in fact, his last three starts have all been Group 1 wins, while he has a grand total of six Group 1 wins in his career to date. McDonald has become quite familiar with tasting success at the highest level in Hong Kong this season, and he's set to bring a formidable presence to Sha Tin this Sunday with his involvement in three prestigious Group 1 races. Alongside guiding Romantic Warrior in the QE II Cup, the 32-year-old jockey will saddle up Howdeepisyourlove for the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) and Voyage Bubble for the Gr1 Champions Mile. Voyage Bubble is poised to be a significant contender against Golden Sixty in the Champions Mile, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Furthermore, the HK$22 million race boasts an international allure with entries from Britain's Brave Emperor and Japanese challengers Obamburumai, Elton Barows, and Champagne Color.
Romantic Warrior and JMac will reunite (pic: hkjc.com)
White Caps Off His Training Career with a Bang
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Despite an undeniably, rocky beginning, veteran trainer Gary White came out of the $25,000 Benchmark 60 Handicap on a winning note in Hobart on Sunday, reports tasracing.com.au. The drama began after White's charge, Better Than Banksy's (Invader-Occitan, by Street Cry) saddle shifted forward when the gates opened, and apprentice jockey Jackson Radley was forced to race in-font on a horse that normally settles back. White admitted he thought the dream had gone pear-shaped, but despite all the difficulties, the 4YO survived to win in a photo finish. "Honestly with all my friends here today supporting me and the way the day started off with some placings and some average runs, gee!...I'm telling you, this kid (jockey Jackson Radley) will be one of the best riders in Tasmania," an emotional White said after the race. In a career spanning five decades, White has won just about every major race in the state and plenty interstate, including the 2009 Magic Millions 3YO with Tempest Tost, but it would be hard to see any of those achievements topping a winner with his last starter to 'bookend' a marvellous career. White adds, "How gifted have I been? We do nothing special but to be afforded the opportunity and success, and for this fairy tale beginning and end, how fortunate have I been?" White, 68, retires a Hall of Fame trainer with more than 1100 winners, including more than 20 at Group and Listed level.
Espadas could be destined for a future across the Tasman following his maiden victory at Ellerslie on Saturday, reports racingnews.co.nz. The 3YO put in a pleasing performance for third on debut over 1200m at Pukekohe last month and was duly backed into $3.70 favouritism for the Ellerslie Events 1200 at Ellerslie on Saturday. From his wide draw, Espadas (Ace High-Sunshine Royale, by Haradsun) was caught out three-wide early and jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll elected to press on with his charge. The pair had no favours and were posted three and four-wide for the trip, but Espadas showed his tenacity when rallying in the straight to record a neck victory over Night Night Dora. "He hadn't had a trial before he went into that first start, just a couple of easy jumpouts. We knew he had plenty of ability and we expected bold performances from him," said Shaun Clotworthy, who trains the gelding in partnership with his wife Emma. His talents haven't escaped the eyes of bloodstock agents, with Espadas likely to head to Melbourne if a deal can be struck. If he remains in New Zealand, Clotworthy said he will go for a spell in preparation for the spring. "We do send a lot of horses over to Australia and we have got shares in a few at Mick Price's, so there is a chance that he may head there… we will probably ease off him and look at somewhere in the spring for him as a 4YO if he is still in New Zealand.
Espadas gets home in the wet (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Melbourne Off the Agenda for Magnificent Andy
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Magnificent Andy scored a surprising win at Ascot on Saturday, but any notion of taking him to Victoria has been ruled out by trainer Stephen Miller, reports rwwa.com.au. After a rails-hugging ride by Jarrad Noske, Magnificent Andy (Magnus-Yaloginda, by Trade Fair) defeated Laced Up Heels in an exciting conclusion to the $200,000 Drummond Golf Joey (1200m). First up this campaign and starting at $17, Magnificent Andy edged out favourite Laced Up Heels (Toronado) by a nose to push stake earnings past half a million dollars. Although delighted by the win, Miller said it came unexpectedly early into his campaign. "I was hoping he could run a good race and everything went well, Jarrad rode him good… he always gives his best and is a pleasure to train," Miller said on Tabradio. Miller had planned on the Drummond Golf Joey being a warm-up race for Magnificent Andy before plotting an interstate campaign. Miller mapped out next month's Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool as a target race but will instead focus on the Gr 3 Northam Stakes (1100m) on May 5 after consulting with Warrnambool-based trainer, Lindsey Smith.
Anamoe Heads Darley's 2024 Sire Fees
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Darley in Australia has announced the fees for 18 Gr1-winning stallions set to stand in New South Wales and Victoria for the 2024 breeding season. Taking top honours this season is the nine-time Gr1 champion Anamoe at $121,000. Last year, Anamoe covered the best book of mares ever afforded a Darley first-season sire, meaning breeders supporting him this year will be following the progeny of a book that included 11 Gr1 winners, 69 Stakes winners as well as the dams of Joliestar, King’s Legacy, Private Eye, Bivouac and more. Anamoe is supported in NSW by the highly promising Too Darn Hot at $110,000, producer of Saturday’s Gr1 Champagne Stakes-winning colt Broadsiding in his first crop. Anamoe’s sire Street Boss, who has had another great season thanks to the likes of Pericles, Traffic Warden and Another Wil, heads the Victorian division of the roster at $66,000. The 2024 roster sees the addition of a new quartet of stallions, including Cylinder ($44,000), who, like his successful sire Exceed And Excel, was the best sprinter of his generation. Cylinder is accompanied by Golden Mile ($16,500), the victor of the stallion-making Gr1 Caulfield Guineas. They join the Northwood Park stallion roster in Victoria. Kelvinside's roster gains strength with the inclusion of Native Trail ($27,500), the undefeated European Champion 2YO and Classic-winning 3YO. His victories in the top European races put him in the company of elite horses such as Shamardal, Dubawi, Pinatubo and Too Darn Hot. He is the best juvenile colt by Oasis Dream and descended from the same Green Desert sire line as I Am Invincible, all of which makes his introductory fee look extremely attractive. Additionally, Gr1 winner Triple Time ($22,000), by none other than Frankel, will join the Kelvinside lineup. A Stakes-winning two and three-year-old, he progressed to put on a dazzling display at four in the Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, defeating four Champions and the winners of 16 Gr1s, including Inspiral, Light Infantry and Modern Games.
Anamoe covered 11 Gr1 winners in his debut season (pic: Steve Hart)
Strong Support for Darley Freshman Sires
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
In 2024, Darley’s pair of freshman yearling sires, Bivouac ($55,000) and Ghaiyyath ($27,500), drew considerable attention from top yearling buyers. The yearlings by World Champion Sprinter Bivouac sold to $675,000, while those by the World’s best racehorse, Ghaiyyath, reached $275,000. Emerging young sires Too Darn Hot, Blue Point ($44,000) and Microphone ($22,000) have experienced success with their first two-year-olds racing. Between them, they have produced 10 Black Type juveniles, including a Gr1-winning colt. Proven sires at more than affordable fees include Brazen Beau ($33,000), a multiple Gr1-producing stallion, including Zapateo this season; Harry Angel ($38,500) who boasts one of the highest percentages of Stakes winners to runners among all sires of three-year-olds this season. His standout performers include Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Tom Kitten and Gr2-winning sprinter Stretan Angel. Added to these are proven Gr1 sires Astern ($16,500) and Kermadec ($16,500), who both represent outstanding value for breeders. The first foals by Gr1 winner Paulele will arrive this season. With strong support in his first season, including nine from the Godolphin broodmare band, among them a Gr3-winning sister to Snitzel, the handsome and talented chestnut stands at a slightly reduced fee of $13,750 in his second year at stud. Rounding out 2024’s lineup are exciting sires Pinatubo ($55,000) and Victor Ludorum ($13,750), whose first yearlings will be offered in 2025. With sire lines meticulously curated over a 23-year journey of breeding excellence, Darley’s 2024 Australian stallion roster stands as a truly exceptional group embodying thoroughbred excellence. Click here to download a printable version of the 2024 Darley fee card, fees including GST.
Mill Park's Bivouac-Secretly Discreet filly sold for $675k (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Tutta La Vita Supplemented for Chairman’s Sale
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Top-class 3YO filly Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun) is the latest star attraction confirmed for Inglis’ The Chairman’s Sale, where she will be offered as part of the supplementary catalogue. The Chris Waller-trained filly has proven to be one of the most consistent 3YOs in a stellar crop this season, competing exclusively in Group races. Of those, five have been at Group 1 level and have netted three placings – behind Tropical Squall and Kimochi in the Flight Stakes over 1600m last spring as well as 3rd in the Surround Stakes over 1400m last month (behind Tropical Squall and Stefi Magnetica) and a close 2nd to NZ superstar Orchestral in the Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m three weeks ago (see below). In an 11 start career to date that has already seen her earn more than $500,000 in prizemoney, Tutta La Vita has defeated the likes of Zardozi, Kimochi, Tiz Invincible, Kintyre, Learning To Fly, Makarena, Platinum Jubilee, Autumn Ballet, Mumbai Muse, Mollynickers, Kristilli, Arctic Glamour, Caballus, Les Vampires, Café Millennium etc. Tutta La Vita (pictured) is from one of the strongest families in the Australian Stud Book, being a half-sister to Group 1 winner Secret Agenda as well as three other Stakes horses. Tutta La Vita’s Snitzel three-quarter brother (ex Negotiate) realised $500,000 to the bid of Coolmore’s Tom Magnier at the Easter Yearling Sale earlier this month. Tutta La Vita will be offered at The Chairman’s Sale in the Chris Waller Racing draft as a racing and breeding prospect, with Waller setting her for a two-race Queensland Winter Carnival campaign of the Gr2 The Roses and Gr1 Queensland Oaks should the new owner wish.
Owner Expresses Reluctance to Sell Tutta La Vita
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
“In a perfect world I wouldn’t be selling her, I love her and I truly believe she is a Group 1 winner in the making but when you race a lot of horses you need to trade some of the good ones sometimes to keep the business running the way you’d like and it’s just a timing thing that she will be offered for public auction,’’ part owner Kevin Payne said of his decision to sell The Autumn Sun’s multiple Group 1-performed 3YO filly Tutta La Vita through next month’s The Chairman’s Sale (see above item). “She’s perfectly sound, she has an enormous pedigree which I think she will only make even stronger over the next year or two or three and whoever buys her will have the opportunity to run her in a Group 1 within a month of owning her if they choose because that’s what Chris has her set for. “She’s the perfect physical, she has the most magnificent action and such a beautiful temperament, her future really is fantastically bright… She’s a three-time Group 1 placegetter and is right up there with the best 3YO fillies in the country.’’ Inglis’ Senior Bloodstock Consultant Harry Bailey added: “Tutta La Vita being offered for public auction at The Chairman’s Sale is an incredible opportunity for buyers. She was a very good looking yearling that has developed into a beautiful race filly with a hugely appealing pedigree that has a lot happening in it.” La Tutta La Vita was a $300,000 yearling consigned by Arrowfield Stud at the 2022 Inglis Easter Sale.
Newgate Farm Releases Its 2024 Sire Roster
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Three impressive 3YO colts are set to enrich Newgate Farm’s stallion lineup for 2024, as the stud aims to solidify its position as one of Australia’s premier breeding hubs. According to racing.com, the retired trio – Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes victor Ozzmosis, triple Group 1 champion Militarize, and the swift King’s Gambit—are poised to transition seamlessly from the racetrack to the breeding shed. Newgate's stallion roster, now boasting 17 members, features familiar faces like the esteemed Extreme Choice, maintaining his commanding service fee of $275,000. Meanwhile, returning favorites Russian Revolution, Capitalist, and Stay Inside make a comeback at reduced rates, aligning with the current economic landscape. With the success of his first-crop 2YOs, including ATC Sires winner Manaal, Tassort sees a significant fee hike from $11,000 to $38,500. Henry Field, Newgate’s representative, expresses excitement about the expanded roster, emphasizing its strategic pricing to accommodate breeders amid economic uncertainties. Of particular note is Sledmere Stud graduate Ozzmosis, hailed as a pivotal stallion addition. The son of Zoustar mirrors his sire’s success, clinching the prestigious Coolmore Stud Stakes. His introductory fee of $44,000 aligns with his sire's debut pricing, reflecting his potential as a stallion. Multiple Gr1-winning Dundeel colt Militarize, with a fee of $38,500, emerges as a standout with a stellar track record, including victories in prominent races like the ATC Sires' and Champagne Stakes. He was co Black Type Premiership 2YO Champion of his year. King’s Gambit, although lacking a Group 1 triumph, earns acclaim for his potential as a top-tier sire, highlighted by his impressive Golden Slipper performance. Priced at $22,000, he offers a blend of pedigree and performance attractive to commercial breeders. Returning stallions such as Artorius, State Of Rest, Brutal, and Cosmic Force maintain their presence on the roster, each contributing to the farm’s legacy of excellence. In Field's words, Newgate Farm's 2024 roster represents its strongest and most expansive yet, promising a bright future for the stud, its clients, and the Australian breeding industry. Click here for the full roster and prices.
Coolmore Stud Stakes hero Ozzmosis (pic: Mark Gatt)
Champion 2YO Elect Bustles to Karrakatta Win
Wednesday, 24th April 2024
Juvenile Frosted gelding Bustling appears poised to clinch the title of Champion WA 2YO for the 2023-24 season after a commanding victory in the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot last Saturday. Bred at the Duncan family's Oakland Park, the promising colt entered Perth's premier juvenile race as the favorite, building on his debut win at Ascot in March and a Listed triumph in the Perth Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, according to tbwa.net.au. In a scorching display of speed, Bustling surged ahead, leaving his competitors, including Earthstorm (Calyx) and Blue Rocket (Blue Point), trailing by four lengths, with the third-place finisher also hailing from Oakland Park. This victory marked a familiar milestone for the Duncans, who had previously tasted success in the Karrakatta with Roman Time in 2007. Trained by Dan Morton and ridden by Blake Shinn, Bustling exhibited maturity beyond his years, handling the race with ease. Morton, who secured consecutive Karrakatta wins, expressed his confidence in the colt's future, foreseeing his development into a formidable 3YO, a sentiment echoed by leading Victorian hoop Blake Shinn who enjoyed a stellar day in Perth. Bustling's dam Busimiss (Key Business) was herself a stakes-performer whilst his sire Frosted – he gets his coat from his grey sire Tapit – is now the sire of 27 stakes-winners. He shuttled to Darley's Victorian property at Northwood Park. Bustling is the third winner for Busimiss, following Busy One (Safeguard) and Via Monte (Street Boss). She currently has a filly foal by Sessions (Lonhro) and was bred back to the Oakland Park stallion in November. Oakland Park has entered 17 lots for the current Inglis Online Late April Sale. Bidding closes on Wednesday April 24.
