Winning Sire: Tavistock (Montjeu-Upstage, by Quest for Fame)
Stud Farm: Camridge Stud
Trainer: K A Lees
Jockey: J Ford
Race record: 9 wins and 5 placings from 21 starts for $821,325 in earnings
Sales Info: $60,000 yearling at the 2021 NZB NYSS and then a $130,000 purchase at the 2021 Inglis Ready2Race Sale of 2YOs
NEWMM National Sale Boosted by Supplementaries
Friday, 16th May 2025
Momentum continues building for the Magic Millions National Weanling and Broodmare Sale, with the release of the final supplementary catalogues adding more quality to what’s already shaping as a standout event. Leading the additions is five-time group winner See You in Heaven – see below – who has earned more than $830,000 and returns to the Gold Coast where she was first offered as a $27,000 weanling back in 2020. The Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained mare will now take her place in the racefillies section of the National Broodmare Sale, alongside fellow high-class performers including Sweltering, runner-up in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks, and a Queensland Derby and Oaks entry, and Kuroyanagi, a Group 1 Blue Diamond placegetter with over $400,000 in earnings from just ten starts. The supplementary list also boasts the likes of In Her Eyes, Iphimedia, and The Dabble Effect, all stakes performers, while the broodmare section welcomes Australasian Oaks winner Media Award, in foal to Maurice, and French stakes winner Noor Sahara, who is in foal to I Am Invincible. Gold Bracelet, a Group 2 winner of the Wellington Guineas, adds further depth to the international offerings on Day One. They join an earlier wave of headline additions such as Lady Laguna, Femminile and Skirt the Law, a winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, along with black-type mares Extreme Diva, My True Love (both served by Hellbent), and Inspired Estelle, a three-quarter sister to Lankan Rupee, who is in foal to Stay Inside. The National Weanling Sale, which opens proceedings on May 25, has also grown, with six new entries rounding out a now 371-strong catalogue. The fresh additions include youngsters by proven and emerging sires such as Admire Mars, North Pacific, Profiteer, Stronger, and Tagaloa. The Weanling Sale has a rich history of producing elite performers, among them Zoustar, Pierro, Pinstriped, Tropical Squall, Generosity, Stay Inside, Autumn Glow, and of course, See You in Heaven herself—underlining the Sale’s reputation as a reliable launchpad for top-tier talent. To explore the full supplementary catalogue for the National Broodmare Sale, [click here]. For full details on all sessions and updates for the National Weanling Sale, [click here].
NEWHTBA Celebrates 2025 Annual Awards
Friday, 16th May 2025
Over 300 industry leaders, clients and supporters attended the Hunter Thoroughbred Association’s 34th Annual Awards night in Scone. “The Hunter Valley is Australia’s premier thoroughbred breeding region and Horse Capital. The breadth and depth of talent of our people and the success of our equine athletes is world-renowned. I am very proud to recognise their achievements once again at this year’s 34th Annual Awards” Mr Barley Ward-Thomas, HTBA’s President said. The award winners are:
2025 HTBA 2YO Racehorse Award: Sponsored by International Animal Health: This year’s 2025 HTBA Champion 2-year-old Racehorse award winner is MARHOONA, a filly by Snitzel out of dam Salma. MARHOONA, won the premier Group 1 ATC Golden Slipper Stakes at just her third career start. MARHOONA was born and bred at Emirates Park.
2025 HTBA 3YO Racehorse Award: Sponsored by Zoetis.: The 2025 HTBA Champion 3-year-old Racehorse was awarded to LADY SHENANDOAH. A daughter of Snitzel out of the mare Star Pupil. LADY SHENANDOAH is a multiple Group 1 winning filly of the ATC Group 1 Flight Stakes and Group 1 Surround Stakes before defeating older mares in the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes. LADY SHENANDOAH was born at Arrowfield Stud and bred by both Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd and Planette Thoroughbreds.
2025 HTBA Champion Racehorse Award: Sponsored by Scone Race Club: The 2025 HTBA Champion Racehorse was awarded to STEFI MAGNETICA. Daughter of All Too Hard out of the mare Mid Summer Music, STEFI MAGNETICA is a dual Group 1 winner of the ATC Doncaster Handicap & BRC Stradbroke Handicap.
2025 HTBA Champion Broodmare Award: Sponsored by Scone Equine Hospital: The 2025 HTBA Champion Broodmare Award was presented to SPEEDWAY owned and resident at Godolphin Woodlands in the Hunter Valley. The dam of three time Group 1 winner BROADSIDING who over the last 12 months was victorious in races such as Group 1 ATC Golden Rose, Rosehill Guineas and BRC JJ Atkins Stakes. He was also third in the MVRC WS Cox Plate against older horses in his three-year-old spring campaign.
2025 HTBA Champion First Season Sire Award: Sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research | Barastoc Ridley Partnership: WOOTTON BASSETT (GB) was awarded 2025 HTBA Champion First Season Sire. Standing at Coolmore, WOOTTON BASSETT is the son of Iffraaj (GB) out of the mare Balladonia (GB).WOOTTON BASSETT’s first crop of 2-year-olds include multiple black type performers such as Wodeton who was second in the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes, State Visit second in the Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes as well as West Of Swindon, Wiltshire Square, Gallo Nero and Yamashita’s Gold. His first season progeny giving him a black-type premiership points score of 65 to take home this year’s title
2025 HTBA Champion Sire Award: Sponsored by Inglis: The 2025 HTBA Champion Sire was awarded to SNITZEL, the outstanding son of Redoute’s Choice who stands at Arrowfield Stud. His 19 individual stakes winning progeny over the last 12 months included Group 1 winners Mahroona, Lady Shenandoah and Switzerland, raking up 327 points on the black-type premiership leader board. The 2025 HTBA Champion Sire, proudly presented by long time HTBA Champion Sire Award Sponsors, Inglis.
NEWMia Collins Presented HTBA Murray Bains Award
Friday, 16th May 2025
In further news from Scone, Mia Collins has been named the recipient of the 2025 HTBA Murray Bain Award for Service to Industry, an honour that recognises individuals who have made exceptional, hands-on contributions to the thoroughbred sector. Raised in the central Riverina, Collins' early connection to horses was nurtured through Pony Club, working as a stable hand and a dream of becoming a jockey. In a move that seemed unconventional but laid the foundation for her practical ethos, she joined the Navy and trained as an electronics technician—all while continuing to compete in horse trials. Following her service, she returned to equine life as a riding school manager and earned a Diploma of Agriculture, Horse Husbandry and Management at Roseworthy Agricultural College, where she received the award for highest proficiency in horsemanship. Her time at Roseworthy was memorably marked by her transformation of a difficult gelding named Laddy, who eventually became the teaching horse for beginners. Collins' career has spanned both international and domestic arenas, including work in yearling management and tertiary education in New Zealand. She held key roles in bloodstock marketing, including Executive Officer at Australian Thoroughbred Marketing and a pedigree consultant with Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. However, her most lasting impact has been as a teacher of Equine Studies, beginning in 1991 at Kurri Kurri TAFE. Starting from scratch – with no students and no courses – she built a respected program with strong industry support. After gaining a Diploma in Teaching from the University of Technology Sydney and a brief stint in Victoria, she began a long tenure at Scone TAFE that continued until the end of 2024. Over more than three decades, Collins taught thousands of students in areas including equine anatomy, health, nutrition, breeding, foaling, handling and riding instruction. She was instrumental in establishing the Equine Nursing Certificate, only the second equine-specific nursing program in the world, and developed a wide array of Certificate III and IV courses in Horse Breeding, Veterinary Nursing, Racing, Agriculture and more. She also played a key role in delivering short-format programs like Foal Night Watch and Horse Health, and served as a trainer for Darley Flying Start and Fast Track programs nationally. Collins' teaching legacy is one of innovation, rigour and deep practical knowledge, shared generously with a generation of industry participants. The HTBA’s decision to award Mia Collins the 2025 Murray Bain Award is a recognition of a career defined by dedication, adaptability and tireless hands-on service. Her influence across breeding, education and horse care leaves an indelible mark on the thoroughbred landscape.
Mia Collins and HTBA President Mr Barley Ward -Thomas (pic: supplied)
Star's Chrysaor Contests Luskin Star First Up
Friday, 16th May 2025
A winner of over $1.2m for connections, the C J Waller trained-Chrysaor (Better Than Ready-New Wings, by Choisir) will surely be aimed at races throughout the Brisbane Winter carnival, but it would not surprise to see the 4yo gelding sprint well fresh on Saturday in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m). With two wins and a second from six first up efforts, it's worth noting that when resuming in September off the back of 2024 Brisbane winter carnival campaign, the Star Thoroughbred raced Magic Millions graduate proved too classy for his rivals, winning the Listed Vale Black Caviar Stakes at Flemington (1400m). With two typical Waller trials under his belt where he wasn't asked to do too much, two things are in his favour come Saturday in that there is likely to get a nice pace up front, and the Scone straight gives him time to work home strongly. When you look at some of his recent form which includes a fourth, beaten just over a length and a half by Briasa (Smart Missile) in the Gr2 Hunter, with that winner taking out the Gr1 TJ Smith Stakes two starts later, Chrysaor is surely worth an each way bet at odds. In a race of 16 plus one emergency, the current favourite is the Brett Robb-trained Gallant Star (Zoustar-Miss Valor, by Hinchinbrook). While he is yet to tackle black type racing, he has finished second and fourth in the past two editions of the Country Championships at Randwick, earning some quality prizemoney for his connections, and deserves his chance here.
Chrysaor is by leading Qld sire Better Than Ready (pic: Steve Hart)
Waller's Belle Detelle Has Pedigree on Her Side
Friday, 16th May 2025
Meanwhile, having won the past two editions of the G3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) with Special Swey (Sweynesse) in 2023 before Tannhauser (Dundeel) last year, Champion trainer C J Waller will be represented by four runners in this year's race looking to make it three consecutive wins in the G1 Queensland Derby lead-up run. Of Waller's runners, he is saddling up the only two fillies in the race and both create plenty of intrigue, none more so than Belle Detelle (Zed-Black Lace, by Towkay). James McDonald is partnering the filly, who is by the same sire as Horse of the Year Verry Elleegant, for the first time, and riding her half a kilo over. She was a winner of the Gr3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) two starts back where she defeated Polymnia (Dundeel), with that runner up then heading to South Australian and finishing third, beaten a length and a half in the Gr1 Australasian Oaks (2000m). Beaten two and three quarter lengths in the Gr1 Australian Oaks (2400m) last start behind Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express), Belle Detelle may not have run the trip out completely, but surely if she comes through this race unscathed then she could be aimed towards the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) or Derby (2400m), races she holds nominations for. As a three-quarter sister to his ill-fated champion Verry Elleegant (Zed), who recorded 11 Group 1 victories, it is unlikely that Belle Detelle will ever reach the heights of her close relation, but it's clear she has the right bloodlines pumping through her veins and McDonald would not be aboard unless she has been providing the stable with the right signs.
Gallo Nero Commences Queensland Campaign
Friday, 16th May 2025
With the recent news that Coolmore's exceptional shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett will stand the upcoming breeding season at an all-time Australian high fee of $350,000 (plus GST), the Hawkes Racing-trained Gallo Nero (Wootton Bassett-Chianti, by I Am Invincible) looks capable of commencing his Queensland winter carnival with success in the Gr3 Spirit Of Boom Classic (1200m), and could even feature as the first Australian-bred Gr1 winner for his sire if he goes all the way to the JJ Atkins (1600m). Beaten just over a length into fourth on debut behind the Playwright (Written By) who would go on to win the Gr3 Widden Stakes three starts later, the Kambula Stud-bred and Glenbeigh Farm sold colt then broke his maiden at Randwick, with the eventual Magic Millions 2YO Classic quinella of O' Ole (Ole Kirk) and Memo (Capitalist) finishing behind him. That form was then franked when Gallo Nero charged late into third position at his next start in the lucrative Magic Millions behind O' Ole and Memo. While the form out of this race has sometime proven questionable, both the second placed Memo and eighth placed Cool Archie (Cool Aza Beel) have both gone on to record their own stakes success. Drawn wide in barrier 12, Tyler Schiller will likely settle the colt back in the field and hope for luck when needing to make his run. The first foal of the two-time-winning I Am Invincible mare Chianti, who herself is a daughter of the imported South African Gr1 winner Sweet Sanette, Chianti foaled a filly by Anamoe last spring and is due for foal to the very same sire once again in the upcoming breeding season.
O' Ole (pictured) is a strong formline for Gallo Nero (pic: Steve Hart)
Price and Kent Out to Make Grand Scone Impact
Friday, 16th May 2025
As a highly promising 3YO who won his first three starts – highlighted by success in the Gr3 Sapphire Stakes – before finishing just over five lengths off them in the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at just his fourth start, the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Grand Impact (Satono Aladdin-Serena Slam, by Swiss Ace) looks capable of winning Saturday's Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m). Not seen at the races for some 17 months after his Coolmore run, it has taken a while for the gelding to get back into the swing of things, but after a solid last campaign which netted a fourth, a third and two wins from four starts, he looks ready to record his second stakes victory. Winning his recent Randwick barrier trial, apprentice jockey Anna Roper will ride the gelding with the pair to jump away from barrier 4. If he doesn't get caught up behind slow horses when attempting to make his run, or if the inside of the track is slightly off due to the recent wet weather, then his first up record of two wins from four starts should see him right in the finish. Arrowfield Stud's impeccably bred, imported 5YO mare Clear Thinking (Dubawi-Sweet Idea, by Snitzel) was last seen when just two lengths off the winner in the Gr3 Wenona Girl Quality off the back of a narrow second in the Gr3 Triscay Stakes. Trained by Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich, the mare won her first four starts, including two from two on her home track of Scone, and come Saturday, this looks her chance to break through for her first black type victory.
Bustler Primed for Big Bounce Back
Friday, 16th May 2025
Trainer Neville Parnham believes Bustler is ready to bounce back in a big way this winter, with the multiple stakes winner showing sharp signs of return during a key trial at Ascot on Monday. The 5YO, who took out the Railway Stakes in 2023, cruised through his 1000m heat after giving Ain't No Other Man a decent head start, but reeled him in with a powerful late sprint that impressed his stable, reports racingwa.com.au. Parnham is confident the gelding is on target to make a statement in the upcoming Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m), a race Bustler won as a three-year-old and one that could reignite his campaign after a winless summer. Bustler's most notable run during the last Ascot carnival was a close second to Casino Seventeen in the Lee Steere Stakes, and Parnham feels luck played its part in a season that didn't quite go to script. "We're really looking forward to this campaign," he told TABradio. "He had mixed luck and not getting a lot of favours in the Railway and other races. Things didn't fall his way, but he did run a very good race in the Lee Steere, all but won the race." The gelding has seven wins and $1.7 million in earnings from 23 starts, but Parnham believes the best version of him is yet to be seen. "He sort of had a mixed prep, but we've never had him as well as we currently have got him. I don't have a real reason for that, he's been real sharp in his work and I thought he trialled super yesterday. I'm extremely happy with him leading into this prep." Also catching the eye in the same heat was promising 3YO September Born, who finished third for Parnham. The son of Playing God showed significant talent last spring, particularly in the Fairetha Stakes, before pulling up with severe bruising after a disappointing WA Guineas. "We walked away with our heads down, disappointed," Parnham admitted. "But he's had a nice break now and has come back in pretty good order. I thought his effort was solid in a fast run trial."
Benedetta Stats Suggest She Can Measure Up
Friday, 16th May 2025
Successful in last year's Gr1 Goodwood Handicap, the Jason Warren trained Benedetta (Hellbent-Whatalovelyday, by Domesday) has contested slightly harder races this time in and heads to Saturday's $1.5m Gr1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) off the back of a last start fifth in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes (1400m), finishing two and a three-quarter lengths off the winner. Finishing behind her that day was the Tony Gollan trained Antino (Redwood) who came out last Saturday and demoralised his rivals in the Gr2 Hollindale Stakes, winning by three and a half lengths. In the top three on seven occasions from nine attempts at 1200m, Benedetta has drawn well in barrier eight, and it's surely pleasing for connections to see Jamie Melham retaining the ride. A graduate of Mill Park Stud's Inglis Premier yearling sale draft where she was purchased for just $75,000 by Eales Racing Syndications, Benedetta has amassed connections more than $2m from eight career wins. While her ultimate aim is the Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), a race she finished eighth in last year, Warren is confident a slight change in her program this season could see a better showing. "Rather than going to Adelaide, which was quite an achievable Group 1 in the Sangster, we decided to go to Sydney, so we were halfway to Brisbane," Warren told Racenet. "She's in great form and she hasn't had an overly taxing preparation so far. She'll go there with fresh legs."
Soft Love Puts Unbeaten Record on the Line
Friday, 16th May 2025
Having won all three of her starts, the Mornington visitor Soft Love (Pierata-Tigress Lily, by Snitzel) will be out to not only continue her unbeaten run, but also strengthen the quality relationship between trainer Matt Laurie and owners Yulong. Set to start as one of the favoured runners in Scone's Listed Denise's Joy Stakes (1100m), Soft Love was last seen in action when defeating the James Cummings trained Thames (Lonhro-Rillito, by Street Cry) by a length and three-quarters with that runner up since finishing second once again, and she will also line up here. The 3YO filly has since been to the trials, given an easy time over 900m at Rosehill and from barrier one on Saturday, she will surely be in the race for a long way. With Cummings having trained the last three winners of the race, Thames will be joined by last start winner Photograph (Blue Point-Memorial, by Street Cry), trying to give the Godolphin team four consecutive wins in the 33YOfeature race. With impressive victories at her last two starts, Mitch Beer's Sunrise (Charm Spirit-Daily At Dawn, by Dawn Approach) could start the favourite. Purchased for just $45,000 by her trainer and JJJ Racing at last year's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, any black type secured by the filly will clearly be a positive for her pedigree moving forward.
The Results at Scone Are Written In Code
Friday, 16th May 2025
Scone's two-day carnival brings together a host of not only local talent, but city and interstate runners who use the numerous stakes races over the two days and lead in runs to future races during the Queensland winter carnival. Open to fillies and mares, the Gr3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) has assembled an outstanding field of 16 plus four emergencies headed by last year's G1 Australasian Oaks winner Vibrant Sun (The Autumn Sun-Vibrant Rouge, by Written Tycoon), the only elite level winner in the field. With two wins and a last start fourth in the Gr3 Hawkesbury Crown, beaten a little over two lengths, the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Written In Code (I Am Invincible-Written Dash, by Written Tycoon) has been in red hot form since she headed back to the Sydney way of going. Drawn well in barrier three with apprentice Braith Nock in the saddle, the Tyreel Stud-bred and part owned mare interestingly had just her second race start at the track, finishing second in the Listed Denise's Joy Stakes. Set to sell through the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale as Lot 501, if the close relation to Bowness Stud's promising young sire D'Argento (So You Think) can add any further black type to her record, she will surely be an in demand commodity come sale day.
Written In Code was a $900,000 yearling (pic: inglis.com.au)
Stable Elects to Hasten Slowly with Immedicacy
Friday, 16th May 2025
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are taking a measured route with Immediacy, electing to keep the progressive gelding to his own lane rather than test him against weight-for-age stars in the upcoming Doomben Cup. The rejuvenated 4YO will instead line up in this Saturday’s Gr3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben, where he’s drawn ideally in barrier two and will carry 58kg under Mark Zahra on a Heavy8 track. Despite being among the early nominations for the $1 million Doomben Cup over the same trip a week later, Busuttin said they were realistic about where their gelding currently fits in the pecking order. “The reality is he’s probably not a Group 1 horse – he’s a Group 3, fringe-Group 2 horse – so you’ve got to put them in the right races,” Busuttin said. “If he runs in the Doomben Cup he’s carrying weight-for-age against a horse like Antino, so we’d be happy to win a Group 3 race rather than go around and run fifth or sixth in a Doomben Cup. We’re just trying to win some races and pick up some prizemoney away from the better horses.” Immediacy arrives off back-to-back victories and now boasts five wins from 12 starts, prompting connections to plan carefully rather than ambitiously. Busuttin was upbeat about Immediacy’s prospects on Saturday but acknowledged the strength of the opposition after spotting Gai Waterhouse’s Sir Delius among the acceptors. “I was confident and then I was just having a look through the nominations and saw Gai had one in there that its last start was in the Arc de Trompe (Gr1, 2400m) and before that, it had won a Group 1 in France,” he said. “So that pulled me up a bit. But it will be interesting anyway.” As for the forecast wet conditions, Busuttin isn’t overly concerned, even though Immediacy’s wins have all come on firmer ground. “Because of his breeding, you’d assume he’d enjoy a wet track, but all of his wins have been on top of the ground,” he noted. “I don’t think it’ll worry him, but again, we’ll find out.” A good showing on Saturday could prompt a tilt at the Group 2 Q22 on Stradbroke Day, but for now, the stable is content to plot a path that builds confidence and results without diving too deep.
Extreme Price on Inglis Digital for Choice Share
Friday, 16th May 2025
A $540,000 share in leading sire Extreme Choice topped the Inglis Digital May (Early) Online Sale, setting a new high mark for the stallion and reflecting continued confidence in his growing legacy. The share, offered by the China Horse Club, was purchased by Glenlogan Park’s Steve Morley, who didn’t hold back in his praise: “The reality is, the stats emanating from this stallion speak for themselves and the word ‘freak’ certainly has to be in the conversation.” Morley noted Extreme Choice’s standout profile in a competitive sire market. “He’s younger than the rest at the top end and has already produced Group 1 winners. With Glenlogan’s strong band of quality mares, we expect great results over the next eight to 10 years.” He also credited Inglis Digital for its user-friendliness, calling it “very easy to use” and valuable for connecting buyers and sellers year-round. Michael Smith of the China Horse Club welcomed the result, saying, “We’re delighted with the outcome. It sets a new benchmark for the stallion. He’s a superior horse and we’re delighted to have Glenlogan join us in the ownership, who are such incredible breeders in their own right.” Smith added that the digital process had been seamless, with the offering attracting strong attention in the lead-up. “We’re looking forward to the stallion going from strength to strength in years to come.” The night’s second-highest price came from the sale of four-year-old Zoustar mare Glade, in foal to Home Affairs, who brought $250,000 from Ascend Thoroughbreds. Offered by Cavallo Park Stud, Cate Lavender was thrilled: “It’s a great result. She’s a quality mare on an enticing pregnancy so she deserved to realise such a good outcome.” Lavender also praised Inglis Digital, saying, “The Inglis team always do such a fantastic job in creating a strong market to give us vendors the best possible chance of getting results like this.” The third-top lot was Acquired, in foal to Shinzo, sold to Riverstone Lodge for $160,000. She was one of six offerings from Highgrove Stud, five of which sold. Highgrove’s Ron Gilbert said, “We’re thrilled with today’s sale,” and gave special thanks to Inglis’ Chris Russell: “The service provided has been amazing.” Six lots fetched $100,000 or more on the night, including Fierce Dragon ($150,000), Appin Opal ($100,000), and Leading The Way ($100,000), helping push the overall sale gross to $4,725,050.
Brilliant racehorse and now star sire Extreme Choice (pic: Mark Gatt)
