A decade has passed since Chris Waller last claimed the Doncaster Mile, yet the prospect of adding another chapter to his remarkable record now rests with a pair of progressive 3YOs who arrive at Randwick with contrasting profiles but equal intrigue. As the trainer searches for a seventh success in the $4 million feature, Autumn Boy and Sixties have emerged as the central pillars of his challenge. The latter will carry just 49kg under Rachel King, a booking Waller was keen to secure given her familiarity with the colt. “He’s a very talented horse and he’s shown that in his Phar Lap win,” Waller told racingnsw.com.au. “Rachel won a Group race on him in the spring, she’s obviously a natural lightweight rider and I see her as a big race rider. She’s won some big races in Australia, big races in Japan, she’s the right person for the job.” Their prior success together includes a victory over Autumn Boy in the Ming Dynasty, and Sixties has continued to build his case with a decisive Phar Lap Stakes win three weeks ago. His preparation has not been without challenges, particularly in the Australian Guineas where a wide draw forced him into an uncomfortable role. Waller believes a return to handicap conditions and a more favourable run will see him competitive. “He didn’t get much luck in his last Group 1, which was the Australian Guineas, he drew wide and had to go forward and it didn’t quite work for him,” he said. “Back to handicap conditions, if he draws a good barrier, he can definitely be top three.” The colt’s versatility remains a key asset, along with a temperament that has quickly endeared him to the stable. Autumn Boy, by contrast, arrives with a more traditional Doncaster preparation, having built his campaign through a 2000m test before freshening for the Randwick mile. His dominant victory in the Rosehill Guineas on Slipper Day reinforced that approach and convinced Waller he is ready to step back in trip. “You need a strong 2000m horse to win a tough Randwick mile so that’s what I’m going with and he's got a pretty good weight,” he said. “He’s come through (the Guineas) really well.” The reapplication of blinkers is intended to sharpen his response at a critical stage, particularly after his previous encounter with Sheza Alibi. “He didn’t see her coming the other day, she was that fast,” Waller said. “It comes down to luck in running. Coming back to a mile isn’t easy, I don’t think he needs the blinkers as a racehorse but I’ve put them on to make sure he's there in Kerrin's hands when he asks him to quicken.” Waller’s history in the race is formidable, stretching from Triple Honour in 2008 through to Winx in 2016, with multiple contenders again set to represent his stable. Among them, Militarize returns for another attempt, adding depth to a team that once more looks capable of shaping the outcome.
Autumn Boy's rating suggests he can give the race a big shake (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
US Racing Coverage at Risk of Big Decline
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
A major shift in the presentation of horse racing in North America is looming, with FanDuel TV set to significantly scale back its television footprint before exiting traditional broadcasting altogether by 2027. The move, first reported by the Paulick Report, and extrapolated by bloodhorse.com, follows an internal review of the business and was outlined to staff during a March 27 video meeting. More than 100 employees are expected to be impacted, with workforce reductions of around 60% scheduled for the end of June. Remaining staff will continue through November as the network fulfils its commitments to marquee events including Keeneland and the Triple Crown. FanDuel's general manager of racing, Andrew Moore, acknowledged the decision carried weight but pointed to broader strategic considerations. "FanDuel conducted a thorough review of the business, and the investments needed to support a linear network didn't align with its long-term strategy," he said, adding that viewers would still receive uninterrupted coverage of key races through the Triple Crown period. From December onward, the network will move away from in-studio production, instead relying on track-supplied feeds through 2027. While the FanDuel Racing and TVG wagering platforms will continue to operate as core components of the business, the retreat from television represents a notable contraction in the sport's daily visibility. At present, FanDuel TV reaches approximately 30 million households and has served as a central hub for live racing, analysis and on-site reporting for more than two decades, tracing its origins back to the launch of TVG in 1999. For many within the industry, the announcement has been met with a mix of surprise and reflection. Former host Caton Bredar, who has remained involved with the network in a freelance capacity, described the development as difficult to process. "It's pretty surreal because, having been on the network when it launched, you just never thought it would come as far as it has to only come to a halt," she said. "It's truly a dream job, and it's just sad that, like everything, it's gonna come to an end." The importance of dedicated racing coverage was recognised from the outset, with early TVG leadership emphasising storytelling as a means of broadening the sport's appeal. That philosophy helped establish a loyal audience, many of whom have known no alternative platform for daily racing broadcasts. Questions now turn to how that gap will be filled. Although partnerships such as New York racing's arrangement with FOX Sports continue to provide exposure for major events, they do not replicate the depth or consistency of a dedicated network. Bredar suggested the absence of a comparable outlet could leave a significant void, particularly if no successor emerges to carry forward the model that helped modernise racing's media presence. Details of the transition remain limited, with FanDuel declining further comment beyond what has been reported. What is clear, however, is that a defining chapter in the sport's broadcast history is approaching its conclusion, with the ramifications potentially significant.
Two Decade Long Record Can Be Matched
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
A rare piece of southern racing history is within reach this weekend, with a lightly raced filly poised to complete a treble not achieved in two decades. The rescheduled Listed Gore Guineas at Riverton now presents Hello Hayley with the opportunity to sweep the Southern 3YO Guineas Triple Crown, following a sequence of performances that has elevated her into one of the standout fillies of her generation. The path to this point has not been without interruption. Originally slated to contest the Gore Guineas in early February, the meeting was abandoned after an incident in the opening race, forcing a rethink in her preparation. What followed, however, was a decisive step forward. Victories in the Southland Guineas at Ascot Park and the Dunedin Guineas at Wingatui confirmed her progression, with the daughter of Hello Youmzain showcasing both versatility and determination across increasing distances. With the rescheduled race shortened to 1200m, trainer Sophie Price opted to freshen her mare, a move that appears to have worked to plan. “Everything has gone to plan, she’s freshened up well, although looking at the entries it won’t be easy, there are some decent horses in against her and plenty of them,” she said. Conditions are also expected to play a role, with the track currently rated in the heavy range. “All her wins have been on slow-rated ground, but I suppose if it does stay in that heavy range it will make it more of a test and that shouldn’t worry her.” For Price, the occasion carries personal significance as well as professional opportunity. Having grown up in Riverton before establishing her training base in Winton, the meeting represents something of a homecoming. “I’ve spent more of my life in Winton than Riverton, but my parents still live there and I still consider myself a Riverton girl,” she said. “I’m looking forward to heading back there on the weekend and trying to complete the Guineas triple crown.” While a once-off financial bonus is no longer attached to the achievement, the milestone itself remains meaningful. “If she can do it we would be happy to settle for bragging rights.” Raced on lease by a group that includes Price’s husband Corey, the filly has already exceeded expectations. Acquired through Cambridge Stud after an initial enquiry to racing manager Jason Smith, she has developed into a durable and willing performer. “She’s not very big but for her size she’s pretty tough. She tests us, you have to go with her and let her do things on her terms, but I’m not complaining.” A strong nomination list ensures the task ahead will be no formality, with depth across the field adding to the challenge. Regardless of the outcome, the filly’s rise has already provided a memorable campaign, with further success set to cement her place among the region’s most notable three-year-olds.
Hello Haylee can add to racing history (pic: Monica Toretto)
Trainers Eyeing Group 1 Shadhavar Prospects
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
Decisions now loom for connections of Shadhavar following her latest stakes success at Morphettville, with the in-form mare presenting her trainers with a choice between staying local or stepping into deeper waters at Group 1 level, according to racenet.com.au. The Lindsay Park-trained galloper continued her strong South Australian campaign with victory in the Listed Matrice Stakes, building on her Magic Millions win at Murray Bridge earlier in the month. Options are already taking shape, with the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool during their carnival under consideration before a potential return to Adelaide for the Robert Sangster Stakes on April 25. Assistant trainer Dara O’Meachair indicated a flexible approach would be taken in mapping out her next move. “I think we’ll hold a nomination (for the Sangster),” he said. “(There are a) few other races around there. It’s tempting to go for a Wangoom in your own backyard. It’s even possible that we could see her back over here again, whether it’s the Sangster or a Proud Miss. You won’t need to talk her owner into it, we’ll just let the dust settle and weigh things up as we get closer.” Her latest performance suggested she is well equipped for whichever path is chosen. Given a confident ride by Jacob Opperman, she controlled proceedings from the front and proved too strong late, holding off Power Beau with Arkansaw Kid finishing third. O’Meachair was quick to praise her toughness and consistency. “She’s a ripping mare, it’s great to get a black type win with her. To get it (Stakes win) as an older mare in open (class) against the boys is a real feather in her cap,” he said. Elsewhere, the stable’s attention is also fixed on upcoming three-year-old targets, with Stung emerging as a leading Australasian Oaks prospect after a dominant win in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes over 1600m. Ridden by Luke Currie, the filly settled just off the speed before asserting decisively in the straight to score by 1.75 lengths. “She’s exciting,” Currie said. “She was quite dynamic, settled well and was never going to get beat. Her final furlong was strong. She looks very progressive.” The victory carried added significance for Currie. “It’s nice to ride a winner in (a race) named after Clare Lindop, I rode against her for years. She was a great rider and great role model for all in and outside the industry,” he added. Further depth was added to the meeting by the continued rise of Never Ordinary, who demonstrated versatility in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes by settling off the speed before finishing strongly. Trainer Byron Cozamanis remains bullish about her progression. “She’s getting better all the time,” he said. “The vets said she’d never race, it’s an amazing story. I’ve had some nice horses, but she’s right up there with them. She’ll go to the Without Fear and then the Breeders, that’s the plan at this stage.”
Group 1 Stars’ Connections to Hasten Slowly
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
A defining weekend across two countries has prompted a pause rather than an immediate push forward, with connections opting to give their emerging stars time to reset after a memorable Group 1 double. Following standout performances at Trentham and Randwick, plans have been confirmed for both Seize The Day and Belle Cheval to head to the spelling paddock before being aimed at new-season targets. The decision around Belle Cheval had effectively been made prior to her narrow victory in the Vinery Stud Stakes, with the filly already relocated to Australia as part of a longer-term strategy. Trainer Mark Walker explained that a measured approach would be taken as she transitions between preparations. “Belle Cheval has already been floated down to our Cranbourne stable and she’ll spend a couple of days there just trotting out to familiarise her before she comes back into work to prepare for the spring,” he said. That shift reflects a preference from her ownership group to remain in Australia, rather than returning to New Zealand where spring conditions can often prove testing. “Her owners David Archer and Diane Wright like the idea of staying in Australia instead of kicking off her season back in New Zealand, mainly because those spring tracks back home are often so wet.” A clear target has already been identified, with the $10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick shaping as her early spring objective. “At this stage her main early target will be the Golden Eagle in Sydney, which will allow plenty of time for the spell she’s earned and then have a steady build-up,” Walker added. The 1500m feature, restricted to four-year-olds, has quickly become one of the most sought-after races on the calendar and is expected to draw a high-quality field again this year. Attention has also turned to Seize The Day, whose dominant victory in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes left little doubt about his standing among his generation. While immediate racing options had been considered, discussions between Te Akau’s principals and a partnership that includes his breeders Yarraman Park have led to a decision to give him a break rather than press on into a late-season campaign. For Walker, the double provided a moment of reflection on a career that continues to evolve. “It’s a massive thrill for everyone involved to win Group Ones on the same day at Trentham and Randwick,” he said. “I’ve been training for coming up 30 years and it’s a personal career highlight. Especially with Belle Cheval, who did her final serious work at Matamata before flying to Sydney, it was a Team New Zealand effort that together we made happen.” Further decisions now loom for other members of the stable, with Walker indicating that plans for several older mares will be reviewed in the coming weeks as their future roles – either racing on or transitioning to broodmare duties – are assessed.
Racing NSW Praised for Fuel Funding Package
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
Relief measures introduced by Racing NSW have been warmly received on the state’s far south coast, where rising costs have placed increasing pressure on smaller racing communities. A combined $3.1 million funding package, rolled out in two stages last week, is being viewed as a timely intervention for participants who have been grappling with the effects of an escalating fuel crisis. An initial $1.5 million allocation was announced to assist owners, trainers and jockeys, before a further $1.6 million was directed towards the industry’s lowest-paid workers, including stable staff and casual raceday employees. For Sapphire Coast Turf Club CEO Rob Tweedie, the direct nature of the support is what makes the difference. “It's going directly into the pockets of the people that need it most,” he told punters.com.au. Operating in a regional area presents unique challenges, particularly when travel costs surge, and Tweedie believes the funding will provide meaningful relief. “Given where we sit geographically down here on the Sapphire Coast it's vital in helping us with our ongoing operations,” he said. He suggested many within the local ranks had been feeling the strain without drawing attention to it. “For a lot of our loyal staff and trainers they would be too proud to come out and say it, but they would have definitely been struggling with these extraordinary times.” The support is expected to have a tangible impact on those working at the grassroots level of the sport. “For the battling trainers that just poke around with a horse or two or the casual staff that travel a long way to work at our race meetings, this relief moves the needle and is a big relief,” Tweedie said. “A lot of our staff and trainers do what they do through loyalty so they will suffer in silence if they have to. So for Racing NSW to get out on the front foot and do this will mean a lot to so many people that are the lifeblood of our industry.” With fuel prices continuing to rise, Tweedie noted the burden extends beyond direct expenses. “It's all the indirect costs as well,” he said, pointing to broader increases across the board that have compounded the challenge for regional operators. The club has also had to remain flexible in its own planning, with a recent meeting shifted to Monday to avoid poor weather. “The last thing we wanted to do was roll the dice and have to turn everyone away, especially in the current climate,” Tweedie said. He pointed to individuals such as trainer and barrier attendant Michael Sparrow and clerk of the course Anita Walder as examples of the resilience within the local industry, adding that the additional support would ease the pressure on those juggling multiple roles.
O'Brien Gives Update on 1000 Guineas Favourite
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
Plans for Newmarket remain on track for Precise, with Aidan O'Brien expressing confidence that his star filly still has sufficient time to be readied for the Betfred 1,000 Guineas despite a recent interruption to her preparation. Last season's standout juvenile filly, Precise won four straight races after finishing second on debut at Fairyhouse, building from maiden success to black-type dominance with victories in the Prestige Stakes, Moyglare Stud Stakes and Fillies' Mile. Her emphatic Newmarket success over a mile cemented her position at the head of the Guineas market, where she remains a clear favourite as Ballydoyle chases an eighth win in the fillies' Classic. At a public workout at the Curragh on Sunday, however, she was restricted to an easy canter alongside a lead horse as O'Brien continues to rebuild her fitness following a minor setback. "Precise had a temperature a couple of weeks ago, so we had to just back off her and slowly build her back up," he said. "She hasn't done a lot for the last couple of weeks and she went to the Curragh for a day out. "If she comes out of that well, she'll have plenty of time to be trained for the 1,000 Guineas, and she was forward enough at the stage [of the infection]. She had a good level of fitness before we had to back off her and the next couple of weeks will tell a lot. She only cantered up with a lead horse at the Curragh and we were very happy with her." While Precise remains central to Ballydoyle's Guineas hopes, O'Brien also provided fresh insight into his colts' division after Albert Einstein's surprise defeat in Saturday's Gladness Stakes. Once a leading fancy for the 2,000 Guineas, the colt has drifted sharply in the betting and could yet be redirected to sprinting, though O'Brien has not ruled out allowing him another chance to prove himself at a mile. "We obviously thought he was very quick and with those horses that have that speed and are quick thinkers, it's usually hard to get them to go slow enough to get a mile," he said. "It would be very easy to make him a very fast horse. Sometimes it's hard to go against nature, so it's possible he could go back sprinting." Even if Albert Einstein bypasses Newmarket, Ballydoyle still appears well stocked. Gstaad, who was partnered by Ryan Moore in Sunday's work, and Puerto Rico remain firmly in the Classic picture, with O'Brien suggesting Moore's decision to ride Gstaad may yet prove significant. "Ryan was riding Gstaad this morning and he had it in his head that he could be the horse for Newmarket," he said. "Obviously, Puerto Rico is there, and we'll see how they come out of the work and see how Albert Einstein is as well."
Bargain Buy a Country Championship Threat
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
What began as a spare-thought purchase on Mother's Day in 2023 has developed into a genuine Country Championships opportunity for Port Macquarie trainer Robbie Agnew, whose bargain buy Show 'Em Howl will line up in Saturday's $1 million Final at Royal Randwick. The former jockey had gone into the Gold Yearling Sales with a budget of $30,000 to secure a Thronum youngster, but when that job was done and Pony Soprano had been bought, an unexpected opening presented itself. Agnew recalled still watching the sale from his mother Sharon's place when a Showtime yearling failed to reach a modest reserve. "I was at my mum Sharon's for Mother's Day watching the sales with a budget to buy a yearling which is now Pony Soprano," he said. "When we got him for what we did, I kept watching the sale and saw a Showtime yearling go through that didn't make his reserve of $5,000. So I made a call to get him provided he passed the vets and here we are." That impromptu decision has proven an astute one, with Show 'Em Howl progressing into a four-time winner whose earnings have climbed to $179,000, while giving his stable a live chance in one of the most valuable country features on the calendar. Although quoted at $26 for Saturday's assignment, Agnew is far from daunted by the challenge and believes the chestnut deserves his place in the contest. "We are going there as a genuine top three chance," he said. "Chidiac and Considered are the two top chances but with a bit of tempo on I'm confident we can figure right in the finish." For Agnew, who moved from the saddle to the training ranks in 2020, the Country Championships represent more than a payday. They are a showcase for country stables and a yardstick by which regional horses can be measured. "It's a great incentive for the country trainers to race for such great prize money," he said. "Obviously there's a lot of water to go under the bridge to get there. If you've got a genuine Highway class horse that's in the mix you can measure up." A major asset in Saturday's tilt will again be apprentice Anna Roper, who has partnered Show 'Em Howl in each of his four wins. Agnew values that understanding, particularly with a horse that has his own way of doing things. "They get along great, Anna knows him like the back of her hand," he said. "He's not a quiet horse. He has his quirks so it's great they click so well." Should the pair salute, Show 'Em Howl would become one of the race's great bargain-buy stories and hand Port Macquarie its first Country Championships success since Victorem in 2018.
NZB National Online Sale is Now Live
Wednesday, 1st April 2026
A digital marketplace that continues to gather momentum has returned for another year, with the latest edition of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Online Yearling Sale now live and offering a 104-lot catalogue through Gavelhouse Plus. The six-year-old concept has rapidly evolved into a credible pathway to racetrack success, and early indicators suggest this year’s offering will again attract strong interest from buyers seeking value and upside. Since its inception, the online format has delivered tangible results on the track, with 169 runners producing 159 wins, including elite-level performers. Among those to emerge from the platform are unbeaten Group 1 winner Well Written, who captured both the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO and the NZB Kiwi, alongside Listed winner De Armas and Gr2 Eight Carat Classic victor Hitabell. Those outcomes have helped reshape perceptions of the digital sale, elevating it from an alternative marketplace to a genuine source of top-tier talent. A key driver behind that success lies in the incentives attached to each offering. Every lot catalogued is eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, creating a clear pathway from online purchase to major raceday opportunities within a relatively short timeframe. Graduates are able to target the 2027 $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO before progressing to the 2028 $1.5 million 3YO edition, with additional upside provided through the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series. NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones pointed to the increasing quality of entries as a defining feature of the sale’s growth. “There have been a number of outstanding prospects come out of this online session, particularly in the past 24 months,” he said. “Vendors are aiming quality yearlings towards this Sale and horses like the superstar Well Written and the incredibly promising De Armas are a real testament to that.” He added that the improving strength of pedigrees is creating genuine buying opportunities. “The quality of pedigrees assembled for the Sale continues to improve and there is no doubt that there are plenty of opportunities to secure some future stars in this year’s offering.” Vendor support has again been strong, with consignors from across New Zealand presenting progeny by a broad range of established and emerging stallions. Buyers will find representation from proven names such as Ace High, Alabama Express, Per Incanto, Proisir, Satono Aladdin, So You Think and Tassort, alongside younger sires including Ardrossan, Armory, Circus Maximus, Noverre, Profondo and Sword of State. Bidding is scheduled to open on Friday, April 10, with the sale concluding from 6pm (NZT) on Tuesday, April 14. Prospective buyers are required to register in advance via Gavelhouse Plus, with NZB agents available to assist throughout the process. On-farm parades will also be staged in the lead-up, offering an additional layer of inspection for those seeking further confidence before engaging in the virtual ring.
Undefeated Well Written (Race Images Therese Davies)
