Accomplished trainer Donna Logan is set to make her mark back in New Zealand racing, kicking off at Ruakaka on Tuesday after a seven-year stint in Singapore, where her career thrived until the curtain fell on racing there in early October. Choosing South Auckland's Byerley Park over her former base at Ruakaka, according to NZ Racing Desk, Logan praised the new setup, highlighting its proximity to Ellerslie, the airport, and its potential for international opportunities. Returning to Ruakaka, however, wasn’t feasible for Logan, given the intensive travel demands. “I loved Ruakaka,” she shared. “But after experiencing the convenience of Singapore, the thought of endless travel again was daunting. I sacrificed a lot, including family time, for the travel, so Byerley Park was the sensible choice.” She also reflected on how much she missed New Zealand’s greenery after years in Singapore, expressing renewed appreciation for the paddocks, lawns, and trees. Logan’s first runners, Likava and White Mask, will debut at Ruakaka under the banner of Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey, a major supporter of Logan’s return. Likava, a 4YO mare, will contest the Northland Business Systems (1200m), while White Mask, a promising 3YO, is entered for either the Wangaripo Valley Free Range Egg Cup Race (1400m) or the Lion Red (1400m). “Both horses have shown potential,” Logan noted. “White Mask will improve with distance, while Likava looks set for a decent debut.” Adding depth to her team, Logan is thrilled to have Singapore stakes performer Istataba back in her stables, with plans to target New Zealand Cups races. Logan’s return signals a new chapter for her but also reinforces her enduring passion for racing and her homeland.
Donna Logan is set to restart her New Zealand training career (pic: Trish Dunell)
Buyers Urged to Protect Equine Investments
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
One of Australia’s leading thoroughbred insurers, Fitton HorseInsure, is urging yearling buyers to protect their considerable investments ahead of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale that gets underway on Tuesday. The iconic thoroughbred insurance specialist noted, “In a sport as unpredictable as horses, we are constantly evaluating risks because we know how easily these animals can be subject to significant injury if we aren’t careful. However, what if you don’t have hands-on contact with your horse? Is there still risk? The answer is a resounding yes!” Whether one is in physical control of the horse or not, everyday there is risk to the investment. Although, of course, they are only left in the hands of very capable horsemen and women, with a mind of their own and weighing on average half a tonne, all it takes is for a handler to accidently tie a lead rope too long, and suddenly there is a vet needed to treat a rope burn or a torn ligament – or worse, a broken leg. From birth to their first barrier trial, purchases will go through various specialist hands – from foaling down to rearing, weaning to sales prep, yearling sales and on to ready to run or racing. Even with so many professionals involved, it doesn’t take much for things to go wrong in a matter of moments, and there’s peace of mind in knowing thoroughbred investments are protected. “At Fitton HorseInsure, our team understands these risks whole heartedly, being boots-on-the-ground horse people ourselves, especially where thoroughbreds are concerned. Whether you are preparing to race or taking on a retrained thoroughbred, our Bloodstock and Equine specialists can help to tailor a policy that suits your needs from inception in the womb, fall of hammer and beyond.” For further information, the Fitton HorseInsure team can be reached by calling a specialist on 1800 076 277 or visiting their website for a free no-obligation quote today.
Waller To Train Rejuvenated Alligator Blood
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
Seven-time Gr1 winner Alligator Blood (All Too Hard-Lake Superior, by Encosta de Lago) will return to work shortly with a new trainer who has been announced as Chris Waller, according to punters.com.au. After injuring a pastern, he was sent to Vision Equine in Queensland where he spent time on the water walker to aid his recovery. He is currently at Limitless Lodge in NSW, whose proprietor Tim Boland has a strong relationship with Waller and has pre-trained many of his star gallopers. Alligator Blood, who races in Gerry Harvey's famous blue and white colours but is also owned by Queenslanders Jeff and Robyn Simpson, was last seen racing in the 2023 spring carnival. "Robyn and I and Gerry are over the moon about Alligator Blood coming through his injury the way he has," Jeff Simpson said. "After he was injured, the horse was pretty down in the early days. But it has been a remarkable recovery. You wouldn't think that he has even had an injury." Now an 8YO gelding, Alligator Blood last raced in November 2023 when third in the Gr1 Cantala S. for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. He has won 16 of his 35 starts and over $9 million. Originally trained by David Vandyke, he transferred to Billy Healey in 2021, then to the Waterhouse/Bott stable in 2022. Aligator Blood remains the 14th highest aggregate points earner in Black Type Premiership history, and is ranked #9 for Weight-For-Age points earned since August 2020.
The return of Alligator Blood will delight his fans (pic: Mark Gatt)
Race To Fix Gold Coast Track’s Surface
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
A decision on the Magic Millions 2YO Classic meeting will be made on Thursday morning, as Gold Coast Turf Club and Racing Queensland officials work to fix the section of turf that was damaged last week, reports racing.com. "We're going to make every effort to run there," Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said on SEN Track. "We've engaged the same group that helped Flemington three or four years ago when they had the oil thrown on the track Carnival time, they got their trucks moving midday Saturday to get up here. They tell me they can have that finished by Tuesday night, Wednesday morning at the worst. Then we need to put some horses over it and make some decisions then whether we can race at the Gold Coast.” Scott conceded, “We can't have the mad rush, we know there's a lot of people flying into Queensland, owners et cetera, they might need to reorganise a flight or fly to a different airport, find different accommodation, so we won't drag this on.“ He added, “(Magic) Millions are going to have a look… at both the Sunshine Coast and Eagle Farm and work out what suits their needs and we'll make some decisions later in the week." A police investigation was launched into the cause of the damage with several sections sent to labs for testing, but it is now thought unlikely to be sabotage. "I've had one or two animal activist groups reach out to me and they're offended that they're being tarred with that brush, they've said the last thing they want to do is injure horses. It's a perfect rectangle there, almost, so I'd be surprised if it's vandals," Scott said.
Record UK Ascot Purses Expected for 2025
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
Despite the United Kingdom’s well publicised thoroughbred turnover challenges, horseracingnation.com reports that prize money at Ascot is set to hit an historic high in 2025, with a record-breaking US$22 million (approximately £17.7 million) on offer. The highlight will be the July 26 Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (see below) now boasting a US$1.8 million purse – the richest race ever at this iconic venue. Notably, this total excludes the British Champions Day on October 18, which offered US$5 million in 2024. Adding further appeal, the King George will adopt a "run-for-free" model, refunding entry fees to all starters except supplementary entries. Royal Ascot’s 2025 prize money remains at US$12.4 million, with no race offering less than US$136,000. Each Group 1 contest will carry a minimum purse of US$800,000, alongside targeted increases across the wider program. Ascot’s international director, Ruth Quinn, called the “run-for-free” concept “tremendous initiative and dynamic thinking,” emphasising its potential to attract top-quality fields amidst growing global competition. She added, “The ability for owners to have entry stakes returned...should help to increase the attractiveness of lining up in this event.” Changes to race conditions include scrapping the early April entry deadlines for four Group 2 races: the Ribblesdale, King Edward VII, Duke of Cambridge, and Hardwicke, allowing connections more time for informed decisions post-Epsom classics and Coronation Cup. Paul Johnson, CEO of the National Trainers Federation, welcomed the added flexibility, expressing hope for competitive fields. Meanwhile, Ascot CEO Felicity Barnard affirmed the track’s commitment to absorbing costs for owners, calling the King George “Britain’s top all-aged, mile-and-a-half race” and hailing its 2025 renewal as the most valuable in Ascot’s history. Nick Smith, Ascot’s director of racing, underlined the importance of field sizes in the “world-pool era” and expressed optimism that record prize money and innovative entry conditions would entice connections to target this prestigious event.
Tassie Racing Taking ‘Future Proof’ Steps
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
Ahead of next month's Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, Tasracing has expressed excitement in inviting Tasmanians into the exhilarating world of racehorse ownership with its "Win a Share in a Tasmanian Racehorse" competition. Designed to spark new interest in the industry, this unique opportunity will give five lucky winners an unforgettable introduction to racing, centred around the prestigious 2025 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sales. Exclusively open to Tasmanian residents who have never owned a racehorse in Australia, the competition reflects Tasracing’s commitment to broadening racehorse ownership in the state. Winners will receive $4,000 in vouchers towards a share in a racehorse and training fees, along with a luxurious two-night stay at Peppers Seaport Hotel in Launceston. The package also includes VIP access to the 2025 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale on Monday, 24 February, complete with tickets to an exclusive cocktail party and behind-the-scenes experiences with industry insiders. This initiative is part of Tasracing’s Ownership Growth Strategy, which aims to break down barriers to ownership while showcasing the excitement and rewards of being part of Tasmania’s racing community. Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins highlighted its broader purpose, saying, “This competition is about more than just prizes, it’s about opening the door to an incredible journey. It’s an opportunity for Tasmanians to move beyond being fans and step into the world of racehorse ownership. By becoming an owner, they can experience the thrill of racing, connect with others, and support our local industry in a meaningful way.” Entries are now open, with winners to be announced ahead of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale. For details, click here.
Grail Seeker Telegraphs Significant Talent
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
With two scintillating Group 1 victories this season, Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) has become a standout star of New Zealand racing, reports nzb.co.nz. Her $550,000 Gr1 TAB Telegraph (1200m) triumph on Saturday was her fourth win in an 11-race career, propelling her earnings to $729,715 – almost six times her Karaka 2022 purchase price. Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott’s patient strategy has turned this four-year-old into a headline act, showing an explosive turn of foot and maturity on the track. Grail Seeker debuted her X-factor last season with two wins, including a dominant Group 2 Wellington Guineas victory, while placing in several Group-level races. This season, she delivered a stunning upset in the Gr1 Tarzino Trophy as a $32 outsider before taking a 17-week break to target the Telegraph. Returning as the $4.40 favourite, she unleashed a breathtaking sprint under Kevin Stott, who described her as “pretty electric.” He added, “It was push-button stuff. She was comfortable in the soft ground and always traveling nicely. Once I found a gap, she put the race to bed quickly.” Runner-up Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), a $34,000 Karaka purchase, has amassed $585,203 in earnings from six wins and nine placings across 27 starts, showing consistent form. Third-placed Navigator (NZ) (El Roca), a $110,000 Karaka graduate, boasts four wins and six placings in a promising 13-race career, earning $222,540 to date. The Telegraph victory reflected months of meticulous planning by her trainers. “She’s a very good galloper and goes well fresh,” Scott said. “We had a big plan to get her here today. She’s been to a racecourse weekly – trialing, galloping, or walking birdcages – so she was bang on.” Praising the patience of her owners, Scott noted Grail Seeker’s potential to improve further next season and hinted at ambitious targets like the Waikato Sprint and even Brisbane’s Stradbroke Handicap.
King Riding Like a Queen in Japan
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
Rachel King has made an immediate impact during her latest Japanese riding stint, delivering a brilliant performance aboard Sakura Toujours to clinch Group 3 glory in the Kyoto Kimpai (1600m) at Chukyo on Sunday evening. According to a report by racenet.com.au, the Sydney-based jockey returned to Japan for a two-month tenure in the fiercely competitive Asian racing scene and wasted no time showing her class. On her first day back, King had six rides, securing minor placings in her first two before her crowning moment in the feature race of the card. Positioned on the fence as the field approached the finish, King displayed exceptional skill, navigating through a packed field to pilot the Noriyuki Hori-trained Sakura Toujours to victory at $17 odds. “It was a very good win from the horse,” King told the Japanese press. “We ended up getting a beautiful run, the horse relaxed nicely, and was strong at the end.” The pair had combined last February to win the Group 3 Tokyo Shimbun Hai, marking King’s maiden stakes success in Japan. King’s partnership with Hori has proven fruitful, with 17 winners during her previous stint. Licensed by the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to ride from January 5 to March 4, King is set to build on this success before returning to Australia in time for the prestigious Autumn Carnival and The Championships in April. Currently ranked 11th in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership, her time in Japan underscores her growing stature on the international stage. King is currently 22nd on the 2024-25 Australian Black Type Jockey Premiership with 69 points. Her most recent stakes performances came on 31 December where she won the Listed Gosford Guineas aboard Dance to The Boom (Exceedance) before finishing runner-up on the same Wyong card on Redbreast (American Pharoah) in the Gr3 Gosford Belle of The Turf Stakes.
Purton Rubber Stamps Packing Angel Future
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
Packing Angel’s determined victory under Zac Purton at Sha Tin on Sunday has bolstered his chances for the final two legs of the four-year-old series, according to scmp.com. Despite doubts about his ability to make the Classic Mile field on January 31, trainer Francis Lui remains optimistic about the gelding’s future, eyeing the Classic Cup and Derby as potential targets. After a dominant Class Four triumph last month, Packing Angel faced heightened expectations as the $2 favourite in the Broadwood Handicap (1,400m). While his performance wasn’t as dazzling as his previous win, the gelding showcased his class, defeating a competitive field to secure back-to-back victories. “He’s a young horse on the way up,” Purton said after Packing Angel edged out Kaholo Angel by three-quarters of a length. “It was a pretty soft win in the end. There’s a bit more there.” Settling perfectly in fourth position, Packing Angel surged forward in the straight but faced a tough challenge from Caspar Fownes-trained Kaholo Angel. Rising to the occasion, the promising galloper responded with grit under Purton’s hands-and-heels riding. However, his rating, now around 70, might fall short of the Classic Mile entry. “Maybe he won’t make it,” Lui admitted. “But he could go to the other 4YO series races if he keeps progressing. He’s a nice horse. He’s young and keeps improving.” By former Melbourne Cup-winning sire Shocking, Packing Angel’s stamina and ongoing development make the Classic Cup (1800m) on March 2 and the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 23 exciting possibilities.
Packing Angel is on an upward spiral (pic: hkjc.com)
Jump Out Talks Possible after MM Carnival
Tuesday, 7th January 2025
The Australian Trainers' Association and Victorian Jockeys' Association remain at odds over an ongoing dispute over hitherto unpaid jumpouts for riders. According to racing.com, in a recent communication from the Australian Trainers Association (ATA) on Saturday evening, it was revealed the Victorian Jockeys' Association (VJA) adjusted their demand to $50 plus superannuation for each jumpout ride. Despite this revision, the ATA maintains its stance that trainers should negotiate payment directly with jockeys. They have, however, requested a meeting to discuss the matter further once key figures return from the Magic Millions carnival. Late in November, the VJA advised senior jockeys in Victoria to cease participating in jumpouts at several tracks, including Cranbourne, Pakenham, Mornington, Caulfield, Balnarring, Ballarat, and Flemington. The ATA's message noted the VJA's revised proposal and reiterated that "jockeys can make arrangements with trainers for payment of services at jumpouts." Prominent jockey Blake Shinn has called for an immediate resolution, reiterrating that jockeys dedicate their time, skills, and risk their safety to support vital preparations for racing, yet their contributions remain unrecognized in this area. He urged relevant stakeholders to engage meaningfully, warning that delays and silence only deepen frustrations and undermine trust within the industry. Shinn stated that accountability is a responsibility that those in decision-making positions must take seriously. He affirmed that the VJA will continue advocating until jockeys receive the respect and recognition they deserve, calling for progress with fairness and transparency.
