Tuesday, 24th June 2025
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  • NEW Dual Racing Queens to Ascend Legends’ Throne

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    The legacy of two of the greatest Australian Thoroughbreds of our generation will burn even brighter as they are both elevated to Legend status at the upcoming Australian Racing Hall of Fame Ceremony in Brisbane on 31 August. Winx and Black Caviar, icons of Australian racing, are set to share the sport’s highest accolade: elevation to Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Brisbane on 31 August. It’s a rare double honour celebrating mares whose brilliance redefined the boundaries of excellence. Black Caviar, the unbeaten sprinter with 25 straight victories, including 15 at Group 1 level, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. Her triumphs included two TJ Smith Stakes, three Lightning Stakes, and a memorable win in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. “Black Caviar changed my life,” said her trainer Peter Moody, who will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the same night. “Every day, I still think about her and then when Royal Ascot comes around you relive those great memories again.” Winx, meanwhile, was inducted in 2017 after an astonishing sequence of 33 consecutive wins, including four Cox Plates, four George Ryder Stakes, four Chipping Norton Stakes and three Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Her first Gr1 was the Queensland Oaks and, fittingly, the Winx Stakes was named in her honour in 2018. Chris Waller, who guided Winx through that record-breaking run, recalled her single-minded professionalism and impact. “I always admired Winx’s determination and the uncomplicated way she went about her work and racing. She didn’t require any extra fuss. When I talk to people about Winx, there’s nothing but the ultimate respect for her. It is fitting she has been elevated to Legend Status.” Waller noted her broad appeal: “She was a high-performance athlete with an amazing amount of talent. She captured the imagination of everyone, here and around the world.” Moody paid tribute to both mares, saying, “They are both great mares and it was only a matter of time, with all due respect, they were both going to get that honour and deservedly so.” Australian Racing Hall of Fame Chairman Jason Scott acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, remarking, “Debate has raged for years over which of the two champion mares is the greatest we’ve seen, however what is certain is that their legacies transcend far beyond the boundaries of racing.” He added, “It’s deserving that they both be bestowed Legend status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame together, befitting of their stature as two of the best we have and will ever have the good fortune to see.”

  • NEW Parnham/Miller Confronting Casino Syndrome

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    After a stretch of near misses, Brad Parnham and Stephen Miller are hoping to flip their luck in Saturday’s Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Pinjarra and avoid casino syndrome. With several recent placings in black-type company, the pair have been agonisingly close to breakthrough wins, and racingwa.com.au reports they’re backing Elite Missile to finally deliver a change in fortune. Miller’s stable has been firing without reward, with Magnificent Andy running second in the Northam Stakes (1300m), Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m). Stablemate Elite Missile continued the theme in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m), flashing home to finish a close second to Opportunistic. That performance, where he ran the fastest final 600m of the race, has buoyed Parnham’s confidence. After settling last from a wide draw, the Smart Missile gelding stormed home like a 3YO on the rise, and Parnham believes the extra 200m of the Guineas will play to his strengths. “I’m obviously real keen on his chances,” Parnham said on Tabradio. “He was a great run the other day in Bunbury. We drew the widest gate and had to get back to last. He does always finish off strong, but if we can draw a little bit better and not have to give them such a big start… the way he was finishing off, you would say the 1600m is going to probably suit him better. Look, I think he’s going to give them a big shake.” A recent youtube video revealed that in the 1930s, after 6 successive ‘blacks’ in roulette, gamblers piled in wanting to back red, only to find that each spin of the wheel reverts back to a 50% chance of red or black. By the time the sequence reached 26 consecutive ‘blacks’ the house had all but broken everyone. Still, Parnham and Miller will be looking to emulate the success they enjoyed in the 2017 Belmont Guineas with Variation, who took out the race as favourite over Gatting and Western Temple. With form and momentum on their side, they’ll be hoping history can repeat – this time with a new name in the winner’s frame.

  • NEW Protocol Changes Get David Hayes’ Approval

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    Putting parochialism on the backburner, there are few racing pundits who would argue that Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) isn’t the hottest sprinting ticket in the world right now, and that he’s a serious draward for any racing carnival. Following a major shift in veterinary protocols that could open the Melbourne Spring Carnival door wider for elite international sprinters, trainer David Hayes was quick to signal his excitement, according to racingnews.co.nz. Speaking from Hong Kong, the Hall of Fame trainer endorsed Racing Victoria’s updated rules announced on Monday, which remove the need for repeated CT scans between Group 1 sprints for horses not contesting the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup or Cox Plate. The move immediately brings his unbeaten star Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) into sharper focus for a 2026 tilt at the Gr1 Champions Sprint (1200m) during Cup Week. Hayes had been a vocal critic of the prior protocols, which required additional CT scans for internationals ahead of each Australian race, even after clearing an initial pre-travel examination. Under the new system, horses such as Ka Ying Rising can now move between features like The Everest and Champions Sprint without undergoing a second scan – something Hayes says removes a significant burden for travelling stables. “I’m really pleased the changes have been made as it would have been very difficult for a travelling horse with all the things they have to deal with, to have another scan,” he said. Although this year’s campaign remains focused on Sydney, Hayes is already plotting a path to Flemington for the following season. “We’ve now got plans in place for this year, which will see him stay in Sydney, but I would love to get this horse to Flemington to race and so, in 12 months’ time, that will be the likely plan,” he revealed. With The Everest and other lucrative Sydney bonuses locked in, the Hong Kong Sprint in December will likely round out Ka Ying Rising’s current-year itinerary. Ka Ying Rising boasts 13 wins from 15 starts and a current winning streak of 12. Hayes confirmed the powerhouse sprinter is back in light work as he builds towards a spring return, with one lead-up run planned in Hong Kong before his assault on The Everest. If all goes to plan, Melbourne could be firmly on the radar in 2026.

  • NEW The Moore the Merrier at Royal Ascot

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    As Royal Ascot wrapped up under blue skies and a run of thrilling contests, Ryan Moore once again walked away with the leading jockey title, riding seven winners across the five-day carnival, according to sportinglife.com. Modest as ever, Moore deflected praise, attributing much of his success to the powerhouse stables of Aidan O’Brien and Willie Mullins. Yet his handling of several highly promising juveniles was difficult to ignore, especially his front-running ride on Charles Darwin in the Norfolk Stakes. A tall and commanding son of No Nay Never, Charles Darwin dominated from the front, showing a level of professionalism well beyond his years. Moore later remarked that the colt gave the feel of a sprinter already mature enough for the July Cup. The colt travelled strongly and quickened smartly when asked, leaving rivals in his wake with minimal fuss. Though speculation swirled around a potential tilt at the Nunthorpe Stakes, Moore stayed coy on future plans, stating only that he hadn’t heard any such decision. Another of Moore’s notable wins came in the Coventry Stakes with Gstaad, whose victory turned heads but also prompted comparisons with stablemate Albert Einstein, who had been expected to run but was withdrawn due to a setback. Moore was full of praise for Gstaad, describing him as improving with each run and physically imposing, even if slightly behind the stable’s standout juveniles earlier in the season. Not every race ended in triumph, with both Henri Matisse and Illinois finishing second in their respective Group 1 assignments. Henri Matisse went down fighting behind Field Of Gold in the St James’s Palace Stakes, but Moore was upbeat about the Wootton Bassett colt’s future. He suggested Matisse would have been good enough to win an above-average renewal and hinted that more improvement was likely to come as the colt continued to mature. While a mile appears ideal, Moore left the door open for longer trips on the right track. Illinois, meanwhile, was tasked with filling the shoes of retired Cup stalwart Kyprios, and though beaten by proven stayer Trawlerman in the Gold Cup, Moore was not disheartened given he only ran out of steam late in the race.

  • Playing God Flexes Muscles at Perth Winter

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    Western Australia’s Magic Millions Perth Winter Sale produced standout results on Sunday, with stallion Playing God again asserting his dominance in the ring – no surprise given he’s the reigning Champion WA Sire who is a fait accompli to achieve the feat again this racing season. Yarradale Stud and Pearce Racing led the way across both yearling and weanling categories, highlighting continued demand for WA-bred stock ahead of the new racing season. Training partners Ben and Dan Pearce struck early, securing the top-priced yearling – a full sister to Group 1 galloper Platoon by Playing God out of Oriel (Oratorio) – for $90,000 from Yarradale Stud. Catalogued as Lot 8, she was one of 34 yearlings sold for an aggregate $554,500 at a clearance rate of 74%. “She’s a lovely, correct type and was the standout so we were very pleased to acquire her,” Pearce Racing posted on Facebook. They added, “Playing God yearlings have averaged almost $130,000 this year and she represents good value for her pedigree!” Saturday’s Strickland Stakes meeting also showcased the proven Playing God–Oratorio cross, with 2YO filly Playin’it Sweet registering a successful debut. She became the 37th winner from the cross, which boasts an impressive 84% strike-rate. Also popular in the sale ring was a Playing God colt out of Fiftyshadesofgrey (Written Tycoon), knocked down to the Pearce stable for $65,000. Offered by Westbury Park as Lot 48, the Karnup-based trainers liked what they saw. “He’s a ripping type by star stallion Playing God from a mare who won $286,000 in Sydney. He’s a physically impressive colt and moves beautifully.” Topping the Weanling Sale session was another Playing God product, this time a filly from Yarradale Stud who sold for $30,000 to Westbury Park’s Phil Ibbotson. Her dam Raise a Smile (Excites) was a winner at Belmont for Durrant Racing, and has already produced Dublin Red (War Chant), a three-time winner trained by Justin Warwick. With strong results across all categories, Playing God, by multiple champion stallion Blackfriars, continues to cement his legacy as Western Australia’s most sought-after sire.

    Playing God-Oriel

    The Playing God-Oriel filly topped the sale (pic: magicmillions.com.au)

  • Phillia Could Spread Her Wings Interstate

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    After bursting onto the scene earlier this year, rising star Philia is now set for a well-earned six-week break as connections weigh up whether her spring campaign will unfold in Sydney or Melbourne, according to racenet.com.au.The All Too Hard filly climbed rapidly through the grades, winning four straight before finishing eighth in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2200m), and trainer David Vandyke wants to regroup before committing to a path forward. "There are options in both states," Vandyke said. "We're not sure which direction we'll go yet. One of the owners is currently overseas, so the plan is to have a roundtable discussion once everyone's back and we've had time to think things through. They're all very knowledgeable and intelligent people, so it'll be great to share ideas and come to a decision together." Owned by Irwin Racing and Harris Family Racing, Philia has banked just under $358,000 from her seven starts and was a $26 shot in early markets for the Empire Rose Stakes and $51 for the Golden Eagle. Vandyke confirmed she wouldn't have more than two or three runs this spring, noting that Sydney's $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 1 and the $1m Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick on October 18 are among the leading targets if they head north. "There's great prizemoney on offer in Sydney now," he said. But Melbourne could prove just as appealing, with the $300,000 Gr2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield also set for October 18, followed by the $1m Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later. Vandyke believes Philia's profile stacks up well against elite company and expects her to benefit significantly from the break. "She'll improve from the rest and from what she's learned this prep," he said. "Going from a maiden to a Group 2 win in The Roses (2000m) at Doomben in May was a big leap. She's a lovely horse and she's now a valuable asset. Time will be her friend. We'll protect her and hopefully she continues to build on what she's achieved."

  • Karaka Queensland Classic Dominance Profound

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    As New Zealand Bloodstock prepares to celebrate a century of yearling sales at Karaka in January, the auction house can proudly point to a remarkable track record in the Queensland Derby. Over the past 100 years, 17 winners of the time-honoured Group 1 classic have emerged from Karaka, with an extraordinary run of 10 since 2005 – including each of the last five! That domination was underlined this year when Karaka graduates filled five of the top six placings and swept the trifecta. The average purchase price for those 10 recent Derby winners stands at a modest $108,888, proof that top-level success is not confined to high-end budgets. Maison Louis, this year's victor, topped the list at $250,000, while 2009 winner Court Ruler was picked up for just $30,000. Kukeracha, the 2021 winner, was a $130,000 purchase by Mulcaster Bloodstock and earned over $1 million in a 42-start career. Pinarello followed in 2022 with a memorable win from gate 17 after failing to meet his $300,000 reserve when offered by Cambridge Stud. In 2023, Curraghmore graduate Kovalica was another Mulcaster buy at $110,000 and has returned more than $3.4 million, with his résumé including major placings in the Doomben Cup, Epsom Handicap, King Charles III Stakes, and a sixth in the Cox Plate. Last year's Derby winner Warmonger announced himself in spectacular fashion with a 10-length demolition in 2024. Sold for $75,000 from Valachi Downs' Book 2 draft before being re-offered for $165,000 at the Ready to Run Sale, the gelding by War Decree has since racked up three wins and overA$1.1 million from just 16 starts. Yet even his barnstorming performance was eclipsed in significance by Maison Louis this year, who became the latest flagbearer for emerging Waikato Stud sire Super Seth. The colt is one of three Group 1 winners by Super Seth in recent months, following the victories of Feroce in the Australian Guineas and Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas. Maison Louis, bred by Pencarrow Stud from one of their most illustrious families, carries the bloodlines of champions like Ethereal, Darci Brahma, Grand Echezeaux and Burgundy. Bought by Go Racing for $250,000 from Karaka Book 1 in 2023, Maison Louis has had just seven starts, winning four and placing once for $679,750 in earnings. As Karaka approaches its 100-year milestone which will include a revised format, graduates like these underscore the enduring strength and appeal of New Zealand's premier yearling sale.

    Maison Loius

    Maison Loius is the latest NZB graduate to win the Gr1 Qld derby (pic: nzb.co.nz)

  • New Victorian Racing Carnival Protocols Flagged

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    Racing Victoria (RV) has revised its veterinary screening framework for international contenders in the 2025 Spring Carnival, introducing a streamlined protocol aimed at reducing redundant scans without compromising safety. According to racing.com, the key change allows horses not entered for the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate or Melbourne Cup to bypass additional CT scans before each start in Australia, provided they meet other standard vetting criteria. The governing body says these adjustments reflect both evolving technology and a commitment to proportionate risk management. Unveiled on Monday, the refinements build on the 2021 protocols and place strong emphasis on enhanced diagnostic tools and clinical decision-making. All international runners will still be subject to pre-travel CT scans, unless they’re entered in one of the three major races – those horses must undergo CT regardless. Notably, MRI will only be accepted as a substitute where CT is inaccessible, such as in Japan or Ireland, where high-quality standing CT machines are not currently available. In those instances, any horse using MRI abroad must complete a CT scan upon arrival in Australia before competing in Victoria. An additional innovation is the introduction of PET scanning as a secondary diagnostic option when an issue arises on a CT scan. This tool will be accessible, time permitting, for both international competitors racing in Victoria and local Melbourne Cup runners. To facilitate this process, the window for completing pre-race CT scans has been brought forward, opening prior to the Caulfield Cup. Meanwhile, all Melbourne Cup runners must now be physically present in Victoria for their mandatory vet inspection the day before the race. These assessments will no longer be permitted interstate. RV chief executive Aaron Morrison advised that the protocol updates were designed to preserve the recent trend of incident-free Spring Carnivals. “The protocols have served to arrest an alarming trend and been a catalyst for the last four Spring Racing Carnivals and Melbourne Cups being conducted without serious injuries,” he said. “What remains unchanged is that every international horse will have to pass a CT scan to compete here. However, we’re taking a more pragmatic approach with the volume of scans for those horses not entered in the Cups or Cox Plate. Beyond that, the advancement of technology means this year we can introduce PET scanning where appropriate and time permitting to provide further information if an area of concern is identified. Our goal remains to deliver world-class racing, whilst ensuring the safety of horses and riders. We look forward to working with international and local connections to maintain the recent positive trend.”

  • D. Wayne Lukas’ Training Career is Over

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    One of the most influential figures in Thoroughbred racing, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, has been hospitalized in Louisville, Kentucky, and will not be returning to training, reports bloodhorse.com. The 89-year-old, who has battled a severe infection, has declined further aggressive treatment and is preparing to return home to spend his remaining days with his wife Laurie, grandchildren Brady Wayne Lukas (Dani) and Kelly Roy (David), and great-grandchildren Johnny Roy, Thomas Roy, Walker Wayne Lukas, and Quinn Palmer Lukas. The Lukas family has asked for privacy during what is a challenging time. Lukas’ horses have already transitioned into the care of his trusted longtime assistant Sebastian “Bas” Nicholl, following a well-prepared succession plan by Lukas Enterprises Inc. Nicholl, a former British Army captain and Gulf War veteran, has been a key figure in Lukas' operation since 2002. "Wayne built a legacy that will never be matched," Nicholl said. "Every decision I make, every horse I saddle, I'll hear his voice in the back of my mind. This isn't about filling his shoes – no one can – it's about honouring everything that he's built." Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, Lukas reshaped the sport over a career that spanned six decades. A pioneer of the modern training stable, he won 4,967 races and over $301 million in earnings, with 1,105 stakes wins, 637 of them graded. His record includes 15 wins in US 3YO Triple Crown races, 20 Breeders’ Cup victories (a record he shares), and 26 Eclipse Award champions, including three Horses of the Year. He captured the Kentucky Derby four times and the Kentucky Oaks five times. Just last year, Seize The Grey gave him one final classic triumph in the Preakness Stakes (see below). His last win came earlier this month with Tour Player, a horse transferred to him by close friend Bob Baffert. Tributes have poured in from across the industry. “Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs. “He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels. The lasting impact of his character and wisdom, from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched attention to detail, will be truly missed.” From his early days at Santa Anita in the late 1970s, where his immaculate barn setups became a signature, to revolutionising coast-to-coast campaigning with his elite satellite stables, Lukas’ legacy is as enduring as it is unmatched. Perhaps his most enduring quip remains why, when asked by a reporter why he didn’t have a catalogue when inspecting yearlings, he replied that, as it was an elite sale, he assumed that all the youngsters were well bred.

  • Attendance at Royal Ascot Jumps 5 Percent

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    From the buzz in the grandstands to the strength of the international fields, Royal Ascot 2025 delivered across the board – and for new chief executive Felicity Barnard, the numbers tell the story. The five-day meeting welcomed 286,541 attendees, a 4.8 per cent rise on last year and a strong endorsement of Ascot's evolving race day experience. "It was a fantastic week with some brilliant sport to enjoy," Barnard said. "I think we've been a window for our sport and I'm absolutely thrilled. We've worked hard to understand what people want when they come to a world-class event – the right pricing, the right product – and we've worked really hard at the experience. Whether people are here for the horses, the food or the fashion, we want them to have a great time." The spike in attendance was underpinned by a sharper focus on affordability and early-bird incentives. Ascot's director of racing and public affairs Nick Smith said targeted marketing had made a measurable difference. "We work very hard on our pricing strategies and booking discounts," he said. "This year we really focused on entry-level admissions and making it as affordable as possible to come to the Windsor enclosure, for as little as £25, and I think we boosted the atmosphere throughout the whole site by doing that." With strong weather and daily increases in crowd numbers, Smith said the strategy had paid off – and provided a platform for further growth. Track performance also won praise, with fair conditions maintained throughout. "Every time a question of a draw bias seemingly emerged, it disappeared," Smith said. "By the end of the week they were winning from everywhere on the straight course. On the round, you could win from the front or the back, and jockeys and trainers were happy with the ground all week." He also noted that removing early closing stages for the Group 2 contests was well received by connections, who appreciated having more time to make decisions around nominations. On the racing front, the Gr1 Jubilee Stakes stood out as a showcase of global excellence. "We were especially pleased to see the Jubilee Stakes run as a truly international race," Smith said. "A brilliant French horse beat a brilliant Japanese horse, and the margin to the third was substantial. It was a really high-quality sprint, and we haven't seen many of those in Britain lately." With a successful formula now in place and strong support from fans and industry alike, Barnard and her team are already focused on raising the bar even higher for 2026.

  • Unfinished Cleveland Business for Rowe

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    A Cleveland Bay Handicap trophy has so far eluded veteran trainer Trevor Rowe, but the Cairns-based horseman believes this could be the year Smart Image (Smart Missile) delivers the elusive prize, suggests a racingqueensland.com.au report. The rising 8YO gelding is in rare form and will further test his credentials on home turf Tuesday in a 1250m WFA assignment. Victory there would likely book his ticket to the Mackay Newmarket, followed by a third tilt at Townsville's premier sprint in August. Smart Image has returned in peak shape this campaign, winning both starts in dominant fashion – first at Innisfail in April, then at Cannon Park on June 9, where he dispatched the in-form Overlord in a sharp 950m dash. "It was a very dominant win against Overland and he was given one hit with the whip and was then ridden hands and heels by Aidan Holt," Rowe said. Overlord had won five of his previous six outings, further underscoring the merit of the performance. With 66.5kg assigned for Tuesday's run, Rowe initially hesitated to proceed. That changed after an encouraging Townsville barrier trial, where Smart Image carried a 7kg exercise saddle and still prevailed under Holt. "With Aidan's weight he would have carried 70.5kg in the trial so I spoke to his owner and decided to run him that day in Cairns," Trevor explained. He added, "He drops 7.5kg under the weight-for-age scale on Tuesday so he should be hard to beat." A good showing would lock in the next steps: Mackay Newmarket, then the Cleveland Bay. Despite two previous attempts at Cleveland Bay glory, Smart Image is yet to place, finishing eighth in 2023 behind Isis Carmella and fourth last year behind Northern Pride. Nonetheless, Rowe has faith the gelding can finally deliver the goods. A winner of 15 races from 46 starts, Smart Image is owned by Cliff Little, a former disability worker who famously won $40 million on a $26 lotto ticket. Little also races other horses, including Cifrado with trainer Rex Lipp.

    Trevor Rowe

    Trevor Rowe with Smart Image (pic: racingqueensland.com.au)

  • Hands and Heels Success for OTI Mare

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    Backed by tactical nous and a rapid turn of foot, She’s Unusual (Unusual Suspect) took full advantage of a soft early tempo to dominate from the front at Randwick on Saturday. With Tommy Berry dictating terms from the outset, the 5YO mare sprinted clear rounding the home bend and had enough in reserve to hold a margin of nearly two lengths over Gentileschi at the finish. It was her fourth win from just ten career starts, complementing five minor placings. Originally trained in New Zealand by Fraser Auret and now in the care of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton for OTI Racing, She’s Unusual is quickly building a profile as a versatile and reliable performer. Charlton praised the mare’s resilience and adaptability following a challenging run of preparations. “She’s had a couple of setbacks through previous preparations with us, when already having a really good record,” he said. “She got to probably her favourite trip today on a slightly sounder surface than she’s raced on recently and she was ridden beautifully by Tommy. It was a really pleasing watch.” The daughter of Unusual Suspect stopped the clock with a sub-34 second final sectional and has shown she’s effective across the 1800m-2000m range. “She’s not short on toe, and she can obviously handle herself at this 1800m and 2000m distance, which leaves us a lot of options going forward,” Charlton added. Berry was confident early that he was on the winner. “I knew we’d be hard to beat after I went across the crossing at the mile,” he said. “It helps when you’ve got a horse that can break away so well and when you find your spot within 100m.” He credited racing greats Glen Boss and Corey Brown for teaching him the importance of early race positioning. “They always said anything from a mile forward, you win the race in the first furlong or furlong and a half, and we did that today.” Berry also noted how well She’s Unusual had worked during the week. “She got into a lovely rhythm. She gave me a lot of confidence when I rode her on Tuesday morning. Stepping up from 1400m to 1800m is always a bit of a query, but she’s so clean in the wind and when you get away with those sectionals, and quicken up at the 600m, they’re hard to beat.” She’s Unusual’s sire Unusual Suspect is a California-bred who won the G1 Hollywood Turf Cup as a 6YO and was subsequently exported to Australia where he claimed the Werribee Cup as an 8YO.

  • Positive De Melo Snares Biggest HK Win

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    At Sha Tin’s double Group 3 meeting on Sunday in Hong Kong, Keagan de Melo celebrated a breakthrough moment in his Hong Kong career on Sunday (22 June), guiding Copartner Prance to a hard-fought win in the HK$4.2 million Gr3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin. The victory, his biggest in Hong Kong to date according to racingnews.hkjc.com, came aboard the 55.5kg-weighted gelding trained by Francis Lui, and marked De Melo’s first Group success since arriving in the jurisdiction. Drawn barrier five in a compact nine-runner field, Copartner Prance pushed forward early and controlled the tempo from the front, holding off a persistent Victor The Winner, who settled just behind. The race culminated in a tight finish, with Happy Together launching late to miss by only a head. Race favourite Packing Hermod fought on for third, while Patch Of Theta completed the first four, giving Lui a trio of runners in the feature. The winning time was 1m 21.15s, with sectionals of 13.51, 22.33, 22.94, and 22.37. De Melo, a Group 1-winning rider in South Africa, now has 12 wins this season in Hong Kong. “Francis was pretty simple with the tactics. He said if Victor The Winner doesn’t want to go forward, take up the running and ride him for his fractions and I thought the horse pulled it off nicely,” De Melo said. “It’s a big relief. Obviously, numbers don’t lie. My rides have gone down and my winners have gone down but I’m a positive person and I just keep my head up and keep fighting. Thanks to all the trainers that do support me – I really do appreciate it.” Owned by the Copartner Spirit Syndicate, Copartner Prance has now won eight races and banked HK$14.87 million in stakes. The Epaulette gelding strung together six wins in a row last season and continues to build an impressive record. “It’s a real honour to be in this position and thanks to Francis and his team. The horse’s turned out phenomenally and I think he got the right fractions,” De Melo added. Lui, the reigning champion trainer and former handler of Golden Sixty, praised his rider’s judgement. “I think the jockey controlled the pace very well. We always thought 1400 (metres) would suit him but we tried once before and he was too keen – at the end of the season, he’s more relaxed.

  • Copartner Prance Wins Gr3 The Premier Cup

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    • Track: Sha Tin
    • Race: HK$4,200,000 The Premier Cup (1400m)
    • Winner: 5YO gelding Copartner Prance (Epaulette-Woodstock Hussey, by Hussonet)
    • Placings: 6YO gelding Happy Together & 4YO gelding Packing Hermod
    • Winning Sire: Epaulette (Commands-Accessories, by Singspiel)
    • Stud Farm: Darley
    • Trainer: K W Lui
    • Jockey: Keagan De Melo
    • Race record: 8 wins and 6 placings from 23 starts for HK$14,874,050 in earnings
    • Sales Info: $150,000 yearling at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale

    Magic graduate

  • Beauty Still a Joy for Sha Tin Connections

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    Brenton Avdulla enjoyed a memorable evening at Sha Tin on Sunday, celebrating the arrival of his newborn son Kobe with a Group success aboard one of Hong Kong’s more unpredictable campaigners, reports scmp.com.au. The jockey partnered the mercurial Beauty Joy to a strong win in the Gr3 Premier Plate (1800m), his second Group victory on the Tony Cruz-trained gelding. Beauty Joy, sent out at $12.85, settled second last early behind a decent tempo before weaving through traffic in the straight and launching a telling sprint to defeat Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat by a length and a quarter. “He’s such a quirky horse, you can’t get any feel of him early,” Avdulla said. “You’ve just got to let the bridle try and fall out of his mouth as much as possible because he can give you a very difficult ride.” He added: “I never knew I was really in the race until probably just before the corner when the pace steadied and he got hold of the bridle. I gave him a little click into gear and he felt like the horse that was going to take me a long way.” Avdulla praised the effort of the 8YO, saying, “He’s probably got as much head noise as I did when I was 18 years old. We seem to get along very well. He was good to me last season and we’ve won another Group race today. Obviously well handled by Tony to get him here in good form and he did his job well.” Beauty Joy has now won four Group races and taken his earnings past HK$35 million. Cruz confirmed the gelding will remain in work next season. “He’s always been a very honest horse but difficult to ride. In the parade ring before the race, [owner] Simon [Kwok Siu-ming] said, ‘I hope we win this race. If we win this race, we’re going to keep on racing him’. He won, so it looks like we’re going to keep on racing him next season,” Cruz said. “He’s a healthy horse and as long as he’s healthy, we’ll keep going. We’re going to keep the flow going.” Avdulla closed out the 81st meeting of the season with a double, later scoring on Mister Dapper for trainer David Eustace. The win added another highlight to a notable week for the Eustace family, following David’s brother Harry training two Gr1 winners from just four runners at Royal Ascot.

  • Beauty Joy Wins Gr3 The Premier Plate

    Tuesday, 24th June 2025
    • Track: Sha Tin
    • Race: HK$4,200,000 The Premier Plate (1800m)
    • Winner: 8YO gelding Beauty Joy (Sebring-Impressive Jeuney, by Jeune)
    • Placings: 4YO gelding Cap Ferrat & 4YO gelding Bundle Award
    • Winning Sire: Sebring (More Than Ready-Purespeed, by Flying Spur)
    • Stud Farm: Widden Stud
    • Trainer: A S Cruz
    • Jockey: B Avdulla
    • Race record: 11 wins and 13 placings from 47 starts for HK$35,329,150 in earnings
    • Sales Info: N/A
Amarina Farm
Arrowfield Stud
Bell River Thoroughbreds
Berkeley Park Stud
Bhima Thoroughbreds
Blue Gum Farm
Bombora Downs
Bowness Stud
Clear Mountain Fairview
Coolmore Stud
Cressfield
Evergreen Stud
Goodwood Farm
Kia Ora
Kingstar Farm
Lime Country Thoroughbreds
Mill Park Stud
Murrulla Stud
Newgate Farm
Newhaven Park
North
Segenhoe Stud
Silverdale Farm
Sledmere Stud
Torryburn Stud
Tyreel Stud
Vinery Stud
Widden Stud
Willow Park Stud
Yarraman Park Stud

2023 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 2nd Season
Anamoe 3rd Season
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric 1st crop 2YOs
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Broadsiding Established
Bruckner 3rd Season
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 3rd Season
Capitalist Established
Captivant 1st crop 2YOs
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 1st Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
Cylinder 2nd Season
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware 1st crop 2YOs
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 2nd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 3rd Season
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 2nd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 3rd Season
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 3rd Season
Ka Ying Master 3rd Season
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 2nd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 2nd 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 2nd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Native Trail 2nd Season
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 2nd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Paulele 3rd Season
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo 1st crop 2YOs
Playing God Established
Portland Sky 1st crop 2YOs
Power Established
Prague 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 1st 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 2nd 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
Traffic Warden Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum 1st crop 2YOs
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded 1st crop 2YOs
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established