Wandering Eyes

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Inbox at Santa Anita. Ectot Filly Struts Her Stuff In Arcadia Phil D'Amato saddled Inbox in her American debut, and the three-year-old daughter of Ectot rolled to a 1 1/4-length victory at second asking on Saturday evening (video). Owned by Hopeless Stables, Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Marsha Naify, the bay filly was bred by Orbis Bloodstock. Out of Trainnah (Pivotal), the April foal did not reach her reserve either time she graced the Goffs ring, passing through for €1,000 as a February Sale short yearling, and again for €5,500 during the Autumn Yearling Sale in 2024. In her lone European appearance, she ran fourth in a seven-furlong Dundalk all-weather affair in October for former owner/trainer Cormac Farrell. Her dam has six runners and three winners from six foals, with Inbox her last offspring. Under the stakes-winning second dam is G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero, G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest second and sire James Garfield. Ectot, who stood in France, has a 100% strike rate in the U.S. with Inbox's win bringing his record to two winners from two to race. Repeat Winner Farfallow Farms' Expensive Queen returned a winner at Gulfstream on January 18 (video). The daughter of Lope De Vega is trained by Brendan Walsh. The post Making Waves: You’ve Got Mail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A son of Snitzel brought a session-topping NZ850,000 (€428,111) from Guy Mulcaster bidding alongside trainer Chris Waller to top the first session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka on Sunday. “He is a beautiful colt by champion sire Snitzel, out of a New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year, Amarelinha [Savabeel],” Mulcaster told TTR AusNZ of lot 265, which was consigned by Cambridge Stud. “I had a really good client that wanted to buy a good, good colt today and he's hopefully going to buy some good fillies tomorrow. So fingers crossed, but, you know, he was a horse we saw early, and he just stayed in my mind, and we're lucky enough to take our client to see him today, and he behaved really well. Cambridge, you can't go wrong.” The daughter of Savabeel won the G1 New Zealand Oaks in 2021 alongside three other group victories in New Zealand. Her first foal, the colt Amarzon (Almanzor), was retained by her breeders and is now two. The revamped New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale grossed NZ38,197,500 (€19,241,297) during the first day's trade at Karaka on Sunday. The clearance rate settled at 77% for 204 lots sold, up 4% from 2024. The average increased to NZ184,529 (+7%) compared to last year, while the median rose to NZ$140,000 (+16%) on 2025, but down on the record median (NZ$150,000) of 2024. Sunday's leading buyer was Te Akau Racing's David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ), who spend NZ$3.1 million on 11 yearlings, averaging NZ$286,364. Astute Bloodstock was the leading buyer by average (two or more) at NZ$425,000 for two yearlings. Cambridge Stud was the leading vendor, with 27 lots sold for a gross of NZ$6.1 million and an average of NZ226,111. Little Avondale Stud sold six yearlings to top the category by average at NZ$289,167. Leading the way among all stallions by aggregate was Proisir, whose 23 yearlings brought NZ$4.46 million. The late Snitzel, who also had the day's top lot, led by average with two yearlings averaging NZ$705,000. Similarly to his showing at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Anamoe set the standard for first-season sires, with his trio of yearlings grossing NZ$1.45 million and averaging NZ$475,000. Karaka 2026 | Lot 265, $850,000 A new top lot on Day One, with the Snitzel colt out of Group One winner Amarelinha (Lot 265), purchased by @cwallerracing / @MulcasterBS for $850,000 from @CambridgeStud.#Karaka2026 #100Years pic.twitter.com/BmjotNRy7h — New Zealand Bloodstock (@KarakaChat) January 25, 2026 The post Snitzel Carries The Day As Karaka’s National Yearling Sale Begins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior put his stamp on the G1 Stewards' Cup over 1600 metre at Sha Tin on Sunday, a 12th top-level victory for the son of Acclamation. Favoured at 1-2 in his first trip to the post since claiming a fourth consecutive score in the G1 Hong Kong Cup this past December, the eight-year-old perched just off the leading trio from the bell. Red Lion (Belardo) edged ahead of the field with 1000 metres to go, as Romantic Warrior drifted back to midfield briefly. The bay cruised willingly back up to sit second before the turn, and he kicked easily past new leader and familiar foe Lucky Sweynesse (Sweynesse) with less than 100 metres to travel without ever being asked a serious question. The margin at the line was 1 3/4 lengths, with a stubborn Lucky Sweynesse hanging on for second, 1 3/4 lengths ahead of last out G1 Hong Kong Mile hero and defending champion Voyage Bubble (Deep Field). Said rider James McDonald of the winner, who is beginning his Hong Kong Triple Crown bid, “His demeanor, his courage, his will to win, it's just in spades. It's incredible. I say it every time, but when he steps out, it's a privilege to ride such a horse of his calibre. “He began really well, and I thought it was going to be pretty smoothly run. But a few picked up, which was quite surprising, and he was always in a nice rhythm. “Gate seven out of nine gave us that opportunity to not force our hand and wait until it settled down, and I knew Voyage Bubble was three deep, and I wasn't going to give him a cart.” A winner of the G1 Jebel Hatta in the UAE, Romantic Warrior ran second in the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh and second in the G1 Dubai Turf returned to Dubai last April. Given some time off after he had a screw inserted into a fetlock, he won his third edition of the G2 Jockey Club Cup in November prior to his Hong Kong Cup win a month later. The second leg of the Hong Kong Triple Crown is the G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup on March 1, and the final leg is the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup on May 24. “I'm so proud of Romantic Warrior,” said trainer Dannny Shum, expressing his delight at the performance. “He can handle 1600 [metres], 2000, even 2400 – he can handle any distance. “We all know 2000 is his best trip, so no problem there. I'll just keep him happy, keep him healthy – it's a very easy job for me.” Pedigree Notes Romantic Warrior, who took his earnings north of $31 million with his victory on Sunday, is the best runner from the much-missed sire Acclamation. The son of Royal Applause sired 68 stakes winners, 32 of them group/graded and seven Group/Grade 1 scorers. Like former champion sire Dark Angel, Romantic Warrior is out of a mare by Street Cry, or his sire Machiavellian. The winner's dam won once at two in England and has five winners from five to race, including the stakes-placed End Of Romance (Showcasing). Her latest foals are Le Samourai (New Bay), an unraced three-year-old, and a yearling filly by Havana Grey. Second dam Folk Opera claimed the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, as well as the G2 Prix Jean Romanet. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong STEWARDS' CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 1-25, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:32.60, gd. 1–ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE), 126, g, 8, by Acclamation (GB) 1st Dam: Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Folk Opera (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire) 3rd Dam: Skiphall (GB), by Halling (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKIS). O- Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny C S Shum; J-James McDonald; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: HofY-HK, Ch. 4yo & 3x Ch. Middle Distance Horse-HK, G1SW- Aus, Jpn & UAE, G1SP-KSA, 28-21-5-0, $31,494,703. *1/2 to End Of Romance (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), SP-US. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Lucky Sweynesse (NZ), 126, g, 7, Sweynesse (Aus)–Madonna Mia (NZ), by Red Clubs (Ire). (NZ$90,000 2yo '20 NZBRTR). O- Cheng Ming Leung, Cheng Yu Ting, Cheng Mei Mei & Cheng Yu Wai; B-P L Dombroski, Explosive Breeding Ltd & S A Sharrock; T-Manfred Man; J-K Leung; HK$2,730,000. 3–Voyage Bubble (Aus), 126, g, 7, Deep Field (Aus)-Raheights (Aus), by Rahy. (A$380,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Sunshine and Moonlight Syndicate; B-Torryburn Stud (NSW); T-Ricky P F Yiu; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 1 3/4, NS. Odds: 0.50, 46.00, 2.90. Also Ran: My Wish (Aus), Sunlight Power (Aus), Beauty Joy (Aus), Galaxy Patch (Aus), Straight Arron (Aus), Red Lion (Ire). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. “WHAT AN ANIMAL!” Romantic Warrior is all class in the Stewards' Cup under @mcacajamez…#HKRacing @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/FhIT9gS0jd — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 25, 2026 The post A Dozen Group 1s For Acclamation’s Romantic Warrior appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Local fans filled Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday not just to place bets but to witness Ka Ying Rising match a record that had stood for more than 20 years. After several days of cold weather, the temperature in Hong Kong rose above 20 degrees Celsius in late January. Attention under the sun was focused on the day’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m), where Rising caught up with the long-standing 17-win streak record set by Silent Witness. Fans gathered at the rails after 3pm for the sixth...View the full article

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising picked up where he left off with a tally in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. The son of Shamexpress equaled Hong Kong legend Silent Witness's mark of 17-straight wins for a Hong Kong-trained horse with his victory in the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series. Sent off at 1-100 for his attempt at history, the bay bounced straight to the head of affairs, before relaxing as Beauty Waves (Starspangledbanner) passed him heading into the turn. Swung two deep, he kicked past that rival in a few strides at the 400-metre mark and won geared down by 1 1/4 lengths. Helios Express (Toronado) gave his best and cut into the margin late on, but he was always chasing in vane. Fast Network (Wrote), third to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint Stakes in December, was another two lengths back in third. “The winning margin wasn't probably the greatest, but it's probably the most Zac [Purton] has ever eased him down, so, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would,” said trainer David Hayes. Just nice to see him do it.” Added Purton, “What can I say? We've said it all with the horse. I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I'm surprised he ran the time he ran because it didn't feel like he ran that quickly sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he's just different class. “I never thought I would see it [a record-equaling 17th win in a row], to be honest. It's very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let's hope he can keep going on with it. It's pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you're a long way in front, I can tell you. The remaining races of the Hong Kong Sprint Series are the 1400-metre G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup on February 22 and Ka Ying Rising's next target, as well as the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize on April 26. Said Purton of his mount's next intended start, “He's got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he's up for it.” Said Hayes, “Last year, he worked a bit and won it [Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup], and I think he's a stronger, better horse this year. I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I'm really excited for the next race. It's another dimension for him. Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.” In his long skein of victories, the G1 Everest hero returned to Sha Tin in November and added the G2 Jockey Club Sprint, before another win in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint on the Longines Hong Kong International Races last month. Pedigree Notes The gelding is one of 16 stakes winners, 11 at group level for Shamexpress, a son of O'Reilly. His other Group 1 winner is Coventina Bay, who has the Herbie Dyke Stakes and New Zealand Stakes to her credit. The first and best foal out of the dual winner Missy Moo (Per Incanto), Ka Ying Rising has a year-younger half-brother Ka Ying Glory (Turn Me Loose) who has placed in Hong Kong. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong CENTENARY SPRINT CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 1-25, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:07.66, gd. 1–KA YING RISING (NZ), 126, g, 5, by Shamexpress (NZ) 1st Dam: Missy Moo (NZ), by Per Incanto 2nd Dam: Royal Rhythm (NZ), by Rhythm 3rd Dam: Her Dynasty (NZ), by Sir Tristram (Ire) O-Ka Ying Syndicate; B-Grandmoral Lodge Racing; T-David A Hayes; J-Zac Purton; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: HotY-HK, Ch. Sprinter-HK, G1SW-Aus, 20-18-2-0, HK$15,942,817. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Helios Express (Aus), 126, g, 6, Toronado (Ire)–Paris Texas (Aus), by Hinchinbrook (Aus). O-Andy Yung Ming Tai; B-C Wells; T-John Size; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$2,730,000. 3–Fast Network (NZ), 126, g, 6, Wrote (Ire)–Alberta (NZ), by Magic Albert (Aus). (NZ$30,000 Ylg '22 NZBMAR). O-Ng Hung Yau; B-K A Gillovic (NZ); T-Dennis C Y Yip; J-James McDonald; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 2, NK. Odds: 0.10, 76.00, 64.00. Also Ran: Raging Blizzard (NZ), Tomodachi Kokoroe (Aus), Lucky With You (Aus), Beauty Waves (Ire). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. 17 IN A ROW! The amazing KA YING RISING equals Silent Witness' record with an easy victory in the Centenary Sprint Cup under @zpurton! pic.twitter.com/cN2y4agion — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 25, 2026 The post Ka Ying Rising Brings Up 17 Straight With Centenary Sprint Cup Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Francis Lui Kin-wai and the stable’s incredible form continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the veteran trainer bagging both Class Twos and unveiling a smart debutant. Lui, who celebrated his 900th Hong Kong win last week and 67th birthday on Thursday, backed up his Sha Tin treble seven days earlier to make it eight winners from the past four meetings. Winning Wing and Invincible Shield struck in the two strongest races on the Group One undercard, while Gold...View the full article

Moments after Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month. Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February. “Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him. “Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.” Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s. Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back. Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m. Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s. “The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.” Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since February 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million. Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse. “I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class. “I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.” “After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark. “It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will. “He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.” Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.” The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April. A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs. View the full article

NZB’s historic 100th National Yearling Sale kicked off with a solid first day of trade with increases across the average and median reflecting a healthy middle market. At the close of selling for the opening session, a total of 207 lots sold for a total aggregate of more than $38 million. The average reached $184,529, a 12% increase on the Book 1 total last year, while the median closed at $140,000, an increase of 27%. Fittingly, Cambridge Stud who have been selling yearlings for more than 70 years at the National Yearling Sale, offered the top lot of the day. The blue-blooded Snitzel colt out of Amarelinha (Lot 265) was knocked down to Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $850,000. “He’s a beautiful colt by a champion sire out of a NZB Filly of the Year in Amarelinha,” commented bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster. “We had a really good client who wanted to buy a good colt today, and hopefully he’s going to buy some good fillies tomorrow as well. “Buying off Cambridge Stud, you can’t go wrong,” he added. Another longstanding vendor, Hallmark Stud, offered the second top lot on Day One when Lot 93, a Super Seth colt out of Rozala, was purchased for $675,000 by KPW Bloodstock. “I thought this was just an outstanding colt, one of the best moving colts on the complex,” commented KPW Bloodstock’s Kevin ‘Milly’ Walls. Lot 93 Photo Ange Bridson NZB’s Director and Head Auctioneer Mike Kneebone commented on the first day of trade at the refreshed Book 1 Sale. “We’ve taken on a massive challenge of selling across long nine hour days. To take that risk, condensing the catalogue, it’s very rewarding to see the Sale start so well.” “There are so many good horses spread across so many good stud farms. The first 20 horses were remarkable, and that flow continued all day. “To have 19 horses make $400,000 or more on the first day, when last year there was 26 in total, it indicates how well the Sale is travelling and a very healthy middle market. “As we know the second day is when everyone has their eye in. A lot of people came here today to buy a horse and they are still waiting. “There has been great feedback about the refreshed format and having all the Book 2 horses on the ground early. “Great to see both Australia and Hong Kong so active, and the Kiwis really stepping up. The clearance rate will continue to improve overnight, and we look forward to another strong day tomorrow.” Selling continues on Monday for Day Two of Book 1, where lots 291 – 567 will go through the ring from 10am (NZT) at Karaka. The Sale is televised live on SKY Channel 263 and Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand and on Racing.com in Australia, as well as on NZB’s website, online bidding platform and Facebook page. Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Day One online here. View the full results here. To enquire about Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham at +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz or Andrew Buick at +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz. Karaka 2026: Book 1, Day One Statistics (as at end of selling) 2026 BOOK 1, DAY ONE (NEW FORMAT) 2025 BOOK 1 TOTAL 2024 BOOK 1 TOTAL 2023 BOOK 1 TOTAL AGGREGATE $38,197,500 $75,332,500 $79,585,500 $70,063,000 AVERAGE $184,529 $164,841 $168,257 $151,980 MEDIAN $140,000 $110,000 $120,000 $130,000 CLEARANCE 77% 78% 78% 79% CATALOGUED 290 661 682 644 OFFERED 270 588 607 582 SOLD 207 457 473 461 TOP LOT Lot 265 Snitzel – Ameralinha (B.C) $850,000 Lot 345 Savabeel – Symphonic (Br.F) $2,400,000 Lot 21 Proisir – Donna Marie (Ch.F) $1,600,000 Lot 586 Fastnet Rock – Test the World (B.F) $1,000,000 Karaka 2026: Book 1 Day One Top Lots Lot Sire Dam Sex Vendor Purchaser Price 265 Snitzel Amarelinha Colt Cambridge Stud Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock (NSW) $ 850,000 93 Super Seth Rozala Colt Hallmark Stud KPW Bloodstock (QLD) $ 675,000 102 Anamoe Save the Date Colt Cambridge Stud Mulberry Racing (NSW) $ 650,000 94 Proisir Ruqqaya Colt Trelawney Stud Yulong / Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (VIC) $ 600,000 143 Snitzel Sovereign Love Filly Westbury Stud Mr Andrew Carston (Canterbury) $ 560,000 259 Savabeel Allemande Colt Cambridge Stud Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding (China) $ 550,000 215 Anamoe Veronica Jane Colt Wentwood Grange Mr Ryan Fownes (Hong Kong) $ 500,000 124 Street Boss Shuffled Filly Inglewood Stud Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 475,000 147 Home Affairs Special Memories Colt Landsdowne Park David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau) $ 475,000 24 Satono Aladdin On Yer Feet Colt Little Avondale Stud Payne Racing (NSW) $ 450,000 188 Satono Aladdin The Precious One Colt Milan Park Lindsay Park Racing / Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) (VIC) $ 450,000 241 Wootton Bassett Zayydani Colt Trelawney Stud Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Darby Racing / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 450,000 177 Satono Aladdin Taviarma Colt Curraghmore Chris Waller Racing / Mulcaster Bloodstock (NSW) $ 440,000 103 Sword of State Savvy Dreams Filly Milan Park Ben Kwok (Singapore) $ 425,000 107 The Autumn Sun Seany’s Girl Filly Wentwood Grange Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 425,000 139 Profondo Songbird Filly Carlaw Park Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) (NSW) $ 425,000 59 Proisir Pure Faith Filly Curraghmore B2B Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 400,000 105 Satono Aladdin Sayyzel Colt Riversley Park Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Champion Thoroughbreds / Kestrel Thoroughbreds (NSW) $ 400,000 270 In the Congo Anaween Filly Little Avondale Stud David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) (Te Akau) $ 400,000 View the full article

A late, great sire and a deceased Group One-winning dam combined with an $850,000 colt that topped the opening day of the Book 1 session of Karaka 2026 on Sunday. The colt was offered by Cambridge Stud and went through the ring as Lot 265 in the final hour of the day. He is by the four-time champion Australian sire Snitzel, who died in June, and was the second and final foal produced by Savabeel mare Amarelinha before her untimely death in a paddock accident. Herself a $300,000 purchase by David Ellis from the Karaka sale ring in 2019, Amarelinha won five races and more than $627,000 in stakes. Her victories included the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), and she was the NZB Filly of the Year in 2020-21. She was later purchased by Cambridge Stud for $1.1 million on Gavelhouse Plus. Bidding on the Snitzel colt developed into a two-way battle between determined buyers who exchanged rapid-fire $25,000 bids from the $400,000 mark onwards. In the end, the colt was knocked down to Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock. “He’s a beautiful colt by a champion sire, Snitzel, out of a Filly of the Year in Amarelinha,” Guy Mulcaster commented. “We had a really good client who wanted to buy a good colt today, and hopefully he’s going to buy some good fillies tomorrow as well – fingers crossed. “This was a horse that we saw early, and he just stayed in my mind. We were lucky enough to take our client to see him today, and the colt behaved really well. “Buying off Cambridge Stud, you can’t go wrong.” The headlining colt headed a highly successful first day of the sale for Cambridge Stud, who sold 29 horses on Sunday for a total of $6.4 million and an average price of $220,862. They also fetched $650,000 for a colt by first-season sire Anamoe out of the stakes-placed Savabeel mare Save The Date, who was bought by Mulberry Racing. A colt by Savabeel out of the Sea The Moon mare Allemande was sold to Shijiazhuang Hongtao Horse Breeding for $550,000. The $850,000 Snitzel colt was the fifth purchase of the day for the Waller/Mulcaster team, who spent a total of $1.71 million. They previously went to $440,000 to buy Lot 177, a colt by Satono Aladdin out of Group Two performer Taviarma, then paid $200,000 for a full-brother to the Chris Waller-trained Group One winner Kovalica. That Ocean Park colt went through the ring as Lot 222. “We’ve picked and chosen what we’ve been buying today, and we’ve done pretty well,” Mulcaster said. “We’ve got quite a long list, so we’ll see how we go tomorrow.” Te Akau’s David Ellis finished the opening day in his usual position of leading buyer, with 11 purchases for a total of $3.15 million and an average price of $286,363. His highest-priced yearling of the day was Lot 147, a colt by Home Affairs out of the stakes-performed Fastnet Rock mare Special Memories, which he secured for $475,000. View the full article

Leading Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr look set to pay the late entry fee for the Group One Herbie Dyke Stakes with Knobelas (NZ) (Belardo) after her luckless third in the Aotearoa Classic. Speaking to Racing.com, Price said the $750,000 Te Rapa feature over 2000 metres was firmly on the radar, with the late entry costing $17,000. “It’s a $750,000 Group One. I have a very strong feel that mare has a strong 2000m in her. It was a very good run (on Saturday),” Price said. “So, we will chase that and see how we go. “I think we should continue on. She should be thereabouts (in the Herbie Dyke). “I’ve got a very good girl here. I know every inch of the training centre that we are at. Lance Noble has been great with his assistance; he has helped me not make a mistake. “She’s a lovely mare, she was born in New Zealand, she has come to Australia, and she is back in New Zealand.” Price added that Craig Williams told connections Knobelas should have won had he shifted wider in the straight, rather than trying to pick paths through traffic. The OTI-trained mare flashed home late for third. “She’s honest. She runs well every start. She is due for a little change of luck,” Price said. A Sydney autumn campaign also remains in play. “If she trained on, she will be Sydney autumn. She’s a four-year-old mare. “My farrier has done a good job with her feet. She has been beautifully sound and free.” View the full article

Danny Shum Chap-shing hailed his “small but strong team” as Romantic Warrior began his path towards the Triple Crown with a scintillating performance to win the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Dropping back to the mile for the first time since winning the 2024 Yasuda Kinen was no problem for the globetrotting sensation, who made a mockery of his rivals after a tactical masterclass by jockey James McDonald. Breaking from stall seven, Romantic Warrior was held out four wide...View the full article

Zac Purton and many others thought Silent Witness’ record would never be matched but at Sha Tin on Sunday, superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising did just that with a 17th straight victory after dominating the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). Extending his phenomenal streak to match the great Silent Witness’ feat from 21 years ago, Ka Ying Rising was eased down by Purton when blitzing his rivals by a length and a quarter. “What can I say. We’ve said it all with the horse,” the champion jockey...View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk David Butcher’s hoping for a fitting finale for the well-performed You Little Beauty at Taupo on Monday. The Sweet Lou six-year-old, who’s won 13 races, will make her final race day appearance in the day’s feature pace, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Lake Taupo Summer Cup (4.17pm). After the race she will head to the broodmare paddock as she’s in foal to Legendary Hanover. “I’d love to get her up,” says Butcher. After she started out with Ross Paynter, You Little Beauty has had 40 starts and seven wins for Butcher since he took over her training in August 2024. She is one of three Butcher-trained runners in the Cup alongside Hooray Henry and Louezyana. Butcher will drive You Little Beauty in her swansong while sons Zachary and Benjamin will handle Hooray Henry and Louezyana. You Little Beauty and Louezyana will start off 10 metres, 10 ahead of their other stablemate. “It’s a strong field,” says Butcher, “it won’t be easy.” You Little Beauty opened at $7 on the fixed odds market with last start winner American Me (45m) and The Surfer (30m) the favourites at $3.40 and $4.40. Butcher’s in for a busy day as harness racing heads to the Taupo Racing Club for the first time. He has “just about the whole team there”. Eight of his own horses will be racing while he will have 10 drives on the 13-race programme, with a number looking like handy each-way chances. He trains two in Race 2, the NZMCA Pop At Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace – Enzo ($4FF), who he will drive, and Desistella ($6.50) with son Benjamin in the sulky. “Enzo can be a bit of a noddy,” says Butcher, “he’s got ability but I’ve had two goes on him for two gallops.” Butcher has only had him for a few weeks, after he was with son Zachary, and he did finish second in a recent trial. In Race 3, the Skyline Packages for February/March on Sale Now Trot – Butcher will drive another of his team in favourite Brother Johnson ($2.60). “He’s getting his fitness back, likes the grass and does everything right so hopefully we could get a place with him.” Another well-supported runner is Valerei ($4.80) who is fresh up in Race 4, the Hire A Venue at Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace. The Vincent four-year-old placed twice from seven starts last campaign. “He can be a bit on and off but from the draw (2) he’s half a chance to get some money.” The other Butcher-trained and driven runner is Caulfield ($7) in Race 12, the Beta Vet Mobile Pace. “He’s so consistent and races good on the grass. He’s a place chance.” Butcher’s outside drives are : Race 5 : The Elite Athlete ($13) Race 6 : Barsukov ($5.50) Race 7 : Eastwood Admiral ($5.50) Race 8 : Keep It Klassy ($10) Race 13 : Ragnar Lothbrok ($4.50) The first race is due to go to 11.30am with field sizes capped at 10 because of the unique nature of the Taupo track. To see the Taupo fields click here View the full article

The milestone 100th edition of New Zealand’s National Yearling Sale has caught attention throughout the thoroughbred world, including one of the United Kingdom’s leading trainers. Among the crowd at Karaka on Sunday was the recognisable figure of William Haggas, the winner of more than a dozen Group One races in his homeland including the Derby (2400m) with Shaamit and Oaks (2400m) with Dancing Rain, along with other elite-level triumphs in France, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Australia. Haggas was invited to attend the centenary sale by NZB principal Sir Peter Vela, a long-time friend for whom Haggas has previously trained horses in the northern hemisphere. “I’ve known Sir Peter for a long time and I’ve always promised that I would come, and I’ve finally made it,” Haggas said. “It fitted in well and I’ve always wanted to see it, and I’m pleased that I’ve come.” The 65-year-old’s taste of the Kiwi industry also included Saturday’s Karaka Millions twilight meeting at Ellerslie, headlined by the six-length runaway by unbeaten filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). “I thought it was terrific,” he said. “The only great shame was the weather, because we got a bit of English weather and everyone had made an effort to dress up and enjoy themselves. But it looked to me like everyone decided to forgive the weather and just get on with it, and it was a great atmosphere. “Well Written showed a great turn of foot. She just needed to get organised at the top of the straight, and then it was game over. I don’t know the quality of the opposition, but horses that can quicken are usually pretty good wherever they are in the world.” The Karaka sale grounds and the yearlings catalogued for this week’s sale have made a similarly favourable impression. “The complex is very well organised here,” he said. “It’s very easy for the customer to see the horses, plenty of room, plenty of cover if the weather is filthy, which it has been. “It’s easy to find your way around. Already I know where to go, whereas if you go to Keeneland in America, it takes five sales to get used to it. Tattersalls is the same, it’s big. Goffs in Ireland is pretty easy to work out, but this is as good as I’ve seen. “The style of horse here is not too dissimilar to what I’m used to. I’ve been impressed by the quality of the stock. I’ve found it very difficult to value them, but that’s normal stuff for me, because I find it difficult to value them everywhere. But there are some very nice horses here, so I hope it goes well for them. “I get the impression from people here that the industry is in a critical stage in New Zealand, with the foal crop diminishing and the guarantees of prize-money from Entain halfway through its five-year tenure. So it’s really important that people support the business if they want it to succeed. It’s not going to succeed on its own. It’s going to succeed because everyone gets together and really commits to breeding and racing. “What’s really struck me here is how many breeders own horses in training, which is a good thing, so let’s hope that it continues, and even though we won’t be still here in another 100 years, but hopefully the place will be.” Haggas has made a habit of targeting the riches of Sydney’s autumn carnival, reasoning that his horses’ fresher legs might have an advantage over locals who have been competing through the season. He won the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) with Addeybb in 2020 and 2021 and Dubai Honour in 2023, the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) with Addeybb in 2020 and Dubai Honour in 2023, and the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) with Dubai Honour last year. He expects to be back again in a few months’ time. “We’re planning to bring Dubai Honour again for the Tancred, and then we’ve got another horse, Caviar Heights, who might do the Ranvet and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes,” he said. “His bloods are done and he’s got his place in quarantine, and he looked in terrific condition when I left, and by all accounts he’s doing really well. He’s a horse that we like a lot, we got him from another trainer. He ran only three times last year. His last start was disappointing, but it took a bit of time to work him out. I think he’ll have a good year. Whether he’s up to the Queen Elizabeth, I don’t know, but one thing I’ve learned in racing over the period of time I’ve been training is that if you’re not in, you can’t win.” Haggas, a son-in-law of the legendary jockey Lester Piggott, is now watching with pride as his son Sam forges his own career as a bloodstock agent. “I’ve asked him three times whether he wants to take over from me at some stage, and every single time he never had the decency to even pause before he gave his reply, so I don’t think he’ll be doing that,” Haggas said. “He enjoys the bloodstock side, he is developing lots of data, especially for tried horses, so he’s coming at it from a different angle, which I admire. And one of the beauties of coming out here is actually I’ve probably spent more time with him this week than I do at the moment, because he’s here, there and everywhere, and we’re obviously busy in the summer, so it’s been very nice, and he’s doing very well.” View the full article

Weigh In is live from the NZB Karaka Sales Complex to review all the action of the TAB Karaka Millions race night and get all the latest news, straight from the horse’s mouth. Weigh In, January 25 View the full article