Wandering Eyes

Zapateo held out all challengers to claim Group 1 success in The Galaxy. Photo: RacingNSW Zapateo (+2500) has launched late to secure victory in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, giving the James Cummings-trained mare her first Group 1 success. She was friendless in the market despite a solid runner-up effort in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) a fortnight ago and was able to continue her hot run of form on Saturday. She had to fend off the late challenge of the returning Annabel Neasham-trained Sunshine In Paris (+450) in the concluding stages, with the returning four-year-old crunched prior to the jump, being backed in from as much as +1000 on Wednesday. The speed was only moderate throughout the 1100m journey, as the Matthew Dale-trained Front Page (+1200) pinged the lids to cross to the lead with relative ease, while Victorian-raider Asfoora (+1700) was able to sit on his outside. Zapateo was peeled out on the three-wide line a long way out by Kerrin McEvoy, however, the Godolphin mare showed plenty of fight to find an extra gear when the whips were cracking, staving off a gallant Sunshine in Paris looming to her inside. 2024 Group 1 The Galaxy Replay – Zapateo James Cummings spoke on behalf of the stable in the aftermath and discussed what it means to the progeny. “It’s so important for Zapateo,” said Cummings. “She’s a phenomenal racehorse by Brazen Beau and she just needed that Group 1 on her CV. “She was very good first up, I know she was beaten by Kallos but we had great faith that there was improvement in her and a month into the weight-for-age run in the Challenge last start, she was good. “She beat home the stablemate (Aft Cabin) who was the tip horse out of the stable. “Kerrin gave her the run of the race and it makes all the difference in a handicap.” Kerrin McEvoy gave all the credit to the James Cummings stable for the win before speaking to the toughness of his mount. “Good training effort from James (Cummings),” said McEvoy. “He picked this race out, she ran a brilliant race in the Challenge and got in with a nice weight today. She’s just a tough, genuine and talented filly. “Good job for them to get some Black Type and win the Group 1 and it was a good win by her. “She jumped out into a beautiful spot, I travelled like the winner the whole way – I thought ‘wow I’m in a dream position here’ – but they left me a bit at the top of the lane and I was a tiny bit worried and then 100 yards later when I got after her she hit into overdrive and away she went. “I changed hands, pulled the stick through and she said, ‘righto, game on’ and she powered to the line.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gumdrops ridden by Thomas Stockdale wins the PKF Don Casboult Classic at Moonee Valley Racecourse on March 23, 2024 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have combined with Thomas Stockdale for the second time in four races to take out their second Group 3 contest of the day at Moonee Valley, with Gumdrops (+600) joining Vibrant Sun with a win in the Group 3 Don Casboult Classic. The daughter of Written Tycoon won the Listed Crockett Stakes at the same track and trip last year and she has returned to the scene of the crime to record her first win in Group company. The race favourite Isthmus (+280) ran along at her own pace at the front of the field, with Brazen Style (+2200) and Diamond Decorator (+1800) outside of her, while Gumdrops settled behind the leading trio on the fence. Stockdale chose to follow the leader through along the rail, but as Isthmus started to tire, the eventual winner took over and careered away to claim a stylish win. Gumdrops recorded a 1.25-length victory over Moesha (+1500) and Inhibitions (+300) who ran home strongly to finish in second and third, respectively. 2024 Don Casboult Classic Replay – Gumdrops “Gumdrops is a better filly than she was last time in. I’m very happy for Thomas,” Price said. “He didn’t panic and I suppose now we have to work out what is next. “1200-metres is good for this filly. It is ideal. “He’s (Stockdale) riding confidently, isn’t he. “I saw him go for a run on the inside and I thought ‘cocky’ but I’m happy for him. “I know she is going well but down the straight and drawn the inside, all the inside horse ever wants to find the fence. “It was just one of those awkward runs. She was on one rein the whole way down the straight. “She is going super and she is a better filly than last prep so now I’ve just got to see what we’ll do.” “Mick gave me the confidence. He left the ball in my court although he gave me a couple of guidelines but it was up to me where I was going to be,” Stockdale said. “I landed on the back of the horse that I wanted to be and he took me everywhere I needed to go and I was able to peel off into that better going and she was going strong late, though I do think she’ll improve off this run. “There weren’t many options to go out wide and Isthmus was always go to take me well into the straight and when I did get there I was able to get the bigger ground.” “Big thanks to Sheamus Mills, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, and all their team. “They have probably provided me with my best day in the sport in my career.” Horse racing news View the full article

Blake Shinn guides Lady Of Camelot to Golden Slipper success. Photo: RacingNSW Lady Of Camelot (+600) has got the head down where it matters most to claim the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), earning Gai Waterhouse her eighth win in Australia’s richest two-year-old feature. It was an outstanding edition of the Slipper, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn lining up six acceptances for the event, including the long-standing favourite Storm Boy (+130). Shangri La Express (+6000) and Straight Charge (+1300) were sent to the front and ensured a break-neck tempo throughout the 1200m journey; however, favourite backers would’ve been left to wonder where Storm Boy was. He stood in the stalls as the starter let them go, missing the start by two lengths before being ridden up by Ryan Moore to hold a position. Blake Shinn got into a lovely rhythm just in behind the speed, while the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland (+400) was off the bit for most of the race, unable to muster in the back-half of the field. With 400m left to travel, Straight Charge gave a mighty kick, but was left as a sitting duck as the late challenge of Coleman (+4000) emerged, along with the recovering Storm Boy putting in the big strides towards the inside for a grandstand finish. The big filly Lady Of Camelot was only just getting clear with 250m to go, and when asked for the ultimate effort by Blake Shinn, was able to power over the top in the shadows of the post. 2024 Group 1 Golden Slipper Replay – Lady Of Camelot It was a sensational victory by the daughter of Written Tycoon as Adrian Bott spoke on behalf of the team and spoke to the emotion of how the race unfolded. “Fantastic,” said Bott. “We’ve spoken on numerous occasions throughout this week about what this race means to the stable, the industry, the public. It’s a great race to win. “I’m delighted to be able to do that once again and alongside a special person in Gai Waterhouse, who I have to thank so much for the career. The partnership we’ve been able to do together. “It’s a great achievement. She has gone to another level again, eight Slippers for her now. “That’s where the emotions (take over). It’s hard to know where to look. The race changed complexion there pretty quickly with him (Storm Boy) missing the start. “I had to watch him try to pick up and I lost track of the others at that point and the way the track has been playing, it has been difficult for them to come up the inside. “She has been very brave to do that as well and a great ride by Blake Shinn.” Blake Shinn was elated with the win and compared her to the likes of Capitalist earlier in his career. “It was very exciting,” said Shinn. “I was getting held up there for a bit, but I just had to bide our time and wait for the opportunity to present and when it did she really let down well. “I had the horse to quicken and we just needed the gap and she was great. I’m so happy. “She broke really well and when I was able to get that position, everything was just going to plan nicely, I just needed the gap to happen. “A little bit like Capitalist, when I won on him in 2016, we got it and she did the rest. It was really special. “It means a lot. This is one of the majors and I think more so it means a lot this time because I’ve done it for Adrian and particularly Gai.” Horse racing news View the full article

Damian Lane lifts Veight to victory in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old Veight (+700) has made the worthwhile trip to Sydney, claiming his maiden Group 1 success in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The son of Grunt put the writing on the wall in his most recent performance, only finding one better in the form of Southport Tycoon in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 2. Third-up into the campaign the colt appeared set to peak, and thanks to a perfectly timed steer by Victorian hoop Damien Lane, Veight was able to fend off a wall of challengers late in the piece. Lane was able to sit in the ideal stalking position from stall eight on Saturday, and courtesy of a solid tempo from Cepheus (+15000), it was always going to set up for a couple of back markers to make a late challenge. Think About It (+380) was a drifting favourite with online bookmakers prior to the jump and was unable to gain any cover when ridden forward to find a position. Unfortunately, it left the Everest winner out on a limb for the duration, with the Joe Pride-trained galloper knocking up in the concluding stages. Veight hit the front a long way out, while Lady Laguna (+700), Militarize (+300) and Golden Mile (+4000) mounted a late challenge, but it was to no avail, as Veight picked up a much-deserved Group 1 success. 2024 Group 1 George Ryder Stakes Replay – Veight Co-trainer Tony McEvoy was on course to represent the stable and was elated for the team to gain Group 1 success with Veight. “What a star,” said McEvoy. “His racing style helps a lot. He begins well and Damian (Lane) has got so much confidence in him. “He put him into the race and then he comes back and relaxes. He counted to 10, and it was so deserved. “I’m so proud of the horse. And all my team, fabulous. “For Wayne Mitchell, who’s been my biggest supporter, he owns most of this horse and I’m so pleased to win one of these for him. “I think there’s a $10 million one (1500m race) here in the spring.” (Golden Eagle). Veight made history along with the likes of Pierro & Weekend Hustler on Saturday to salute as a three-year-old, and Damien Lane praised his mount for an incredible performance against the older horses. “He’s never put in a poor performance in his career,” said Lane. “He’s just a tough, honest horse. He jumps well, he gives himself the best chance and he’s just so genuine. When you really ask him to dig deep he does. “I was a little bit apprehensive taking on this race, so credit must go to Toy and Calvin for having the kahunas to have a go. “That’s why they’ve trained the amount of winners they have. “He gets the all-important Group 1, he’s a colt, so he secures his future as a stallion and he’s just a great horse to be involved with.” Horse racing news View the full article

Second-season handler blocks out the noise ahead of starting Galaxy Patch and Ka Ying Generation in coveted featureView the full article

Riff Rocket blouses his rivals to claim Group 1 Rosehill Guineas success. Photo: RacingNSW Riff Rocket (+180) has produced a scintillating turn-of-foot to claim the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on Saturday, adding his second Group 1 victory to the resume after taking out the VRC Derby (2500m) in the spring. The Chris Waller barn had initially held dual acceptances for the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) as well, but the decision to keep the son of American Pharoah against his own age group has paid dividends. It was built as a match-race when final fields were announced on Wednesday, with he and the James Cummings-trained Tom Kitten (+210) unable to be split by online bookmakers after the withdrawal of Militarize. The race didn’t eventuate that way however, as Tom Kitten was given every conceivable chance by Hugh Bowman, finding the perfect position two pairs back along the inside running rail. Riff Rocket was sent three-wide rather early by Nash Rawiller, but knew the motor he had underneath him, as the potential staying star of the future let-down with a blistering turn-of-foot in the concluding stages. Ceolwulf (+1400) and Cap Ferrat (+1700) attempted to fight off the canvas to mount a challenge, but it was Riff Rocket’s day going on to score an impressive 0.8-length victory. 2024 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas Replay – Riff Rocket After speaking for Via Sistina in the previous race, Chris Waller returned to the winners’ enclosure to speak on his impressive three-year-old and what might be next for his gelding. “He’s a Derby winner and he’s a Rosehill Guineas winner,” said Waller. “He’s showed touches of brilliance in between as well, so that was a pretty satisfying win today for the team. “The draw was tricky, he had to come from a long way back, but Nash knew what he had under him and he backed him for a solid finish and that’s what he produced. “I always thought about the Australian Cup but I didn’t realise it was next week. “I’m not sure. He only just won the Victoria Derby (over) 2500 metres, our Derby is 2400, so I guess it’s going to be hard not to (run) but we’ll just see what Nash says.” Nash Rawiller was thrilled with the victory and was more than happy to be legged aboard with the confidence of the Chris Waller team. “To be honest, I feel like it was a bit of a present from the great man Chris Waller because I knew he was a pretty special horse but I didn’t realise how good he was until before the race when he told me,” said Rawiller. “He’s done a wonderful job here today, the horse. He probably stole one last year and he’s repaid me this year. “I was probably three lengths further back than I wanted to be, which is probably where I’ve been the last two weeks, but the horse was able to keep balanced and he built into the race. “I just used the horse to come into the race a little bit and to be fair he’s done the rest himself. It was just a great effort.” On the back of Saturday’s success, Riff Rocket is now a clear +180 favourite for the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 6. Horse racing news View the full article

Underrated mare Diss Is Dramatic (NZ) (Dissident) found her winning groove again when she stormed home to claim the feature event at Tauranga, the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m). Steady rain during the day saw the track downgraded to a Heavy8 and played into the hands of those horses who could find a path to the better going out wide in the home straight. Rider Matt Cameron executed that plan to perfection as he allowed the Lisa Latta-prepared four-year-old to settle mid-pack in the early running, but crucially four horse widths off the inside rail before angling to the outer reaches rounding the home bend. Once she balanced up, the daughter of Dissident found an extra gear as she raced to the leaders at the 100m and then held out a late charge by Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca), who tracked her all the way, to score by a head at the line. Latta was quick to praise Cameron for a heady ride on a mare who never knows how to run a bad race. “That was a great effort and a perfect ride by Matt,” she said. “He had her nicely placed throughout and got her to the outside just when he needed to. “She is a very gutsy mare and she has performed on wetter tracks before. Being able to get to the place in the track where it wasn’t as bad as on the inner helped and so did carrying such a light weight (54kgs). “We also added the tongue tie today as she had been blowing a bit after her work and in her races, so it may have also aided her.” Latta has numerous options available for her charge and will take some time to work out a programme for her. “We will take her home and sit down and have a think about things as there are a lot of races we could target,” she said. “The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) is an obvious one but races like the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) or the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) also hold a lot of appeal. “Wherever we go we think she can be competitive.” Carrying the colours of prominent syndicators Go Racing, Diss Is Dramatic was purchased by Go Racing boss Albert Bosma out of Cambridge Stud’s Book 1 draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 National Yearling Sale for $60,000. She is out of the Darci Brahma mare Our Drahma Queen (NZ), who is a half-sister to the dual Group One winner Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park) and the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint winner Sultan Of Swing- (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) and has now won six of her 21 starts, including four at stakes level and over $349,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Saturday’s A$300,000 Gr.2 BMD Group Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley provided a special reward for a part-owner who has spent the last few years wondering what might have been. The fillies and mares’ feature was won in impressive style by the New Zealand-bred Eternal Flame (NZ) (Sacred Falls). The talented four-year-old is co-owned by Trevor Eastwood, who had previously raced the mare’s injury-plagued close relative Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man). Out of a half-sister to the dam of Eternal Flame, Kinane won twice in a short career headed by the Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m). Eternal Flame has already eclipsed those achievements, winning five of her 12 starts including two Group victories this autumn, and banking more than A$450,000. “I’m a bit emotional,” Eastwood said. “It’s fantastic. She’s closely related to Kinane, who we had a lot of bad luck with. We were so disappointed about what we lost with him because of injuries and that. Eternal Flame is related to that family, and when Mick Kent (trainer) went to the Ready to Run Sale in New Zealand, I told him I didn’t care how much he had to pay – we just had to get her. It might be the first time I’ve got something right! “She’s had a lot of bad luck herself, but now a bit of luck has come her way. I want to thank Mick and also Nikki Burke, who never leaves her side.” Previously a top-five finisher in the Gr.2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m), Gr.2 Kewney Stakes (1600m), Listed Black Pearl Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) with plenty of hard-luck stories along the way, Eternal Flame broke through for a richly deserved first stakes win in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 9. Saturday brought more of the same, this time at Group Two level. Eternal Flame settled in sixth among an eight-horse field before jockey Ethan Brown began to press forward coming down the side of the track. Eternal Flame swooped four-wide around the home turn and thrust her head in front with 150m remaining. Rumbled Again (Night of Thunder) gave chase, with unlucky Kiwi-bred Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) launching a late charge into third, but Eternal Flame kept herself out of their reach and won by three-quarters of a length. “I’ve been a bit unlucky on this horse a few times, so it feels great to repay the connections for sticking with me,” Brown said. “They really backed off down the side. She had race fitness on her side, and I just had to balance her up around the corner, and off she went.” Kent has been pleased with Eternal Flame’s progress through her breakthrough campaign. “She’s done a great job,” he said. “One thing I’ve noticed about her is that she’s got so much better with her manners on raceday. “We’ve been a bit tough on her. She had a one-week back-up at Caulfield last month and then the Matron couple of weeks ago, so she’s had a busy few weeks, but she’s coped with everything really well. “We’ll put her out now until the spring, and hopefully she can physically improve a little bit more.” Eternal Flame was bred by Hoofbeat Ltd and is one of five winners from seven named foals out of the Savabeel mare Suriyan (NZ). Herself a winner over 1200m, Suriyan is a three-quarter-sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner and Waikato Stud stallion Noverre. Offered by Kilmore Farm at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, Eternal Flame was bought by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for $260,000. View the full article

Well-travelled sprinter Macthief (Time Thief) displayed his affinity for winning early in a campaign when he came from last at Tauranga on Saturday to claim victory in the Triton Pacific Owens Plate (1200m). The John Bell-trained seven-year-old began his career in South Africa where he had seven starts, winning two of his first three and also finishing third in the Gr.1 Cape Guineas (1600m) before heading to Hong Kong where he was unplaced in his only two runs. Sent to New Zealand and into the care of Bell, he signalled his worth with a first up victory at Taupo over 1200m on a Firm 2 surface. Sent for a lengthy spell after three subsequent unplaced finishes, Bell set the son of Time Thief for his first race in nearly twelve months with a quiet trial at Matamata in late February, and was happy with his progress until steady rain at Tauranga saw the track downgraded to a Slow 6 before the contest, which Bell believed would curtail any winning prospects for his charge. Apprentice Triston Moodley used his 3kg claim to good effect as he hugged the rail throughout and had his mount travelling well approaching the home turn, albeit last of the six runners. Trainer John Bell. Photo: Trish Dunell With the field fanned across the track at the 200m, Macthief poked up on the outside of pacemaker One More Time (NZ) (Per Incanto) and thrust his head in front to snatch victory by half-a-length from race favourite Aris Aris (NZ) (Contributer) and Beebeep (NZ) (Vespa) who filled the minor placings. “I’m flabbergasted as he can’t handle even a spit on the track,” Bell said after the race. “I told our rider (Moodley) I wanted white paint on his boots as I wanted him that close to the rail and he did that very well. “He rode him nicely and even though I thought he was a fair way back early on, he came on really nicely.” Bell was undecided about the immediate future for the horse with the tracks likely to deteriorate as racing enters the autumn and winter months. “We’ve always thought he was a summer horse and his first two runs were on rock hard tracks,” he said. “He has ability as he was placed in a Group One in South Africa but didn’t handle it up in Hong Kong. “He is a big strong boy and it’s quite exciting for his owners (which includes Bell) as they are all family and friends.” Macthief has now won four of his 14 career starts. View the full article

After a pair of luckless placings from wide barriers, New Zealand-bred mare Elettrica (NZ) (Vespa) turned things around at Rosehill on Saturday and set herself up for a potential black-type winter campaign in Queensland. The five-year-old daughter of Vespa went into Saturday’s A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1500m) as a three-time winner from 27 starts. She had placed on another 13 occasions, including unlucky Midway Handicap second placings at Rosehill and Randwick in her previous two appearances. Elettrica finally landed a single-digit draw for Saturday’s race, jumping from gate four, and apprentice jockey Molly Bourke gave her a handy run in sixth along the rail. There were a few anxious moments when Elettrica was held up for a run at the 300m mark, but Bourke picked a path through. Elettrica quickly eased those nerves with a slick turn of foot, bursting to the lead and opening up an emphatic margin of three and a half lengths. Trainers Richard and Will Freedman will now look to raise the bar with the Tricolours Racing-owned mare, who has banked more than A$300,000 in stakes. “I’m now starting to think that the more bad barriers a horse has, maybe the more seasoned they get to overcoming them,” Will Freedman said. “I’ve got to take that approach now. “She deserved to have a nice run in transit today, and she got that. It got a little sticky at the 300m, and it looked like Molly wasn’t quite sure which way she was going to go. But she was patient, and then the horse was good enough to break through. “I think she’s earned about $200,000 just from Midway Handicaps now, but I’d say that might be her last one for a while. I think she’s ready for a step up. I had a brief chat with the owners before this race and said that if she won today, she might go for a freshen up and then we can think about chasing a bit of black-type during the Brisbane carnival.” Elettrica commenced her career in New Zealand and initially raced for breeder Kevin Hickman, winning two of her eight starts for Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer. Out of the More Than Ready mare On The Move, Elettrica is a half-sister to the multiple black-type winner Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag). Elettrica was purchased for $51,000 by James Moss from the Valachi Downs Dispersal Sale on Gavelhouse Plus in 2022. View the full article

Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) has competed among the best of the country’s three-year-olds this season, and the talented filly proved too strong when stepping out of stakes company at Tauranga on Saturday. The daughter of Belardo broke maiden status stylishly at the Bay Of Plenty course in November, earning a trip south for the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), where glamour stablemate Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) triumphed. Grande Gallo returned to the winner’s circle in MAAT company on New Year’s Day, taking a clear shining to the right-handed direction, though met classy fields and luckless runs when contesting the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Gr.3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. Co-trainer Andrew Scott was confident the filly would be competitive prior to Saturday’s Bayleys Tauranga & Mount Maunganui 3YO (1400m), and punters followed suit backing Grande Gallo into $4.20 second-favouritism, behind the promising You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louvre) at $3.30. The two favourites bounded from the 1400m start, with You Say D’Orsay sliding into the pacemaking role, while jockey Masa Hashizume settled Grande Gallo in close quarters on the rail. A gap appeared for the filly at the top of the straight, and once in clear air, Grande Gallo had the upper hand on You Say D’Orsay, and was a comfortable two-length victor at the post. “Going this way around, she quickens well and she’s continuing to learn,” Scott said, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “She’s held up to a long preparation well, we were going well before November with her. She’s a good, sound, robust filly who’s going to make a really nice New Zealand racehorse. “We may pull up stumps now (for the season), I’m not sure, we’ll have to look at the programme. She’s done a really good job for the team.” Northern-based Mashizume is enjoying his best season to date in the saddle, adding a 42nd winner to his season’s tally, far exceeding his previous total of 33 in 2021/22. “She felt amazing going down to the start and jumped well, she’s a big horse so I didn’t want to lose her rhythm,” he said. “The leader wasn’t going hard, but she relaxed well and had plenty left on the corner. She kicked very strongly. “It worked out well, she’s a very promising filly.” Purchased by Wexford Stables for $85,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales out of Haunui Farm’s draft, Grande Gallo has earned $106,000 for connections with three career victories. View the full article

It’s a bumper day of racing in Sydney, with Rosehill Gardens hosting five Group 1 races including the biggest 2YO contest on the calendar, the $5m Golden Slipper. View the full article

Chris Waller‘s VRC Derby champion, Riff Rocket, has set his sights on the Australian Derby after a dominant victory in the 2024 Rosehill Guineas results. 2024 Rosehill Guineas winner Riff Rocket posted his second Group 1 success with a big run down the outside. Photo: Steve Hart. This win ties Waller with Gai Waterhouse for the most career Group 1 victories (159). The talented American Pharoah gelding spearheaded a successful Golden Slipper Day for Waller, following Via Sistina’s win in the Ranvet Stakes. Riff Rocket, a surprise winner in the CS Hayes (1400m), came off a third-place finish in the Australian Guineas (1600m) before returning to winning form here. Nash Rawiller delivered a perfectly judged ride, settling Riff Rocket near the back of the pack before making his move with 800m remaining. The colt surged around the field down the outside, showcasing his powerful closing speed. Riff Rocket crossed the finish line comfortably ahead of the Joe Pride-trained Ceolwulf and another Waller runner, Cap Ferrat, to secure his second Group 1 win. This victory positions him as the clear favourite for the $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 6th, aiming to emulate Criterion’s feat of completing the Rosehill Guineas-Australian Derby double in 2014. Ladbrokes has installed Riff Rocket as the short favourite at $2.50 to win the 2024 ATC Derby. 2024 Rosehill Guineas Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 2 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller Nash Rawiller 8 56.5kg $2.70F 2 9 CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Blake Shinn 0.76L 11 56.5kg $15 3 8 CAP FERRAT Chris Waller Ryan Moore 1.08L 9 56.5kg $18 4 6 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.34L 4 56.5kg $14 5 7 IMMEDIACY (NZ) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Luke Currie 1.41L 12 56.5kg $7.50 6 4 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Hugh Bowman 1.59L 2 56.5kg $3.30 7 10 DUCASSE Michael Freedman Tyler Schiller 3.42L 1 56.5kg $61 8 5 KING COLORADO Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 5.59L 3 56.5kg $10 9 12 STEEL BLAZE Brett Lazzarini Reece Jones 5.89L 5 56.5kg $201 10 3 CAFE MILLENIUM John O’Shea Tom Marquand 9.32L 6 56.5kg $21 11 11 COSMIC LAD Edward Cummings Chad Schofield 14.27L 10 56.5kg $101 1 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller James McDonald 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Riff Rocket Roars Back in Rosehill Guineas Victory, 2024 Australian Derby Next Target appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Yu Long Investments‘ mare Via Sistina, now trained by Chris Waller, lived up to the hype with a resounding victory in her Australian debut at the 2024 Ranvet Stakes. 2024 Ranvet Stakes winner Via Sistina impressed winning her Australian debut at Rosehill for trainer Chris Waller. Photo: Steve Hart. The Fastnet Rock mare demonstrated her world-class ability, overcoming a slow pace to outclass a select field and claim the prestigious Group 1 $1 million Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day. Jockey James McDonald continued his stellar form, securing his 91st Group 1 win with a patient ride on the well-backed import. He settled Via Sistina at the rear of the field as Think It Over, the recent Verry Elleegant Stakes winner, set a leisurely pace. Despite controlling the race, Think It Over faded rapidly in the home straight, ultimately finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Via Sistina stalked the other Yu Long import, Place Du Carrousel, before launching a powerful outside surge. Displaying impressive talent, she overcame the slow tempo and powered to victory by one and a half lengths. The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Place Du Carrousel finished runner-up, with Waller’s Buckaroo securing third place. With this win, Via Sistina, now a two-time Group 1 champion at the age of six, has a wealth of options for the remainder of the autumn carnival. The $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 13th appears as a likely target and McDonald is confident she’ll be hard to beat off what she did first-up in the Ranvet. “She’s got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she’ll improve off that,” the hoop told Sky Thoroughbred Central. “Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn’t matter. “(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we’re looking forward to that in two or three weeks. “Her work has been good, but I thought she’d improve off her work so that’s something to go there with huge confidence. “She actually let out a little whinny out of the gates and I thought, ‘what’s going on here’ because it doesn’t mean good signs when they do that. “But she’s come here in good order and she’s obviously going to be prepped up beautifully (for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes).” Following William Haggas’ Dubai Honour, who completed the Ranvet Stakes-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double last year, Via Sistina is now the clear favourite in the all-in Queen Elizabeth Stakes market at Ladbrokes with odds shortening to $3. 2024 Ranvet Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 6 VIA SISTINA (IRE) Chris Waller James McDonald 6 57kg $2.30F 2 7 PLACE DU CARROUSEL (IRE) Anthony & Sam Freedman Tommy Berry 1.2L 4 57kg $6 3 3 BUCKAROO (GB) Chris Waller Ryan Moore 1.27L 2 59kg $9 4 1 THINK IT OVER Kerry Parker Nash Rawiller 1.6L 1 59kg $3.20 5 2 MILITARY MISSION (IRE) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 2.34L 5 59kg $18 6 4 ZEYREK (FR) Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Hugh Bowman 2.63L 3 59kg $14 8 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 0 5 BOIS D’ARGENT (GB) Annabel Neasham Chad Schofield 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Via Sistina Dominates Ranvet Stakes 2024 Results on Debut Down Under appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Vibrant Sun ridden by Thomas Stockdale winning the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have taken out the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes with their progressive filly Vibrant Sun (+900) claiming the tearaway leader Grinzinger Belle (+550) in the final strides of the 1600m contest. As the leader ran the field along at a very quick tempo, Thomas Stockdale allowed his mount to settle behind the speed and pick off runners down the side of the Moonee Valley track. With the rest of the field struggling to keep up with Grinzinger Belle, it was left to the daughter of The Autumn Sun to chase down the tiring front-runner in the home straight. The two race favourites Mollynickers (+100) and Vivy Air (+450) were off the bit well before the home turn and the latter was the only runner to take serious ground off the top two, as she ran into third place. 2024 Alexandra Stakes Replay – Vibrant Sun Mick Price was on course to speak about the win of Vibrant Sun, and he spoke post-race. “What is good about it is that she didn’t have black type and now she is a Group 3 winner,” Price said of the winner. “It is very good for Thomas Stockdale, too. Tom comes in and rides work. He’s a very promising kid who has had a lot of injuries. I’m very pleased for him. “It was great to see him one-out and one-back. “We joked that it would be nice to be one-out and one-back but when he actually got there I thought that was good and she was just good enough to pick up the win. “She’ll go to Adelaide now, I imagine. We put a circle around the South Australian Oaks. “She’s got a turn-of-foot, she’s cleanwinded, she’s sound. “I think that is the race we should have a crack at but it is just a matter of how we get there.” Thomas Stockdale gave the winner a peach of a ride and he was very happy when speaking post-race. “I’ve probably never been so confident coming into a Group 3 on a filly that is on her way up,” Stockdale said. “I worked her during the week and she has gone from strength-to-strength. “She’s still not quite there yet and I think she’ll be better over further. “I was really confident coming here today that she’ll be going really close. “When the leader started to kick away I was left slightly flatfooted without a drag without a drag up so more credit on her win. She had to do it on her own. “The further they went, strong she goes. “I’ve been fighting like hell to keep my bum on her back. I knew she had ability and I don’t think that is the end of her.” Horse racing news View the full article

Via Sistina was a dominant winner of the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Via Sistina (+130) has given rivals a galloping lesson in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, producing a blistering debut for the Chris Waller stable. The newly acquired European import was first-up after being purchased by the Yulong ownership for a staggering $5.5 million. She repaid the faith immediately, bringing her quality European form to the fore, careering away from her rivals in a slowly run Ranvet Stakes, stamping herself as the one to beat in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13. There was no early speed on paper, which eventuated on Saturday, as Think It Over (+210) was forced to lead them up throughout the 2000m journey. Military Misson (+1600) lobbed to his outside, while Via Sistina and Place Du Carrousel (+500) dropped in for cover. James McDonald was happy to sit quietly aboard the firming favourite with online bookmakers, allowing Via Sistina to go through her gears at the rear of the field turning for home. There was only one horse you wanted to be on, however, as the six-year-old cruised up to her opposition before putting them away in stylish fashion. Place Du Carrousel made it a one-two for Yulong connections, while Buckeroo (+800) and Think It Over were left to fight out the minors. 2024 Group 1 Ranvet Stakes Replay – Via Sistina All eyes were on the ultra-talented import delivering on Saturday, and Chris Waller couldn’t have been happier with the performance, speaking with media post-race. “She is a privilege to train,” said Waller. “(Her former UK trainer) George Boughey has done a fantastic job with her career. She is very lightly raced. “James Ferguson prepared her for us from Newmarket and we’ve put the finishing touches on her the last three weeks. “In fact, we haven’t really, we’ve just backed off, she came across very fit so we haven’t panicked, we’ve just kept her safe and in good shape. “It didn’t look like much (speed) on paper and that was a concern, but to amble up and for James (McDonald) to be sitting motionless at the 200, it was pretty good to watch.” James McDonald was delighted by the performance of his mare and noted her versatility in his post-race assessment. “She’s got a big motor and, dare I say it, I think she’ll improve off that,” said McDonald. “Slow speed, fast speed, wet or dry, it doesn’t matter. “(Off a) fast pace she is going to really let rip. A big field will help her too over the Randwick 2000, so we’re looking forward to that in two or three weeks. “Her work has been good, but I thought she’d improve off her work so that’s something to go there with huge confidence.” Via Sistina has been backed into a clear +130 favourite for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on April 13. Horse racing news View the full article

Eternal Flame ridden by Ethan Brown wins the Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) After claiming her first Group victory in the Group 3 Matron Stakes last start, Eternal Flame (+750) has recorded back-to-back victories by taking out the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley. Although Ethan Brown didn’t ride the Mick Kent-trained mare at her last start, he re-connected with her on Saturday as they claimed a valuable and memorable win for the pair, as Brown continues his comeback from that nasty fall. Wishlor Lass (+240) and Running By (+1000) set a solid tempo at the front of the field, but as they struck the 400m mark, the runs started to come from Foxy Cleopatra (+1300), Eternal Flame and Rumbled Again (+7000). The unlucky runner in the race was Campionessa (+360), who never saw daylight in the final 400m, and was made to wait until the 200m mark before finding clear air to run home strongly into third place. However, all honours went to the winner as she pulled away from Rumbled Again in the final 100m to win by just under a length on the line. 2024 Sunline Vase Replay – Eternal Flame Mick Kent was very pleased to get the win with Eternal Flame, and he spoke post-race. “He’s (Brown) been on this horse all along but through circumstances he’s missed the ride twice and Damian (Lane) has filled his shoes,” Kent said of Brown’s connection with the winner. “It is good to see him back on her. He actually a lot of money with that Power Play when he won on her at Pakenham so she has been good to him. “He understands her well and I thought it was a real heady ride because we were very keen to be in the first four. “She has got so much better on race day. “We’ve been a bit tough on her. I’ve liked her a bit fresh and we backed her up at Caulfield and won at Flemington. “We thought it wouldn’t be the right track for her but she drew a nice barrier so there was no point going to the paddock when she was in such good form.” Ethan Brown was very thankful to Kent and his team in his post-race interview. “It feels great especially to repay Mick,” Brown said. “He stuck by me and I’ve been unlucky on this horse a few times and people get frustrated but it was good to repay them again today. “She had the race fitness on her side, the mile wasn’t a problem, and I had to balance her up around the corner and away she went. “She’s been bouncing really well in her races. We thought she’d do that again today and hold her spot in a first four position one-out one-back but she bounced ok but lacked that early speed. “She switched off lovely through the run but I was able to dictate and use her fitness when I wanted to. “First look at The Valley, it was important that I had her balanced around the corner.” Horse racing news View the full article

Osmose fends off rivals to claim the Group 3 Epona Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott barn produced their first winner of Golden Slipper Day, with Osmose (+180) justifying the short quote to claim victory in the Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The daughter of Zoffany was well-backed into favouritism after a terrific first-up effort in the Group 3 Aspiration Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago, and she never looked in doubt courtesy of a stellar steer by Tim Clark. He managed to find the back of stable companion Howgoodareyou (+500) throughout the duration of the 1900m trip, getting the economical run throughout. They went along at a steady tempo throughout, as Rebel Rama (+6000) moved up to sit outside the leader, allowing James McDonald to cross to the one-one position aboard Thalassophile (+600). When Clark asked for the ultimate effort, Osmose loomed up and put two lengths on Thaslassophile, who tried hard but was simply no match for the Waterhouse & Bott galloper, who was already off and gone with the prize. 2024 Group 3 Epona Stakes Replay – Osmose Adrian Bott was on course to discuss the win of his mare in the aftermath, crediting her consistency since arriving in Australia. “Full credit to the mare,” said Bott. “She is deserving of a stakes win like that. She has been very consistent since she arrived here in Australia, and it’s good to get a stakes win for all connections. “She had been around the mark, she just needs this sort of trip and she got it today. “I’ve always wanted to keep her in mares’ company, whether we can look to change that around now or whether she is sharp enough to come back to a Queen Of The Turf Stakes, a strong mile at Randwick. “There’s not a lot around for mares, whether we could be tempted by something like that or whether we’ve got to step into open company over a bit of ground, we’ll assess off today.” Tim Clark spoke post-race and spoke to the frustration that his mount has only now broken her Australian maiden. “She’s been a mare that’s been somewhat frustrating in the fact that she hasn’t won a race here but, to be fair, she hasn’t had a few things go her way,” said Clark. “There have probably been two races where she’s been most suited and that was the race at Flemington, she just narrowly got beaten, and today, where she was able to win. “It’s probably a long-range plan that’s paid off and now that she’s got a win on the board hopefully she can go on with it.” Osmose is currently listed as a +2500 chance with online bookmakers for the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m) on April 13. Horse racing news View the full article

Apprentice Molly Bourke guides Elettrica to victory at Rosehill. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After a pair of luckless placings from wide barriers, New Zealand-bred mare Elettrica turned things around at Rosehill on Saturday and set herself up for a potential black-type winter campaign in Queensland. The five-year-old daughter of Vespa went into Saturday’s $120,000 Midway Handicap (1500m) as a three-time winner from 27 starts. She had placed on another 13 occasions, including unlucky Midway Handicap second placings at Rosehill and Randwick in her previous two appearances. Elettrica finally landed a single-digit draw for Saturday’s race, jumping from gate four, and apprentice jockey Molly Bourke gave her a handy run in sixth along the rail. There were a few anxious moments when Elettrica was held up for a run at the 300m mark, but Bourke picked a path through. Elettrica quickly eased those nerves with a slick turn of foot, bursting to the lead and opening up an emphatic margin of three and a half lengths. Trainers Richard and Will Freedman will now look to raise the bar with the Tricolours Racing-owned mare, who has banked more than $300,000 in stakes. “I’m now starting to think that the more bad barriers a horse has, maybe the more seasoned they get to overcoming them,” Will Freedman said. “I’ve got to take that approach now. “She deserved to have a nice run in transit today, and she got that. It got a little sticky at the 300m, and it looked like Molly wasn’t quite sure which way she was going to go. But she was patient, and then the horse was good enough to break through. “I think she’s earned about $200,000 just from Midway Handicaps now, but I’d say that might be her last one for a while. I think she’s ready for a step up. I had a brief chat with the owners before this race and said that if she won today, she might go for a freshen up and then we can think about chasing a bit of black-type during the Brisbane carnival.” Horse racing news View the full article

Post Impressionist was too classy for his rivals in the Group 3 Manion Cup. Photo: RacingNSW Post Impressionist (+270) has shown an explosive turn of foot to round up her rivals in the matter of 100m to claim the Group 3 N E Manion Cup at Rosehill Gardens, giving his trainer William Haggas his third win in the race in five years. The son of Teofilo was first-up off a six-month break but you wouldn’t have known as Tom Marquand took his gelding to the back of the field and finished off stronger than any of his rivals in the final 300m. Canberra Legend (+650) made sure the gallop was strong, as he pushed forward after being caught wide early to lead the race from Redstone Well (+750), with Almania (+380) and So United (+700) settling in behind the speed. However, as the sprint went on before the home turn, the leaders began to paddle and the runs came from the back of the field as Torrens (+1000), Manzioce (+1300) and Post Impressionist swooped down the middle of the track. By the 200m mark, the race was over, as Post Impressionist flew home down the outside and careered away with an arrogant 3.3 length victory over Manzioce and Almania. 2024 N E Manion Cup Replay – Post Impressionist Part-owner Nick Williams spoke about the win of Post Impressionist and how they got involved in the European stayer. “I have to be honest, I had nothing to do with him at all. Dad (Lloyd) has been friendly with William Haggas for a long time,” Williams said of Post Impressionist. “The horse, he saw him win and he spoke to William about it and subsequently bought the horse after his last start in Europe, which he won in a pretty similar fashion. “They’ve done a terrific job with him getting him here and we’ll see how he pulls up and see if he can go on with it. “I guess so. You’d have to think about the Tancred (Stakes) , you’d have to think about the Sydney Cup. “We’ll let William decide. He’s had a lot of success out here and (travelling foreperson) Issy (Paul) and he do a terrific job with the horses they bring out here, we’ve seen that over a number of years so all credit to them.” After riding the horse at its last start at Haydock, Tom Marquand was very pleased that he could stay with the winner on debut in Australia. “We’ve seen it in England at Haydock, but that was over ‘a mile and six’ (2800m) and whilst it was a turn of foot, you probably wouldn’t have called it in Australian terms,” Marquand said. “He spelled great and in quarantine. “William knows how to get the right horses, he was well-acquired by the Williamses and Issy’s (Paul) has done a fantastic job just guiding another horse through. “I’d love to be on him at two miles, sadly I’m a little bit too heavy, but it’s exciting for the team. “There are so many things that go into it and I might not be aboard him (in the Sydney Cup) but I’ll be cheering him around, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do.” Post Impressionist is now a +220 favourite in Sydney Cup futures markets with online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Champion jockey wary of task brilliant first-up winner faces in Sunday’s prestigious Sha Tin featureView the full article

D J Stable and Robert Cotran's GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew) worked a half-mile in an easy :50.21 over the Gulfstream Park main track Friday morning, his final serious gallop ahead of next Saturday's $1-million GI Curlin Florida Derby. A perfect three-for-three in his career, Hades was scheduled to breeze Saturday, but forecast heavy rains led trainer Joe Orseno to call an audible and work the gelding 24 hours earlier. “He has exceeded my expectations,” Orseno said, “even with today's last breeze going into the Florida Derby. He did everything perfect. He just handles himself very professional. He gets things easily where other horses struggle.” Eclipse Award-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) will try to atone for his third-place effort in the Holy Bull when he lines up next weekend, and the Todd Pletcher trainee went four furlongs in :47.43 at Palm Beach Downs Friday morning. He galloped out an extra eighth of a mile in 1:00.63. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez was in the irons for the move. “It went very well, he looked great,” Pletcher commented. Trainer Gustavo Delgado took to X Friday afternoon to report that Victory Avenue (Arrogate), a big-figure runner-up on his lone racetrack appearance Jan. 27, would be passing the Florida Derby. “For clarity, we have decided not to pursue a Florida Derby entry with Victory Avenue,” Delgado posted. “Being a very talented son of Arrogate, at this moment we feel that time and patience to let him grow up physically + mentally is the best plan. Plenty of goals for him to achieve down the line.” The post Hades, Fierceness Tune Up For Curlin Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a tough way to end the day for leading Darwin jockey Jarrod Todd after contending with monsoonal conditions before getting Gary Clarke’s Global Wonder home at Fannie Bay on Friday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) With four months remaining in the Top End and Country premiership, Gary Clarke appears to have a mortgage on the trainers’ premiership. Clarke made it 34 wins for the season with a double at Fannie Bay on Friday to extend his lead over Phil Cole (20). The Darwin meeting accommodated four races and although it was overcast early, it was wet and muddy by stumps due to persistent rain. Despite the weather, there was a common theme with every winner coming from well back in the home straight. Clarke’s Zourisky (+750), ridden by Aaron Sweeney, gobbled up the opposition in the first race over 1300m (0-64) to win by two lengths. Settling fifth in the six-horse field, Zourisky pounced turning for home at the 350m when forced four deep before rolling Cole’s Merseyside (+1200) and Patrick Johnston’s Ankle Rolex (+260). For Zourisky, a five-year-old mare by Zoustar, it was her first win since October. Cole, celebrating his birthday, had success when five-year-old mare Proklisi (+160), the daughter of Scissor Kick, finally prevailed at the 11th attempt after downing Chris Pollard’s Meant For Mars (+700) and Clarke’s Nassau County (+200) in bright sunshine over 1200m (Class 2) by 1.3 lengths. With Wayne Davis aboard, Proklisi trailed the field in eighth place at the 800m before making ground at the 500m and hitting top gear at the 300m. Bat Pad (+900), recently acquired by Pollard from Mark Nyhan’s stable, ended a 12-month drought when she came from fifth place at the turn to down Tayarn Halter’s Pocket Pistol (+2000) and Cole’s Soul Spirit (+650) by 2.2 lengths over 1100m (0-70). Garry Lefoe’s Forms Of Fear (-285.71), victorious by 12.3 lengths over 1100m (Class 2) on its Darwin debut three weeks ago, and Clarke’s Patriotic King (+600) shared the early lead in the five-horse field and although the latter led at the 200m both eventually hit the wall. For six-year-old mare Bat Pad, it was her first win since March last year when Sonja Logan, the pilot on Friday, guided Brazen Beau’s daughter home in Alice Springs. It was a quagmire before Clarke’s Global Wonder (+145) – 10 lengths adrift in fifth place passing the 1000m – left it late before nailing Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise (+240) by half a length over 1600m (BM54). Global Wonder, a six-year-old gelding, was stepping up to 1600m for the first time and gradually made ground on runaway leader New Enterprise passing the 500m, but it still seemed unlikely that the son of Hinchinbrook would bridge the gap. The desperately unlucky New Enterprise – two lengths clear at the 100m – couldn’t thwart Global Wonder, a last start winner in April, with Pollard’s Bart’s Bullet (+1000), way back in seventh place in the eight-horse field along the back straight, finishing strongly for third. Jarrod Todd produced a super winning ride and to make it 30 wins for the season from apprentice Emma Lines (20). Clarke has been the premier trainer for the past 11 years, while Todd has been the leading jockey for the past four years. Horse racing news View the full article

Dick Leech, who has stables in Darwin and Alice Springs, has received a hefty 12-month suspension from Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory stewards Highly-successful Northern Territory trainer Dick Leech has received a 12-month suspension. Thoroughbred Racing NT stewards imposed the ban on Monday following an incident with Leech’s Envenomate during the February 3 meeting at Darwin. Following a routine examination after arriving at Fannie Bay, stewards noticed Envenomate had a swollen haematoma on the near side jugular vein. After a veterinarian’s inspection, it was determined that an alleged injection had been administered within the previous 24 hours. Stewards withdrew the six-year-old gelding before collecting blood and urine samples. An inquiry was opened, and evidence and statements were recorded. Blood and urine samples were analysed by the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, and no prohibited substances were detected. The inquiry continued on March 7 and 15, and after considering further evidence from various parties, Leech was found guilty of injecting the gelding without the permission of stewards. The high-profile trainer was disqualified for 12 months. He applied for a stay with the NT Racing Appeals Tribunal, but that was refused on Wednesday. It is believed that Leech will appeal the suspension after Easter. Stewards fined Leech $6000 last October after Century Fox, who won last April’s NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs, returned an abnormal blood sample during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Century Fox, a narrow second in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) on July 8, was tested before and after the three-year-old feature. The presence of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine was detected before the race, while the post-race blood sample detected the presence of cotinine. Leech, who breached the same rule in 2008 and 2019, was stripped of second place in the Darwin Guineas as Century Fox was disqualified. After racing horses last Sunday on Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, including Envenomate, those from the Leech yard are missing on Saturday. Whether Write Your Name, who won the 2023 Alice Springs and Darwin Cups, and last year’s Palmerston Sprint winner Early Crow, who saluted in the Red Centre last weekend, will start in the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) and Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in early April is questionable. They would have to be picked up by a rival trainer, along with stablemates capable of making an impact during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, such as Century Fox, Kerioth and Madam Mischief. With stables in Alice Springs and Darwin, Leech has been training in the NT for years and has won a plethora of big races. In 2008, Club Liquid won the Darwin Cup for Leech by 13 lengths. He had never won a NT trainers’ premiership before taking out the Alice Springs and Provincial title last season. In a rare achievement, Leech won the Horse of the Year and the Middle Distance/Stayer of the Year for the 2022/23 season in Darwin and Alice Springs with Write Your Name. Early Crow was Sprinter of the Year and Century Fox was Three-Year-Old of the Year at both venues. Leech was the leading trainer during last year’s Alice Springs Cup Carnival with 10 wins over the five days, which included five wins on NT Guineas Day. Horse racing news View the full article

Uncover an array of captivating racing promotions from horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, March 23. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions provided by top horse racing bookmakers to enrich your betting prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for March 23, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Rosehill – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Up To $50 If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Rosehill this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds Terms and Conditions apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Riccarton Park (NZ) – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Up To $50 If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Riccarton Park (NZ) this Saturday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Market available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Rosehill & Moonee Valley Races 1-6 Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back Up To $25 First fixed odds win bet per race with a minimum of 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. Playup T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Moonee Valley Hotbet Race 7 – Either Quintessa, Basilinna or Verdad to win @ $2.00 Max Bet $50. No multi’s, bonus bets or boosts. Playup T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Rosehill – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. T&Cs Apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Moonee Valley – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. T&Cs Apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at 5 Metro Meetings Rosehill, Moonee Valley, Eagle Farm, Morphettville & Ascot. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Storm Boy to win Golden Slipper Rosehill R8 (was $2.25) Saturday Racing Price Push. Price subject to change. Limits apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously evaluates premier Australian horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 23, 2024. These consistent offers highlight the commitment of top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t running a promotion, another is. HorseBetting.com.au is your ultimate resource for daily lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Gain value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions for existing customers. Access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For race and horse insights to optimise your bonus bets, rely on HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article